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
Showing posts with label Alcatraz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alcatraz. Show all posts
Friday, August 13, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
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
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
Thursday, June 24, 2010
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).
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