San Francisco, sunsets, Marin Co.

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>My husband and I are visiting California in June and I am looking for some photo info, especially San Francisco. I read lots of great advice on past posts, but still have a few questions. <br>

We're going to be in San Francisco for 3 days and I've sort of started mapping out what to do each day, but there seems to be soooo much that I'm a little overwhelmed. <br>

Day 1 (Wednesday). We're flying in to San Francisco and will arrive at about 9:30am. After renting a car, we have most of the day to explore but we're spending the night in Sonoma (Glen Ellen) and don't want to get there late, as we'll have endured a 5hr flight. We want to take it easy but also want to get a few things checked off the list in San Fran. We'll be back in San Francisco on Saturday, so we'd prefer to do things on Wednesday that would simply be too busy to tackle Saturday. </p>

<p>Day 2. (Thursday) Sonoma...I promised my husband this is his day to enjoy, so I just have to take photo ops where I can get them.</p>

<p>Day 3. (Friday) We plan spend the day in Marin county starting the day in Muir Woods by 10am. After a couple hours there, I'm not sure where to hit next....Bonita Lighthouse? Muir Beach? Point Reyes National Seashore? Point Reyes Lighthouse? Someone mentioned Fort Spencer but I can't find it in my Fodor's California book. Where's the best area, of those mentioned, for late afternoon light and sunset? </p>

<p>Day 4. (Saturday) San Francisco. I'd love to see everything in San Francisco, but know there's no way we'll even touch the surface. I'd like to split the following area/sights between Wednesday (day 1.) and Saturday: <br>

Alcatraz...only if we can swing the first boat on Saturday morning.<br>

Chinatown<br>

Lombard Street/Macondray Lane<br>

Hyde Street Pier<br>

Haight-Ashbury <br>

Japanese Tea Garden<br>

Presidio<br>

Is there something I missing that's a must see?<br>

What's the best way to split up those spots between 2 days? <br>

I'd like to end the day with another sunset, but this time from the SF side of the bridge (not necessarily of the bridge, as I'd like to get it from the Marin Headlands area)......Seal Rocks? Point Lobos? Land's End?<br>

The next 2-3 days will be spent in San Jose, with day trips to Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Capitola.<br>

The last few days we'll be in Carmel and visiting Big Sur.<br>

I've had great help and wonderful ideas from this forum before visiting Ecuador, Alaska and the Smokeys so thanks in advance for any advice.<br>

Zvia</p>

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<p>After you visit Muir Woods, turn right down Muir Woods road to head toward the town of Muir Beach. When you get to Highway 1, turn right and go up the hill toward the ocean. Just before the top of the (steep) hill, turn left on Muir Beach Overlook drive. Stop at Muir Beach Overlook for some breathtaking views. </p>

<p>As to what to do with the rest of the day, there are plenty of choices. The top of Mount Tamalpais has broad views. Point Reyes is a bit distant, but has the lighthouse, as well as lots of windswept foggy terrain (largely pastures) on the way to and from the lighthouse. The Marin Headlands are spectacular -- if you go, see Hawk Hill and Rodeo Beach (Ansel Adams took a nice photo at Rodeo Beach). It's hard to beat Rodeo Beach for sunset.</p>

<p>"Fort Spencer" is probably what's better known as "Battery Spencer". It's the closest overlook to the Golden Gate Bridge on the Marin Side, and Google will show you plenty of info. It's definitely a postcard view, which is nice because it's pretty, but it's really hard to come away with much of an original photo.</p>

<p>In San Francisco, I'd skip most of what you've listed except Alcatraz. If time is limited in the city, I would go to Alcatraz over everything else. You can reserve the boat in advance. If it's not Alcatraz, hit the Mission, the most vibrant part of the city. Lands End is good for a sunset view, but Sutro Baths is really unusual and has the same sunset as anywhere else on the coast. However, it's likely that you won't see sunset at that time of year in the city and north, the fog usually rolls in before sunset.</p>

<p>Just be aware that June is the beginning of winter in San Francisco, and it can be very cool and foggy. A lot of people are caught unaware of what it's like at that time of year.</p>

<p>HMB is too far from San Jose and too small and uninteresting to be worth the trip. </p>

<p>In Sonoma, I would stay in Healdsburg rather than Glen Ellen. Much more interesting area.</p>

<p>In Marin Headlands, I'd go to Rodeo Beach and walk up the hill to the top. I don't know if I'd go up for sunset, it's a tough walk down in the dark and I don't recommend it. </p>

<p> </p>

<p>My wife and I have visited the Bay area about once a year for the past ten years (our son lives there). Here are some observations based on our experiences:<br>

If your flight arrives at 9:30am, you probably won't be able to get away from the airport until at least 10:30 or 11am. You should allow at least two hours for the drive to Glen Ellen exclusive of stops along the way. Yes, locals can get their faster, but you will be tourists and struggling with navigation. My preference would be to head north on 101 and across the Golden Gate Bridge. Take the first exit off 101 at the north end of the bridge, circle back to Congleman Road. Battery Spence is the first parking area on the left after you cross under the bridge. Great vista of the city with the bridge in the foreground. Sausalito would be a great place to stop for lunch. You could make the side trip to Muir Woods, but be aware that by that time of day, the crowds will be dense.<br>

Glen Ellen is a nice place to stay - we've stayed at the Jack London Lodge. The Fig is a great restaurant and is about a five minute walk away.<br>

Sonoma (and nearby Napa) are nice places to visit. My experience is that a day per visit is enough - anything more and you start to saturate on wineries. In my judgement, the two valleys are equal in terms of winery (and tasting) quality, but those in Napa are more dramatic tourist destinations.<br>

If you didn't stop at Muir Woods on the first day, then it would be a great stop enroute back to the City. You can leave Glen Ellen after breakfast and be there before the morning crowds gather. <br>

In the city, I would place Alcatraz at the top of the must-see list. Be sure to book a ferry (via the internet) in advance so that you can be assured of a spot. If you stop at Muir Woods, then aim for a ferry around 2pm - and plan on having lunch somewhere in the Fisherman's Wharf area. Lots of great places.<br>

I also like Fort Point (and it's a great place to make photographs) but its only open Friday - Sunday. Lands End is a great place to visit, and its a short hop from there to Golden Gate Park. The Japanese Tea Garden is very nice but parking can be a real hassle. However, if you are booked on an early afternoon ferry to Alcatraz, its unlikely that you will have much time for anything else that day.<br>

When you head south, make sure that you allow time for the photography galleries in Carmel, Point Lobos State Park, and the Carmel Mission.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Thanks all for the info! <br>

Richard: I like your idea of the Marin Headlands. After looking at a map there, it seems there are lots of beautiful hikes and vista to photograph. As Jeff pointed out, Rodeo Beach would be difficult after sunset, so I'll probably stick to Battery Spencer for the unoriginal shot. As far as the afternoon goes though, if we do Muir Woods in the morning and then head to Muir Beach, we'll be there about 12-2 or so...from your experience, will it be worth taking my camera out if it's a sunny day? Too much glare? Tips? Will Rodeo Beach be a good choice for mid-late afternoon?<br>

Jeff: I may try Land's End if the weather cooperates. Aside from sunset (if it's too foggy), is there an optimal time/place to get good bridge shots?<br>

We actually were debating about Alcatraz due to the summer crowds, but from these posts it seems like a must do...so we will!<br>

Thanks again,<br>

Zvia</p>

<p>Richard...one more question...is Hawk Hill good for sunset? or afternoon?</p>

<p>I like the view of the bridge from Alcatraz. It's rarely photographed because you have to walk around back to see it, and most people don't. I was there on the first boat and snapped this:<p><center>

<img src="http://www.spirer.com/alcatraz/images/alc15.jpg" alt="" /><br>

<em>Golden Gate Bridge, Copyright 2004 Jeff Spirer</em></p></center>

<p><p>Also, I would recommend against going to Fisherman's Wharf. It's like the tourist wharf in any city or town that has one. The only unique part of the area, the sea lions, packed up and left recently. Also, in a city of great restaurants, there isn't one really good one at the Wharf. Go to Valencia Street in the Mission for dinner and see what the locals see.</p></P>

<p>Hawk hill is great for sunset. And just after it gets dark, you can see the lights come up on the bridge and city. Of course, every place is better around sunset, so the problem is picking a spot. One problem: the road up to Hawk Hill (Conzelman road) closes at its intersection with McCullough road at around sunset. So you've got to go up there a bit before sunset, and expect the rangers to ask you to leave awhile after the sun goes down.</p>

<p>Richard: Thanks for the advice regarding Hawk Hill...I'll go late afternoon and hang out for the sunset. <br>

Jeff: You're not the first to advise against Fisherman's Wharf. If I want tacky, I can drive an hour from my house to Daytona Beach :) Love your bridge shot from Alcatraz. We'll be taking the first boat...but...I did hear somewhere that the area around the back where this shot is possible from is only open durning winter, something to do with bird nesting. I'll call the ferry people and see if they know anything about that.<br>

Thanks again!</p>

<p>It may be a little too far of a drive considering your limited time frame, but I'll throw it out there just in case. Hands down the best place for sunsets in the bay area is from the parking lot of the Lawrence Hall of Science on the Campus of UC Berkeley. Check out LHS's webcam (http://sv.berkeley.edu/view/) which is maybe 100 yards south of the parking lot, but has the same view. Check the archives for a better idea as we are getting a little el nino action here right now. It's probably an hour's drive from Marin (30 min from the city). Full disclosure, I work at LHS and that webcam is right next door to my office, and I stop for 10 minutes each night and fire off a few frames. The nice thing about this spot is even on afternoons when the Headlands and SF are socked in with fog you can often still get some stunning shots of the blanket of fog covering the bay.</p>

<p>If you have the time, I'd recommend you complete the 49-mile scenic drive as described here: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/49-Mile_Scenic_Drive">49-Mile Scenic Drive</a>. It all depends on personal preferences, but Alcatraz island does nothing for me, if this is your first visit to San Francisco, I wouldn't put it on the top of the list, there are other more interesting sites to see: <a href="http://www.sfvirtualshop.com/sf_places_to_go.htm">Places to go in San Francisco</a>.</p>

<p>Alamo Square:<br>

<img src="http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/1761/alamosquareh.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="450" /></p>

<p>Some people must see Alcatraz and others shrug at the thought, so to each his own. I've only been a couple times myself (taking visiting relatives), but there are many good photographic possibilities especially in morning and late afternoon light. There is a terrific headphone audio tour included now, and I found myself getting engrossed in the history of the island as told by former inmates, sometimes forgetting my camera. I found it hard to concentrate on both, but I think you will enjoy the challenge and have fun. Wander a bit outside the prison too. Count on 3-4 hours including ferry time and book well ahead.<br>

I think the best (but much copied) shots of the city are from the Marin headlands with the Golden Gate Bridge in the foreground. Plenty of angles to choose and hiking trails to view the Bay, the City, and the ocean.<br>

Santa Cruz has a great beach boardwalk, especially late in the day. Really interesting local people. You can skip Capitola if you run out of time (though it is a pleasant little beach town). There are some spectacular coastal scenes from Carmel south to Big Sur.</p>

<p>Thanks everyone for all the input. There is so much to see in San Francisco that I wish we had a few extra days...but alas, my husband needs to be back at work so he can pay for our next trip :) <br>

I think on the first day we get to San Francisco, we'll try and hit the Mission District for an early lunch, China Town (maybe the Cable Car Museum while we're there) and Russian Hill in the late afternoon (hopefully we'll get all this in?!?). Maybe get a shot of the bridge from Torpedo Wharf in the evening on our way out.....last question, I promise....will the sun be a problem in the later afternoon from this point?<br>

The next day we're visiting a few wineries in Sonoma and will head back to SF in the evening, hopefully catching a sunset on the Marin side on our way in.<br>

Our next day in the SF area will be spent at Muir Woods, Sausalito for lunch then hit the trails in the Marin Headlands, Rodeo Beach and finally making our way to Hawk Hill for late afternoon and Battery Spencer for sunset (I know, cliche..but hey I'm just an amateur and it will impress my friends).<br>

Our final day in SF, we'll catch the first Alcatraz ferry at 9am, then after lunch visit the Marina, Pacific Heights and The Presidio area (Japanese Tea Garden), ending up on Baker Beach for late afternoon shots and perhaps one of the batteries (Godfey, Marcus Miller) for sunset. phew....then we'll need a vacation.<br>

The rest of our trip will include San Jose, where we're staying with friends and will take a day trip probably to Santa Cruz area. Then we'll be in Carmel/Monterey for a few days, taking a day trip to Big Sur.<br>

Thank you all so much for all the ideas....and if you could please arrange for perfect weather, sunny skies and a little fog to make my photos interesting, then I'll be all set :)<br>

Zvia</p>

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<p>will the sun be a problem in the later afternoon from this point?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>You never know...</p>

<p>As to getting a view of Alcatraz itself, I recommend the balcony view from the San Francisco Art Institute (Chestnut Street, near the "crookedest street").<br>

And a sunset view of the Golden Gate from Treasure Island can be nice, if the fog hasn't already rolled in too deeply. Second the suggestion of visiting Ft. Baker (Battery Spencer is a sub-post I believe) to get an up-close view of the GG Bridge. Ft. Point, beneath the bridge is also a good visit, as long as the sea is calm. The road to it is closed off during stormy times due to the risk of getting washed off the road.</p>

<p>One of my favorite spots is to cross over to the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge, looking back towards the bridge and San Francisco from Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands. Late afternoon should be the best time. You can also visit near-by Sausalito during the same outing.</p>

<p>The weather in San Francisco should be good in June.</p><div></div>

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<p>One of my favorite spots is to cross over to the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge, looking back towards the bridge and San Francisco from Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands</p>

</blockquote>

<p>What he said. But be forewarned, that beautiful dark green foliage you see in large patches on the Marin Headlands is usually poison oak. Pretty, but can be a real problem for some people.</p>

<p>Thank you Tom for the warning!</p>

<p>"Photo Secrets, San Francisco" by Andrew Hudson is an invaluable tool in planning a photo oriented trip to the San Francisco area. It will not only give you tips on where to photograph but, more importantly, will provide information on the best times of the day to accomplish your photography.<br>

I also use Andrew's books, "Photo Secrets, San Diego" and "Photo Secrets, Yosemite" which are also great tools. These books are comprehensive but, are small enough to slip into your camera bag or carry in your photo vest. They are also relatively inexpensive on Amazon.com.<br>

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/PhotoSecrets-San-Francisco-Northern-California/dp/0965308715">http://www.amazon.com/PhotoSecrets-San-Francisco-Northern-California/dp/0965308715</a></p>

<p>Richard.....funny you should say that as I currently have that book open to page 22 (GG Bridge). I noticed recommendations for it when I searched past threads and ordered it. Just got it yesterday, and yes you are absolutely right, it is wonderful!!! The book combined with the advice I received from everyone on this thread has me really prepared...now I just have to wait until June and pray for the weather to cooperate!</p>

<p>The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco - Mark Twain.</p>

<p>You don't mention dawns. They're just as good as sunsets. Go down to pier 7 and photograph the Bay Bridge as the sun rises- it's as good as anything you're going to get of the Golden Gate Bridge.</p>

<p>Thanks David for that suggestion. When I think of California, I automatically think of the west coast (I'm in FL) and therefore sunsets....but I looked online at some images and it seems like I could get the bridge and more from pier 7 at sunrise. From what I understand, the fog tends to roll in in the the afternoons in SF...so does that mean I should be okay for sunrise? </p>

<p>Zvia I don't live there- in fact I'm 6000 miles away, so I can't make you any promises here. All I can say is that I've spent maybe 4 early mornings on Pier 7 and had pretty much clear skies every time- indeed I'd rather have had more cloud. But at least the sky round the bridge coloured nicely. The picture below isn't of the Bay Bridge- I can't locate a scanned version right now, but it is from Pier 7 early am.</p>

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Beautiful photo...do you remember what time of year you were there? I guess summer is when the fog hits.