I'm planning to go to San Francisco on business at the end of Oct. I would like to stay a couple of extra days and see the city/area. What shouldn't I miss? Thanks.

You are going to the number one tourist destination city in the US! There's LOTS to do and see. If you like to dine out, SF is the best city in the country. Like Chinese? You can try Chinatown (good parking in lots), but all the tourists go there (although it's lots of fun to walk the narrow streets and shop for gee-gaws or jewelry). I'd try the resturants on Clement street. It's a little west from Downtown, but parking isn't too bad, and the resturants are good and reasonably priced. The area starts at Clement and Arguello streets. Like Italian? Try North Beach, along Columbus and Green Streets. It's packed with resturants, shops, and tourists, but it's still nice. Parking is a real problem, though. You can find a place to park, but it may take a while. Japantown is at Gough and Post area. I haven't been there in a while.

For a treat, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. The walkers stick to the east side of the bridge, the bikers to the Pacific side. Spectacular views of SF. It can be windy, foggy, cold, warm etc all on the same day. Park at Fort Point. It's right before you'd get on the bridge coming up 101 (north) from SF.

Everyone goes to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. It's fun to do touristy things. I liked the tour on the USS Paminpino (sp?) a WWII US submarine. Worth it. Want to ride the cable cars? Of course you do. Just don't pick it up at Fisherman's Wharf. The cars travel up Hyde from Fisherman's Wharf, over to Jackson and Washington. Another line goes up California from the Embarcadero. Try any where except the Wharf or the line that starts near Pier 39. The wait isn't worth it. Also, don't park near the Wharf. $18 a day? Better yet, take the Cable car TO the Wharf from Washington and Powell, near Chinatown, and you can kill two birds etc. Parking there is more plentiful and cheaper. North Beach isn't too far away either.

Culture? Try the De Young museum at Golden Gate park. The Academy of Science's Steinhart aquarium and the Morrison planetarium is a lot of fun. Across the GG bridge is Marin county. The Golden Gate Nat'l rec area is super. Take the last exit off of 101 going south the SF to get to Fort Cronkite. Coming from the south, my book says to take the Alexander Ave exit. Great beach and lots of hiking. Muir Woods and Muir Beach are off of Hiway 1, and worth it. Mt. Tamalpais (Mt. Tam to the locals) is chock full of hiking trails. Take Steep Ravine down to Stinson Beach and take the bus back up (or walk up, it's fun).

By the by, the weather is usually good in late October, but it can be rainy and cool. Bring cool weather clothes. It's never hot in SF in late October.

Have fun!

The view from Twin Peaks is not to be missed if you have a clear night. Additionally, if you have time and a car, Yoesimite is definately worth the drive from the city.

All of San Francisco is beautiful, wife and I were there in July-August....definite must is a cable car ride.see lots of sights just from the ride. Also of course Pier 39 was great and tour of Alcatraz was an enlightening trip...Golden Gate Bridge, we also checked out Planet Hollywood downtown..and HardRock Cafe up on Van Ness Ave..Lori's 5o's diner is cool, if you are into nostalgia, it's on Powell St.. have fun.....

It sounds ultra-touristy, but all friends and family who come to SF to visit me LOVE the Alcatraz tour (I was intially snobby and reluctant, but even I had to admit it was interesting); the tour ferry to the island is usually booked well in advance so if this interests you, try to make reservations before you come. Depending on your tastes, parts of the Mission District (16th & Valencia) have been dubbed "New Bohemia", for the multitude of little restaurants, coffee houses and quirky shops that have opened there. I also love: the Tonga Room at the Fairmont Hotel (a kitschy tropical theme, complete with thunder and lightening); the Castro Theater (an ornate grand old movie theater); high tea at the beautiful Palace Hotel. Also popular with tourists and natives "Beach Blanket Babylon" a long running and extremely irreverent caberet show. Heed the above warning about lack of parking, and have a great time!