In November, over thanksgiving, we're planning on going to San Fran. Should we spend two or three days and what should we do then? We definitely have to do Alcatraz (my dh LOVES prisons, has been to many, but just for touring) and definitely will NOT be doing Napa or wine touring. Also, what is open on Thanksgiving?

We were there for a couple of days in November and the weather was surprisingly nice -- but cold at night. It was easy to get on the Alcatraz tour without reservations, too. We loved Chinatown and also enjoyed a little hike in Muir woods.

I would get reservations ahead for Alcatraz, that could be a busy time and I have tried to go to Alcatraz at the last minute on a busy weekend and found them sold out for the day. You will really enjoy the tour. I am sure they have an on line booking service. Other than that, give us some ideas on what else you particularly enjoy ...museums, are you foodies or like a particular kind of food, want fancy or not fancy, (can you tell I'm a foodie - I think of SF and I think of food!) do you like hiking, shopping, historical sites?

do I love food, hmmmm, a resounding YES! And we're not afraid to try new things. We love hiking and museums; I love shopping; hubby likes history. I want to try true San Fran things.

I am concerned about Thanksgiving day though - are things open then?

I'd call in and make an Alcatraz reservation, just to be safe, since it is a priority for your husband.. People really come to SF for the 3 day weekends, there are large suburbs less than one hour away, so people will bring in their families for the day.

After I made a phone reservation, I walked up to the kiosk, stuck in the creditcard (which I used to make the reservation) and voila, the tickets printed out. The day I took my cousin (in Oct?) there were probably 60 people in line and it took me less than 2 minutes by using the kiosk.

Thanksgiving day almost everything will be closed. Some stores in Chinatown will be open, and many Chinese restaurants.

You can still go to the Golden Gate bridge and take pictures at the lookout point. You could drive out to Ocean beach, watch the waves break and fly a kite. You could hike the Marin headlands. You could go to the Sony Metreon center and catch a new movie. I doubt if the stores and restaurants will be open, though.

radiofanatic, there are restaurants that have special Thanksgiving dinners. If you check the SF Chronical website which is: www.sfgate.com in November you will find the information you need. Walking around SF is wonderful and something you could enjoy doing on Thanksgiving (build up an appetite or walk off the big dinner) plus you have been given other good ideas. Have fun!!

Most of shopping and produce places will be closed. Movies will be on, though overcrowded. Check with restaurants - may be opened with special meals. Museums - probably closed. But only on Thursday, not the whole long weekend.