We are going to SF area in Oct.( last week) and wondering if anyone recommends any tours . We are staying in SF 3 days than driving coastal hwy. to Monteray, Big Sur, & San Simeon. Any special "gotta sees" on coastal drive? thanks.

I took a bus tour of the city and I enjoyed it very much. It gave me an overall view of the city. I believe it was a Gray Line tour. I called and they picked me up at my hotel and I was dropped off at the hotel after the tour. They also offered tours to the prison and to Muir Woods. I had done these on previous trips. I believe they have a web site. You will probably find information in your hotel lobby.

Hello!
I just recently got back from a trip to California that sounds alot like yours.
We spent 3 days in San Francisco and drove down the coast, but instead stopped and stayed in Big Sur. I posted a pretty long trip report on here...you can find it if you type in "San Francisco/Big Sur trip report". We didnt do any tours in San Francisco, but were amazed at how much we were able to see! The views in Big Sur are amazing! We drove straight down Highway one, and as far as I could see, the views are the major "must see". Any other questions I will be happy to answer.

You could do a bus tour or you could just get a 3 day transit pass for about $10 bucks a person and it lets you ride unlimited on the trolleys, buses and SF's other transit. We found it was pretty easy to get around on the buses. You can book tours near Pier 39 where the ferries take off to Alcatraz(http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com is one and I think the other is Red & White Fleet). They do a bus tour of the city and one to Muir woods(one may combine both). Definitly check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium and keep your eyes posted for elephant seals on the beach just before you get close to Hearst Castle.

Aloohaaaa,
We're taking our first ever guided tour of SF tomorrow.
I'll post a TR when I return...if I can remember it.
Kal