So I have been promising for quite some time that I would post our travels here and suggestions for itineraries. This will be a work in progress to catch up on travels thus far, but I will get them done!
I will start with the first major trip Danny and I took together after our honeymoon...San Francisco, California!
Initial Thoughts: Dream place, ecclectic town, neat people, lots at your fingertips!
Duration: 6 nights, 7 Days
Time of Year: Early April
Hotel: King George in the Theatre District, Price: We got a discount by booking airfare and hotel together on Kayak. Hotel came out to around $115/night.
Airfare: Airtran, $260/person
Planning/Deals: We wanted to make the most of our time and see everything since we had never been to California. We planned out most of our trip ahead of time using Frommers (book and the iphone app), the public transportation app on iphone, and using Trip Advisor. The worst is wasting your time at a site or restaurant that turns into a bust, so be sure to check ratings first! We also purchased 2 different restaurant.com gift certificates to use at local restaurants there. Food and drinks are the biggest expenditure on these trips, because you get hungry quick during sightseeing. Don't fall into the "I'm hungry, so who cares what it costs," trap! Last, purchase a 7 day transportation pass...we waited too late to do this and ended up paying per ride on all trains, trolleys, etc. Lesson learned! You can buy these passes at almost any major square in the city. Around $25 for 7 days, unlimited!
Must Sees and Must Dos:
*Bike the Golden Gate Bridge: Rent a bike for $30 (see internet coupon for the great deal) through Bike and Roll, a company in the Wharf area. It will get you a decent bike and helmet all day. If you are a true biker, bike along the shore of the bay then up through Golden Gate Park. If not, head straight over to the Golden Gate Bridge. It is about 1.5 miles over the bridge, easy riding! Bring a jacket, because it is always a little chilly. Bring your camera! From the bridge, you can bike all downhill to the town of Sausalito...think Greek cottages set in the hillside with retirees and young families walking their dog past boutiques, icecream/coffee shops, and amazing food dives! Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours there with a meal. From her, take the fairy back to San Fran and enjoy the close views of Alcatraz Island. You can pre-purchase the fairy ticket at the bike shop at a discounted price.
*Take a Tour to Napa and Sonoma Valleys: Book through allsanfranciscotours.com. We went via Cadillac van to the Nicholson Winery in Sonoma, Madonna Winery in Sonoma, and Sutter Home in Napa (must be a zinfandel lover). My favorite was our lunch stop in the town of Yountville, the heart of Napa Valley. Beautiful, quaint town. Many dining options to choose from, all pricey, an antique mall with shops, and the world famous Bouchon Bakery (there is always a line, but stand in it)! You will be sad when your 4 hour wine country tour is up, so be sure to take notes as you're driving through so you can plan a trip back! Tour guide (forgot his name, well versed older gentleman) will tell you more than you have ever wondered regarding the history of the valley and California. Price: $70/person
*Take a Tour to Yosemite National Park: Book through sanfranciscotours.us. We went in a charter bus and had Andy as a tour guide, a former UGA grad-small world! Andy was awesome and very passionate about the area. Be prepared for the longest day ever, but definitely worth it (14 hours round trip). Take lots of snacks, hiking clothes and shoes, and a backpack. You will see all of the major highlights in Yosemite such as half dome, el capitan, waterfalls, and the redwoods. The scenery along the way includes much of the fresh fruits and veggies in the central valley. Price: $130/person
*Take a trolley of the F-line to Height (pronounced Hate) Ashbury Street/Area: Think hippies, huka shops, and awesome vintage clothing! You will have the best coffee of your life, see some interesting sites, and arrive at the entrance of Golden Gate park once you reach the top of the hill.
*Eat Clam Chowder down by the wharf! EVERY restaurant will be offering their bowl deal of the day!
While at the wharf, head over to Buena Vista Cafe (featured on Drinking Made Easy) and have one of theor world famous Irish Coffees! There are other great restaurants down by the wharf.
*Like Broadway? Many of the theatres in the city feature the latest shows. We purchased tickets last minute to see Rock of Ages at the Curran Theatre...beautiful theatre and awesome show! The theatre district is about a block from Union Square.
*Stroll through Chinatown and Little Italy (get a pastry and latte in Little Italy).
*City Tour (double decker bus): These are neat, but they are often overpriced. We did one, but we learned a lot more by walking from place to place.
*Walk up to Coit Tower at the top of Telegraph Hill-wear tennis shoes!
*If you are a sports fan, go to a Giants game or cross the bay and see an Oakland game.
Travel Tips: Learn the major squares of the city as well the public trasportation. Stay away from the Tenderloin district.
Trips to Be Reported On:
Washington D.C.
New York City, NY
Western Carriebbean Cruise Summer 2012
Panama City Favorites
