San Francisco Travel Forum

Which is the better choice for my first time to SF? Or should I consider anther location in SF

Basically we are there for 2 days

Hi.. We liked the area down by the Wharf. It's convenient to many of the sites, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from and being near the water is something we enjoy. I always think of the Union Square area as more of the business persons area.

perfect thanks.

Both are fine but make sure Union Square really is Union Square as some areas around there (mostly west and south) get a little seedy at night. Hotel claims on location can be very misleading.

I would say the Wharf area, as well. Close to the cable car to get over to downtown. Golden Gate Bridge in sight with the bay and Alcatraz Island before you. Don't forget to walk Chinatown and eat at a restaurant in North Beach. My favorite hotel is the Best Western Tuscan Inn at Fisherman's Wharf. Only 2 days, is really not enough time,so make the most of it

I honestly would choose Union Square for a couple of reasons.

1. It's touristy, but it's also where locals go and live.

2. It's much easier to get around to other places.

3. There are actually good restaurants walking distance that arn't filled 90% with tourists.

4. There's more to do besides souveneer shopping and pier 39.

5. It's where the main bars and clubs are located.

6. Basically, Fisherman's Wharf and G. Square are nice areas to spend a few hours, but not base your stay, unless you plan on renting a car.

Enjoy!

I definitely would say the wharf area. There are many non touristy and touristy things to do and see in that area and the transportation is such that you can get anywhere very easily from the wharf even without cable cars. You can get downtown, the ferry building, chinatown, union square, the golden gate bridge, golden gate park and outlying areas of the city etc... Many restaurants and unique shops which do not sell touristy items as well. Have fun!

You might wish to visit the following website: www.baycityguide.com. If nothing else, they have maps that might make your travels in The City a lot easier. Gary

Thanks Everybody! Great advice

I think I will stay in the Wharf area I have hope to find a hotel with a view of the Bridge and the Bay. As it was stated 2 days is really not enough, Maybe I will add another day and take one away from LA. I have 2 days for the PC HWY staying in Monterey for one night. So maybe I'll cut one from LA.

I know it sounds silly but if I am in SF and can find a place with a view of the Bridge and the Bay it will really feel like I am in SF I think. Also it will give me easy acess to the ferry to Alcatraz which I hope to take it early in the day to avoid the crowds. with Lomad Street and the Presidio and a cable car route close plus walking distance to the Pier 39. . . .The kids will like to see the seals also Maybe if I was there for a week Union Square would be a good option, but AS I am only there for a Taste . . . lets taste the tourist side. AFter all I am there as a tourist, hehehehe


Thanks everyone.

As far as your coastal drive goes, you could always do a day trip, travelling along the coast north of San Francisco. The Point Reyes National Seashore, (actually a collection of beaches), and the Muir Woods are located just to the north of San Francisco. Gary

If you do go north, you might want to take your own food and have a picnic on one of the beaches. That area of the coast is fairly isolated. Another area you might consider for bay views, hiking, or a picnic, is Angel Island. You can travel there by boat from the Wharf. Gary

I don't know how much you want to spend, but the Argonaut Hotel would probally be the best value of any hotel that has views of the GGB.

I wouldn't choose either. Check out staying over by the Bay Bridge at the Harbor Court or the Griffon on the Embarcadero. Both have good rates and are located right by the water, great restaurants, the street cars, cable cars and Ferry building. Much more fun than the schocky Pier 39/Fisherman's wharf zoo.