Archive for the travel tips category
April 8th, 2008 by susan j
Olympic Torch relay in London, England Photo uploaded by unusualimage
This morning around 4 am, the Olympic Torch reached San Francisco. Earlier protests in Paris and London have prompted San Francisco officials to ramp up security at San Francisco International Airport and around the city. The relay is planned for an undisclosed route near Fisherman Wharf and San Francisco’s waterfront. Since San Francisco is the only torch top in North America, protesters from around the country are expected to turn out for the event.
If you are planning to visit San Francisco attractions in the Fisherman’s Wharf or Embarcadero areas today or tomorrow, please allow extra travel time due to the Olympic Torch relay. There will be street closures and delays to service on public transportation during the time of the relay so make plans accordingly. If you’re a Go San Francisco cardholder, and you’ve made a reservation for Alcatraz Cruises, please arrive at Pier 33 at the Embarcadero one hour before scheduled departure time.
If you’re attending the Olympic Torch relay as a spectator (or even a protester), then leave a comment and tell us about your experiences!
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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March 21st, 2008 by amy c
San Francisco’s Castro Theater Photo uploaded by bobster1985
San Francisco’s pride and commitment to community oozes out of every bar, restaurant, hangout, and street fair in the Castro, most well known for its accepting and liberal politics and environment. The Castro community represents the epitome of San Francisco flair from the steep streets and brightly colored Victorians to the large gay community and liberal feel.
In fact, the San Franciscan liberalness is a main tourist attraction in of itself. The streets are also sprinkled with funky boutiques and lively bars. Home to the most beloved street fairs in the Bay Area and perhaps beyond, the area attracts 500,000 participants and spectators at the annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Celebration Parade every June and at the Castro Street Fair every October.
As seen through its popular annual parades, the Castro has a rich history of activism and a sense of community that dates back to the 1960’s and 70’s. Home to one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., Harvey Milk, the area is well known for its revolutionary strides and commitment to AIDS research. To learn more about how the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community has influenced San Francisco, check out the GLBT Museum. (more…)
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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March 19th, 2008 by jamie a
San Francisco Photo uploaded by http2007
Maps can cost a lot of money, but are beyond useful when trying to navigate a new city. After you’ve picked up your Go San Francisco Card, check out these great maps for bargain travelers!
Budget Travel just alerted us to the concept of Schmaps, which are free travel guides to places all over the world with local, zoom-able maps, and marked attractions.These guides are great for planning out itineraries based on your personal interests as well, providing all sorts of suggestions based on your preferences.
We’d love to hear what you think should be included for those traveling to San Francisco! What are your favorite attractions? Let us know in a comment!
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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March 14th, 2008 by amy c
San Francisco Marina photo uploaded by Luca & Vita
Where can you find the posh residents of Pacific Heights on a weekend afternoon? On the Marina green, of course! This long, flat strip along the northern edge of the bay not only attracts joggers and sunbathers, but also offers views of Alcatraz and scenic Marin County. The sight of San Franciscans flying kites and picnicking on the green may inspire you too put down your full itinerary and enjoy a laid-back, Californian day along the water.
Or the sight of the oh-so-fit and active locals may inspire you to add an exercise element to your vacation by picking up your own set of wheels at Bay City Bike Rentals, where you can cycle along the majestic coast and historic Presidio.
The green is not the only playground for locals and visitors in this culturally rich and perfectly manicured neighborhood– cute and trendy boutiques speckle Chestnut and Union Street and the interactive science museum, Exploratorium, and the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts grace the area.
Where to eat:
Marina Submarine on Union Street has been attracting hoards of city kids for generations for its delicious sandwiches and cheap prices. Though a favorite among cash-poor high school and college students, the good food and great deal can bridge any age gap. Marina Subs is the perfect place to pick up picnic food to eat out on the green after a long day of shopping Chestnut and Union Street.
For a more sophisticated way to round off a day in the Marina, head to A16, where the food of Campania, Italy and the wood-fired pizzas of Naples await in this friendly neighborhood favorite.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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March 6th, 2008 by amy c
Embarcadero photo uploaded by Taylar
There may be no other city that embraces its waterfront quite like San Francisco does, as parts of it are reminiscent of its seaside and fisherman roots. The Embarcadero, with its deep-water piers, ships from around the world, and expansive views of the bay, is a prime example of San Francisco’s love of the water. The area attracts joggers, strollers, street performers, and visitors captivated by the views and gorgeous architecture of city landmarks, such as the Ferry Buiding.
Here you can also get an impressive under-belly view of the beautiful, but less publicized, Bay Bridge, which connects San Francisco to the city of Oakland. The Embarcadero, with its wide, seven-mile promenade of sidewalks right along the water (within walking distance to the financial district), easy access to public transportation, and weekly farmer’s markets make it the perfect jumping off place for your San Francisco day. (more…)
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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March 4th, 2008 by amy c
San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood Photo uploaded by pbo31
This wealthy and historical neighborhood embodies the San Francisco you glimpse in movies, filled with ornate Victorian architecture and the characteristic hills that cinematographers love. The Hollywood vision and breathtaking views the heights allow of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge make this neighborhood a favorite among visitors. You can find high-end shopping as well lavish mansions, offering a glimpse into the legacy of luxury of Pacific Heights.
To get an insight into the history of the area—everything from how the nouveau rich first inhabited the neighborhood in the 1800s to the devastation of last century’s fire and earthquake—don your best walking shoes for the Pacific Heights Guided Walking Tour. (more…)
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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February 28th, 2008 by amy c
AT & T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants Photo uploaded by Bitterman
South of Market, or SoMa as it is mostly referred to, is an up and coming neighborhood that got its start in the dot com era. Now it is a booming center for contemporary art and pop culture. The neighborhood boasts of fashionable nightclubs, a beautiful baseball stadium–home to the San Francisco Giants–and unusual museums that high light emerging artists from around the Bay Area and the eclectic feel of the city.
Though SoMa has much to offer locals and visitors alike, it is important to have a plan before you approach this sprawling and ever-developing neighborhood. To the unfamiliar explorer, the area may appear to be little more than busy streets and nameless buildings. But don’t let the sometimes-industrial exterior fool you, SoMa is quickly gaining recognition as one of the best places to become culturally enriched by day and entertained by night.
Perhaps start your SoMa experience after a stroll through the Embarcadero, which will put you close to the famed and recently renovated AT&T Park. During the summer you can spot droves of baseball fans, sporting their orange and black walking along the water toward this architectural landmark. Sneak a behind-the-scenes peek at the AT & T Park Tour and catch the breathtaking views of the bay and city that rival the action on the field. (more…)
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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February 15th, 2008 by susan j
Travel toiletries Photo uploaded by dlisbona
Since I’m eagerly anticipating a vacation later this week, this article over at Less than a Shoestring caught my eye. In it, a veteran traveler and blogger discusses ways to get around the TSA’s limit on liquids by using bar soap, solid shampoos, and other goodies in place of liquids. It sounds like a good idea, but I’m a little skeptical of washing my hair with something that’s shaped like a bar of soap. Anyone tried it? Leave a comment and let us know!
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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February 13th, 2008 by amy c
Haight-Ashbury photo uploaded by wili_hybrid
In the mid-1960’s, the corner of Haight and Ashbury was one of the most famous intersections in perhaps the world, as young people flocked to the area in a search love and peace. The Summer of Love is still swinging in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, also known as the “global village.”
Only now, brightly colored Victorians, funky t-shirt shops, hookah bars, and psychedelic music and art meet hip-hop trends and the height of modern fashions. Trendy hipsters, accessorized urbanites, young professionals, and even those still living in the long-gone flower power era stroll down these few blocks of liberal quirkiness.
Whether you are looking for hot pink fishnets, a pair of fresh kicks, or a t-shirt souvenir of a neighborhood overwhelmingly “Californian,” Haight-Ashbury offers both a look into San Francisco’s hippie and Beat generation past as well as its trendy present. Located on the edge of Golden Gate Park, the Haight is the perfect place to glimpse San Francisco from a local perspective as San Franciscans from all backgrounds flock to these streets for a dose of urban diversity. (more…)
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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February 8th, 2008 by susan j
San Francisco Bay Photo courtesy of Red and White Fleet (used with permission)
What better way to see San Francisco than aboard a cruise ship in San Francisco Bay? Founded in 1892, the historic Red and White Fleet continues serving the Bay Area with cruises that offer picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Marin County, and more. The Golden Gate Bay Cruise departs daily from Fisherman’s Wharf, and there are special holiday cruises throughout the year, too.
Here are some of Red and White Fleet’s February cruises:
Wednesday, February 14, 5 pm
Sweet Valentine’s Cruise
Saturday, February 23, 2 pm
Chinese New Year Cruise
About.com’s Ingrid Taylor has also blogged about the Red and White Fleet here.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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