I have two over-nite layovers in San Francisco next month. First I’m arriving at noon on a monday and leaving early the next morning, on the way back I’m getting in at 9pm on a thursday and leaving at noon the next day. I don’t want to rent a car; what kind of public transportation is available? Should I get a hotel close to the airport or somewhere in the city? And of course, what should I do while I’m there?
WAG Jump off the GGB and survive to tell all about it on TV !
BART runs from SFO to downtown SF. If you’re arriving at OAK, there’s a bus bridge from the airport to BART.
www.511.org has info on all of the Bay Area transit options. They even have a trip planner - plug in where you’re at and where you’re going and it will plot a course for you.
Don’t leave your heart.
best I can do today-sorry!
You’re entering public transportation mecca. Everything from trains to cable cars are easily found in SFO. I would suggest checking out a city guide online to see what you might be interested in. There’s a lot to do in The City.
If the weather’s nice I recommend Golden Gate Park (esp. a stop at Lloyd Lake), and a walk through one of the historic districts.
I love San Francisco. Dress warm!
I recommend a stroll down the Castro. It’s got to be one of the world’s most unique cultural attractions.
I don’t know if you’ll have your bags (probably not), but if you do stick them in a locker or something and just pack an overnight bag to take with you. For the Monday night stay, I’d take BART into the city and try to find a hotel near Union Square (BART to one of the Market St. stations). There are a lot of hotels and restaurants in that area, and it is nicely located for exploring other places. You definitely do NOT want to rent a car (as there is no where to park).
From Union Square, it is an easy walk over to Chinatown, one of my favorites. Lots of good restaurants in that area as well.
It is a bit touristy, but I’d check out the Fisherman’s Wharf area (stay away from Pier 39 if you want to avoid the REAL touristy spot). I think there’s still this huge Cost Plus that you can spend hours perusing. And of course lots of good seafood on the wharf (and Ghiradelli square for dessert).
If you want to stay near Market, there are lots of interesting shops and old book stores tucked away in the blocks around Market.
Hope this helps.
Ditto. San Francisco is probably the most “Continental” city in the US in terms of public transport; as others have said, not only is it unnecessary to rent a car, it would be an absolute hinderence to you, as not only is there little enough street parking to make a Chicagian cry, but there are few garages, and those that exist charge “Boston” prices (i.e. $50+ a night).
I’ve never had the fortune to spend more than a couple of days in San Francisco proper but you could easily spend a week without getting bored; the sights, the history, the museums, the food (the food!), the parks, the views…and you can do it all on foot. Take a trip down to San Jose and see the Winchester House if you get a chance, and if you can, swing by Gilroy and get some garlic ice cream. (Trust me.)
Just don’t go diving off of the footing of the Golden Gate Bridge or tearing around Knob Hill in your '68 GT fastback. And except for Clint Eastwood, they kind of frown on your walking around with a Model 29 Smith & Wesson under your arm.
Stranger
If you can spare the time*, visit Alcatraz. Fascinating place.
The cable cars are worth it for a ride, and the cable car museum is interesting.
If you get to Telegraph Hill, look for the wild parrots.
*15-20, with time off for good behavior.
I’m surprised hearing this from a New Yorker. Yes you should have something warm handy, but you’re not necessarily need to be bundled up like an Eskimo. I’ve been there in January, and recommend just a good raincoat, which you can leave in the hotel room if there’s no hint of rain, and a good sweater that you can take off and tie around your waist when you get warm. During my January visit I spent a lot of time in shirtsleeves, particularly when walking or riding a bicycle in Golden Gate Park.
Which reminds me, that’s another fun thing to do. They rent bikes near the eastern edge of Golden Gate Park; rent yourself one and ride out to the coast. BTW GGP is nowhere near the Golden Gate, itself.
Damn it! Should be:
And while quoting Eve, no less.
I’d recommend GG Park, too–except it doesn’t sound like your schedule would really allow you much more than a quick run-through. (But, if you’re a jogger, I guess that would work 
)
To me, one of the quintessential San Fransisco experiences is a Cable Car ride. If you get yourself a hotel around Union Square somewhere, you can hop a car and take a ride down to Fisherman’s Wharf or Aquatic Park. I think you get a real sense of the city that way: seeing interesting people and neighborhoods, the sounds (and smells!) of the street, and that great view of the bay as you crest Nob and Russian hills.
Important note if you have an old guidebook:
The Mechanical Museum moved from the Cliffhouse and is now located at Pier 45 at the Warf.
Don’t misss this collection of 1800’s mechanical toys and arcade things, like flipbook photo machines and talking automaton fortune teller machines from the old boardwarks of the world.
excellent Chinese food at reasonable prices
order the entire bill of fare and enjoy
If you want to do any shopping, I’d recommend Haight Street - lots of cool music/vintage/thrift/geeky stores, as well as some chains. For good Italian food, check out North Beach. For cool bars, just walk a few blocks from wherever you are.
Thanks very much for the suggestions and info. And since I don’t want to keep bumping this, thanks in advance to anyone else who cares to add anything.