The Alcatraz tour is good, but only IF you like to see the inside of a historically notorious prison. The views of the bay, from Alcatraz are very nice, but, because you won't be allowed to wander freely, your sightseeing opportunities are limited to what they let you do.
A better alternative to getting a spectaculart 360 view of the ENTIRE Bay and it's environs is to rent a couple of bicycles at Pier 39 and take the ferry to Angel Island. It also has a historic provenence as the West Coast equivilant to New York's Ellis island for immigrants, PLUS, you have the freedom of movement all over the natural beauty of the location. Once off the ferry, you can hang around the area and it's parklike setting and, when you are ready, make the short, steep climb up th paved grade to reach the trail that wends it way all around the island. There are side trails to explore, including some the go all the way to the summit, AND, gems to discover such as the housing that immigrants had to live in while being processed into the country, and some interesting old military sites that were in use during WWII and as Nike missile launchers as recently as the Cold War. Bring water, a picnic lunch and your cameras.
The single best dining experience, in my opinion, that San Francisco has to offer is not even in San Francisco. I always recommend the restaurant named "Skates by the Bay." It is located on the bay waterfront at the Berkeley Marina. It is directly across the bay from the Golden Gate. From there, you can catch great views and photos of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay and Golden Gate bridges, the Marin Headlands, Tiburon and the multitude of sail boats, wind surfers, ferries and power yachts plying the waters. And the food experience is unbeatable. The prices range from reasonable lunch and sandwich menus, to high end meat, fowl (I LOVE the duck) and seafood dishes, served in an elegant setting. Warm, savory focaccia bread is always brought out for you. I recommend the pea salad for an appetizer, but they offer LOTS of tasty alternatives. Dress code is pretty casual during the day, and clean cut casual at night, but some aren't afraid to dress up.
You MUST catch views of the Golden Gate from as many vantage points as you can. I like starting at the San Francisco Marina, then working my way to Fort Point, directly under the South end of the Bridge. (Ft. Point's history goes all the way back to the American Civil War) From there, you can catch the trail up the hill and you can walk across the Bridge. (for even more spectacular shots) Or, you can drive across. At the North end of the span there is a vista point area where you can park and look back across to the City. You can also catch the coastal highway into the headlands for another high angle view of the Bridge, looking back into San Francisco.
The only tourist "trap" I really recommend is Chinatown. I know you Aussies have your own Chinatowns so I can't promise you this one is any different. But here, it is a VERY unique experience, from the trinket shops along the main drag (Grant Avenue) to the exploratory finds along some of the side streets, it can be a real treat.
Union Square for it's characters, as well as the Haight-Ashbury district (which is trying to recreate a toned down version of it's hippy past)
The City has a very nice zoo. From the ocean front highway, go South and catch the Skyline blvd exit to Fort Funston. In season it is a very popular hang gliding site, where the pilots literally step of the sheer edge of the cliff and onshore winds immediately give them virtual instant lift, allowing them to drift back and forth, within a few feet of the spectators standing at the cliff. They fly close enough to have casual conversations with the spectators. The winds can be so steady, that I once saw a flier come to an almost hover, let go the guide bar and pivot his body beneath his wings, 360 degrees and back to grab control again. All this at eye level with me and withing twent feet from where I stood.
You and yours should have a terriffic time. Have fun and don't be afraid to explore.Best things to do in San Francisco?
Thank you for the vote, but don't neglect those "tourist" websites. They are full of good suggestions and very handy information. Freewheeling explorations can be fun, but, knowledge, going in, is a powerful tool for the intrepid adventurer.
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Best things to do in San Francisco?Yes, the Alcatraz tour is good. You get it at Fisherman's Wharf - Pier 39 - which is a whole day in itself. You should also take the Sausalito Ferry to Sausalito for shopping and go to Gharadelli Square. There is also a Ripley's Believe it or not museum down the street from Fisherman's Wharf which is good.
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