You Know, They Built That City on Rock and Roll...

[eggwards]

As mentioned previously here, Chris and I will be traveling to the Bay Area in August. Since Chris is a native, he's going to be a my tour guide, but he's also been asking me what I want to see. I've been having a hard time telling him, besides a few of the big tourist mainstays. You know, bridge, windy street, gay area, mythical places you find out only exist in the movies or on TV.

Of course we'll be making it to a Giants game someday during our stay. Can't take a summer trip without trying to make another ballpark on my list.

Since Chris is originally from San Jose, and his parents now live north of the Napa Valley (I'm not sure if it's close to the Russian River or not, but it's not as far as Sacramento), we're not limiting things to the city proper. I've already mentioned seeing the redwoods, and Apple headquarters in Cupertino, and chris has suggested a winery and going to Monterey.

Our first weekend coincides with the Hairrison Street Festival. From what we can tell, the Sunday street festival is free, but all of the other events require you buying a pass (there's a dance party and a pool party on Friday and Saturday, plus other entertainment not available to the riffraff, apparently). Chris and I aren't sure just yet if we want to spend the money for the full pass, especially since we'll be staying out at Chris' parents, and not in the city. We just haven't figured out if we want to spend our money on that when we have so many other things to do.

Still, we have several days, as we will be arriving Friday, August 19th , and leaving Monday, August 29th (that's two weekends!). Longest vacation I've taken in quite a while. I think that, even with Chris around, I'll still need to get a travel guide.

I'm also going to ask for a little help from those of you who live in, or have already traveled to the city by the bay.

[Poll #529804]

Comments

[jrjarrett.livejournal.com]

You should do Alcatraz. It was very cool; you do have to get tickets in advance, you can do it online.

Also, the Virgin Music mega-store downtown

Cable cars

I quite liked Coit Tower, but it's a bit of a walk.

Do a redwood forest, too.

[teddyb.livejournal.com]

Since Chris is from the Bay Area, I am sure you are in good hands as far as the standard sights are concerned, so I can only suggest a few things that aren't on the beaten path, but are worth a look:

The Cable Car Museum,

The Palace Hotel, including the Garden Court (maybe for breakfast, maybe just for a look) and the Emperor Norton lounge (just for the pictures and story of Joshua Norton)

The Tadich Grill, if you like seafood and a touch of SF history

Beach Blanket Babylon, well, just because...

Riding the Hyde Street cable car as the fog is rolling in, and the moon is rising over the Golden Gate and behind Coit Tower

The Musee Mechanique (which I understand has found a new home at Pier 45)

The Balcutha, moored near the Hyde Street Pier, in Aquatic Park

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Cool! Thank you! I'm definitely thinking about looking for tickets to Beach Blanket Babylon. That sounds like a hoot.

[teddyb.livejournal.com]

It is, indeed. I never laughed so hard as the last time I saw it, and I've never known anyone to have a different experience seeing it.

[owenthomas.livejournal.com]

My apologies for arriving at this post so late, but if you like to dance at all, I must insist that you attend the dance on Sunday at the Stud (9th and Harrison).

If you make it to Beach Blanket Babylon, gregorsf and I would be glad to join you for espresso in North Beach before or after -- we live close by.

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Very cool! I didn't know about the dance specifically, but I have heard about the Planet Big events, and heard good things. That could be a lots of fun.

As for Beach Blanket Bingo, Chris and I haven't made our mind up about that, do I'm wondering if it will be difficult to get tickets. I'll keep you in the loop if we do decide to do it. Thanks for the invitation for coffee!