I will be meeting some friends on our way up to wine country and we are staying one night at the Shearaton Fishermans Wharf. ($70 on priceline!) What are some things that a 'newbie' should do in San Francisco for one day. We will have a car if that helps. Any restaurant suggestions? Thanks.

Get out of that homeless encampment of a town as fast as you can. Oh, by the way, make sure you have traveler's checks instead of cash. At least they can be replaced after they are stolen.

Ok, can I get suggestions from someone who actually likes San Francisco? Thanks!

What are you interested in? There is a multitude of things to do in and arround the city. Shopping, museums, sightseeing etc.

Since I only have one day I want to do the 'must sees' of San Francisco. Not really into serious shopping, but I'd run into a store or two if I couldn't find them anywhere else. I just want to do some things that I can only see and do to get the 'San Francisco' experience. Whatever that may be.

Ride the cable cars, drive down Lombard Street, go to Coit Tower and look over the entire skyline, walk through Chinatown if that sort of thing intriques you, go to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, drive through Presidio National Rec west of the bridge for fantastic views. If you have time, go to Golden Gate Park. The Japanese Gardens are wonderful. If you still have time go to the Cable Car Museum. Most enlightening. And just drive around the area to see the exquisite Victorian homes (painted ladies, they are called). As you cross the bridge enroute to wine country, stop at the first overlook on the right for a fantastic lookback to the city.

AND...the first poster is somewhat correct. Be prepared to be 'panhandled' for the entire time you are in the city. I have never been anyplace that compares in that way.

I would agree with all of those places and only add The Palace of the Legion of Honor and the Palace of Fine Arts. (You will recognize the last one from many movies)

Two things I like to recommend - Walk the new Crissy Field path to Fort Point, under the bridge.

Take the Historic F streetcar line from the wharf to Union Square, then catch the cable car back.

When we were there a number of years ago, we enjoyed taking a one hour boat tour of the bay, which went under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz, and gave us a great view of the skyline from the water. The boats leave from Pier 39. Go to <blueandgoldfleet.com> for schedules and more info. I just looked, and noticed that you can save about $5 per ticket by buying them on the web.

The Alcatraz tour is very worthwhile, but you need to get tickets well in advance. We found it fascinating.

I live in the area. The Mayor of SF believes the homeless should be allowed to roam the streets at will. When he goes, they go. We need Rudy! Everyone is afraid of doing anything not politically correct so nothing gets done. Politics in SF is really laughable and has been for quite a few years.

Do the Alcatraz tour. Go online and book your tickets ahead. Good way to get on the water and see the prison. Interesting area to see.

With such limited time you may want to consider a Grayline bus tour. Driving yourself in SF is tough as there is no parking and the parking garages charge a small fortune. Plus the hills! Park your car while there and use cabs and cable cars. Only way to go. I use a car only to get into and then out of the town. Park and then hail a cab.

We were there for four days last summer. We had a wonderful time, but I too grew tired of the many homeless and it seemed dirty (even worse than NY or Chicago).

But no one has mentioned restaurants! We loved the food!! Our favorite place was in what I believe was know as the "little Italy" area called The Stinking Rose (in reference to garlic). Great food; incredibly fast service. We liked it so much we went back a second night!

I liked Polly's suggestions but that would be a really full day. I'd only add that, if you're near the Mark Hopkins hotel near sunset, go to the glass walled Top of the Mark restauran/bar on the top floor of the hotel and watch the sunset and the lights come on in the city....a great way to finish a day in that beautiful city.

Since you are staying at Fishermans Wharf, I would go to Alcatraz on the first cruise over. You can see the sea lions at the Pier before you go. When you get back, (if you like seafood)have lunch at one of the restaurants at the Pier. Also, I didn't notice as many homeless at Fishermans Wharf as there are downtown. Then take the trolley to wherever else you would like to go. Or take a bus tour. They let you out at a few places for a little while to look around. Also, I didn't like Chinatown. I think it is filthy & I wasn't sure where to eat, which one's were reputable & which weren't. Have a great time!

" The Mayor of SF believes the homeless should be allowed to roam the streets at will. "

Um, aren't all people allowed to roam the streets at will????