First time to San Francisco
 

My husband and I are traveling to San Francisco for the first time, and have a few questions. This will be in May. I am looking at hotels in the North Beach / Embarcerado area. I would like to be close to the Ferry Market and/or Italian neighborhood. We are trying to keep the price at around $100/night. We would appreciate any suggestions.

He will be at a convention for 2 days, so we are arrive 3 days prior. We will need to book a hotel for Sun/Mon and the company will be putting us up in a hotel the other 3 nights (near Union Square) Love wine, so would like to take a wine tour to either Napa or Sonoma -- looking for suggestions, please.

What is the number one absolute Must-Do activity for us? We love to hang out with locals at little non-touristy pubs, eat great food, and take outdoor photography. We walk everywhere, so we probably won't be renting a car.

Thank you for your help!!!

For that price, in North Beach www.columbusmotorinn.com/ could be your best bet.

Another spot, but closer to Union Sq [within walking distance to North Beach and Little Italy]. is TheMosser.com They have rooms with private baths or some with hall baths. The rooms are small but clean. We stayed there for a week and would do it again.

We were just in San Francisco for a week, I am writing up a trip report and there are lots of pictures.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-francisco.cfm

Here are some of my ideas

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

Stu Dudley

>>>We walk everywhere, so we probably won't be renting a car.<<<

I am afraid, San Francisco is not that walkable. First, it is large, and the attractions are spread over a wide area. Second, it is hilly and steep.

Especially, if you are photographers, you have to move around, e.g. to the north side of the Golden Gate, to Golden Gate Park (with the museums), to Twin Peaks (another great view). Theoretically, you could use public transport, but I personally found a car (just for one day) much faster and more convenient.

If you rent a car for just one day, you won't have trouble with overnight parking and you can spend the other two days with walking in the downtown area.

We just returned from a week in SF; our 3rd trip in 3 years.

We do walk everywhere, with the assistance of MUNI and BART. The public transportation system in SF is great. The only time we rent a car is for a day at time IF we are leaving the city proper.

The OP says they will be in SF for 5 or 6 days; buy a 7 day Passport for $26 and all the buses, light rail, trolley and cable cars are included.

There is a great website to use to get from place to place in city, that was invaluable:

http://tripplanner.transit.511.org/m...age=secondStep

Also, buy a transit map - I think they are $3 and show all the bus and light rail routes.

I agree with Deb. I walk everywhere.

When I was there a couple of years ago we did not rent a car, we walked and took public transportation. Granted, if you're not used to the hills they can be challenging (I was definitely challenged!) but it's not difficult to get around. Plus I found that it was just a really neat walking city. It was great to just walk around in a nice area and check out little shops, watch people doing Tai Chi in the park, grab a bite in a little cafe (I loved Caffe Sapore at Lombard & Taylor), and explore.

For such a low price only Priceline will work in these areas.

Thank you so much everyone, for your helpful advice! I think that we will be okay walking and using public transportation, because I do not have any illusions of seeing the entire city on this trip. I'm going to look into your hotel suggestions tonight, but am pretty sure we will be spending closer to $150/night. I'll probably stay in the Tenderloin district. Just kidding :)

I will check out all your links now. Thanks again!!

Another vote for not renting a car in SF - we live in San Jose, so we go to SF for day trips or overnights. We always have a better time when we don't bring the car.

Okay, how about Wine Tours???