I've started planning my first trip ever to California - San Francisco to be exact. I'll be flying out of New York after work on Thursday, September 16, and returning on Monday, September 20. Working in the music industry, it always baffles people to learn I've never been to the Golden State, so now that I've met someone who can show me around the city (not to mention provide my accommodations), it's time to break the 26-year-long streak!
San Francisco is not a city I've ever had a particularly strong desire to visit, but there is one attraction there I've always wanted see, and I absolutely cannot miss it on this trip - Alcatraz! There aren't a whole lot of "tourist attractions" in San Francisco - a quick search of "things to do in San Francisco" confirmed that for me! - which means my quick trip should be just the right amount of time to see it all. I should point out that the reason for this trip is not to sightsee, though. I am going for a visit, and any sightseeing will be an added bonus!
I found a very cheap flight on my go-to travel site, Travelocity.com. Round trip is only $260 - there is a long layover in Cincinnati on my way out there and one in Minneapolis on the way back, but it's hard to turn down such an inexpensive flight across the country, so it's been booked, layovers and all!
My list of things to do:
1. Alcatraz. http://www.alcatrazcruises.com. A ticket for the ferry, which also includes the cellhouse audio tour, is only $26. The price is a little higher for an evening trip ($33), and while it sounds like it may be pretty remarkable at night, I'm going to be busy during the evenings. The website suggests purchasing tickets in advance, so I'll try to purchase a week out once I figure out exactly which day in my schedule makes sense to go.
2. Fisherman's Wharf. It seems as though Fisherman's Wharf is just an area to walk around, shop, eat, etc. There is an aquarium as well. I think if you get there early in the morning, you have the chance to see the fishermen bringing in everything they just caught, but who am I kidding? That's early in the morning, and dead fish smell bad. I'll definitely find a chance to wander around this area while I'm here. It's very close to the pier where the Alcatraz ferry departs from.
3. Lombard Street. I have to see the "curviest road in the world," even though Google is indicating it's not even the curviest road in San Francisco. This is a landmark, and it looks like it's in easy walking distance from the Alcatraz pier and Fisherman's Wharf. Done!
4. Golden Gate Bridge. I must have a picture with the Golden Gate Bridge! This is obviously the most recognizable symbol of San Francisco (and probably one of the most recognizable bridges in the world).
5. Ride a cable-car! Or a trolley? I'm not sure which is which, but I think cable-cars are what San Francisco is officially famous for. Hopefully I'll figure out the difference while I'm there.
Some things that if I happen to be in the area I'd like to see are the Haight/Ashbury area, Ghiradelli Square, Chinatown and the Full House house (1709 Broderick St). Based on the map I've been looking at, it seems as though almost all these things are in the northern area of the city and fairly convenient to where I'll be staying (SoMa), so I should be able to hit a bunch of them!
Let the countdown begin - 42 days!
