OT - December Travel Plans? SF Suggestions for 1989 UM Grad?

Submitted by 1989 UM GRAD on December 9th, 2019 at 9:59 PM

Given that we are in a slow window for sports, I hope this post is ok with all of you fine people.  Not that I really care what you all think, since I can spare a few of my 1.5 million points.

What's everyone up to over the holiday season?  Where you going?  What are your family traditions?  Any of you excited to have your college student home for break?

Our eight crazy nights start on Dec. 22...and then we're off to San Francisco for a week beginning Christmas day.  It'll be me, my wife (1991 UM Grad), my son (2023 UM Grad) and my daughter (2026 UM Grad, g-d willing).  

My wife and I have been to SF a few times.  First visit for the kids.  Any suggestions from any of you fine folks for off-the-beaten-path activities for a family of four who enjoys exploring interesting neighborhoods and getting away from the crowded, touristy areas? (Not that we're above engaging in some touristy activities, but we do enjoy getting an opportunity to mingle with the "locals.")  

MGoBoard

goodfella96

December 10th, 2019 at 10:17 AM ^

I lived in SF for years before coming back to the Midwest. For all of those who visited me these are the places they remember the most - some are touristy some aren't:

Freddie's Sandwiches - this is no frills take away only but they make their own bread and it's a hearty sandwich - near Pier 39 on the corner of Stockton and Francisco

Buena Vista Cafe for an Irish Coffee - even if you don't drink whiskey it's well worth it. Corner of Hyde and Beach. If the kids aren't 21 they can eat lunch. I would take people here then walk up Hyde to Lombard Street - the coffee plus whiskey helped with the massive hill you have to climb

Venticello - small/local Italian restaurant in Nob Hill - corner of Washington and Taylor - I go for dinner every time I'm back in SF. Good house made pasta and wood fire pizza.

Tonga Room - tiki themed bar in the basement of the Fairmont Hotel in Nob Hill - I don't recommend hanging out but it's worth going in to check out - wait for it to thunder/rain(in the pool) before you leave.

 

Joined: 05/18/2019

MGoPoints: 1472

JamesBondHerpesMeds

December 10th, 2019 at 10:44 AM ^

In terms of places to stay, I bet you'd be able to find a few Airbnbs that would suit you well. Hotels in SF are notoriously expensive and in not-so-great areas of town.

If you can, I'd hone your search on neighborhoods like Diamond Heights, Cole Valley, Pacific Heights, and even the Sunset/Outer Richmond. Parking in those neighborhoods is generally a bit better (especially DH and Sunset). There are also a ton of really great coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries in those areas that are crawling with locals (not tourists). Plus, those neighborhoods are more accessible to the 1 which gets you to Santa Cruz (south) and Marin (north). On the latter, there are a lot of great little towns (some mentioned here) that have a great vibe.

(Side note: DON'T LEAVE ANYTHING IN YOUR CAR. There have been extensive break-ins around the city, and even the hint of something worth of value will draw breakers like flies to shit.)

Outdoors-wise, you can't really go wrong with spending time on the Dipsea trail or one of the many in the Mt. Tam area. The Marin Headlands (parking at Tennessee Valley) also has an extensive network of amazing trails, and the SCA trail gives you a picturesque view of the GGB and San Francisco. For the best view of the area, you can either hike up Mt. Tam or drive to the summit.

I'd also not rule out the East Bay, either. Mount Diablo may not be greening up yet, but it's also got a lot of really wonderful trails that probably won't be as heavily trafficked as Marin on a weekend.

Have a great time. I lived in SF for years, and while it no longer was sustainable to live there, I love visiting. Let me know if there's anything else I can help with!

Joined: 04/13/2009

MGoPoints: 39722