San Diego vs. San Francisco - ADVICE!!! (Sutter: to rent, hotel)

[Think (Freedom)]

Me and a friend are flying to Phoenix this coming friday, and are planning on taking a road trip to California.. but we're undecided as to where we should go. I have already been to San Diego, but neither one of us has been to San Francisco. We're only going to be in town for the long weekend. I know that if we drive to S.F. we would have to spend the night, which wouldnt be a problem. But I'd like to know which would you visit? What's there to do in San Francisco besides chinatown? PLEASE HELP!! We are 2 single girls in our 20's. We only have until tomorrow to decide, so advice/opinions would be much appreciated!!

And another thing, mapquest says it'll take us almost 11 hours to get to San Francisco from Phoenix.. is this true for the most part? Are there any delays we have to take into consideration?

[Sassberto]

SF rocks, if you haven't been, go there.

[Think (Freedom)]

Yeah I'd definitely pick San Francisco.. but whats there to do? Is the weather ok at this time of year? I've never been to NorCal so I know nothing about how it is up there..

[rkb0305]

There is a ton to do in SF - museums, fisherman's wharf, pier 39, shopping, clubs... Yes, it will be a LONG drive.

[Sassberto]

SF has great shopping, restaurants... waterfront, historic buildings... bars, clubs, haight-ashbury. To the North in Marin is amazing natural beauty, hiking, etc. Weather is sunny and warm, it's summertime!

[fishbowl]

Well, I'd pick San Francisco over San Diego for a visit too. But since it's a long weekend, you should make reservations so you can sleep someplace. And yes, the drive from Phoenix is very long. I'm surprised it's only 11 hours.

If you decide it's just too far, San Diego has some neat stuff to see and do too. Look it up on the internet. You'll enjoy your weekend regardless.

[Think (Freedom)]

Are there a lot of CHP on the way? I mean I'm sure pretty sure there will be since its a long weekend and all. Are they the type to stop you if you're doing 5 miles over the speed limit?

[cleosmom]

Can fly into some place closer to SF than Phoenix? If so, that will save you hours of driving, crowded highways and give you free time to explore SF.

[sponger42]

Originally Posted by dragonofillfaith

Me and a friend are flying to Phoenix this coming friday, and are planning on taking a road trip to California.. but we're undecided as to where we should go. I have already been to San Diego, but neither one of us has been to San Francisco. We're only going to be in town for the long weekend. I know that if we drive to S.F. we would have to spend the night, which wouldnt be a problem. But I'd like to know which would you visit? What's there to do in San Francisco besides chinatown? PLEASE HELP!! We are 2 single girls in our 20's. We only have until tomorrow to decide, so advice/opinions would be much appreciated!!

And another thing, mapquest says it'll take us almost 11 hours to get to San Francisco from Phoenix.. is this true for the most part? Are there any delays we have to take into consideration?

San Francisco. There's TONS of stuff to do. Here's what I've done/suggest:
1. Fisherman's Wharf (FW). Get some sidewalk boiled crab. SO TASTY! Pick a big one. Say "no" if they ask if you want the fat too, it's a little gross.
2. Rent a bike and ride around the bay/over the bridge. Take a bay ferry back. Just riding around is fun.
3. Visit the Italian district (near Coit Tower) for some good dining and nightlife. Lots of little clubs and bars. Look for one with live music and a good crowd. This area never seems to sleep. You can still get dinner at 2AM on a Tuesday night--and not at some crappy diner either. Down the hill toward the bay and Golden Gate bridge is a good place to rent bikes during the day (rather than the ripoff places on FW or Pier 39).
4. Climb Telegraph hill and watch the sunset from Coit Tower. Spectacular! I do this every time I visit.
5. Walk from Telegraph Hill to Russian Hill and climb the stairs next to Lombard St.
6. Catch the cablecar at the top of Russian Hill and ride down into the fashion district. Go shopping.
7. Definately park your car somewhere and take the busses or walk. Driving around SF is a nightmare and totally takes away from the experience. Always ask for a transfer. Ride the streetcars like the F-line and the electric BART busses.
8. Get a massage/spa treatment at a Bathouse in the Japanese area. (Near the cultural center)
9. Eat at the dirtiest cafeteria-style resturant you can find in Chinatown. (There's two good places on the street a block uphill from the main drag) If you have to climb/descend into the dining area don't go there, it's a tourist trap. The best food is right there in window displays. Point to what you want and bring enough money (like $8 for two people) to pay cash only.
10. Visit Fort Point. It's hard to find, but pretty spectacular. It's okay to drive there, but riding is better if you rent bikes.
11. See a show if you can find the arts district.
12. Visit Golden Gate park. The busses go there and there's a lot of museums and such.
13. Visit Haight-Ashbury. I almost forgot!

You shouldn't have trouble finding a place to stay. I recommend the Cow Hollow Motor Inn if you don't mind shelling out about $100/night. It's basic, clean, and hassel-free. Be sure to ask for a busline map at the front desk, wherever you end up staying. You can find cheaper places with more work, but if you just wanna forget about your car and luggage and not worry about anything but exploring the city, I think it's worth it. It's on a busline that will take you right into the Italian district or another that goes to Haigt-Ashbury/Golden Gate Park (also, the OWL--night bus goes there, so you won't need to call a or hike 5 miles to get to a bed when you're finally ready to crash). Plus they have free parking, which saves you about $20-30 per night over a spot in downtown.

There's a lot of other stuff to do, but you need to walk the city to find it. Have fun!

[san phlegmatico]

Hands down, best deal in town is: The York Hotel. 940 Sutter St.

Rate last time I visited (in May) was $99/ night plus $20/ day to park in a garage (there is no way around paying for parking in The City). It's the cheapest *nice* hotel I know of in SF. Comfortable, clean, with a cool, retro jazz-club vibe. You will be a few blocks from Union Square and centrally located to many neighborhoods.