Buy a 3 day Muni Visitor Pass, they cover every type of public transit [except BART] and while you can walk alot, it is nice to have this too, covers Cable Car too.

http://www.sfmta.com/cms/mfares/pass...assportdetails

Just for clarification, that's 5th <I>Street</I>, not Avenue (there is a 5th Avenue, but it's in a different part of the city). Today I walked from 11th and Folsom to 5th and Mission - as Ms said, not a nice neighborhood - not too many junkies (I know where they are, so can easily avoid), but plenty of homeless and mentally I'll people.

Take Stu's advice and skip eating at Fisherman's Wharf. Not good. There are too many good restaurants in the city tp waste time and money on the Wharf. Try Slanted Door in the Ferry Building for astounding Thai food. Reservations a must.

>>Try Slanted Door in the Ferry Building for astounding Thai food<<

Vietnamese food

Stu Dudley

First: You cannot go to San Frnacisco without seeing Beach Blanket Babylon. You will be happy as a clam and laughing large there and after wards.

Next: Consider looking up Wok Tours of SF. There is a woman that takes you through Chinatown's markets, talks to you about the vegeys and herbs. (They're exotic and cool.) Then if you decide, you go back to her kitchen and cook up a storm with your amazing finds.

Third: Just go for it and with it. SF is spontaneous!

Beach Blanket Babylon is AWESOME

8-)

Take a walking/food tour with Grace Walden -- she does North Beach, Chinatown and more.

I'd skip Fisherman's Wharf. It's mostly tacky and overpriced. There are so many wonderful restaurants in San Francisco with much better fare than anything you'll find there. Take some recommendations from locals and you'll fall in love with San Francisco's food scene.

hey! I *love* Fisherman's Wharf, sure it's touristy and tacky, that's part of the beauty of the place. Not to have dinner maybe, but take a streetcar down and walk around, get a shrimp roll, or have a cocktail in one of the old-timey bars, buy an overpriced hoodie because you're underdressed for the weather, stop in to Giardelli chocolates.

Yes, the Mark Hopkins Hotel in Nob Hill is a bit of a walk. Still, you should at least go to the bar/restaurant on the top floor - Top of the Mark (there is a dedicated lift). Great 360 degree views. A Sam Adams and peanuts for about $7.50.

suze, I was responding to the OP who is a foodie from NY and wants good local food and great shopping. I suspect she's not into tacky and touristy.

I agree with saige.

Stu Dudley

Fishermans Wharf is worth a see. There are many great places to eat through SF but we enjoyed the experience.

8-)

FW is enjoyable in an amusement park-y way. It has nothing to do with "real" San Francisco anymore (once upon a time, it did, but that time is long gone).

vbarone- Stu Dudley has kindly posted an amazing amount of incredible information. Please follow his lead. You'll be glad you did.

Stu- I love San Francisco and my next visit will be with your posts in hand.

On a sunny day go to Dolores Park (on Dolores and 18th, just down from the old Mission) for great people watching and views of the city from the top of the park. It's a wonderful spot to join in on the youthful, laid-back San Francisco vibe. Get a coffee and a bite to eat at Dolores Park Cafe just across the street. Maybe ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery nearby (I've never done it but there's always a line outside, so maybe it's good!) Then walk through the hopping Mission District and find a fun place for dinner--I've really enjoyed Dosa, Foreign Cinema, and taquerias like El Farolito, among the many possibilities. Hit the interesting shops along Valencia Street, like Therapy--something fun for both you and your daughter.

>>Maybe ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery nearby (I've never done it but there's always a line outside, so maybe it's good!)<<

It is!!!!!! Especially the salted caramel.

Stu Dudley

If you're in that area, have pizza at Delfina - kitty corner from Bi-Rite and down the block. The regular Delfina restaurant (they're next door to each other, but separate kitchens and staff) is quite good, too!

A second (or third) vote for Hotel Vitale and the Ferry Building.....both are wonderful. I was in San Francisco last year with my 16 year old niece and the big hits were: ice cream sunday at Ghiradelli, hanging out and watching the sea lions in the Fisherman's Wharf area, tour at Tcho chocolate factory, and the Forever 21 store in Union Square. Have a great time!

Forgive me for tacking a question on to this great post, but I'd love to know if anyone has an opinion on Fairmont Heritage Place in Ghirardell Square.

My husband and I had planned a trip to SF last summer, but when our son planned his wedding for September we decided to delay the trip til this year.

I haven't really looked into the hotel recently and only remember that it had great views, was expensive, and had suites. We like (need) a suite because I get up at the crack of dawn and my husband doesn't.

As for the hotel cost, we probably won't be in SF more than 3 nights, as we'll be headed to Monterey. Does anyone have any personal experience with this hotel, or know anything about it? We've been to SF several times, but have never stayed in this area, and I'm not sure it's the best idea.