Visit to CA

[cwms]

Need suggestions....
The admiral and I are taking a cruise out of LA in mid April. The ship is going to San Fran, Santa Barbara, San Diego and some little Mexican town just across the border.
While we are in the 3 CA. cities for just daytime activities, what are some "Must Do" places we should be going to? Don't mind if they are typical tourist attractions, just looking for neat places to visit.
We vacationed in SF some years ago, and I seem to remember that we were disappointed we didn't hit Alcatraz. Is it worth the trip?
Looking for suggestions....

 

[caltexfla]

I am a Bay Area native, and have never made the Alcatraz trip, thinking it too touristy or something. Everyone I know who has taken it thought it was really great. Plus you get a great view of The City and the maritime action on the Bay. Your SO on the other hand, will likely want to spend time in the Union Square area, some of the best shopping anywhere. Try to talk her into having lunch at Sam's or Tadich's for the best seafood in the USA and doing the Alcatraz trip. Santa Barbara has a great walking downtown, very chic and Carmel-like, good places to browse, good places to eat. The little Mexican town is Ensenada, haven't been there in years but safe and good eating, good fishing too if that's an option . Not being sure where you are docking in San Diego, a local will have to help you out with that. Hard to wrong there regardless.go

 

[Astral Blue]

San Francisco definitely has a lot to offer. Set aside the touristy image of everything it might apply to. If it's fun, just do it.

The Ferry Building is definitely a unique experience. You have access to the Bay Area's finest food purveyors and will really have a chance to experience the local culinary landscape. There is also a farmers market outside with amazing produce. Some of the best and freshest sea food in the Bay Area is there as well.

Golden Gate Park is something you definitely want to see. They close most of the streets in the park on Sundays to vehicle traffic, so it's very pedestrian friendly. You could spend the entire day there still have not seen plenty of the park. The park's Japanese gardens are incredible and during most weekends, you'll find some sort of outdoor venue including concerts.

Have a great time on your trip!

 

[cwms]

Guys, thanks for the suggestions.

Anyone else want to chime in?

 

[pdecat]

Coit tower for a great view of the city, ride a cable car, have Irish coffee at the Buena Vista and cioppino with sourdough and cabernet at fisherman’s wharf, A drink at the top of the Mark Hopkins, chocolate at Ghirardelli.

 

[getakey]

You will probably be docked at Pier 35 in SF. Pier 39 is within walking distance. A big tourest place, but believe it or not, some of the Restaurants are quite good. I recommend Fog Harbor (or with notice you can have a drink on my boat at Pier 39)

Walking the other direction, I second the ferry building. Its a nice walk from Pier 35 - maybe 30 minutes. Also a restuarant called La Mar at Pier 1 1/2. Peruvian food. Further past the Ferry Building are 2 very nice restuaurants Epic ( a steak place) and Waterbar.

I too have not been to Alcatraz, but everyone says the tour is great. Again, you can walk to the Alcatraz Ferries from Pier 35 (about half way to the Ferry Building).
oops - looked it up. The Alcatraz Ferries are right next door at Pier 33.
FYI - The Piers are odd numbered decreasing as you go south towards Ferry Bldg, then Start even numbers as you keep going South

 

[Flutterby]

Alcatraz is definitely a great trip! The Giants ball park is a short cab ride away too. April should be nice weather, but cool and windy unless a storm comes through with rain. Usually fog isn't a problem that time of year.

Santa Barbara has a bicycle rental place near the beach. A wonderful way to sightsee the beach, wharf and State Street [downtown]. I always loved to walk out on the breakwater on the north side of the harbor.

 

[Bliss]

SFO April averages per Weatherbase.com -- aver. temp 56.2 aver. high 62.8 aver. low 49.7 aver. percip 1.4 inch aver. number of days with rain (Usually early April) 6 aver. wind speed 9.5 mph. Bring a wind breaker/raincoat and you'll be fine. I like the Japanese Teagarden and the weekend farmer's market at the Fairy Bldg. Breakfast at The BV. For that matter lunch and dinner, too.

 

[getakey]

I was thinking of this a bit more assuming you will probably only have 1 day in port.
If Alcatraz is on your agenda, I'd go for as early a tour as you can get. Wind in the bay generally comes up in the afternoon that time of year. Also, it will give you the rest of the day to go elsewhere. Probably going to have to decide on what area you spend the afternoon/evening otherwise you will be taking cabs all over.
there's wuite a bit to see/do right on the Embarcadero should you stay in that area. As previously stated, can walk to the Ferry Bldg - nice places for lunch or La Mar right next to the Ferry Bldg. Then, you can head back to Fisherman's Wharf area and have that Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista.
Otherwise, you could head up to the North Beach area for lunch. Also walkable from Pier 35, but might be quicker by cab.
Take in Coit Tower, lunch, shops.

Alternately, going to Golden Gate Park is for sure a cab ride and puts you in a whole different part of the City. From there, you could have lunch at the Cliff House and walk on Ocean Beach.

 

[Bliss]

Your profile meantions a Catalina. Maybe that means you are a sailor. When your ship is in SFO Bay it will be in second best all year round racing area in the world. Second only to Sidney.
Since the BV (Corner of Hyde & Beach) is getting favorable mentions here I want to add, if you are a first timer through that door, there are round tables - about 5 or 6 starting to your immediate right as you enter. They are open tables, meaning any empty chair(s) are yours; just a polite "May I?" as you pull the chair out is quit suffient. So on entering just scan down the line and go for the one with the pretty girls or ---. Also, the food is plain and good. I like breakfast and lunch. Maybe have a Ramos Fizz with your morning eggs. Don't forget to report back. Have fun. Oh yes! Bring money to SFO!