April 4th-8th father /daughter trip

Question

My grown daughter and I had a trip planned to DC for April 4-8 but our arbb was canceled by the owners today.Said they had to move because of work immediately. Arbb is helping me look for another place to stay but it's a busy time in DC because of the cherry blossom festival. We are considering switching to SF. We would fly in and rent a car to be able to see more in a short time. We would like to see the things in town like fisherman's warf and China town. Out of town we would like to see redwoods and possibly big sir. Can anyone make a recommendation for sort of itinerary? I am 63 and she is almost 40. Also please make recommendation for decent neighborhood for arbb. Thanks for any help.

Answer

Switching your trip to San Francisco in early April is a great option! The weather can be cool and sometimes foggy, but it’s generally mild and you can enjoy both the city and nearby natural attractions. With a rental car, you can explore both the urban highlights and the scenic areas outside the city.

Where to stay: For convenience, safety, and charm, consider neighborhoods that are central and walkable. Staying in or near these areas will make it easier to access Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and Union Square, as well as have relatively easy exits to drive out to the redwoods or Big Sur.

Fisherman’s Wharf / North Beach: Tourist-friendly, close to attractions like Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and easy walking to Chinatown. Slightly more expensive, but very convenient.
Union Square / SoMa: Central location with good restaurants, shopping, and public transport. A good home base for exploring the city and for driving out of town.
Marina District / Cow Hollow: Quiet, scenic, with good restaurants, near the Golden Gate Bridge, and walking access to the waterfront.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: Explore Central San Francisco

Arrive in San Francisco and settle into your Airbnb.
Walk around Union Square for shopping and street performers.
Visit Chinatown for lunch or early dinner, explore the shops and historic streets.
Optionally, take a cable car ride from Powell Street to Fisherman’s Wharf to experience this iconic San Francisco attraction.

Day 2: Fisherman’s Wharf and Golden Gate

Morning at Fisherman’s Wharf, visit Pier 39, see the sea lions, explore shops and local seafood.
Consider a short bay cruise or a visit to Alcatraz Island (book tickets in advance).
Drive or walk along the waterfront toward the Golden Gate Bridge. Stop at viewpoints like Crissy Field or Baker Beach for photos.
Evening: Dinner in the Marina District or North Beach (Italian cuisine is great here).

Day 3: Redwoods / Muir Woods

Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods National Monument (early morning recommended to avoid crowds).
Walk the short, easy trails among towering redwoods. There are boardwalks and well-marked paths suitable for gentle hiking.
After Muir Woods, explore nearby Sausalito for lunch, stroll along the waterfront, and enjoy the charming shops.
Return to San Francisco in the afternoon for a relaxing evening or a casual walk in the Embarcadero area.

Day 4: Optional Day Trip to Big Sur / Pacific Coast

If you want to see Big Sur, consider starting very early. It’s a long day trip, but the coastal views are breathtaking. Drive south on Highway 1, enjoy stops at Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Note: the full trip to Big Sur is long, so you may choose a half-day scenic coastal drive instead.
If Big Sur feels too ambitious, spend the day exploring Golden Gate Park, the Painted Ladies, Haight-Ashbury, and neighborhoods like Mission District for murals and vibrant culture.

Tips:

San Francisco weather is variable in April; layers are essential. Bring a warm jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
Traffic and parking in the city can be challenging, so plan your drives with buffer time and consider street parking apps or garages.
Book Alcatraz tickets in advance if you plan to visit, as they sell out quickly.
Highway 1 / Big Sur drives are stunning but can be long and winding; allow plenty of time for stops and rest.

This itinerary gives you a balance of iconic city experiences, natural beauty, and the flexibility to adjust for energy levels and interest, making it perfect for a father-daughter trip.

April 4th-8th father /daughter trip

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