Chicagoan in San Francisco for a couple days. (Marina, Alamo: credit, hotels)
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So San Francisco is one of the last two cities (the other being New Orleans) on my bucket list of must see American cities. I have been dying to visit this city.
So I actually got a new job. Much to my surprise and happiness I found out I have to train in San Francisco for three days, actually more like 2.5. I arrive early Wednesday morning and leave early Friday evening. It's bittersweet because I have always wanted to go to San Francisco, but totally bummed because this is for work and I really won't get to see much. Good news is this isn't the last time I fly out to SF for work, so next time I will probably see if the company can have me stay over a weekend where I can then pay for my hotel during that weekend time.
Obviously I can only explore SF during the evening hours. With that being said I will be staying in downtown. I was planning on spending one evening walking around downtown. But coming from Chicago is it even worth it to explore SF's downtown? From what it seems, SF's neighborhoods are the more interesting part of the city, not downtown.
I guess what I really want to know, coming from Chicago, is downtown SF worth exploring? Also, what are some cool neighborhoods that are worth exploring next to or close to downtown SF? Also does SF have the double decker buses that will take you around the city? I figured it won't allow me to explore the city by foot, but at least I would be able to see more than I could by foot by just being driven around.
I just want to make sure the very little time I do have open is best utilized in seeing SF.
Well in the time period that you have, and considering that you will be in S.F for work, I would limit your sight seeing to places unlike Chicago.
In that regard, North Beach would be a nice option. There are a few MUNI options to get there. If all else fails, a cab isn't hard to find. You will find some of the best views of the Bay in this area, it really is beautiful on a sunny day.
I'd check out Alamo Square. I think it's a charming area because it looks pretty much how S.F might have looked at the beginning of the 20th century in terms of its housing stock.
Finally the presidio is a place that has become a popular hangout, especially the huge park on Mason St. If you want to interact with locals playing frisbee, doing cross training, or walking the dog on the beach, a good place to see how locals relax and hang out.
I'll let others chime in, but those three stick out in my mind.
Well in the time period that you have, and considering that you will be in S.F for work, I would limit your sight seeing to places unlike Chicago.
In that regard, North Beach would be a nice option. There are a few MUNI options to get there. If all else fails, a cab isn't hard to find. You will find some of the best views of the Bay in this area, it really is beautiful on a sunny day.
I'd check out Alamo Square. I think it's a charming area because it looks pretty much how S.F might have looked at the beginning of the 20th century in terms of its housing stock.
Finally the presidio is a place that has become a popular hangout, especially the huge park on Mason St. If you want to interact with locals playing frisbee, doing cross training, or walking the dog on the beach, a good place to see how locals relax and hang out.
I'll let others chime in, but those three stick out in my mind.
Thanks for this!
If it helps, I am actually going to be staying at a hotel right be the intersection of Geary and Leavenworth. I googled/streetviewed it and it seems it's more neighborhoody than downtown which is exactly what I wanted.
If it helps, I am actually going to be staying at a hotel right be the intersection of Geary and Leavenworth. I googled/streetviewed it and it seems it's more neighborhoody than downtown which is exactly what I wanted.
Eek. That area is very... rough around the edges. Did your company put you there?
You're not that far from Union Square which is a very well traveled touristy area.
Eek. That area is very... rough around the edges. Did your company put you there?
You're not that far from Union Square which is a very well traveled touristy area.
Actually to be more specific it's Shannon and Geary. So about two blocks from Union Square.
Is it really that bad? From the streetview it looks like there are quite a few fancy boutique hotels there (one which I am staying at)? While having been raised and living in Chicago doesn't make me a paranoid visitor and I have enough urban common sense when visiting cities, I don't want to wander anywhere that is fairly dangerous.
Yes my company put me there. From the streetview it doesn't seem that bad. Not that I am discrediting you or anything, but I guess I will avoid going in that direction?
Actually to be more specific it's Shannon and Geary. So about two blocks from Union Square.
Is it really that bad? From the streetview it looks like there are quite a few fancy boutique hotels there (one which I am staying at)? While having been raised and living in Chicago doesn't make me a paranoid visitor and I have enough urban common sense when visiting cities, I don't want to wander anywhere that is fairly dangerous.
Yes my company put me there. From the streetview it doesn't seem that bad. Not that I am discrediting you or anything, but I guess I will avoid going in that direction?
In S.F, a few blocks makes a huge difference. Leavenworth and Geary/O'Farrell/Ellis is part of the Tenderloin. Where you're at is nearing the edge of the Union Square touristy area, so you should be fine. There are a few night clubs in your area, you're close to shopping, etc.
In general, I wouldn't go "towards" Leavenworth, I'd go towards Union Square if you hang out in that area.
Personally I wouldn't be scared of walking around the tenderloin, but you will see drug dealers on the corner, lots of homeless, and sometimes other foul stuff.
San Francisco is very compact, so with that being said you can walk from downtown (Union Square) to Chinatown/Financial District to North Beach (Little Italy) to Telegraph Hill (residential + Coit Tower) to Fisherman's Wharf... all pretty easily. You should check out the Farmers Market at the Ferry Building and the Embarcadero area. Check out Golden Gate Bridge and the Marina District. If the weather is nice check out Golden Gate Park and Haight Ashbury. Go to Twin Peaks for a 360 degree view of the San Francisco Bay Area. Once again because the city is so compact you can cover a lot of districts in a short period of time. www.yelp.com is great for finding local bars and restaurants.
Thanks DocGoldstein. I have definitely heard of the Tenderloin before, I just didn't know that is where it was located. I will definitely stay away.
From Google Streetview it seems like Union Square is pretty vibrant, so I am definitely going to check that out. I am also thinking of checking out Chinatown and Telegraph Hill. They all seem to very close and walking distance. Is there anything to see in Nob Hill as well? I think the time I do have that is the most I will be able to see in terms of neighborhoods.
Thanks BMW, I will definitely check out Chinatown, North beach and Telegraph Hill. Is Fisherman's really worth it? I have heard that Fisherman's Wharf is a lot like Chicago's Navy Pier, meaning it's a big ol' tacky tourist trap. The only thing good about Navy Pier is the views. I wonder if Fisherman's Wharf is the same way?
It looks like Golden Gate Bridge and the Marina District are a bit out of the way. If I had more time I would definitely check them out, but I think the neighborhoods I listed are good enough for right now. At least for this trip.
On Tuesday I was walking in the Tenderloin. A firetruck, ambulance, and like 4 cop cars sped past everyone. It turns out a man was randomly stabbed by a group of 3 as he exited a store on turk and jones. Scary to me because I was on ofarrel and jones and the thought to go down Jones did occur to me to get to market faster. Could have been me.
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