I've lived in Noe Valley for about 38 years now and I'm about 6 minutes from 18th and Castro by car (BIG BIG hills inbetween). To be perfectly honest with you, there really isn't that much to keep entertained, although there are a lot of nice shops and Cliff's Five and Dime is a must see. The main area is only a few blocks long with stores and some restaurants, and is usually very crowded. Stop and look, spend some time there and then continue via bus up hill to 24th and Castro, or walk if those big hills don't seem too steep for you. 24th Street, Castro to Church, is is a really nice area (my neighborhood) four or five blocks long, with nice little shops, (clothing, silver jewelry, gifts, novelities, cards, stationary etc..), wonderful little restaurants, coffee houses and it has a very neighborhoody feeling.

Savor on 24th St. across from Bell Supermarket, two blocks down from Castro on the south side of the street is a really nice and reasonably priced place for lunch. They have a rear outdoor patio and they serve fabulous sandwiches, salads and great French toast, and crepes. Lunch for two would run under $25. My little dog enjoys laying under the table while we eat! So far he's the only dog I've seen there, so don't worry about eating in a pet shop :-)) Good bus transportation to the and from the area. Not far from Twin Peaks.

Enjoy your stay.

Nina

My only comment is, if you are into music then you haven't given yourselves enough time in Amoeba Records.

On our last visit my fiance managed to spend 3hrs in Amoeba and only left when he physically couldn't carry any more stuff.

We unearthed some real gems especially in the $1 singles.

the 37 corbett bus goes past 17th and clayton and will take you up the neighborhood of twin peaks. you'll still have to hike a little, but it's worth it. another great view of the city can be seen from the randall museum. i'd suggest going to the ferry building on tuesday (between 10am and 2pm). during the week, that's the day many of the area farmers and vendors "put up shop" on the front patio. you'll get to see a much wider variety of goods than on thursday. have a great trip!

Where exactly are you staying on Bush Street? My favorite place for coffee or brunch is Cafe de la Presse on the corner of Bush and Grant. And for dinner you must try the restaurants along Belden Place just a few blocks away: look for a tiny alley off of Bush Street full of great restaurants. Weather permitting (sometimes October can be okay in SF) you could even eat al fresco and enjoy the scene.

Oh, and if you like to walk then don't just follow the Embarcadero from Pier 39 (Fisherman's Wharf) to the Ferry Building. That's a very boring 1.5 mile walk, but for about the same distance you could cut through North Beach and maybe even the corner of Chinatown and see more of the city.

For that first breakfast near Union Square, I would highly recommend Dotties True Blue Cafe, its terrific.

Bob, Bikom - thanks for your suggestions for restaurants and cafes - we'll have a look at their websites. Our hotel is called Mayflower and is near Bush / Jones.

Joxxx - noted re: Amoeba records but not giving us much time there is quite intentional; otherwise my boyfriend would otherwise happily spend the whole day there :) Let's hope he doesn't read this !

Belden Place restaurants include:
Plouf (mussels and other seafood)
B44 (Spanish tapas)
Cafe Tiramisu (Italian)
Belden Taverna (Med fusion)
Cafe Bastille (French bistro food)

The alley also hosts a vodka bar called Voda.