Try San Francisco for a Quick Getaway

If you are lucky enough to live in California, there is always San Francisco. When L.A. has you down with its overly hipster vibe or Orange County just seems suffocating, fill up your car's gas tank (yes, take the Toyota not the Ford Explorer) and head up Interstate 5 for San Francisco. The city offers great shopping, fresh seafood, museums, places to walk - the list could go on forever.

So, let's say you just used up the last of your vacation time at work and you can't call in sick because you already did that last week, don't worry about it. Leave for San Francisco after work, you'll get there around midnight, but the bars and clubs will still be open.

On average, from Los Angeles, it's about a six-hour drive. If you're not into road trips, this may not be your thing, but the scenery up to the Bay Area is well worth it. You'll pass through Kern County, Tejon Ranch and the grapevine.

Once you get to San Francisco, be prepared to pay $4 to get on the Bay Bridge. Yes, it's sickening you actually have to pay to get into the city. The irony is that you don't have to pay to get out. (Is the city trying to say something about its neighbors in Oakland?) In any case, have the cash on hand; it makes things easier.

In terms of hotels, try the Hotel Beresford on Sutter Street. It's right in the heart of the Union Square area, so you have access to not only great shopping and museums, but you are only a few streetlights from the cable car turnaround (to get to Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Nob Hill, etc.) and also the bus station (where you can find maps and the visitors' information center).

The thing about San Francisco is that it is the home of the boutique hotel. A lot of them are old, and if you are picky about where you stay, Beresford may not be the place for you - you may have to splurge and go to a big name brand hotel. Case in point: Beresford does not have air-conditioning and the street soundtrack can be somewhat loud.

In any case, Hotel Beresford is a clean, small hotel. It has its own restaurant and the concierge is open all night - so, if you check-in late, someone is still up to check you in. The other plus, is that it is near a Walgreen's and convenience stores in case you need to stock up on water, or if you forgot toothpaste.

Hotel Whitcomb is another hotel that's clean and affordable. It is located on Market Street sort of in the outskirts of the more touristy area of the city. There isn't that much of a nightlife there, so it may not be a good place for first-timers to the city to stay.

In any case, the best thing to do when booking any hotel is to look at customer reviews and then go to the actual hotel's web site. The closer it is to public transportation, the better off you are.

If you are driving, be prepared to pay for parking or parking a few blocks away from the hotel on the street (know how to parallel park and watch out because a lot of the streets are one-way streets).

On Saturday, take the car or take the cable car to the Pier 23 Café for fried calamari or a great omelet. You can sit outside and during the summertime, it's usually sunny and not too cold. After that, walk along the Embarcadero to Pier 39 (a major tourist area) or Fisherman's Wharf. Make sure to stop at Boudin's for fresh sourdough bread and clam chowder.

One thing about visiting the piers: bring quarters. Street parking is metered. The parking lots are usually a rip-off (the average is about $15 - not worth it if you're only staying a couple of hours).

Once you're done at the Embarcadero, if you head back to the Union Square area where the hotel is there is tons of shopping including a traditional mall. Right next door to the Hotel Beresford, there is the art university, and usually there is an open exhibit. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is also within walking distance.
Chinatown offers a really cool experience that transports you to another culture.

There are blocks of great places to eat and unique stores to shop at for some souvenirs. Be prepared to do some major walking uphill, and as always, dress in layers in San Francisco. One part of the city may be freezing cold and windy, while another part may be dry and hot.

If you want to head to a more urban, funky area, head to Haight/Ashbury. There are tons of cool, indie shops. Plus, there's Amoeba (for music fans) and tons of great restaurants. Parking is a bit difficult since your only option is street parking (there are few parking lots) and when you go during crowded times, it may be difficult to get a space.

If you want something a little fancy, Hotel Whitcomb has a great restaurant, Florinda's Market Street Grille. Round out your day-trip to this city with the restaurant's great crab cakes.

The next morning make sure you stop on Valencia Street at the Phoenix Irish Bar for some bacon and eggs with beer or coffee. The atmosphere is low key and the prices are just right.

Obviously there's a lot more to do and see in San Francisco, but if you're looking for that weekend getaway on the cheap, this city does the trick.

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