5/20/08 - 5/25/08 First Timer, Tons of Random Questions!!

Hi All,

I am planning (well in advance) for the bf and I to visit the wonderful city of SF from 5/20 - 5/25. Background information: We are New Yorkers and we%26#39;re in our mid 20%26#39;s. And, we will be staying at Baldwin Hotel for 6 days/5 nights.

So far our itenariry includes the following:

Day 1 = Arrival in afternoon, walk around in Fisherman%26#39;s Wharf, Union Square and have Altrazar Tour at night

Day 2 = Rent car, Muir Wood (early morning), Sauselito, Tiburon

Day 3 = Rent car, Napa Valley, Napa Valley, Napa Valley!

Day 4 = Bike across Golden Gate, Chinatown and Beach Babylon Show

Day 5 = Walk around Ferry Bldg and Farmer%26#39;s Market and the rest of the day is open for suggestions.

Day 6 = Grab breakfast and off to the airport.

Please comment and provide any suggestions on the above itenerary.

Now for the questions:

1. Any recommendation for reliable and afforable Car Rental places in SF? Will be great if it%26#39;s near the Baldwin Hotel. What is the normal rate for rental? I am thinking we will rent it for two days during weekdays (assuming weekends is more expensive).

2. Napa Valley - Have anyone tried any or have recommendation of Napa Valley%26#39;s Hot Air Balloon ride? Reasonable price ranges? i%26#39;m seeing that its normally $210+ per person.

3. Bike Rentals near Golden Gate Bridge? Is biking advisable? I am looking for those two seater bikes, i am unable to bike so i will only be pedaling with the bf. Price ranges?

4. Beach Babylon Show - I see that there are assigned seating and assume that it will cost more. For those that attended, is it worth it to purchase the assigned seating tickets? If so, which are the best seatings? ie: Rear or side sidebox? If not, how many hours in advance should i be standing next to the door before the show to guarantee good seats? Best days/timeframe to go?

5. Any good restaurants nearby the Beach Babylon and Baldwin Hotel?

6. Best steak restaurant in SF?

7. Any good restaurant in Sauselito that has free parking for the car? Will it be difficult to find parking in Sauselito and Tiburon?

Thanks in advance for any info you guys could provide!!!

- Sillybutt :)

5/20/08 - 5/25/08 First Timer, Tons of Random Questions!!

I must say that your questions aren%26#39;t ';Random';. They appear to be well thought out and in a logical order. Why ';Random'; Thanks. Chuck...

5/20/08 - 5/25/08 First Timer, Tons of Random Questions!!

There are Tons of Random Answers, Sillybutt. at the TouringSFO site at http://geocities.com/touringsfo/

Your days 2 and 3 are out of town.

芦Day 5 = open for suggestions.禄

Visit the DON%26#39;T-MISS SIGHTS page at the site above.

芦Bike Rentals禄

Although I don%26#39;t know, i think the ones closest to The Bridge are at the Wharf. I have seen bicycles built for two but have no idea whether they were rentals. One even had a little trailer bicycle, awww, with a child.

芦Any good restaurants nearby the Beach Babylon and Baldwin Hotel?禄

Countless! Firenze by Night is one. State your cuisine.

芦Best steak restaurant in SF?禄

Boboquivari. For further information, put ';M*E*A*T'; in the Search box above.

芦good restaurant in Sauselito禄

We like Avatar.

There is an Alamo and a National rental at 750 Bush, Check web sites for costs. There is an Enterprise at 222 Mason. Check rates. I think they will pick you up. Only thing is, they close at 6pm

www.enterprise.com/car_rental/deeplinkmap.do鈥?/a>

They do rent tandem bicycles. The biggest company is Blazing Saddles. They are at the Wharf. Take the ferry back from Sausalito for a great round trip. there is a coupon at their website.

http://www.blazingsaddles.com/

I think that Horizons has free valet parking, at least the first hour. Great view.

http://www.horizonssausalito.com/

Scoma%26#39;s offers 2 hour validation in a pay lot.

http://www.scomassausalito.com/index.html

Saylor%26#39;s has free parking, but not much of a view.

http://www.saylorsrestaurantandbar.com/

I don%26#39;t think any restaurant in Tiburon offers free parking. There are meters and pay lots.

A Margarita on the deck at Guaymas is fun.

http://www.guaymasrestaurant.com/

An old institution with a great outdoor deck is Sam%26#39;s Anchor Cafe.

http://www.samscafe.com/