San Francisco Trip

[Steven]

I am going out of town for my birthday next month, and I wanted to know what are some nice hotels to stay at, and what are some nice places to visit (ie alcatraz, etc...)

Thanks
Steven

[Aaron]

The Marriott is a real nice place to stay if you've got the bucks. As for places to see:
Fisherman's Wharf/Pier 39
Golden Gate Park
Lombard Street
Coit Tower
At the very end of Geary street the ruins of the Sutro Baths - very near the Cliff House Restaurant.
The planetarium used to have a Pink Floyd show.
There's this really big hill you can drive to the top of and look out at the city lights, can't remember the name right now. Two or Twin something or other.
Haight/Ashbury
The Hard Rock Cafe
If you like trees Muir Woods isn't far from SF, it has some of the biggest trees in the world.
Chinatown

I'm sure there's a lot of things I forgot. SF is a very culturally rich place. Very unique. You'll have a blast.

By the way, my bday is next month too! What day is yours?

Twin Peaks! That's what the hill is called.

[prim]

Aaron is right. I already gave my recomendations for sightseeing.

I found this hotel thats looks ok : http://www.monticelloinn.com/

and its right next to unionsquare if somebody have better idea about hotels can suggest sometihng better

[ed_lynn]

The Westin (http://www.starwood.com/westin/search/search_results.html?fromspgindex=false&city=San+Francisco&stateProvince=CA&country=US&postalCode=94102-1875&streetAddress1=&hotelLocationType=&pOI=&arrivalDate=&departureDate=&lengthOfStay=&numberOfRooms=&numberOfAdults=&amenityType1=&amenityType2=&amenityType3=&nState1=&nState2=&nCity1=&nCity2=&requestedChainCode=&requestedAffiliationCode=) is also a great place if you have the spare change to spend on the rooms. :D

[7spooner7]

here is my 2 cents. forgive the fast typing errors. i've lived here for 2 years. i'm a 32 year old art director who does not have conservative taste.

of the tourist stuff:
alcatraz - not that great, unless you have a particular interest. there is some interesting history (indian occupation) but its very run down and not all of it is open to the public. but there are some photo opportunites to shoot the city and GG bridge.

coit tower - pretty cool, but its grounds were under construction when i last went. great veiw. great photo opportunities. i think its worth it. gives you a good scope of the city.

trollys - why not. $2.

the castro - why not, good places to shop. more gay men then you can shake a stick at.

haight ashberry - not what it used to be (30 years ago). pricey but does have a very cool record store called ameoba.

golden gate park - very cool. check the weather. all kinds of stuff. redwoods.

sutro bath houses - cool used to be the site of the worlds largest indoor pool. on the ocean.

wine tasting: sonoma county. napa county is overpriced and overhyped. puts on a better show but the wines are no better. sonoma is more laid back. there are tons of places, many with free tasting rooms.

places i like for drinks: 111 minna (art shows, djs, great space), tunnel top (divey but very cool) cafe denord (loungy, good music). in general the mission district has my fav places.

there are some great places to eat also. places that i like tend to be cheap ($8) but have great food. osha thai, either of the nan and currys (indian), emmys (italian).

you can probably find then through google or city search.

places to stay i'm not sure. never done that.

anything in particular you're looking for?

[thinkaholic]

I love SF! Home to the curviest street in the world!

Might be kinda damp and cold during the time you'll be there, so dress warm. I've been to Alcatraz several times, but I like stuff like that. I especially like the boat ride. You can feed the seagulls right from your hand, so bring some bread. :)

I'd take a stroll through China Town, too. Lots of dumpy restaurants that serve the best oriental you'll ever taste.

Fisherman's Warf is a great shopping area and lots of fun.

Depends on how long you'll be there. You'll find plenty to do, but try to do things that you'll really remember after you leave. Shopping can be done anywhere.

Have a safe trip!