Hello,
I will be visiting wine country in Napa in a couple of weeks and will have one day in San Francisco. I visited Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, etc. many years ago. I will probably go back to Fisherman's Wharf for a little while, but do not see myself taking the Alcatraz tour again, as great as it was. I wondered if there were any other interesting sightseeing types of things to do to fill one day. (And I have to say in advance that I'm not a huge fan of museums!)

Thanks!!

The new Ferry Terminal might be fun to walk around -- all the shops and restaurants.

A hot-air balloon ride, followed by a champagne brunch = 1/2 day.

You could walk around the famous steps - Filbert, Greenwich. Go to the top of Coit Tower, visit North Beach for great Italian food, Chinatown, Haight/Ashbury district, Golden Gate Park...

Lots to do!

Karen

Have you ridden the cable cars?

I second the idea of the Ferry Building. It is wonderful and if you happen to be there on a Saturday, their farmers market is fabulous. If doing Chinatown, there is a good walking tour you can book. Also know of a Victorian House tour that meets at the St. Francis every day - that might be interesting.

We live in the Bay Area and play tourist in our own backyard often. We have a book on walking the neighborhoods which is very fun to do and one of them is the stairway walks on Filbert and coit tower. Great walks if you like to get some exercise.
If you have a car, definately visit Marin Headlands and Sausalito on your way into the City and drive to Twin peaks or Coit Tower. I love this city!

Another vote for the Ferry Building. I would consider skipping Fisherman's Wharf since you only have one day and have been before...you won't be missing anything, IMO. The Filbert/Greenwich/Coit tour sounds like a great idea. After, you can grab food and a drink in either North Beach or Chinatown.

Fishermans' Wharf is a once in a lifetime experience (said sarcastically). Honestly, there are better places to pick up on the S.F. atmosphere!

Farmers' Market at the Ferry Building also occurs on Tuesdays. Even if you don't buy produce, it's a good place to have coffee and pastry. There are benches to sit on at the edge of the water. Like oysters? Try them at the Hog Island Oyster Co. restaurant inside the Ferry Building.

I also like kaudrey's suggestion of the Filbert Street stairs. You will be in an ultra-picturesque "San Fran" 'hood. Why not do this close to dinner time and then have a meal in North Beach, close by?

If the weather is good you can spend a day in the Golden Gate park.

Or Yerba Buena - a 3D movie, bowling, ice skating.

Coit Tower, down the steps, walk to Embarcadero.

Or join the pickets if your hotel is surrounded

What about North Beach and China-town?

Muir Woods and "Beach Blanket Babylon".
The Breakfast Lemon Souffle pancakes with fresh Raspberries and Raspberry sauce @ the Hot. Stanford Court.
M

How about Sausalito?

Take one of the walking tours and learn about San Francisco's history.

http://www.walkingtourssf.com/

Golden Gate Jeep Tours. Check out their website for a tour you might like.

Depending on your shopping style, the Ferry Building probably won't take you all day. (on a weekday anyways)

If you enjoy bookstores you could go to City Lights. It's not on the scale of Barnes and Noble, but it's crammed with interesting books.