SFO ideas

[ASLhands]

Originally Posted by pilot j's wife

One other pointer about the alcatraz tour - make sure you book in advance. They do sell out.

Public transportation is really good in the bay area - good in the sense that you can get ANYWHERE via public transportation. MUNI is the system that is within the city of SF - while BART goes to the east bay. MUNI can be a little grungy and slow - but it will get you there and many routes run 24/7. I think it's still $1.25 and then you can use the same transfer for 2 hrs after (or longe if they don't check).

The muni is $1.50 now It has been for about a year. They are about due for a rate increase too... But as of now , it is $1.50

[kimlantse]

When my DH got his Dec roster, his face fell because he's flying to SFO. So he quickly requested a jumpseat for me and the CA gave me priority 1. Yay! There are lots of great tips in this thread but unfortunately, after checking them all out, most places are closed on x-mas day Is there anything to entertain us that does not close on x-mas day? Will we still be able to have a goose/turkey dinner somewhere?

[katherine2473]

Snap Kim! DH has a 25 hour layover in SFO on Christmas Day so we'll be there too! We were just planning on finding a place for lunch and chilling out somewhere - I think that's more likely to happen that anything touristy!

[kimlantse]

I think you're right, Katherine. Trouble is, I hope we find somewhere that's open/has a free table on x-mas day. I'm not too bothered about x-mas to be honest, but my DH is German and they take x-mas very seriously! He must have his roast goose/turkey dinner... I have suggested to him that we phone ahead to the hotel concierge and have them book something for us (if there is anything available that is).

[Kristie]

I hate to say it, but i highly doubt you'll be able to find goose on this side of the pond and if you did, it would be MEGA pricey...you'll find turkey or ham, maybe a cheeseburger but even mcdonalds might be closed that day. I would think that if you're staying in a nice hotel, their restaurant should be open for a certain time...but whatever you do, it'll probably be pricey...

if there are any amusement parks in the area, they are normally open 365 days out of the year....there's always the beach (altho it'll be cold)...I have a SFO cohort and i'll ask her what there is to do on xmas day.

Unfortunately, we don't have the christmas markets like Germany does (I wish we did!!!)...but so far, i've only heard of Chicago mimmicking Germany during the holiday season.

I'm not even sure any of the vineyards will be open out in Napa Valley.

[spotty4]

Well, Christmas is not a holiday for other religions, like Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Maybe you can find a Chinese or Indian restaurant that is open that day. Kind of like The Christmas Story movie!!

[Kristie]

yup.. in fact, my buddy says that chinatown should be open...

here's what she said

Holiday Ice Skating Rink at Embarcadero Center is open from November 7th through January 15th (closed November 15th and 16th in preparation for Friday’s carnival and ceremony).

Open 10am - 10pm Sunday through Thursday*
Open 10am - 11:30pm on Friday & Saturday*
*The caveats are the rink may be closed due to inclement weather or private parties that rent the rink for a few hours.

San Francisco Events * San Francisco Bay Area Events * San Francisco Events 2005 – visit this site for Cruises on the Bay for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – there may be other Bay Cruise vendors as well. Evening cruises are beautiful as the city is all lit up for the holiday. Or charter a sail boat for a few hours. Dress warm for any of the above. It will be cold out on the water.

Chinatown is mostly open on Christmas Day. You will see many non-Christians dining out there on Christmas Day. And some Christians who don’t want to cook!

Go hiking – it is a Bay Area tradition for many of the locals to go on a hike on Christmas Day, particularly in Marin County, which has the most beautiful hikes of all. I think Muir Woods is open, and hopefully would not be crowded. Drive across the Golden Gate and go hiking in the Marin Headlands. With the exception of an entrance fee to Muir Woods - hiking is free.

Fisherman’s Wharf may be open, but not sure to the extent.

Go for a ride on a cable car since they will probably have very few people riding them that day,. Also use the day to explore Golden Gate Park, as it will not be crowded. I think the museums are closed on Christmas Day though.

Here is an article from last year, so some of the restaurants that are open Christmas Day (other than Chinatown) may have changed. I would imagine that in a couple of weeks, if you google “Christmas Day Brunch in San Francisco” some articles will pop up. Also visit SF Gate: News and Information for the San Francisco Bay Area for lots of other information regarding Christmas Day activities.

CRITICS' PICKS: Open Christmas Day / Let's go out

This is all I can think of right off the top of my head. Hope it is of some help!

[kimlantse]

Wow, so much info! That's really super helpful - thank you very much! So not all hope is lost, there seems to be a handful of places open. Yay!

[lucky in love]

Hello! Just had to pipe up, as San Francisco is probably my favorite American city. We lived in the East Bay for 5 years and got to sample all the area has to offer.

North Beach (the little Italy section of town) is probably my favorite place to just hang out. Great restaurants, some wonderful coffee/ espresso bars and several Italian bakeries that are to die for!

Right next to North Beach is China town. Grant street is something you should see, though very touristy. If you go one block North, to Stockton Street, you'll see more of the "real" China town. The food markets are very authentic!

And you must ride the cable car, of course.

I agree with the advice about planning for cool weather. Most people are taken off guard by how cold it is, especially on the ferry. Definitely get the audio tour of Alcatraz. It's great!

Finally, because I'm a freak about safety (sorry).... be careful in Oakland when you go to the game. The area around the airport and stadium are not too friendly, though there are lots of wonderful restaurants and shops in other areas.

Have a great time!

[madlibs]

I'm really getting into the planning of this trip over this week. I just copied and pasted all of your replies into an email to my family. I know they're going to appreciate your information as much as I do. Thank you all again! Let me know if you think of anything else, ok?