First trip to San Francisco, what should I see?

You are staying in a prime location. Within a short distance walk you can cover lots of nice places: Ghirardelli Square (eat some chocolate), Pier 39, Ferry Port - take a trip to Angel Island and do some hiking, very fun!, the Embarcadero - good for shopping, North Beach - little Italy, my favorite - Chinatown - eat real Chinese food. In between North Beach and Chinatown is Molinari's, a little deli on Columbus Street. They sell reknowned salami, buy a salami sandwich in there, but be prepared to wait in line. Once in Chinatown goto a bakery and buy a pork sung bun or pork puff bun, they are really good and cheap. Or you can try any of the almond cookies. If you wander around the alleys of Chinatown, I think it's Waverly, you'll find where they make fortune cookies and they'll let you sample some. Also within walking distance from here is Coit Tower. It's $5 to go to the top, this area is very romantic! I would highly recommend this attraction if you are with your boyfriend. If you are already in North Beach it's only like 5 minute walk to Coit Tower. Just get on Grant Ave and follow it until you see the signs to Coit Tower. Walk up the steep hill and it takes you right to the top.

Unfortunately I do not know the east bay well, so I cannot comment on attractions near Mcafee Coliseum. Just watch your back because it gets crazy during those Raiders games. Even the small children get into the action cursing out the opposing team.

Avoid Union Square on Friday. It is pedestrian gridlock! Also, skip Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, just tourist traps.

Explore Golden Gate Park so much to do that it can take one entire day.

Visit Coit Tower for Great Views of the city. Walk down the Filbert street steps to the Embarcadero. Incredible views, and lots of good shopping and food at the Ferry Building and Embarcadero Center without the crowds of Union Square.

Wander around Chinatown and Northbeach. Lots of great food and shops, this is how people live in SF.

Take a bay cruise or visit Alcatraz, unique views of the city and the bridges from the bay.

And of course, ride a cable car!

Enjoy!

Do Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 early on Saturday morning before the crowds. Take the cable car to Nob Hill, see Coit Tower and Lombard Street, then transfer to the Chinatown car, do a couple hours in Chinatown and work your way over to Union Square. Have a late lunch at Puck's near Union Square.

Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, The Golden Gate Bridge, ride a cable car, drive down The Crookedest Street (Lombard Street), Coit Tower (has a great view of S.F.), Chinatown (visit the Fortune Cookie Factory).

Golden Gate Bridge?

a walk down to fisherman's wharf is a must, i warmly recommend a drive over the golden gate and first right to Sausalito, boathouses and nice fishes restaurants.

anyway, loosing yourself walking through SF streets is just awesome

ENJOY the most beautifull city in the world; Frenchman word

The Boat trip to Alcatraz is one of the best entertainment values in SF.

Have a ball

Wake up nice and early on Friday or stay in line late thanksgiving night for BLACK FRIDAY shopping!!!!

those houses called the painted ladies? or something! the ones on the opening credits to full house :)

you should see a one way ticket home. GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN!!