BEWARE!
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8/11/2010
My husband and I decided to take a 5 day trip to Frisco. See the sights, ride the cable cars and such. Oh my GOD! What a mistake! As a matter of fact, we prepaid our hotel for five days and walked away after two nights. We stayed at the Historic Pickwick hotel. The bed was comfortable, and that's about all I can say. BEWARE of parking costs! The parking in the local garages is 32.00 per day. If you are unfortunate enough to have driven a minivan or truck, you will be the victim of the following phrase: "Since you are oversized, you will have to pay double... $64.00 per night." Are you SERIOUS?!! It's that way at all the parking garages. Don't waste your time searching for a cheaper one... it doesn't exist. And, you will NOT want to park in a public lot overnight. We decided to try that. One passenger side window and a lot of broken glass later, it's just not worth the savings. So, ultimate solution: DO NOT BRING OR RENT A VEHICLE! By the way, if you do bring a car and it happens to be vandalized or broken into, the police will not come out and make a report. Crime is too prevalent, and they won't bother. You need to report it online or dial 311 from a 415 area code phone.
Oh, there is some good nightlife, but beware. We went to a great little place on Mason street and heard some awesome jazz and blues, but when I stepped outside for some fresh air, I missed seeing someone shot in the head by about 10 seconds. Now, THERE'S a vacation memory! Body sprawled on the sidewalk, mayhem, people screaming.
Then there are the drugged up or mental residents that wander the streets panhandling, begging, making strange comments or just following you. I am not exaggerating. They are everywhere. Everywhere. 24 hours a day.
AVOID THE AREA KNOWN AS TENDERLOINS. You will NOT be safe. Your vehicle will NOT be safe.
On the plus side, Chinatown is charming, and the Wharf is beautiful.
The only way to possible enjoy and be safe is to get a hotel ON the Wharf, such as the Argonaut. DO NOT bring a car or rent a car. DO NOT go anywhere near Union Square. Stay near the wharf and chinatown.
Mark Twain is famous for saying "The coldenst winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco" (yes, it's cold in August.. mid 50's)
My new saying is "The longest year I ever spent was 2 1/2 days in San Francisco." It was 2 1/2 days too long.
Litter and debris everywhere, crime everywhere, drugged and/or destitute everywhere. Shame on the mayor.
I can honestly see a term where no one wants to even run for the office of Mayor, because it is THAT bad, and no one wants to be responsible for a city as nasty and dangerous as this.
Oh, and as a final note: If you want to visit Alcatraz, buy your tickets AT LEAST three weeks in advance or you are out of luck.
Bp | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA