Day 1- 4

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Day 5

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Day 6 – Monday 28 – Monterey / San Francisco

Woke to a drizzly overcast day.

Either we were blind or there is nowhere near Cannery Row to get a breakfast. Ended up with Cherry Pie and a coffee! Went to the aquarium in the morning which was superb. Bought the tickets online (valid for a year) prior to going to avoid some lengthy queues. $25 each.

It is split into a number of areas and is well deserving of all the accolades it receives. If you have young children you would spend even longer here due to the large amount of interactive stuff aimed at the kids.

Drove down to Fisherman’s Wharf which was as expected – restaurants and souvenir shops. All had first taste of clam chowder which was ok but sourdough bread only got a thumbs up from the wife (which is probably something to do with her Irish roots and taste for Soda bread)

Was unsure after reading various postings on the merits of 17 mile drive but decided to go for it particularly as both myself and my son like our golf. First few miles was not very inspiring but soon became very scenic nearer the sea, the golf courses and of course, as the value of land increased. One plot of land was for sale at $17.5 million. Stopped at all the various sights and had a look around the golf courses. Although Pebble Beach has the name I think that I would love to play at the Links at Spanish Bay if ever given a choice. Without doubt definitely worth the $5 entrance.

Then drove up the 101 to San Francisco. Especially like the idea of a lane on the road for cars with more than one passenger as we seemed to be in a big minority in this which meant the 110 mile journey was relatively straight forward.

As soon as we reached the outskirts of SF the weather changed from what had been a bright sunny afternoon to a dark cold outlook. Those posts about taking fleeces (which we had ignored) to SF looked like they may have some merit.

We were staying at the King George but had changed (thanks to a post on here) to the Fairmont where we got deal for a couple of hundred dollars more but included breakfast. We found hotel fine but had decided that the car park parking at $50 was too much and parked at the Grace Cathedral car park (few minutes walk) for $30 a night.

As we walked towards the hotel heaving all our luggage along (8pm at this time) I was suddenly aware of a huge police presence, barriers everywhere and a number of men all in dark suits. Front Desk said that they were under instructions not to inform guests why there had been a disturbance which was not exactly comforting but apart from that check in was quick and efficient. Rooms overlooked central roof area but I don’t understand the desire to pay a large amount extra to get a room with a view unless looking out the window for any great deal of time is your thing.

Hotel was a very grand place but not really our cup of tea. At the price we paid $179 a night you would be mad not to stay but at double that (normal rate) I would go elsewhere. It is a lovely hotel with good attention to detail but has a very old fashioned feel to its décor etc. Elegant is the word and it is right that hotels like this exist for customers who like the feel of hotels like it whereas I would perhaps prefer a more contemporary cutting edge boutique hotel if the same money.

I prefer a barman I can have a chat with rather than one who keeps calling me sir all the time. We were given a $40 breakfast allowance each which seems a lot but is really the cost of their breakfast buffet ($27 + tax + gratuity (for a buffet!)

Needed somewhere local and cheap to eat so asked concierge (really helpful) and he recommended Loris diner near Union Square. 10 minute walk and we were inside a themed 50s diner which was very busy with good atmosphere. Dinner $72. Then realised for the first time that what goes down in SF has to go up and takes considerably longer.

Found out that police presence was due to John Mcain giving an election rally in the hotel that day.

The Duck Club @ the Monterey Plaza near the aquarium has great breakfasts! Thanks for the report, sounds like you had a great time. :)

great report so far....please keep the installments coming!

Day 7 – Tues 29 – San Francisco

Bizarre scenario at breakfast where as stated it was a buffet. To go in you gave your name and room number to person at door who then directed you to a table. The restaurant was huge but the self important idiot at the door decided that as he had the power to make people wait he would. You had the scenario of a half empty restaurant with the lobby looking like an airport waiting lounge whilst he grandly called out a name every 5 minutes as though he was allowing them onto hallowed ground.

We always like to do a city tour as gives us a good overview of the city and helps us get our bearings but are loathe to go on a big coach etc and prefer a personal touch if we can. Had looked at various options but went with a company called Jeep tours. Slightly concerned that they would not turn up as could not book on the internet and had to ring a mobile to get hold of them. But no worries as bang on time they turned up with a driver called Jamie who used to be in SF PD and had been resident most of his life. We had a 3 hour trip in this open sided jeep and we have never been so cold in all our lives! He was very informative and went around all the major and minor stops. Would of liked more photo stops but overall was very good. $200 cost was I think not too bad when it was just the 4 of us. I would of asked more questions but my face had now gone blue and my mouth was unable to move. Please listen to the experts (unlike me) – take something warm to wear (like a duvet).

We were dropped off at Fishermans Wharf at Pier 39. It is what it is and exactly what you think it will be. You go to these places when you are on holiday but as a local I don’t suppose you go near them.

On walking along the front we noticed a small sign on Pier 45 saying Musee Mecanique. I remembered reading about it having old penny attractions etc so we went in (free). This was perhaps one of the best 60 minutes we spent together as a family. Inside there are loads of arcade type games ranging from vintage to the 1980s (kids claimed these were also vintage but me and the wife were in our element). What makes it so great is that every machine is working and cost 25 cents to play. We really had a great time in there – a real hidden gem in my opinion.

We then thought we would get cable car from Jefferson Street back to Nob Hill but when we got there the queue was enormous so we decided to walk to Bay Street and get one from there.

On arriving at Bay Street we were faced with a bigger queue than before but decided that it ‘might’ go down quickly. 70 minutes later we reached the front!

I think there must have been an issue as there were about 10 workmen on the turnaround down a hole sorting out something with the trams almost backing up in the streets. I toyed with the idea of walking up a few stops but wisely as it turned out gave that idea a miss.

Got on and as this was, I had already decided, not going to be a regular form of transport made sure we all hung on the outside to maximize the experience. It was good fun and only marred but quite an aggressive ‘driver’ who at one time was asked by a tourist in somewhat broken English whether it stopped near Union square. He replied by saying ‘what’s it got to do with you, go and sit back down’. There was an embarrassed silence from all around which was then increased when he turned to another passenger and said ‘bit of a translation problem with English there I think’.

All very unnecessary but hopefully just having a very bad day at work.

That evening we had the best meal of the whole holiday.

Based on reviews etc I had booked a table at the Slanted Door at the Ferry Building. (if the night we went was anything to go by then booking is essential).

This is a contemporary Vietamese style restaurant. If you love Thai etc then you must go here. Everything from the food to the service was top notch. Of special note was their spring rolls, caramalised King Prawns and Catfish pot. $200.

Day 8 – Wed 30 – San Francisco

Today we decided to go cycling.

I would love to of been the person who came up with the idea that visitors would love to cycle across the bridge when the majority of these people probably never ever get on a bike.

Well you can put me and the wife in that category. Now I can ride but am not exactly fit whereas my wife is physically fitter but you wouldn’t want to be within 10 yards of her when she is on a bike.

We hired them from Blazing Saddles at Jefferson as nearer the bridge then the other places. Only by about ½ mile but hey it all counts.

We set of along with what seemed like every nation under the sun in some sort of comic version of the Tour de France. After a while my son got bored waiting and rode off into the fog whilst the three of us ambled behind.

The ride is reasonably flat except for a hill up to the bridge itself. In normal alpha male mode I decided that obviously I could ride up there whilst my wife, with normal feminine intelligence, decided that a nice slow walk up was the option.

I reached the top and waited for her arrival. This was not due to any form of gallantry but more the fact that my legs had turned to jelly and I couldn’t move.

Bridge itself was covered in a damp cold mist which made photo opportunities a bit limited. There are phones on the bridge which say ‘don’t despair help is at hand’. I wasn’t sure if that meant I could ring someone up and they would come and get me in a car!

As soon as you cross the bridge the sun is out and you begin your descent into Sausalito. I am not sure what the residents must think. This is obviously a wealthy nice place on the bay which is daily invaded by hundreds of bikes. Obviously the shops and restaurants must be happy. Tip – don’t try and park your bike with all the others when you first reach the town. Ride through and leave in car park where you get the ferry back – loads more space.

Had nice lunch and look around the shops. Make sure you look at ferry times. The one we wanted only went at 3.30 and 5.30pm in the afternoon and we were ready about 4.15pm. This meant we had to get boat to the Ferry Building which meant a longer trip back to the bike shop.

Ferry is mad. Like a bike troop carrier and when you land you then have to try and remember which ones is yours amongst 100s of identical ones and then carry it up a flight of stairs to get off. Again showed me that patient queuing beyond the limits of some people as a mad rush took place.

After returning bikes we went up to Ghiradelli Square where there is not really much to see. One tip – if you want a cab rather than wait for cable car at Jeffereson then go the entrance to Ghiradelli on Larkin where cabs went past all the time and were easy to stop.

That evening walked into Chinatown. Chinatown here is same as London and probably everywhere else. The face you see is the one for the tourists of souvenir shops and neon lit restaurants. The real Chinatown being the one down the small alleys and in the backstreets.

Faced with an impossible array of restaurants we went to one recommended by Jamie from Jeep Tours called Oriental Pearl.

This was certainly not one you would of gone in from the outside but inside was packed out with locals and a lot of Chinese (always a good sign). To be honest the food was not great although large in amount served. $112.

It was around now that we heard about the fires near Yosemite and you have the mixed emotion of concern for people living there and a concern for your holiday plans.

On returning to the hotel our passports had turned up thanks to the Magic Castle in Hollywood.

Day 9 – Thurs 31 – San Francisco

I knew the day would come but had tried to not think about it – we were going shopping. Son has recently turned into a shopaholic so was now outnumbered 3 to 1 so accepted my fate with a much grace as I could muster.

Zara, Macys, Abercrombie, Bloomingdales, Levis….- no door was left unentered. Tip – for the cheapest mens Levis go to Macys for Men ($31 dollars compared to $45 in Levis shop). At home would pay $100-$120 dollars.

My shopping consisted of $10 spent on Budweiser. Went back to the hotel and crashed for an hour and consoled the Credit Cards for their hard days work.

That evening we had booked a trip to Alcatraz. This was booked up online a few months ago. Tip – essential to prebook evening tours and wise for day trips.

The weather for the last two days had been great and quite warm but on the bay in the evening is another matter – wear something warm.

The audio tour on the island is the best audio tour I have ever heard. It is voiced by previous guards and inmates so has a real authentic edge. You then have a number of talks / mini tours you can go on. We went on one called famous inmates which again was really good.

Caught the 8.40pm ferry back. Had thought about going to Pier 23 for dinner as liked the atmosphere there and they had music on that night. Decided against it as lot of the tables are outside and was just too cold.

As we had gone American, Vietnamese, Chinese the next natural choice was Indian (apologies to every other nationality!).

On the ferry had found a brochure and seen a restaurant called Gaylord at No 1 Embarcadero. Eventually got a cab who had never heard of it so got dropped off at the Ferry Building and we set off with a map. Asked about 4 locals who had never heard of it but kept going and eventually found the building. At front was some sort of doorman who had never heard of the restaurant. We went in and up a few flights of escalators in a deserted residential / office mix of a building until on the top floor we found the restaurant. The woman at the front nearly jumped out of her skin when we woke her from her slumber so I was not expecting the best of times.

No surprise to say that we were the only ones in there.

Again when you expect little you often get a lot. Food was fantastic and we eat a lot of Indian food. Waiter was from Nepal and two of his brothers were Gurkhas in the British Army so my respect for him and his family was already high before I got the food. Restaurant seems to be in financial area so maybe very busy in daytime.

Make the effort to find – it is worth it for great fresh Indian food. $115.

Caught cab back. We found cabs by far the best way to get around. Very easy to get and the best value by far comparing LA, SF and LV. Average trip was less than $10 for the 4 of us.

Had a drink in the Tonga / Hurricane Bar in the hotel to mainly see the indoor rainstorm which was ok - bit like upmarket Rainforest Café. Tomorrow we were leaving for Yosemite.

Whole family had loved San Francisco. Seemed a manageable size whereas LA seemed a daunting mass of areas with no real centre. Great restaurants and shops and a nice feel to it. Had read about homeless people hassling you and areas not to visit (2 shootings in Mission District when we were there) but this is same for any city in the world.

Would loved to have seen more such as murals at Gait Tower and explored North Beach and Haight areas but hopefully another time.

Your TR is amazing absolutely loved it. We will be there soon and your report has certainly been of great help in planning a day in San Fransisco.

THANK YOU

Brilliant again. Had me laughing very loudly at your bike ride...thank god I'm not reading this at work lol

Don't forget to post a link to the next little lot...

Great reports. I'm surprised to hear about the tip being automatically added onto your bill. That is not normal unless you are a group, usually 6-8 or more. Maybe since you are British they do it, whereas it's never done for locals. By the way, you don't have to pay the 18% tip or whatever they tack on, if you don't feel it is warranted.

Also a little surprise at how expensive your meals were for a family of 4. Our family of 4 usually spends $60-80, we don't usually get drinks though.

I like your witty writing style.