Q. A friend suggested we park on staten Island and take the ferry over. Then subway or bus up to a hotel near Times Square (where we are seeing a play). Any other suggestions?
Again, looking for economy and ease.
Thanks!
If I wanted to park at Metro Park- which one? and how to get into NY?
Someone said the trip from the ferry to Times Square would be about 45 min- an hour.
Again, looking for economy and ease.
Thanks!
If I wanted to park at Metro Park- which one? and how to get into NY?
Someone said the trip from the ferry to Times Square would be about 45 min- an hour.
A. Your friend's suggestion is good, and perhaps better than the option of parking at Metropark ($9/day) and taking the train from there to NYC.
Comparable options would include BoltBus and MegaBus out of Baltimore, as the fares out of Baltimore are about equal to what you'd pay for gasoline if you drive yourself to New York and back. Then again, BoltBus and MegaBus can get you a lot closer to Times Square than the Staten Island Ferry will; plus when you take the bus, you're not having to drive, or causing a car accident, etc.
If you do drive to New York, there are ways of saving money though. On your way back, and if you're traveling late at night, take US-1 south to I-95 (not 295, but 95) and cross the Delaware River by way of I-95. That way, you'll do 60 miles doing no more than 55 mph or so and you'll have to deal with lots of traffic lights, but you won't pay a $3 or $4 toll to cross the river and your fuel economy will be better. (Actually, you really could just take US-1 all the way to I-95 in Maryland, but you'd pay $0.75 at the PA border and you'd spend a lot of time dealing with more traffic lights and low speed limits.)
On your way up, think about bypassing the Delaware Turnpike toll by taking exit 1 at the DE border, or taking I-295 to I-195 to the NJ TP, instead of just staying on I-295 after you cross the Delaware Memorial Bridge. And if you're going to Staten Island, you can take NJ TP exit 10 to the Outerbridge Crossing instead of waiting in line to take the Goethals Bridge from exit 13.
And finally, if you *really* want to be a cheapskate you could probably just take US-1 N from Maryland to Fort Lee, find some street parking or tow-free-zone parking in Fort Lee, then walk to the George Washington Bridge and cross the south pedestrian path, and then head for the nearest subway station to head downtown. In that way, you'd pay no tolls and no parking fees whatsoever.
[EDIT: To be honest, I'd never looked into taking NJ Transit from Metropark before; instead, this was always Native New Yorker's (wherever he is) advice while I for one just kept to driving myself into the city and parking on the street for free. You're better off with the original Staten Island plan, but just be prepared to have $5.50 in quarters if you park by the ferry.
But if you're still interested in Metropark in Iselin, two more links with info on the Northeast Corridor to NY Penn Station and fares:
http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=TrainTo
http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=NEC
Comparable options would include BoltBus and MegaBus out of Baltimore, as the fares out of Baltimore are about equal to what you'd pay for gasoline if you drive yourself to New York and back. Then again, BoltBus and MegaBus can get you a lot closer to Times Square than the Staten Island Ferry will; plus when you take the bus, you're not having to drive, or causing a car accident, etc.
If you do drive to New York, there are ways of saving money though. On your way back, and if you're traveling late at night, take US-1 south to I-95 (not 295, but 95) and cross the Delaware River by way of I-95. That way, you'll do 60 miles doing no more than 55 mph or so and you'll have to deal with lots of traffic lights, but you won't pay a $3 or $4 toll to cross the river and your fuel economy will be better. (Actually, you really could just take US-1 all the way to I-95 in Maryland, but you'd pay $0.75 at the PA border and you'd spend a lot of time dealing with more traffic lights and low speed limits.)
On your way up, think about bypassing the Delaware Turnpike toll by taking exit 1 at the DE border, or taking I-295 to I-195 to the NJ TP, instead of just staying on I-295 after you cross the Delaware Memorial Bridge. And if you're going to Staten Island, you can take NJ TP exit 10 to the Outerbridge Crossing instead of waiting in line to take the Goethals Bridge from exit 13.
And finally, if you *really* want to be a cheapskate you could probably just take US-1 N from Maryland to Fort Lee, find some street parking or tow-free-zone parking in Fort Lee, then walk to the George Washington Bridge and cross the south pedestrian path, and then head for the nearest subway station to head downtown. In that way, you'd pay no tolls and no parking fees whatsoever.
[EDIT: To be honest, I'd never looked into taking NJ Transit from Metropark before; instead, this was always Native New Yorker's (wherever he is) advice while I for one just kept to driving myself into the city and parking on the street for free. You're better off with the original Staten Island plan, but just be prepared to have $5.50 in quarters if you park by the ferry.
But if you're still interested in Metropark in Iselin, two more links with info on the Northeast Corridor to NY Penn Station and fares:
http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=TrainTo
http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=NEC
I am planning a trip to san francisco in late feb. I need suggestions for hotels, what to see, and restaurants?
Q. I am planning a trip to san francisco in late feb. I was thinking about staying in union square. Does anyone have any suggestions for hotels in union square. What should I except for weather in the last week of feb. What are some must see things to see and do? Any good restaurant suggestions? Is there any area of SF that I should avoid due to bad area? Thanks for all your help.
A. Union Square is a great area to stay lots of great hotels/restaurants and public transportation.
US Hotels I like - boutique and smaller properties.
The Rex
Galleria Park
The Maxwell
Hotel Adagio
Restaurants in or near US but don't miss North Beach and Chinatown. For some other recommendations check out the resolved questions on YA SF dining out boards
Millennium â in the Savoy Hotel 580 Geary - vegan food that will amaze even confirmed carnivores
Farallon â 450 Post- Seafood served in an amazing underwater garden setting
E&O Trading Post â 314 Sutter â Asian Fusion â Indian Thai and Chinese dishes
Scalaâs Bistro â In the Sir Francis Drake Hotel on Powell at Sutter â Creative upscale Italian food served in a bustling, warm environment.
Le Central on Bush between Grant and Kearny bistro style restaurant that welcomes SF political elite. Great food, good service.
Just off of Bush between Grant and Kearny is Claude Ally home to Cafe Claude. Traditional french style food at reasonable prices. Quite possibly the best Creme Brulee I've ever had.
A block down Bush at Beldin alley between Kearny and Montgomery is Beldin Ally home to Plouf another of The City's most recommended French restaurants.
Max's in Hotel Frank on Geary and Mason great food, huge portions, casual.
Mel's Drive In at 5th and Mission a 1950's diner. Juke boxes at your table
Lori's Dinner at Powell and Sutter, another 1950's diner, this one has a vintage car in the restaurant.
And here is My Must Do San Francisco
1. Ride a Cable Car, the only moving historical landmark in the world. Stop off at the Cable Car Barn at Washington and Mason to get a full understanding of this unique form of transportation. Riding the Powell Hyde line will allow you to see Lombard Street the famous crooked street.
2. Visit Alcatraz, this former prison is the most popular destination in San Francisco. The bay cruise to and from the island will give you the opportunity to see the skyline from the water a unique perspective. It is wise to purchase tickets before you arrive as tours are often sold out http://www.alcatrazcruises.com
3. Visit Coit Tower, Beautiful murals inside, impressive bay view from the tower or Pioneer Park at the base. Then descend Telegraph hill via the Filbert Steps on the east side of the park for a unique view of how folks on Telegraph Hill live, more beautiful bay views and the chance to hear and see the famous Parrots of Telegraph Hill.
4. Golden Gate Bridge, not just a feat of engineering, this 1.7 mile span offers incredible views of The City, the bay and the Pacific ocean. Be sure to visit Ft. Point under the bridge for a different view of this San Francisco Icon.
5. Explore Golden Gate Park, this large urban park can consume a whole day. The Japanese Tea Garden, California Academy of Science, the DeYoung Art Muesum, the Arboretum, Bison Paddock, and Paddle boats are all worth a look and watch the sun go down over the Pacific over a drink or dinner at the Beach Chalet.
6. Chinatown, the most densely populated portion of San Francisco offers an abundance of shopping, food and unique architecture found outside of Asia. The best place to buy souvenirs to take home to friends and family.
7. North Beach, traditionally the Italian section of the city which has no beach but abounds in quaint shops, great restaurants and The Cityâs best coffee options.
8. Civic Center, the largest collection of Beaux Arts buildings in the US. Home to San Francisco City Hall, with a dome larger than the US Capital, the Asian Art Museum and the Modern San Francisco Library with its San Francisco History Room housing an eclectic collection of city artifacts and photographs.
9. Yerba Buena Gardens, this urban park is located near the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of The African Diaspora, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the contemporary Jewish Museum, and the Metreon, it will keep you entertained for hours.
10. Twin Peaks, see The City and the bay spread out at your feet. Especially captivating at night when the lights seem to go on for ever.
US Hotels I like - boutique and smaller properties.
The Rex
Galleria Park
The Maxwell
Hotel Adagio
Restaurants in or near US but don't miss North Beach and Chinatown. For some other recommendations check out the resolved questions on YA SF dining out boards
Millennium â in the Savoy Hotel 580 Geary - vegan food that will amaze even confirmed carnivores
Farallon â 450 Post- Seafood served in an amazing underwater garden setting
E&O Trading Post â 314 Sutter â Asian Fusion â Indian Thai and Chinese dishes
Scalaâs Bistro â In the Sir Francis Drake Hotel on Powell at Sutter â Creative upscale Italian food served in a bustling, warm environment.
Le Central on Bush between Grant and Kearny bistro style restaurant that welcomes SF political elite. Great food, good service.
Just off of Bush between Grant and Kearny is Claude Ally home to Cafe Claude. Traditional french style food at reasonable prices. Quite possibly the best Creme Brulee I've ever had.
A block down Bush at Beldin alley between Kearny and Montgomery is Beldin Ally home to Plouf another of The City's most recommended French restaurants.
Max's in Hotel Frank on Geary and Mason great food, huge portions, casual.
Mel's Drive In at 5th and Mission a 1950's diner. Juke boxes at your table
Lori's Dinner at Powell and Sutter, another 1950's diner, this one has a vintage car in the restaurant.
And here is My Must Do San Francisco
1. Ride a Cable Car, the only moving historical landmark in the world. Stop off at the Cable Car Barn at Washington and Mason to get a full understanding of this unique form of transportation. Riding the Powell Hyde line will allow you to see Lombard Street the famous crooked street.
2. Visit Alcatraz, this former prison is the most popular destination in San Francisco. The bay cruise to and from the island will give you the opportunity to see the skyline from the water a unique perspective. It is wise to purchase tickets before you arrive as tours are often sold out http://www.alcatrazcruises.com
3. Visit Coit Tower, Beautiful murals inside, impressive bay view from the tower or Pioneer Park at the base. Then descend Telegraph hill via the Filbert Steps on the east side of the park for a unique view of how folks on Telegraph Hill live, more beautiful bay views and the chance to hear and see the famous Parrots of Telegraph Hill.
4. Golden Gate Bridge, not just a feat of engineering, this 1.7 mile span offers incredible views of The City, the bay and the Pacific ocean. Be sure to visit Ft. Point under the bridge for a different view of this San Francisco Icon.
5. Explore Golden Gate Park, this large urban park can consume a whole day. The Japanese Tea Garden, California Academy of Science, the DeYoung Art Muesum, the Arboretum, Bison Paddock, and Paddle boats are all worth a look and watch the sun go down over the Pacific over a drink or dinner at the Beach Chalet.
6. Chinatown, the most densely populated portion of San Francisco offers an abundance of shopping, food and unique architecture found outside of Asia. The best place to buy souvenirs to take home to friends and family.
7. North Beach, traditionally the Italian section of the city which has no beach but abounds in quaint shops, great restaurants and The Cityâs best coffee options.
8. Civic Center, the largest collection of Beaux Arts buildings in the US. Home to San Francisco City Hall, with a dome larger than the US Capital, the Asian Art Museum and the Modern San Francisco Library with its San Francisco History Room housing an eclectic collection of city artifacts and photographs.
9. Yerba Buena Gardens, this urban park is located near the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of The African Diaspora, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the contemporary Jewish Museum, and the Metreon, it will keep you entertained for hours.
10. Twin Peaks, see The City and the bay spread out at your feet. Especially captivating at night when the lights seem to go on for ever.
My wife and I are planning an anniversary trip to New York. Any suggestions on where to stay/what to do?
Q. Looking for nice but not expensive hotel in the city. We know we want to catch a Broadway show and see some sights but other than that no idea. We have never been to New York so any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks Prairie Girl ...The Sharaton keeps coming up and appears to be located close to everything.
Thanks Prairie Girl ...The Sharaton keeps coming up and appears to be located close to everything.
A. Oh my, you are in for the time of your life. I don't know what you consider expensive but we always stay at the Sheraton Manhattan at Times Square, which runs about $300 a night depending on the season. That's not expensive for NYC and it's so convenient that you can walk to most attractions and save on transportation costs. You can easily walk to Times Square, Central Park, Broadway (get 1/2 price tickets at TKTS at Broadway & 47th), Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center,
St Patrick's Cathedral, Grand Central Station, Columbus Circle.
Be sure to visit St Paul's Chapel across the street from the World Trade Center site, at Broadway and Fulton St - - the Chapel became a memorial to the 9/11 victims, and is also where George Washington worshiped.
If you like Italian food, Carmines in Times Square is delicious and portions really are big enough to share. Ellen's Stardust Diner on Broadway between 50th & 51st where the waitstaff are all aspiring performers, & sing as they serve, is really fun. Don't miss Juniors for the Famous Cheesecake, but honestly the meals are fair at best.
Enjoy your visit and Happy Anniversary
St Patrick's Cathedral, Grand Central Station, Columbus Circle.
Be sure to visit St Paul's Chapel across the street from the World Trade Center site, at Broadway and Fulton St - - the Chapel became a memorial to the 9/11 victims, and is also where George Washington worshiped.
If you like Italian food, Carmines in Times Square is delicious and portions really are big enough to share. Ellen's Stardust Diner on Broadway between 50th & 51st where the waitstaff are all aspiring performers, & sing as they serve, is really fun. Don't miss Juniors for the Famous Cheesecake, but honestly the meals are fair at best.
Enjoy your visit and Happy Anniversary
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