San Francisco Things to Do Tips by ymike2000

Probably the best known symbol of San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge spans just over a mile across the bay, connecting the city with Marin County. It towers 65 stories above the water, offering an impressive view while crossing. I've also read that it can sway 27 feet to either side during high winds!

Before you get on the bridge, you can turn off the highway to a parking area. Once parked you can walk to a vantage point to take a picture, or even cross the bridge on foot. This is the view from the San Francisco side of the bridge.

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Phone: (415) 921-5858
Address: Northwestern Tip of San Francisco Peninsula
Directions: Highway 101 between San Francisco and Marin County. The toll for cars is $5 going south. There's no toll going north.

You can also get there on Muni bus #28 or 29.
Website: http://www.goldengatebridge.org

A retail complex overlooking the bay, Ghirardelli Square features shopping, galleries, and restaurants.

The most popular highlight of the square is it's namesake, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Manufactory and Soda Fountain. You can tour the manufactory or just treat yourself to a hot fudge sundae. There was a long line to get a sundae, but an employee was at the door handing out free samples of the chocolate bars :-)

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Phone: (415) 775-5500
Address: 900 North Point Street at Larkin
Directions: Near Fisherman's Wharf. Away from the piers, towards the Golden Gate Bridge.
Website: http://www.ghirardellisq.com/

Pier 39 is located right next to Fisherman's Wharf, just a short walk from Ghirardelli Square. It's a very busy place, with an aquarium, a carousel, a performance stage, over 100 specialty shops and a dozen restaurants.

Pier 39 is also the place to check out the California sea lions. It was evening when we arrived, most of them were already sleeping cuddled up with one another.

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Phone: (415) 705-5500
Address: The Embarcadero at Beach Street
Directions: Fisherman's Wharf area.
Website: http://www.pier39.com/home.cfm

Actually, we couldn't get tickets!

But here's a tip I can give you anyway:
In the summer the tours sell out up to a week in advance. So plan ahead!

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Phone: Blue & Gold (415) 705-5555
Address: In the middle of San Fracisco Bay
Directions: Alcatraz is reached by ferries of the Blue and Gold fleet from Pier 41
Website: http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz

I'll have to admit that I found very little to like in the Chinatowns of New York, Boston and London. I find them suffocating and kinda dirty. So it would never have occured to me to visit Chinatown in San Francisco.

Fortunately, Geisha_Girl arranged for a Chinatown meeting, and my eyes were opened! With my girlfriend Kelly, cousin Jennifer and her fiance Brian, I met up with G_G, girl_ks and MarvintheMartian. We had a nice lunch and then my group spent the afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Shopping was successful because for every clothing store or boutique there was an electronics store right next to it. Kelly got a beautiful black dress, a handbag and some slippers. Jenny got some art for her house. Brian and I...well we saw some really cool gadgets.

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Address: Bordered by Broadway, Bush, Kearny, Stockton sts.
Directions: Ornamental gate at Grant and Bush intersection.
Website: http://www.sfchinatown.com/

If you're looking to get out of the sun, head up to Muir Woods and stand beneath the magnificent California Redwoods. Some of these trees are over 1,000 years old and stand 260 feet high!

The Muir Woods National Monument is open year round, 8AM - sunset. The entrance fee is just $3. Parking is free (but limited - you may have to drive far past the entrance to a second lot, or even further and park along the street).

Getting to Muir Woods is also a treat. The road winds along the edge of some breathtaking vistas.

If you have allergies, look for signs warning of bees and wasp activity at the entrance so you can avoid those trails.

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Phone: 415-388-2596
Address: Mill Valley, Marin County
Directions: On Highway 101, cross the Golden Gate Bridge going North. Go about 12 miles and exit onto Route 1 - Stinson Beach. Follow signs to Muir Woods.
Website: www.visitmuirwoods.com