So I posted a while back asking about 4th of July ideas. Still haven't figured out precisely where we're going to watch them from, but I'm not so concerned at this point. "Over the bay" is a good enough answer for me.
Mostly I'm just excited to be getting out of the NE for a while. I've got a few things planned, and I might try to pester any locals for more ideas in the next day or two.
I'm currently trying to see if there's any cool parks outside of the city I should check out. I want to go to Muir Woods, but I don't know of more stuff like that to go see. So if anyone knows of any, I'm all ears.
Muir woods is great! went there last 4th of July. Great trails. A good physical hike is to take Oceanview trail up to Panoramic trail for some great views (unless it's cloudy). Then head back down Lost trail to the main boardwalk trail. Nice elevation change on the hike - you move from Redwood forest then above the canopy to scrub grasses and more arid plants. It is a good hour - 2 hour hike. Make sure to watch for banana slugs! take a fleece with you to - you may need it.
We also went to a wedding in a state park in the mountains above Berkley - it was gorgeous. The drive went over the bay bridge, and then there were some fantastic vistas looking back toward Oakland San Fransisco as you drive into the hills. Peter would definitley know that park and if it is worthwhile for hiking (great spot for a wedding however!)
The park you're referring to is Tilden Park. There's some decent low impact hiking, and it is a wonderful place to have a wedding! That's where we got married, and where Peter and his wife had their wedding reception!
Hi ringmir,
Yes, as everyone said, Muir Woods is stunning. And the climate (for me) is perfect--not too hot, never too cold. Sausolito (spelling?) is nice for lunch and take the boat back across the Bay past San Quentin.
I intend to get out there again, maybe this Fall, to visit an old friend who moved to SF, as well as some area Axiomites.
Have a good trip.
Regards,
Another idea, if you can swing it, is to hit one of the hotels w/ a good vantage. Maybe Mark Hopkins, Embarcadero Hilton (?), Marriott near Moscone. They have some rooftop bars and you can have some cocktails and enjoy the show from up top.
I'll actually be staying at the Marriott near the Moscone center for the first 6 nights, then I'm going to be at the Serrano Hotel for 5 nights. I'll be sure to check out the rooftop bar at the Marriott, sounds like a good time. Thanks for the park tips, I'm going to try to get to a few of them but Muir Woods is currently at the top of my list.
My dad told me I should go for a drive to Sausalito and check it out too, so I'm going to see if I can find a nice route to take through that area where I'd pass those nice overlooks.
That's awesome! What a coincidence! You guys are lucky to have such natural parks and wilderness areas close by. I am sure your weddings were fantastic.
Ringmir - have a great time in Muir - you can access the trail map online at http://www.nps.gov/muwo - let me know if you do any other hikes than the one I suggested. I can't wait until we plan our next trip out there.
I love Muir Woods--absolutely gorgeous. The only problem is that, like many other Bay Area attractions (and everything else!), the parking is atrocious. Just be patient... you'll find a spot!
There are many places to hike within a hour (or less) of SF. Here is a good one:
http://www.openspace.org/preserves/pr_purisima.asp
There are also many other preserves listed on this same site.
Muir woods is great, and you should check it out. But it's very heavily vistied, mom's with strollers, grandparents, etc. Unless you get up into the higher elevation trails.
The link I gave you, is a more remote, much less heavily visited area.
Nice! Thanks for the site... maybe we'll go for a hike this weekend.
Definitely check out Muir Woods. And while you're in the area you can "wet your whistle" with some imported German beers at "
The Tourist Club". It's only open on the weekends and is a great place to relax and enjoy the woods while drinking a cool beer. The deck has picnic benches and looks out on the forest. Be sure to bring a lunch.
I recommend it as highly as I do Muir Woods.
If you have a day to spare, I would also recommend visiting the
Point Reyes National Seashore and seeing the
lighthouse. We did this a few weeks ago and had a blast.
If you like cheese you can also stop for lunch in
Point Reyes Station and visit the
Cowgirl Creamery.
Ringmir,
You'll enjoy your stay at the Serrano Hotel. My wife and I spent two nights there on our honeymoon a few years ago. Nice central location for walking around San Fran. They had a great happy hour with some good wines. To echo Alan's comment, the ferry trip across to Sausalito is worthwhile! If you have the time, drive up to Sonoma and spend a day or two at The Lodge at Sonoma, Renaissance Resort & Spa. We are heading back there this summer for our anniversary.
Cheers,
Shaun
Golden Gate Park is one of the most interesting "urban" parks there are. You really get a flavor for what San Fran is like. It is an all day trip and is only about 15 min from your hotel. You could take a cab there as parking is not the best. The gardens are great as well as a ton of other attractions. Great place to spend the day. Bring food as a picnic is the way to go.
Is that San Quentin or Alcatraz?
The "49 mine drive" takes some nice scenic spots never leaving SF.
I spent 7 days about a year ago and I loved it! I left my heart and all that....
I'm a big fan of the CityPass and all of the things that you can do with it
http://citypass.com/city/sanfrancisco.html?id=JtmnrInJ
(how the heck do you get active links in this forum anyways?)
with the citypass you get into everything you want to do as well as it gets you free ground transport on th trolley, bus, etc.
Its well worth the price and it sort of forces you do do some things since you already hace the tickets.
Other things to do are the Sony Metreon for lunch, definetly Golden Gate park (and the tea garden -- its worth the admisssion.
Plus there is always a good show or two.
Have fun,
Ben
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In reply to:
Is that San Quentin or Alcatraz?
Alcatraz....
and it is an interesting tour if you have the time to take it.
I went to college in the Bay area......I could have easily stayed.
Definetly get the headsets for the prison tour.
It was interesting that the worst imates were "tortured" by being put in cells that had the best view.
Yeah, the Alcatraz tour was great. I like the bit where you can see the melted concrete from the grenades. Also if you take the infirmary tour, you can see the fake blood on the ceiling left over from the filming of The Rock.
I was going to school there during the height of the Mini-skirt era when the Gals were first allowed to ride on the outside of the cable cars.
Some memories stay with you forever.