Traveling to SF in June......advice

[cougarfreak]

So, my wife booked us a trip in SF for my 40th birthday. We are going to see the Reds and Giants play on Thurs, Fri., Sat. I'm looking at the Hilton in Union Square. Anyone stayed/been there? Thoughts about the area? Is it safe, any problems? How far from the ballpark will we be, good restaurants?

[Rizon]

You are like 10 blocks from the park.

There are no safe places in SF at night. It is a pretty scary place. When you are walking at night just look like you are crazy and the crazy people will leave you alone. Otherwise you will get shived and forced into prostitution and not necessarily in that order.

[cougarfreak]

Originally Posted by Rizon

You are like 10 blocks from the park.

There are no safe places in SF at night. It is a pretty scary place. When you are walking at night just look like you are crazy and the crazy people will leave you alone. Otherwise you will get shived and forced into prostitution and not necessarily in that order.

So, seriously, would you recommend staying someplace else, further out?

[Rizon]

Originally Posted by cougarfreak

So, seriously, would you recommend staying someplace else, further out?

No, actually the Hilton is fine. SF is just like any big city where all the weirdos come out at night.

[Buccaneer]

Do yourself a favor and ignore Rizon. Here's a good previous thread San Francisco Vacation - Front Office Football Central

[cougarfreak]

Which one's closer to the park, Hilton at Union Square, or Hilton Fisherman's Wharf?

[Buccaneer]

Imagine your left hand as the SF peninsula. Hold it out straight. The tip of the index finger would be Fisherman's Wharf. Its middle knuckle would be Union Square. The ballpark would be the tip of the thumb, I think.

[cougarfreak]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

Imagine your left hand as the SF peninsula. Hold it out straight. The tip of the index finger would be Fisherman's Wharf. Its middle knuckle would be Union Square. The ballpark would be the tip of the thumb, I think.

So no huge difference. Thanks.

[AENeuman]

Hilton is Union Square is good, has nice hotel sports bar. It's right in between the theater district, union square and tenderloin. it is safe, the police are everywhere...

i've spent last 16 years roaming that area doing pub crawls, summer camps and date nights, never a problem.

it's a long walk to the park, and you should not do it at night. can take a quick cab ride or a bus.

there is a really cool speakeasy bar two blocks from your hotel called bourbon and branch. you have to make a reservation online and they give email you a password to enter, great cocktails.

a block up from your hotel is jonny foleys, a good irish bar/restaurant. at night in the basement they a have a dueling piano bar, very crowded, but fun.

june is the beginning of the foggy months, the night games are going to be cold.

there are so many great place to eat and drink, i can give you rec's if you tell me what you like.

for your birthday dinner you should go to the house of prime rib, super amazing, and not crazy expensive.

the tonga room at the fairmont is an experience you will never forget

have fun. remember, no plastic bags or kid meal toys, so bring your own

[JonInMiddleGA]

Rizon's first post is a darned good example of my reaction to visiting SF for a couple of days nearly 20 years ago.

Until then, I figured "I've been in Atlanta plenty, I know what a 'city' is like".
SF laid that notion to rest pretty damned fast.

[DanGarion]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

Imagine your left hand as the SF peninsula. Hold it out straight. The tip of the index finger would be Fisherman's Wharf. Its middle knuckle would be Union Square. The ballpark would be the tip of the thumb, I think.

Yeah that is about right.

We stayed at the Sir Francis Drake right next to Union Square last time we were there. Honestly I've never felt scared walking around SF at night, even when I went there on my own when I was 23 for a couple nights. Things are only scary if you make them that way... IMO. And just to note I had never really hung out in a BIG metropolitan city ever before my first trip to SF. It really is a blast checking it out.

If you are in the Union Square area I HIGHLY suggest checking out the Gold Dust. http://www.yelp.com/biz/gold-dust-lo...an-francisco-2

[AENeuman]

Originally Posted by DanGarion

If you are in the Union Square area I HIGHLY suggest checking out the Gold Dust. http://www.yelp.com/biz/gold-dust-lo...an-francisco-2

Sadly, it looks like gold dust is going to be shut down. was/is one of my favorites in the city. here is a nice article today from the chronicle sports guy:
San Franciscans must step up for Gold Dust Lounge

[Buccaneer]

Last summer (June), AENeuman and I walked Union Sq. at night, stopping off at Gold Dust, Johnny Foley's and a few other places I can't think of. I was struck at the amount of tourists in that area at night.

[Buccaneer]

Originally Posted by AENeuman

Sadly, it looks like gold dust is going to be shut down. was/is one of my favorites in the city. here is a nice article today from the chronicle sports guy:
San Franciscans must step up for Gold Dust Lounge

Tearing it down to build a women's clothing store?!? WTF

[cougarfreak]

Good stuff, thanks guys.

[DaddyTorgo]

Union Square is fine.

SF is a great city. Love it.

[Karlifornia]

Impossible not to have fun in SF, unless you are just trying not to.

[sooner333]

I would take the MUNI train to the game from Union Square.

[cougarfreak]

If you guys had the choice, which is the better area (if it matters), Fisherman's Wharf, or Union Square? Much of a difference?

[Mr. Sparkle]

Don't stay around Fisherman's Wharf. Plenty going on around Union Square at all hours, tons of great bars and restaurants, easy to get pretty much anywhere, much easier route to the ballpark, etc.

[Buccaneer]

Originally Posted by Mr. Sparkle

Don't stay around Fisherman's Wharf. Plenty going on around Union Square at all hours, tons of great bars and restaurants, easy to get pretty much anywhere, much easier route to the ballpark, etc.

I agree with this.

[sterlingice]

I enjoyed San Fran a lot and we stayed out by the airport. Our biggest regret is that we didn't stay closer into the city, which is not something I usually say (for instance, in Chicago, I don't mind staying out by O'Hare and taking the El or in DC, I always stay outside the Beltway and take the Metro).

San Francisco was easily one of my favorite cities to visit as there's so much to do there. I highly recommend the night tour for Alcatraz as the programs they did were excellent. However, my favorite thing to do was Muir Woods- the redwoods are like nothing I have ever seen before. My wife and I spent a good 4 or 5 hours there, hiking around the woods and then going up the side of the hill to look down into it with the clouds covering the forest. Just an amazing place.

SI

[DaddyTorgo]

Yeah - good point. Get over to Muir woods...absolutely.

[JediKooter]

Bring a jacket.

If you're a Star Wars fan and would like a tour of ILM, let me know. I'm there on Thursdays. If you would like a tour of Skywalker Ranch, I'm near there on Wednesdays and Fridays.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by JediKooter

If you're a Star Wars fan and would like a tour of ILM, let me know. I'm there on Thursdays. If you would like a tour of Skywalker Ranch, I'm near there on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Crap, now I'm going to have to get out to another GDC, and maybe drag the kids along...

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Crap, now I'm going to have to get out to another GDC, and maybe drag the kids along...

Just let me know. I can bring up to 4 guests at a time.

[cougarfreak]

Originally Posted by JediKooter

Bring a jacket.

If you're a Star Wars fan and would like a tour of ILM, let me know. I'm there on Thursdays. If you would like a tour of Skywalker Ranch, I'm near there on Wednesdays and Fridays.

I may have to take you up on that, I'm a huge Star Wars fan. How far is this stuff from Union Square?

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by cougarfreak

I may have to take you up on that, I'm a huge Star Wars fan. How far is this stuff from Union Square?

I don't think it's too far for ILM. ILM is at the old Presidio Army base near the Golden Gate Bridge. Skywalker is about 30 minutes from the Presidio going north on the 101 and then onto (no relation) Lucas Valley road.

[cougarfreak]

OK, I am booking a reservation at the Union Square Hilton for the weekend I'm going at the end of June. Really looking forward to hitting the Reds/Giants games, seeing Alcatraz, and if Jedi can arrange it the Skywalker Ranch, or ILM.

[dawgfan]

Union Square is a nice area. You can hit up the cable cars for trips to Fisherman's Wharf and the International District (if you like Asian food, this is a must). You'll be in an area that is a great mix of shopping, restaurants and tourism - it's a good hub for venturing out too.

For a restaurant suggestion, I had a couple great meals last year at Foreign Cinema: http://foreigncinema.com/home.html. It's about a 10 minute cab ride from where you'll be staying, and you'll need a reservation, but it's a really cool place - great food, really fun ambiance.

[AENeuman]

Originally Posted by cougarfreak

OK, I am booking a reservation at the Union Square Hilton for the weekend I'm going at the end of June. Really looking forward to hitting the Reds/Giants games, seeing Alcatraz, and if Jedi can arrange it the Skywalker Ranch, or ILM.

Enjoy. Get your Alcatraz tickets before you go. Foreign Cinema is great, it's my favorite brunch spot.

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by cougarfreak

OK, I am booking a reservation at the Union Square Hilton for the weekend I'm going at the end of June. Really looking forward to hitting the Reds/Giants games, seeing Alcatraz, and if Jedi can arrange it the Skywalker Ranch, or ILM.

Are you going to be in town during a week day? Unfortunately, we can't do tours on the weekends.

[cougarfreak]

Hey Jedi, I will be in town 6/28-7/1. Arriving Thursday morning. If you can arrange anything, awesome. If not, I understand. I did score Giants/Reds tickets last night for the 6/30 bobblehead game for below face value in infield premium lower box. I was shocked that there were 2 seats left on stubhub in the box for only $70 a piece. According to the Giants site, they sell for like $103 for the bobblehead games. I might do a game on Thursday night as well, but am leaving Thursday afternoon, all day Friday, and Friday night open for things like the Prime Rib House mentioned here, Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and a potential Walker Ranch tour. Looking forward to it.

[Mr. Sparkle]

Originally Posted by cougarfreak

Hey Jedi, I will be in town 6/28-7/1. Arriving Thursday morning. If you can arrange anything, awesome. If not, I understand. I did score Giants/Reds tickets last night for the 6/30 bobblehead game for below face value in infield premium lower box. I was shocked that there were 2 seats left on stubhub in the box for only $70 a piece. According to the Giants site, they sell for like $103 for the bobblehead games. I might do a game on Thursday night as well, but am leaving Thursday afternoon, all day Friday, and Friday night open for things like the Prime Rib House mentioned here, Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and a potential Walker Ranch tour. Looking forward to it.

If you're going to a bobblehead game, plan on getting there a couple hours early at least. Lines start forming crazy early, and get long real fast. Also: I don't know how they're managing the lines this year, but if they're giving away bobbleheads at all the entrances, go to the one in the rear of the stadium behind centerfield, which is where the ferry drops people off. Tends to be much less crowded.

[Johninja]

Wear a flower in your hair.

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by cougarfreak

Hey Jedi, I will be in town 6/28-7/1. Arriving Thursday morning. If you can arrange anything, awesome. If not, I understand. I did score Giants/Reds tickets last night for the 6/30 bobblehead game for below face value in infield premium lower box. I was shocked that there were 2 seats left on stubhub in the box for only $70 a piece. According to the Giants site, they sell for like $103 for the bobblehead games. I might do a game on Thursday night as well, but am leaving Thursday afternoon, all day Friday, and Friday night open for things like the Prime Rib House mentioned here, Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and a potential Walker Ranch tour. Looking forward to it.

Ok cool. The only days would be that Thursday when you get there or Friday, since we aren't allowed to do tours on the weekends unfortunately. Sounds like you won't be around on Friday though. Hopefully Skywalker will be open by then. They're doing a major renovation to the place and it was originally supposed to be open last month, but, it's been pushed back to May/beginning of June. If all else, we could always go to the ILM facility that is at the Presidio, right by the Golden Gate bridge.

[JediKooter]

Good news everyone! Skywalker Ranch will be open to guests next week.

So Cougarfreak, if you still want to go to either Skywalker Ranch or the Presidio (ILM), let me know. Friendly reminder, I can only bring guests onto the properties during the week, they're closed on the weekends.

[cougarfreak]

I'm getting pretty fired up about the trip. I just got my tickets for the Thursday game (front row of section 313), and Saturday tickets (box seats section 105). Can't wait.

[Blackadar]

Originally Posted by cougarfreak

I'm getting pretty fired up about the trip. I just got my tickets for the Thursday game (front row of section 313), and Saturday tickets (box seats section 105). Can't wait.

Have fun. I'll be in SF in July and I'm already looking forward to it.

[cougarfreak]

Best seafood place on the wharf?

[AENeuman]

Originally Posted by cougarfreak

Best seafood place on the wharf?

Scoma's. Expensive but better than the rest.

[JediKooter]

And well crap, I feel like an ass. Didn't realize it was this week already. I can still more than likely get you guys in at Skywalker Ranch or the Presidio (ILM), but, would need to know pretty soon.

Totally forgot that you were here already.

[cougarfreak]

And well crap, I feel like an ass. Didn't realize it was this week already. I can still more than likely get you guys in at Skywalker Ranch or the Presidio (ILM), but, would need to know pretty soon.



Totally forgot that you were here already.

Nah, don't worry about it jedi, we just passed ILM, my wife booked us on an all day tour.

[JediKooter]

Ok cool. Bundle up! Its winter time here in the Bay Area.

[cougarfreak]

Man, San Fran was absolutely incredible. I'd highly recommend it to anyone. The ballpark was incredible, and the audio tour of Alcatraz was amazing. Great city to visit, we'll definitely go back in a few years.

[Rizon]

Originally Posted by cougarfreak

Man, San Fran was absolutely incredible. I'd highly recommend it to anyone. The ballpark was incredible, and the audio tour of Alcatraz was amazing. Great city to visit, we'll definitely go back in a few years.

Glad to hear you were not shived and forced into prostitution!

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Rizon

Glad to hear you were not shived and forced into prostitution!

He didn't cross the bridge to Oakland, so idk what you're talking about.

[cougarfreak]

Originally Posted by Rizon

Glad to hear you were not shived and forced into prostitution!

I didn't go to Oakland.

[Rizon]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

He didn't cross the bridge to Oakland, so idk what you're talking about.

Originally Posted by cougarfreak

I didn't go to Oakland.

wtf, you know we got some Pontiac LeMans that we drive across the bridge right??? If you hear Cougnut comin from the 20s in my trunk you know we comin.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by cougarfreak

Man, San Fran was absolutely incredible. I'd highly recommend it to anyone. The ballpark was incredible, and the audio tour of Alcatraz was amazing. Great city to visit, we'll definitely go back in a few years.

Did you do the day or evening tour of Alcatraz? We did the night one and it is one of the best National Parks I've ever been to

SI