I thought I posted this, but don't see it on the board. Maybe I posted to the wrong board. Any, I'm curious about the SFC 49-mile sightseeing drive I see mentioned by some and also advertised on some of the web sites.Was wondering if the drive would be worthwhile, since we'll have our car while on vacation in SFC for nearly a week? And, how about the cassette/CD you can buy online that describe the sites along the drive - Do you think they'd be good to use?

lbaboyd,

If you click on your name, your previous posts will list to the left. Maybe you'll get some answers after the holiday weekend. We didn't do this while in SF, so have no opinion.

I do this drive every chance I get when I am taking someone to SF. ILOVE it. I suppose you could check with Borders or Amazon to find out about a tape. I think that would enhance the drive. We had a book that kind of enhanced things, but I think an audio cassette would be great. You really do hit all the highlights when you take the drive. I'm WAY in favor of it. Be sure you have an automatic, some of the hills are steep. Don't hesitate to stop and explore. It will take you all day if you do. If you don't stop and just do the whole loop, I suspect you can do it in about 3 hours. There are signs along the way (seagulls) I believe that mark the way but it can be easy to get off the track of it, especially near the Golden Gate Bridge. Have a map with the route well marked on it as well. I also have a map that shows the shapes of the buildings in SF which really helps when you are trying to recognize what's what.
Do you need any other ideas while you are in SF? I love it there. We live in Monterey and travel there often so we are sorta psuedo visitors. Not jaded like those that live there.
Tell us about your itinerary.
BTW, do the drive within the first few days of arrival. It will give you an idea of what you want to go back to as well. Like a city bus tour.

Did I say jaded??? I'm so sorry. Didn't mean it. I just meant it is still a mysterious city to me because I only visit. I think it feels different to people who actually live there.

Bringing this to the top so lbaboyd can find it...

Thanks everyone, especially "petal" for giving more details. We'll be in SFC Oct 3-10, staying at Donatello (we traded for it with RCI from our time share). My wife and I will be driving from Austin, TX and enroute will be visiting sites in Arizonia (Monument Valley, Sedona, others) and also two nights in Yosemite Valley before SFC. It will be something new for us heading out that far west. We've picked a lot a good ideas up on this board, but the 49-mile drive seemed to be mentioned but not addressed too much - so was wondering if it was a good thing to consider since we will have our own car. The cassette/CD idea sounded pretty good (like the recordings some of the zoos use to guide you through their park). Anyway, we're really looking forward to seeing that part of the country - thanks again, appreciate all your views and suggestions.

I'm sure you have got more ideas that you know what to do with but here are a few more. Your location, BTW, is TERRIFIC. Sounds like you have a great room. (I read the reviews on tripadvisor.com) Theatre's are all close to you and I hope you plan to see something. The selection isn't as great as NY or London, but there is always something worthwhile.
I'm giving you an invaluable web site to find out what's happening in SF
http://www.sfgate.com/

And for something really fun in a little theatre that doesn't have a bad seat (IMO) check this out. www.beachblanketbabylon.com IF you like comedy and satire. This plays to a full house every night for years and years. Its a MUST do. This isn't as close to where you are staying but it's inexpensive to take a taxi and cheaper than taking your car out and parking. It might not be too far from your hotel, I'm not exactly sure.
Union Square has just been renovated. It has a TKTS booth for half price tickets for other plays. (Beach Blanket Babylon is never half price as far as I know.. unless during the week maybe. To buy tickets at the TKTS booth, you need to have cash. The web site is http://www.theatrebayarea.org/tix/tix.shtml The cashiers are extremely helpful and will help you pick a play and tell you how to get to it.
Sears on Union square is a small restaurant known for it's "dollar pancakes". That is the size of them, not the cost. Also needs cash. For some odd reason they won't take Credit cards. But, it has a line out the door that moves very quickly on weekends for breakfast. Lucky you will be there during the week and should be able to walk right in.
Right across the street from your hotel is Ruby Skye which I believe is a nightclub with jazz. I've never been but I've heard good things.
The weather is often PERFECT in October. You are going to take the ferry to Alcatraz, right? It's another must. Skip pier 39. Ordinary shops.

And thanks again for sharing your many good suggestions, Petal. We may do the BBB show (they have a simular show here called Ester's Follies)and possibly the opera, if they offer decent seats (non-season-ticket holders can't buy until August). For sure, the Alcatraz ferry & tour and the city sites. A day to Muir Woods, Pt. Reyes and that direction. A day down PCH/1 to at least Santa Cruz (wish Big Sur was reachable there and back in a day). I also have an only aunt still living up in Novato who we plan to visit with one day while we're out there. Many things to do and choose from, and still we want to relax along the way. A real balancing dilemma, but one we're looking forward to taking a stab at and enjoying. We know we will! Thanks again for all the good info.