When is this trip? Is this your first time in San Francisco?

I think Alcatraz is really interesting, but it takes at least a few hours or more, so you may decide to skip it on this trip.

Of the things you're planning per your list, I would spend one morning and afternoon as follows:

start with breakfast and a couple of hours at the Ferry Building. If you happen to be here on a Saturday, add time because that's the day of the "granddaddy of them all" farmers market.

After the ferry building, walk north on the Embarcadero and make your way to the Vallejo Steps (at Montgomery and Vallejo). Walk up the steps to Kearny Street. Turn right on Kearny Street and walk up to Filbert - turn right to go up more steps to Coit Tower. Spend as much time as you like at Coit Tower (I've never been beyond the main floor, which has very interesting murals and is free to enter).

After Coit Tower, walk out the front door and head back down the access road. Take the Filbert Steps down to Montgomery Street.

Turn right on Montgomery Street and right on Union Street and head for Columbus Avenue, which is the heart of North Beach. In addition to North Beach, walk on Upper Grant Avenue, with its funky fun shops and restaurants (and live music at the Savoy Tivoli, which you can both see and hear from the sidewalk).

If you're still not too tired, take a cable car ride before or after dinner.

You can walk the Golden Gate Bridge the second day. Will you have a car? It's not that easy to get to the bridge without one (there are buses, I think). you can either walk half-way and turn around, or walk all the way into Sausalito, which is a very nice town itself, and take the ferry back to SF.

Yes sorry I was more detailed in my previous post. We have 6 nights, 5 full days in mid May. We are arriving on a Wed. and leaving on Mon afternoon.
Tentative plans
day 1 and 2 - San Francisco ( possibly staying at The Chancellor )
Day 3 4 5- exploring the coast to Big Sur . I am looking at booking The Mission Inn or the Martine Inn ( in Moterey)

Oh Thank you sf7307. That sounds gret. We are flying in so no car ,but we have to rent one for the coast. Maybe we should rent one do the bridge and head off to the coast. But Sausalito sounds good too.
If we didn't rent a car would it be possible to do the bridge and Alcatrez in one day?

Bridge and Alcatraz in one day is absolutely do-able. Reserve tickets for an early-morning Alcatraz boat (do reserve, they sell out). Have lunch after Alcatraz and then make your way to the bridge. Again, getting to the bridge is the only question, and I'm sorry, but I have no idea how to do that (I'm not a huge user of public transportation here in SF).

Another thought is to take the night tour of Alcatraz - I haven't done it, but apparently, it's the most popular time. That will free up your day, too.

I'd agree with sf7307's suggestions - somewhat, although it makes me tired just to read her walking itinerary.

If your goal is to walk SF, then that's fine.

If your goal is to see as much of SF as possible within two days, then walking all day, IMHO, is not the way to go. SF has so much to offer that walking would be a "waste of time" given how few days you have allotted to SF.

You could get a one-day transportation pass and take all the local transportation - bus, tram, etc. for that day.

In the interests of maximizing your time in SF, definitely don't walk the GG Bridge, but drive and hike at both ends of the bridge if you want to hike. Also don't hike down to Sausalito from the GG Bridge but you might want to take the ferry to Sausalito and still see the Bay while skipping going onto Alcatraz.

Please let us know if you want to walk SF or see as much as possible within your time limit. I'm certain someone can come up with a great two-day itinerary to fit your needs - possibly beginning with sf7307's walking itinerary.

As for food - Ferry Building is good, but there is also the Food Emporium in the Westfield San Francisco Centre (4th and Market) [there's a parking garage on 5th and Mission, entrance on Mission]. I don't know exactly where you are coming from, but this is a great place to sample gourmet foods from around the Pacific Rim at less than gourmet prices. It is not your usual food court and there is also an awesome Bristol Farms Market with an unbelievable selection of gourmet foods [I think , better than even some of the offerings at the Ferry Building!]. Personally, I think it's the best food court in California that I've ever been in .

http://www.yelp.com/biz/westfield-san-francisco-centre-food-emporium-san-francisco

My take:

1. The Westfield Center food court is a great food court, but it's a food court, not a food market. Bristol Farms is outstanding, but it's a chain. The Ferry Building is a local treasure, not to be missed if you're into food markets.

2. My afternoon walk won't take even 3 hours! We took some out-of-town Fodorites on this walk, and we all had a great time. However, we do walk everywhere. We were in Hong Kong last year, and except for the ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong, and the bus ride out to Stanley, we never took any form of transportation other than our own two feet. In Hanoi, we told the concierge at our hotel, we wanted to walk to the Museum of Ethnology -- she was flabbergasted, as it wasn't even on her map. We agreed to take a taxi there, but told her we'd walk back and we did, even though the taxi driver was waiting for us because he couldn't believe we'd actually choose to walk! That all said, in London, we use the tube extensively....

My husband just arrived home and is definitely voting for seeing as much as possible, rather than a strictly walking tour. He is also not super keen on Alcatrez but admits its just a gut feel. I like the idea of the ferry ride to Sausalito however.
We are coming from Ontario so Pacific Rim gourmet food sounds fabulous to me. If it were just me on my own I could easily spend a day going to food stores. I have a particular penchant for health food stores too.

3hours is completely doable. I have dragged my family on some away too long walking tours in 90 heat.
I am definitely going to the Ferry Building maybe we can do both

You might even consider renting a car for a day. Although public transportation in San Francisco is excellent, you can certainly get around much faster with a car -- for example, you could explore the Mission District or Castro Street, go up to Twin Peaks for the view, drive across the Golden Gate Bridge (I've never walked it, why should you ), maybe take a walk at Crissy Field (I love that walk - about 6 miles round trip from Fort Mason to the Warming Hut), or drive out to Land's End (for another spectacular walk); drive through Pacific Heights (mansion territory), through the Fillmore Street, Union Street and Chestnut Street areas, etc.

Hmm lots to think about. A little overwhelmed..

You are really boiling it down, and that's great to do.

I am a big fan of the Ferry over to Sausalito (used to be my "working commute") and walking around - but you could also rent a car on the 2nd day - drive up to the Golden Gate - and park there (just before the toll gates) - and walk part way out on to the bridge and back. (We used to love to ride our bikes over the Gate and into Sausalito/Marin County).

You could then continue driving over to Sausalito. You could also combine that with going to the Warming Hut and walking whatever distance you choose along Crissy Field.

Also used to live in Pacific Heights (when I first moved to Sf - as a renter in one of the big mansions - with an incredible bay window/unobstructed view) - and it's fun to drive up steep Filmore and then perpindicular along Brodway, etc.

Another fun thing to do if you like Dim Sum is go to Chinatown/North Beach - and the Golden Mountain? on Broadway - was excellent. Or go to the last remaining true deli in North Beach - Molanari - and get a sandwich, roll of Salami, cheese, whatever. Park in the Green? St garage - next to the Police Station.

Ok after 2 references to the warming hut I had to google. Suggesting a warming hutt to a Canadian brings up images of bare bones buildings with fires going . Literally places to warm up when skiing or skating when you are in danger of frostbite. Lol
Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. I'm still processing,but open to suggestions. Right now very much leaning to day 1 walking tour that sf7307 suggested. Still confused about day 2.

Let's just say cold here and cold in Ontario are two entirely different creatures!

I don't get the attraction to Alcatraz. I've been to San Francisco many times and never even thought about doing that tour.

You're already got it mapped out for you better than I could, but I do like to take the cable car, hit Fisherman's Wharf, thru Chinatown, Embarcadero, and Union Square (go to 'Mocca' on Maiden Lane for lunch).

For pacific rim food i vote for eating above ground and not at westfield mall basement...although it is good for a food court. As one who does weekday lunches downtown, i would go for finding one of the new wave of modern trucks or a fleet of food trucks and seeing what looks good. The food is typically very fresh and very creative but not cheap. Check out the website for "Off the grid SF" for a schedule and maps of where some trucks will be. Many trucks park solo so keep ana eye out at lunch time if you are near office neighborhoods. I had a breat vietnamese sandwich (bahn min) on thursday from a truck and it was great. Lean pork on baguette bread with cilantro. Yum. Chow.com is also a great source for finding good local food in SF. Sometimes there is excellent lunch to be had at the ferrry building farmers market. Just look for a line of locals, or ask someone with a yummy looking item, where they got it.
My DH and i like to get some oysters at the Hog Island seafood place inside the ferry building.
But then there is always swans oyster bar out near van ness and california.(sorry dont know the address) . It is a classic one counter old sf style seafood place. Wonderful.

And for the cold, bring a windbreaker and hat in case the fog rolls in.

Oh, if you like ships, the maritime museum is great. It includes some old ships and a sub that are tied up and you can walk on and look at. Also, fort point is a great fort tucked under the southern landing of the golden gate bridge.

Enjoy!

Oops.
Off the grid sf is at
http://offthegridsf.com/calendar

And swan oyster depot is at 1517 polk, just half a block north of california street, just befor california st crosses van ness st.

Just to "simplify" things - here again is what I would suggest for day 2.

Rent a car - and drive down to the Marina Green and along the Green out toward Crissy Field - and park somewhere for a walk - or at least - for part of your daily hike. Before this - you could also drive by/along Fisherman's Wharf - as it probably wouldn't be too busy earlier in the morning.

Stop by the Warming hut for coffee and/or a snack - and then drive up the hill to park where the road comes out to join the roadway going across the Golden Gate. If the lot if full - just wait for somebody to leave, leaving one person in the car to pray to the parking gods and the others can leisurely stroll about.

Walk out at least partway on the GG - and it is AWESOME to be on top of the bridge - enjoying the unparalleled view and looking down at ships coming in and out of the bay. There will be people riding bikes, jogging, going for power walks - or just strolling along ga-gaing at the views.

Continue on to Sausalito and have lunch there at one of the many good places, perhaps Scomas and enjoy the view looking back at SF. http://scomassausalito.com/

After lunch - you could drive over to lovely Tiburon (half hour max) - and take the short ferry ride to Angel Island if you wish.

Or head back to your hotel room for a nice nap.

And Swan's Oyster Depot was a favorite. We use to also like to go to Fisherman's wharf - and have a shrimp cocktail (from one of the many little stands on the sreet) - but it has been so commercialized that the most I would now recommend would be go get the fabled Irish Coffee at the place where it was "invented" (some say borrowed from Italy) - the Buena Vista in Ghiradelli Square - and watch the Cable Cars turning around.

http://www.thebuenavista.com/home/home.html

Actually - if you want to ride the cable car - and can find a place to jump on (ask around) - that is a great way to enjoy the cable car, and then warm up with an Irish Coffee before heading back.

Oops - my bad. The Irish Coffee was "shanghaied" from Shannon Airport I believe. Read the history - it's a "hoot". http://www.thebuenavista.com/home/irishcoffee.html

Sf7307-We have had an extremely mild non winter here. I don't remember anything ever like this, though last year we were in the deep freeze. I actually really disliked the winter , unlike the majority of my countrymen. We are actually supposed to have better weather than you in the coming week. About the same temps but less rain. Nevertheless I am praying to the weather gods for warm weather on our trip.
Suz24 Tho off the grid food truck thing has just started in my city. One truck parked by my work and everyone went crazy buying gourmet grilled cheese. I will keep an eye out for sure for that. The oyster place sounds great too . Thanks

Tomsd Thanks for totally spelling it out for me. I read your plan to my husband and we both thought it sounded great. I appreciate getting my hike in there. I have to at least do something before I eat all this delicious food.

Oh another question for sf7307- My youngest son keeps asking if I have Lombard street in my plan. He saw it on Mythbusters. Could we walk there from Coit Tower and then double back to your route? Or maybe see it on a cable car? He is mad that he isn't coming , but I think it's kind of cute that he wants to make sure we see it.

Bookmarking to read tonight. Currently in Monterey - did part of the Big Sur Highway yesterday - absolutely gorgeous. Heading to SF in a few days, apparently along with the rain.

Jumping in here before going to Starbucks. The curvy part of Lombard (v the part out toward the Golden Gate) is not that far from Coit Tower/North Beach - and you can walk it - or if you get the bus routes - you could hop on one to get closer. Or - take one of the cable cars and walk down. We used to live on Russian Hill - by Hyde and Union - and I think both the Hyde St and the other (Mason?) cable cars go by the top of the curvy part and you would walk down it.

Don't try to drive it in summer - unless you want to wait in line for blocks.

Oh yes. Couple more quick thoughts. When you are driving along the Marina Green - toward Crissy Field/Ft. Point/GG - at the last/little grassy area - before you enter the Crissy Field area - you could turn left on Lyon - and go a block to see the Palace of Fine Arts. http://www.palaceoffinearts.org/Welcome.html

And another alternative in Sausalito - is to drive a bit further into Marin County and see Muir Woods - maybe a half? hour from Sausalito. http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm

Go here and if the Muir Woods page isn't up - just enter Muir Woods and you can get a good map of the drive over to Sausalito, Muir Woods, Marin County, Tiburon, etc.

http://maps.google.com/maps

And check on the map for the 202 Bike Route - Marine Dr - going from about the entrance to Ft. Point up the hill to the parking lot on top - just before you get on the road to the toll booths.

My bad: I think it's Lincoln/Bike Route 2 that goes up the hill. 202 I think goes out to Ft. Point. But they converge about a half mile? before you get Ft. Point.

There will be signs there - pointing up to the Golden Gate.

Ditto what Tom said about Lombard Street - and you shouldn't miss it!

Tiburon is actually only about 15 minutes from Sausalito. I personally wouldn't make a special trip - it's a nice village, but not a "destination drive" for me.

Oh, and check the map if you're looking for Swan's Oyster Depot. Suz gave the right address, but her "word directions" are note right - Polk and VanNess run parallel to each other. It's actually on Polk, between California and Sacramento Streets.

Hi, outdoor1,

How's the trip planning going?

The suggestion to get a car one day to drive around SanFrancisco is a good one, given your time constraint.

I have some specific suggestions, if you're still interested, but not today. It's a busy day for me.

Planning is going well. We have decided on one day walking at the beginning of the trip and one day with a car at the end of the trip. I just booked Hotel De Sol for our last night because of the free parking but I'm not sure about the location. We may decide to drop the car off and take Bart to the airport the next day. any suggestions regarding that.? Not sure where we are getting the car from yet ,but probably somewhere around Union Square. I am not even sure if we will be able to drop off at the airport without extra charges.

I am always open to suggestions. Who knows the city better than locals. Thanks very much everyone for taking the time to help.

If I didn't post this earlier - I now always start with www.carrentals.com - which lists the least epensive rentals of all the major car companies - and we have used the next tier - the Aces, Fox, Advantage - and as long as you receive a new car - they are also fine.

Now - having said that - at Hotel Del Sol - you are really close enough to just walk down to the Marina Green - and turn left and head out to Crissy Field - and chug up the hill (not that far) and then walk out a ways to the Golden Gate Bridge.

And - if you had rented a car at the airport - or if there isn't a stiff drop off fee - and since the Hotel has free parking? - from Hotel Del Sol to the airport is a fairly easy shot - out 19th avenue (the one that the Golden Gate road becomes as it heads into SF) - and then down 280 and over to the airport.

Hotel Del Sol is in a good location - near Union Street, Chestnut Street, the Marina Green and Crissy Field, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

We had lunch at The Tipsy Pig On Chestnut St. today - best duck confit (on a salad) I've ever had.

sf7- good for you. There have been more good restaurants move in to Chestnut since we left - and closer to Filmore - about a half block away on the Lombard side of the street - there used to be a cute little Italian place that had good pizza and pasta, but not sure if it's there anymore. And the little deli where I used to pick up the good (reasonably priced back then) prosciutto sandwiches way back when - was down Chestnut - the other way - toward the Palace of Fine Arts - on a corner - also on the Lombard side - several blocks beyond Lucca deli (which is on the other side of the street) - and Lucca is also very good. http://luccadeli.com/


Back in October - I had a good bagel at Noah's Bagels on Chestnut - http://www.yelp.com/biz/noahs-bagels-san-francisco-9 - and here is a general webpage guide for Chestnut St: http://www.chestnutshop.com/ Even though we lived on Union St. for years - we also loved Chestnut St.

Une Plus: Je t'aime Confit de Canard.

And I hope that doesn't send my high school French teacher - the steely eyed/red haired Ms. Mitchell - spinning in her grave. Actually - she was great - (and in her "day" - probably quite a Bon Vivant as even in her "advanced" years - looked pretty good) - but she could lower the boom on three of us guys who were always cutting up Soph year - with just a glance - or a subtle, yet powerful comment.

After soph year - I took German (thought I wanted to be a scientist - egads) - so my one year of high school French must suffice. Oui - et non?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_confit

I know very little French, but I know what you said

Bien mon ami.

Merci. I also stumble along worth poor high school French. Not a big fan of confit de canard, traumatic childhood memories.
For the first time ever my husband is also participating in trip planning. He was reading all about San Francisco last night

Allright. Fire that lad up.

If you rent a car, keep in mind that parking in SF can be a bit of a challenge.......

We will be driving in with a car so if we can get a place to park at Crissy ;Field we should be alright. We can always leave the car at the Hotel De Sol if we want to venture out on foot later. I'm even contemplating bike rentals if it's a nice day

You shouldn't have a problem parking at Crissy Field or Fort Mason.

Hi, outdoor1!

Haven't forgotten you!

Just been so busy these last few days - I need to get my driving map of SF to you - it's still unfinished and you'll be my inspiration to finish it!

Stay tuned!

Ok will do

So have you given up on walking the GG bridge? I hope so - I think it's horribly overrated. Cold, windy, and a bit scary, with too much traffic whizzing right past you. Not at all like walking the Brooklyn Bridge towards Manhattan, which I really enjoyed.

Yes I think we've given that idea up. We will have a car the second day so we might drive over it,

" I had a good bagel at Noah's Bagels on Chestnut"

Oh dear, I think our San Diego resident needs a quick trip to NYC, he just mistook a donut for a bagel!!!!

I just realized I might be able to pop into a Trader Joe's. I have never been. Can't bring much home though or cook anything so it might be an exercise in frustration.

Unless you're actually shopping, TJ's is really just like any other small market, so don't go out of your way.

Well, they do have two buck Chuck. Our wine of choice.

Well, I finally got the draft of my SF driving map on Google done. It's really not ready for the general public, so how do I get it to you? I am making it for some friends of mine who are coming this summer, but this first draft should work for you.

Drawing the line for the route was a real pain - I felt so tech challenged! So many of the roads are curved and if the cursor moves ever so little in the wrong direction, the line would move by itself in a totally different route! Then, I found out by trial and error how to erase unwanted lines, since nowhere online do they tell you. Therefore, you'll find a lot of little dots here and there along the route. They're not speed bumps or tourist sites, they're just the places where i had to stop and save the route already drawn. LOL!

I'm sure you'll like it, tho. It's perfect for a one day drive around San Francisco and will hit most of the major spots. And if you don't like it, please don't tell me! (Just kidding!)

Let me think a bit over night on how to get it to you without having to post it here on Fodors.

When Two Buck Chuck first came out - it was novel - and of better quality - as that first "vintage" was in dispute during their divorce. I was never a fan of their Chards - although their reds were ok - but there is plenty of good, inexpensive wine available all throughout California.

And as for the Bagel shop on Chestnut - I invite any jaundiced NYers to stop by - and you might even become a bit nostalgic looking at all the old pics of NY on the walls. I thought the Bagels were fairly good - and I have had them all over the Big Apple, with Murray's being one of my favorites.

Also - not sure why some 'fraidy cats are dissing walking/jogging/riding bikes across the Golden Gate - as it is a S U P E R thing to do. On a nice day - people are just wearing shorts and T-shirts - and having a great time.

Yes - at first - you will hear the traffic whizzing by - but you are very protected by the barriers - and after a few moments - you wil probablyl be much more absorbed in the incredible scenery. And this comes from one who has been across the Brooklyn Bridge and I find the scenery from the Golden Gate to be much more stunning.


And as for Trader Joe's - they have a lot of very good/unique products - and we just love it. However - given the cost of today's airline luggage - I wouldn't stock up on too much - although we used to take the big cheesecakes, chocolate bars, Tiramasu, etc - down to my sister and her family when they lived in Costa Rica and Nicaragua - and they loved getting "treats" from "home".

And as for driving around SF - just look at a map. It's not really that hard to do - and if you avoid the rush hours, you should be fine. If you want to go downtown - you also might just hop on a bus, as there is good service from the Marina.

Here's some more info for Trader Joe's -
http://www.traderjoes.com/stores/index.asp
but since you are near Chestnut St - again there is Lucca's deli http://luccadeli.com/ would probably have a lot of the things you might be looking for. And when you get over to nearby Union St. - be sure to stop by the great Cocoa Bella http://www.cocoabella.com/locations (warning - not cheap), as well as some of the smaller, delightful markets on both of those streets.

When we lived on Union St. - one of our favorite places was "Cheese in the Alley" - run by a young french guy who had the greatest selection of tres bien formage. Alas - it was hard to make it with the retail rents they charged along Union - even back in the 70's, so he was only there a couple of years.

On some Fridays - for TGIF - instead of going to North Beach or downtown - or over to Sausalito - we would just walk a half block down the street - to Cheese in the Alley - and buy some great cheese and also pick up some primo SF Salami, imported Prosciutto, some olives, a fresh loaf of the wonderful sourdough french bread, some good vino - and have friends over for a party at our pad. We had the big bay windows looking out onto/over Union St. and sometimes - we would even move out on to the fire escape for a fun time.

And to "walk it off" - we would saunter down to the first Gelato place - which was just off Filmore and Filbert - to top off the evening.

Oh yes: Take a peak in Noah's New York Bagels while you are walking around Chestnut. http://www.noahs.com/

Tomsd. We love to get picnic food like that and find a nice place to eat. When our Australian friends were here in the fall we took them to The Falls on a rather unpleasant day. They went on the Maid of the Mist, we hiked the gorge, and had a very cold picnic lunch. Hummus , guacamole, cheese, bread,fruit, trail mix, and chocolate. Then we went off to the Ice House for ice wine slushies.. We later had to stop in a tea shop in Niagara on the Lake to warm up. The day wouldn't have been nearly as much fun without the yummy food. So we will keep a look out for good food shops.
My husband will not approve Any 2 buck chuck on holidays. At home we generally drink wine in the 12-20 range for good meals. We are hoping we can get even better quality wine in California , than at home for that price.
Now I'm back on the fence about the bridge. We will probably look at it and decide.
easytraveler

easy traveler. Not sure what happened there , my post got cut off. The iPad does quirky things sometimes.
I am very interested in your map if you can get it to me somehow. We will have the car on a Sun. If that makes any difference. I know in Toronto it seems it's always rush hour.
Sf7307Thanks for the Trader Joe's tip one less thing to worry about.

At the risk of giving out a "trade secret" - we have found that the Napa River - 2008 - Merlot - at Trader Joe's - is among their best sub-$15 dollar wine, $5.99 is it? - and we have tried a number - including at Bev-Mo and other outlets. Everybody has a different palate - but I would hazard a few shekels on it when you are in SF - if it's still in stock. That's the biggest concern about the Trader: That you find something you like and when you go back to buy a few bottles - it's gone.

As for Whites - I am a bit more particular about my Chards - and they have some that are decent - but I have my "Two Buck Chuck" equivalent "secret" - which I am not sharing.

And if all else fails - just head toward the bay from your hotel - maybe two/three blocks - and turn right (last/closest street to the water - Marina) - to go down a mile or so - as far as the Greens/Marina Safeway - and then turn around (if you don't want to drive to Fisherman's Wharf - another couple of miles) and retrace along the frontage road - and into Crissy Field, and from there - up and over the Golden Gate to Sausalito. Easy as pie: see: http://tinyurl.com/7wk4k2t

I don't think there is red wine in Ontario for 5.99,decent or not, so we are likely to try lots of different kinds, I will look out for your trade secret wine. We don't drink Chardonnay so no worries about that.

Salute. If you do get to Trader Joe's - or any good wine shop around the Marina (there is a nice tasting room on Union St at about Webster - if he's still there) - and/or greter Bay Area - find the red wine "expert" on that shift - and as them for some reasonably priced wines. There were some older vines Zins that were pretty decent at TJ's - as well as a very decent $5 wine from Italy, among others.

Personally - I find the best red values in the California Merlots and the Australian Shiraz, and some of the wineries also do nice blends.

BTW - when are you heading to SF? We just had some big storms out here - but hopefully they will have blown thru by the time you arrive.

Not until mid May. I was looking at SF weather. It has locked nasty. Hopefully it will be nice in May.We are enjoying freakishly warm, way above seasonal temps , here in Souther Ontario

I think having a car for a day can be a great asset in seeing SF if you plan what you want to see. On past trips, I've used a car to drive over the GG and go up to the GGNRA, park at Crissy Field, park near Sutro Baths and see the surfers and surf, drive up to Coit Tower, park near Grace Cathedral and visit, Park near Alamo Square, walk around and see Painted Ladies, drive around and thru GG Park, park to go to Japanese Tea Garden and museums, drive up to Legion of Honor, etc. I once drove down Lombard St. The one time we went to GG Park by bus, it took forever. On my most recent trip, last week, we did not have a car. We found getting cabs in front of our hotel extremely difficult and prices high. One early evening, we waited for a bus on Market, and despite the electronic sign that said our bus was three minutes away, 12 minutes later we were frantically trying to find a cab so we wouldn't miss our dinner reservation. We love to walk and always walk a lot on vacation, but I think that sometimes with a car for a day, you can accomplish a lot in SF. Of course, there are places that wouldn't make sense to have a car: Ferry Bldg, Union Sq, etc.

Centralparkgirl. Did you do all that in one day? We are going to have a car one day and in the morning before we go to the airport.

Good comments by CentralParkgirl - and it's easy to do all that - or most of it in one day - at least from the driving point of view. SF is not that big. From the Marina - out to the Cliff House/Palace of Legion of Honor - 30 minutes by car - and from the Marine over to Sausalito - again - no more than 30 minutes - assuming of course, you are not fighting rush hour traffic. From the Marina to Golden Gate Park (Japanese Tea Garden - right next to the De Young Museum) - 15 minutes or so. To Coit Tower/North Beach area - 15 minutes - unless there are a lot of tourists going up there and then you can park and walk up to it, or take a bus.

And to downtown - you can also drive in about 15 minutes from the Marina district - but parking can be a bit more challenging, although you can find street metered parking for an hour or two? For a downtown trip - I think it is worth it to catch a bus. And along Chestnut St or Union St - there are several. Just get a schedule or ask where you are staying. Off the top of my head - the 30 Muni/Stockton from Chestnut and the 45 Union? Also a 41 Union?

Hey - just go to the appropriately named sports bar - the ole Bus Stop - at Union and Laguna - and have a beverage while waiting for the bus.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/bus-stop-san-francisco

We will do a walking tour the first day as per sf7307's plan. That will include Coit tower , the ferry building , north beach etc. We will also get the cable car that day and do Lombard street if there is time. Second day will be driving to the Golden Gate bridge, Crissy field , and more.

outdoor1 - No. I didn't do it all in one day and I've been to SF a number of times. We usually stay near the Embarcadero close to the Ferry Bldg. A car has been very useful for us to see things in the NW area - GG Park and Bridge, Sutro Baths and the ocean, Legion of Honor, etc. There are so many wonderful things to see and you have just two days. I would include the Ferry Bldg (nice walk from there to Cupid's Bow toward the Bay Bridge), Lombard St, Coit Tower and Filbert steps. I liked Crissy Field and Alcatraz, but I would leave that for the next trip. If you go thru GG Park and can park near the De Young, there are wonderful views from atop their tower. Don't spend your precious time on Trader Joe's. See what's truly unique to SF.

I also think driving across the GG is special and following Stu Dudley's directions up to GGNRA. The views are great. I believe he mentions what time of day is best. Of course, it's important to have a plan b. On one of our trips when the sky looked impossibly blue, the GGB was covered in fog and the idea to walk across wasn't a good one!

Hi outdoor1,

Sorry about the delay, busy weekend, and I didn't have a chance to find out how to link my map onto my new website on google,

so...

Can you please email me at bells918@hotmaildotcom and give me an email address of yours? Then I can try and send the draft map to you while I try and figure out how to get the map onto the website.

Many thanks!

Absolutely. I just sent it. Thanks

Hi, outdoor1,

Did the map come through?

(All this is so new for me that I'm not certain of all the steps that have to be taken)

Yes it is great. Hope you got my email.