I want to travel to San Francisco, CA on Amtrak. Where should I stay and what can I do without renting a car?
I am considering taking the AMTRAK train to San Francisco for approximately three days. I want to know what station should I get off at and what hotels are nearby. I expect this to be a walking trip so I was thinking of getting off at the Fisherman's wharf. What hotels are nearby? Please help! Hi all, thanks for the responses. I found out that the train will let me off at these places: Ferry Bldg Financial Center Fisherman's Wharf Moscone Center Peninsula Line Union Square Does this change anything? I've been to Fisherman's wharf about 8 years ago. At the time, I stayed in San Mateo and took a bus to that area. I just hopped on a bus and went back to the hotel later that day. San Francisco - 6 Answers
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1 :
I think there's only one AMTRAK station, and it's not in the best area in the city. Public transportation is great, so you don't need a car if you want to stay in the city, but there's so much to see outside SF that a car for a day or 2 would be a real advantage. Post your question on any of the following forums and you'll get all the suggestions you need. http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/ http://www.fodors.com/forums http://www.frommers.com
2 :
Depending on which train you're taking, you either have to get off in Emeryville or Jack London Square (Oakland). You'll be fine, despite most tourists' irrational fear upon hearing the word "Oakland", the Amtrak stations are actually not in a "ghetto" area. Besides, Amtrak shuttle buses will be available to whisk you Downtown in no time (15 minute ride). Once there, you can take the ferry, bus, tram, or metro basically anywhere You certainly don't need a car in San Francisco. In fact, it's best to not have to deal with the city's notorious lack of parking, rude drivers/pedestrians, and ticket-loving cops. You can practically do it all with your feet and public transit...the Wharf, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Berkeley Univ., Marin County, the Museums, Alcatraz, Angel Island, Mission Delores, the Zoo, Ocean Beach...not a problem. The only place where you would need a car is Wine Country or the National Parks (and if you're so inclined, you could always join one of the daily tour groups that leaves from the Wharf). There's practically every kind of hotel imaginable Downtown, from the 5-star "Roman Temple" inspired Ritz... to the budget converted gym YMCA hostels. The only limit is how much you're willing to spend. The chain gang are all there as well (Marriott, Hilton, Renaissance, Holiday Inn, Hyatt), if you're looking for the reliable and familiar. Most have easy access to at least one kind of transit, usually more. Additional Details: Yeah, the destinations you got are actually the bus stops for the shuttle from Oakland.
3 :
You do not need a car in SF. Better off w/out it. Rapid trans in the city is exceptionally good and ontime. very hard to find parking in SF
4 :
amtrak is probably going to make you take a bus from oakland, as the train doesn't actually go into the city. when you get off the bus, you are close to the embarcadero and the ferry building. they ferry building is great on the weekends, they have a huge farmers market and lots of little shops/restaurants there! also, if you stay in the embarcadero area, then you can easily walk downtown (union square...shopping!!!) or take the public transportation system anywhere...they actually have a good transporation system. it can take you anywhere and everywhere you want to go!
5 :
Amtrak's options will have you get off the train at Emeryville or Oakland. From there, you will take an Amtrak bus to your destination in San Francisco. I recommend either the Ferry Building or the Fisherman's Wharf because they are fairly central locations that are easy to find. Unless you are disabled to the point of limited walking ability (which may very well be), it is not necessary to rent a car. San Francisco has public transportation systems coming out the ears, and many bus routes run for 24 hours. I am sure that you could find a way to where you want to go at any time of day or night as long as you don't mind doing a little walking. In fact, it is more ideal to use public transportation in San Francisco because driving in that city is a nightmare. Check out www.transitinfo.org. There's lots of information on there regarding San Francisco's PT. As for hotels, I really don't know very much (I should probably learn more). I usually stay at the Radisson Miyako in Japantown (being the Japanophile that I am). But I'm almost certain that you will be able to find a decent hotel in SF.
6 :
The Amtrak questions have been answered, as far as hotels: Argonaut, on the wharf.
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