wharvey

Gang,

I have a dear friend who is visiting Northern California around the Fourth of July.

They have never been to San Francisco before but want to do things that are not the normal touristy things to do.

What would the local crowd recommend? Any unusual restraunts? Things to do?

Thanks in advance.

William

cblaisd

Well, first, I'd suggest that he/she not refer to the city as "San Fran" when talking with locals

I don't know if it qualifies as "off the beaten path," but a drive to the top of Mt. Diablo is nice and the view, on a clear day, spectacular.

SFflyer123

I'd agree about the 'San Fran'. Also, "Frisco" is definitely an out-of-towner expression.

I think Mt. Tamalpias may be a little closer, but I have never been to the top of Mt. Diablo. You can be some spectacular views from the top of Mt. Tam. If you will be in Marin, drive to the edge of Tiburon and go for drinks or lunch at the restaurants at the end of Tiburon drive for a view of SF.

If back in SF, consider Lands' end:

http://www.parksconservancy.org/visi...lands-end.html

Also, consider going to the SF MOMA, pizza or pasta lunch at Zero Zero (one of the best places for "modern" Italian), then stroll around Yerba buena gardens with a cup of coffee and look at the architecture.

For casual French, consider Chapeau or Clementine (they've merged). The owner is ominipresent and greets the diners. The french food is good (not great, but very solid), and fairly priced.

Consider a stroll at Crissyfield. It's certainly not "off the beaten path" because there are tons of people there, but it's less touristy (certainly less than the stop at the GG bridge with all the tour buses) and just a beautiful place to see San Francisco and the GG bridge.

For "neighborhood" type feel, consider a stroll in Noe Valley on 24th street all the way into the mission. It really gives you a good feel of the local climate of SF, and it's interesting how it changes from yuppie-ville to the mission. Great restaurants all along the way in both parts of town.

goalie

And don't refer to it as "Frisco", either

Now staying in line with heights, drive up to the Marin Headlands for an amazing view of the city

Eastbay1K

Consider a ride (including a possible ferry ride) to Alameda to visit the Hangar One distillery, as well as a group of wineries right nearby.

squeakr

or a few days..advice may depend on how much time they will spend here.

cblaisd

One of the best views of Berkeley, Oakland, and the SF Bay can be found at a small turnoff/parking area on Fish Ranch Road via the last exit on 24 westbound before the tunnel.

If you're of a certain era, a visit to Altamont Speedway will make you shiver.

wharvey

They will be there for 3 days after doing a few days of vineyard tours.

CApreppie

If it is there first time to SF, they really do have to some of the "touristy" things. Some are really a must do for any first-time trip to SF.

1. Walk the Golden Gate Bridge on a, hopefully, clear day. The bridge is amazing and the views are amazing.
2. Visit at least one of the fine art museums: SFMOMA or the de Young. Other museums worth visiting: the Legion of Honor, Academy of Sciences, and Asian Art Museum.
3. Catch a performance of the SF Symphony, Opera or Ballet. The Opera and Ballet are in the beautiful War Memorial Opera House and the SF Symphony is one of the finest symphonies in the world.
4. Eat, eat and eat. SF has some of the best restaurants in the US, from small ethnic eateries to high-end dining.
5. Walk the various neighborhoods in SF: Hayes Valley, Fillmore, Chestnut, Haight, Castro, etc. For a true experience of Chinatown, visit Grant and then walk up to Stockton where Chinese people actually do their shopping. Clement St. further West is also authentic with a more diverse mix of Chinese and non-Chinese shops/restaurants.
6. Take a ferry ride to Marin instead of the one that goes on the tour around GG Bridge and Alcatraz.

RichardInSF

How about a visit to Wyatt Earp's grave in the Jewish cemetery in Colma? Bet you won't see many tourists there!

cblaisd

Well, I think one would have to put Fisherman's Wharf in that category if we're talking about the quintessential "touristy" things -- particularly if it includes a cable car ride to get to it

MSPeconomist

I would suggest going up to the Lawrence Hall of Science.

sonomawine

I think a picnic at the Hog Island Oyster Farm in Marshall always makes for a nice local outing.

Doc Savage

Biking over the Golden Gate is great if they are athletic types. They can take the ferry back.

Are they baseball fans? AT&T Park is a great place to see a game.

suthurn

Stairway hike and wild parrots
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com...alking-tour-3/