There are so many nice hotels and excellent locations. One that I love is the Hotel Vitale, which is across from the Bay and The Ferry Building where I would go for breakfast or lunch each day if I could. Also within walking distance of Fisherman's Wharf, excellent restaurants. Great views! easy transportation. a very fun spot. Have a blast! Good luck with your plans!

There are lots of threads on here about San Francisco. Type San Francisco into the search box and do some reading and get a general idea what's there and already asked and answered.

What price hotel, for starters?

We used to live in the Marina and always loved Chestnut and Union Streets, which are great for strolling. There are a number of smaller motels on/around Lombard St. - on the way to the Golden Gate Bridge - and there is also good bus service from there if you don't want to drive.

Just googled this page which has some info.

Alternatively - staying by Union Square puts you in the middle of it all, so to speak. Or - you could also stay down by Fisherman's Wharf/Ghiradelli Square - or as suggested above - by the Ferry Bld.

Oops. didn't paste: My bad - and there are plenty of dining options on Union St and along Chestnut, as well as all over "Bagdhad by the Bay", as noted columnist (may he RIP) Herb Caen used to call SF.

http://www.sftravel.com/bgt.html

And another nice walk is along the Marina Green (close to Chestnut St) and you have a great view of the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, and look across the bay to Sausalitio, etc. Actually - taking the ferry over to Sausalito is a fun trip.

And while strolling along the Green - take in the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts, built in the early 1900's for an internatinal exposition or some such. http://www.palaceoffinearts.org/Welcome.html

Uno Mas: If you like art and also they have a great view looking back at the Golden Gate Bridge - get out to the Palace of Legion of Honor. http://legionofhonor.famsf.org/

And the De Young museum in Golden Gate Park is interesting, as is the nearby Japanese Tea Garden, where you can get a good snack/meal. http://deyoung.famsf.org/

All great places to stroll, and the Brunch/view at the Cliff House - out by the Palace of Legion of Honor - is also cool. It overlooks the old Sutro baths. http://www.cliffhouse.com/

Here are my suggestions

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/san-francisco---stu-dudleys-recommendations.cfm

Stu Dudley

All of the sightseeing suggestions are great - I would also recommend the Vitale for the neighborhood - it's away from the hubbub of Union Square (although that would be my second choice) but in a vibrant non-residential neighborhood (it's a block from my office). Right across the street from the Bay (great for walking or jogging). Easy walking distance many places (within a 20-minute walk of Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, AT&T Park, Chinatown, North Beach) and very very easy access to transportation.

The Mark Hopkins (and the other hotels on Nob Hill - Fairmont, Stanford Cout and Huntington) are fine hotels, but understand taut they're at the top of a very steep hill This is where you stay if you want great views, but not where you should stay if you want to walk out the front door and "be somewhere". Nob Hill is a very exclusive residential neighborhood. Think upper east side on top of a steep hill.

Thanks all... I see there are a few Kimptons in town. Any opinion about any of those properties?

The Monaco is a great hotel in a very good location.

Visit Alcatraz! Get your tickets IN ADVANCE! I have seen it where it's been sold out.

Fisherman's wharf is great for a lunch / dinner and to walk around.

Ghiradelli Square - some shopping, food, etc.

Take a trolly ride!

Golden Gate Bridge and Park! If you want to venture out further, and have a car rental, you could drive to and over the bridge to the other side. Fantastic views back at the city. Muir Woods is nice if you like outdoors.

Sausalito - you could drive over or take a ferry from Fisherman's wharf. It's a great little town on the bay across from SF.

Chinatown - it is HUGE here! Great food and some shops.

If you have a car - you can do the 49 Mile Drive - takes you all around SF and has some great views of different parts of the city.

Coit Tower - you can climb to the top - again - great views.

Another outdoor area we enjoyed was the Japanese Tea Gardens.

Agree with staying in the Union Square or Nob Hill area! I would not stay in Fisherman's Wharf.

We LOVE SF! Hope you enjoy it!

Check out the dozens of FREE walking tours given by docents of the San Francisco City Library:

http://www.sfcityguides.org/

>>Fisherman's wharf is great for a lunch / dinner and to walk around.<<

You won't see many locals there eating or walking around - too tacky, IMO. There are hundreds of other places in SF to enjoy before resorting to the Wharf. See my link above.

Stu Dudley

We found this book useful in exploring neighborhoods on our last trip to San Francisco. The stairways it recommends are one aspect, but being in the neighborhood where the stairs are located gets one to explore parts of the general area as well. Highly recommend this book.

http://sfstairwaywalks.weebly.com/index.html

I live here, and I think that book is great!

>>I see there are a few Kimptons in town. Any opinion about any of those properties?<<

Stayed at the Prescott, Serrano and Monoco last year (big Kimpton fan) -- would happily return to any one of them. Looked at staying on the Triton but the rooms (on line) seemed kind of cramped.

I absolutely love San Francisco. I live around an hour and a half drive away so my husband and I go up a lot. I agree with many on this thread that Union Square is a great place to stay. You can walk to Chinatown, Market Street, and North Beach (Italian part of town). It also is easy to catch the Cable Car and other public transportation. The Embarcadero area is also a good location with the ferry building right in front of you with the coastline across the street. Plus Union Square is very walkable.

In terms of hotels, I've never stayed at Kimpton's Palomar, but I've heard great things about it. The St. Francis right in Union Square is one of my favorites. It's now a Westin, but it's a grand old hotel and the location is perfect. The Galleria near Union Square is a nice boutique hotel that we liked. We've also stayed at all the Marriott's in town. They were all fine and some are right around Union Square. If you find a hotel South of Market, try to stay out of anything higher than 5th Avenue and be within that first block south of Market Street to avoid hard core junkies and unfortunate mentally ill folks.

For things to do, here are some of our favorites;

-Catch the Cable Car at Powell and Market and catch the Powell-Hyde line. We like to go at night. The lines are much shorter. Make sure you sit on the outside on the right side (or the side that faces you as you get on the car) for incredible views of the Bay. Ride the line until it ends right at Ghiradelli Square. Walk through the chocolate shop (they give you a free sample) and get in the ice cream line if you'd like. You can take the same line back, but this time make sure you're on the opposite side of the car to get those great views again.

-Foodie Paradise - Ferry Building - Tons of food artisans have their specialties out for sampling. Cow Girl Creamery, Acme Bread, olive oil, chocolate, and other amazing food items. If you go here at the beginning of your trip you can buy munchies for the rest of your trip. It's also a beautiful old building that is interesting by itself. Great views of the Bay and the Bay Bridge behind the building and also great restaurants. The Slanted Door is awesome

-Grant Street - Chinatown - Tea Tasting- Just strolling along this street is an adventure. Lots of tacky shops, but some great gems as well. Snow Garden is a great hole in the wall restaurant that makes great Chinese food that's right no Grant Street. Also, as you're walking down Grant from Union Square, look to your left and you'll see pedestrian alleys with names like Waverly and Ross. These are great alleys to explore. They may seem seedy, but no worries, you're safe. Ross Alley also has the Chinese Fortune Cookie Factory to visit. You can watch people make fortune cookies, try some samples right off the line (warm and yummy) and buy some cookies at wholesale prices. You'll also find some authentic shops along the alleys. There are also tons of places to sample Chinese loose leaf tea. If you see a tea shop and there is an open seat at the counter, sit down and you'll be treated to all sorts of authentic Chinese tea. It's usually a lot of fun and you'll meet people from all over the world.

Lefty O'Doul's in Union Square is a great place to grab lunch. It's steeped in tradition and has been around for decades. You grab a tray, and point out what you'd like from giant turkey sandwiches made of turkey roasted at Lefty's (no lunch meat here), big bowls of soup or chili, salads, and so on. The prices are great too. Tons of baseball memorabilia on the walls along with celebrities who eat there.

Basta Pasta in North Beach on Vallejo Street is one of my favorites for Italian food.

-F Line - You will notice old style street cars tooling around San Francisco. The F line has restored cars from cities all over the world that harken back to the 20's to the 50's. Aside from how cool the street cars are themselves, the F Line runs on a loop that will take you down Market (right next Union Square), Fisherman's Wharf, and the Embarcadero. It's a fun way to get around these locations.

-There is a little street car museum at the Embarcadero that includes a lot of San Francisco history. It's a fun museum to check out and it's free.

-The Cable Car Museum it cool too. You can see the cables at work and once again it accompanies a lot of San Francisco history.

-Poncho Villa Taqueria in the Mission District is absolutely awesome. Giant burritos filled with amazing ingredients that you pick out in a cafeteria style line. You can take Bart to this restaurant and it's right next door to the station.

-Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. You can take the bus to the Marin side of the bridge and walk back towards San Francisco. It's a great walk with amazing views. There is also a Civil War era fort right underneath the bridge called Fort Point. It's an amazing place with great views of the San Francisco skyline and the bay. It's almost always breezy here so take a thick sweatshirt and a hat.

Obviously there is much more to do and see in SF. I hope you like some of these ideas.

Have fun!!

There of course is so much more, but I hope this gives you some good ideas.

www.belden-place.com

Buy a 3 day Muni Visitor Pass, they cover every type of public transit [except BART] and while you can walk alot, it is nice to have this too, covers Cable Car too.

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

Just for clarification, that's 5th Street, not Avenue (there is a 5th Avenue, but it's in a different part of the city). Today I walked from 11th and Folsom to 5th and Mission - as Ms said, not a nice neighborhood - not too many junkies (I know where they are, so can easily avoid), but plenty of homeless and mentally I'll people.

Take Stu's advice and skip eating at Fisherman's Wharf. Not good. There are too many good restaurants in the city tp waste time and money on the Wharf. Try Slanted Door in the Ferry Building for astounding Thai food. Reservations a must.

>>Try Slanted Door in the Ferry Building for astounding Thai food<<

Vietnamese food

Stu Dudley

First: You cannot go to San Frnacisco without seeing Beach Blanket Babylon. You will be happy as a clam and laughing large there and after wards.

Next: Consider looking up Wok Tours of SF. There is a woman that takes you through Chinatown's markets, talks to you about the vegeys and herbs. (They're exotic and cool.) Then if you decide, you go back to her kitchen and cook up a storm with your amazing finds.

Third: Just go for it and with it. SF is spontaneous!

Beach Blanket Babylon is AWESOME

Take a walking/food tour with Grace Walden -- she does North Beach, Chinatown and more.

I'd skip Fisherman's Wharf. It's mostly tacky and overpriced. There are so many wonderful restaurants in San Francisco with much better fare than anything you'll find there. Take some recommendations from locals and you'll fall in love with San Francisco's food scene.

hey! I *love* Fisherman's Wharf, sure it's touristy and tacky, that's part of the beauty of the place. Not to have dinner maybe, but take a streetcar down and walk around, get a shrimp roll, or have a cocktail in one of the old-timey bars, buy an overpriced hoodie because you're underdressed for the weather, stop in to Giardelli chocolates.

Yes, the Mark Hopkins Hotel in Nob Hill is a bit of a walk. Still, you should at least go to the bar/restaurant on the top floor - Top of the Mark (there is a dedicated lift). Great 360 degree views. A Sam Adams and peanuts for about $7.50.

suze, I was responding to the OP who is a foodie from NY and wants good local food and great shopping. I suspect she's not into tacky and touristy.

I agree with saige.

Stu Dudley

Fishermans Wharf is worth a see. There are many great places to eat through SF but we enjoyed the experience.

FW is enjoyable in an amusement park-y way. It has nothing to do with "real" San Francisco anymore (once upon a time, it did, but that time is long gone).

vbarone- Stu Dudley has kindly posted an amazing amount of incredible information. Please follow his lead. You'll be glad you did.

Stu- I love San Francisco and my next visit will be with your posts in hand.

On a sunny day go to Dolores Park (on Dolores and 18th, just down from the old Mission) for great people watching and views of the city from the top of the park. It's a wonderful spot to join in on the youthful, laid-back San Francisco vibe. Get a coffee and a bite to eat at Dolores Park Cafe just across the street. Maybe ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery nearby (I've never done it but there's always a line outside, so maybe it's good!) Then walk through the hopping Mission District and find a fun place for dinner--I've really enjoyed Dosa, Foreign Cinema, and taquerias like El Farolito, among the many possibilities. Hit the interesting shops along Valencia Street, like Therapy--something fun for both you and your daughter.

>>Maybe ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery nearby (I've never done it but there's always a line outside, so maybe it's good!)<<

It is!!!!!! Especially the salted caramel.

Stu Dudley

If you're in that area, have pizza at Delfina - kitty corner from Bi-Rite and down the block. The regular Delfina restaurant (they're next door to each other, but separate kitchens and staff) is quite good, too!

A second (or third) vote for Hotel Vitale and the Ferry Building.....both are wonderful. I was in San Francisco last year with my 16 year old niece and the big hits were: ice cream sunday at Ghiradelli, hanging out and watching the sea lions in the Fisherman's Wharf area, tour at Tcho chocolate factory, and the Forever 21 store in Union Square. Have a great time!

Forgive me for tacking a question on to this great post, but I'd love to know if anyone has an opinion on Fairmont Heritage Place in Ghirardell Square.

My husband and I had planned a trip to SF last summer, but when our son planned his wedding for September we decided to delay the trip til this year.

I haven't really looked into the hotel recently and only remember that it had great views, was expensive, and had suites. We like (need) a suite because I get up at the crack of dawn and my husband doesn't.

As for the hotel cost, we probably won't be in SF more than 3 nights, as we'll be headed to Monterey. Does anyone have any personal experience with this hotel, or know anything about it? We've been to SF several times, but have never stayed in this area, and I'm not sure it's the best idea.

MO, not sure when you were in San Francisco and went to Forever 21, but they recently moved into a newer bigger store, in the former multi-level Virgin Records space. You'll just have to comeback.

I would agree with making a trip to the Ferry Market Bldg on a Sat morning (if that's possible - the earlier the better) for a glorious foodie morning.

You mentioned that you are outdoorsy types & like history. i LOVE SF for those precise reasons. If i may offer a few suggestions:

- Lands End Trail. The views of the Golden Gate are amazing. Continue along the trail & you will find the my 2nd suggestion,

(everything is walking distance from one point to another)

- the Sutro Baths. Explore, then mosey on over to

- Camera Obscura (if open) & have lunch at the Cliff House (historic, but havent eaten there...yet).

- Golden Gate Park. You can spend days here. I HIGHLY suggest getting a map ahead of time - good luck locating one once ons-site. Sundays the main road inside the park - jfk dr - is closed to vehicles & you can bike (you can rent one fairly easily all around sf). Note the food stands sell hot dogs, ice cream...and uh that's it. pack snacks and change or else you'll starve like i did :/

Highlights of the park: cement slides, carosouel, dutch windmill, buffalo (!)...so much.

other rad san francisco stuff i like:

- off the grid. food truck heaven.

-twin peaks is very famous to see the views & hike, but it's often crowded & you may want to check out Mt. Davidson instead

- japantown. There's a mall here, which sits mostly restaurants it seems, but still worth trip. Bookstore, photo booth place, crepes, many toy stores - all japanese

- for shopping, if you hit up the westfield center in union square i have a good food court tip. The food court food is actually not bad, but it gets crowded quickly. There's a huge dome on top of the building; beauitful really. There's a patio with public access on the ROOF of the building - that's right, you can enjoy your lunch on the roof top of the westfield center mall. Pretty rad & not that many tourists know about it.

I use Yelp to plan my SF trips, you may want to too! it's a great resource. Happy traveling!

>>westfield center in union square<<

Slight correction - it is not in or on Union Square. It is a few blocks south down Powell, on the corner of Market & 5th.

Stu Dudley

<<<There's a huge dome on top of the building; beauitful really. There's a patio with public access on the ROOF of the building - that's right, you can enjoy your lunch on the roof top of the westfield center mall.>>>

I live here and I had no idea! The dome is beautiful -- it was part of the original Emporium Capwell department store, and when they remodeled it into a mall, they were required to keep the dome. At Christmastime it was lit with moving pictures, like snowflakes.

>>part of the original Emporium <<

Where my wife purchased her wedding dress in '71.

Stu Dudley

Thanks all! I have come back with a notebook so I can plan my itn. We are also going out to Stanford for an afternoon...Any tips on that drive? Is there a scenic route?

Are you driving down to Stanford? If so, take Hwy 280 south from SF (280 was once named the most beautiful highway in America) rather than 101 (industrial). You can exit at either Sand Hill Road (campus is about 3 miles to the east of the freeway) and turn onto campus at any of a number of different spots, or exit 280 ay Page Mill/Arastradero Rd. (Same thing).

Just put a whole bunch of info together for a friend headed to SF soon. Made me nostalgic. Maybe.....

One last question...I'm thinking of exending an additional two days to see outside the city in addition to Stanford. Suggestions? Is there a beach town within a drive, and exceptional resort worth an overnight? A national park thats known for its views? While I'm excited to be in San Fran, we live in a city and to feel like it was a real vacation I'm thinking a day or two out of the city would be nice.

The Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay is gorgeous.

Capitola is a cute beach town

You could go north to the Pt. Reyes area. Stay at the Olema Inn.

Carmel is always a slam-dunk.

Muir Woods. It is our cathedral.

http://www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/muir-woods-national-monument.html?gclid=CP6589Gdx64CFQNntgodhSq-AA

ok, one last ask....what about if it rains? I'm hearing from friends who went last year that they didn't antisipate the 40 degrees or rain. I want to make sure I prepared for that.

For clothing?

One word: layers

StuDudley - I agreee with what you say, but you're almost as picky as I am.

tomsd - suffering from streams of unconciousness?

vbarone - Check out Stu D's comments on some other posts about SF. Methinks he knows about everything.

So Stu what to do in the rain. Looks like rain everyday we'll be there.

I second the votes for Beach Blanket Babylon! and layers of clothing.....you never know what the weather will be like!

FYI, under-21s can only do BBB on Sundays.

Good point, sf, I forgot the OP was travelling with a teenager.

Didn't want them to try and then be disappointed!

Hey, everybody, thanks for all the information! I will be in San Francisco in about two weeks for a meeting, but I am planning to skip many sessions so I can go sightseeing, especially after reading the posts here!

Yo Rasta: Just for you laddy: Funny - although I knew the first star of Beach Blanket Babylon (her day job was as "my" bank teller at the B of A on Union St - where I lived during law school) - the play was just getting started way back then - and I never went to see it. Shame really. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_Blanket_Babylon

Hey - just looked up Nancy Bleiweiss. She was really a kick, and must have enjoyed my cashing huge, $20 checks.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/1999/08/01/PK105387.DTL

Deb would it be possible to have a copy of the list you did for your friend? We will be there for 3 days beginning of November.
Will be reading and digesting Stu's notes and perhaps do a walking tour or too.

And to follow up on the suggestion to go to Half Moon Bay from Stanford - did that last fall. It's close (not much more than a half hour over the hill via 92 http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Half%20Moon%20Bay&state=CA ) and has a world class resort - The Ritz http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HalfMoonBay/Default.htm There are also other less expensive places in HMB - which you can find more information about under the different California posts - one of which had asked advice about a honeymoon trip.

From HMB, if you have time - the drive from HMB down to Carmel/Monterrey is beautiful (hour and a half?) - and you should also visit the Aquarium while at Monterrey - as it's right on Cannery Row.

From Monterrey - you can be back in SF in under three hours, assuming you don't try it on a Sunday afternoon.