Originally posted by daacon Have Fun Lowell - I just got back from San Fran, unfortunately it was a work thing, still I had Saturday and Sunday. I hooked up with Frank on Saturday. I would recommend as others have said Fort Point - some really good shots of the City and Golden Gate Bridge - bring a telezoom - city is quite a ways away - bridge on other hand is right there.
The Aquarium at Fisherman's Wharf is kinda cool. There is a surprisingly large variety of sea life in the Bay. A Harbor tour or a tour of Alcatraz is cool as well. Try and pre-book the Alcatraz trip if interested they sell out quick and there is no standby anymore.
I liked North Beach as well. Might be a reasonable sport for the family. You can get some more landscape pictures (Bridge included) and the family can go swimming.
On previous Trips I also went to Muir Woods. This is a nice nature walk. However having also been to Stanley Park in Vancouver I prefer the later. However there are no Red Woods in Stanley Park.
A game at AT&T Park is a must if you can. The park is beautiful - I am happy to say I have seen 4 Giant games over the years at this park. And I think it had 4 different names.
There is a Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum just down the street from Fisherman's wharf. If is $15.00 to get inside and the 14 yeah old might like it. The wife may be able to shop as there are hundreds of small shops along The Embarcadero
I would have loved to get a shot of Lombard Street I have seen it before but had no camera with me; I don’t think it is an easy place to get to but a wicked street.
Cable car ride (Hyde and Powell) is very cool. Think that goes right downtown ends up at Union Square (it was 2003 when we took it can't remember)- the other end is walking distance from Fisherman’s Wharf.
Santa Cruz is a neat place as well - drivable - amusement park on the beach it is where the movie Lost Boys was filmed. All of these are very mainstream tourist spots , but I enjoyed them all.
I hear ya on accomadating - heck if I drive to the coast it takes me almost twice as long cause I want to stop every 10 miles
Hope you have fun.
Dave
Having seen you were in SF, I was wondering how long it would take for you to post here.
I plan to do most of what has been suggested, and have also planned a couple ofd days to point reyes. (Have to do a little birding also)
I am a little suprised you didn't get a fish eye view of lombard street. While it won't be fisheye, it will get the attention of my 10-20
Fort Point is on the list, and I am wondering also about longer shots from the park just west of Peir 45 (martime ship museum)
Also have, as noted Alkartaz, and a giants game if in town.