Hyatt Fishermans Wharf is small, Embarcadero huge. I like Embarcadero...it has some terrific views, and the cable car stops not too far from there. It was convenient for us, but this was ages ago and our children were older.

travelingirl:

We stayed at the Hyatt Embarcadero a couple of years ago. It is a big hotel. We enjoyed our stay. We took Bart from the airport and it stops right outside the hotel. Cable stop right outside the hotel and the Ferry Building is across the street. It worked out v-well for us.

Sandy

The Wharf is very touristy, the Hyatt there looks a little sad. Pier 39 a real tourist trap, but lots of things for kids.

A ferry ride to Sausalito would be fun, nice way to see the bay, it goes by Alcatraz. Your 7 year old might like the Exploratorium, Academy of Science both very interactive for kids.

Hello,

I have spent a lot of time in the city over the years, both for business and leisure. Here's my take on it. There is much more to do besides what is in those two areas.

I usually stay in a more central location like Union Square or in the vicinity of Geary and Powell Streets. It is really easy to get to Embarcadero or FW by cable/street cars, BART, cab, or bus. If you plan to use the cable car a lot, look into the day ticket. It only takes a couple rides at the regular fare to get to what it would cost you, and that way you can hop on and off as you please all day.

In the Union Square area you have a choice of many hotels at all price points, including the chain brands, like Marriott and Hyatt, as well as really cool historic "heritage" properties like the Kimpton stuff---Palomar, Monaco, Sir Francis Drake, etc. Also a ton of restaurants and shopping.

For the adventure, we usually take the BART from SFO into downtown. It is an easy walk with a wheeled bag from the Powell and Montgomery Street BART stations.

The Exploratorium, at the Palace of Fine Arts, is a huge hit with kids. The free Cable Car Museum on Nob Hill at Mason & Washington Streets is also pretty cool.

http://www.exploratorium.edu/

http://www.cablecarmuseum.org/info.html

Down at FW, kids love the Ghirardelli Chocolate factory at Ghirardelli Square. Kind of a tourist trap but really fun nonetheless. That is sort of the story of FW and Embarcadero generally---big tourist trap. My daughter MUST have the world-famous chocolate fudge sundae and one time on a trip to take her to the SF Opera she talked me into ordering two---our secret---we pinky swore not to tell her mom (like she'd really care anyway)

Sausalito ferry is a fun trip. But if this is your daughter's (and possibly your) first time in SF, I am not sure I'd burn up a day that way when there is so much to do in the city itself??

Have fun!!!!

Another vote for Embarcadero. FWIW - cable cars have a very limited use for true transportation purposes; they aren't meant as a sub for taxi. Bus is cheaper and easier than taxi. I am guessing this is your first trip to SF, read up on it some and get a feel for it. Lots to see and do, walking is the best way to get around. Get a 3 day Visitor Pass for unlimited bus, metro and cable car rides.

http://www.sfmta.com/cms/mfares/passports.htm

The ferry to Sausalito is a nice ride, especially if the weather is good. I wouldn't consider it a day trip per se. Also, your daughter may not find walking around Sausalito all that interesting, so you could do a turn around and head right back.

Most kids love the ferry rides. Plus it gives such a nice view of S.F. for that memory album.

Another vote for Embarcadero. We've stayed there 3 times and like it's location very much. I think the California Academy of Science is a must see with a very beautiful aquarium, planted rooftop, rain forest, planetarium and many other interesting exhibits. Plus, it's in beautiful Golden Gate Park. You could have tea in the Japanese Garden afterwards if so inclined. Your daughter might enjoy Lombard St (the crooked part) and Chinatown. Enjoy!

We've stayed at both places. The Hyatt at Fishermans Wharf is in a good location for the Wharf and Ghirardelli square, but it is much smaller and not what you would think of as a Hyatt Regency."

The Embarcadero is indeed one, a grand building. It's right next to a number of transportation options, as mentioned earlier. My vote is for Embarcadero.

In addition to the cable cars (which often have endless lines except on California Street), the Embarcadero gives you access to the wonderful streetcars, collected from cities all over the world and a great way to get around "on the flat."

Consider the ferry to Tiburon rather than Sausalito. Both are great trips, but the Tiburon ferry goes very close to Alcatraz, so you won't have to waste time visiting there. Tiburon is lower key than Sausalito, smaller and less tiring for a young one.

Hyatt regency at the embarcadero is a great hotel and BART does stop right across the street. If you want to go to Fishermans wharf you can take the "F" Car which are very old trolley cars that the City has and can be caught right in front of the Ferry building where you can also take a ferry to Angel Island and Sausalito... California cable Car is also right in front of the Hyatt regency but only goes up California street and costs $6.00. You can get off at Chinatown from that cable car for a walk down Grant but you can also get a day pass that gives you unlimited rides for a day on all types of City public transortation. the $6.00 caable car fare DOES NOT include a transfer so if you get off at powell and take the other cable car down to the wharf, you will have to pay another $6.00!...

Thank you all SO much! This is great information and I'm making notes on all the activities and suggestions! The Hyatt at the Wharf is not would I would like based on the info. here so we will book the Hyatt Regency at Embarcadero and will definitely get the City pass for transportation.

Go South! We used our two free nights at Carmel Highlands. Million dollar views.

I live in downtown SF about three blocks from Hyatt Embarcadero. You are getting good advice.

The BART train from SFO ($8.20) will take you from the airport to the Embarcadero station. Go up the stairs and you will be facing the Hyatt Hotel. It does not get much easier than that. The cable cars also originate in front of the Hyatt, the Ferry Building is across the street and Pier 39 is not far away.

They have antique cable cars from around the world going up and down Embarcadero. For $2 you get on and it takes you to Pier 39 or Fisherman's Wharf.