Powell Place in San Fran

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

I drove down Lombard years ago. Honestly, it was a bit of a disappointment even then, before it was bumper to bumper cars the whole way.

But I'll guess that a 16 y.o. would enjoy having the tale to tell, whether by driving or Segway-ing.

There is a nice view up from the street, makes for the best photo opp.

[happymum Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close happymum]

I really am not that adventurous. First did a Segway tour in San Francisco a few years back to please my son. The whole family had a blast. Last year did the "Advanced" hills and chills tour with friends who felt it was the highlight of their SF visit.

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

I concur with the other folks. Mass Transit and hoof'n it is what works best. LOVE Mass transit. We went everywhere..including a baseball game in Oakland. Loved that BART dumped us right at the stadium. Everyone could enjoy drinks at the game and no one had to worry about driving or the parking situation.

If you are staying a full week then look at getting the City Pass

Official San Francisco CityPASS | 5 San Francisco Attractions for $69

It includes the trolley which is otherwise 6.00 a pop one way. We were a large party checking in to WM SF and the front desk saw all of us and called me over..said another family who had just checked out had left their City Passes with them because they still had days left on them...they offered them to me and my family!!! We made good use of them handing them back and forth for whoever was going out and needed to use them.

Have you been to SF? I can also recommend a GREAT tour/guide where you can see all the neighborhoods..hop out for photo ops and sightseeing...then off to Muir Woods and Sausilito. It's a full day and the gentlemen who runs it is very informative/funny and accommodating. Shaggy recommended him and we took it as a private tour since there were 8 of us. I second the recommendation. Dylan was awesome!
San Francisco Bus Tours and Bike Rentals

Dang it! Now I want to go

[Presley Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Presley]

Have you been to SF?

Yes, I have. I had extended family there when I was growing up, so it was a fairly regular trip. They, of course, drove us everywhere.

The last couple times I've been there as an adult, I haven't really been in the city. I stayed near the airport because of those trips were more business and a lot less recreation. I can't believe I've never taken my son!

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Yes, I have. I had extended family there when I was growing up, so it was a fairly regular trip. They, of course, drove us everywhere.

The last couple times I've been there as an adult, I haven't really been in the city. I stayed near the airport because of those trips were more business and a lot less recreation. I can't believe I've never taken my son!

You, and he, are going to have a great time. My kids LOVED it when we took them as teenagers. Buy tix for Alcatraz ahead of time, that gets booked up and you won't want to miss it. Powell Place is a perfect perch from which to launch your excursions, conveniently located near Union Square and the place just oozes SFO charm.

[MaryH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close MaryH]

Chinatown is almost walkable from Powell Place. Have a great time.

[MaryH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close MaryH]

Chinatown is almost walkable from Powell Place. Have a great time. Best to do public transport and walk.. powell place is pretty convenient with transit. If you need a rental car for a day trip rent it for pickup early am and drop it off at night to save parking charges which can go up to $40 per night.

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

Chinatown is almost walkable from Powell Place. Have a great time. Best to do public transport and walk.. powell place is pretty convenient with transit. If you need a rental car for a day trip rent it for pickup early am and drop it off at night to save parking charges which can go up to $40 per night.

Chinatown is definitely walkalbe from Powell Place. In fact, you'll do a lot more walking than that.

[MaryH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close MaryH]

the hill are fun though

[Dancingfish Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dancingfish]

Quick question about this walking! When you all are saying that you can walk & take public transportation.. are you talking about walking up those HILLS??? We are thinking of a trip-- but will have a few Grandparents with us who appreciate rental cars!!! I may be able to convice them about trolleys but walking hills may be a bit much!

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

Quick question about this walking! When you all are saying that you can walk & take public transportation.. are you talking about walking up those HILLS??? We are thinking of a trip-- but will have a few Grandparents with us who appreciate rental cars!!! I may be able to convice them about trolleys but walking hills may be a bit much!

There aren't too many places in San Francisco you can get without walking up (and down) a hill or two. The Embarcardero area (and I'm including Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf) is flat, but pretty much anywhere else has hills. Even walking around someplace like Chinatown you're going to encounter hills (and there is no way I'd take a car through Chinatown!).

[Presley Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Presley]

Quick question about this walking! When you all are saying that you can walk & take public transportation.. are you talking about walking up those HILLS??? We are thinking of a trip-- but will have a few Grandparents with us who appreciate rental cars!!! I may be able to convice them about trolleys but walking hills may be a bit much!

I will let you know more after this weekend. My husband has a knee issue that once it swells up, he is basically out of commission. It sounds like we can take public transportation anytime we need to go up a hill. His knee always limits us on what we do when we go anywhere. I am hoping Golden Gate Park is mostly flat, because I could easily spend several days doing stuff there.

I haven't been to San Fran in a long time, but from what I remember, taking a car was an enormous pain. Parking is very limited everywhere and also expensive. Maybe a taxi would be better.