SF is a great place to visit, but I think some locals take themselves way too seriously. It's not really world class like NYC or Paris or even Chicago,the local newspaper is a joke, and the museums aren't anything special.

However, it's picturesque, there are interesting sights, good restaurants, and the weather is usually pretty good.

To xxx:

My point was that the original poster wasn't looking for what you are offering. Read the last line again.

Seamus, Both Dallas and San Francisco have their assets and shortcomings, and yes, the things I find in Dallas, I like better. Both the Bay Area and Dallas/Ft Worth are growing, so they both please their respective audiences.

Since this is not the "hate SF" thread, I won't go into any vitriol, or anything hostile ... don't worry. And you don't have to "disinvite" me, either.

I probably won't be returning for any visits either... I don't want the good memories I do have of SF in the 60s and 70s to be overwhelmed by SFs current problems.

So be cool, okay? To each his own.

I'm well aware of some of SF's shortcomings through the "Hate" thread and some of the posts on this one; however, I started this thread for the positive aspects of the city to be highlighted, not the negative. I've lived in 4 different cities, I'm used to dealing with beggars. We're only there for 4 nights, to the negative aspects of the liberals in office aren't going to impact on us that much. For those that want to tell me how unclean the place is, and how many panhandlers there are, thank you, I know. I'll live with it. Now go gripe on another thread please. So let's concentrate on the positives that SF has to offer the first-time visitor!

Chris, I agree with the other (helpful) respondants that you'll probably have a great time in SF. Clearly, you're used to big cities and seeing some big-city reality probably won't disturb you.

You've had some wonderful advice here. I would point out that SF is a great city for walking - the best way to see the city, of course - and as others have said, the public transportation is easy to use. I want to offer two web sites you might find helpful in your planning.

www.transitinfo.org has comprehensive info and links for all local public transit, including ferries. maps, schedules, fares, you name it. Great orientation to how to get atound.

www.walking-tours.com/cityguides/ has the schedules and all the details for the free walking tours referred to in an earlier post. A great way to spend a few hour if you are interested in a certain neighborhood or aspect of SF life, culture or history.

And not to dwell on the naysayers, but 'xyz' lost any and all credibility the moment he or she asserted that there are no homeless street people in New York City. I live in NYC and can tell you that's patently ridiculous. They might not be in Times Square or on Museum Mile, but they are here living on the street and panhandling, and NYC has a huge problem with homelessness. Not that that makes me enjoy the city any less, just as with SF (which I lived very near and visited regularly for much of my life).

Chris, I like your style. You and your wife-to-be are going to love SF. Cheers!

Chris,
I'm sorry that you read a poor review on San Francisco, but whatever you read is not true! I have been to San Francisco dozens of times and have always had a wonderful experience. It is one of the most beautiful cities on the planet and the people are extremely cordial, kind, and helpful. There is much to see and do and there is very little riff-raff on the street bothering you and begging for money. While in San Francisco be sure to choose a nice hotel, especially for your honeymoon. I recommend The Ritz-Carlton, which has the best service in town and history to match. A newcomer to the scene is The Four Seasons, which is also very nice. My other choice is the Mandarin Oriental. Any of these hotels will, certainly, make a memorable vacation.

Chris, pooh-pooh to the negative posts. You're right, every big city has its shortcomings. But I think you got enough positive posters on this board to assure you San Francisco is a great place to visit.

San Francisco is the home to some of the most sick degenerates of society. This city is made up of pompous self-serving, manipulative little trolls, normal people are treated with disrespect and despised, unless you are a freak or are gay, you are treated as an out cast. San Francisco was the only city in the country that has next to no sympathy for the 9/11 victims and basically sided with the terrorists, and they still delight in bashing the U.S. when ever possible,and with a total lack of sensitivity for those who lost family in on Sept 11, shows just what kind of mentality this city has.

Just two weekends ago I had to most amazing "first time" experience - I finally got to see whales off the coast! We were up at Point Reyes having a picnic on Drakes Beach and there they were - playing in the bay. I am not sure how many there were, but it was pretty amazing. The day gave me another reason I love living here. I have never seen a whale in the wild... much less an entire pod!

San Francisco is simply the most beautiful city in the USA, with only one fault.

There's obviously some liberal hating nut out there who needs to bash the Bay area. You have to be blind not to see the beauty in the Bay area.

I left my intestines in Indianapolis...

Caitlin,

I think YOU have lost all credibiltiy in saying NYC has a large homeless population. I was in The City about a month ago and I could count on one hand the number of panhandlers I saw in Manhattan. I went from Harlem down to Battery Park, so I did not limit myself to Times Square or the Upper East Side. Thanks to Mayor Giuliani The City is by far cleaner and more inviting than San Francisco will ever be. May you should get back to The City and see wahat you are missing.

I live in SF and can tell you that I have heard city officials say the homeless population in SF is estimated to be the same as NYC, although NYC has 10x the population. I can also tell you that I walk the streets daily and the "aggressive" label is being tossed about way too much -- I rarely encounter it. Having to deal with a psychotic or schizophrenic happens more frequently.

local,

Maybe you have grown accustomed to the problem and are just ignoring it.

I sometimes wander about that to myself, but can honestly discount it. I am one who doesn't tolerate someone getting in my face very well and tend to yell at them -- this maybe happens 2 or 3 times a year.

local,

You still cannot deny the enormous homeless problem that San Francisco has. Maybe you can ignore it, but I have live in SF for about 10 yrs. and still find it unnerving. I could only imagine how intimidated those from out of town are.

xyz, You appear to be someone suffering from a self-imposed comprehension problem. I have stated as clearly as possible that I'm not denying, ignoring or down-playing the homeless situation in San Francisco. Scores of people visit SF each and every day on business and pleasure. The vast majority, in my experience, fall in love with the city and wish to return. Those who can't stand the place are usually what I would describe as xenophobes. This is one of the most beautiful places on earth -- that's just the way it is. Take it or leave it, but each person must make up their own mind.

I'm sure people going to S.F.for the first time realize that there are homeless etc..etc...blah blah blah.I've never been there myself and am excited on seeing the bridge maybe the crooked street or streets.Only gonna be there a day because it's too expensive to stay there, that's my only gripe.From there to BIG SUR.We're from New Mexico,Ariz border, near the Grand Canyon.We are driving to Vegas,then Tahoe,S.F.,Down to Big Sur,then near hollywood,Vegas again and home.San Francisco is an Interesting place and can't wait to see it .Next time It'll be a longer stay,I hope.I'm sure San Francisco is just what it is ,and that's what makes it .