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Transport advice please.

I

Ian Woodford

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Chris West and myself (Ian Woodford) are coming across from the UK for the AAW convention in San Jose. We are spending a few days in San Francisco then travelling down to San Jose on Thursday 8th of June. What is the best way to get to San Jose - coach or train?
Another alternative is if another member in the area is travelling the same way by car and we can share the fuel costs.
This will be our third visit to the convention and is always the highlight of our year.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Ian Woodford
 
San Jose convention trip

Ian,

I grew up in Northern California, so I know the area well. Here is what I suggest that you do, which may take more time than you have:

Rent a car and go to the 17 mile drive in Carmel/Monterey, it is breathtaking. If you like golf, drive to Pebble Beach and look at the 18th hole. Then drive to Santa Cruz and have some smoked salmon at Cavaganaro's Seafood on the pier, then drive to San Francisco, have an Irish coffee at the Buena Vista, walk the wharf to see the seals on the floating pier, and order a fish dish and get an Anchor Steam beer at the Tadish Grill. Top it all off with a visit to Ghirardelli Square and a chocolate sundae.

Jerry Simpson
 
They may not want to drive. 😱 There are all sorts of shuttles in the area that pick up at hotels etc. Just google bay area shuttles and you'll get a lot of options. I take them sometimes, even when I'm driving-a good trouble free way to get around.

Hard to argue with Jerry's recommendations. The Muir Woods National Monument is only 10-12 miles north of SF. If you have never seen any big redwoods, its a great place to do it. A don't miss in my opinion.

SF is a great City.

See you in San Jose. 🙂

John
 
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There is a train that runs from San Francisco to San Jose. In both SF and San Jose it's close to down town. Of course that depends on the hotel where you are staying. One way price is $8.75 if I remember correctly and if you catch an express train it only takes an hour. For more information go to www.caltrain.com

Dave
 
Dave is right about the train. But Jerry has the best idea. But if you do Monteray do the aquarium. On the SF wharf I think its pier 39 he is talking about for all the big seals. I used to love to hit Lous at pier 47 for the blues. Dont know if they still have live bands each evening and most of the day on the week ends. And any bar that serves Anchor on tap is good. I reread his statement. Add the aquarium and do what he says. I like to shop in China town and hike downtown and catch a movie. I forget the theatre but its huge. SF may be a major town but its small. As long as I gear up the walks downhill its really good fun. I take a bus back. Easy and fun. And with your English accents everybody will want to talk to you and help you out. OK, be careful about the help. It is a big town.
 
Transport advise please.

Thanks guys for your thoughts and it seems Chris and I are going to eat our way around SF. With all the good food at the convention it will be a strict diet when we get back to the UK - or will it?
 
Ian Woodford said:
Thanks guys for your thoughts and it seems Chris and I are going to eat our way around SF. With all the good food at the convention it will be a strict diet when we get back to the UK - or will it?
Click to expand...

If in San Francisco, go down to the wharf and try some of the seafood, Aliotos is a famous spot. You will enjoy the beer at Thirsty Bear (and Paella!) around the Moscone Center (and the SF Museum of Contemporary Art (SFMOMA)).

Monterey has some great food and drink also. Monterey is about 80 miles from San Jose. 50 miles from San Fran to San Jose.
 
If you have some time to spare in SF, a visit to the Exploratorium museum will be worthwhile.

And remember, we drive on the "wrong" side of the road.
 
Joe Greiner said:
If you have some time to spare in SF, a visit to the Exploratorium museum will be worthwhile.

And remember, we drive on the "wrong" side of the road.
Click to expand...

Thanks Joe, personally I've never driven on the "wrong side" of the road - my wife has😱, but here in England - b------ dangerous it was and put me off for life.😀
 
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