38Chevy454
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Used to live in east San Francisco bay area and DW and I would BART into the city for a day. SF is a great walking city. It is not that big and you can get to many places just walking. Driving into city you pay bridge toll, then parking is a PITA and expensive. Just save your money and don't get a rental car if staying in the city.
Ride the cable car if you have not done it, but lines are long and it is not really a fast way to get around. I never used cable car to get around, and never took it when visiting unless there with visitors that wanted to do it. Occasionally took MUNI, the streetcar system which has a lot of cool old art-deco style cars; but most of the time just walked. North Beach (Italian section) is my favorite area. Walk through Chinatown and definitely go to the alleys and the side streets out of the main tourist traps. Market St has the big shopping stores. Pier 39 is kinda tourist typical stuff. Fisherman's wharf is good to see and experience, from there walk over to Ghiradelli Square along the waterfront. The Ferry Bldg has a neat farmer's market. Cable car museum is free and a neat way to really learn about them. It is also where all the cables are powered from.
Sausalito does nothing for me, just a 60's holdover IMHO. Best part of Sausalito is the view of the city. Golden Gate park is nice. Marin Headlands at north end of GG bridge is nice if you have a car. Presidio is near the SF end of the GG Bridge and another neat place to check out.
Alcatraz is a neat tour, and as said my many get reservations well ahead.
Overall, I just eat and drink and stay at ground level walking. Check out local restaurants and watering holes. SF is generally pretty safe, just ignore all the homeless panhandlers.
Ride the cable car if you have not done it, but lines are long and it is not really a fast way to get around. I never used cable car to get around, and never took it when visiting unless there with visitors that wanted to do it. Occasionally took MUNI, the streetcar system which has a lot of cool old art-deco style cars; but most of the time just walked. North Beach (Italian section) is my favorite area. Walk through Chinatown and definitely go to the alleys and the side streets out of the main tourist traps. Market St has the big shopping stores. Pier 39 is kinda tourist typical stuff. Fisherman's wharf is good to see and experience, from there walk over to Ghiradelli Square along the waterfront. The Ferry Bldg has a neat farmer's market. Cable car museum is free and a neat way to really learn about them. It is also where all the cables are powered from.
Sausalito does nothing for me, just a 60's holdover IMHO. Best part of Sausalito is the view of the city. Golden Gate park is nice. Marin Headlands at north end of GG bridge is nice if you have a car. Presidio is near the SF end of the GG Bridge and another neat place to check out.
Alcatraz is a neat tour, and as said my many get reservations well ahead.
Overall, I just eat and drink and stay at ground level walking. Check out local restaurants and watering holes. SF is generally pretty safe, just ignore all the homeless panhandlers.