We are leaving on Thurs for SF - will be at SFO by 7:30pm, we leave SFO on Sun at 10am.

We are two couples, mid-thirties, reasonably active. Two of us have been in SF several times, one of us has spent a weekend there and one has never been. We have hotel reservations near Union Square and tickets to the Giants game Fri evening.

Our tenative itinerary is as follows:

THURS PM hopefully be in a fun, cozy restaurant by 9:30p for a late dinner. If we are full of energy maybe walk around a bit afterward.

FRI AM get up, grab a quick bite then rent bikes to ride across the Golden Gate into Sausalito. Have lunch, take the ferry back.

FRI AFTERNOON walk through Chinatown, do a little shopping, eat some dim sum. Get back to the hotel by 5:30 or 6p so we can be at PacBell for the 7pm game.

FRI PM After the game would like to have a nightcap somewhere - are thinking of the bar on top of the Sir Francis Drake (I have forgotten the name - it was recommended in Fodor's Best in 3 days guide).

SAT AM Maybe spend the AM at Golden Gate park. During the day would like to walk around Nob Hill, see Coit Tower, maybe have lunch at the Wharf. Aso want to walk around the Marina and sit in front of the Palace of Fine Arts for awhile.

SAT PM Are thinking of having a good dinner and maybe seeing Don Q.

SUN AM hit the airport for our long flight home.


Any suggestions for making our itinerary first timer friendly but not repetitive for the rest of us? Any fantastic restaurants we should find? I am thinking off the beaten path, moderately priced, places locals love.

Also, let's be honest, I am a shopper by nature. Not department stores so much - but great local finds. For instance, am looking forward to buying some kitchen stuff in Chinatown. Any other suggestions?

Any advice appreciated - have at it!

Oooops! One more question - taxi, MUNi or shuttle from the airport? Relative cost and convenience?

ttt

Since you have reservations near union square, taking BART from the airport will be very convinient - unless you have a lot of luggage, but for such a short trip, you probably wont. This is also the least expensive option.

For Sat. AM, I'd recommend that you start your day with a 20-minute walk along Market to the Ferrry Building. The farmer's market with the food and restaurants stalls will get you going. A cup of fresh Blue Bottle coffee, breads and freshly-baked goods from Acme and/or a breakfast sandwich from Haye Street Grill (or any other if HSG is not doing their stall anymore), is a great way to start.