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So I found out today that I'm being sent to VMware Partner Exchange in San Francisco at the end of January/beginning of February for a week or so. I'm expecting to be pretty busy with stuff during the day, but I'll be arriving early and leaving late so I probably have a day and a half in total spare there, plus the evenings.
Any recommendations on stuff I should see while over there?
http://youtu.be/31JgMAHVeg0
rent a car... take a drive?
:rockon2:
Head up Coit Tower, you'll get a great view from there.
If you like sushi then head to http://www.blowfishsushi.com/ for the best sushi I've had outside Tokyo.
Alcatraz is well with a visit. I like having a walk about Fishermans Wharf.
The Cheesecake Factory on the top floor of Macy's on Union Square does great cheesecake but don't discount the rest of the menu as the food is pretty good. If you get a seat outside you get a nice view of Union Square.
I'm sure I'll think of more things later, I love San Francisco!
Sadly... can't drive :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Zak33
You'll be fine in America, they're all autos and wide roads. Basically bloated go-karting.Quote:
Originally Posted by Splash
EDIT: On a more practical note, take trams places. They're awesome.
Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Completely forgot about Alcatraz though, so that's a must.
Keep 'em coming guys!
If you want a really touristy experience, you can buy a virtually inedible toffee apple on Pier 39. I don't know that it's necessarily a good idea, but it somehow feels like something you have to do, even as you lob the thing into the nearest bin. Also, if the seals are out (don't know when they appear), the whole seafront stinks but it does provide some interesting scenery whilst you're having dinner on the waterfront (inside recommended as per aforementioned pong).
I quite enjoyed taking a walk out onto the Golden Gate, just for the views back across the city, especially at sunset, and Alcatraz is an absolute must.
If I was going there again, these days I'd probably want to do a Mythbusters Tour of places like the Alameda Runway, but I would be very surprised if such a thing actually existed. I know there's sod all to see at the actual workshop / studio, although the odd few do get an autograph / photo if they're lucky on the timing.
I would second the idea of renting a car for the day (they are quite cheap in the US). My last rental was a Camaro (thanks to status with the agency), but you'll find Chargers and Mustangs an easy and cheap rental (in V6 trim) for driving some of the Bullet route. After the first mile of congestion, you'll want out of the city. Rural California is one of the most beautiful parts of the world. SR1 up the coast is amazing (take a look on google maps), but my pick would be to head East into the mountains toward Lake Tahoe or even Yosemite. Plan for a long day!
Double thumbs up for Alcatraz - but book your ticket in advance, you book your boat over and then just hop on one coming back when you're ready, I think they do a discount for the 1st boat of the day too. The audio guided tour (included) is well worth it.
If you wanted a wander/explore The Haight-Ashbury district is worth a look, it's where the hippy movement started (and lives on) - plus if you like your music in physical form there's the Amoeba Records store there - I was in heaven. As you don't drive, if the weather's good you could grab some rollerblades at Golden Gate park and explore the park, or get a bike and ride over the bridge. ;)
If you are going to do Alcatraz then I thoroughly recommend the night tours, or if it's your thing the nature ones. The tunnels from when it was a civil war fort are an eerie experience in the dark ;-)
get a remote control car and freak people out by driving it underneath their cars, ala The Dead pool!
Definitely reenact Bullit, The Rock and Escape from Alcatraz (but dont drown).
Sing Train songs
(all the good ideas were already taken, i went with humour)
A journey on one the cable cars is another thing to tick off the list
If you do Alcatraz you MUST book 8-10 weeks in advance to guarantee it, we made the mistake of leaving it for 3 weeks beforehand and they were fully booked.
Muir Woods is my favourite place, put a few hours aside for that.
If you like seafood, Scoma's is highly recommended. Or was, 20 years ago when I was there...
Another vote for Alcatraz - given PEX'll be at Moscone - make sure you head over to Mel's for Breakfast :) I don't know if there are as many evening events as for VMworld ( dunno if we're allowed to attend this year either ;) )
Yet another Alcatraz vote!
I'd personally recommend the night tour if you can fit it in.
More of the Island is open and the narrations/tours are excellent. Not quite enough time (IMO) to properly see the whole place as you're limited by the times of the last boat.
Not to everyones taste but I'd also recommend a Segway tour of the city. Great way to get around and you get to see it all.