A day in San Francisco

[Texas Horn fan]

During our upcoming vacation to Australia we have a most of the day layover in San Francisco. We land at 9:20 am and dont have to be back at the airport until around 7:30pm. We will be there on Sunday November 18. Any suggestions on what to do?
We have considered driving to Napa and touring a winery but I think that may be too far. I also considered getting tickets to catch a 49rs game and that isn't out of the question. But I am looking for alternatives. Thanks in advance.

 

[TXSNOS]

That's really not much time. I think I would try to find a nice place for lunch, bebop around town in the afternoon, and then head back to the airport.

 

[texdude2006]

ghirardelli square and fisherman's wharf are pretty cool places. The city hall is sweet too. You don't have a whole lot of time, but you could just cruise around downtown and see some of the sites. Lombard street is odd, yet fun to go to for the first time.

 

[Texas Horn fan]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.
I realize it isn't much time, just trying to get ideas. Our flight doesn't leave until 10:40 but since it is international I wanted to get back pretty early, which is why I said 7:30. I certainly dont want to go back any sooner than that.

Anyone been to Muir woods to see the redwoods? What are some good restaurants in SF? What kind of food is SF known for?

 

[Mr. Orange]

San Francisco is a pretty compact city, so you actually have a fair amount of time to experience a few things. I am a huge fan of Muir woods and have taken many visitors there. While its pretty close to the city it would obviously require a rental car. But if you do rent a car, you could then check out the woods and the Marin/Sausalito/Tiburon areas pretty easily. If its a nice day, there are few better ways to spend an afternoon than on the deck at Sam's inTiburon overlooking the Bay and knocking back a drink or two. And on the way back you could drive through Golden Gate Park/Ocean Beach and or Presidio/Chrissy field areas on your way to a meal somewhere in the city. Anything is better than 10 hours in SFO.

As for restaurants, there are few cities in the US that can compare to SF. You can get just about anything you want excluding good TexMex and BBQ so you're probably in luck. You just gotta pick out the type and price range and there will be plenty of options.

 

[Texas Horn fan]

Excellent, that is what I wanted to hear. I certainly would rent a car, but that seemed like a small price to pay to get to see a new city and take in some sights (plus escape a day spent in an airport)

What is this Marin/saucelito/tiburon area?

 

[bigbad66]

I would echo the above that you can see some nice things in less than a day. I would head over the golden gate and go down into Sausalito (first town after you get off the bridge) - nice little town, good restaurants and views of the bay. You could also instead drive around to Tiburon (a bit further north and east of Sausalito).

If you did that up through the end of lunch, you'd still have time to get back into the city and stroll in an area (waterfront/embarcadero, north beach area (which is what I'd recommend) - I'd avoid pier 39/fisherman's wharf (IMO, wayyyy too touristy, and really not all that interesting)

then back to the airport