My husband and I are spending a weekend in San Francisco. We're staying down town. What are the little known must-sees and dos that we shouldn't miss? Restaurants, shopping, art, walks, etc. would be appreciated.

A weekend is very short for the "city". Howevere, I would recommend a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Its the most beautiful view in the world. or a ferry trip to Marin County and back--a great way to see the bay. Or the alcatraz tour is also great. Dinner in north beach and a walk around the neighborhoods if you like Italian; or a walk along the waterfront from the Ferry Building all the way to Fisherman's Warf with a cable car back to Union Square; or Golden Gate Park; or Fort Mason if any kind of festival is going on---- I could go on an on.
Have Fun!!!!!

There is a Chinatown guided walk that is done by Shirley? Fong. It includes several stops to sample food and ends with a dim sum lunch. Our Modern Art Museum is fairly new and better known for the architecture than the art but perhaps worth a visit. If you take the ferry over to Tiburon you'll have great views back to the city and can have lunch at Guyamas, a terrific Mexican restaurant. Shopping on Union Street is a fun, rather funky, experience and the Saturday Farmers Market at the Ferry Building is one of my favorites. As stated above, too bad you've only got a weekend.

I live in the area and the Alcatraz tour continues to be very popular with visitors. You get a trip on the bay plus an interesting tour. One cavet: Book in advance. This tour usually sells out a few days in advance. Just call ahead a few days prior and you should be okay. Do not plan on walking up that day without prior reservations.

Take the real ferry from the Ferry Building over to Sausilito, not the tourist ferry. Nice ride on the bay and Sausilito a nice town. When there go the the Spinnaker restaurant for a drink and good view looking back at SF.

The Buena Vista is famous for Irish coffee. If you don't go there someone you know will ask you "Why?" when you return home.

Top of the Mark Hopkins hotel on Nob Hill was famous for departing WWII soldiers. Still fantastic views of the City. Food only so-so, but the view is hard to beat on a clear evening.

Also live near SF and second the suggestion for the Buena Vista for an Irish Coffee! Another recommendation is the Palace Hotel for tea in the beautiful lobby (or a drink). Walk along Fillmore or Union streets. Go find the old City Lights bookstore in North Beach and learn about the old Beats. Have fun.

Ditto to walking the Golden Gate Bridge, ferry to Tiburon, Buena Vista, Union Street for shopping and the Ferry Bldg. farmer's market. Don't miss Yank Sing on Battery St. for dum sum. Show up when it opens (10:30 or 11 am) or make reservations. Outstanding.

Hi,

I think a lovely way to see the high points of the city is to follow the "49 mile scenic drive". You just follow the seagull signs - the wings point out the way to go! It is so easy, and it hits the biggies. BEAUTIFUL, STUNNING views. (you can also find this on a map but I think it is easier to follow the signs)

try to do it later in the day - there is a view from the top of one hill which is GORGEOUS (I forget the name of the hill, it has been 11 years but the view is still in my mind!)

if you do it at the right time, you see the whole city spread out before you, at dusk-ish, when the lights are just starting to come on (not dark, but not quite sunset either, or maybe just at sunset....


wow!