We just returned from a four-day trip to San Francisco. Just a few points:

- four days weren't long enough! (Need at least a week!)

- Stayed at the Holiday Inn Golden Gateway on Van Ness. Hotel was fine, but a bit pricey, $159-$169 plus $22.00 hotel tax per night. It was on the California Cable Car line, though, which offered great access to downtown. Fisherman's Wharf was within a 15 min. walk. Lots of restaurants on nearby Polk St. Buses were cheap--$1.00.

- People are generally warm and friendly.

- Only felt unsafe a couple of times--both times in the Tenderloin district.

- Loved Fisherman's Wharf, but wouldn't necessarily stay there. Too busy.

- Food and beer was good at the Steelhead Brewing Co. and Bubba Gumps, both at Fisherman's Wharf.

I know, I sound like a tourist, but that's what I was!

Glad you enjoyed SF! Hope you come back soon. As for 4 days not being enough....I realized that 27 years ago and moved here. Never once have I regretted it.

Julie, where would you stay that is a little closer to the action but not right on top of it. Is August a good time of year to visit? I will be there next year the end of the month. What is the weather like? Keep in mind I live in Florida so I imagine it is much cooler to me.

Rick:

I live in the San Francisco Bay area. Our daughter moved here from Boca Raton, FL, a couple of years ago. She was cold all the time except when we had a couple of heat waves. Now she is acclimated and thinks the weather is great.

Normally August will be pretty cool in the city, but much warmer in other areas. Expects high 60's to low 70's in the city. At the same time it may very well be in the 90's less than 30 miles away. It will not be humid.

October is the best month of the year for weather.

Now, if you were visiting us right now, you would think that you had made a detour to Hell. We are experiencing temperatures of 100+ at this time. Fortunately these hot spells don't last more than a few days.

SFSally is absolutely correct! For instance, it's in the 90s in Palo Alto today and close to 100 in the East Bay, but relief should come tomorrow and it'll be downright cool over the weekend. But, no humidity!

I will go to SF and LA in late-Oct & early Nov. Any 'must' see in SF (and/or LA) for first-time tourist? Or any suggestions on budget hotels (<$100/night, if possible)? Thanks a lot.

Ricky --

Go to Alcatraz! Great fun. Walk around North Beach and Chinatown. See some of Golden Gate Park. Watch the sunset at the Beach Chalet. Take a drive up to the Wine Country. Drive over to Muir Woods. You'll have a great time!

Deke, thanks a lot. any suggestions on hotels in SF?

Ricky...We like Columbus Motor Inn on Columbus Ave. You can also try www.sftravel.com for more suggestions.

Ricky,
Have a drink at sunset at the Cliff House. If you go to Alcatraz you may want to purchase tickets ahead of time. It's tough to walk up and buy on the spot sometimes.
Research some of the restaurants we have here and try some. Go to www.citysearch7 and look around. If you can, get a copy of the Sunday Examiner before you go; they have the "pink" section which lists all the show, concerts, etc going on.