San Francisco’s world of tourism is constantly changing.  Hotels change owners; restaurants change names or close.  When we were notified earlier this week to update our Alcatraz tour pricing, we dutifully went to work making our updates for the new operator of the tours.  But wait - the prices went up - A LOT. 

Adults rose by 48% ($16.50 to $24.50); kids rose by 41% ($10.75 to $15.25); but the biggest price increases were reserved for senior citizens who rose by 58% ($14.75 to $23.25).  All of these Alcatraz Ticket price comparisons are from July 2006 to March 2008. 

We were doubly shocked to find almost no news coverage of these large price increases for San Francisco’s #1 tourist destination.  Has no-one noticed a 50% price increase to visit Alcatraz???

Now we understand supply & demand - and are also well aware that many tour operators buy up tickets in bulk to combine with add-on bus tours that drive up the true cost of visiting the island.  That said - these are hefty increases that threw us for a loop.  We hope that Alcatraz can remain affordable for visits by average families but the price increases have become significant.  Even a "family pack" for 2 adults and 2 kids saves a family only $5 from the prices shown above. 

The new tour pages note that the tours are "affiliated with" Hornblower Cruises.  We hope that the LLC set up to handle Alcatraz tours can maintain the fun and spirit of the cruises and keep prices reasonable for our visitors in the future.

There are two things we especially love in San Francisco:

1.)  The Presidio Park

2.)  Great restaurants.

The folks who started up the Presidio Social Club restaurant (they just call it a club) - combined both of our favorite things into one.  The restoration of the Presidio’s former military buildings now has added a great new restaurant in the classic style of the 1940’s period. 

The feel is design to evoke the feeling of the period - rest & relaxation with people returning from the war.  The "playful" cuisine offers comfort food with a twist, plus San Francisco classics like oyster stew.  Ask your server about the "secret" offmenu entrees like the huge bunker-buster burger and dirty dozen donut holes.  The bar includes the original mai tai recipe from Trader Vic’s. 

Located at 563 Ruger Street (yup - that Ruger) - the club features weeknight specials including whole roast pig; lobster pot pie; and rum & ginger spareribs.  It’s all yummy with a great drink menu too that includes the gunpowder cocktail gin gimlet - with spicy cayenne thrown in. 

Don’t miss the friendly social table made from the polished burled slab of a tree trunk.  The communal table is a great way to meet other diners and is one of the most popular tables at the restaurant.   You can wine and dine like the "greatest generation"…

Desserts include banana cream pie and s’mores.  Food at the Presidio was never so good as this.  Can’t recommend it enough to combine an amazing attraction with an excellent new restaurant concept - check out the Presidio Social Club and become a "member" today.   There are some opening "hot new restaurant" service hiccups reported, so don’t come in a hurry.

(415) 885-1888