My parents and I are intending on visiting San Francisco this November. We have a timeshare that entitles us resorts. Although it would be our 2nd time there, it is going more and less free and easy. Apart from Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown, could anyone recommend some places of interest that we could visit during this short span of time. If time permits, we would be more than happy to stay on!

Union Square is good for shopping. Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and spend a day in Sausalito -- pretty location, nice drive (just don't travel during rush hour traffic) and great restaurants and shopping there. See a play or two -- "Beach Blanket Babylon" and "Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding" are fun. Golden Gate Park is nice for walking and riding a bike (I think you can still rent horses there too -- if I'm wrong, somebody please correct me, it's been awhile since I've ridden in the park). If you are in reasonable physical condition, Angel Island and Alcatraz are good too, but only if weather and time permits (it can get darn cold on the ferry rides out to those islands!). Grace Cathedral on California Street is quite beautiful too and they have a beautiful Sunday Service and choir (if you like to go to church on Sunday).

Oops, I almost forgot Napa Valley! I know there are some companies that will take you up there for the day and give you a good wine tour, but I've never used any of them before (usually just drive up on my own and spend the weekend). Anybody else have experience with any of those tours they'd like to share?

Boy, how to answer. Fishermen's Wharf and China town are (IMO) yucky, cheesy venues for selling T-shirts, schlock and postcards. There's so much more!
* Strolling by or sitting in a cafe in North Beach
* Theater - there is something for everyone, always.
* The town hall has just been refubished. There is so much gilding it looks like a palace. See it now, before it gets rundown again.
* Angel Island and Alcatraz are okay for people of ALL abilities, but yes, bring a warm sweater and a windbreaker, and in November hat and gloves.
* Walking tours of the Victorian houses * Japan Town
* The only people I've seen on horseback in Golden Gate park are the mounted patrol, I don't think you can rent horses. But the Japanse Tea Garden is there and so is the Arboretum/Botanical Gardens. Both are lovely.

The only reason I mentioned being in reasonable physical condition (for Alcatraz and Angel Island) is because my mom and best friend -- who both have severe asthma, as well as knee and back problems -- did not enjoy either excursion very much (especially Alcatraz). They were only able to see a limited amount of each and didn't have a a very good time. They felt it was a waste of their money and wished they had spent their time doing something else! The only parts they really enjoyed were the ferry rides to and from and the views. Again I am only sharing their experience and opinion with you, based on what they told me (and I got quite an earful, considering I had been one of the people who recommended those places to them . . . oh well).

cp -- when you mentioned the refurbished town hall were you referring to city hall building in the civic center area? If so, I totally agree. We were just there a few months ago and it was gorgeous. They also had a couple rooms set up as a little museum on the city was old photos and artifacts. We had a grand time in there.

Speaking of museums, there's no shortage of those in SF either.

There's also all the refurbishing they've done with the waterfront area down at the Embarcadero (especially near Delancy Street Restaurant, one of my favourites). I almost didn't recognize the area when I drove through there this month. It's looking pretty nice.