Things to do in San Francisco?
August 1, 2005 3:31 PM Subscribe
What should I do in San Francisco for 10 days?
I'll be in SF next week for work for 10 days, including the weekend and I don't know what to do. I was there a couple of years ago and did the touristy things, so excluding those, I'd love some recommendations about where I should go and what I should do. I really just want to meet some interesting people and generally have a good time.
I really really don't want to spend my evenings in a hotel room, but I don't know anyone at all and after a hard day's work I'm concerned that unless I have a plan, that's where I'll end up. I think I'm staying in the Financial district.
Please save me from American TV!
I'll be in SF next week for work for 10 days, including the weekend and I don't know what to do. I was there a couple of years ago and did the touristy things, so excluding those, I'd love some recommendations about where I should go and what I should do. I really just want to meet some interesting people and generally have a good time.
I really really don't want to spend my evenings in a hotel room, but I don't know anyone at all and after a hard day's work I'm concerned that unless I have a plan, that's where I'll end up. I think I'm staying in the Financial district.
Please save me from American TV!
What kinds of things do you like/like to do? Art, nature, music, film, sports, ???
posted by cali at 3:51 PM on August 1, 2005
posted by cali at 3:51 PM on August 1, 2005
Get pierced, tattooed, buy some leather clothes and/or sex toys, explore the BDSM scene.
posted by matildaben at 3:58 PM on August 1, 2005
posted by matildaben at 3:58 PM on August 1, 2005
If you have a rental car or a friend with a car, on the weekend you can drive across the Golden Gate bridge (fantastic!) into the Marin headlands (lovely!) and visit the Marine Mammal Center and see seals (cute!) and sea lions (aww!) and otters (like earless cats!).
posted by nicwolff at 4:17 PM on August 1, 2005
posted by nicwolff at 4:17 PM on August 1, 2005
Well, since MoMA and Amoeba are already mentioned...
If you want to visit a cool, neighborhoody, quirky, dark bar with an old barman who pours stiff drinks and a jukebox full of Elvis Costello, I would suggest the Owl Bar. IIRC, it's on Post St. I think it's still around.
If you want something more trendy and young, there used to be a bar called Infusion. They used to sorta cater to the annoyingly hip web-design crowd, but they do make a tasty drink. They flavor all their own vodkas with various things. Bloody mary with jalapeno vodka was good, as was the Red Bull with grapefruit flavored vodka.
If you're a foodie and don't mind occasionally throwing down a substantial amount of scratch on a really fantastic meal, I would suggest Gary Danko. Pricey, and you need to make reservations about a month in advance, but it has to be some of the best food I've ever had. Nice, too, that it's a nice restaurant without the usual meatmarket crowd.
Ar-Roi near the Union Square area has some really good Thai food.
...and a smallish Italian restaurant on Belden (a little alleyway in the Financial) has some very, very excellent pasta. Quite nice to see that I could get a real carbonara there instead of the usual alfredo-sauce-with-bacon that we get in the US.
posted by kaseijin at 4:25 PM on August 1, 2005
If you want to visit a cool, neighborhoody, quirky, dark bar with an old barman who pours stiff drinks and a jukebox full of Elvis Costello, I would suggest the Owl Bar. IIRC, it's on Post St. I think it's still around.
If you want something more trendy and young, there used to be a bar called Infusion. They used to sorta cater to the annoyingly hip web-design crowd, but they do make a tasty drink. They flavor all their own vodkas with various things. Bloody mary with jalapeno vodka was good, as was the Red Bull with grapefruit flavored vodka.
If you're a foodie and don't mind occasionally throwing down a substantial amount of scratch on a really fantastic meal, I would suggest Gary Danko. Pricey, and you need to make reservations about a month in advance, but it has to be some of the best food I've ever had. Nice, too, that it's a nice restaurant without the usual meatmarket crowd.
Ar-Roi near the Union Square area has some really good Thai food.
...and a smallish Italian restaurant on Belden (a little alleyway in the Financial) has some very, very excellent pasta. Quite nice to see that I could get a real carbonara there instead of the usual alfredo-sauce-with-bacon that we get in the US.
posted by kaseijin at 4:25 PM on August 1, 2005
Oh... the Italian place was called Tira Misu, which is ironic because the only thing I ever had there that wasn't that great was the tira misu. Go figure.
posted by kaseijin at 4:27 PM on August 1, 2005
posted by kaseijin at 4:27 PM on August 1, 2005
I really just want to meet some interesting people and generally have a good time.
You're getting some good recommendations already but I really suggest you add more about yourself if you want something more specific. Are you old? young? Artsy? an outdoorsperson? The Bay Area has a lot to offer. I think thats one reason kaseijin's recommendations mostly begin with "If you're..."
I mean, I could say "stay away from Hooters" but knowing nothing about you, that may be just your thing!
posted by vacapinta at 4:29 PM on August 1, 2005
You're getting some good recommendations already but I really suggest you add more about yourself if you want something more specific. Are you old? young? Artsy? an outdoorsperson? The Bay Area has a lot to offer. I think thats one reason kaseijin's recommendations mostly begin with "If you're..."
I mean, I could say "stay away from Hooters" but knowing nothing about you, that may be just your thing!
posted by vacapinta at 4:29 PM on August 1, 2005
For something off the beaten path, visit the Columbarium (scroll down half the page). It's a pretty fascinating place. Walking around the Mission District is pretty cool also.
posted by Staggering Jack at 4:31 PM on August 1, 2005
posted by Staggering Jack at 4:31 PM on August 1, 2005
Based on my recent experiences, just make sure you get out of the financial district and into some outlying neighborhoods with some personality.
posted by mecran01 at 4:36 PM on August 1, 2005
posted by mecran01 at 4:36 PM on August 1, 2005
an earlier thread with some good resources
The Musee Mechanique was interesting, and worth a visit. Alcatraz was not that exciting, but ok. Taking the BART into Berkeley would have been fun.
posted by mecran01 at 4:39 PM on August 1, 2005
The Musee Mechanique was interesting, and worth a visit. Alcatraz was not that exciting, but ok. Taking the BART into Berkeley would have been fun.
posted by mecran01 at 4:39 PM on August 1, 2005
Assuming you will not be working every day, you may want to rent a car and head up to Marin or Napa. Neither is terribly far and can offer you a taste of nature or wine respectively.
You can also check sfgate.com for local events. There's numerous venues for live music. Check Cafe Du Norde, the Independent, Slims, etc.
posted by quadog at 5:04 PM on August 1, 2005
You can also check sfgate.com for local events. There's numerous venues for live music. Check Cafe Du Norde, the Independent, Slims, etc.
posted by quadog at 5:04 PM on August 1, 2005
Best answer: Check out the Exploratorium and the Wave Organ at the marina
posted by arruns at 5:36 PM on August 1, 2005
posted by arruns at 5:36 PM on August 1, 2005
Best answer: Mister SF is a pretty good resource for info on San Francisco from a San Franciscan's point of view. Click on "Local Joints" and poke around in the different neighborhoods to get a feel. If you like just wandering about by yourself, North Beach, the Mission (as mentioned), the Castro and the Haight are all good choices and relatively easy to get to from downtown.
SFGate also has a fairly useful neighborhood guide.
Also, keep an eye on SFist.com for upcoming events, concerts, readings, etc.
SFMOMA is open until 9:00 pm on Thursdays, as is the relatively new (and fantastic) Asian Art Museum. (Both have amazing deals on admission on Thursdays after 5 pm.) The Asian has an excellent Tibet exhibit going on.
If you have any specific questions, or want to get together for lunch (I work in the financial district), a drink or dinner or whatever, feel free to send me an email (in my profile).
Enjoy your stay in our beautiful city!
Cheers,
trip
posted by trip and a half at 7:11 PM on August 1, 2005 [2 favorites]
SFGate also has a fairly useful neighborhood guide.
Also, keep an eye on SFist.com for upcoming events, concerts, readings, etc.
SFMOMA is open until 9:00 pm on Thursdays, as is the relatively new (and fantastic) Asian Art Museum. (Both have amazing deals on admission on Thursdays after 5 pm.) The Asian has an excellent Tibet exhibit going on.
If you have any specific questions, or want to get together for lunch (I work in the financial district), a drink or dinner or whatever, feel free to send me an email (in my profile).
Enjoy your stay in our beautiful city!
Cheers,
trip
posted by trip and a half at 7:11 PM on August 1, 2005 [2 favorites]
Also, here are a few threads on the best places to eat in a few neighborhoods, from MouthfulsFood.com, where I post as "Squeat Mungry".
Bon appetit!
trip
posted by trip and a half at 7:24 PM on August 1, 2005
Bon appetit!
trip
posted by trip and a half at 7:24 PM on August 1, 2005
There are some great recommendations here.
Zeitgiest is a great spot. Buy a pitcher if you want to make some new friends. Get a tamale from the mexican lady if she shows up.
Plouf is definitely overrated. Belden Alley is a cool spot.
If your up for a bit of urban exploring, check out the sutro baths, I haven't yet but hear its worth a look.
Give me a better idea of what you're into and I will recommend much more.
posted by vaportrail at 7:34 PM on August 1, 2005
Zeitgiest is a great spot. Buy a pitcher if you want to make some new friends. Get a tamale from the mexican lady if she shows up.
Plouf is definitely overrated. Belden Alley is a cool spot.
If your up for a bit of urban exploring, check out the sutro baths, I haven't yet but hear its worth a look.
Give me a better idea of what you're into and I will recommend much more.
posted by vaportrail at 7:34 PM on August 1, 2005
Here is another SF travel thread with some good links.
If you're into indie/punk music, here is the list for shows in the area.
If you are an outdoor person, drive Hwy 1 to Stinson Beach, then continue up the coast to Muir Beach, and Point Reyes National Seashore.
You could go down to Santa Cruz (about an hour and a half away) and ride the Giant Dipper at the Boardwalk. It's cheap during the week.
There's the stairs up the hill behind Coit Tower where you might be able to spot some wild parrots.
posted by slimslowslider at 7:57 PM on August 1, 2005
If you're into indie/punk music, here is the list for shows in the area.
If you are an outdoor person, drive Hwy 1 to Stinson Beach, then continue up the coast to Muir Beach, and Point Reyes National Seashore.
You could go down to Santa Cruz (about an hour and a half away) and ride the Giant Dipper at the Boardwalk. It's cheap during the week.
There's the stairs up the hill behind Coit Tower where you might be able to spot some wild parrots.
posted by slimslowslider at 7:57 PM on August 1, 2005
events!
http://upcoming.org/metro/us/ca/sf/
http://upcoming.org/metro/us/ca/sfba/
posted by Hackworth at 8:19 PM on August 1, 2005
http://upcoming.org/metro/us/ca/sf/
http://upcoming.org/metro/us/ca/sfba/
posted by Hackworth at 8:19 PM on August 1, 2005
Rent a car and drive up or down the coast on Hwy 1. When I was out there, I had a great time driving down to Monterey and Big Sur. I mean, the city is great and all, but its a city. And 10 days is a long time.
posted by crunchland at 9:59 PM on August 1, 2005
posted by crunchland at 9:59 PM on August 1, 2005
Definitely spend a few hours in a coffeeshop looking thru the main alterna-rags' event and gallery listings. I've found some amazing one-time concerts, gallery shows, films and performance events that way.
Also, take a morning or afternoon and rent a bike from one of the shops at the edge of Golden Gate Park. Beautiful, beautiful biking around that place - a great way to spend half a day.
posted by mediareport at 10:38 PM on August 1, 2005 [1 favorite]
Also, take a morning or afternoon and rent a bike from one of the shops at the edge of Golden Gate Park. Beautiful, beautiful biking around that place - a great way to spend half a day.
posted by mediareport at 10:38 PM on August 1, 2005 [1 favorite]
I concur with crunchland, if you don't have to work in the weekend, Yosemite NP is a great destination as well.
posted by Grensgeval at 3:00 AM on August 2, 2005
posted by Grensgeval at 3:00 AM on August 2, 2005
You could go to one of the world's most famous bookshops and then Ride the ferry to Sausalito.
posted by adamvasco at 6:36 AM on August 2, 2005
posted by adamvasco at 6:36 AM on August 2, 2005
Another vote for the SF MoMA and the Mission District.
posted by fabesfaves at 8:22 AM on August 2, 2005
posted by fabesfaves at 8:22 AM on August 2, 2005
Best answer: I second the Marine Mammal Centre and taking the ferry to Sausalito. The later gets you close to Alcatraz, and if you walk to your right along the waterfront for about a block, you'll end up at a ritzy restaurant that has really nice fried calamari.
On my recent visit, Japantown (especially the hardware store) and the Asian Art Museum (decent food, recently moved to old SF library building, many guides are out of date on its location) were highlights. We really enjoyed the free blue shuttle around the Presidio. U of C Berkeley Botanical Garden was much cooler than expected, but take food with you.
Chinatown was overwhelming, even though we took a City Guide tour (which was quite good). Haight Ashbury was touristy and yuppie (translation, disgusting). The Exploratorium was interesting, but the noise, running brats and movement got to me. The main branch of the San Francisco Public Library was horrifying.
The Ferry Building was fun to wander. Had the best nectarine I've ever tasted there (this was about 2 weeks ago), and the cheese store was excellent.
My partner (who stayed longer than I did) loved the Japanese Garden in Golden Gate Park. She said the Zoo was boring, because she couldn't see any animals besides peacocks and squirrels.
posted by QIbHom at 8:56 AM on August 2, 2005
On my recent visit, Japantown (especially the hardware store) and the Asian Art Museum (decent food, recently moved to old SF library building, many guides are out of date on its location) were highlights. We really enjoyed the free blue shuttle around the Presidio. U of C Berkeley Botanical Garden was much cooler than expected, but take food with you.
Chinatown was overwhelming, even though we took a City Guide tour (which was quite good). Haight Ashbury was touristy and yuppie (translation, disgusting). The Exploratorium was interesting, but the noise, running brats and movement got to me. The main branch of the San Francisco Public Library was horrifying.
The Ferry Building was fun to wander. Had the best nectarine I've ever tasted there (this was about 2 weeks ago), and the cheese store was excellent.
My partner (who stayed longer than I did) loved the Japanese Garden in Golden Gate Park. She said the Zoo was boring, because she couldn't see any animals besides peacocks and squirrels.
posted by QIbHom at 8:56 AM on August 2, 2005
BART over to Berkeley and spend an afternoon browsing America's best bookstores. Work your way through Cody's, Moe's and Shakespeare. Then hoof it (30 min stroll) over to Black Oak. And if you have organized things well, you can then get a meal just down the block at Chez Panisse (reservations necessary, well in advance). If you haven't made a res, there's a super tapas bar in the same block. God, I miss the Bay.
posted by johngumbo at 11:10 AM on August 2, 2005
posted by johngumbo at 11:10 AM on August 2, 2005
This thread is closed to new comments.
Go to the Zeitgeist Bar on Valencia. I loved it. Kind of biker, punk themed but really relaxed atmosphere, great beer on draught. They do have a no patchouli policy though.
The SF MoMa is nice but they're closed on Wednesdays, so keep that in mind.
Go up to Twin Peaks so you can get a nice panoramic view of the city. Bring your camera.
Go to a taqueria. I'd never heard of such delights until I had a souiza, a gigantic burrito slathered in cheese and guacomole. I think it was called El Canyon but I'm not certain.
There is this little restaurant on Hyde St. that does great seafood. Buy some fish cooked in paper. You can ride a trolley car there. Buy the fish cooked in paper! And you might need a reservation.
Stop by Haight and Ashbury and go to the Amoeba record store, it's a good place to kill some time, you can browse their music collection for hours. Also, Mystic Pizza is open over in that area til like 4 am (heh).
Don't forget to check for concert schedules. It is likely that in a 10 day span there will be someone playing SF that you would like to hear. One of the pleasures for me was how walkable the city was. I realize I'm only scratching the surface of what you can do in SF, but these were a few things I quite enjoyed.
posted by tweak at 3:48 PM on August 1, 2005