San Francisco (September 1999)

First Anniversary Trip

Hotel:

• Beresford Arms Link to my review

Restaurants:

• Postrio Link to my review
• Sir Francis Drake Link to my review
• Hogs Breath Inn Link to my review
• Monterey Bay Fish ??
• Wine Spectator at Greystone (CIA) Link to my review
 

Sights:

• Winchester Mystery House
• Lodge at Pebble Beach
• Calistoga
• Beringer Winery
• Graves Winery
• Sterling Vineyards, cable car
• Haas-Lillenthal House
• Ghirardelli Chocolate
• Alcatraz
• Coit Tower
• Pier 39 sea lions
• 17-Mile Drive
• Palace of Fine Arts
• Transamerica Pyramid
• Streetcars
• ?? calistoga restaurant ??
• Painted Ladies

I don't know about public transportation from the airport, but why don't you rent your car from somewhere in the city? When we visited San Fran a few years ago, we took a cab from the airport to our hotel downtown (may have cost $25). After staying in town for a few days, we rented a car to continue our vacation into the Napa Valley and then down to Carmel and Monterey. I don't remember there being a huge one-way drop off fee, even though we returned the car to the airport. I don't recall who we rented from (but we generally use Hertz), but there was a location near Union Square (on Post Street, perhaps?). If you rent the car in the city, you can drive down Lombard Street, through Golden Gate Park, and across the bridge. Just a thought.

San Francisco: Wine Spectator at Greystone (CIA) (September 1999)

My spouse and I dined at Wine Spectator Greystone for dinner in late September 1999.Inspired by local, seasonal ingredients, our menu features a bold interpretation of world flavors, daily hors d’oeuvre, and an award-winning wine list. Learn as you sip by selecting one of our “Lessons in Wine” tasting flights. Terrace dining with spectacular vineyard views is available in season, with cozy fireplace dining in the cooler months. This restaurant is located in the former Christian Brothers Winery, just north of St. Helena. At night, it looks spectacular. Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant shares the building with The Culinary Institute of America. From the outside, the restaurant looks very formal, but inside, it's quite casual with a fun, vibrant atmosphere. As you enter the large dining room, you can't miss the copper-covered open kitchen, enclosed by a short wall of colorful blue and terra-cotta tiles (photo right). There's also a nice lounge area with an inviting fireplace and comfortable seats where you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink while waiting for your table. The Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant at The Culinary Institute of America has been recognized with the 2012 Great Wine Capitals Best Of Tourism Award for Wine Tourism Restaurants because of the multiple educational opportunities it offers guests including access to view chefs and students in open teaching kitchens; educational tips on its wine list offering flights of wines to compare and contrast varietals, winemakers and vintages; and their weekly series of wine tasting events with the Napa Valley Vintners that give visitors the chance to meet and interact with local vintners.

Carmel: Hog's Breath Inn (September 1999)

My spouse and I ate at Hog’s Breath Inn in late September 1999. The Legend of Carmel Located on San Carlos between 5th and 6th Avenues in Carmel, the Hog’s Breath Inn is known for its Old West Ambiance Patio with scenic mural, fireplaces weathered wood, mounted Hog Heads, and painting of Clint Eastwood. Look for the famous Hog’s Head Post.

San Francisco: Hotel Beresford Arms (September 1999)

We stayed at the Beresford Arms for 3 nights in late September 1999. The hotel is located two blocks from Union Square and the famous cable cars running to Telegraph Hill, Fisherman's Wharf, and Pier 39. The hotel is an easy walk to fine shops, theaters, Chinatown, Financial District, Moscone Convention Center, and Museum of Modern Art. The hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the architecturally significant structures that comprise San Francisco's Nob Hill Historical District. The hotel includes a large elegant lobby where a nightly wine social is held. Complimentary morning coffee, tea, and pastries are provided. All 95 guest rooms and suites include whirlpool baths, bidets, two queen beds, and your choice of wet bar or kitchenette.

San Francisco: Sir Francis Drake (September 1999)

My spouse and I had drinks at Sir Francis Drake in late September 1999. The Sir Francis Drake: A San Francisco Boutique Hotel on Union Square Imagine the ultimate urban mix of fabulous people watching, grand monuments and a lively central plaza that attracts special events and festivals. Now add world-class shopping and you have San Francisco's living room, Union Square. It gets even better when you consider that Union Square is home to another San Francisco original, the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Equal parts regal, retro and relaxed contemporary style, our boutique hotel in San Francisco balances Renaissance-influenced architectural splendor with the welcoming warmth you expect from Kimpton. Like any great city, San Francisco has a few "must-see" and "don't miss" experiences you have to check out before leaving. Ours just happens to be at the top of the Drake and comes with one of San Francisco's best views. A nightlife landmark, The Starlight Room is always on everyone's San Francisco "places to visit" list.

San Francisco: Postrio (September 1999)

My spouse and I ate dinner at Postrio in late September 1999 to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Postrio is located in the Nob Hill/Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco, on Post Street inside the Prescott Hotel (a Kimpton brand). You must walk through the hotel and then down a grand staircase to the main dining room. The restaurant features a lounge area near the bar as well as a somewhat isolated dining room. Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck owns this restaurant. (Another Postrio is located in Las Vegas.) This outlet of Postrio opened in 1989, and serves Mediterranean and Asian cuisine.