San Francisco - anyone been?

[dusty]

I would love to hear recommendations for things to do in San Fran that are slightly off the normal tourist trail but good San Fran fun and experiencing the local culture.
We are also thinking of staying in Cole Valley if anyone has any recommendations.
cheers

[christy]

I love Marin county... there are some beautiful redwood forest walks there that are amazing.

What time of year are you going? I spent a lot of time in San Fran in my life and have a few spots that I HAVE to go too when I'm in town.

1) Marin county
2) Fisherman's wharf... yes its touristy but until you get some clam chowder in a sourdough bowl you haven't lived!!
3) Haight St... its the hippy/alternative street where there is heaps of hippy history...
4) There's a street that I go down (can't think of the name) which is has amazing poet nights... and I love wandering the book shops there.

**** ALSO **** You must watch "So I Married An Axe Murderer" prior to going to SF..... seriously!!! We did an Axe Murderer tour with my mates last time DH & I went and it was the most fun ever! (We made it up as we went)

[dusty]

Your ALSO has me intrigued Christy!

Thanks for the other hints.

I have also heard about Chez Panisse (Alice Waters) as an experience of fabulous food, you have to book 1 month in advance for a set course dinner. Have you been?
I love the idea of books and poets. Let me know if you remember or I can google.

[MantaRay]

I love, love, love San Fran! It has such a great vibe.

I definitely agree with the clam chowder on Fisherman's Wharf - that is a must! I also enjoyed doing a bike ride around San Fran (although it was very hard work with all the hils!!) and over the Golden Gate Bridge.

[christy]

all I can remember is that we walk there up a hill from China town HAHAHAHA.... oh dear.... I will email my best friends who live there (the 2 best friends I had in high school live there)

[Phteven]

When are you going?
Super envious here. I would love to visit SF.

[dusty]

First week of September part of 6 week trip to US

That would be great Christy! Sounds up my alley being a wanna be hippy and all

[Aussiegirl777]

I loved San Francisco too. But we did mainly all touristy things.

I would triple recommend the chowder in a sourdough bowl at Fisherman's Wharf. Yummy. I had clam chowder one day, Lobster bisque another day and Crab Chowder on yet another day. All in sourdough bowls. The Best!!

We also went over to Sausilito for lunch one day which was nice. We caught the Ferry over but you can hire a bike and ride there over the bridge if you like.

Have fun.