What should be on my must see list for San Francisco?

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1
I'm currently procrastinating . I'm supposed to be packing for San Francisco.

Husband has work there for 2 weeks and I'm going along too.

So I have two weeks where I have to entertain myself during the week. I've packed my guidebook and camera preparing to play tourist.

But as I've never entered America before; I'm wondering if anyone can suggest places to see or things to do a little off the tourist track?

Are there any places you love?

Are there any places I should avoid?

Oh and can someone please explain how tipping works?

2
I should note I understand the concept of tipping. I do it frequently in cafes etc.

But I have no idea where or how much I should be tipping in America From what I've read; it seems you tip everywhere in varying amounts...

And I just found this. Sorry! Tips for San Francisco

3
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g1...Etiquette.html

Avoid tenderloin.. Nothing tender about that place...

4
First, make sure you have a visa.

Second, being there two weeks, aside from the basics of Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, etc. I would recommend taking a drive down the coast to Monterey Bay (about 100km) or up to the Redwood forrests (400km)

5
We were supposed to be there for three months but HR forgot to apply for the L visa we require with enough time for it to be processed so we're traveling under the visa waver program for 2 weeks.

Monterey Bay sounds good. I'll see if I can organise a hire car Thanks

6
Thanks! Think I'm just tip everybody between 15 - 20% so we'll be safe

7
In general, when tipping in a restaurant, just double the tax and round up (if service is good). It makes it easiest to do it this way, really.

Don't forget you need to pre-register with the US before you fly. Check with your airline's website, they should have a link to the appropriate US website to register.

8
Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge

Drive up to Twin Peaks

9
On the other side of the Golden Gate bridge there is a really pretty place called Sausalito - it is soooo lovely.

I went in an Irish pub there ( I think it was Irish) and had the best Apple Pie I have ever had in my life

10
Hi there

I am SO jealous!!!! SF is my favourite city.

I would highly recommend renting a bicycle from the water's edge and cycling over the golden gate bridge and then on to Sausilito. It's not a very hard cycle if you do it only one way - the return has a short nasty uphill so unless you enjoy the hardwork go only in one direction. The bike rental companies provide you with a ferry ticket so you cycle over and then catch the ferry back - it makes for a great outing.

I use to travel to SF once a year and always scheduled a day to do this.

I would recommend you plan to take most of the day but it can be done in a half day.

Enjoy - I wish it was me ;-)

Cheers

Nats