Ask HN: What do I do with a weekend in SF?

Pack warm. I'm from Ohio, where it's been in the 80s or 90s pretty much all summer. Having the idea in my head that CA is a warm place, I packed all shorts and short-sleeved shirts. San Francisco is cold! I ended up buying a thermal long-sleeved shirt and hoody when some friends and I decided to go to Ocean Beach.

Speaking of friends, I came to SF alone. I stayed at the Green Tortoise Hostel because at $30 per night, it was super affordable. I've met people here from all over the world. Last night at Ocean Beach, I was hanging out with a girl from England, 3 Irish, a Scottish guy, and an Italian girl. I highly recommend the hostel experience. If you're only here for a weekend, really try to minimize your computer/gadget usage and actually get to know people and the city.

As for some cool things I did yesterday -- I got a clam chowder bread bowl from Boudin's bakery and ate it while on a pier. I stopped at San Francisco Norman's and had some halo halo (it was ok), and while I was eating that I listened to a couple ladies playing some live acoustic guitar and singing. Nearby were a young guy and girl doing free abstract chalk portraits... they drew me, and then I joined them in drawing someone else. I then walked through Ghiradelli Square, where I stopped to sketch Alcatraz, and I proceeded up to Fort Mason, stopping along the way to sketch the Golden Gate bridge from afar as the top disappeared into fog. I slowly went through the Fort Mason Community Garden, which was quite beautiful. On the way back to the hostel I stopped at Naia for some delicious gelato. Then we rode the N to Ocean City and had a fire on the beach.

I had four nights here, and it has gone way too quickly. I'd plan on staying here as long as you realistically can (advice that applies to any trip, really).

I'm far from an artist. I mentioned to the chalkers that they looked like they were having fun, and she said they were and that I should join them. It was great! As for the sketching, I didn't bring a camera, so I used a pen and memo pad to make the best sketch I could.

I can't tell if you're being facetious or not. Our last trip to SF I swore I'd never go anywhere near Pier 39 again. Having said that, if you've never been to SF, you might head over there for lunch at Pier Market Seafood and look around a bit. But it's pretty much like any kitschy carnival like atmosphere you've ever been to. Near there you can get tickets to go across and see Alcatraz. Down the street and up one is Ghiradelli Square, go have a pint and something to snack on at The Pub. If you've brought your appetite, I recommend the jambalaya. There's a guy that plays guitar on the sidewalk at the corner of Beach and Larkin, be sure to throw this guy a buck. Speaking of, there are alot of street performers at night down in that entire area if you're into that sort of thing.

Inside Second Life?

Hit two restraunts in the city:

Taqueria Can Cun at 19th and Mission. You'll be tempted to get something else, but get the veggie burrito--you won't be dissapointed.

Shalimar on Jones between Geary and O'Farrel. Authentic Pakistani food that's awesome.