Review #178 - 2020…read more I've heard of McCovey Cove being mentioned here and there, but never thought of making my way over since it's kind of out of the way for me. My kids like the beach; but they're not too crazy about the idea of hanging out at a boat dock, especially since none of us fish. We showed up at around 11 AM for a Trump boat rally on Saturday, October 10th. We were able to find parking pretty easily since there weren't too many people out and about due to COVID. Parking was $9 for the day so that's as cheap as it's going to get around here. I was pretty surprised that the people who planned this event chose this location since San Francisco is definitely a liberal city. I was even more surprised to see that we had a decent turn out being that people were afraid of being judged or attacked for supporting our President. How sad that people who claim that they're tolerant are the intolerant ones. The area is not that safe nor clean, in my honest opinion. I got some pretty awesome photos and videos and the event ended about an hour later. I met a few women who gave me their numbers and asked me to invite them to future events. If the area was cleaner and safer, I would definitely bring my kids back.

What? No reviews for…read morethis place? It can't be! The Yelper in me has to rectify this outrageous injustice at once so here goes: Ahhhh McCovey Cove. Once it was named after Stretch, aka MAC, aka The Big Mac...the original Big Mac; and the name rolls out of your tongue like butter melting. Go ahead...say it. McCovey Cove. Don't you just love it? Gives you chills, right? When I hear it I imagine Barry White's voice singing it, and It makes one wonder if it will make a girl drop her panties upon hearing McCovey Cove. I would like to get some volunteers, please. Is it a coincidence that his name rhymes with Cove? I don't think so. It's a fitting name worthy to be immortalized here in the City of San Francisco with his statue overlooking the Cove. The Baseball Gods knew what they were doing. Lots of historic and crazy antics have taken place here: from Barry Bonds' Home runs while kayakers are jousting for position, thru Dog Ball Retrievers (which was a stupid idea, BTW). I've also seen Pirate Ships, Sailboats, Fireworks, Flugtags, Cruise Ships, the Delorian from Back to the Future, Jetpacks, Jet Skis, Seals, Lou Seal on Skis, Seagulls, Race Boats, Water Polo games and maybe even Marco Polo. Truly a unique and original place that can only be found in San Francisco. And to honor a Man, a Giants Hall-of-Famer that has been a pillar of the community and one who has provided his time, energy, resources and committed his life to serving the organization thru his charity, the City and the children, who will grow up to be lifelong Giants fans is very fitting, indeed. I got Love for the Cove. I got love for the man named after the Cove.

I used to come here when I was a kid and our family would come before Halloween and pick out a…read morepumpkin. It was a family tradition long ago. The place has been know for great pumpkins and there food seen. We visited some of that with going to their Farmer's Market and walking along the coast line to view the ocean. We stayed at the iconic Ritz Carlton and it was amazing. Such a nice town to come to and visit. The people are so nice here and the town is just adorable.

Half Moon Bay- Cute little coastal city and we drove to there from Filoli for about 45 minutes with…read moresome traffic. We picked a good day to go because it was a bit hot that day but Half Moon Bay was so much cooler. It was about 60F-65F at Half Moon Bay. We walked the downtown MAIN St. and they have some unique boutiques and cute restaurants there. We also checked out a "jail" in Half Moon Bay and the volunteer who worked there was so friendly and informative and she talked about the history of Half Moon Bay to us. There's a small museum behind of the "jail". If you are in the area or close to Half Moon Bay, it was worth a visit.

This is an annual faire put on by the local nursery school. It has a lot more arts and crafts…read morebooths than children's activities. On the booth side they had jewelry, paintings, clothing, and craft booths. On the kids side they had to jumpy houses, and a few carnival games along with a pony ride. They had 2 food booths; one with Thai food and the other was corn and baked potatoes. But since it is downtown Sausalito there are little cafes and diners around every corner. It was a nice day and everyone was out so parking was difficult. I think we spent more time walking around Sausalito than we did the actual faire.

fun kid rides, train and bouncy. Plus lots of events. It rained but that didn't stop the great…read moremusic, tons of food and drinks. Not to be missed. Changed a bit of the format so it is much more kid geared.

We checked out this annual event over the weekend, happening during Jack London Square's holiday…read moretree lighting celebration, and we had a wonderful time. Viewing is also possible from the Alameda side, as the boats go in a circle, showing off their awesome decorations and lighting to spectators all around, even those on the water riding the ferry. Despite the name, it doesn't consist of only yachts, at least for the 2024 event, there were a variety of vessels, including plenty of sailboats, and at least one rowing team. A carefree family-friendly show that can get crowded at JLS, but we had a good view near Scott's Seafood restaurant, as we came early enough. There was bit of a wait, since the boats started on the Alameda side (around 5:30pm), then slowly made their way toward our location (closer to 6:30pm). It didn't get crowded where we were situated till after 6:30pm, then the crowd thinned out by 7:30pm. It wasn't as lively as some other boat parades I've experienced, but we enjoyed the variety of beautiful light displays regardless, plus it was free to attend, so I think it's deserving of 5 stars.

We went to to see the Lighted Yacht Parade in Oakland's Jack London Square on Saturday, 12/5/09…read more We were going to go to Jack London Square to see it, but before the day came I found out that the Alameda/Oakland Ferry was a way to see it. The Alameda/Oakland Ferry was giving a FREE ride with a toy to be given to the Toy for Tots program. If you didn't have a toy, then adult ticket was $6.25. The boat was leaving at 5:15pm and to be back at 6:45pm. The other highlight was the boat was going to be IN the Parade! Alright! Tons of people were there even though not advertised at all. I guess since it's was their 33rd yr of having it, others must have been doing this for yrs. We got there really late like 4:50pm and we were worried that we couldn't get on, but I think they let everyone in the line go. That was nice. We brought our own sandwiches to eat on the boat. Dress warmly since can be Cold outside. There were many boats decorated w/ lights. Snowman, Santas, stars, snowflakes. It was nice. I recommend the boat ride on the Alameda/Oakland Ferry or standing by the water at Jack London Square for next yr. Website: http://www.lightedyachtparade.com/ http://www.eastbayferry.com/news/yachtparade.php

July 23rd - 27th!…read more From their website: "San Francisco Bay welcomes Tall Ships from all over the world as they proudly sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and into the hearts of young and old for one week in July 2008! The awe-inspiring vessels will be docked along the waterfront offering the public the unique opportunity to tour, sail and learn. In addition to the ships' arrival, the entire waterfront will be transformed in to an international nautical attraction celebrating maritime past, present and future. With an abundance of family activities including cultural and musical entertainment, educational programs and events, Festival of Sail San Francisco will enchant and delight the Bay Area. Join us!"

Took the Battle Cruise aboard the the fair schooner by the name of The Lynx, with yon Pirate matey…read more This here is no theme-park ride, yer lubbers - for t'is white knuckles and gunpowder on the open seas, to be sure! A perfect day out on the Bay with calm waters and a 35 knot wind made for some real thrills and spills. The ship was sailing full tilt with a powerful list from the wind as she cut through the slick waters of the Bay. We helped the crew and not just as live-ballast to keep the ship from toppling, but also to raise a few sheets on the double as we pushed it to the limit, out-racing and racing and turning our worthy opponent, The Californian. The Pirate rode the fore-deck hard, keeping a good eye trained afar for the approaching stealthy, well-armed, vessel - catching a wave or two as she held fast to her post against the treacherous sea. We listened hard and followed our First-mate's command, heaving ropes and "making well" the topsail and mainsail alike as we raced and turned fast to get the better of the scrappy vessel yonder. We came close to quarters with the fellow square-topsail-schooner and exchanged a few rounds o' cannon-shot, ringing loud agross the waters. Whether it was the skill of our privateer crew or the heave-ho of our trusty land-lubber-day-trippers, I swear we had the better of her, turning harder and cutting faster with the wind and against... and we were just about to finish her off - till she, perhaps in a moment of desperation, took a little to much of a fierce gust, and lost a fore-jib! Would I lie - she broke right in two, I tell yer! By golly, no one was hurt, thank yer god - save maybe a few egos. And we took pity on the fellows and spared her that day, so both The Lynx and The Californian will surely meet again on the speedy waters of the San Francisco Bay. Probably next year at the Festival O' Sail!

We went to Spice of Life Festival our first time on Sunday 10/17/10. It was forecast rain, but we…read moredidn't think it would be too bad. We did get pretty wet though. Walking from Downtown Berkeley Bart to Gourmet Ghetto is not very far, maybe 1 mile (15-20 min). FREE Black re-usable bag from Thornwall Properties - nice & some candy. FREE wooden spoon from GOURMETghetto.org FREE Tribe Origins Classic Hummus FREE Zipcar.com pen - best pen so smooth - I love it. FREE DVD of YES MAN starring Jim Carrey from KOFY TV 20 - Cable 13. FREE sample Oren's Kitchen slow roasted artisan nuts FREE sample of soup from cooking demo - ok. FREE samples Scream Sorbet - tried Seascape Strawberry & Peanut Brittle. Fine. Lady told me they will have a shop at 51st & Telegraph near Bakesale Betty - not sure when. Bought to eat: Chairman Bao - tofu steamed bun (B. tried & liked it) + Pineapple Salted Caramel drink (I got no pearl, fine). Cheeseboard Pizza was Open! It's normally Closed on Sun so happy to get some slices. $2.50 a slice. Cash or check only. Paella - $7 tried it, still hate Paellas. Crunchy rice, hate it. Lush Gelato - tried all the flavors. Got 1 scoop $2.95 of Banana Basil Gelato - Card given - Buy1 get 1 FREE scoop! Good 10/18-11/17. Cioccolata di Vino Chocolate chip cookie $1.5 - just ok & small. Not that good. John's Street Eats - mac & cheese cake w/ salad $3. Just ok. Pork taco $3 - ok. I should have tried the Duck Rillette - foie gras on toast looked good 2pcs. Tiny Farmer's Market. Apples, Three Twins, Moonlite Bakery - looked good cookie $2 should have bought one: chocolate chunk or chewy ginger. Plants for sale. Kid games/rides near CVS. Recommended. I'll go back next yr.

My son and I stopped by at the Spice of Life Festival on the early side of the morning to avoid the…read morehordes. Parking was also easy, which in this neighbourhood is no small thing. My son got his face painted, won a t-shirt at the KOFY booth, looked at crystals, and repeatedly (and unsuccessfully) asked for money for this and that. But I think he knew that I wasn't about to spend $60 on an amber ring (with no magical powers) that he'd end up losing! I basically wandered around and chatted with folks at their booths. I did nibble on some tasty samples at the "Kitchen on Fire" area, stocked up on some scones at Cheeseboard, and received some good information from Going Places Travel on honeymoon options. The Spice of Life Festival has a safe, comfortable and relaxed feel and is just large enough. And since you're in the Gourmet Ghetto, the food selection and options were second to none.

Nice short cruise to Golden Gate Bridge. Relaxing. Dress for windy weather no matter how warm is…read moreoutside

Booking online was easy! We were in the big boat. All the staff was friendly and kind! Bathroom…read moreclean. The food and snacks area was clean and good prices. It was beautiful! Everyone was running to get to the top so go early and wait in line. The whole boat was clean. And I did see people disinfect everything before and after.

Maybe you love it, maybe you don't. The beauty of real art is it should elicit an emotion, and…read moreyeah, it does. The San Francisco Arts Commission made 'Sea Change' happen in 1995 to mark the newly spiffed up South Waterfront. Mark di Suvero, a Chinese born American, constructed Sea Change out of 10 tons of metal. The top spins in the wind. The sculpture sits in the tiny South Beach Park near Pier 40. At 70-feet tall, you can't miss it.