In San Fransisco for 4 days, what sights and places to eat are a must. Also, where are the best local shopping places? Thanks!!

Although you didn't mention what time of year you would be there, but I will assume it is soon. There is a lot to see, of course. The usual suspects are Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Golden Gate park, Coit tower, Telegraph Hill, and crooked Lombard street. There is really too much to see in four days, but I'd recommend the above, probably in that order. Golden Gate park has the De Young art museum, the Steinhart aquarium, a planetarium, and a natural history museum. For local color, try walking around in Chinatown and North Beach (the Italian Section). You'll probably want to ride the cable cars, but DON'T do it at Fisherman's Wharf, because the line is way to long. If you need to park, park in the Chinatown area, and take the cable car TO Fisherman's Wharf. To get back to Chinatown walk, take a cab or Muni bus back to Chinatown. Or, you can try to walk up the street to get on the cable car elsewhere. The Presidio, a former Army base is beautiful and quiet. If you want some exercise, walk up the Lyon street steps, between Green street and Broadway. It's a steep climb, but the views are great. They lead up to the Pacific Heights area, home of foreign consulates and million-dollar homes. The area at bayshore in the Marina district is nice. It's a park-like extension of the Presido area. For art, try the new Museum of Modern Art, housed in the latest addition to the interesting skyline of SF. It's at 3rd and Howard street. The usual stores are along Market Street, about 3rd to 6th streets. For eating, anywhere is good, as long as you stay away from chain restuarants. Great Italian is found along Columbus street, by Green Street. My favorite Asian restuarant area is along Clement Street, it's cheap and good. I think the area starts at Arguello and Clement, and goes west. Parking is possible, really. An off-beat museum is the Cartoon Art museum, at 814 Mission Street. The Center for the Arts at Yerba Buena Gardens, 4th and Howard is worth a trip. If you want more information, or scads of information about other places in the Bay Area, e-mail me. Enjoy!

Hi, I will be spending a couple of days in the Mountain View. Is it easy to get to the city from there with public transport? Are guided tours of SF available and if so, are the value for money? Thanks in advance, Tim.

Public transportation is available to SF, via the San Mateo bus system. A system called Cal Train may also be of help, but I've never ridden it. As far as guided tours, I'm not a fan of them, but I think they have a Greyline tour by bus. The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce might be able to give you the particulars. One thing that IS great is a ferry ride to either Tiburon or Sausalito. They take off from the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, as best as I can remember. There are two ferry lines, I recall, the Red and White, and the Blue and White (?). Information is at (415) 332-6600. There is also the ferry/tour to Alcatraz, the site of the former max security prison. I also like the ferry from Tiburon to Angel Island, which was Ellis Island West. It's a beautiful island. Other fun stuff are the Cable Cars (pick them up somewhere other than Fisherman's Wharf). Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square are the big tourist traps. Want more info? Tell me when you are going, what you like (restaurants, outdoor stuff, walking, shopping, etc) and e-mail me. I'll get back to you in one or two days. Enjoy!

I just read your suggestions re: SF and, having visited there only once, thought your comments were great. I'm interested in any suggestions on accommodations. I stayed at Hyde Park Suites and while I thought it was pleasant and very centrally located to the wharf, etc, it was a little costly. I prefer a small kitchenette, or at least a small fridge for incidentals. Any suggestions? We had a car during the visit which was convenient and they offered parking for a small fee, so that was not bad. Thanks.

Just a note to say thanks Scott. Had a super time, even if it was only one day of leisure. Should you consider coming to Ireland, let me know. Tim.

Three things. 1: Walk. SF is a fantistic walting city. wear comfortable shoes and prepare for your calves to hurt -- lots of hills!!! but walk around. 2) a very touristy thing to do but at about 6 p.m. have a cup of Irish coffee at the Buena Vista. It's just a thing to do. 3) also touristy but worthwhile is to visit Alcatraz. You'll need to schedule this (get your reservation as soon as you get into town so you have a ticket(s) for the boat. It is an amazing thing to see.

I live in SF. I always tell folks from out of town to experience the things that still take my breath away. 1) Sunsets at Ocean Beach. Drive west as far as you can and you will hit the Pacific Ocean/Cliffhouse area. Sunsets are magnificent as long as the fog is out. 2) Morning walks through Golden Gate Park. There are many areas of GGP where you can't hear traffic, see no litter, and experience nature up close and personal. Mornings are less populated (weekdays that is!). 3) Panoramic view of SF from Twin Peaks. Take Market Street away from the Embarcadero (Ferry Building) up past The Castro and over the hill. Look over your shoulder and when you can see the city, find a parking spot and relax with that gorgeous view. If you get lost, ask anyone for directions. We are a friendly folks and are used to you tourists! ENJOY! I LOVE LIVING HERE!!!

Deb:

We were in San Francisco over the summer, I couldn’t agree with you more, I wish I lived there too!
The city is so special, I felt like a kid in a candy store. I would have been happy riding the cable car all day long! The "touristy" things should not be missed for first time visitors and Scott’s suggestions are perfect. Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, North Beach, and Chinatown are must sees. A day in Golden Gate Park (and the surrounding neighborhood) just enjoying nature is a great way to spend your last day. That’s what we did, and found it a very relaxing way to end our vacation. All you first time visitors are in for a real treat. It was an unforgettable vacation. Enjoy!!!!!

How about a great place to stay in SF. We have never been to SF and will be there in early April. Where can we stay that is convient to all the places that Scott listed? Don't want to spend a tremendous amount of money. Where do you suggest? And is it necessary to rent a car or can you use public transportation? Thanks

Sue: We stayed at the Holiday Inn Union Square last spring. It's centrally located, not too expensive, great staff, and on Muni bus and cable car lines. You don't need a car in SF: parking is expensive and hills are treacherous. Get a Muni pass for 1, 3 or 7 days; available at Hallidie Plaza (Powell and Market) or at Cable Car Museum. Also get a Muni map, which shows all the routes. BART subway system is fast, clean and safe.

The above post is correct, you really don't need a car in SF. The main spots are fairly close, and public transportation is pretty good. I have heard some horror stories about MUNI busses. I can't really say, since I have never ridden on one. I always take my car, since I live in Sacramento, some 90 minutes away. Parking can be a problem, but there is always a solution. Hotels can be expensive in San Francisco, but not prohibitively so. Probably the most convenient location in Union Square. Civic Center is also in the middle of most things. The Marina is nice, but a tiny bit removed from the center of the city. I like the Hotel Monaco, which is very nice, and expensive; we paid $150 per night. Hotel Diva (800-553-1900)is nice, but it runs a bit pricey too. The Grant Plaza is reputed to be OK, but I haven't seen it. It is under $100 a night. There are several Best Western chain-type motels which are reasonable. The ones that list themselves at the Civic Center are South of Market, which looks like a pretty rough area, but actually isn't too bad. South of Market is up and coming, and fairly centrally located. Try some of the internet listings for more ideas. Have fun!

We got good rooms at a good rate at Fisherman's Wharf Howard Johnson's several years ago (about $100). Be agressive and ask for THE BEST RATE--AAA; Business Card; AARP; any discounts or special offers available. Ask for these discounts even if you are not eligible...though I have all of them, I have never had anyone ask for proof on check-in.