3.30.2010


image by sfgirlbybay


Quick. Few hours in San Francisco; go!

We are headed to the bay area Thursday, and will spend most of the weekend in Alameda with our family doing family stuff (read; looking at, and playing with, the baby). Which is great. But we are sneaking out for dinner with friends in the city Sunday night, and I am thinking we will cram in a few hours of city fun before hand. Any suggestions on what we should do? Last time we were in the city we visited the deyoung, tooled around the park, went crazy at william stout, did vintage clothes shopping, and lots of general walking around from our hotel. (we were hooked up for my brother in law's wedding and got to stay at the huntington!)

Suggestions? I want to avoid shopping this trip, or anything that costs too much in general. Normally we might just pick a neighborhood and cruise around, but it looks like rain is in the plan. Maybe we will check out the California Academy of Science's green roof?

18 comments:

  1. Go to SFMOMA. :)

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  2. Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park....ooh it's my fave.

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  3. Agree. If you havn't done Moma, you must. Also, I know it's for kidlets, but I adore the Exploratorum.

    Most of the stuff we do is um, movies and eating and shopping and hiking around. So. that's not so helpful ;)

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  4. SFMOMA has a really great show up right now. But the new science museum is awesome. the whole thing, not just the green roof...

    ferry building is an absolute must-visit. yummy eating and snacking...cookies, ice cream, cheese, coffee...yum

    oh and the alameda flea market is this sunday!

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  5. the green roof is hot. visit it. i've never been a fan of sfmoma; the legion of honor has mummies. also,

    the audium: architect porn.

    the buffalo paddock in golden gate park: self-explanatory. speaking of golden gate park, the skaters will give you loaners - but you can rent skates and bikes as well.

    lucky 13: best jukebox in the city.

    pancho villa: the only burrito you need to know.

    zeitgeist: beer, basking in the sun, peoplewatching, occasional al fresco movies.

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  6. www.paxtongate.com - if you've never been, you will L O V E it... furr reals. and don't worry, a visit to Paxton Gate won't hurt your wallet. and it almost feels like a museum. a free one. plus plants.

    And after, I suggest walking down 18th St. and getting a scoop of the world's best ice cream at Bi-Rite (http://biritecreamery.com), try the honey lavender (I die), and enjoying it across the street in one of my other favorite places (not to mention best people spying opportunity ever), Dolores Park.
    And the weather should be perfection. Already jealous of my proposed afternoon. Enjoy!

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  7. oh geez, the flea is this weekend? go. then go again.

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  8. aarrggh! too bad you can't do bakesale betty because you guys don't eat sweet little chickens. it's about 5 blocks from our house and FABULOUS! the ferry building is my favorite; that's where you'll find cowgirl creamery.

    (YAY!)

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  9. Oh. Love the color in that photo.

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  10. ok i came here to suggest it but i'll just confirm...paxton gate. you (probably) won't spend money. and the botanical gardens.

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  11. I'm going to sneak in an Alameda suggestion - Julie's Coffee and Tea - get a lavender lemonade (if it's in season) and sit in their garden in the back. I just moved from Alameda - it was my home for 4 years.

    Check out Clarion Alley in San Fran - it's a block long alleyway covered by colorful murals and graffti - free and amazing

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  12. Oh wait, sorry, I have another Alameda suggestion - go to the Lucky Juju. For $10 you can play all the pinball you want on their vintage pinball machines - bring your own beer and drink while playing - need I say more?

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  13. You KISS anybody San Francisco for me OKAY? Give them KISSES and tell them Amanda lubs them.

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  14. I think the Paxton's gate/Valencia walk to Dolores Park will be great if its sunny. If its rainy and blustery the Academy will be perfect and if you can fit it in a short stop from there is the Cliff House. You can watch the blustery Ocean and the remnents of the Sutro Baths from up on high with a bloody mary and some nibbles. (Yes its touristy but really so lovely)

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  15. I wish I had some SF wisdom... but alas, I just came to comment on the photo. *beautiful*

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  16. fun & free - Seward Street slides. Best if it's dry out, bring a piece of cardboard. Also since you seem to be sort of a plant nerd, go to Flora Grubb Gardens, you'll love it.

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  17. Other people have already mentioned Bi-Rite and Dolores Park which I totally second! Weather permitting of course...

    Also in that general vicinity (around 19th st) is Cha-Ya which is a vegan Japanese restaurant that is super-duper delicious. Even my uber meat eating friends love it. Then you should totally cruise over to Gravel&Gold (at 21st or 22nd) which is a really awesome shop. Nice to browse..I often wander in there just to look at pretty things.

    OR if you want the best coffee outside of Stumptown head the opposite way on Valencia to Four Barrel (at 15th)...obviously I am in the Mission all the time..!

    This is way too long! ha.
    I'm from S.D. originally & your blog makes me miss it...Have a good trip!

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  18. Glad you made it to Julie's!

    @Megan - I studied at Julie's all the time! But I have to disagree with the waffle statement- they're too thin for me, however Ole's is such a fun experience if especially if you sit at the bar and watch them cook.

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