family_travelers,

Since you are from Omaha, NE, I think San Francisco will be perfect for you. There may be a little rain, but the temps will most likely be mild (mid to upper 50's in the day, 40's or even low 50's at night). You could get lucky and get some sunny and 60 degree weather as well.

Enjoy the "City by the Bay".

Thanks, roundthebend

Stu Dudley

Man, all this talk of San Francisco has me yearning for a trip.

Maybe I'll have to plan one for next September or October!

I was there in October for the GTG and the weather was spectacular. I think that is also the time of "crush"? so it may be nice for a wine country visit as well, bkluvsnola.

I think San Diego is a fine idea!

I adore SF but not in February.

Florida would be my other thought.

You didn't say if the teens were boys/girls or both. SF is great--they will enjoy Alcatraz, the new Science museum, Metreon--perhaps a play? Then, there's Berkeley--always fun (ride BART over so they can say they went UNDER SF Bay). Ride bikes across the GG Bridge (weather permitting). Lots to do and enjoy. Check out sfgate.com for any festivals.

don't let the weather in s.f. scare you.

although feb is supposed to be a rainy month there have been times when we have had weeks of just gorgeous weather.
there is at least one week each feb when we experience indian summer.
as stu posted, nov/dec is supposed to be rainy weather. but right now the sun is out with temps in the 60s.
i'm sitting out on my patio enjoying the sun and birds as i keep up with fodors.

It is lovely here in the Sacramento Valley too abranz! I know we need rain but I am sure enjoying the blue sky and sunshine.

My husband's birthday was in February family_travelers and if we weren't in Mexico for his birthday we often went to SF to celebrate. But living just N/W of SF we could decide spur of the moment depending on the weather. We often had beautiful weather in SF. It is different when you need to plan for a vacation of course.

Having said that I have often been in SF when it is raining and have still always have had fun but of course walking far distances is not great when there is a rainstorm. That is when taxis come in handy. Best wishes to you regarding your decision!

LoveItaly,

In winter, SF is actually warmer than the Sacramento Valley (you already know that I'm sure). You get that Tule Fog.

Once, in January, I went from short sleeved weather (upper 60's/low 70's) and sun in San Jose to mid 40's and Tule Fog in Sacramento. Talk about a shock to the system!

Hi bkluvs, as I am in the very southern portion of the Sacramento Valley we don't get the tule fog as bad thankfully. It has been foggy in the morning but by about 9:00am it is gone. But yes it has been cold here although I know a lot of our residents throughout the US would laugh about that statement. And of course SF sure gets fog too although the fog from the Pacific is different than the tully fog from the Delta. Just about four miles from my residence the tully fog is bad, is is like hitting a gray wall. I hate the fog!

February is actually one of my favorite months in the Bay Area because the plum and apple trees blossom and it's beautiful. My friends from Chicago always come to visit in February, and they love it.

Nancy1652 and LoveItaly--In Feb, in addition to the trees in bloom--the hills are GREEN!!! Anyone who has been to CA in the summer doesn't believe that there is a "green" season to our "golden" state! BTW--the tule fog never cleared here in the East Bay Wed and Thurs--and now it's cold--if we had some rain there would be snow on Mt. Diablo!!

family_travelers, do as suggested, take a jacket, sweater, etc., add or remove layers as needed. Maybe some shorts.

Our first trip to SF was years ago in February. Everyone told us it would be very cool, windy and rainy. We had beautiful weather, really warm. Seemed like everyone was wearing shorts, sandals. We of course had not packed shorts! Been there in April and July also with great weather. Enjoy your trip.

Thanks again for all the ideas- I think I'm sold on SF! Stu-you've been a great resource and an excellent "salesman"!

Any ideas on inexpensive lodging near the wharf or cable car turn-around?

I don't know hotels at all, because I never need one. There must be dozens of recent posts about affordable hotels. Do a search on "Francisco hotel" and I bet you will get lots of info.

Stu Dudley

LoveItaly,

Good to know the tule fog doesn't go all over the Valley. From what I remember, once we crossed the Diablos from San Jose, visibility was measured in feet, not miles.

Also, I always had this notion (before then) that the Valley was warmer than the Bay because I had only visited during the warmer months, so the Tule Fog surprised me. I thought that if it was 70 in San Jose, it would be at least that in Sacramento, but it was 45 instead. Talk about shocker. All I know is I wanted to get back to that sun in San Jose as fast as possible.

You're right that the Tule Fog is different than the Pacific Fog. Tule Fog is only a winter time thing, whereas Pacific Fog can be a year round thing but generally is more of a summer thing.

I prefer the Pacific Fog, because it generally burns off by 10AM except right near the coast, when it can burn off by noon, or it can last all day.

From what I saw with Tule Fog, it seemed more persistent. My friend said that sometimes the Tule Fog can last for weeks with no break.

I do agree that February is the "lush" season in the Bay Area. The hills are painted a nice green tint. However, they are still green into March and even April (sometimes, depending on rain), and by then everything else has bloomed.

family_travelers, as always, the first question in, what does "inexpensive" mean to you?

Anything decent from $100-200 per night, free breakfast preferred. you know how it is-we want it all but hate to pay full price !

Hmmm... I know there's recent threads about relatively inexpensive hotels near the Wharf. I tried to find them for you using the 'search' but the newer threads didn't pop up.

"family_travelers" it will be cold near the wharf like the others have reported. Bring extra layers and you should be fine. There are a lot of fun places to get warm and enjoy the stay.

This LIVE camera might help you determine what to wear while you are there. It lets you know if it is looking cold and foggy or mild and sunny: www.SFBayCam.com