Travel and Things to Do
The closest airport to the hotel and venues is the San Jose airport (SJC). However, transit throughout the San Francisco Bay Area/Silicon Valley is relatively easy! Even if you land at San Francisco airport (SFO) or Oakland (OAK), you can easily take Uber or Lyft, or navigate through public transportation.
Rideshare Applications:
Uber: you can get $2 off each of your first 3 rides with Uber by using the code 'kanchib' to sign up. Details: https://www.uber.com/invite/kanchib
Lyft: download the lyft application to your phone. You can get $5 in ride credit by using the referral link: https://www.lyft.com/ici/KANCHI600652
Public Transportation:
Caltrain: this public transit system is a train system that runs from San Jose to San Francisco. It has multiple stops on the way, and tickets can be purchased at the train station. Caltrain is your best bet to reach SF city proper from San Jose/Santa Clara area. Check the following link to review the scheduled timings: http://www.caltrain.com/schedules.html
BART: this public transit system is AKA Bay Area Rapid Transit. BART goes to the SFO airport and Oakland airports, but does NOT extend down to south bay where the festivities are for the wedding. BART can be used on the peninsula or to navigate to Oakland or East Bay from SF city proper. https://www.bart.gov/planner
Bay Ferry: the Ferry system is a great way to navigate around the Bay area by boat! Super easy and fun! While you are in SF city proper, you can take the ferry up to Sausalito and see may boats and the Golden Gate Bridge on the way, or go to the East Bay/Oakland area. Lots of fun! https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/ + goldengateferry.org/schedules/Sausalito.php
Alcatraz Cruises runs the Alcatraz Island and Prison tour. The island (AKA "The Rock") is located approx 1.25miles offshore from SF. It developed with facilities for a lighthouse, military fortification, military prison and federal prison. It is famous for housing some of the most notorious federal prisoners, including Al "Scarface" Capone. Below is the website to book your tour. You should book early as this is one of the highlighted tourist spots in SF (and it includes a boat ride)! Remember to pack a jacket/layers as SF is typically cold and foggy in the summertime.
For more details on Alcatraz Island and a true story, please watch Nakul's favorite film called "The Rock" starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage.
San Francisco 49ers
Preseason Game on Thursday, August 29th 7pm at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. More details and tickets can be found via the link.
If you're up for wild rides and lots of fun (and potentially bouts of emesis), please check out California's Great America located in Santa Clara, CA. Make sure to check the website out for hours and tickets.
There is plenty to do in the Bay Area!
San Francisco:
Golden Gate Bridge (walk or view from a ferry!)
Fisherman's Wharf to see the Sea Lions and you can also go play a lot of carnival games as well!
Ferry Building for snacks and fantastic foods from some of the best chefs around SF
Union Square for people watching, and shopping!
SF Chinatown
Ride the Cable Cars and visit the (FREE!) Cable Car Museum
Golden Gate Park and the Presidio -- favorite spot is the conservatory of flowers! Also the courtyard around the De Young Museum is fantastic!
Twin Peaks - one of the best city views from high up. Sunrise is supposedly the most beautiful time, but at night is wonderful! Try to go at a time when there is less fog.
Muir Woods (north of the golden gate bridge) and where some of Star Wars was shot! Check out Redwoods, but make sure you get a parking pass prior to going there if you have a car or you won't be allowed in!
Japanese Tea Garden - the oldest in the US! Located in Golden Gate Park.
Land's End and Ocean Beach
Walt Disney Family Museum
Lombard street - the crookedest road!
FREE SF Museum Days: https://sf.funcheap.com/city-guide/monthly-free-museum-days/
SF City Zoo
Museum of Ice Cream! -- YES, THERE IS A SPRINKLE POOL! MOIC was only done in a few cities across the US. SF is one of those cities. Buy tickets in advance! https://www.museumoficecream.com/
Oakland City Zoo
Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose
Mountain Winery in Saratoga
Napa Valley Wineries -- some of our favorites are Castello di Amorosa and Robert Mondavi. V Sattui Winery has a great weekend BBQ during lunchtime. Sterling Vineyard has a GONDOLA!!! Book your winery tour in advance to beat the traffic and ensure your tastings!
South Bay (Santa Clara, San Jose, Fremont)
Crepevine - any location throughout Bay Area, great brunch!!
Dishdash Grill - best Middle Eastern food! In Milpitas.
Santana Row shopping Mall in San Jose has many dining and shopping options!
Smitten ice cream - churned to order ice cream made with liquid nitrogen machine! delicious flavors! Throughout bay area.
San Francisco
Sweet Maple - our favorite brunch spot, known for the millionaire's bacon !
Mitchell's Ice cream
Bi-rite Creamery (also next to Dolores Park!)
El Techo - good mexican food with an awesome rooftop in the Mission District!
Stonemill Matcha - best matcha latte and desserts that are matcha inspired!
Koi Palace - dim sum
B Patisserie - best pastry shop known for their kouign amann which is a cross between a croissant and a muffin YAY!
Udipi Palace - our favorite dosa place in the city, Mission district. You know it's good because it's CASH ONLY!
Japantown - extensive shopping mall with Asian shops and plenty of Asian/Japanese dining options, including karaoke bars!
Genki - if you're looking for Crepes or just Asian-inspired ice cream, go here for delicious Lichi or Mango ice cream! Inner Richmond district.
Fumi Curry and Ramen - our favorite ramen place. Mission District.
Dumpling Kitchen - best dumplings! Sunset District.