Christie Laplant, Travel Specialist at James TravelPOINTS recently traveled to San Francisco home of the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco Bay Bridge, Cable Cars, China town and so much more. I could have not picked a better weekend because Sunday, the day that I arrived was the last day of “ Fleet Week ” . For those who are not familiar with Fleet week, every year in the fall San Francisco is the place to be for celebrating the men and woman of our armed forces. A spectacular weekend family event featuring the navy Blue angels, a Parade of Navy ships and other exciting flight demonstrations.
And I can tell you from my own experience that is ” spectacular ” to watch these unbelievable demonstrations while standing on the ” Golden Gate Bridge “
In only 2 full days I had to try to see as much of the City as possible, and I did it!!! In the fastest way possible but still never felt I was rushing it.
Sunday morning I took the earliest flight out and arrived around 8am at the San Francisco airport, a taxi ride to Fisherman’s wharf takes about 20 min. (cost approx $45).
I made reservations at the Hyatt af Fisherman’s Wharf, a wonderful low rise hotel, modern, contemporary, and all the luxury that the Hyatt has come to offer; great comfortable beds, large rooms, clean and personalized service. For example, if you would like to check-in for your flight 24-hours prior, they have free internet down stairs in the lobby , with a printer, so you can just print out your boarding pass. A concierge that can help you with all the questions you have and will give you great recommendations on restaurants etc. Also voted ” best sports bar in town is right at the Hyatt, called “Knuckles Sports bar & Grill”.
I called the Lobby a couple of days before I arrived and told them about my early check in..they put down the request, and when I checked in at around 8.30am I was told that my room was ready!!
The Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf is only 2 blocks away from Pier 39. This is the Premier Bay Attraction, at this Pier, with lots of different restaurants, shops, attractions, etc. You could spend at least a full day at Pier 39, that’s how much there is to see. My favorite ” totally free ” attraction was the World Famous Sea Lions, located at the end of Pier 39, no worries..you will find them, just follow the sound 
After walking around a bit I decided to take a tour. Like I said I only had 2 full days so I had to try to see most of all the sights, and there is no better way to do this by taking a ” hop on hop off tour “.
I was able to start the tour at Fisherman’s Wharf, on Mason street at the corner of Jefferson Street. You can buy the ticket on the bus for $32 per adult, kids 4-15 $16. Your ticket is valid for 2 days consecutive days. This is how it works:
* First departure is at 9am from stop 1 at Fisherman’s wharf
* Frequent departure every 30 min- all day long
* Last departure is at 5pm from stop 1 at Fisherman’s wharf
* There are 20 stops throughout San Francisco
* A full tour last approx 1 hour and 30 min
* If you hotel is not located at Fisherman’s Wharf, no worries, you can buy a ticket on the bus at each stop they make.
The weather was great so the view was amazing on this English style double Decker bus with open roof. The Tour stops really at all the most important sights of the City, and even drives over the Golden Gate Bridge, you can get off on both sides if you like , and take amazing pictures of the City Sky Line.
THE Shopping District is located all around Union Square, also 1 of the stops. Bring a big wallet, and you will able to spend all day here and visit at all the amazing stores they have http://www.unionsquareshop.com/
Golden Gate Park, also 1 of the stops during the Tour. Did you know that Golden Gate Park is even bigger then Central Park in New York!!! Golden Gate National Parks has two hundred years of history, from the Native American culture, the Spanish Empire frontier and the Mexican Republic, to maritime history, the California Gold Rush, the evolution of American coastal fortifications, and the growth of urban San Francisco. http://www.nps.gov/goga/
In Golden Gate Park, I visited the oldest Japanese Gardens in California, entree is $5. Its small, but for sure worth a visit if you are into gardens, and if you like to enjoy an oasis of beauty, relaxation, piece and quiet. After walking around I would for sure recommend to have some Japanese tea at the tea house, and enjoy the view, its also very romantic. http://www.holymtn.com/garden/Gallery/index_teagarden.html
San Francisco has for everybody something to offer, if you are into museums, de Young museum is number 1 at the moment also located in the Golden Gate Park, http://famsf.org/deyoung/index.asp the lines were long..I would for sure recommend to go very early in the morning. Or how about the Asian Art Museum http://www.asianart.org/ . For those who remember the show Full House, maybe you recognize these ladies!!! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_Ladies
Also 1 of the stops during the Tour, in front of the painted ladies there is a wonderful small park, with an amazing view of the ladies with in the back an incredible view of the city. Just sitting there for a hour and relaxing is a joy, it took my breath away..
If its your first time visiting San Francisco you have to off course visit the world famous prison ” Alcatraz ” for those who would like to be on the rock first, I would for sure recommend the early bird departure at 9am on Pier 33. I bought by ticket online which I could recommend, because I did hear that sometimes during high season they can be totally sold out for a couple of days. A ticket cost $26 online, and includes the boat ride to the Rock, takes about 20 min. When you arrive at the dock there are two ways to get to the cell house. You can walk the longer way towards the left over the Agave Trail ( which is closed seasonally ) or you can take a right over the east Road, which is a bit of an easier climb. If you take the Agave Trail you will pass the area where the famous 3 prisoners jumped into the water while escaping..and were never found..
Stop by the Theater before walking up to the cell house, which is only 50 yards up the road from the dock, for an excellent introduction to Alcatraz.The 17 minute video presentation is an open-captioned in English and Spanish.
The audio Tour begins at the Cell house. This audio tour is really fun, if you choose the English language you will hear former Alcatraz inmates, correctional officers and residents talk as they reminisce about life on Alcatraz. Did you know that this is an Award Winner 45 minutes recorded tour!!! It was unbelievable..listening to their voices while they guide you from one block to another, guiding you thru the dining area, the recreation yard..I really had goose bumps sometimes..I will never forget this day..what an experience..
I spend about half a day on the Rock, but for some reason I still feel like I could go back and see more things that’s I might have missed. I heard the night tour should be absolutely amazing also.
You cannot go to San Francisco and forget to ride the famous ” cable car “ http://www.sfcablecar.com/
Just like in the movies, hanging outside..holding on..and enjoy the ride and the amazing views of the traditional San Francisco Streets and the Bay.
Right behind the Hyatt where I stayed the cable car has a starting point, it takes you up the hill where you can also stop at the cable car museum. A couple of stops further is China Town. That’s where I got off and strolled around and looked at the typical Chinese little stores where they sell things..which I am still curious about what it was..
Did you know that this China Town is the oldest one in North America!!! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinatown,_San_Francisco,_California
After China town I walked towards Sutter Street, right in front of E&O Restaurant I was able to hop back on the ” hop on hop of Tour bus ” which was my 2nd day using my pass.
A fun second ride over the golden gate bridge, enjoying the view of the beautiful sky line, the bay, Alcatraz..
At stop 20 of the Tour, I hopped off, and decided that I can’t say good bye to San Fran without seeing the most famous street..” Lombard Street ” Lombard Street is famous for having a steep, one-block section that consists of tight hairpin turns.
There are two ways to get to Lombard street, you can walk it..and yes its very steep, but if you are in shape you can do it..its fun!! Or you can take the cable car, which is off course always fun too.
The view from the highest points of Lombard street is again amazing. I have made 150 pictures in 2 days..I guess you can understand how incredible all the views are constantly..
From Lombard street I was able to walk back to the Hyatt, which was only about 15/20 minutes, refreshed, and had a nice dinner at Pier Market Seafood Restaurant at Pier 39, well known for Mesquite-Grilled Seafood & Award-Winning Chowder. Great service, great fish dishes, and again an amazing view of the city evening lights, I could not wish for a better ending of my stay in San Francisco, for me for sure the most beautiful city I have ever seen.
If you would like more information, or pictures please contact me. You can call me at 1-800-274-0436 ext 232 or email me at Christie@travelpoints.com My hours are Monday thru Friday from 8am till 5pm, mountain time.
I am looking forward to hear from you,
Christie
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