Is it possible to under-plan my trip to San Francisco?

By Alex Hillman on Monday, May 12th, 2008 in elsewhere with 12 Comments

I leave in 6 full days for my first trip to San Francisco.

Needless to say, this trip is long overdue.

Fer Why?

The purpose of my arrival in SF is multifold:

My friend Paul White is leading a class of MBA students from Temple University around the Valley, touring businesses that have varying approaches to design in their business process. I’m tagging along for some of those tours. More about this class, including their SF itinerary can be read on their site.
Virgin America was running a ridiculously good deal. If I didn’t buy this ticket, I’d regret it.
I’ve got some business contacts to follow up with
As I said, I’ve never actually been to San Francisco…so the birthplace of “coworking” was we know it seems like an appropriate journey to be making
I need an unwind in the worst way

Above all, I’ve got lots of friends to visit. Some I’ve met in real life (for the most part at SXSW). Some I’ve never met in the flesh. Some I’ve known for a reasonably long time. Others, I barely know.

So, in the spirit of the necessary unwind, and a test of my ability to convert online relationships into something a bit more tangible, I’ve decided to do a little experiment. And not unlike other experiments done in recent history…

Putting my indecisiveness to good use

As you may have noticed, I mentioned nothing about where I’m staying in San Francisco. That’s because I don’t plan on packing anything except for a small rolling suitcase, my backpack, and myself. I’m counting on my internet friends to help make sure I’m not sleeping on the streets.

To be clear, I’m not asking for a penny. I’m simply asking for couches and, similarly, help knowing where would be cool to be on any given day or night. Any tips for where to go, and how to get there. Anything really. You get to help plan my trip. I’m happy to pay my way, I just think it will be a really fun experience and I want to share it.

I’m going to blog about this in 3 phases (and as such, three separate posts).

Ladies and gentlemen, lend me your sofas

The first, and the subject of this post is where to stay. I have outstanding offers from a couple of friends already, and I intend to take them up on the opportunities. I understand that most people in San Francisco have small apartments. I understand that a guest room is unlikely. I’m happy to have a sofa, or even a carpeted floor and pillow.

My itinerary so far:

I arrive at SFO at 8:20PM PST on Saturday, May 17th (this upcoming Saturday). I leave SFO at 11:15PM PST on Sunday, May 25th (the following Sunday).

So, readers, twitter followers, internet friends and IRL friends alike: do you have a place I can stay for a night or two? Leave me a comment if you’re interested with a valid email address and I’ll contact you personally for details.

And before I move on to blogging part two…thank you. I hope this turns into a really fun, relaxing, and special trip.

Tags: elsewhere

alison potvin

I’ve got an entire apartment – I’ll be in London while you’re here in SF if you’d like to crash here for a couple of days. We should probably talk…

Alison

alison potvin

I’ve got an entire apartment – I’ll be in London while you’re here in SF if you’d like to crash here for a couple of days. We should probably talk…

Alison

http://tcritic.com Karl Long

I don’t have much space, but i’ll certainly buy you a drink while you’re in town and show you some cool watering holes in the mission. Highly recommend Zeitgeist on a sunny sunday afternoon.

http://tcritic.com Karl Long

I don’t have much space, but i’ll certainly buy you a drink while you’re in town and show you some cool watering holes in the mission. Highly recommend Zeitgeist on a sunny sunday afternoon.

http://drinkingoatmealstout.com Justin Thorp

If you’re looking for a good hotel, i’d recommend this one. http://www.hotelpalomar-sf.com/
http://drinkingoatmealstout.com Justin Thorp

If you’re looking for a good hotel, i’d recommend this one. http://www.hotelpalomar-sf.com/
http://funwithnetworking.com Oliver Picher

Alex, If you’re looking for a break from city action, check out Muir Woods, a nice stand of redwood trees just a little north of SF across the Golden Gate bridge. (http://www.nps.gov/muwo/)

Be sure to take a range of clothes, for warm weather and cold weather. Mark Twain wasn’t kidding when he said the coldest winter he’d ever seen was summer in San Francisco.

Oliver
http://funwithnetworking.com Oliver Picher

Alex, If you’re looking for a break from city action, check out Muir Woods, a nice stand of redwood trees just a little north of SF across the Golden Gate bridge. (http://www.nps.gov/muwo/)

Be sure to take a range of clothes, for warm weather and cold weather. Mark Twain wasn’t kidding when he said the coldest winter he’d ever seen was summer in San Francisco.

Oliver
Sherri Alexander

I’m not in the SF area, but I would also chime in with a recommendation. The Exploratorium is one of the coolest science museums anywhere, and I think you’d like it.

–Sherri
Sherri Alexander

I’m not in the SF area, but I would also chime in with a recommendation. The Exploratorium is one of the coolest science museums anywhere, and I think you’d like it.

–Sherri
http://www.dialecticalreasoning.com stefan

Alex…it is impossible to Over Plan. San Fran is a great spot full of culture, great food and great minds. I’m also a huge fan of the architecture throughout the city and the geographic location.
http://www.dialecticalreasoning.com stefan

Alex…it is impossible to Over Plan. San Fran is a great spot full of culture, great food and great minds. I’m also a huge fan of the architecture throughout the city and the geographic location.