My husband and I are spending a long weekend in NAPA in January. We will leave NAPA on a Monday morning (MLK day) and drive to San Francisco, spend the night there and come back home early Tuesday morning. We've never been to San Francisco before and would love tips on what to do and where to stay for the day/night that we are there. Thanks so much!

Do a forum search for recommendations by StuDudley. He has a whole list of San Fran attractions and ways to do them.

Ride the cable car. It's amazing how it goes up and down the hills without letting loose!

*cars - I should clarify because there's more than one.

If you have never been there, consider a half day grayline tour that hits several spots, ride the cable cars, and double back for a dinner that you will remember...

When we have only a day in San Francisco, we like to walk up Fillmore Street for the great views from Pacific Heights then down toward Aquatic Park and Fisherman's Wharf. (If this were my first time in SF, I would take the tour to Alcatraz). We continue our walk through North Beach and Chinatown to Union Square.

HTTY

We went to San Francisco four years ago and our favourite trip was to Alcatraz. The headphones make the place come alive. We also walked over the Bridge and back. Also China Town is huge. A ride on a trolley bus up the steep hills.

My vote is an evening Alcatraz tour. The views on the boat are breathtaking and its an interesting tour. The day can be spent exploring the beautiful city!

If I had only 1/2 day in San Francisco during a winter month with short daylight hours, I sure would not recommend spending that time visiting Alctaraz (it's not even San Francisco). I would recommend a drive through the City instead - which should be easy on a holiday with lighter than normal traffic.

Here is my post of things to do in San Francisco. I think I have a scenic automobile drive in there somewhere.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35129049

Stu Dudley

Sorry, Stu, lol! I couldn't help it. I loved San Francisco so much and I did also think Alcatraz was worth it, but I do defer to you because you gave me great advice for my visit this past February! Happy Holidays!

I live and work here, too. I also though the Alcatraz tour was excellent. But I agree with Stu - NOT if I had only a day -- I'd want a car to take a drive -- the Embarcadero, North Beach, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Land's End, 49-mile Drive (you don't have to do the whole 49 miles), Pacific Heights, etc.