5 Star View (New Photos) and other San Francisco, CA Things to Do Tips

Grab your camera and head across the Golden Gate Bridge going north. Just after you cross the bridge look on the left and you will see a road on the hill on your left that goes up the hill and looks down on the bridge.
Take the exit the says "Sausalito"and then go back under the freeway (left) to the other side. You are now going parallel to the freeway towards the city. Go up the road (right) and climb higher and higher until you see numerous places to park your car. If the fog is rolling in you will take many memorable shots because the fog changes the bridge view. Even if it is sunny you will have a great shot to take home. Not many tourists go here, and if people are on a "tour" bus, they certainly won't get this chance to see over the top of the bridge. The city will not tell you about this road because it is "free" and they are not making any tourist dollars. But you WON"T regret this few hours diversion.

You can continue on the road over the hill and down to a very nice beach where you can have a picnic. If you look carefully you can see old gun emplacements from WWII which were to protect the bay area. Also, you can find an old Nike missile base along this road. At the parking lot of the beach you will be able to see firsthand a marine mammal refuge hospital where ill or injured animals can recuperate.
There is also a youth hostel at the beach.
You can also continue back, or go on towards Sausalito where you can have a nice lunch or dinner on a dock or in any of the fine restaurants there. I recommend, Horizons, which is on a dock. Prices are moderate, the view is terrific.

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Address: follow the description above
Directions: North side of the Golden Gate Bridge

Here are some photos of the bridge from the north side of the bridge. There will be an exit just across the bridge which will take you to a large parking area where you can get out and take pictures. This is well worth the few minutes to stop and see this amazing bridge up close. You will also see old bunkers for artillery to protect the city.
Free parking
Restrooms
No food to be purchased here
See my tips called "5 Star View", etc., and also "off the beaten path" for more photos of the bridge.
This will give you an idea of whether you want to take several hours and take photos, etc.
It can be chilly and windy, plan accordingly.

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Phone: (415) 921-5858
Address: Northwestern Tip of San Francisco Peninsula
Directions: The bridge is Highway 101's link from San Francisco to the counties North.
Take the first exit as you leave the bridge.
Website: http://www.goldengatebridge.org

There is a slice of the cable that is found on the bridge. You will find this when you park to walk across the bridge. Also a statue of the man who headed the construction of the bridge. Look down and see Fort Point, also mentioned below.
You can walk across the entire bridge.
You can drive to Ft. Point, which is below the bridge. This photo opportunity is NOT to be missed. The Fort is also free and has a nice museum.
Then drive across the bridge (free direction) and go up the hill overlooking the bridge. You can find photos of this in my tips labeled 5 Star View (New Photos) Make sure you take advantage of these viewpoints. Tour buses can't go up there, so you will come away with photos that most people won't have.
You can drive on to Sausalito and then keep going, using the Richmond Bridge to get to the East Bay. Then you can drive south and get on the Oakland Bay Bridge and get back to San Francisco. You will pay a fare only once, that being on the Oakland Bay Bridge--$4.00. Three or more people in a car during commute times are free. Make sure you are in the commuter lane.

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Phone: (415) 921-5858
Address: Northwestern Tip of San Francisco Peninsula
Directions: The observation stop is along highway 101, and is the last exit before the bridge. Make sure you are in the right hand lane as you approach the bridge.
You will need lots of quarters for the parking meters.
Bring food for picnics.....
Website: http://www.goldengatebridge.org

To get on the island you MUST have a reservation. As soon as you get to Pier 39, the tourist pier, look for the ticket booth and reserve a seat on the boat. The ticket booth is right along the street.
On you way out to Alcatraz you will have plenty of time to view the San Francisco skyline. This will present many different views of both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Oakland Bay Bridge.
Take a jacket. The wind off the Pacific can be cold.
Food is sold on the boat, but not on the island. Your ticket price includes the tour with a guide. You will be taken inside the prison and see where famous criminals tried to escape. Only a few actually were successful in escaping. While you are at home rent the video and see the Clint Eastwood Movie. You will also visit other areas on the island.
Time for this adventure on Alcatraz is several hours, or if you go in the morning you can stay late.
If you have to decide between the bay cruise and seeing Alcatraz, this should be your choice. You get a good boat trip on the bay, while getting to see Alcatraz.
These pictures ought to give you an idea of what you will see.
Please vote on comments, I need to move up the food chain.
Have fun

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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. This area is very close to Pier 39 the big tourist area.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz

Most tourists know of the one cable car line called Powell Street. It goes from Union Square to Fisherman's Wharf. However, there is an easier line to use, mostly without lines of tourists. The California Street line starts at Market and California streets and goes up and over the hill. The Bart station nearby is Embarcadero.
Best bet is to take this line and get off at the top of the hill, transfer over to the Powell Street line and go on down to Fisherman's Wharf. You have to be a little aggressive to squeeze on, but just be polite and go for it. Be sure and keep your paper ticket for your transfer.
There are two workers on the cable car, the brakeman--cable grabbing person, and the person who gets your cash.
Try to board the front where the seats are outside. You can also stand and hang onto a post. One caution--when you go by the other cars going in the other direction, watch out for your possible rear end collision. :-)

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Address: 1201 Mason St. at Washington
Directions: Embarcadero Bart Station is one block from the California Line.
Fare is now five dollars with no transfers to trams, or buses.
You can change at the top and get on the cable car that goes down to Fisherman's Wharf with this ticket.
Website: http://www.sfcablecar.com

If you are near Golden Gate Park and are tiring of walking the streets of the city, this might be a good time for a quiet break in the Japanese Tea Garden.
This area was created by the city to honor its citizens who have Japanese heritage. It is a peaceful place much like a visit to Japan. Pools, trees, pathways and Japanese architecture await the visitor.
You can also sit and drink tea and enjoy Japanese munchies sold by girls in costume.
This is a nice place to visit. Don't miss it.
Shown here is a magnificent curved bridge in the center of the garden.

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Phone: 415-752-4227
Address: Located in Golden Gate Park
Directions: Lots of signs in the park will direct you.

If you walk to the east end of Fisherman's Wharf and then turn left along the dock you will discover the U.S.S. Pampanito, a submarine that was in the Pacific in World War II. Submarine Veterans of WWII run this exhibit and it is well worth the hour you will spend aboard. There is also a small museum and of course, souvenirs.
During the war and for a time after the exploits of these subamarines were kept secret. Therefore, little credit has been given to these boats and what they did for our country. Now we know that they cleared the seas of Japanese shipping and the Japanese army was desperate for supplies. Japan also was very short on food and oil, due to the submarines sinking the ships which supplied their economy.
While on board you are able to use headphones and hear a description of the Pampano and its war patrols. You may get lucky and there will be a subvet on board. You are able to view the entire submarine, and if you have children with you, this is a GREAT field trip. You will come away knowing how dangerous it was to be aboard one of these boats and why so many of them did not return. The men who lived aboard not only had to be brave under depth charging, but they also had to be able to get along with each other for many weeks at a time.
Groups arrange to sleep overnight on the sub, and another ship, the aircraft carrier Hornet over in the Alameda harbor. (On the other side of the Oakland Bay Bridge)
This submarine has a great history and I urge you to make a visit.
Admission price is minimal since it is run be volunteers, not a profit making business.

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Phone: (415) 626-7070
Address: Shoreline near Jefferson between Powell and Hyde
Directions: Find Grotto No. 9, the famous restaurant, then walk towards the water and around the arcade (or through it).
Website: http://www.fishermanswharf.org/

Fisherman's Wharf is a great place to grab some crab, fresh out of the pot, or you might choose clams, or other fish dishes. Fisherman's Wharf is a step back in time for tourists. It is found at the end of the boat docks wharfside. Goodies can be bought on the go, and you eat as you walk along the fishing boats and shops.
Here's a major tip for the budget conscious. The food being served outside freshly cooked is in some cases the same food served inside the restaurants for a lot more money. Save some cash and eat on the go.
If you just got off a cable car head for the water, and then follow the flow of tourists. You can't miss it.
Nearby are some great exhibits, one an old arcade, and look for Laughing Sal, she's a local curio, and there is a World War II submarine called the Pampano, and you can actually go inside. Both of these activities are at the end of Fisherman's Wharf.
There is a small charge for going inside the submarine, but only for maintenance, not for profit. Affordable and worth it. The arcade is free.
Shown here is along the walkway of FW.

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Phone: (415) 626-7070
Address: Shoreline near Jefferson between Powell and Hyde
Website: http://www.fishermanswharf.org/
Other Contact: google Fisherman's Wharf (image

One of the fun things to do is just wander around Chinatown. There are so many shops, restaurants and businesses. Don't be afraid to go in the markets, tea shops and stores and look around. Who knows you might find a great souvenir.
Here's a shot of your average market.
Tip: You are going to get a glimpse of China as you can see bins of live turtles, frogs and cooked chickens in windows.
If you have never tried Dim Sum before, you should do that before you go back home.

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Address: Chinatown is pretty large. Leave your car parked
Directions: Ornamental gate at Grant and Bush intersection.
You would NEVER find a parking place in Chinatown. See my recommendation for the Pot Sticker Restaurant.
You might want to see Japantown if you are here long enough. It's smaller, but it has GREAT food.
Website: http://www.sfchinatown.com/

This arcade and music box museum used to be on the other side of the city at Seal Rock, but it has recently been moved to the end of Fisherman's Wharf. Entrance is free and visitors will view an immense number of antique machines that make music mechanically. It is fascinating to see the number of ways inventors of the past used to make music. You will also see player pianos, and games of old.
In particular at the entrance you will see Laughing Sal and she is famous to all San Franciscans. You can see a photo of her below.
If you have children, this is another "field trip" experience. They will be very interested in this exhibit.
Hint: bring coins to make the music boxes,etc. work.
You could spend about an hour in this place trying out the machines and listening to other instruments of music play their tunes.

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Phone: (415) 626-7070
Address: Shoreline near Jefferson between Powell and Hyde
Directions: Again, if you smell the crab pots cooking you are real close. Just go towards the water and you will see the entrance to the arcade. The USS Pampano is just around the corner.
Website: http://www.fishermanswharf.org/
Other Contact: the above number is VT's insert