First time in San Francisco?

I'm taking a road trip from Seattle to San Francisco in the end of July. I've never been before, and we're only going to be there for 4 days. What are some things to do? I would really like so ideas of things to do that people veiw as "MUST DO'S". Also, I am really intersted in finding a really good place in the area to see live reggae music. Please give me some ideas! Also any idea of things to do in between Seattle and San Francisco would be great too!First time in San Francisco?
I can't help with reggae music, just am not a fan. But pick up a copy of the SF weekly or SF bay guardian when you get to the city and check out the club listings.



Here is my Must Do San Francisco



1. Ride a Cable Car, the only moving historical landmark in the world. Stop off at the Cable Car Barn at Washington and Mason to get a full understanding of this unique form of transportation. Riding the Powell Hyde line will allow you to see Lombard Street the famous crooked street.



2. Visit Alcatraz, this former prison is the most popular destination in San Francisco. The bay cruise to and from the island will give you the opportunity to see the skyline from the water a unique perspective. During the height of tourist season it is wise to purchase tickets before you arrive as tours are often sold out days to a week in advance.

http://www.alcatrazcruises.com



3. Visit Coit Tower, Beautiful murals inside, impressive bay view from the tower or Pioneer Park at the base. Then descend Telegraph hill via the Filbert Steps on the East side of the park for a unique view of how folks on Telegraph Hill live, more beautiful bay views and the chance to hear and see the famous Parrots of Telegraph Hill.



4. Golden Gate Bridge, not just a feat of engineering, this 1.7 mile span offers incredible views of The City, the bay and the Pacific ocean. Be sure to visit Ft. Point under the bridge for a different view of this San Francisco Icon.



5. Explore Golden Gate Park, this large urban park can consume a whole day. The New Academy Science, Japanese Tea Garden, Deyoung Museum [American Art], the Arboretum, Bison Paddock, and Paddle boats are all worth a look and watch the sun go down over the Pacific over a drink or dinner at the Beach Chalet.



6. Chinatown, the most densely populated portion of San Francisco offers the largest Chinese center for shopping, food and unique architecture found outside of Asia. The best place to buy souvenirs to take home to friends and family.



7. North Beach, traditionally the Italian section of the city which has no beach but abounds in quaint shops, great restaurants and The City鈥檚 best coffee options.



8. Civic Center, the largest collection of Beaux Arts buildings in the US. Home to San Francisco City Hall, with a dome larger than the US Capital, the Asian Art Museum and the Modern San Francisco Library with its San Francisco History Room housing an eclectic collection of city artifacts and photographs.



9. Buena Vista Gardens, this urban park is home to; the Museum of Modern Art the Museum of The African Diaspora, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Cartoon Art Museum and the Metreon will keep you entertained for hours.



10. Twin Peaks, see The City and the bay spread out at your feet. Especially captivating at night when the lights seem to go on for ever.



Enjoy!First time in San Francisco?
Click the link below to see a list of 620 things to do around San Francisco ranked in order of popularity.First time in San Francisco?
On the way down, you could stop at the site where Mt. St. Helens erupted. that's just north of Vancouver, as I recall. If you decide to leave I-5 at Grants Pass, Oregon and cut over to US-101, make a stop in Leggett, California and see the drive-through redwood tree. Yes, I said "drive-through redwood tree."First time in San Francisco?
Be sure to take the coastal highway the entire way. It's not as fast as Interstate 5, but it's much, much more scenic. Once your in SF, obviously check out the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf (The WWII era submarine is especially cool), Chinatown/North Beach (they're right next to each other). If you like museums, visit the Legion of Honor and the Asian Art Museum (the Academy of Sciences is overrated) If you like modern art check out MoMa and De Young museum. One of my favorite free activities is watching the wild parrots at the parks around the Embarcadero Center.