- Plan a Perfect Week
- San Francisco Tours
- Wine Country Tours
- Pacific Coast Tours
- San Francisco Movies
- Silicon Vly/San Jose
- Tours with more than 6
- More Wine Country
- Special Destinations
- Eateries
- Staycations
We can pick you up anywhere within 90 minutes’ drive of San Francisco—at your home, hotel, ship's terminal, or the airport!
Planning Ahead
What to Wear in Our Climate
The city of San Francisco has a mild, Mediterranean climate—little to moderate heat in spring and summer, occasional rain but no snow in "winter" (usually late November to late April). The region as a whole (Napa, Silicon Valley, Carmel, San Jose et. al.) is a mosaic of micro-climates whose particular features are determined by distance from the Pacific or the Bay, by which side of a hill you're on, and how the fog chooses to entertain us.
Many visitors find San Francisco chilly! especially on its many windy days, and after sunset. Staying comfortable often depends on where you're headed on a given day and the types of activities you plan to enjoy. Layered clothing almost always works best: light to medium-weight, long-sleeved casual shirts and blouses, full-length pants. Bring a nice sweater, hoodie or windbreaker too.
Our tours assume that you are a reasonably fit pedestrian, although length and difficulty of walks are up to you; in any case, well broken-in shoes are highly recommended. If your mobility is limited in some way, we will try our best to accommodate you through careful planning and a more leisurely itinerary. A collapsable umbrella, rain hat or light poncho is advisable for November through May. If you're in the habit of wearing sunglasses (or a sun visor), you'll want to bring them as well. For people particularly sensitive to cold, bring a coat to help preserve body heat in the evening, and when traveling over water or in a forest.
How to dress for an evening out? We're more informal than not. For men, a nice jacket or blazer will suffice at most upscale restaurants, the opera and symphony; blue jeans (invented by Levi Strauss in San Francisco) are acceptable most everywhere. For women, high-end venues welcome dressier evening wear if you're looking for somewhere to show it off.
Upon Arrival...
Anyone traveling a significant distance to reach our area is advised not to commit to a major pre-paid activity within 3-4 hours of his or her scheduled arrival time--your flight may be delayed due to fog...there may be traffic congestion coming in from the airport or across a bridge…you may just be tired from all the effort of getting here. What if you've settled into your hotel or friend's home but still have nervous energy? Start recovering from jet-lag and your long day by relaxing with activities that do not require reservations: ride the "little cable cars that climb halfway to the stars" (the Hyde Street line from the turnaround at Powell & Market, near Union Square)...they take you up Nob Hill thru Chinatown and down to Ghirardelli Square. Walk over to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 where amusing sea lions often hang out; appreciate views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge; make dinner of fresh crab from a street stand or clam chowder in sourdough bowls at Boudin's. Still not tired enough for bed? Take a taxi to Telegraph Hill for its panoramic views of city lights and the Bay...take the next bus back down to the popular North Beach neighborhood. Back in your room, indulge in a great local wine, realizing that your wonder-full California vacation has already begun! (For more ideas, also see our Plan a Perfect Week.)
Unexpected Events
Yes, we do have earthquakes! here, but the probability of a significant tremblor occurring during your visit is miniscule. In the rare case that you do feel shaking, move away from anything that might fall on you, then wait for the moment to end seconds later--what a story to tell when you get back home!
A Chart of Suggested Activities
These are activities for which we suggest planning and/or reservations well in advance of your visit… especially if you intend to be here on any holiday weekend, or April through November. Be aware that with some guided tours you gain access to a period Victorian home interior, the magnificent nave of Stanford's Memorial Church, or the most delicate murals at Coit Tower--places often closed to the general public. A Friend in Town can alert you of those possibilities once we know your particular interests.
These time frames are approximations. A lucky visitor may find available tickets (or seating, an appointment, etc.) on the same day of a desired activity or event; but that outcome would be the exception.
| Activity or Event | Description (Location) | Planning Time Frame | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahwahnee Hotel (Yosemite National Park) | most beautiful lodge in the nation—to stay or to dine there | (for lodging) a year ahead for peak season; otherwise, several months ahead | nationalparkreservations.com /yosemite.htm |
| Alcatraz Island Tour | famous prison complex/history tour | 3-4 weeks | alcatrazcruises.com |
| Boulevard | Art Nouveau-style French restaurant (San Francisco) | 2-3 weeks | boulevardrestaurant.com |
| Chez Panisse | Original "California Cuisine" restaurant (Berkeley) | 3-4 weeks | chezpanisse.com |
| "Critical Mass" | impromptu bicycle ride through streets of San Francisco | last Friday (~5:30 pm) of each month | Meets at Justin Hermann Plaza (downtown SF)...must bring your own bike (rentable) |
| The French Laundry | top-rated haute cuisine restaurant $$$$ (Yountville, in Napa Valley) |
Exactly two months prior to the date, begin dialing | (707) 944-2380 |
| San Francisco City Pass | public transit, museum fees at a discount | buy on arrival | citypass.com |
| Massage/"mud bath" in Calistoga | various spas (Napa Valley) | 2-3 weeks | ask us for suggestions |
| Paramount Theater Tour | spectacular Art Deco-style movie palace | 1st & 3rd Saturdays A.M., or by arrangement | paramounttheater.com |
| San Francisco Ballet | one of the nation's best troupes | 1-2 months | sfballet.org |
| San Francisco International Film Festival | first-run, first-rate, hard-to-find movies | April/May | sffs.org |
| San Francisco Opera | grand musical drama | 4-10 weeks | sfopera.com |
| San Francisco Symphony | orchestral excellence | 1-2 months | sfsymphony.org |
| SF Jazz Center | new superb performance space (plus Charles Phan restaurant) |
1-8 weeks | sfjazz.org |
| The Slanted Door | Vietnamese restaurant (San Francisco) | 3-4 weeks | slanteddoor.com |
| Tactile Dome at The Exploratorium | a heightened experience of touch for ages 5- 75 (San Francisco) |
3-4 weeks | exploratorium.com |
| Thep Phanom | Thai restaurant (San Francisco) |
1-2 weeks | thepphanom.com |
| Trapeze Arts | classes & just fun (summer & weekends) Oakland & Sonoma County | several weeks | trapezearts.com |
| Local/Regional Theater: Berkeley Rep, the Aurora & The Marsh | among the best in the nation for classic and new/experimental works (Berkeley & San Francisco) |
3-4 weeks | berkeleyrep.org themarsh.org auroratheatre.org |
| Yosemite: lodging in or near | indoors, or summer camping | 3+ months | nationalparkreservations.com /yosemite |
| Yoshi's | premier jazz club (SF & Oakland) |
4-5 weeks for famous artists | yoshis.com |
| Whale-watching | San Francisco, or off the coast of the Peninsula | 2-3 weeks (during migration season) | oceanicsociety.org sanfranciscowhaletours.com sfbaywhalewatching.com |
In the Bay Area, one of the best resources for finding fascinating activities in which to participate, or to watch, is the San Francisco Chronicle's e-Guide: www.sfgate.com. Check out our comedy clubs featuring both well-known and up-and-coming artists; find people to hike or bicycle with; be inspired by folk and flamenco dancers; plan to see movies at the Film Noir, LGBT or Silent film festivals. We have several world-class art museums and places to expand your science knowledge. We're also famous...infamous? ...for our kinky and mainstream nightlife possibilities. Come, enjoy your vacation of a lifetime!
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