BudgetTravel

Nick Edwards: The great thing about the Bay Area is that you have such good public transport by American standards. Your mum-in-law should feel comfortable about taking BART into SF and visiting any of the places I have outlined in the earlier answer just referred to. Being from England she should be used to figuring out train and bus routes. I would also recommend she takes BART up to Berkeley to walk around there. And in Oakland itself, the Oakland Museum and nearby Lake Merritt is well worth a look. She can even get a bus up to the fine Chabot Space and Science Center, if she's into that.

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Bethesda, Md.: My husband and I (mid-twenties) will be in San Francisco for 2 days NEXT WEEK! We haven't planned it yet, and I was wondering if you had any must-eat restaurants or cafes for us? I LOVE food, and great food experiences. We like it all--but I assume SF would have excellent Asian options. We'll also have one day in Sonoma and would appreciate any recommendations for there as well. Thank you!

Nick Edwards: Chinatown is huge and full of wonderful Asian food. The Mission is the place for great Mexican. I'd have to trawl through our book for specific recommendations so I'd just say hit those areas and follow your noses. Oh, and North Beach is great for trendier Cali cuisine.

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Toronto, Canada: Nick, We're planning a Girls' Getaway (4 nights, 5 days) to California wine country in early June. We're flying into San Francisco and renting a car. Can you recommend nice, but affordable accommodation options and day trip itineraries. Thanks!

Nick Edwards: Unfortunately, Wine Country's not the best place for room bargains, especially if you want to stay right in one of the mice towns. As you'll have a car, the best place, quite accessible for both Sonoma & Napa, for reasonable motels is Santa Rosa—do a Web search to shop prices. The B&B's in the valleys are lovely but pricey.

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Hopkinsville, Ky.: What is the place in San Fran that you can look down on the Golden Gate Bridge?

Nick Edwards: The best views of the bridge, especially if you want a little elevation are actually on the other side in the Marin Headlands. You can walk (or drive, of course) across there.

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Newberg, Ore.: Do you have a good deal for an over night stay driving back from California to Oregon in the wine country. Thank you.

Nick Edwards: An overlooked area is the Russian River Valley wine country around Guerneville. Johnson's Beach and resort has inexpensive cabins.

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Calif.: I need to have a good but budget hotel in April for a few days for Berkeley (Emeryville & Albany). Can you recommend one for me?

Nick Edwards: If you don't mind rather tatty furniture and carpets, the Nash Hotel is very central and only about $50.

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N. Billerica, Mass.: Is the tour of Alcatraz worth the time?

Nick Edwards: I would say no but some people love that type of thing. Others find it very depressing. It's certainly crowded, whenever you go.

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Fort Collins, Colo.: SF mid June 2008: Need a recommendation on where to stay for 2-3 nights. Two adults, One 18 year-old, one small dog, traveling by car. Thanks!

Nick Edwards: As I said to someone else earlier, I think the Golden Gate Hotel is a central hidden gem and not too pricey. Website same as name.

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Mechanicsville, Va.: Three of us will be in SF July 23-26th, and one of those days we want to bike across the golden gate bridge. I have researched this, and know I can book tour trips, etc. but wonder if it is cheaper and just the same to bike the route ourselves. We have been to SF before, just haven't done this, and don't know if the tours given by the bike companies are necessary. Could be just rent a bike and pay the ferry back from sausalito? Your opinion?

Nick Edwards: I'm always for independence myself. Detailed maps are available so i'd say just rent a bike from somebody like Blazing Saddles and go it alone.

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New York, N.Y.: If you were to give a "most overlooked" tour of San Francisco, bypassing the most overrated tourist sites, what hidden gems (in SF and its region) should one go out of one's way to visit? If one were limited to mass transit, what sites would remain on this list?

Nick Edwards: SF is a great city to walk around and find your own little nooks and crannies. I've already said the Mission is a great area for Latin food and an atmospheric street vibe so I'd check that out.

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Shreveport, La.: I'm a 50+ year old male who will be traveling with my 3, 20 something year old sons to San Francisco for a long (Friday departure and Tuesday return) Memorial Day weekend. Since we have never been to SF, what activities do you recommend? Include daytime, nightime, and day trips.

Nick Edwards: Please refer to earlier answers for "must sees" and a few more off-beat suggestions.

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Spirit Lake, Iowa: We are planning a trip to San Francisco. We would like to be close to all the sights so we can walk. What hotels would you recommend and is there a hop on and off bus that we could get to tour the city in a day? Thank you.

Nick Edwards: SF is great for walking and for the more far-flung parts you can by all-day travel cards that allow you to use any of the transport. See other replies for hotel suggestions.

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Loveland, Colo.: Hello, can you suggest a fun and affordable hotel where my two teenagers and me could stay in the city for three nights in April? Thanks!

Nick Edwards: Golden Gate Hotel, near Union Square. Of course, there are lots of options but I find this a charming and relatively inexpensive option. If any other chatters have just asked about SF hotels, please take this as your reply.

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Fresno, Calif.: We are planning a trip to San Francisco soon and will stay at the Best Western Tuscan Inn. Is there a parking lot nearby with reasonable prices? Thank you, Marge

Nick Edwards: Parking is a problem in SF but I'm afraid this is too specific. I'd contact the hotel and ask.

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Sonoma, Calif.: We will be staying in Sonoma Valley for a week Oct 25 to Nov 1. Where is the most romantic place to have lunch? George

Nick Edwards: There are several well-respected gourmet restaurants in Glen Ellen, such as The Fig Café. Pricey, of course.

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: What highlights should be taken in by a family with kids 12, 10 and 8 Thanksgiving 2008 week in San Francisco?

Nick Edwards: Greetings from Squirrel Hill! Apart from the standard sites mentioned, many of which are great for all ages, the Bay Area Discovery Museum near Sausalito is a treat for kids.

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Santa Monica, Calif.: My boyfriend and I are taking 3-4 days (flexible) to travel down the 101 from San Francisco to Santa Monica. We are looking for beautiful sights, great food, and a romantic time. We are active, and enjoy nature. What would be the ideal itinerary?

Nick Edwards: Half Moon Bay and Ano Bueno for starters. Then somewhere on the Monterey Peninsula, the Big Sur, of course and maybe Santa Barbara area. But I have to admit my patch is from San Jose north so I don't know those areas in detail.

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Santa Barbara, Calif.: My mom would like to take a trip to San Francisco via a bus tour. Where can we get a list of companies that offer this? Thank you, Donna

Nick Edwards: Gray Line is the most famous. Golden Gate Transit offer tours too. I'd do a web search to see if there are any more.

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San Diego, Calif.: Who has the best Motor Coach Trip to the Napa Valley out of San Francisco?

Nick Edwards: Gray Line

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Chattanooga, Tenn.: We are planning an early fall trip to San Francisco and then down the coast to Los Angeles. Is the best way to rent a car? Thanks.

Nick Edwards: Undoubtedly, and you can get really good deals (under $100 per week) if you search through Orbitz or somebody like that.

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Merritt Island, Fla.: 4 seniors planning a trip tp SF, late April 2009. Before a 10 day Mexican Cruise, we plan on 4 days of sightseeing in No. Calif. Especially considering 1 day Bus Tour to Yosemite and another 1 day tour to Monterey, Pebble Beach, and Carmel. Renting a car would save us big bucks, but we are wondering if we should spend the extra dollars to sit back and let someone else do the driving. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for all, but dollars are tight. Any advice?

Nick Edwards: It's always tough to weigh up economics v convenience. The only thing I'd say is that you might find the tours a little restricting so if you shared the driving, you might enjoy the freedom of having your own wheels more.

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New City, N.Y.: Planning a trip to San Francisco in early May. What is the best way to tour Alcatraz and how early should arrangements be made? (There are many web sites offering services at various prices with little real info to go on.) Thank you.

Nick Edwards: It's not usually a problem to go on the day. Just head up to Pier 41 and jump on a Blue & Gold Ferry. That way, with SF's fickle weather, you can also see what sort of day it is before deciding to go. The free rangers' tours on the island are better than the private ones.

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Phoenix, Ariz.: What is the easiest way to get from the Marina District to Muir Woods?

Nick Edwards: Bus #63 goes to the Muir Woods area from the Transbay Terminal but you'd need to cheeck if it goes nearer to the Marina. If driving, just head across the GG Bridge and get off US-101 at the Mill Valley exit.

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Hyde Park, Utah: What is the best place to enjoy the Golden Gate Bridge?

Nick Edwards: From the Marin Headlands across the bridge. That way you get to see the famous view with the bridge and the city together.

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Gurnee, Ill.: We will be spending this Friday into Saturday morning in San Francisco. Our hotel will charge us $41 plus tax to park. Is there a less expensive alternative?

Nick Edwards: There are a limited number of parking lots that should certainly be less than that. Do a search based on where your hotel is. Another option, once you've dropped your stuff off, is to park at BART station further out of the city and get the train in. You won't want the car while you are there anyway.

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San Diego, Calif: My daughter has been all over the world and loves San Diego. She said that my sister and I should go there. We are two women in our 50's. Would you suggest we visit San Diego, and where should we stay and go? Do you think it a better idea if we go somewhere more touristy like San Francisco? Let me know some things to do there. Thank you, Diana

Nick Edwards: I'm afraid I've never set foot in SD but I can wholeheartedly sing the praises of SF and it's a really vibrant city, not all touristy by any means.

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Christchurch, New Zealand: My 15 year old son and I are planning a 12 day trip starting in San Francisco. What ideas do you have for off the beaten track for budget travelers. We want to stay within a 250 mile radius of San Francisco, and my son loves music. Thanks, Bernie

Nick Edwards: As I've said, my patch is the north. Please refer to earlier answers for the wilds of the coastal redoods, Lava beds, Mt Shasta and Lassen. Modoc County is also as off the beaten track as you can get in CA but is a bit over 250 miles away. Great wildlife everywhere but no Mutton Birds (my fave Kiwi band)!

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South Portland, Maine: Two adults, not able to walk much, looking for the things we really ought to do in San Francisco on Sunday, August 17, the day before starting our "Caravan" tour of the region.

Nick Edwards: Please refer to earlier list of sights and I remind you that SF has great public transport to save the legs.

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Alexandria, Va.: Is there a hotel in the center of the city where I can pay no more than $75.00 per night for a private room with private bath and toilet? It must also have free parking. Thanks. This should be a real challenge.

Nick Edwards: You can find hotels for just about that price, like the aforementioned Golden Gate but I'm afraid the free parking is not going to happen unless you choose soemwhere well out of the city centre. But with BART being so efficient, that's not a bad option, if on a tight budget.

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Caliente, Calif.: My husband and I are driving to Bodega Bay, will arrive on April 4 and leave April 10. We need suggestions for day trips. We want to see the Mendocino Botanical Gardens and Muir Woods and Muir's home. We are in our 60's, so we don't want anything too strenuous. We enjoy easy hikes. We've already seen the wine country and have ridden the Skunk Train. One day in San Francisco would be OK. Thanks for your help.

Nick Edwards: Have you seen the Russian River Valley wine country? Much more laid back and less touristic/crowded than Napa/Sonoma. Also the Anderson Valley, inland from Mendocino, is an up and coming area and boasts Boontville, with its unique dialect, boontling.

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Bowling Green, Ky. : I will be traveling to San Francisco for a business trip arriving April 21, 2008. I will have a one full day and maybe a 1/2 day for sightseeing. I am interested in knowing which tour companies are recommended & reputable (I want to get my money's worth). I would love to see the California coast, any recommendations? I'll be staying in the Union Square area so any must sees in that area or close by would be great to know about. I'll be on foot or travel by cable car. Thanks for any input. I am looking forward to this trip and want to experience as much as possible in short amount of time.

Nick Edwards: Please refer to earlier answers.

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Baltimore Md.: We will be in San Francisco in September this year. Can you recommend a place to eat that has great food and is a real bargain? (We like any type of cuisine.)

Nick Edwards: There are so many wonderful restaurants, it's hard to know where to start. I'd just cruise China Town, the Mission and North Beach and do some window sniffing for yourselves.

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Wilson, Wyo.: My just-turned-21-year-old daughter and I will be spending 2 days on Nob Hill May 20-21. I understand San Francisco is not as dressy as it once was, but is there a good restaurant for a "ladies' lunch" where jeans would not be appropriate, but could appeal to both of us?

Nick Edwards: Sorry, that's a bit specific for me. SF's definitely mostly casual. I'd ask at your hotel, when you get there.

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Minneapolis, Minn. : Four fairly active women, sixties to eighties, game and open minded, good senses of humor, want to have a blast in San Francisco in July. It is possible for us to get off the beaten path? We get to the museums, theatre, recognized tourist tourist attractions by ourselves. Can you suggest some less pedestrian activities we might not have heard about?

Nick Edwards: Just walking around's the best thing. And as I keep trumpeting its value, I'll say the Mission once more.

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Toms River, N.J.: On May 16th, I'll be making my 2nd trip to San Francisco. I'll be there for 3 days. I've already seen Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard St & Alcatraz. I've also ridden the cable cars, eaten in Chinatown and rode a bike over the bridge into Sausalito. I am planning on going to Napa one day. Is there any big or special that you recommend? Thanks! Christine

Nick Edwards: Please refer to earlier answers.

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Mechanicsville, Va.: My wife and I will be traveling to the San Francisco area July 5 through July 11, 2008. I will be attending a Conference on July 6 through noon, July 9. We plan on doing the Alcatrez Island tour on Sunday morning, July 6, with the rest of the day unscheduled. My step-daughter will be coming in the morning of July 7 to join my wife for sight-seeing during the day on July 7 and July 8. After the conference we will be driving to Muir Woods to see the redwoods and then to the Monterey area for the next 2 days. What would you recommend we do the afternoon of Sunday, July 6 and what would you recommend as your top 5 things to see for my wife and step-daughter to do on July 7 and July 8? Also any recommendations for our time in the Monterey area for July 10 and July 11? Thanks in advance for you advice. Stan

Nick Edwards: Please refer to earlier answers.

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Staten Island, N.Y.: I will be traveling to the S.F. area August 30th for my brother's wedding. Any suggestions for a kid friendly hotel/motel that is central to most popular attractions & moderately priced? Any other advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Nick Edwards: Once more, the Golden Gate Hotel.

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Cleveland, Ohio: Can you please recommend a hotel/bed & breakfast in the Union Sq. area. Best value?

Nick Edwards: Ditto (not Beth, though I love her!)

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San Francisco, Calif.: I will be in San Francisco 1 day--April 28--with 3 teenage boys (13&15). We will have a van and have an 11 pm flight home. What would you suggest we do, and how, so that they see as much as possible. We could switch the day to Sunday the 27th with no time restrictions, too. Kathy

Nick Edwards: Please refer to earlier answers.

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Forest Lake, Minn.: Attending a family reunion in Hollister CA Aug 1-4. Need suggestions of places to stay in Carmel or surrounding area during that timeframe (block of rooms reserved for occasion is already booked!). Since we will have children accompanying us need to find lodging at a reasonable rate. Thank You, Betsy

Nick Edwards: I'm afraid Carmel is off my patch to the south. Check out a reliable guidebook or search the web.

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Louisville, Ky.: We will be traveling to the Northern California area from April 7-12 with two teenage boys ages 13 and 15. We want to mix educational (not boring!) and FUN, and probably won't include wine country because they will be with us (sigh). Any suggestions for places to go in San Francisco that will interest teenagers, maybe even off the beaten path? We plan to spend 2 or 3 nights in San Fran and 2 or 3 nights in the Pismo Beach area. Thanks!

Nick Edwards: Was in Louisville last week—great town, especially the Ali Centre. Please refer to earlier answers for SF suggestions for all ages.

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Denver, Colo.: My company is having a conference on Nob Hill for 4 days. ince our group will have limited time in the city, what are the top 3-5 attractions that I should let the attendees know about?

Nick Edwards: Please refer to earlier answers.

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Nick Edwards: Well that was fun! I never expected to get through all the questions and please forgive me if any answers were brief or inadequate. I hope you all enjoy your travels out West. I'm actually going next week to research the next edition of the Rough Guide to San Francisco, where my patch is the surrounding Bay Area, Peninsula, Marin & Wine Country. Please do try one of our books if you are not familiar with them. We cover most of the globe (can vouch for Greece and India especially!) and if you're local shop doesn't stock the one you are after, order it through them or online at roughguides.com.
HAPPY TRAILS!
Nick Edwards