Here are some tips on traveling to/around SF, NoCal & surrounding areas. If you are headed somewhere specific and it's not on the blog, let us know and we'll round up some info for you.
SF = San Francisco (duh)
HMB = Half Moon Bay (our home base)
BART = subway system from the peninsula to East Bay
MUNI = Light rail system that runs all over the city
We can not say enough about the weather.
Yes, it's expensive. Unless you are from Hawaii, Paris, Rome or NYC plan on this place being more expensive than where you live. A burger in a diner in Homer, GA will run you $3 and burger here $8-12 (with the exception of the ever fabulous In 'N Out). Any hotel under $100 a night is suspect (feel free to call and ask us about it specifically). However, if you do your homework you can get some deals and still be able to pay rent when you get home.
Yes, it's hilly. VERY. Some of the streets downtown have stairs instead of sidewalks. The grade on some of these neighborhood streets approach 31% (like the famous Lombard Street). Wear appropriate footwear. Jill tromps around in stilettos but we don't recommend them for general tourist purposes. Your calves and quads are going to hurt you regardless, so take it slow and steady and don't drop anything that could roll. If you are driving and/or parking please make sure to observe the local parking rules and we recommend you NOT drive a manual transmission in this city.
Yes, we have earthquakes. But don't worry about that. Seriously most of the ones we have you wouldn't even notice. Even the noticeable ones just feel like a big truck going by. You aren't going to die in an earthquake. If you happen to get your bones rattled a little while visiting, then just count yourself blessed for a great story to take home.
Yes, everyone here is gay. Ok not really (although Jill wishes). But keep in mind that SF and most of CA in general, is very tolerant of LGBTQ folks and proudly hosts a very large LGBTQ community. So you will see same sex couples holding hands and enjoying their freedom and acceptance here. We expect you to act accordingly. So if you think homosexuality is an abomination, kindly keep that to yourself during your visit.
