I would be kind of careful about about venturing too much into the Mission District. This area is notorious for gang activity. It would be better to stay in North Beach or Fisherman's Wharf areas. Downtown/Union Aquare can also get quite dicey, especially at night.

Make that Union "Square" Sorry for the typo.

If you like seafood, you must go over to Oakland and try Scott's. It is excellent! Much better quality than the tourist traps in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.

Budman..for great pinot look at either Sapphire Hill or Merry Edwards in the Russian River Valley Area of Healdsburg..I think Sapphire Hill has a tasting room now...seriously...this is great stuff. And..where in NJ? I grew up in Westfield.

Lots of people love the Mission Area. It has a grittier feel but so do blocks right outside Union Square! Get a tour guide book and do some homework. Each to their own. San Francisco is known for their unique neighborhoods--from the ritzy Pacific Heights, to the funky Ashbury-Height, to the colorful Mission...etc...

chucklesbythebay, I like your idea of walking around North Beach and checking out the cafes and restaurant menus. Kinda reminds me of Europe.

PamSF - Toms River, home of the 1998 Little League World Champions. Sapphire Hill is on my short list.

Thanks everyone for the food for thought, and all your great ideas and restaurant recommendations.

Scott's is decent, but I see no reason to go to Oakland to eat a chain seafood restaurant. You will find plenty of good restaurants in SF or Sausalito. The newly revamped Ferry Building will be open on the Embarcadero and the views are nice in that area.