Will only have 1 day in the Fisherman's Wharf area-any ideas of the best things to see? Thanks!

Hard choices! We cross out bay cruises because of the time involved, although you might find it worth the time.

If you're walkers, start anywhere then just pick and choose. Pier 39 (tourist shops but seeing the seals is a must). National Maritime Museum. Aquatic Park. Cable car turnaround. Fort Mason (three museums). California Palace of Fine Arts (plus Exploratorium for kids). For shopping, Ghiradelli Square (it has a self-tour). The Cannery. Hyde St. Pier (ships dating from the 19th century).

Check http://www.sfvisitor.org
Also http://www.fishermanswharf.org

Be careful of cable cars. It's a great ride but last month we ran into 1-2 hour waiting lines. However, there are buses from downtown to the "wharf." Just stop a bus and ask the driver -- he'll probably be very helpful.

Have a good time.

Having been in this situation. I recommend going to the Warf, have lunch at Scomas (sp?)and go to Alcatraz. Be sure to get your ticket(s) in advance as Alcatraz sells out a lot. You can find the number to call and order on the web. Enjoy!

If you really want to take a cable car, try the California Street line. It won't take you to the wharf, but you'll still get the experience of the ride w/ shorter lines.

Too bad only one day, but given that I would go walk in Chinatown, down to North Beach, a cable car ride to Union Square in the middle of the day, walk over to Ghirardelli and the Cannery and along the water there to see the street merchants, maybe a ferry ride to Sausalito just to see the view back to the city. (Alcatraz takes at least 2 hours, but is well worth it--book ahead) I personally would skip Pier 39--only good if you have kids in tow. Then plan to have a wonderful dinner at some well known SF restarant.