San Francisco Trip in April!!?

Just wanted to get peoples opinions on some things we plan on doing in San Francisco for 4 days. Any advice on what more we should do is welcomed. Well we will be staying at the Embassy Suites on Gateway in S. S.F. We have 3 kids so a suite is a must. How far is that from anything? Also we plan on taking the double decker around town, going to Muir Woods...how interesting is that? And of course my husband wants to visit Alcatraz. Sould we do the night tour or is the others just as good. My kids aren't easily frightened so the spookier the better for me.San Francisco Trip in April!!?
From Embassy Suites, you're about 15 miles away from Downtown San Francisco. There's a subway station in South San Francisco (as well as a Caltrain commuter rail station with less frequent service) that will take you to the city center. But with three kids, I wouldn't recommend it. You'll probably want to get a rental car.



Muir Woods is a must-see. Some of the trees are 2,000 years old and as tall as office buildings. It's absolutely spectacular. If your kids remember Return of the Jedi, some of the Endor scenes were shot here.



For adults, Alcatraz rarely dissapoints. The entire prison is a form of psychological torture. Imagine seeing the bright lights of San Francisco every night (and sometimes the sound of freedom, such as during the 4th of July fireworks)... so close, yet so far away. Kids might find the history a little thick though. But the tour departs from Fisherman's Wharf, so you can always bribe the kids with promises of midway games and video arcades back on the mainland.



Other family friendly attractions include:



The Exploratorium -- The premier science museum (at least until the Museum of Natural History in Golden Gate Park finishes a massive 300 million dollar renovation).



http://www.exploratorium.edu/



http://www.sfenvironment.org/downloads/l鈥?/a>



Six Flags Discovery Kingdom -- This is a theme park / zoological garden about 50-60 minutes north of the airport (in the suburb of Vallejo). You can also take a ferry to the park from Fisherman's Wharf with Blue and Gold Fleet.



http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/Attracti鈥?/a>



Great America -- Six Flags' main competitor in San Francisco is Great America, about 30-40 minutes south of the airport (in Santa Clara). No animals and scarier rides. Unlike Six Flags, alternative transport isn't that great. It's best to drive there.



http://www.pgathrills.com/



San Francisco Zoo -- Self explanatory. Same as everywhere else, but pleasant enough for a walk. The children's zoo (featuring mostly farm animals) is quite nice.



http://www.sfzoo.org/openrosters/view_ho鈥?/a>San Francisco Trip in April!!?
You will need to rent a car. For general sight seeing in SF, I would plan on driving to SF then parking it. It is a hassle to drive in SF unless you know... Muir Woods is great and you will want a car for that. I have not been to Alcatraz at night. I know it is a good tour during the day. There is a lot to do: Golden Gate Park, Japanese Tea Gardens, Buffalo Paddock, watch the sun set from the Beach Chalet (reservations very helpful). Take a ferry to Angel Island and check out the old buildings (the west coast Ellis Island). Maybe purchase a SF tour book.San Francisco Trip in April!!?
14 miles to major tourist sites, better to drive and park

Double Decker CitySightSeeing (48 hr Hop on, Hop off) $50

Drive to Muir wood, very winding road.

Night tour is good with better night view $25

Go Winchester mysteric house tour in San Jose( 40 min drive)San Francisco Trip in April!!?
The Gateway Embassy is near the airport (about 25 minutes away from SF), so you'll either need to rent a car or take a cab to get into the city.



I personally would take a cab to the city if you're going to just do the bus tour and stay pretty central; the parking fee would be steep, and the convenience would be worth the cab fare.



Rent a car for other locations.



Muir Woods is lovely, and the weather in April will be great. The night tour of Alcatraz would be nice; the view of the city is beautiful, and at night you can sometimes hear the sounds of the city (and realize how frustrating it must have been for the inmates).



The kids (and you) would love the Exploratorium.