I will be in San Francisco this summer for a conference. I will be busy during the days, but free in the evenings and for one additional day.

How close is the Marriott on Market St. to the cable lines? Is this a safe area in the evenings (since I want to go out and sightsee). What should I NOT miss in San Francisco, and what would be the best was to "pack-in" as much as I can??

Does anyone have recommendations on restaurants for recovering alcoholics (in other words, good food, atmosphere, etc., but not a bar atmosphere). Any help would be appreciated!

First of all, if you know SF at all, you will know that we are a very tolerant city. The fact that you choose not to drink alcohol will not call any attentiion to you at all. If you are at all hesitant, go to an Asian restaurant--either Japanese or Chinese where tea is the drink of choice! Market is a dividing line between the South of Market (SOMA) area and Union Square. Generally the Soma area has the bars and nightlife and restaurants you might not prefer as much. Head toward Union Square or down Market to the Embarcadero. You will pass the Financial District to your left. When you get to the Embarcadero a left turn on it will take you to North Beach, Telegraph Hill and the Wharf--further on is Ghiaradelli Square. A lot of tourists say the one most important thing they did was to take the Ferry trip to Alcatraz, although I really don't see it. It's all in what interests you. But, don't worry about the drinking---we are not a city of bars as many are in the East. Enjoy!

One of the best views of the city can be found right at your hotel...the Bar atop the Marriot has absolutely KILLER views (it's at the very top...about 45-floors high...the nighttime view is AWESOME).

And at the bar at the top of the Marriott, order a double expresso or latte or Calistoga water and a twist and enjoy......just leave a tip appropriate to having had a glass of wine---not difficult to do--think the double expresso and a Chardonnay are probably pretty close in price------don't worry , you're in SF!!

Sorry, meant to also answer another question of yours. At the foot of Market Street toward the Embarcadero is the beginning of the California Street cable car (the lesser of the two in terms of crowding.) From here you can take the cable car to Powell Street on Nob Hill and then transfer to the Powell/Hyde line or Powell/Mason line, both of which will get you back down to the bay. Please, though, I always warn tourists in the summer---beware of pickpockets and purse-snatchers on the outside steps of the cable cars. They can cut a purse and run and you will never miss it. We ARE a tourist city, no matter how lovely, and because SF is so enchanting, people from elsewhere give up their guard and have bad experiences. Be city wise, but certainly not afraid. In the tourist part of SF, there is no serious crime---otherwise, we couldn't exist!! Your hotel is in a perfectly safe neighborhood--if you have questions about walking, ask the concierge!

Thanks for all of helpful information. What about parking in/around the Marriott on Market St.? Another option would be to rent from National. I have heard they have a pick-up site at the airport and drop-off site downtown for no extra charge.

Can anyone recommend the best bay cruise line?

DON'T RENT A CAR!!!!! You'll never use it in such a short time in SF. Either take a Super Shuttle or taxi into the city---you'll save on parking garage fees and rental fees. SF is a city that you don't need a car in!! In fact, those of us who live very near by choose our restaurants in the city as to whether they have valet parking! Parking is impossible and VERY strictly enforced---they WILL tow your car!! Ferry lines depend on where you want to go. The best first time tourist ferry is the one that goes around Alcatraz but doesn't stop at the island---I think it goes from Pier 43, but check with your concierge when you get to the hotel. THey'll have all that info for you. Have a wonderful time in SF.

We just returned from San Fransisco. Maybe we are not living in reality here in the state of WA, but I was surprised to see how dirty, littered the Union Square area was. Also, there was a beggar every 10 feet. It truly is an interesting mix of people and attitudes. We were very alert when moving about the city. We did enjoy the Wharf area and Alcatraz. The audio tape tour is a must. My sons and I found it to be the highlight. You will spend lots of time waiting for the famous cable cars. They will not pick you up on the weekends. You must walk to the line end and wait for 30-45 minutes. We enjoyed seeing San Fransisco once, but would not recommend it as a top travel destination with the many beautiful cities in the US.

Sorry you didn't enjoy our wonderful SF! But, it is the attitude of tolerance that allows both the good and the bad things to coexist. If you know anything of the history of the city, you know that it started as the Barbary Coast with pirates and brothels From there we went to flower children and gay and lesbian rights! But, that is San Francisco and it will never be any other way! It's kind of like asking DC not to be so political! A lot of people are surprised with SF, but then on the other side a lot of people love it for its diversity. And, the beggars are hardly dangerous--most of them are a bit crazy but not violent. One other word of advice-----and this is not to be nasty, but don't even consider going to NYC!

It is the diversity of cultures and people that makes the bay area so great. I don't know where the person from WA was visiting but San Francisco is a pretty clean city. Like any large city it has a few areas that could be a little better but by and large San Francisco is a clean and safe city. It is very true that the city can get pretty crowded on summer weekends.

I live in Silicon Valley ( Los Gatos ) and have lived in many parts of the world including the state of Washington. I think that the bay area is one of the greatest areas to visit and live. Nowhere in the world will you find such a diversity of people and cultures. We were at the 4th of July celebration in downtown San Jose on Saturday. There were people of all races, nationalities, dress, etc. talking together, laughing together, dancing together and generally having a great time. They were all celebrating our great countries birthday. There were mixed groups, couples, etc. of all ages. This area is truly the melting pot of the world. The SF Bay area exemplifies what tolerance and a true color blind society is. The rest of the world could learn a lot from here.

I far prefer the bay area's tolerance to the stuffy holier than thou attitude that is very prominent in Seattle. BTW, Seattle has a much higher crime rate than either San Francisco or metro San Jose. I lived and worked in Spokane, WA and thoroughly enjoyed it in the summer.

In any event don't pay any attention to the negative comments. Everybody has their own opinions. Enjoy San Francisco and the surrounding area. Take a trip across the bridge to Marin county. It is one of the most beautiful areas in the world.