Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

Debbi · **San Franciso -** 02-23-2008, 09:55 PM

I just booked a around-trip flight to San Franciso from DFW. The dates are 8/28 - 9/02. My plan is to do SF and go north to the middle Oregon Coast and back. This my second annual photog (no family) tour - just me and my camera. What would you suggest?

Wes · 02-23-2008, 10:57 PM

Take your camera.

Killeenguy · 02-23-2008, 11:05 PM

do you have a car charger for your batteries and or lithium?
just something minor...not really answering your question about what to plan in between Sf to Oregon.

Jay Henley · 06:05 PM

Buy this book by Larry Ulrich. He moved to northern california many years ago to specialize in the redwoods and the north coast. http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Golden-...831111&sr=8-19

I went to Avenue of the Giants, a couple of the main redwood parks, Point Reyes (whew!, did not like walking back up all those steps) did not make into Oregon though. Wanted to go to Bodego Bay where hitchcock "Birds" was filmed but did not have time...... anyway, I would suggest getting that book. I have a copy of it here at the house if you wanted to see it before ordering it.

CallMeAl · 02-24-2008, 12:04 AM

Go to Sausilto and the Muir Woods. Both are just north of San Francisco and are beautiful to see and photograph.

HFMarshburnJR · 02-24-2008, 07:12 AM

Debbi-

I was lucky enough to live in Sausalito for a couple of years back around 2000. All of the suggestions you have received so far are great. There is an awesome amount of photographic opportunity between SF and Oregon. If you are going to only have six days, your biggest challenge is going to be to restrain your agenda so that you can enjoy what you are seeing.

Having said that, take the drive north along the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1). Stop in Mendocino. If so inclined, spend a night at the Albion River Inn just outside of Mendocino -You won't regret it. Visit the Redwood Groves along the way north - they are awe inspiring.

More suggestions - You will be visiting during the middle of the harvest season for the wine country, which often means some interesting festivals and other special events. These are a blast. You could probably hit these on your way back to SF prior to your departure. If you decide you want to stay outside of SF, I recommend the Gables Bed and Breakfast in Sausalito. Have a meal at the Lark Creek Inn - world class dining from Chef Bradley Ogden.

In SF - Ride the Cable Cars! Spend a day walking around the Mission District and Fishermans Wharf. Walk the city -it is a blast, and opportunities abound for the photographer. For the iconic shots of the Golden Gate Bridge, visit either Seal Beach on the SF side, or the Marin Headlands...at sunset. For sunrise lighting, visit Fort Baker on the Marin Side. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Take a ferry ride to Alcatraz...or anywhere the ferry's go. Go to Golden Gate Park and visit the Japanese Gardens.

Are you getting the idea that six days is not going to be enough? Enjoy your visit. It is one of my favorite places.

HFM

frameworthy · 02-24-2008, 07:59 AM

For my honeymoon, we went to SF for three days. Did Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, the Farmer's Market...you name it...we almost did it. We so wanted more time there (and this was JUST SF, didn't involve leaving the city at all).

I will tell you, probably one of the coolest things we did that we got some good pictures from was probably the most touristy thing. There is a ferry ride that takes you from Fisherman's Wharf (maybe pier 39??) underneath the GG Bridge, between Angel Island and Alcatraz, and back. I got a lot of interesting pictures of the bridge and of Alcatraz that you don't see very often. Beware, on our ride there were probably 100 Chinese Tourists.

If you have any questions about SF (like I said, didn't make a drive), send me a PM and I'll help with what I can.

Debbi · 02-24-2008, 08:26 AM

Great suggestions! Thank you very much. Six days is going to be short when you consider two of them will be traveling days. I may leave southern Oregon for another time but SF is a given.

phillip ino · 02-24-2008, 09:53 AM

DO NOT forget to go to Chinatown! Best advise I can give you.

Bella · 02-24-2008, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Debbi

What would you suggest?

Take me!!

-Cindy

Debbi · 02-25-2008, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bella

Take me!!

-Cindy

Come on! It'll be fun.

Bella · 02-25-2008, 01:27 PM

You know, if my travel budget wasn't already eaten up by Chicago in March, Washington state in June or July, a cruise for my husband's bday in August, and a wedding in Atlanta in September, I just might!! I swear, I'm travelling more this year than I have in the last 3-4!

I can't wait to see all your pics from it though!

hmm, makes me ponder an all-girl weekend road trip somewhere . . . .

-Cindy

L Stegall · 02-25-2008, 01:39 PM

Wow - your biggest problem is going to be a lack of time to stop and see everything you want to see in the short time you have.

Since everyone's focused on what's around SF, let me add that the Southern Oregon coast is really gorgeous and well worth a trip. We did a trip there a few years ago (although we drove down from Portland). There are a number of interesting beaches, with sea stacks, etc. http://www.visittheoregoncoast.com/h...?dir_cat=15358

We stayed at the beautiful Tu'Tu'Tun Lodge, which is on the banks of the Rogue River. It's a wonderful place to stay for a night (or more). http://www.tututun.com/

There are some very interesting old growth forests in far Northern California as well - here's the link to the Jedidiah Smith Forest, where we spent a day: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=413. It was really neat. We were there in April, so we were the only people around...hardly saw anyone all day. Can't say how crowded it would be in August.

Have fun planning!

Debbi · 02-25-2008, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bella

You know, if my travel budget wasn't already eaten up by Chicago in March, Washington state in June or July, a cruise for my husband's bday in August, and a wedding in Atlanta in September, I just might!! I swear, I'm travelling more this year than I have in the last 3-4!

I can't wait to see all your pics from it though!

hmm, makes me ponder an all-girl weekend road trip somewhere . . . .

-Cindy

Wow! Why don't we just trade (j/k)? We are also going to WA State in June or July to visit family.

Debbi · 02-25-2008, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L Stegall

Wow - your biggest problem is going to be a lack of time to stop and see everything you want to see in the short time you have.

Since everyone's focused on what's around SF, let me add that the Southern Oregon coast is really gorgeous and well worth a trip. We did a trip there a few years ago (although we drove down from Portland). There are a number of interesting beaches, with sea stacks, etc. http://www.visittheoregoncoast.com/h...?dir_cat=15358

We stayed at the beautiful Tu'Tu'Tun Lodge, which is on the banks of the Rogue River. It's a wonderful place to stay for a night (or more). http://www.tututun.com/

There are some very interesting old growth forests in far Northern California as well - here's the link to the Jedidiah Smith Forest, where we spent a day: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=413. It was really neat. We were there in April, so we were the only people around...hardly saw anyone all day. Can't say how crowded it would be in August.

Have fun planning!

Thank you, Lisa! After looking at maps and time, I think I am going to concentrate on the SF area down to maybe Big Sur and save southern Oregon for another trip. I do want to hit some of the redwood state parks, though. Last year, I did Florence to Astoria and it is incredible.