San Francisco Travel Blogs on RealTravel

San Francisco journal: Sunny CA

2007-10-05T11:04:14Z

a entry by C&K from a trip to San Francisco, California.

We had a blast in California. San Francisco was our entry/exit point to the state, and much of our travels here revolved around visiting friends and family. After a few days of exploring the hills and coastal walkways of San Francisco, we visited our friend Linda Spencer and her wonderful family in Oakland; we met Linda on our trip to Nicaragua last fall, and she and her family were lovely hosts to us for a couple of nights while we used their home as a staging point for day trips to the beautiful wine-making regions of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. We continued north from wine country to ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: San Francisco Fun

2007-12-01T10:19:03Z

"After a quick briefing, we took some nervous "before" pictures and shot up to 10,000 feet."

a entry by Johnny G from a trip to San Francisco, California.

After watching a skydiving commercial on Friday evening and expressing how much she would like to participate in this, Jaclyn found out that reservations had already been made with Skydive San Francisco (www.skydivesf.com) for the following morning at 9am! This led to much anticipation, anxiety and exitement over the next 12 hours.

To meet our instructors and Rinky-dink plane, the next morning we drove to Cloverdale, CA about 40 miles north. "Jimmy and Mark" would be responsible for our lives for the day...After a quick briefing, we took some nervous "before" pictures and shot up to ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: Sirens in San Francisco

2007-11-08T23:56:44Z

"Sirens in San Francisco"

a entry by tassiebutlers from a trip to San Francisco, California.

Sirens in San Francisco: Nov 5-7 2007

We arrived in semi-shade. What the locals call a ‘beeutiful”day. It was actually quite foggy but there were patches of sunlight that got them excited.

This northern hemisphere really misses out on good light. At ground level it seems OK but if you get up a bit and look through the atmosphere it is very murky. For example; we walked over the Golden gate bridge and the tops were in fog. Looking back at the city the photos will tell it all – murky. But the colours at ground zero were reasonable. If you looked up there was no bridge to be seen but ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: Fort Funston

2007-10-30T21:47:09Z

a entry by Katzenjammer Kid from a trip to San Francisco, California.

These photos of Fort Funston really speak for themselves. It's one of those spots I like to frequent in San Francisco so I can marvel at the simple fact that I live somewhere so breathtaking.

This amazing park and beach, like most in San Francisco, costs NOTHING. The landscaping is immaculate and I've never seen any trash or debris on the trails. You simply park, look out at the overlook or head down the trails to the beach, and marvel at the scenery.

How to get there: Get on Highway 35 in San Francisco, pass John Muir Drive, then take the first right (there will be signs). ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: Day 14 - San Francisco

2007-10-23T07:59:09Z

a entry by anjanek from a trip to San Francisco, California.

A day to ourselves.

Started by walking to the market in the Ferry building at Pier 2. Wonderful market and range of cafes. Capuccino and Bombelino for breakfast.

Took a tram to Fishermans Wharf then bus to Golden Gate which would have been a problem except for the wonderful New Yorker who gave us complete directions. They are so friendly here.

Picked up a cab at the bridge with a Russian driver took us across the Golden Gate bridge to Sausalito. En route he stopped to let us take photos. Sausalito is a beautiful place, very upmarket with glorious views acros the bay to San ...

[Read full entry]

Palo Alto journal: This Ace Really Is Smokin'!

2007-08-14T22:55:36Z

a review of Ace of Sandwiches, a place to eat in Palo Alto, California.

To be honest, I don't remember how I found out about Ace of Sandwiches, but I'm glad I did. It's a small shop (kind of like an independent Subway) nestled behind a Taco Bell on El Camino Real in Palo Alto (I almost missed it when driving by).

The menu offers a variety of different sandwiches, toppings and extras (including some great specials). Unfortunately, the menu on their website was outdated, so I couldn't get what I wanted (a calzone). Still, I was able to get something called a "Venice Penini," which is basically several slices of salami with parmesan cheese, lettuce, and red ...

[Read full review]

San Bruno journal: Day 6 - San Francisco Here We Come

2007-07-27T08:02:31Z

"Temperature differences between the cities we've visited over the last few days of our travel have been dramatic."

a entry by Curvie Jr from a trip to San Bruno, California.

We departed from LeMoore and Travis' House at 10:35am Thursday morning with the goal of getting into San Francisco before the rush hour traffic. Travis and family joined us in a caravan to S.F.

The travel was highlighted by a journey through multiple fruit farms and the Diable Mountain Range on our left (west). We had to travel most of the route in the left hand, passing lane due to the large number of fruit trucks carrying tomatoes and onions. Along side the road we saw pounds and pounds of spilled produce which came off the trucks.

Our travel time between LeMoore and our hotel in ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: the San Francisco treat

2007-07-04T08:17:14Z

a entry by the Murray girls from a trip to San Francisco, California.

Glad to see the San Francisco skyline after a very long drive up the California coast, we were greeted by a slew of Anna’s RIT friends in San Francisco. Something about being stuck in Rochester for four years seems to make people want to move to California… hmmm…

We watched the SF Giants stomp on the Diamondbacks (13-0…but sorry, Barry- no homers today) on a gorgeous summer afternoon. The park was equally as beautiful, with great views of the Bay Bridge and little quirky things all over.

Across town in Oakland, things are a little different. The stadium is a behemoth, and Monday ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: Steph and Craig's awesome travel adventures

2007-06-20T14:58:03Z

a journal by Steph & Craig from a trip to San Francisco, California.

Our awesome adventure begins in San Francisco... more awesome for me than Craig, since he'll be attending a conference for most of the week.

After a week in the flamboyant city, we return to Ottawa for a day to get organized and then head out for our 4 week vacation out west. We're making our way out to Victoria, dropping down to Seattle then heading home through the States. We're stopping along the way in Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton, Cold Lake, Jasper, Banff, Calgary (we're in town for the Stampede!) Drumheller, Victoria, Tolfino, Seattle, Yellow Stone... I know I missed some stops. ...

[Read full journal]

San Francisco journal: San Francisco Dyke March -- Rock on, Grrls!

2007-07-18T04:31:40Z

"That first time, I just broke into tears as I saw all these women coming together, totally unashamed and totally out there, ready to tell anyone who'd listen that they were lesbians and happy to be so!"

a entry by Corry from a trip to San Francisco, California.

Well, here it is again, the annual Dyke March! I go every year because hey, how many chances does a person get to gather with thousands of other lesbians and celebrate one's pride? It's usually a pretty awesome event, with rocking live music, captivating speakers, often hilarious dance performances, and some of the best people-watching around.

I got to the park a couple hours into the event, and it was jam packed! An undulating sea of sparkling, colorful bodies flowing across the park jubilantly. The stage was already rocking with a great R&B band. I saw couples entwined tapping their ...

[Read full entry]

San Mateo journal: Año Nuevo State Reserve

2007-07-05T07:59:36Z

a entry by Katzenjammer Kid from a trip to San Mateo, California.

I set out this Fourth of July to a place I’ve been wanting to check out for a while, the amazing Bay Area park known as the Año Nuevo State Reserve. It’s the world’s largest breeding ground for elephant seals, and also a good spot for viewing sea lions, harbor seals, and other types of wildlife.

Most people visit Año Nuevo during breeding season which is from mid-December to mid-April, a time when you can only enter the area with a docent on a guided nature walk. However, I heard it’s pretty any time of the year, that through July you can pretty much have the place to yourself, and that ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: San Francisco

2007-07-14T01:37:42Z

a entry by The Bottomley s from a trip to San Francisco, California.

Early flight out of Seattle to San Fran. Weather in San Fran absolutely perfect. I noticed a lot of change since I was last here. I must have been here 15 times. When I was first in San Fran around 10 years ago Market and anything South of Market (SoMa) was at best edgy and at worst a no go zone. Now its been poncified and 'Gapbucks-ed'. I am sure Naomi Klein would dislike it but if it means one less hapless individual doesn't get mugged you got have to think it might be an improvement.

I don't know why but when I come here all I can think about is earthquakes and what would I do if the ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: Stylish Business Hotel

2007-07-08T19:26:35Z

a review of Le Meridien San Francisco, a place to stay in San Francisco, California.

Checking in to the Le Meridien San Francisco was smooth and efficient: we were greeted by a friendly staff person who told us about the hotel’s amenities and then assisted by a welcoming front desk person who told us about our room. The front desk staff were helpful throughout our stay whenever we stopped by to ask questions. The in-house concierge staff also provided good service and offered recommendations in addition to providing the information we asked for.

While the Le Meridien is definitely a business hotel – all of the services seemed geared to that clientele – it’s more stylish ...

[Read full review]

San Francisco journal: Sittin' on the dock of the bay..

2007-06-27T02:44:48Z

"One of the first things anyone notices about San Francisco, is that it is a ridiculous place to build a city"

a entry by Mark & Ciara from a trip to San Francisco, California.

Our plans were thrown a bit off course after Yosemite, as we had planned to head north to Lake Tahoe for a bit. Unfortunately,The forests around Lake Tahoe have been on fire for about a week, so instead we decided to head west to San Francisco and the coast.

The drive was pretty uneventful, until we reached Oakland and 2 lane freeways turned into 6. That was fun. Some American i met in a bar told me that the big wide roads were better as you have more room if you make a mistake, but then again roundabouts are too complicated for the U.S, so im not sure i trust him.

San Fran is ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: Alcatraz and Bubba Gump

2007-06-30T20:44:01Z

"With my awesome spidy senses it would have been a waste of money anyway"

a entry by Steph & Craig from a trip to San Francisco, California.

I'm becoming quite the city traveller! This morning I hoped on the trolly and transfered to the #30 bus to the Palace of Arts. All I can say is WOW! The most beautiful museum ever! I travelled out here not to see art, but to pay a visit to the Exploratorium - a kids science museum. It was the best science museum I've been to... not that I have that many under my belt - 3 to be exact... still I played nice and took my turn... not that I had much choice - the little buggers would jump up in front of me out of nowhere! Unfortunately I didn't make the tactile dome - it was sold out until the ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: Tea Please

2007-06-30T20:37:37Z

a entry by Steph & Craig from a trip to San Francisco, California.

This morning we woke up bright and early. I jumped on a bus and headed to the other end of town to visit the Japanese tea gardens. I was at the park so early that I had to dodge the sprinklers. I walked along the rose gardens and i had a quick tour of the city's botanical garden. After watching some chinese seniors practice tai chi in the park, I made my way to the tea garden. Well worth the $4 entry fee. I finished my tour with a pot of green tea and some yummy japanese snack cookies. Back downtown to meet up with Craig for lunch and then I was off on another tour. This time it was a walking ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: The Bay Area and beyond

2007-06-28T21:53:07Z

a entry by V&Rob from a trip to San Francisco, California.

A hectic week of surfing toned our bodies and generated pain in muscles we didn't know we had, so we were ready to get out of the tent and into a hotel bath in San Fransisco, possibly one of the prettiest cities we have visited so far on the US trip.

A wonderful drive up the coast was a bit hairy in places, due to the thick pea soup fog that seemed to waft in without warning, but we reached the city by sunset on the Friday night and had a traditional diner meal on the waterfront. V's coke float (coca cola with icecream) seemed very decadent after a week of eating healthily!

Saturda ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: San Francisco

2007-04-15T14:09:59Z

a entry by The Birch's from a trip to San Francisco, California.

Day one:

After a long flight, we finally got here......We left Brisbane on the 15th of June at 12.35pm and got into San Francisco at midday on the 15th. We were in transit just over 16 hours....

The flight was long and uncomfortable. Jake ended up using the spare seat next to us to lay down most of the flight, so either his head or his legs were in my lap most of the time which made is pretty impossible for me to sleep...Once we arrived we made our way to downtown San Fran via the Bart train. Pretty painless and easy. We got off at Powell station (cable car turnaround) and made our ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: Yosemite National Park (SF part 2)

2007-06-22T19:47:16Z

"yosemite"

a entry by DaisyRTW from a trip to San Francisco, California.

For my last adventure in San Francisco, I headed off to Yosemite National Park for a day trip. After a very early start we hit the freeway and were in the park by mid-morning. We headed straight to what Yosemite is famous for, El Capitano and Half Dome. These are 2 huge granite rocks that are pretty impressive. We got pretty close to El Capitano but sadly only saw Half Dome from a distance. After a couple of strolls to see some beautiful waterfalls, we stopped to watch some crazy climbers up on El Capitano, apparently it takes 3 days to get to the top! Lunch was spent sitting right next to a ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: Top Ten Affordable Restaurants in San Francisco (According to a Local!)

2007-06-06T22:37:32Z

"Top 10 Restaurants in San Francisco! (According to me, anyway)"

a entry by Corry from a trip to San Francisco, California.

10. Park Chow: 1240 9th Avenue (Inner Sunset)

Little sister of the original Chow is the Castro, Park Chow is a homey, friendly comfort-food kind of place that's not so little at all. If it's room you like, Park Chow delivers -- you can sit at the bar and enjoy a couple cold beers after work, or you can come with your family on a warm weekend and sit outside on the wooden deck upstairs. You can also snuggle with your special someone by the giant fireplace in the main room, or give your dog a rest while you enjoy a fresh salad and people-watching on the front patio. I ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: San Francisco, Part 1

2007-06-20T00:56:10Z

"san francisco"

a entry by DaisyRTW from a trip to San Francisco, California.

Well after 3 flights and experiencing Wednesday twice, I finally arrived in San Francisco! My hostel is just around the corner from Union Square and its lovely and warm! Having started to get a bit chilly in NZ my tan is coming back! Got up early on Thursday and hit the Visitor Centre to get a bit of a plan of action. Spent Thursday walking off my jet lag through the neigbourhoods of The Haights, North Beach and Fishermans Wharf. Went up the Coit tower to see the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time!

Friday saw me hitting the shops for the first time, wow its cheap here!!! Still on the ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: San Francisco 2007

2007-06-15T21:19:26Z

"Amazing Trip with a fantastic Festival concert"

a entry by fuchsiagrl1 from a trip to San Francisco, California.

friday - we started by having a delicious breakfast at the van ness bakery. we then headed to the fisherman's warf area. along with seeing a submarine and a huge battleship, we also went into a free museum of very early arcade games/machines, all of which were working and only a quarter. it was so awesome! then we walked along the entire strip of piers and found ourselves at pier 39 where we watched the sea lions and soaked up the atmosphere. we did the whole tourist trap thing and bought teeshirts and keychains and various other san francisco items. after that, we drove around the city and ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: San Francisco stopover

2007-05-12T17:10:18Z

"Here comes the Charlie’s Angels – welcome to Chicago!"

a entry by Kurt R. from a trip to San Francisco, California.

Time to go – Bobby stayed in Colorado Springs last night so I got to close up the house and attend to our sad cat. Guess which day she picked to yack up hairballs! I decided to park at Stapleton and SkyRide to the airport (only $6 and the parking’s free). Barely caught the bus and made it to DIA with 90 minutes until flight time. Long queues for security made me appreciate the secret special line.

DEN-SFO was a very nice flight – the Empower was working (a nice surprise) so I edited photos on the laptop and watched a funny “Office” episode (Andy’s annoying cellphone in the ceiling). The ...

[Read full entry]

San Francisco journal: What? This is diner food? It tastes homemade!

2007-05-29T02:08:09Z

a review of All You Knead, a place to eat in San Francisco, California.

After five years of living in San Francisco and testing out a wide variety of restaurants, All You Knead is still my favorite place to go for a meal. Why? Because All You Knead has everything a restaurant needs to make it good:

1. A great ambiance: Cozy, cushioned red booths with big tables for when you want to spread out and do your homework or get together with a group of friends, great music (Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and Bjork can often be heard here), soft lighting, engaging pictures like Picasso's and the Chinese Zodiac to muse over while you eat, and a large fish tank with many ...

[Read full review]

Fremont journal: Jolly Bengali?

2006-08-13T04:01:35Z

a review of Festival of India, a thing to do in Fremont, California.

So today I took my mom to the annual Festival of India in Fremont, California. This yearly event has recently been "split" between the main one here and one in San Jose, near the Children's Discovery Museum (we went there last year).

What I thought it should be: The word "festival" brings up images of a party-like atmosphere, but one in which you can learn about India, it's history, culture and peoples. Hey, maybe I'll even meet like-minded young adults and form a social networking group where we can learn about Indian life together?

What it is: Disappointing. You pay $5 to get ...

[Read full review]