174 replies to this topic

[SearchRank]

We drove from San Jose to San Francisco last year in a rented car. It was a very nice drive and not too long. I'd say a rented car is the way to go because you can then cross the Golden Gate bridge and head to wine country - Napa, Sonoma and Russian River. (can't miss wine country when you are that close)

Only downfall to driving is parking in San Fran - terribly expensive and you don't need a car there either. The city is totally walkable.

I think we are going to do the same thing this year only this time I will get one of those limousine tours for wine country instead of driving. After you hit a few wineries, one can catch a pretty good buzz.

[Randy]

If nothing else, Caltrain (note that's train as in a Train, not Caltrans as in a bus) used to run back and forth between SF and SJ several times per day. I assume they still do that, so you may want to research that as an option vinnie.

It's been years since I did that, but you're probably looking at just $20 or so per person for individual tickets. Or you can just get one of the Day Passes, which allows a lot more flexibility. You can get more info, routes, schedules, etc on the Caltrain site.

[vinnie2227]

Thanks Randy! We'll have to look into that if we decide to venture to SF. I am also a tourist and want to see the Golden Gate Bridge, even though I have a huge fear of bridges....

[Scottie]

I flew in to San Francisco last year and took BART/CalTrain to San Jose and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I think it cost me all of $11.50 or so one way.

I'd actually do it again, just for fun, even with all my luggage!

[Randy]

I've never actually done Caltrain for an SES out there. But when I lived out on the coast (SoCal) and went north a few times each year I would always stay outisde of San Fran and get a day pass for a day or two to site see in SF and also visit Napa's wine country, all without ever having to rent a car or worry about getting lost.

[laura]

Hi peeps - I'm going to my first SES this year - very excited!

Better yet - I live here in San Fran & it's right around the corner - YAY!

Here's some SF info for all of you coming up here:

Travelling to SF:

By Car:
This can take 40 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. I dont drive back & forth to SJ much, but weekend traffic would hopefully not be too bad. Rush hour traffic is horrendous. Midday traffic is usually allright - 280 is the way to go - much much much less traffic there usually.

By Train:
Caltrain is pretty darn fast, and pleasant. I remember them talking about not having trains on weekends anymore, so you definitely may want to check the site Randy listed first.

By Bus:
If you've got a lot of time and patience, and want to save money, then go by bus. I've never taken the bus from SJ to SF, but I've taken it about 1/3 of the way there and it takes a long time. You can check schedules and routes on the Bay Area Transit site here: transitinfo.org

Parking:
If you;re downtown - the cheapest parking garage is the one on Mission street between 4th & 5th. I've rarely paid more than $10 - most other parking places you'd be lucky to pay that little - prob more like $25 for a garage.

If you're by Fisherman's Wharf, parking garages are ex-pen-sivvvvve, there is one on NOrth Point Street between Larkin & Hyde that is relatively reasonable.

If you're going to the GG Bridge on the weekend, well... good luck with parking!

GG Bridge tip:
If you drive across the GG Bridge and take the first exit (Alexander Ave), you can go right off the exit & find Sausalito - beautiful little town that's always sunny - nice lunch spots, shopping, and wonderful views of the city across the bay (SF). If you go left off the exit, and drive back around under the bridge, it will look lile you're going to get back on the highway going back over the bridgr into SF, but there is a right hand turn up a hill before the on-ramp. Follow that road up:

First you can stop and park and walk out to the hilltop where you are standing look down at the GG bridge and the Bay and the city - pretty cool view. Then get back in the car and keep driving the way you were going. You'll go (mabye?) a mile or maybe tow?? until you get to a point where you can see people turn around there - but if you look real hard, you'll see the road continues - its hard to see - it looks like the end of the road. This is the secret most tourists dont know about, but I like you guys so I'll clue you in...

Follow that road (one way), and dont look down!!! (at least not if you're driving) - the road curves down along the cliffside and takes you to an old fort at the top of some cliffs with black sands beaches way below, an charming little lighthouse on Point Bonita, an old missle site, and Fort Cronkhite with another beach (that you can more readily access at sea level). It's a nice little drive & play area. Secret, my friends, dont spread the word!

Shopping:
The Haight (dont feed the hippies)
Union Square (downtown)
Union Street (near the Marina & on the way to GG Bridge) - more yuppie area, great shopping & food. REAL tough to park.

More SF neighborhood info: www.sfgate.com/traveler/guide/sf/neighborhoods/

Truthfully, I'd steer clear of Fisherman's Wharf - it's the part of town that's geared just to tourists & it's not really representative of SF.

And for restaurants, check citysearch.

I dont know much about San Jose though - except for shopping & dining you can go to Santana Row - new shopping/dining area built about 2 years ago & pretty popular. Some good new restaurants there.

Hope that helps - & see y'all in a few weeks! If you guys have any q's I'd be glad to help.

[vinnie2227]

Wow! Tons of info. Thanks lauralippay!

[storyspinner]

So Jill & Company ... when are the speaking invites going out, any clue?

[Jill]

They're in process Liana. I'm speaking on the Writing session on Tuesday. Looks like it may be just that one this time.

[storyspinner]

They're in process Liana.  I'm speaking on the Writing session on Tuesday.  Looks like it may be just that one this time.

cool - I'll make sure to get the newbies in our group to go to your session

[Matt B]

I think Scottie and I are doing a Usability Site Clinic - just waiting on the confirmation, I think.

[HorseCove]

Dan Thies and I are both on a Keyword Research panel the first day. I also have a Site Clinic on the last day - guess that means I'm staying the whole week.

[vinnie2227]

Anybody have any information on the Google Dance yet?

[Jill]

Haven't heard about yet, Vinnie.

Okay, I'm coming in Monday evening, and leaving Friday morning. Not doing the SF thang afterall.

[Scottie]

Vinnie is actually the dog in the picture but her name is Micheal so that's just as confusing...