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Bungie Bounce, Pier 39
Since summer is in full swing, today FogBay offers a PSA on the city's tourist traps. First, not all tourist destinations are bad, many are actually great ways to spend your time in San Francisco. The best of these include the sights; the Alcatraz Island tour, the cable cars, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Fort Point, Golden Gate Park, North Beach, and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge.
The fair tourist destinations are really just shopping disguised as sightseeing. They include Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Union Square, and the Cannery. If you feel compelled to shop, visit a museum such as the SF MOMA, Asian Art, Exploritorium, or de Young and then explore its gift shop. Unlike that 'I got Crabs on Fisherman's Wharf' t-shirt you'll find stuff you actually want to keep.
The really bad tourist traps are the rides and attractions; Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum, The Great San Francisco Adventure, Turbo Ride, and the Wax Museum. Also avoid any theme or chain restaurant – did you really come to San Francisco to eat in a fake rain forest? Finally there's a lot to do that's right outside of town; Muir Woods, the Wine Country, Bay and whale watching cruises, and the Marin Headland are just a few options. Welcome and remember to pack a sweater.
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8 Comments:
Good advice...
And yeah, Pier39 is pretty tacky -- no, REALLY tacky -- but at the very back, on the left is the photography gallery of Rodney Lough, and he does some really incredible landscapes... (maybe a bit oversaturated at times, but really excellent, none the less) He also has a gallery in downtown Sausalito if anybody is headed in that direction... He must be making a lot of sales to afford those locations...
Ah yes, Pier39 -- sometimes the sea lions put on a good show... &bnsp; And you made somethng of that jump ride -- I've never been able to get a good shot of that, but as they say -- you "aced" it...
All excellent suggestions, Fogman. I would like to add The Palace of Legion Honor and if it's a clear day, the tower of the De Young Museum and the top of Mt. Tamalpais.
I concur - Pier 39 is most definitely tacky. I would much rather eat a Ciao Bella gelato at the Ferry Building.
Excellent advice! Whenever I had guests, I'd take them to places like Stinson's Beach or Half Moon Bay. If we were really ambitious, we'd go to Mendocino and Fort Bragg or down to Monterey and San Luis Obispo.
In San Francisco proper, I'd take them to places like the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park or the Marin Headlands. Chinatown, esp. above Washington Street and a block or two over on either side of Grant was always infinitely more interesting and less crowded. As for eats, my favorite place to take people is Ti Couz in the Mission or Blue in the Castro. Excellent eating at either of those!
Great post, Ramsey!
By the way--have you started selling your pictures anywhere? You have some really spectacular photos that would look great on a wall.
"...and remember to pack a sweater."!! I love that!!
Expat in Japan
Hahaha, funny quote!!
I like tourists in San Francisco. They walk around in small groups of 2 or 3 or sometimes more, camera hanging from their necks or wrists and map in hand... They come in, pour money into the local economy, and leave. What's wrong with that?! :)
I see lots of them walk around on Nob Hill this time of the year. Lately, we see a lot more Europeans than in previous years (that Euro is still kicking ...ss!)
Thanks for the comments and suggestions everyone.
J.M.: Honestly, I barely have time to keep up FogBay let alone set up a photo shop. But perhaps if I can find some time I'll put together some photos or a book for those interested. Thanks.
Uncle Ramsey,
I take offense to your comment about eating in a "fake rain forest". That happens to be one of my favorite restaurants AND I believe they have real rain there.
I will take you there, when you visit me in Seattle.
Love,
Riley (& Mama)
Yeah, well, Seattle.
I'm sure the 'Awesome Gecko Fajita Bites' or whatever are very popular. : )
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