San Francisco Questions

[The Gentleman Sawyer]

My wife and I are planning a trip to San Francisco in January and I have a couple of questions for any natives. I'm looking for suggestions for a nice area to stay, easily accessible to, but not in, the city. Somewhere on the water would be nice. Also, one of the main reasons for this trip, other than seeing the touristy things in the City, is to see some big trees. I would really like to go Sequoia and Kings to visit the Generals, but that looks like quite a trip from the Bay Area. I'm wondering if the ones in Muir Woods would satisfy my quest. Sincere thanks for all assistance!

Ken

[Thorne]

Will be a nice trip! Since I live here I haven't stayed at hotels/motels in the area, but much depends on how long you'll be here and how fond of driving the rental car you are.

The Sausalito area is probably nicest and most boaty, but anywhere in Marin County will be expensive. Quite close to SF across the Golden Gate bridge.

For near the water but a drive to Sausalito, the Travelodge Mill Valley/Sausalito might be OK - off Hamilton Dr in the Mill Valley / Strawberry area.
http://www.travelodge.com/Travelodge/control/Booking/modify_dates?areaCode=2AQ2&brandCode=TL&searchWithinMiles=25&areaType=1&destination=Mill%20Valley&stateName=California&state=CA&countryName=United%20States&country=US&checkInDate=&numberAdults=1&numberRooms=1&checkOutDate=&numberChildren=0&numberBigChildren=0&rateName=Best%20Avail&rate=000&variant=&id=09550&propBrandId=TL&force_nostay=false&tab=tab1


Muir Woods has some nice trees, as does the Russian River area. For the truly ginormous trees you'll need to go 4-5 hours either east or north, but these may satisfy -
http://www.russianrivertravel.com/parks-armstrong.htm

The parks with large redwood trees in the Sierras may suffer from road closures due to weather and/or snow - Kings Canyon and Sequioa National Parks. Going north to Humboldt Redwoods State Park may be a better choice, and an overnight stay in Ferndale might be fun -- lots of Victorian-style hotels in that little town south of Eureka.

The Inverness area on Tomales Bay is extremely scenic and may be worth an overnight visit, and Pt. Reyes Station and the towns along Tomales Bay are very scenic and have many boats.

[Mrleft8]

Handy woods is nice for big trees. I highly recomend either the Anderson Valley Ranch in Philo (I think....Might be Boonville), or the Hill House in Mendocino. There're a couple of nice B&Bs in Ft. Bragg, and taking the Skunk train from Ft. Bragg to Willits and back is a fun ride through the Redwoods... There's several working waterfronts between SF and FB if you take the coast highway (HWY1)up. There's whale watching, and of course the wine tastings in Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino counties (My favorites are in the Anderson valley). There are several good brew pubs along the way too.

[elf]

Muir woods is highly developed and I pass it up every time I go out there. Even only 15 miles up Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to Inverness from San Rafael, you can take a side road and get away from the tourist stuff and be in the big trees.

At Point Reyes National Seashore you can be in nearly every coastal ecosystem there and hike for days. Inverness rents kayaks and has charming guest houses. Across Tomales Bay they farm oysters which are highly regarded, and the ranches around the Bay grow great beef and vegetables.

January is a fine time to be exploring the coast just north of SF because everything, or nearly everything, is green and flowering. Don't go in June.

And the area around the Russian River (between Bolinas and Gualala and inland to Guerneville), and on the coastal highway to it, is often pretty thrilling. All the usual tourist stuff - sea stacks, abalone fishers, high cliffs, camping on the beach, steep hills inland, coastal rainforest.

If your stay is short you needn't go further north than Jenner to get the whole picture.

But you do have to rent a car.

[Canoeyawl]

Here's a little bed and breakfast (http://ebls.org/?page_id=66) close to both the city and the water...

http://www.boatingsf.com/photos/020607/IMG_0472_edited-1.jpg

[meuritt]

How much time are you planning on spending? January can be a very stormy month and that can limit your options. Going east from SF for more than about 3 hours is going to put you in snow country. North or South 101 or 1 is a safe bet, but storms can make driving seem less like a vacation.

How much driving do you want to do in the land of the automobile? South of SF is Santa Cruz, just north of there in Felton is one of the closest old growth forests, and best news is a steam train runs right through it. Roaring Camp & Big Trees. You can take the steamer up the mountain to see the old trees, hike through the adjacent state park for a different view, then take the diesel down to Santa Cruz to the Santa Cruz Beach Board Walk for a look at the Great Blue Pacific. Allow two days for that and maybe throw in Monterey while you are that close.

Just below Santa Cruz, about an hour, is Monterey, and its famed aquarium.

The area around Jack London Square in Oakland might be a good choice for water side attractions, and it is close to BART to get you to the City, but, as Thorne said, Marin county, Sausalito in particular has some enticements as well.

Mendocino or Humboldt counties have a lot of trees, but the drive through Anderson Valley to the coast highway, then north to Mendocino or Fort Bragg is one I have enjoyed for years, big trees a beautiful river, the pacific ocean. If you go there, Ft Bragg is less expensive than Mendocino. The harbor at Noyo River is one I always enjoy.

But right in Marin county, out Sir Francis Drake Blvd is Samuel P Taylor Park. As a president once said, you've seen 1 tree, you've seen them all. Taylor park has great trees, camping and hiking. It is about 20 minutes from the coast, twice that to Pt Reyes Station.

I could go on, I do enjoy where I live

[Alan H]

If you can afford to drop some change, the Tiburon Lodge is pretty nice and it's a short stroll to the ferry dock, which can get you to San Francisco. You can also take a small State Parks ferry out to Angel Island, if you like. If you don't want to do the ferry, then you'll need a car.

The Tiburon Lodge is out on Tiburon Point. It's a pretty tony neighborhood, but it's at least a 20 minute drive to anything. You could get to Muir Woods from there, or out to Point Reyes.

for Big Trees I would recommend a couple of hikes in the Santa Cruz mountains. Roaring Camp and Big Trees is probably open, I would double-check to make *sure* they're open before committing. Fall Creek is a nice, but athletic hike down that way, you can hear the train whistle while you're hiking. There are seriously big trees in Butano State Park, as well.

The Sierra Nevada big trees will be in snow...which means they're accessible, but you'll be taking a chance. If it snows hard a day or two before you drive up there, you might not be able to get to them. On the other hand, take XC ski's or showshoes and go enjoy them.

[Gary Bergman]

A resonable( for the Bay Area) stay can be had the Holiday Inn Express in Pacifica( Rockaway Beach)..and you can get a good dose of redwoods in the Henry Cowell Park in Santa Cruz........Pacifica is a 12 minute drive to downtown SF.....

[Michael s/v Sannyasin]

Half Moon Bay is just South of the GG Bridge, and is a nice spot right on the beach. There should be lots of reasonable places to stay there. And, it's not much of a drive over the hill into the City.

Further South, Santa Cruz is a great city, but it's a bit of a drive to SF from there. As mentioned, Henry Cowell Park has some great redwoods, and it is a good place to camp too. That's between Santa Cruz and Los Gatos if I remember correctly.

I've hiked through Muir Woods frequently, and it's definitely worthwhile. You can hike up the trail through the woods, then continue on a trail to the top of Mt. Tamalpias.

[BrianM]

Don't count out the General up at Calaveras Big Trees. It's 160 miles from Half Moon Bay (great downtown and ocean views). It will take you about 3-4 hours to get there but they are the biggest living things on the planet... it's worth the drive. The sad part are that some of the exibit photos show trees that are much bigger.. that were cut down pretty well just "to see if it could be done"... Calaveras Big Trees is on the edge of Yosemite, so don't skip it if you can wedge in the time. Snow of course is an issue so I'd call the park ahead of time.

[The Gentleman Sawyer]

Thanks everyone for all this information! To answer some questions, we'll be staying a week or so, and after my brain began to hurt from searching for a hotel in the city, I ran across the Best Western Lighthouse in Pacifica. Pretty highly rated and fairly inexpensive, from what I could find out. Since I've never seen the pacific ocean I thought I might as well spend my evenings watching the sun set into it. Regarding visiting the Generals in Sequoia and Kings, after some research I realized that snow might be a problem, but that I'd wait and see if it was snowy when we arrive. Also, we're renting a car, but will be using public transit to visit the city. Again, thanks for all the help!

Ken

[Canoeyawl]

If you want to see some trees, it's just short hop in a car down to Santa Cruz, Nisene Marks Forest (http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/nisene/) there are quite a few trees over 8 feet in dia.
Of course if you are going to do that daytrip you should continue south for an hour to Point Lobos (http://www.pointlobos.org/) ...
check your pm's

[meuritt]

That Pacifica lodge would be an outstanding place to be if big storms are causing big seas. Currently seas off Bodega are reported as being 13'. Pretty exciting.

[Gary Bergman]

I was a Pacifica resident for 12 years before moving aboard in Marin County (Sausalito). You can't go wrong. Half Moon Bay is as spendy as anywhere up north. If you need any directions the easy way to anywhere on the penninsula, give a holler.......

[Michael s/v Sannyasin]

By the way, if you are looking into Pacifica or Half Moon Bay area, then your public transit option is most likely the Bus. Not a very efficient way to get around. In the Bay Area (and all of California), the car is king. Most folks will drive to a neighborhood, such as Fisherman's Warf, park, then use the trollies etc. to sightsee. Don't be afraid of driving in CA. SF can be a little confusing just South of the GG Bridge, but overall, they have excellent signage, and wide roads. Just look at a map ahead of time.

I've been to Yosemite, and the Sequoia National forest, and both are completely awesome, but, with snow, might not be accessible. The Redwood Forest is near the northern tip of California, Eureka(?), in Humbolt county(?), possibly the same distance as Yosemite, at least in drive time. You can see the statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. Definitely worth the drive.

But, sometimes, too much is too little. SF alone has enough to fill a week. Definitely go to Fisherman's Warf, Garadelli Chocolate's is there. Drive down Lombard Street (just to say you have). Take a Cable Car. Visit China Town. Drive across the bridge to Sausalito. Keep going and drive out to China Camp. Definitely go out to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes and the CowGirl Cremery (best cheese on the planet). Hike Muir Woods, sit on top of Mt. Tam., have a fancy dinner on Knob Hill.

http://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/

If you find yourself in the East Bay (Berkley, Oakland), then look for the Trader Vic's in Emeryville, or Forbidden Island in Alameda.

Above all, have fun!

Cheers!
Mike

[Hwyl]

Got to get there sometime

[Michael s/v Sannyasin]

By the way, if you've never seen the Pacific, you're in for a treat.

[elf]

That Pacifica lodge would be an outstanding place to be if big storms are causing big seas. Currently seas off Bodega are reported as being 13'. Pretty exciting.

Ouch. I suppose that's the end of the final house at Gleason Beach, then?

[elf]

Since I've never seen the pacific ocean I thought I might as well spend my evenings watching the sun set into it.

Don't hold you breath. Remember the fog.

[pcford]

Many, many years ago when puppy dogs were the oldest things in the world, I went to school in the Bay Area.

One of my favorite places was the Steep Ravine Trail on Mount Tamalpais. Check it out.

http://www.bahiker.com/northbayhikes/stinson.html

[Gary Bergman]

About the fog....the northern fog line is roughly the GG Bridge to Angel island (north clear, south, well, you know)..then to Rockaway Beach. Pacifica ( Linda Mar to Devil's Slide) is generally clear. Don't forget Mavrick's for big waves.....(just after devils slide is Monterra, and if you look out to sea, and slightly north)...

[Ted Hoppe]

As married to a former concierge at five star hotels in San Francisco and experienced luxury adventurer, I know my way around my home here in Northern California. Many of the things you would want to see here are within almost everyones budget, provide spectacular vistas, please your palette and make beautiful life changing impressions. Don't blow a chance see, miss this.

Don't worry about fog. January may be wet and cool, but you never know as it often is sunny in the mid 60 as it is about rain - often in the same day. Fog disappears or hangs on the trees for quite dramatic effect.

Muir Woods is amazing for many reasons... it is a beautiful portion of once was a great northern California redwood forest. 30 minutes by car (The highway 1 drive to Stinson beach is on of the most beautiful places in north America) but you can take a good bus tour for an inexpensive but fun excursion that will leave you with enough time to see and feel the woods.

I would rent a car only to make the drive to there. The rest of the time enjoy the city and urban area. it is a beautiful place that will take your breath away.

I would suggest a nice San Francisco hotel like the Hotel Vitalie near the Ferry building. It would give you access to the water, Marin (Sausalito & Tiberorn) by way of the Ferry. My favorite hotel in San francisco is the historic Hotel Huntington, on top of Nob Hill. (It is on the California Cable car line, a short walk to china town, I think if you pre book in January you might get a great room rate. Call the Hotel Sales directly. I think a Hotel like that and at the dates you are thinking will be a under 150 with a wonderful room and a full city and bayview. It is worth every penny too. (included in the room is free silver service tea or sherry upon check in) I worked there putting myself through college and know that its quite special (it is were the people in the real know of SF stay. If that is too rich, book on line at priceline and plan to walk or taxi. (it may be a bit more urban, but San Francisco is a walkable town.

While in the city check out the Maritime museum right on the wharf. You will find what you are looking for. For more boaty things, consider a ride on the Alma, a working ship from the 1880 that still sails daily. Also consider booking a visit to the Spaulding boat works in Marin (The center of wooden boats for the San Francisco bay).

Lastly, Sequoia is a pilgrimage. There is no other place which houses such great majestic trees such as these that is also accessible all nestled in the base of the Serrias. Also if you are committed to seeing beautiful places, Yosemite is Gods church which in on the way. In January, warm cabin are available on the valley floor as are the places available in Sequoia/Kings Canyon. Prices will be quite reasonable among the granite, snow, waterfalls and forests.

If you can stand riding on an old wooden sloop, we might be able to work something out too.

[DDan]

Just to be clear - we are actually talking about two different kinds of trees here: "Coast Redwoods", the tallest trees in the world and "Sequoias", the largest trees in the world. Both are incredibly impressive.

Muir Woods is a cathedral of trees - remember the Joni Mitchell song about putting trees in a "tree museum". That lyric ran through my head every time I visited. It's well worth a visit, but is really just an appetizer to some of the other larger concentrations of even larger trees. The trees up along the northern California coast and between SF and about Santa Cruz are all coast redwoods. They depend on the ocean fog for reliable moisture.

The trees in the Sierra Nevada mountains are Sequoias. They live under drier conditions - at least in summer. These are the ones in Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. Yosemite has a few groves, with the latter two parks having bigger concentrations. Of course, there are other reasons to visit these parks, especially Yosemite Valley - one of the world's greatest places.

Sounds like what you really need to do is to make at least 2 or 3 or 4 trips!

By the way, the floor of Yosemite Valley has much less snow that the surrounding highlands, so may remain more accessible - as long as the passes to get to it are open. In winter, chains are often required for the passes when it snows. I don't know if you can rent them along with a car out there or not.

[Mrleft8]

Not to belabor the point, but both the "Coast Redwoods", and the "Giant Redwoods" are "Sequoias". Sequoia Sempervirens, and Sequoia Giganteum, both of which are in the genus Sequoiadendron, in the family Cupressaceae. And they're both well worth visiting.

[Michael s/v Sannyasin]

and this man knows his wood

[donald branscom]

Just try to get out or thru San Francisco as fast as possible.
If you stop in SF do not leave anything inside your car.
You will probably get towed or ticketed, or booted or robbed even if you do nothing wrong. Just get thru as fast as possible.

[Ted Hoppe]

Just try to get out or thru San Francisco as fast as possible.
If you stop in SF do not leave anything inside your car.
You will probably get towed or ticketed, or booted or robbed even if you do nothing wrong. Just get thru as fast as possible.

Wow! You must be down for hanging in the Tenderlion, scoring in the mission or trolling for exotic entertainment. Get real and leave your suburban-rural mentalies at home. Santa Rosa just 15 mins from your home which is 1/4 the size of SF is more dangerous per capitia. In fact your car insurance in all in likelihood higher than the citizens of SF.

The fact is that it is a urban city with some issues assocated economic conditions doesn't mean that this place is unsafe. Unlike you, they have a choice about driving and/or parking. Parking is expensive. Like I mentioned, rent a car when you need one. Don't expect to park for free downtown. Sausalito has ruthless metermaids too. Last time I was in Sonoma I saw four meter readers too.

Just remember that an empty car is a going to just fine. A quality hotel or parking structure will cost from 20 to 35 a day. That's why I suggested taking great public transportation, reasonable taxis and other forms of transportation.

[LeeG]

Smiley's Schooner Saloon
41 Wharf Rd, Bolinas, CA
(415) 868-1311‎

Good Hotel
112 7th St, San Francisco, CA
(415) 621-7001

[Lew Barrett]

Is La Cumbre on Valencia (Mission District) still as great as it was for a carne asada burrito? The carnitas isn't bad either. A favorite old haunt for me when I lived there.

[BrianM]

As a native.. it's easy to forget you are so close to so many great things... my gosh.. my kids have never seen Muir Woods, and I live 25 minutes from it!

I think I have this weekend planned..

Thanks!