FYI, the airport isn't remotely near downtown, so taxis to/from are EXPENSIVE. If you are looking to save a little cash, I would try to find a shuttle service. I use www.supershuttle.com personally, but I know there are a bunch of others. I think $15pp-ish is average for the shuttles. It's more like $50-$60 for a taxi. We took a taxi to our house from downtown and it was $60+ and there was no traffic. (We live just past the airport.)
Otherwise, for when you are actually IN the city, there should be enough public transit (between trollies and taxis and buses and BART) that you should be okay getting around. You might want to look at renting a car closer to your hotel, too, and just returning it to the airport. Depending on the company you use, there shouldn't be a fee to do this, or it should be small. Your hotel may be able to recommend a company near them.
Thanks for the shuttle advice - sounds good. Renting a car in the city and returning to the airport sounds like a much better idea. Thanks for all of the links in your last post also. They were really helpful!
Oooh, a winery list would be incredible! Thanks so much. I would love restaurant recs also - your list when we were in Chicago was so helpful. I really want to go to some fabulous restaurants with great food. We loved Gibson's in Chicago because we loved the vibe of the area it was in and the cuisine seemed really in line with "Chicago" food. I would love some similar ideas for SF. Thanks again!
Great suggestions for Napa also. I was looking into some recommendations on e-gullet and a lot of those posters were recommending places in Yountville/St. Helena so it probably does make sense to stay there. What do you think about Bistro Jeanty? I also saw that Becky's recommendation of The Martini House was reviewed favorably there (not sure where that is located though). I am soo excited about all of the wine and food - is that bad?
We stayed at the Gaige Inn in Sonoma last summer. Expensive but very, very nice. www.gaigeinn.com
We had the same dilemma as you regarding the car and ended up just parking it at the hotel in SF because we flew in/out of Oakland. Didn't want to fiddle around with returning and picking up. I think the SF airport is a kinda far but not too sure on the hassle factor. We did not use the car once in SF though - it's so easy to get around without it and traffic is crazy.
In SF, House was good. Ponzu was very good The McCormick's in Fisherman's Wharf sucked beyond belief . I didn't really like Yank Sing but my husband did. (I think I just don't really like dim sum.)
In Glen Ellen, like Glen Ellen Inn a LOT! In Sonoma, Della Santina was good too.
Also found www.zagat.com to be very useful in picking out yummy places to eat.
Thanks so much for the recommendations! I have heard about Yank Sing but I am open to whatever anyone says is the best. Todd loves, loves, loves dim sum and I know that will be one of his first thoughts when I give him the trip. I will check out your recs - thanks again!
I would advise against getting a car for your time in SF. It's a pain to drive in the Union Square area and anywhere you go, you'd likely fight for parking and the hotel will probably charge you a daily fee. You should be just fine taking cabs and the public transportation (which is quite good).
Also, spa_girl is right about where you should stay. For this trip, definitely look for a place in St. Helena or Yountville or somewhere around there.
For restaurants, I would definitely recommend Martini House in St. Helena.
Okay, car in the city is definitely out. I don't feel like dealing with it. I definitely want to try Martini House. St. Helena and Yountville sound so freaking adorable, I can't wait to go. Thanks for the SF food recommendations - I know what a foodie you are. Thanks so much for all of your help, I am sure I will come up with a million other stupid questions between now and December.
You're welcome! Glad I could be of service. I just love this city so much (as well as the regions beyond). St. Helena is definitely an adorable little town.
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Otherwise, for when you are actually IN the city, there should be enough public transit (between trollies and taxis and buses and BART) that you should be okay getting around. You might want to look at renting a car closer to your hotel, too, and just returning it to the airport. Depending on the company you use, there shouldn't be a fee to do this, or it should be small. Your hotel may be able to recommend a company near them.
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We had the same dilemma as you regarding the car and ended up just parking it at the hotel in SF because we flew in/out of Oakland. Didn't want to fiddle around with returning and picking up. I think the SF airport is a kinda far but not too sure on the hassle factor. We did not use the car once in SF though - it's so easy to get around without it and traffic is crazy.
In SF, House was good.
Ponzu was very good
The McCormick's in Fisherman's Wharf sucked beyond belief .
I didn't really like Yank Sing but my husband did. (I think I just don't really like dim sum.)
In Glen Ellen, like Glen Ellen Inn a LOT!
In Sonoma, Della Santina was good too.
Also found www.zagat.com to be very useful in picking out yummy places to eat.
You are going to have a great time!
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Also, spa_girl is right about where you should stay. For this trip, definitely look for a place in St. Helena or Yountville or somewhere around there.
For restaurants, I would definitely recommend Martini House in St. Helena.
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