mrace

I've been to San Francisco once before (approx. 3 years ago),and I loved it, of course. While there, I briefly checked out Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiardelli Square, Sausalito, Golden Gate Park, and Muir Woods. I'll probably want to check out some of these spots again, but would like a few suggestions on some additional new experiences, keeping in mind I'll only be there for four days. I'm thinking maybe a drive South, along the coast would be nice, but no more than a few hours. To me, this sounds more appealing than driving North to wine country. Also, any suggestions for sites/tours in SF proper would also be helpful. I'll be staying downtown at the Grand Hyatt. By the way, how is this hotel, in terms of access to public transportation, as I plan to rent a car for only one day, while I'm there. What seems to be the mode of public transport that is the least hassle? Last time in SF, I stayed at the Hilton in Union Square and pretty much walked almost everywhere, except when I took the cable car to F.Wharf and a bus to GG Park which dropped me off in a less than desireable area on the ride back.

tcapp

As far as how accessible your hotel is to things, I would call and ask the hotel.
As far as a suggestion as to places to see, I would highly recommend a drive along the coast north of San Francisco, such as Point Reyes. You could also visit the Napa Valley.

traveller333

I would definitely attend the long running show "Beach Blanket Babylon" You can purchase tickets on line (do so early as every night is a sell out). It's in North Beach area with all the Italian restaurants so you can eat dinner before or after the show. It's hillarious and sure worth the admission. A Must See!

nevermind

We've stayed at the Grand Hyatt, it's just off Union Square so is handy to transportation. Just go down Powell to Market and you'll find a hub of transportation. You can get the muni, BART, or even a cable car in that vicinity. http://www.sfmuni.com/cms/mms/fares/fareinfo.htm

You could cross the Golden Gate Bridge and drive Hwy 1 to Stinson Beach. It is a pretty drive. Or go to, as someone else suggested, the Point Reyes area. A drive up Mt. Tamalpais offers stunning views.

If you want to go south, Half Moon Bay is just about 1/2 hour from SF and is a pleasant place with some good restaurants. Pasta Moon is one of them. There is shopping in town, and if you drive a bit south of HMB, there is some great tidepooling.

Underhill

Have you been to Golden Gate Park? The conservatory has many interesting plants, as does the Strybing Arboretum. Also there are the Japanese Tea House, an observatory, a natural history museum, an aquarium, and the De Young Museum.

Have you seen the Palace of Fine Arts, saved from the a world's fair? In the same area is the Exploratorium, a great hands-on scientific museum.

adnil1962

The Alcatraz tour is very good.

We also loved Half Moon Bay.

Jack London Square is close (shops, food and a great farmer's market on Sunday).

Haight/Ashbury is fun to walk around as is the Berkley area.

Carmel & Monteray are a little further down the coast but not too bad of a ride. See Pebble Beach, take the 17 mile drive and shop.

Don't rule out wine country. Even if you don't drink, the town of Sonoma is about an hour drive with lots of cute shops. It's also fun to take a winery tour or two.

Have brunch at the Cliff House on the ocean then check out the ruins of the original Cliff House.
http://www.cliffhouse.com/

The drive to Stinson Beach offers some great views (don't try this if you are afraid of heights).