Things to do in San Francisco?

I'm going San Francisco at the end of December and I'm looking for some local advice on things to do while I'm there. I'm not much of a touristy type. So things like Alcatraz and fisherman's wharf aren't really on my list. I'm trying to avoid long lines and pandemonium.



So far my plans include, hiking on Angel Island, hopefully catching a Broadway show, probably a movie too, and a spa visit. Is there anything else that I absolutely should miss during my five day stay? Like a hole-in-the-wall restaurant or club? I'd love to get a clue as to what the city's simple pleasures are.



Thanks!Things to do in San Francisco?
Without knowing your interests your question is far too broad to answer with any accuracy.



There are tons of things to do and see, so first step, borrow or purchase a guide book or two to find out what your options are. If you are looking for restaurant recommendations you can either post a more detailed question [include budget, food preferences, location] on the Dining Out SF board or check out the resolved questions there.



Clubs of every type abound and without knowing your age or interests any recommendations we give you might or might not work. Check out club listing at one or more of the following sites.

http://www.yelp.com

http://www.citysearch.com



Based on what you've posted here are some thing you might want to check out.

Hike Mt. Tamalpias

Check out the Tix booth at Union Square when you get here. They sell tickets for all shows in the city and you can purchase 1/2 price tickets for shows the day of the show.

The best Movie Theaters IMO are AMC 1000 on Van Ness and Geary or the Embarcadero Center for indie films. The Castro theatre also can be a blast if you like older films.



Golden Gate Park is always worth a visit. Checkout the Thursday Nightlife at the Academy of Science or the Impressionists exhibit at the DeYoung.

Another really unique museum is the Cartoon Art Museum in SOMA.



If you like guided tours you might want to check out these sites

http://www.foottours.com

http://www.architecturesf.com/



Spa-check out Kabuki Springs and Spa in Japantown a Japanese style bath house that offers public baths along with massage and other body treatments.

http://www.kabukispringsandspa.comThings to do in San Francisco?
Union Square at Christmas is truly something, have lunch outside at the Cheesecake Factory. Golden Gate Park is worth a visit. The Presido has some nice walks as well. If you do decide to go to Fisherman's Wharf there is a cool museum of old penny arcade machines that is worth a visit