Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival

September 19 - 20

I get how weird this may sound to some of you Andrew Zimmern fans out there, but last year, there was a vendor selling durian mooncakes which were really good. If you want to try durian, I tend to think this is a fairly good way to do so. : ) There are all kinds of good foodie treats and it is also very family friendly. If you're in the area, this is an event you may wish to check out. If you want to try a mooncake, you can also get them in various Chinatown bakeries around this time. Amazingly, I don't have a photo... must take one!

Fleet Week 2009

October 8 - 13

http://www.military.com/fleetweek

If you're in town, be sure to check out the air show... and trust me, even if you choose not to watch, you'll hear it, so you may as well watch anyway. ; )

Fillmore Jazz Festival

Music, cuisine, culture... what more could you ask for? Very fun event and one that is good for the whole family. I really do try to come up with family friendly ideas on here even if it doesn't seem like it! I don't have kids so it is one of those areas that I may overlook. Sorry about that. Anyway, this year, check it out July 4 & 5, 2009. See the website for more info.

http://www.fillmorejazzfestival.com/

Union Square Christmas Tree Lighting

If you don't already know, I love Christmas, probably to an annoying degree. I am already in the spirit if you can't tell. Of course I have to mention the annual lighting ceremony of the Union Square Christmas Tree. Typically done on the Friday after Thanksgiving across from Macy*s on Union Square. Crowds are extreme but it is lovely nonetheless. A great family friendly activity.

Dance Along Nutcracker

I happen to think this is really rather cool. The website gives the info because on this one, it explains much more than I could. Very fun if you're here around the holidays and another activity that is fun for all ages. A lovely take on the Nutcracker which is likely a holiday tradition for many.

Dance Along:
http://www.sflgfb.org/dancealong.html

And for those who are more traditional,
http://www.sfballet.org/performancestickets/nutcracker.asp

Chinese New Year Parade

If you're in town and have never witnessed Chinese New Year, I highly recommend checking it out. Good for all ages and likely something that you will find pretty unique... unless you're from Hong Kong in which case you'll probably think our Parade is stupid. ; )

http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/

Golden Gate Bridge

Lincoln Blvd & Highway 101

Not seeing the Golden Gate would be like going to New York and not even glancing at the Statue Of Liberty. It is just one of those landmarks. The Golden Gate is lovely and you can even bike across and ride over to Sausalito and take the ferry back to SF if you're outdoorsy like that. If you merely want to see the bridge, you can do so from Aquatic Park about a block away from Ghirardelli Square. The photo is the Golden Gate view from Baker Beach.

For more info, visit:

http://www.goldengatebridge.org/

For information on renting bikes, try the following:

http://www.baycitybike.com/baybike/index.php

http://www.blazingsaddles.com/?reload

Alcatraz

Even if you live here, I think Alcatraz is worth visiting at least once in your life. I think I probably end up here about once a year when out of town friends/family show up and I have to play tour guide. That said, I really don't mind going. I think the history is facinating and on a nice day, you are greated to some great views on both the island as well as the ferry on the way over. One tourist attraction that is worth your time. I also have to stress, buy your tickets well in advance! Alcatraz tours always sell out. I can pretty much guarantee you won't be able to purchase tickets the day or so really, plan ahead on this one!

To purchase your tickets, visit the official website: http://alcatrazcruises.com/

Fleet Week

Fleet Week... This can be a very fun time of year for visitors and the weather is typically incredible. I used to live in a building that allowed me to watch the Blue Angels (see photo) air show from my front window. You can wander in to bars at this time and meet some really interesting people. One year I ended up on a cable car with the Marine Corps Band and the played songs the whole ride. Definitely a rather interesting night.

For more Fleet Week info, check out http://fleetweek.us/fleetweek