Going to San Fran next year - what to see?

Hi everybody!

Planing on going to San Francisco next year (2012) after easter (where we will be at Viva), and staying there for a fortnight.

But being a novice in subcultural San Fran, where do a hot rodding rocka-/ punka-/ psycho-billy dude go with his ditto girlfriend?
Are there any specific clubs and/or venues, that play our type of music?

Will probably only have a single day or two to see hot rod stuff, are there any meetings or kuul shops, which is in the "you-have-to-see" catagory?
Car style-wise I'm in to hopped up fourbangers (preferably model A), Westergaard customs and cheap bobbers (preferably two strokers).

Let me know, what you think, we should check out in SF!

Kind regards, the Dane Dannerr

 

Check out the Muir Woods National Monument just a little to the North.

Charlie Stephens

 

alcatraz prison. went on my honeymoon... thought it was fitting.

 

Thanx, we have already decided to see the redwoods and Alcatraz... Actually the only avarage-tourists attractions, we could come to think of, which could be interesting!

But... was looking for small, kuul psycho-/punka-/rocka-billy places and traditional HR meetings.

 

They have the U.S.S Jeremiah O'Brien out there which is WWII battle ship that is cool to climb through and they also have a sub from the same era if your in to that kind of stuff. I think they still have the Ripley's museum there which is pretty cool to check out. I use to live in the Bay Area so if I can think of any thing else Ill let you know.

 

go to Annie's Social club, and stay away from the tourist trap piers and haight asbury. you'll be let down, and harr***ed by beggars.

 

Look us up next year before you come, may still be in Vegas or on the road somewhere though. There are a lot of local shops and music but you would want to check a little sooner to your arrival.

Annie's is closed, sorry.^^But Thee Parkside has had some good music.

 

My wife and I were in San Fran last April. It was pretty chilly/rainy. Brizio's and Rodder's Journal in So. San Fran. Moal's in Oakland. A bit north, Cotati in Santa Rosa. Sacramento Vintage Ford. Good luck and have fun.

 

It's a Liberty Ship, a supply vessel, not a battleship.

Annie's has gone out of business, sadly.

There is no particular club that specializes in the music you mentioned, but shows happen. Keep and eye out for them at The DNA Lounge, Slims, The Bottom of the Hill, and Thee Parkside.

There is a fair amount of local Burlesque going on too. Every Monday over at the Uptown in Oakland (across one bridge), and at the DNA Lounge on occasional Fridays.

Straight-up Punk can be had regularly at 824 Gilman Street in Berkeley (across one bridge).

You'll want to hit the Exploratorium, and the California Academy of Sciences.

 

You gotta check out Mel's diner. Very cool 50s decor and best t-shirts I found.
(and the food ain't half bad either) http://www.melsdrive-in.com/

Best food was at an Itallian place named Rocco's cafe. Was on Diners Driveins and Dives. Very laid back, no need to dress up, and I still dream about the lasagna.
http://www.roccoscafe.com/

I also enjoyed renting a bike and biking the bridge, sounds like you may not have enough time for that. http://www.blazingsaddles.com/

Make sure you book your Alcatraz trip well in advance, they will be sold out.

 

Be sure to book your Alcatraz trip early, sometimes they have a day or 2 waiting list.
I know Fisherman's wharf is touristy but we always liked it.
North across the Golden Gate has some cool little towns.
You have to ride a cable car, the cable car museum is also pretty cool.

 

X 2 on the cable car museum. Stay away from 17th street, big multi-color flag, me and the missus felt outa place just driving through.

 

The O'Brien is indeed a Liberty ship, and fully functional- it sailed to Normandy for the D-Day 50th Anniversary, and you can go for a ride on it during Fleet Week. If you remember the engine-room scenes in ***anic, they were filmed in the functional engine room of the O'Brien. Baleo-cl*** sub Pampanito right next door, and is the sub used in the filming of "Down Periscope", in addition to its distinguished WWII record. The Iowa is around, but in the Mothball Fleet, not on display. Crown jewel is the Hornet, over in Alameda- still has the Apollo 11 astronaut's footprints painted on the deck, and the quarantine unit and a capsule on display. You can go all the way to to top in the bridge/conning tower, admiral's bridge, etc.

 

You fell on the wrong side of 17th! Hahaha!! Don't worry I'll make sure he stays out of the happy neighborhoods.
Really there should be some stuff all over the Bay Area if you have the time.

 

I wouldn't go to San Francisco without stopping at Brizio's, Vern Tardel's
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=186778&highlight=paso+adventure&showall=1

or the BlackHawk Museum
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=190261&highlight=paso+adventure&showall=1

 

An open mind will help with that. That neighborhood is called the Castro. It has some very nice restaurants and places to shop. The people there are very respectful and welcoming to all.

 

Keep an eye on this thread and if they do one for 2012 as well. A lot of the shows are every year about the same times, so maybe can plan in advance:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=525525

My suggestion for one thing to do is to just drive up/down highway 1 along the Pacific coast. Do it in an old car if you can swing one some how. Maybe a hamber might be able to think of some options for that. I don't know any off the top of my head but I have heard of outfits that rent older cars. Not sure if any around here though. Maybe a hamber can let you borrow or 'rent' you one for the time you are here if you can work out the legalities and insurance, etc.

If not, still worth it in a new car. SF is cool by itself and plenty to keep you busy, but the whole bay area is very interesting and diverse. A lot of cool stuff to just see and do driving around here and there. Maybe take in some of the local shops as Dennis suggested above. But again, will be a LOT easier to do with a car of some sort. You can do a lot in SF and close around without a car, but a car will save you a lot of time and be able to go to many other hot rod type destinations you won't be able to get to otherwise. Not a lot of hot rod stuff actually in SF itself. Most of it is around it in the surrounding areas.

 

Growing up in a small New England town, SF has always offered so much to take in, and appreciate. The Asian Art museum is down near City Hall, remarkable collection there. Then there's Hoit Tower (great 1930's murals within) and Telegraph Hill. The Trolley Museum mentioned was grand too. Bring your best walking shoes, it can be a good adventure!

 

http://www.fireenginetours.com/default.htm


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I love San Francisco. Definitely do The Rock,and I agree with booking early. If you like seafood,you need to eat at the Crab House at pier 39. They have a garlic steamed crab that is some of the best in the world. I never go to San Fran without eating there. It is a little more upscale,but the Sunday brunch at The Cliff House is something I really think your wife would like.You need reservations for this also.

I know it's a tourist trap,but I love walking around the Warf area. You can jump on a cable car and get off at any number of interesting stops from there. You will have a good time no matter what you do.

Doc.

 

Watch out if anyone wants to show you the Drags!!!!

 

Hahahahaha...beat me to it...

VERY FUN trip...1955 Mack Fire Truck tour, goes over the Golden Gate and back....just don't take it too seriously.

Brizio's is literally 3 mins from SFO

The Blackhawk Museum is well worth a visit as mentioned above.

Lots of local cruise nights, theres a huge one here in San Jose on Wednesdays, but unless you have a car, its a long way from San Francisco.

As for music, theres lots, but you may wanna check a lot nearer the time you plan on visiting. Check out the Nor Cal Rockabilly group on here

 

My bad on forgetting the O'Brian was a Liberty ship. Its been years since Ive been there and couldnt remember what it was exactly.

 

500 club, Casanovas . the park side all great bars. the mission district is where all the night life is . walk the golden gate bridge . Georgeo's on 3 rd and climent is good eats valencia market has the best turkey sandwiches in the world .gordos mexican food on geary. baker beach .ride the trollys lombard st

 

Maybe Booze, Broads, and Hot Rods will be going in when you are around. It's always around Easter, for instance it is this coming Saturday.

If you like baseball at all or the history of you should check out AT&T Park and just walk around because they have statues and plaques and history of the Giants.

I would also check out Billionaires Row in Pacific Heights neighborhood. First time my gf and I went we just cruised in awe while listening to Pink Floyd.

Definitely go to Coit Tower. I would go at night so you can see the bridges and other **** lit up. Even if it's foggy it's still awesome.

 

We prefer to be called Ten to the tenths, and I don't need no hoodlums cruisin' through my hood...

 

Don't I know it. I grew up in Haddam, Connecticut.

 

Ditto on doing the Crab House at Pier 39. Boudins on Fisherman's Wharf has the best sourdough bread and clam chowder sourdough bowls for a cheap/quick meal.
We did the Alcatraz Tour at night last year and it was absolutely awesome. The fog rolled in while we did the tour and added to the cool factor. Make sure you book way in advance if you do the night tour as it fills up quickly.

 

ha yea right, there aren't any car guys in that neighborhood!

 

Booze Broads & Hotrods will be the Saturday, April 14, 2012 and we'll be back at the hotel. It's like a mini VLV. More info tba www.thebombshells.net. I'll also post a new calendar like this one http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=525525 next year.