What to do in SFO?
 

I'm going to be in SFO on 8/15 and leaving on the evening of 8/18. Just wondering what everyone who has been would suggest to do. It's just me and my brother, both in our early 20's(me just barely http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif) I was thinking Alcatraz, and had read about beach blanket babylon. We will be staying at the W hotel. Thanks for any input.

That's our plan as well. We will be there next week. I took my grandaughter to Alcatraz last year and it was great, we loved it. Did a bay cruise, ate lots of seafood. This time my husband and I are doing Beach Blanket Babylon which was highly recommended by the Flyertalkers, must ride the cable cars and do a little lunch in chinatown, see the Japanese gardens at Golden Gate Park and did you know there is a small herd of Buffalo there? I was stunned! But I'm sure some of the locals will give you more info than I and some for people your age. Have fun.

Alcatraz is always fun. BBB is good, but may not be the best bet for a couple of guys in their 20s who are only here for a couple of nights. If we have good weather (it could be cold in August), definitely spend a lot of time out doors. If you like hiking, check out something in Marin, like Tennessee Valley, Mt. Tam or Angel Island. Wine tasting in Napa or Sonoma is a great activity in August, but try to go on a weekday. Take in a Giant's game if there is one; you can walk to Pac Bell Park from the W. You'll have a great Italian dinner pretty much anywhere in North Beach; you need to be a little more selective in Chinatown, but it's fun to walk through. The W actually has a pretty good, non-touristy bar, or check out Citysearch7.com to see what else is trendy. Have fun!

A great day trip is Muir Woods to see the redwoods. You take to ferry to Sausilito, then get on a tour bus. It's a scenic 1-1.5 hour drive each way. You have about two hours to hike or just walk around. NEVER go on the weekend. There's only one road in/out and it can back up for miles. Buy tickets in advance at the counter near Pier 39.

Also suggest that if you want to go to Alcatraz, buy tickets in advance, particularly if you are going on the weekend.

What about renting a bike?

We will stay at the St. Francis at Union Square and would love to do a bike tour. Are there any bike lanes to do the roundtrip through Golden Gate park, Baker beach, Presidio, Marina district, Embarcadero?

And where to rent a good bike in the city?

SF is a very bike-friendly city with many streets having designated bike lanes. You can get around much of the City on bike, but if your legs aren't in shape, some of the hills may be more than you bargain for. There is a bicycle rental store near Haight, which is close to Golden Gate Park. I would also recommend taking one or more of the stairway walks (book is available at bookstores and published by Wilderness Press)... you will see some great views and neighborhoods, most of which are missed by tourists. For getting around SF, if not on bike, consider getting a one day pass on MUNI, which is the local transit system.

Is there a way you can buy tickets in advance. website would be best or phone number if its the only way to book.

You can purchase tickets for Alcatraz at: http://www.telesails.com/Alcatraz/alcatraz.html