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Message
Need Suggestions: One Week in San Francisco & Big Sur
Posted on 2/18/19 at 5:38 pm
Posted on 2/18/19 at 5:38 pm
Hey guys, my wife and I will be staying three nights in Carmel-By-The-Sea and four nights in San Francisco the second week of March. We have a rough itinerary that I'm going to give below and would love any suggestions on filling it out. We are both pretty adventurous and want to experience San Fran like locals when we can.
As it stands right now our itinerary is as follows:
Day 0: We fly out of MSY at 7:30 PM and will be arriving in SF at 12:40 AM. We will pick up our car at the airport and drive to Carmel. Planning to be in Carmel by 4 AM. Decided against getting a hotel for a few hours, so we will hopefully be able to catch a few hours of sleep in the car.
Day 1: The only thing we have scheduled for Day 1 right now is a bike tour at 10:30 AM along the 17 Mile Drive. After the tour and lunch we are thinking of staying in Carmel/Monterey and checking out the town and possibly going sailing. Thoughts on sailing? Neither of us have ever been and thought it'd be something different that would be cool to do while we were there.
Day 2: We plan to spend this day hiking and seeing all of the major sight-seeing along Highway 1 in this area including the Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, Partington Cove, and McWay Falls.
Day 3: We do not have anything planned on this day (our last full day in Carmel). I'm thinking we will be in town through lunch and then we will go to Point Lobos after lunch to hike and catch the sunset.
Day 4: We drive to San Francisco on this day. We really don't have anything set in stone for Day 4. Car must be returned by 6:00 PM. Anything must see on the drive from Carmel to San Francisco? I thought it would be cool to drive through Stanford.
Day 5: Tentatively plan to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge and eat lunch in Saltillo. We have a Alcatraz night tour scheduled for 5:55 PM. Other than that, no plans.
Day 6: Nothing scheduled. Possibly thinking of a day trip to Napa/Sonoma. Thoughts or recommendations on this?
Day 7: Nothing scheduled. Plan on spending the day exploring San Fran. Thought of catching a Beach Blanket Babylon show.
Day 8: Fly out of SFO at 2:00 PM
My wife has done some food research and has come up with a few restaurants in Carmel and San Fran.
Carmel:
Patisserie Boisseire
Treehouse Cafe
Bistro Giovanni
II Tegamino
Big Sur Roadhouse
San Fran:
The Beuna Vista
Sweet Maple
Brenda's French Soul Food
The Front Porch
So there's a rough itinerary and restaurant list. Writing it out the itinerary me realize that my wife was right (imagine that) and this trip isn't as planned out as i thought it was.
Also, if you have ever been to any of the restaurants listed let us know if you liked it! We are foodies and will be looking for places to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My wife does not eat seafood.
We appreciate any and all suggestions on things to do and places to eat. Thanks!
As it stands right now our itinerary is as follows:
Day 0: We fly out of MSY at 7:30 PM and will be arriving in SF at 12:40 AM. We will pick up our car at the airport and drive to Carmel. Planning to be in Carmel by 4 AM. Decided against getting a hotel for a few hours, so we will hopefully be able to catch a few hours of sleep in the car.
Day 1: The only thing we have scheduled for Day 1 right now is a bike tour at 10:30 AM along the 17 Mile Drive. After the tour and lunch we are thinking of staying in Carmel/Monterey and checking out the town and possibly going sailing. Thoughts on sailing? Neither of us have ever been and thought it'd be something different that would be cool to do while we were there.
Day 2: We plan to spend this day hiking and seeing all of the major sight-seeing along Highway 1 in this area including the Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, Partington Cove, and McWay Falls.
Day 3: We do not have anything planned on this day (our last full day in Carmel). I'm thinking we will be in town through lunch and then we will go to Point Lobos after lunch to hike and catch the sunset.
Day 4: We drive to San Francisco on this day. We really don't have anything set in stone for Day 4. Car must be returned by 6:00 PM. Anything must see on the drive from Carmel to San Francisco? I thought it would be cool to drive through Stanford.
Day 5: Tentatively plan to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge and eat lunch in Saltillo. We have a Alcatraz night tour scheduled for 5:55 PM. Other than that, no plans.
Day 6: Nothing scheduled. Possibly thinking of a day trip to Napa/Sonoma. Thoughts or recommendations on this?
Day 7: Nothing scheduled. Plan on spending the day exploring San Fran. Thought of catching a Beach Blanket Babylon show.
Day 8: Fly out of SFO at 2:00 PM
My wife has done some food research and has come up with a few restaurants in Carmel and San Fran.
Carmel:
Patisserie Boisseire
Treehouse Cafe
Bistro Giovanni
II Tegamino
Big Sur Roadhouse
San Fran:
The Beuna Vista
Sweet Maple
Brenda's French Soul Food
The Front Porch
So there's a rough itinerary and restaurant list. Writing it out the itinerary me realize that my wife was right (imagine that) and this trip isn't as planned out as i thought it was.
Also, if you have ever been to any of the restaurants listed let us know if you liked it! We are foodies and will be looking for places to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My wife does not eat seafood.
We appreciate any and all suggestions on things to do and places to eat. Thanks!
This post was edited on 2/18/19 at 5:41 pm
14
Posted on 2/18/19 at 6:01 pm to TheJunction
Drive up from Carmel along the coast back to San Francisco, or cut over at half moon bay. If you are into hiking I would recommend purisima Creek just south of half moon bay. It is some of the most beautiful hiking in the area, redwoods. Think Muir Woods but without the crowds. Try to get a reservation at house of prime rib, if your into that, good luck. There is also great urban hiking in the city with fantastic views.
Posted on 2/18/19 at 6:34 pm to luvdatigahs
Very much into hiking and Purisima Creek is right up our alley. Likely won’t be going to Muir Woods, so it sounds like a perfect substitute.
Any suggestions for where to be in SF for sunset?
Any suggestions for where to be in SF for sunset?
Posted on 2/18/19 at 6:57 pm to TheJunction
Sade's in Carmel is the local bar. Very small but very cool. The highlands or Carmel has awesome views. Brunch at one of the clubhouses in pebble beach. Stinking Rose in San Fran is great if you like garlic. Sears has excellent breakfast. Alcatraz night tour is a great call, lots of fun.
Posted on 2/18/19 at 10:29 pm to TheJunction
The view of the city and bay from the Berkley Hills at sunset is amazing. Tilden Park is a great spot.
Posted on 2/18/19 at 11:38 pm to Dizz
I second this ^^. Don't forget about the east bay. The views from Oakland hills or Berkeley are amazing, on a clear day you can see both Oakland and San Francisco skylines.
Posted on 2/19/19 at 7:21 am to TheJunction
quote:
We are foodies and will be looking for places to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My wife does not eat seafood.
Too bad about the seafood. Swan Oyster Depot and Anchor Oyster Bar are awesome spots.
Anyway, if you're foodies, I would add these to your list:
- State Bird (they serve food on a cart, which is cool)
- The Progress (next door to State Bird)
- La Ciccia (bit of a hike, if you're downtown, but Noe Valley is a beautiful neighborhood)
- Deli Board (I stay at Americania quite a bit for work because of its proximity to Cellarmaker and City Beer Store when I'm not in meetings. Deli Board is right there and the sandwiches are expensive, but they are stacked and savory)
- China Live (awesome dining experience and stop at the market and buy their chili sauce)
- La Tacqueria is, maybe, the most-popular spot on Mission. Head over to El Techo afterwards and have a drink on their rooftop. Prepare yourself for some absolute [harmless] weirdos on your half-mile walk.
- Delfina (lively, fun atmosphere with great wine list. Right near Mission Dolores Park, if you want to see a great view of the city)
- Begoni Bistro (best example of classic Chinese that I've had in SF)
Posted on 2/19/19 at 7:29 am to TheJunction
Alvarado Street
Sante Adarius breweries
Sante Adarius breweries
Posted on 2/19/19 at 9:18 am to TheJunction
quote:
Day 1: The only thing we have scheduled for Day 1 right now is a bike tour at 10:30 AM along the 17 Mile Drive. After the tour and lunch we are thinking of staying in Carmel/Monterey and checking out the town and possibly going sailing. Thoughts on sailing? Neither of us have ever been and thought it'd be something different that would be cool to do while we were there.
I wouldn't sail for the first time in your life in that area....the Pacific is not the Gulf, or even the Atlantic. There's plenty to see on land. Carmel by the Sea is small, artsy in the "let's buy some art" sense, and absolutely loaded with shopping, esp high end shopping. The main drag leads down to a big sandy beach, which is dog friendly. Town has lots of restaurants, but it is generally on the pricey side. If you're biking 17 mi drive, you might consider eating at the Pebble Beach clubhouse; there's a restaurant overlooking the 18th green, as well as a taproom & more casual cafe.
quote:
Day 2: We plan to spend this day hiking and seeing all of the major sight-seeing along Highway 1 in this area including the Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, Partington Cove, and McWay Falls.
I was just in Big Sur in mid-Jan, and the overlook trail for McWay falls was closed due to a very wet winter. A number of other trails were closed as well. Definitely check out the info for the various state parks before you make any real plans. Here's the CA Parks official listing of trail closures: LINK
Also, the parking lots for the state parks are tiny & very very quickly fill up, esp on the weekend. So if you're planning to hike, don't think you can pop in mid-day and find a spot. The whole Carmel-to-Big-Sur drive can become a rolling roadblock...best way to enjoy is to stop, often, and let the traffic pass you by. We drove to Nepenthe, which has an absolutely spectacular view at the restaurant & Kivah cafe, but also has a nice gift shop.
The sunsets from Asilomar Beach park in Pacific Grove are pretty damn spectacular, with lots of adjacent tidepools to keep you occupied while waiting for the main event.
RE: San Francisco, I know it's touristy, but sunset at Seal Rocks, from the bar at the Cliff House, is my absolute favorite.
While you're in SF, I'd enjoy SF. Four days is not too much, and you will just have driven a bunch in Big Sur & up to SF. So don't drive off to Napa....enjoy what SF has to offer: the Mission (Tartine Bakery, Bi-Rite creamery & store), the incredible Ferry Building Farmer's Market, Coit Tower/the Filbert St steps (look for the wild parrots that live on the hill), Liguria Bakery & Tony's Pizza Napolitana in North Beach, dim sum at City Lights....
The night tour of Alcatraz can be freezing cold....definitely wear layers.
Posted on 2/19/19 at 9:20 am to TheJunction
My wife an I do this trip just about every other year. Carmel/Big Sur is one of our favorite places to just relax. You have a pretty full itinerary, but it feels like you are hitting most of the high points.
If you are going to drive the coast back to San Fran, it may be worth checking out Santa Cruz...totally different feel than San Fran or Carmel. I would skip Monterey; it is pretty touristy in the area around the aquarium. Stanford is worth driving through; the campus is amazing. Palo Alto has a nice main drag full of shops and restaurants.
**Pro-tip: Pfieffer Beach limits the number of people that are allowed to park and walk to the beach. Sunset is a very popular time, and it is not uncommon for there to be a line of people waiting in their cars on the road missing the sunset. It is literally, one car leaves/one car in. Get there early...pack a small "picnic" of snacks and enjoy the afternoon there. Leave after sunset and waive to all of the people who didn't get in on time!
If you are going to drive the coast back to San Fran, it may be worth checking out Santa Cruz...totally different feel than San Fran or Carmel. I would skip Monterey; it is pretty touristy in the area around the aquarium. Stanford is worth driving through; the campus is amazing. Palo Alto has a nice main drag full of shops and restaurants.
**Pro-tip: Pfieffer Beach limits the number of people that are allowed to park and walk to the beach. Sunset is a very popular time, and it is not uncommon for there to be a line of people waiting in their cars on the road missing the sunset. It is literally, one car leaves/one car in. Get there early...pack a small "picnic" of snacks and enjoy the afternoon there. Leave after sunset and waive to all of the people who didn't get in on time!
Posted on 2/19/19 at 9:31 am to TheJunction
Restaurants I have enjoyed in San Fran include:
Zuni Cafe - Great place serving classic California cuisine, beautiful bar. Since wife doesnt eat seafood, would steer you towards the roast chicken for two with panzanella. But also a great place for a glass of wine and oysters for you and shoestring fries for her.
Mission Chinese - Just a wild place with flavorful food. Be prepared to have your assumptions about Chinese American food turned upside down.
Cockscomb - Sort of reminds me of Cochon, but a bit more offal focused and reliant more on European technique than Cajun (which of course Cajun is a derivative of European cooking technique interspersed with Native American, African, and other cooking traditions)
Boulevard - Nancy Oakes iconic spot. Good place for lunch, handsome space, very delicious updated, bistro cooking.
Liholiho Yacht Club - Had a delicious meal at the bar about a month ago. Sort of Hawaiian meets California cooking with some twists. Kung Pao sweetbreads, fried oysters and beef carpaccio, and this awesome dessert called a Baked Hawaiian. Which was a pineapple and coconut flavored baked Alaska, and it ruled.
Also, would highly recommend an afternoon in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Great museum, which even if you are someone who doesn't get Modern Art and the importance placed on say a painting of a Banana, that does a good job of explaining why this art is important.
Zuni Cafe - Great place serving classic California cuisine, beautiful bar. Since wife doesnt eat seafood, would steer you towards the roast chicken for two with panzanella. But also a great place for a glass of wine and oysters for you and shoestring fries for her.
Mission Chinese - Just a wild place with flavorful food. Be prepared to have your assumptions about Chinese American food turned upside down.
Cockscomb - Sort of reminds me of Cochon, but a bit more offal focused and reliant more on European technique than Cajun (which of course Cajun is a derivative of European cooking technique interspersed with Native American, African, and other cooking traditions)
Boulevard - Nancy Oakes iconic spot. Good place for lunch, handsome space, very delicious updated, bistro cooking.
Liholiho Yacht Club - Had a delicious meal at the bar about a month ago. Sort of Hawaiian meets California cooking with some twists. Kung Pao sweetbreads, fried oysters and beef carpaccio, and this awesome dessert called a Baked Hawaiian. Which was a pineapple and coconut flavored baked Alaska, and it ruled.
Also, would highly recommend an afternoon in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Great museum, which even if you are someone who doesn't get Modern Art and the importance placed on say a painting of a Banana, that does a good job of explaining why this art is important.
This post was edited on 2/19/19 at 9:33 am
Posted on 2/19/19 at 9:58 am to TheJunction
Day 4:
Uh, countless. This would be my favorite day of the trip. Seven mile beach, Ben Lomond, the Pulgas water temple, the cream of green chili soup from Duarte’s in Pescadero, redwoods from Loma Mar to La Honda...safe to say the west side of that peninsula is one of the most beautiful spots on earth.
quote:
Anything must see on the drive from Carmel to San Francisco?
Uh, countless. This would be my favorite day of the trip. Seven mile beach, Ben Lomond, the Pulgas water temple, the cream of green chili soup from Duarte’s in Pescadero, redwoods from Loma Mar to La Honda...safe to say the west side of that peninsula is one of the most beautiful spots on earth.
This post was edited on 2/19/19 at 9:58 am
Posted on 2/19/19 at 10:32 am to BlackenedOut
quote:
Also, would highly recommend an afternoon in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
SFMoMa has a great museum gift shop. Cool, useful, design-oriented objects & a nice selection of art books.
Posted on 2/19/19 at 10:38 am to hungryone
Have you ever eaten at Brazen Head in the Marina (Cow Hollow) disctrict? Nutty little mafia style steak joint.
This post was edited on 2/19/19 at 10:43 am
Posted on 2/19/19 at 10:45 am to luvdatigahs
Did not expect nearly this many replies when I signed on this morning. I really appreciate it guys. Y’all have given some great suggestions.
Posted on 2/19/19 at 10:59 am to Gaston
quote:
Have you ever eaten at Brazen Head in the Marina (Cow Hollow) disctrict? Nutty little mafia style steak joint.
I haven't, I'm not the biggest fan of steak in a restaurant...but it looks like an interesting spot. I do like Tadich Grill, a similarly old school joint, as well as Swan Oyster Depot. But poor OP can't do seafood. Tadich has some non-seafood on the menu, but I can't vouch for how well they do or do not handle non-seafood.
Posted on 2/19/19 at 11:01 am to Gaston
The Brazen Head was recommended to me by a bartender at Cockscomb. Didnt have time on this trip but earmarked for next one.
Posted on 2/19/19 at 1:24 pm to hungryone
They do a peppered NY strip with a brandy cream sauce that is amazing.
Posted on 2/19/19 at 1:28 pm to BlackenedOut
Only other unique joint, outside of sushi places, we’d frequent was Tommy’s Mexican restaurant. Pretty much a tequila lunch/dinner, incredible ‘margaritas’. I thought the food was pretty meh, but the bar was great.
This post was edited on 2/19/19 at 1:30 pm
Posted on 2/19/19 at 3:44 pm to TheJunction
Casanova in Carmel is an excellent Italian restaurant.
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