Another Perfect long weekend in SF
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How many of these arcticles or blogs have been written and how many have been read and actually executed? Don't ask me, I hardly ever read them, but I like to think I’ve accidentally accomplished some!
'Perfect' is a strong word and very subjective. How can everything work out perfect when you visit a new place for which you’ve built immense expectations for? It won’t. But we are imperfect just like San Francisco. The hope that your visit creates lasting memories and experiences that make us appreciate why we travel.
Seems that San Francisco has an ever changing reputation. The hills, the water, the fog, the food, the politics, the homeless, gays and techies. One seems to remain constant, it is fucking gorgeous.Few cities in America offer the same 'the city' can offer but it is the places just outside it that make this place so special! You’re just a short private tour away from fine wine, a call from the mountains and stunning drives but let’s stay in the city for a moment and then decide which adventure we go for on day two or three.
It's actually really easy to get the touristy stuff out of the way quickly. Learn why Lombard is crooked, what's that tower on top of that hill, why there's no beach in North Beach, what's the real color of the Golden Gate Bridge. It usually takes about 4-5 hours on a private tour and covers all the major highlights and some unique hidden gems, you may want to add more memory to your photo storage. On a perfect weather day you may not even need a private guide and just let the sights do the talking. From Hawk Hill to bare butts in the Castro, your eyes won’t believe what they just saw.
After you've been educated by your local tour guide about the city, it's time to knock out some spots on your own, maybe even later that afternoon. Make sure to book your Alcatraz tickets way in advance and watch Escape from Alcatraz, a classic staring one of our local sons Clint Eastwood. If you don't care about the prison, it's still a good idea to get on the water. The Ferry Building will help you take a short cruise to many locations around the bay including; Sausalito, Jack London Square/Oakland or Angel island if you’re up for a hike. Since we’re on the topic, the nature within and just outside the city is one of the reasons this place is special. Stroll through the Golden Gate Park or hike Land's End trail and you’ll forget you’re even in a city. If you're looking for a bigger adventure, you may want to consider taking a tour out of town to Napa/Sonoma wine country region, Yosemite National Park or even Big Sur and the Monterey Peninsula.
These out of town excursions are the reasons for your 'perfect' weekend. From novice to expert wine lovers, nothing is better than visiting some of the worlds most stunning and renowned wineries in Napa or Sonoma. Your private tour guide will help you select from over 250 wineries the ones that suit your tastes and offer the best experience. A typical tour from San Francisco to wine country runs about 8-9 hours and visits at least 3 wineries with time for lunch.
If natural landscapes and adventure is what you seek, take a day tour to Yosemite or Big Sur. Be aware that both are a bit of a drive but worth every mile. On a day tour from San Francisco to Yosemite you'll travel across the Central Valley and eventually climb up the Sierra Nevadas for 'the mountains are calling and therefore you must go'. Your private tour guide will show and teach you about the Giant Sequoia and make you feel like you’re in Jurassic times. The highlight of the day is Yosemite Valley where you’ll spend most of your time will be gazing at waterfalls and famous granite rocks named El Capitan and Half Dome. If you need to take a hike there’s no shortage of trails and your tour guide will recommend what you’re fitness level can handle.
One of the most scenic drives this world has to offer starts just south of Carmel. The stretch of highway 1 or the PCH down from Carmel to Big Sur gets more spectacular around every turn. With the pacific waves crashing into the cliffs you’ll have many opportunities to take in the sights or breathe in the salty air on a quick walk at the many pull offs off the highway or even get some sand between your toes at the Pfieffer Beach. The wows continue at the super quaint and adorable town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Hobbit houses and Frank Lloyd Wright house next to a gorgeous beach and boutique stores is what to expect. The 17-mile drive will make golfer salivate but non-golfers will enjoy the close up version of the California coast compared to the Big Sur.
If you happen to do this tour on Sunday of your 'perfect' weekend and you work Monday then it's straight to the airport for your red eye back home. You'll be California dreaming till the next time you visit.
