Going to Cali for the first time...

[BTpsd]

Well business is sending me to just east of San Fran for a week and was looking for ideas of stuff to do while I'm out there. I think I'll try to hit Napa Valley and get some gifts for the family but what else is there to do in the San Fran/Fremont/Newark area? Any good place to eat(price doesn't matter, someone else dime). It looks like 3-5 trips in the next 6 months so I want to get around and see some different stuff each time.

[java black]

napa valley is nice. check out pier 39 in SF, if you can Monterey/Carmel area. There are some good places to eat in fremont/newark area, but thats about it

when are you arriving?

[Diesel Nick]

Originally Posted by java black

napa valley is nice. check out pier 39 in SF, if you can Monterey/Carmel area. There are some good places to eat in fremont/newark area, otherwise there is nothing really to do fremont/newark

when are you arriving?

Yea I second that always heard pier 39 was cool but I never been there.. monterey and carmel is beautiful...

[Diesel Monkey]

It is really worth the drive to Monterey and Carmel. The aquarium in Monterey is amazing. It may be spring break so expect lots of young people everywhere.

[prosailortim]

Napa is way over priced, I'm a wine collector (have my own cellar) and have been to Napa once, I'll never go there again. If your east of the Bay area, go to Lodi, and then Amador County (Sierra Foothills)for wine tasting. They have some decent wines at fair prices and free wine tasting. Most wineries in Napa will charge for tastings, starting at $10.00 and up $30.00. Napa is a very trendy place, if your into that, go for it. If you want to go off the beaten path, head out to Amador County.

In San Francisco, you have many things to do, if you want strippers & porn head over to Mitchell St. If you want Homos in leather the Tenderloin district, if you want to party go over to the Cow Hollow district. Cow Hollow has many good restaurants, my favorite is "Izzy's" for Steaks & Chops (make reservations) it has a decent bar & the food is awesome. If your at fisherman's wharf, go to Scoma's for seafood, it's pricey.... but worth it.

I see you're from RI, I was back there in December for a week. I had a really good dinner at a restaurant called "Legal Seafood". Wish I could have seen more while I was there, I was on business.

[Banshee34]

The Pier is awesome! Don't forget Alcatraz!! Hard Rock Cafe. Ride a Trolley too.

Ummm go here too..... Ghirardelli Square on San Francisco Bay

[Banshee34]

Visitor Centers - Presidio of San Francisco

If I remember (the last time I was there) under the Golden Gate is where they filmed part of Vertigo? Alfred Hitch****.

Sonoma Valley California Wine Country

Wow and can't believe I forgot..... Chinatown!

[BTpsd]

I'm flying in Monday with a co-worker and we're leaving Friday. Kinda short this first trip but like I said they're going to be others. Thanks for the tip on the wine tasting, I think it qualifies as a business entertainment expense. I'm not into trends or anything like that, family likes wine so I thought I'd get some gifts(I like bourbon and beer) I've heard about some aquarium that is a must see, could be the one you mention. I believe they're putting me up in the Marriott in Newark, have to check my itinerary. Thanks for all the links, I'm going to scan through them tonight and put together a game plan.

[sevenmalards]

Originally Posted by prosailortim

Napa is way over priced, I'm a wine collector (have my own cellar) and have been to Napa once, I'll never go there again. If your east of the Bay area, go to Lodi, and then Amador County (Sierra Foothills)for wine tasting. They have some decent wines at fair prices and free wine tasting. Most wineries in Napa will charge for tastings, starting at $10.00 and up $30.00. Napa is a very trendy place, if your into that, go for it. If you want to go off the beaten path, head out to Amador County.

In San Francisco, you have many things to do, if you want strippers & porn head over to Mitchell St. If you want Homos in leather the Tenderloin district, if you want to party go over to the Cow Hollow district. Cow Hollow has many good restaurants, my favorite is "Izzy's" for Steaks & Chops (make reservations) it has a decent bar & the food is awesome. If your at fisherman's wharf, go to Scoma's for seafood, it's pricey.... but worth it.

I see you're from RI, I was back there in December for a week. I had a really good dinner at a restaurant called "Legal Seafood". Wish I could have seen more while I was there, I was on business.

I didn't know there was a Scoma's at the wharf, I've only been to the one in Saulsalito, across the Golden Gate from San Francisco (for the out of towners) I also agree with your wine analysis. Youngs winery in the Amador foothills has a Great Barbera, and Sangiovesie.
Amador County Wine Country Map (Amador Wine)
There are a TON of great wineries in the foothills, and Lodi has come a long way too. BUT I don't think they can beat Napa as far as the scenery and ambiance of the Napa Valley in full spring bloom. Calistoga has a great restaurant, called Brannons (not to bad on the wallet) and the drive to get there is almost as good as the food.
Brannan’s Grill Napa valley fine dining restaurant in Calistoga

If your into cheeses and things, V. Sattui Winery has a GREAT cheese bar, and make a AWESOME bottle of brandy fortified port wine.
V.Sattui Winery and Napa Picnic Area, Napa Wine Tours, Tours of Napa Valley, California Wine Country Tours
Also Ditto on the Monterey aquarium,

BUT since it's still somewhat cold, if you ski at all you can find some GREAT prices on spring SKIING up around Lake Tahoe, it's maybe a 2 1/2 hour drive from the bay area but GREAT ALPINE SKIING! Krikwood is challanging, as is Squaw Valley, but if you want just good skiing you can try Northstar, or Heavenly at Tahoe (just a walk from the casinos)
SnoWeb Resort Information- Lake Tahoe Skiing and Snowboarding! Updated for 2008-2009!

In the city of S.F. there is a great joint right on the Embarcadaro, called FOG CITY DINER
Fog City Diner

You DEFINATELY MUST ride the trollies, it's a blast, get some dungenus crab cakes (in season now) and beats Maryland blue crab hands down. Fishermans wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz tour, Golden Gate Park. There is a great restaurant at the end of Geary St. Called the Cliff House, it is right on the cliff and over looks the Pacific (They take walk ins, and have a great bar to wait in)

Let us CA people what you think sounds fun, and we can hook you up with some seriously detailed information. My wife and I love the city, maybe meet up with you for some ****tails, or show you around the foothill wine country (half hour from our house)

[BTpsd]

Wow, thanks for the info. I knew when I posted this thread you guys/gals would steer me in the direction of some great stuff. I just got my agenda for meetings on Tues. Wed. and Thur. and they're not too busy. I know I have a rental car secured but not sure if my co-worker has his own yet. I'm hoping he does due to conflicting tastes. If so I'd definately meet up with some of you guys/gals. It's rumored that one of the nights will be a company dinner some where fancy but no info to confirm yet. I am definately looking at a trolley ride, the aquarium, and at least one trip to a vineyard. I requested a car with GPS so getting around should be a breeze. Now I can't wait to find out how many trips I'll be making in the coming months. Thanks again.