San Francisco Tours: which one should I pick?

In recent years the number of San Francisco tour options has increased exponentially. Some are definetly better than others. My following comments are personal reflections, largely based on the feedback of our guests, my own experience and what I hear in Alamo Square or from our property on "Postcard Row".

1. Mr Toad's Wild Ride. I love this company. What a lovely way to see the city. The vehicles are restored antique touring cars. They are all pre-1930 vehicles, covered, but open on the sides so you can really see alot. Because they are small the interaction with the driver is more immediate. The drivers actually know their stuff which is not always the case with many of the larger companies. http://www.mrtoadstours.com/ 415-205-3303 Tours depart from the corner of Mason and Jefferson Streets at the Wharf.

2. Segway Tours. Though these can be a bit annoying for cars, they look like lots of fun. They are not cheap as most tours are $70 per person. The gyroscope keeps you in balance and believe it or not, keeps you from falling over. You get a helmet just for good measure. Tours leave from 757 Beach Street near Hyde. The company offers a variety of Segway tours as well as electric bikes for a Golden Gate Bridge experience. http://www.electrictourcompany.com/ 415-474-3130

3. Hop on Hop Off. Someone was using their head when they thought this one up. These double-decker buses simply drive all over the city. You can stay on the whole way or get on and off where you like. Stay as long as you like at each stop as there are many buses and they pass quite frequently. There are many companies that have purchased these double-decker English-style buses. The red ones are the best! http://www.sightseeingworld.com/ 1-866-431-1634, or 925-434-9000

4. Duck Tours. Ride around San Francisco in (what looks like), a boat on wheels. The end of the tour actually concludes with a ride in the bay (in the same vehicle). Amphibious fun! Departs from Geary Street opposite Macy's in Union Square or at the Wharf at Taylor and Jefferson Streets. 415-596-9929 http://www.sanfrancisco.ridetheducks.com/ Savings when you book online.

5. Go Carts. These 2 seater vehicles look like fun, through GPS and a pre-recorded message you can drive the city at your own pace. I know nothing of their safety record but they just don't seem safe to me. As a driver of a regular car I have seen many of them out in traffic in some questionable situations. That aside- looks like a fun ride. Tours avaliable in 5 languages. 2715 Hyde, 431 Beach, and 321 Mason are the three locations. http://www.gocartours.com/ 1-800-914-6227 or 415-441-5695

6. Cable Cars (the real ones). Though often as busy as a ride at Disneyland these are authentic San Francisco. If you are lucky enough to get one of the good operators- you will have a once in a lifetime experience... 1870's San Francisco in the 21st Century! Tips- The California Street line is almost never busy. Ride the Powell/Mason, Powell/Hyde lines early in the morning or later in the evening. They run until 12;30 AM.

7. Cable Car buses. Essentially these are buses with a Cable Car-like body built on top. They are nice because they are open air and one can see more. There are several different large bus companies that operate these cable car -like buses. Like with some of the large buses it has been my experience that many of the guides are not as informed as they should be. It really comes down to the individual drivers. Google: San Francisco Cable Car Bus Tours and take your pick.

8. Rent a bike. I like Blazing Saddles at 1095 Columbus, 2715 Hyde, 433 Mason, and Pier 41. The hills and traffic in many parts of the city are a bit dangerous and can be daunting. If you don't know your way around head out to Fort Mason, Marina Greens, Chrissy Field, Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito. Take the boat back to the Wharf for a leisurely boat ride home. There are also bikes for rent at the boathouse at Stowe Lake in Golden Gate Park. Sundays, much of the Park is closed to cars. 415-202-8888 http://www.blazingsaddles.com/ or
Stow lake Boathouse 415-7520347

9. The F Streetcar Line. Restored streetcars from all over the world take you from the Wharf, up Market Street to the Castro and everywhere in between. The Milan Italy Streetcars are my favorites.

10. Fire Engine Tours. Just lots of fun. The guides know their stuff. The fire engine is lovely and the whole experience is whimsical. Tours leave from the Beach Street side of the Cannery.
415-333-7725 http://www.fireenginetours.com/

11. Horse Carriage Tours of Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach. I took one of these rides early one New Year's Day morning. What a grand way to start the New Year. Peaceful and at a pleasant pace. I can't imagine it would be as nice later in the day with all the wharf hub-bub. Horses line up on Jefferson not far from Powell.

12. Rickshaw/Pedicab Tours of Fisherman's Wharf and the Waterfront. Departs from Pier 33 (Alcatraz Tour Boats). This company touts it's environmental and eco-green contribution to San Francisco's tourism. Right on!

13. Blue and Gold or Red and White Bay Tours. Urban lore says that these two rival companies were launched by a UC Cal grad and a Stanford Grad. The Blue and Gold (Cal) has ferry service to Sausalito, Tiburon and Angel Island as well as Bay Tours. 415-705-8200 departs from Pier 39. The Red and White (Stanford) departs from pier 43 1/2. It is the older of the two companies, founded in 1892. 415-447-0619 http://www.redandwhite.com/

14. Rent RollerSkates and create your own tour of Golden Gate Park. Golden Gate Park Bike and Skate. 415-668-1117 The oldest skate rental company by the park- 3038 Fulton Street.

15. For Guests at Golden Bear... our personalized "Native's Tours". Perhaps the most customized tour in San Francisco! Let us "toot our own horn" for a moment. At Golden Bear we tailor our tours to exactly what our guest want to see. We take no more than 4 guests. Our guide has published many SF restaurant reviews for magazines and has published a book on San Francisco. He is a native, has a master's in history and is well versed on a variety of San Francisco topics. Depending on the interest of our guests, tours vary from the usual tourist spots, to film locations, churches, cemetaries, celebrity homes, architectural landmarks, historical spots, to off the beaten path sites (Buddhist temple, a fortune cookie factory, Filbert Steps) etc. On occasion we have even arranged tours of private mansions and Victorians (including "Postcard Row Painted Ladies"! Price, time and type of tour, by arrangement.

16. Our experience has been that one best avoid the large bus company tours. Grayline seems to be the worst - especially given the feedback from our guests. Too big, too hard to hear, too much waiting for everyone. Frequently, when sitting at our home on "Postcard Row" we hear the same Grayline drivers on their bus loudspeakers screaming at the houses for characters from the TV show, "Full House", to come out. Yes, it is annoying to all who live on the park but their facts are simply wrong. The house used in "Full House" as the actual Tanner home, is across town on Broderick Street. When standing in the park I often join the tour groups that spill out of these busses. The facts they are given about "the row", Victorians and the area's history are usually pretty inaccurate. Given all the other options above, why settle for a 3rd rate tour?

Posted by George

http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/

10th Anniversary Oakland Showcase- music, Dance, Food and Art

August 21-22, 12 Noon- 6PM. Take Bart to Downtown Oakland. Featuring: En Vogue, Shiela E, MC Hammer, Lenny Williams, Cake, Tony! Toni! Tone'!, Pete Escovedo and many more.
Rock, Jazz, R&B, Latin, Blues, Gospel music will be performed to please all tastes.

Advance tickets from the website only: www.artandsouloakland.com for discounted tickets. At door, $15 for adults, $8 for seniors and youths (13-17). Under 12, FREE!

Posted by George

www.sfgoldenbear.net

Van Morrison Comes to San Francisco

Live in concert, Van Morrison will perform at the Nob Hill Masonic Center (California and Taylor Streets) Friday October 8. Tickets now on Sale at www.livenation.com.

www.vanmorrison.com

Posted by George

www.sfgoldenbear.net

"Dreamgirls" coming to San Francisco!

August 24- September 26 the Curran Theater will host the acclaimed musical, "Dreamgirls". Call for tickets 1-888-746-1799. ..."all you got to do is dream and we'll be there!"
The Curran is just off Union Square on Geary near Mason Streets.

Posted by George

www.sfgoldenbear.net

Call Performances: University of California Berkeley 2010-2011 Series

A partial list of Performances will give you just a glimpse and a teaser:
The Vienna Philarmonic, Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, Jonas Kaufmann, Dawn Upshaw, Peter Sellers, Maria Schneider, The Royal Danish Ballet, Mark Morris Dance Group, Nederlands Dans Theatre, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Pinchas Zukerman, Akademie fur Alte Musik berlin, Les Persussions de Strausbourg, Branford Marsalis and Terrence Blanchard, Tango Buenos Aires, Mummenschanz, Circus Oz and many many more! Just a short Bart ride from San Francisco... minutes from Golden Bear Rentals.

Check website for full schedule.

Zellerbach Hall. Single tickets now on sale. 510-642-9988

Posted by George

www.calperformances.org

A Uniique Art Offering: "Galleons and Globalization: California Mission Arts and the Pacific Rim"

The Thatcher Gallery in the Gleason Library of the University of San Francisco (USF) will present this unique showing from August 20- December 19th. Admission is free. 415-422-5178.

Posted by George

www.sfgoldenbear.net

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: Calder to Warhol

The Fisher Collection will be displayed at SFMOMA from June 25-September 19th. www.sfmoma.org Museum is located on 3rd Street near Mission Street.

Posted by George


www.sfgoldenbear.net

Theater Lover's Alert- "Beauty and the Beast"

Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" stage musical arrives at the Golden Gate Theater August 17th. Theater located at Golden Gate and Taylor Streets. Call for tickets: 888-746-1799

Posted by George

http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/

What to do with kids in San Francisco... a few suggestions.

1. Children's Playground in Golden Gate Park. There is a wonderful old carousel and a wide variety of different types of playground equipment geared to age appropriate play.

2. Speaking of Carousels... go for a ride on the carousel at Yerba Buena Gardens and then go for an ice skate next door.

3. The Steinhardt Aquarium and new Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park is magnificent, green and engaging for all ages.

4. The Cable Car Powerhouse and Museum on Mason Street just above Chinatown is educational and fun all at once.

5 .The Exploratorim at the Palace of Fine Arts is the most hands-on museum in town.

6. The Rainforest Cafe at Fisherman's Wharf might be a bit hard to take for many adults but it is a kid's dream.

7. Musee Mecanique- at Fisherman's Wharf is a hands-on museum of working carnival mechanical games and devices. Before video games, this was how we amused ourselves! Great fun.

8. The Marine Mammal Center- a bit of a drive over the GoldenGate bridge and then west to Fort Cronkite is the Marine Mammal Center where seals, sea lions and other marine mammals are nursed back to health and studied.

9. The Sea Lions at Pier 39 (seasonal) are amazing to watch and are humorous in their battles to dominate the floating platforms. Pier 39 is commercial but kids usually find it quite fun.

10. Alcatraz. Great boat ride, good excercise, interesting and spooky all at once!

11. The San Francisco Zoo. Tucked way out in the SW corner of the city. Recent years have seen vast improvements in the care of animals and upgrades to the facilities. Take L Taraval streetcar from downtown.

12. Boat Rides on Stowe Lake in Golden Gate Park. Row boats, paddle boats and sometimes, electric boats, all for hire at this peaceful urban oasis. The boat house also rents bicycles and peddle-surreys. Sundays - most major roads through the park are closed to cars so it is also quite safe.

Posted by George

www.sfgoldenbear.net

Fleet Week... the Blue Angels are coming! October 8-10, 2010

Book your room now for Fleet Week in San Francisco. Our North Beach roof deck is one of the best places in the city to watch this exciting air show. Call early as we traditionally fill-up quickly. All guests at the Golden Bear are invited to our three day roof party. Mexican food, wine and beer are all provided. Call 1-888-982-2632. Your deck chair awaits you! Check future blogs for more details and schedules.

posted by George

http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/

San Francisco Ballet Performance for FREE! Today, Sunday, August 8, 2PM

Calling all Ballet lovers. Today at 2PM at Sigmund Stern Grove, 19th and Sloat Blvd. The San Francisco Ballet will be performing for free. Bring a coat- it can be a bit chilly out there.

www.sfgoldenbear.net

posted by George

Lost, and Lamented, San Francisco Places

Every generation in every city, mourns the loss of the places of our youth that had become the essentials of our childhood memories. I am now "mid-century"... a term used to describe me, aluminum xmas trees and Doelger houses. I have seen so many things that seemed like "essential San Francisco" torn down, closed-up or remuddled. My parents probably would have their own list, and their parents would have such a list, without question. This is a living city and thus, is dynamic and in flux. Somethings that have disappeared are for the better and their loss is truly progress. So ...how much can we lose and still be the undiluted San Francisco? Should any native San Franciscans be reading this- test out my list with your own. Should visitors to our city be checking in, perhaps it will allow you to appreciate what has survived even more.

Gone- and Lamented:

The Montgomery Block- One of the city's most historic buildings... a haunt of Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde... where they made Pisco Punch (let's talk about what that is!). I actually like the Pyramid that replaced it. Just too bad it couldn't have been placed elsewhere.

The City of Paris- OK they did keep and restore the gorgeous rotunda- but that is the only thing good about the new Nieman Marcus that replaced the venerable COP. Sorry Mr. Johnson.

Fun House at Playland at the Beach. Playland was getting a bit tattered and dangerous- but this fun house was the best. Laughing Sal (now at the Wharf), the slide (awesome!), the barrel, the spinning disk, the compressed air blasts, house of mirrors, and undulating walkways. Santa Cruz funhouse is cool - but a second best!

Bernstein's Fish Grotto- This restaurant on Powell Street near O'Farrell had an old ship prow that jutted out into the street. As a kid I thought it was the coolest place to eat. The ship still exists! I saw it in the basement of Frank Lembi's, Hotel Union Square, across the street.

The Fox Theater on Market. What were we thinking when we allowed this to be torn down for a hideous 60's tower. I remember seeing "The Greatest Show on Earth" here with my Nana just before it was torn down.

The Compass Rose at the St. Francis- a recent loss. This was the perfect place to come for a drink after shopping or after theater. It was a place that children were taken during the holidays while out looking at the lights. Formerly a mix of elegant Asian and English decor. It is now just a bland space filled by a very fine and expensive restaurant.

The Old Ferries- I barely remember these. My Nana took my brother and I on one of the last runs across the Bay. Ironically, ferries are back on the bay in force- though not quite the same.

The Belli Buildings- were so important they were among the first buildings in SF deemed 'landmark'. They had both historical and architectural significance. Famed attorney, Melvin Belli's last wife apparently didn't think so. In defiance of preservation and historical groups she ripped off the roofs (reportedly to begin preservation) then let them go derelict. She outwitted everyone and basically demolished all but the facades.

The Western Addition- In the 1960's hundreds of blocks of Victorians were demolished to make way for progress. The black community in San Francisco was largely ousted. Hideous replacements were erected before the insanity was haulted. When people see the remaining Victorians that have been restored today, it is hard to believe that we threw away so much perfectly good, and uniquely San Franciscan, housing.

The Tonga Room- Just recently on the chopping block. Yes it is a bit goofy... rainstorms, a band on a raft floating in a swimming pool lagoon- but it was fun and so well-done! I am not sure if the battle is over yet.

The Carnelian Room- Great views, Ok food, private dining rooms... and lots of prom memories. Just closed.

Jacks- Along with the Tadish Grill, counted as the oldest San Francisco restaurant dating back to the Gold Rush.

Sutro Baths- This is the first place I went ice skating. My grandfather probably swam here. It was Victorian at it's height... hothouse, pools, museum, ice rink (in later years) and stairs, stairs, stairs! It burned just as they were tearing it down. Do I remember a mummy?

Doggie Diners- OK, just a run of the mill hot dog/hamburger chain... except for the giant fiberglass dachshund heads with chef's hats on.

The Arcade Passageway at the old Emporium: Parallel with the sidewalk, there used to be a covered arcade passageway at the old Emporium. It was closed-up many years ago before the Westerfield Center morph. It was the perfect place to display all the wonderful Christmas decorations of the 50's. Though not a perfect re-do, I am thrilled developers saved the facade and the dome of the old Emporium.

St. Mary's Cathedral on Van Ness and St Paulus on Eddy: both grand and gorgeous. Both survived the big fire of 1906, but they eventually succumbed to flames in the late 20th century.

Good Riddance!:
The Embarcadero Freeway- What were they thinking when they put this up? God knew what He was doing when he shook it down, (weakened it so it had to be torn down, actually), in the Loma Prietta earthquake in 1989! When it was built it completely shut the city off from the beautiful waterfront. It could have been worse. the original plan was to have the entire city encircled with freeways.

The Ferry Building (before it's current and glorious renovation)- Through most of my 50+ life, the Ferry Building was to be appreciated only from the outside. It was completely an underutilized gem. There was a dreary club, the World Trade Center, (I believe it was called), which filled much of the interior. Three cheers to those who designed this sensative and imaginative renovation!

The "Pink Palace" and much of the substandard 60's housing. After tearing down hundreds of homes in the Western Addition, unsightly, oftentimes dangerous, and substandard public housing was erected. Most of it didn't last 35 years and has since been torn down.

Honorable mention of some of our greatest victories: All the remaining Victorian homes, the Museum of Modern Art, the restored Conservatory of Flowers, 31 Alta Street (wow! great renovation of a rare 1850's home), Casebolt Mansion, Fisk mansion, 813 Grove, 824 Grove, 722 Steiner (owners all get a prize for good stewardship!), the Windmills at the Beach (in progress), The Beach Chalet, Hyde Street Pier, Maritime Museum restoration, City Hall retrofit and restoration, Geary and Orpheum theater restorations, Old St. Mary's retrofit, the Palace Hotel, (better than ever), Mission Dolores, Notre Dame de Victoire church retrofit,

Sorry, we will have to live with these for awhile: The new DeYoung Museum (looks like an airport), The Cal Pacific Medical Center (Pac. Heights and Davies Campuses), the Fontana East and West, The Summit and all other 60's buildings out of scale for their neighborhoods and which block so much light and the views to the bay. The Vallencort (sp?) fountain argh!), the new State building (love the green thing but god awful ugly!), ,

These could go either way: The Japan Center, The proposed Fairmont condo tower, The timeshares at Ghirardelli Square, the old Jack Tarr Hotel (ugly before- now with lot's of potential to go either way), the Mission/Octavia corridor, the old U.C. extension (at Haight/Laguna), the Nightingale House at 201 Buchanan, Julius' Castle, the Payne Mansion.

Posted by George

http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/

This Native San Franciscan's 7 favorite places to picnic.

First start by getting amazing things to pack in your basket. I suggest going to Molinari's on Columbus in North Beach. While in the neighborhood pick up some fresh foccacia bread at Liguria Bakery (Stockton and Filbert). This should get you started!

1. Sutro Park- the bluffs above the Cliffhouse has some of the most extraordinary ocean views in town. Bring warm clothes just in case.

2. The waterfall at Stowe Lake or next to the rough stone bridge a few yards away. It is so peaceful here. The lake is filled with a variety of wild birds and hundreds of turtles.
For years we have enjoyed picnics floating around the lake in a rented row boat.

3. The Portals of the Past in Golden Gate Park. The doorway to the former Towne mansion is the city's sole monument to those who survived the 1906 earthquake and fire. It sits on the far shore of the lake like a temple. A melancholly, yet lovely, reminder of old San Francisco.

4. Washington Square Park in North Beach. The park is full of views, activity and life. Not as serene as the above settings- but you will certainly know you are in the heart of San Francisco. Just blocks from Golden Bear!

5. Fort Mason- the bluffs above the bay have sheltering trees and expansive lawns. The view out the Golden Gate is breathtaking.

6. Any sunny place you can find on the path between Land's end (near the Cliff House) and the Legion of Honor at Lincoln Park. As has been mentioned in an earlier blog- this part of San Francisco is little known- even to natives. It is breathtaking. Find a sunny sheltered spot and pretend you are in Carmel/Point Lobos.

7. The east side of Alamo Square. The east side of the park is far more protected from wind then the west. It also enjoys the view of the famous "Painted Ladies of Postcard Row" (aka: 7 Sisters).
This view is iconic San Francisco, with the park, the old city in the foreground and the towering skyscrapers of the new city as a backdrop. Pick out the spot where the cast of the long-running TV series, "Full House" had it's opening credits picnic. Guests at Golden Bear often cap off their picnic with a glass of wine with their hosts inside one of these famous homes.

Posted by George

http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/

A Native San Franciscan's 10 Favorite Places to Visit that are FREE and Off the Beaten Path

1. Hike from Coit Tower down the Greenwich Steps to Montgomery Street. Make a right and walk up the lower part of Montgomery to Alta Street. At #31 appreciate this beautifully restored Gold Rush Era home. Walk back toward the Filbert steps and don't miss the beautiful art deco building (featured in Bogart and Bacall's film noire classic, "Dark Passage". Look up- Bogart is peering out the window as he did in the film!). Take the Filbert Steps through the Grace Marchant Gardens "I don't think we are in Kansas anymore" is a quote that rings true here! At Napier Lane walk down San Francisco's last wooden street. Be quiet and respectful- people live here. Walk all the way down to Sansome and the Levi Plaza. If you are really energetic make a left and head back up the Greenwich steps - you will pass all of the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill.

2. Catch a Sunday Free concert at Sigmund Stern Grove. 19th and Sloat. Sundays 2PM. Check earlier blog for schedule and website.

3. Pace through the labrynth in Grace Cathedral. It is a gorgeous setting and the process can be truly "centering". California and Taylor Streets.

4. Walk down Stockton Street (from Washington Square) for a taste of the real and untouristy Chinatown. Though it can be a bit shocking, it is always fascinating. Turn down Washington Street and make a left down Ross Alley to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company (Fortune cookies are a SF invention!). Retrace your steps to Washington Street and cross over to Waverly Lane... the site of many bloody Tong Wars in the 19th cenury. Mid-block on the right is a sign that says Tin How Temple. Take the stairs to the very top and experience one of the oldest Buddhist temples in North America.

5. Go to the Industrial Light and Magic campus in the Presidio. The Yoda fountain is charming and inside the lobby are some wonderful "Star Wars" memorabilia.

6. Walk from the Cliff House at Land's End to the Legion of Honor museum in Lincoln Park. The waves and the cliffs are breathtaking. It is hard to believe you are within the city boundaries of San Francisco. No joking aside, a healthy respect for the cliff's edge is recommended.

7. Take a stroll through the Gold Rush era Barbary Coast in Jackson Square. Walk down Jackson Street from Montgomery. The buildings on the left sit on the shore of the original bay cove (1850's). Look to your right and the buildings are built on fill (1860s). On Hotalling Alley, the original bay shore is represented by the wavey pavement. The cast iron facade of the building on the SE corner is the Hotalling whisky warehouse that was saved, because of it's treasured contents, from the fire in 1906. There was a saying at the time that said SF was punished by fire for being wicked. The plaque on the building pokes at this notion saying (roughly) "If God spanked the town for being over-frisky, why did He burn the churches down and save Hotaling's whiskey?"! Also in the area: The Old Ship Saloon (notorious for shanghaing sailors- built over a sunken ship, as were most of the buildings in the whole area), the original Ghirardelli Building, (Jackson near Sansome), the Firehouse on Pacific (near Sansome) and the old Hippodrome Dancehall (looks like it might have back in the Wild West) on Pacific near Kearney. San Francisco really blew it when it allowed the fabulous Belli buildings at Montgomery near Jackson, to be, (all but), torn down. Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde and Melvin Belli were associated with these wonderful buildings.

8. Free Band Concerts at the Spreckles Bandshell in Golden Gate Park. Sundays from 1PM. to about 2:45. June through late September. The artists vary from the City band to a wide variety of guest artists. There is just something pleasing and timeless about sitting in the park and hearing a live orchestra! www.goldengateparkband.org Check for scheduling.

9. Fly a kite on the Marina Green. This patch of grass between Marina Blvd and the Bay is one of the best places to people-watch. Joggers, volleyball players, picnics, sunbathers, dogs... and kites- of all kinds make for a pleasant day against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

10.At Golden Bear Inns and rentals: Complimentary wine or ice tea on the rooftop deck overlooking the bay, Alcatraz, the crookedest street- Lombard, the Golden Gate Bridge, Russian and Nob Hills, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Coit Tower and Grace Cathedral. If the weather is too chilly - complimentary wine inside one of the "Painted Ladies of Postcard Row" on Alamo Square.

These and other suggestions are available from your hosts at Golden Bear Inns and Apartment Rentals.

Posted by George

http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/

Mt. Diablo Jazz Festival Features Powerhouse Headliners.

Saturday August 14th - Book tickets now to see legends George Benson, Natalie Cole, Tower of Power, Brian Culbertson and Lucy Woodward. Tickets on Sale Now at www.livenation.com or call 1-800-745-3000. Show is at the Pavillion at Concord.

GoldenBear guests - take BART (subway) to this nearby event.

Posted by George

www.sfgoldenbear.net

San Francisco Symphony 2010-2011 tickets on Sale now! Tickets start at $15.

Michael Tilson Thomas at the baton. Guest artists from Jessye Norman, Rufus Wainwright to Itzhak Perlman and Lang Lang. How about Beethoven's Missa Solemnis and Orff's Carmina Burana for a teaser? Check website for more details. www.sfsymphony.org or call
415-864-6000.

Book a room at GoldenBear when you book your tickets. An arts weekend in San Francisco can be affordable!

Posted by George

www.sfgoldenbear.net

Comedy Club Lovers Alert! Tracy Morgan, Norm MacDonald, Goldthwait, Ralphie May coming soon.

GoldenBear vacation/corporate rentals, North Beach, is only blocks from San Francisco's premier comedy club... Cobb's. 915 Columbus @Lombard. Check the Cobb's website for dates and full listings of performances. www.cobbscomedy.com 415-928-4320
Hilarious!

Posted by George

www.sfgoldenbear.net

City Arts and Lectures Series- Patti Lupone, Nora Ephron, Supreme Court Justice, Stephen Breyer and many others.

The City Arts and Lectures Series kicks off it's 30th Anniversary of Cultural Studies lectures on September 16th with US Supreme Court Justice, Stephen Bryer. Lectures continue regularly until November 22nd with Nora Ephron. All lectures are at 8PM at the Herbst Theater in the Civic Center.

Check the website for a full listing of speakers.

www.cityarts.net

415-392-4400

Golden Bear properties are located within easy distance to Herbst Theater and the Civic Center.

Posted by George

www.sfgoldenbear.net

The Best San Francisco Advice I Can Give to Our Guests...

1.Wear layers of clothing. Most every time of year the weather here is unpredictable and changes depending on the time of day and where you are in the city. The myth of "Sunny California" usually does not apply to San Francisco. The winter is usually rainy. June through early July's pattern is usually fog in the morning, followed by sunshine and then fog in the evening. However there are parts of the city that see no sun in these months. The Spring and especially the Fall are warm and clear- but there is always the sea breeze.

2. Book Alcatraz well in advance. We have seen many visitors who have waited until they got here to book- only to find Alcatraz sold out days or weeks in advance. Check earlier entry on this blog for a list of all important phone numbers, including Alcatraz.

3. Don't rent a car to tour San Francisco. It is like driving around Manhattan. Parking is hard to find and can be expensive. Most every San Francisco attraction is near a GoldenBear property. San Francisco can be hard to navigate with all the hills, one way streets, streetcar and cable car tracks. Parking is difficult throughout the city and their are fines and tickets galore (ie. don't forget to curb your wheels when parking on hills). Of coarse, if you are renting a car for a day trip to the wine country or Monterey - Golden Bear locations are near many rental companies.

4. Book Beach Blanket Babylon tickets. It often sells out so book in advance. In all the years we have run GoldenBear we have never heard a guest say they didn't love this show.

5. The 49 Mile Drive through the city is a grab bag of worthwhile vistas and some that are forgetable. It seems like whoever drew this up needed to come up with 49 Miles (49ers of Gold Rush fame) and didn't want to leave any neighborhood out. Check with the hosts at GoldenBear for advice on what to see and what to skip. The 49 Mile drive runs right past our door in North Beach.

Posted by George

www.sfgoldenbear.net

San Francisco Opera Season 2010-2011 Promises to be a Winner!

San Francisco Opera kicks off it's Season in September with "Aida". It will be a varied season with something for most every taste: "Werther", "The Marriage of Figaro", "Madama Butterfly", "Cyrano de Bergerac", "Das Rheingold", "Die Walkure", "The Makropulos Case", "Gotterdammerung", "Siegfried". Stay tuned for "the Ring" summer in 2011!

http://www.sfopera.com/

As always- The GoldenBear Inn's locations make a night at the opera, affordable and convenient!

Posted by George

http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/

August 14-15, 2010- te SF Outsidelands Concerts Return to the Polo Fields in Golden Gate Park

Music, Food, Music , Wine, Music, Fine Art, Music... Don't miss out on the San Francisco Outsidelands festival and concerts. Restaurant and Winery tents, DJ's, and lots and lot's of live music by some of the most cutting edge bands in the country, make this festival more and more popular every year. There is far too much to describe here so just visit the official website:

http://www.sfoutsidelands.com/

Easy transportation from all locations of the Goldenbear Inns!


posted by George

http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/

September 24, 8PM. Opera at ATT Park. Live Simulcast. San Francisco Opera presents Aida

Opera lovers get ready! The new season of the San Francisco Opera is ready to kick off in September. For those who enjoy opera, but who would like a more casual experience- there will be a live simulcast performance of "Aida"at the AT&T ballpark. Getting there can be half the fun...Golden Bear Inn's guests can take an evening bayside stroll along the Embarcadero to the park or take the antique streetcars (the F line) home within blocks of our North beach location.

http://www.sfopera.com/

Posted by George

http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/

A weekend of Garlic Bliss... in Gilroy or Just a few Blocks from the Golden Bear Inns

July 23, 24, 25 - Gilroy, California celebrates it's Garlic festival. Garlic in all it's forms can be found for purchase, tasting or just for smelling. If there is no time for the hour+ drive from San Francisco- Golden Bear Inn's guests can just take a stroll down Columbus Avenue to "The Stinking Rose" for the very same delights!

Posted by George

http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/

Golden Bear Wishes You a Happy Bastille Day: San Francisco Celebrates

San Francisco never needs an excuse to celebrate. Ever since the days of the Gold Rush the city has enjoyed a vibrant French community. Today is Bastille Day and there are parties and events all over town. $1 French pastries, special drinks and street parties to name a few of the events. Go to:
http://onlyinsanfrancisco.com/bit.ly/bIp6EY for a list of some of the events.

Posted by George at www.sfgoldenbear.net

"Dirty Dancing" in the Park

This Saturday, July 17, 2010, 8:00 PM. Film Night @ Union Square will be showing a free outdoor screening of the iconic "Dirty Dancing". Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey... and YOU, under the stars. "Nobody puts baby in the corner!" http://365insf.com/98-film-night-in-the-park-at-union-square

Posted by George at http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/

Free Museum Marathon July 16-18

July 16-18 The following Museums- SFMOMA, De Young, Contemporary Jewish Museum, MoAd and Zeum, are all taking turns offering free general Admision. Enjoy the cultural feast! http://bit.ly/d3rha1

Posted by George at http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/

Golden Bear Accomodations: Important Phone numbers and live links to book top San Francisco Attractions and Restaurants

Alcatraz: 415-981-7625 http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/

Beach Blanket Babylon: 415-421-4222 http://www.beachblanketbabylon.com/
678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green Street)

Goldenbear Vacation, Corporate Rentals and B&B's: www.sfgoldenbear.net

Opera and Ballet: 415-865-2000 War Memorial Opera House

Symphony: 415-421-TIXs 401 Van Ness at Grove

Sedan or Limo from the Airport, Sightseeing or private Wine Country Tours:
Ask Amber for Details when Booking.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride: (Excellent tours of San Francisco in restored antique vehicles) 415- 205-3303 or 877-467-8623 http://www.mrtoadstours.com/

The Wine Train: (travel through the Napa Valley vinyards at a slow pace while dining in an elegant vintage train) 1-800-427-4124

Our Favorite Restaurants: The following restaurants may, or may not, be included on serious foody reviews as the "top 10" . They are however, representative of many locals' favorites. Over the last 15 years, these are some of the eateries our return guests are most eager to revisit.

Scoma's: (all prices at the wharf are about the same- the quality here is excellent and the portions a bit more generous. No reservations. Very casual. The setting is the only atmosphere- low key decor) http://www.scomas.com/
415-771-4383 800- 644-5852

La Barca: (Excellent Cal-Mex food with wonderful blended margaritas. Huge portions, excellent service. Beware on some nights the place can be crowded and VERY noisy. Go at about 5:30-6:30 and you will be pleased).
415-921-2221 2036 Lombard Street near Webster.

Firenze by Night: (In the heart of North Beach. High quality standard Italian fare- but their seafood dishes will bring a smile to your face- at considerably less prices than the wharf.). 415-392-8585 1429 Stockton Street

Sodini's: (one of the last truly mom and pop Italian restaurants in North Beach. Authentic!) 415-291-0499 510 Green Street

The Slanted Door: (One of my all time favorite of the newer SF restaurants. Vietnamese/Cal fusion with views of the Bay Bridge. In the Ferry Building.) 415- 861-8032 1 Ferry Building

Boulevard: (Our other favorite of the newer SF dining hotspots. Fine food/creative/subtle. located in a charming city landmark on the waterfront).
415-543-6084 http://www.boulevardrestaurant.com/ 1 Mission Street

Tadich Grill: (reputed to be the oldest operating restaurant in SF from the Gold Rush 1849. Something special. Try the cioppino) 415-391-1849
240 California Street.

Sam's Anchor Cafe: (If you find yourself in Tiburon after a bay cruise or a bike ride over the GG Bridge - have lunch or dinner on the deck over the bay. The best calamari ever! Famous for their burgers and entertaining seaguls).
415-435-4527 27 Main Street, Tiburon http://www.samscafe.com/

Pelican Inn: (Stop in before/after a visit to nearby Muir Woods. You will swear you are in a west country 16th century English inn. Tops in atmosphere with traditional, but well-prepared dishes. After, take a walk on Muir Beach and look back at the city of SF). 415-383-600 10 Pacific Way , Muir Beach http://www.pelicaninn.com/

Trattoria Contadina: (Excellent Italian fare. Just off the Powell/Mason cable car line. Reservations are a must. It is just that good). 415-982-5728
1800 Mason at Union

Fisherman's Grotto #9 (downstairs Venetian): (a favorite of our family for over 50 years. The decor is simple, traditional with wondeful Venetian gondola posts. The seafood is of excellent quality and the price, consistent with the wharf. http://www.fishermansgrotto.com/ 415-673-7025 9 Fisherman's Wharf

Cliff House (bistro): 1090 Point Lobos 415-386-3330. (The main modern restaurant to the right is really pricey and disappoints. Go to the bistro for brunch. Views, good service, reasonable, atmosphere and good food).

House of Nanking: (Though not necessarily authentic, many locals call this the best Chinese food in town. It is crowded, there is a line, but it moves fast. Go for adventure and fun - but not for a quiet dinner. It is very interactive and very inexpensive). 415-421-1429 919 Kearney Street

Roosevelt Tamale Parlor: 2817 24th St. (Authentic California-Mexican food in the heart of the Mission. It is clean. the food is fresh. the sevice is friendly).
415-824-2600

Gary Danko: http://www.garydanko.com/ 415-749-2060 800 North Point (If you are a foody... Eat here Now!).

House of Prime Rib: (Simply the best, and least fussy, place for someone who want a really fine beef dinner. The salad is also extraordinary. No reservations. 415-885-4605 1906 Van Ness Ave. http://www.houseofprimerib.net/

Betelnut: (I love everthing about this place. Indoor/outdoor Chinese/Cal fusion). 415-929-8855 2030 Union Street http://www.betelnutrestaurant.com/

The French Laundry: (the current high temple of eating in Northern California. Reservations are usually very hard to come by. Take out a second mortgage on your house first! Those in the know say it is worth it.) 707-934-2380 6640 Washington Street, Yountville http://www.frenchlaundry.com/

Chez Panisse: 510-548-1572 1517 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley. (Alice Waters' restaurant and cafe have been lining them up for years. Not as pricey as French Laundry can be, she still remains the grande dame of Bay Area eateries) http://www.chezpanisse.com/

More restuarant tips to follow!
Posted by Goldenbear host- George

Attention San Francisco Theater Lovers- Summer Theater Offerings for Golden Bear Guests

Because of our proximity to downtown and easy access to cable cars and other public transportation, Golden Bear guests have often taken advantage of the opera, ballet, symphony and Broadway theater offerings. The summer of 2010 offers a variety of options that will please just about every taste.

"Wicked", (musical) Orpeum Theater at Market and Hyde. through Sept 5 tickets: $30-$99

"Young Frankenstein" (musical) June 30- July 25. at the Golden Gate Theater
1 Taylor Street. $30-$99

"Peter Pan" (musical) at Justin Herman Plaza/Ferry Park at Clay and Embarcadero. $30-$125

"The Tosca Project" at the Geary Theater 405 Geary Street. $15-$69

Beach Blanket Babylon (revue with music) at Club Fugazi 678 Green & Powell Streets $25-$80 *

*Our "Postcard Row" house is featured on the huge San Francisco finale hat in BBB. Book a room today! www.sfgoldenbear.net or 1-888-982-2632

San Francisco Gay Pride Weekend June 26-27

Over the years the San Francisco Gay Pride weekend has become, not only a celebration of the LGTB community of this city, but is an event attended by every segment of the population and a good many visitors and tourists as well. The parade begins on Market Street on Sunday the 27th at 10:30AM, and winds up at the Civic Center at Polk and Grove. This year the parade features Nancy Pelosi, the Backstreet Boys and author, Alice Walker. For more details check www.sfpride.org . As of June 24th there are still a few of our best rooms available at Goldenbear Accomodations. Book today! www.sfgoldenbear.net or call toll free 1-888-982-2632.

Free Concerts at Sigmund Stern Grove June 20-August 22

Join in on a longstanding San Francisco tradition (73rd Anniversary) of free Sunday concerts in Sigmund Stern Grove. Guests at Golden Bear Accomodations can access a number of direct bus lines to the Grove (at the corner of 19th Avenue and Sloat Blvd). Concerts are every Sunday at 2PM. Check this link for a calendar of concerts ranging from Opera, Symphony,Jazz to Ballet. http://www.sterngrove.org/
Book a room at Goldenbear http://www.sfgoldenbbear.net/ . or call toll-free
1-888-982-2632.

"Peter Pan" the show - direct from London in 360* special discount seats available July 1-4

Only a fifteen minute walk from Golden Bear Accommodations North Beach location, and a delightful Cable Car ride from the Pacific Heights location- The US premiere of this innovative, original production is offering special discounted tickets through http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/ . Word is that the flying scenes and projections are spectacular! Book a room and stay in the heart of it all: http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/

4th of July Fireworks, Rooftop Terrace, Rhapsody in Blue?

Book a room at Golden Bear Accommodations over the 4th (2 night minimum) and join us at our annual Independance day party. San Francisco celebrates with synchronized firework displays all across the waterfront. From our prized vantage point we can see two of the displays against a backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf and the crookedest street (Lombard)... all of this timed to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue! Complementary to all our guests at either of our locations. Call for details. Golden Bear Vacation, Corporate Rentals and Guesthouses: www.sfgoldenbear.net 1-888-982-2632 (free call within the US or Canada).