As touristy as it is, Alcatraz is a must for a first timer. It is relativly inexpensive (around ) and quite impressive. Make sure you get the audio tour when you make your ticket purchase. Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge is also a must. I am completely in awe of that structure. For nightlife, I enjoyed the Mission area where there are lots of cool bars and restaurants, and the Tenderloin area which is a bit creepier, but extremely colorful and interesting.
Quick Tips:
Bring a coat, even if you "think" it will be warm. It gets cold at night and even the days can be nippy. Even if the day is warm, grab a coat on your way out for the day because you will most likely stay out longer than the warm weather will last. Also, even though it it cool weather, be sure to bring some sunscreen.Best Way To Get Around:
The BART is no subway system. It is more like a commuter rail system to help people get from the outer cities into San Francisco. The BART will not help you get anywhere in San Francisco. The cable cars and buses are good, but they stop at all the streetlights (which seem to be outrageous in number). Walking is a option as the city is not too large, but the hills will kill. I ended up taking more taxis than I thought I would have to take.
by DR CUDDLESWORTH on June 20, 2002