Another California thread

[Jimjam68]

We are finishing off our California trip in August with 4 nights in San Francisco and I’m tying myself up in knots about where to stay. I’ve heard differing opinions e.g stay at Fisherman’s Wharf as you’ll end up there most of the time anyway, but some people say avoid it’s tacky. Lots of recommendations for Union Sq, but read some streets around it are dodgy and there is a big homeless problem. Anyone recommend a great family hotel for me, preferably with spacious room? Thanks

Both of these things are true

I spent a lot of time in haight and ashbury when I went as there were loads of great bars and restaurants but it might be a bit young / vs family appropriate

Btw someone else posted this topic only a few weeks ago and got lots of responses so an AS worth it

We stayed at the Orchard Hotel. Ok and no frills. Union Square is fine! All cities have homeless people! We didn’t find anything dodgy there! Old hippy areas are less attractive! I would stay close to a trolley car stop. Nob Hill is the best area but all areas are accessible if you are near a trolley car of are prepared to walk up the hills!

Fisherman’s Wharf is kiss me quick territory and very touristy! Why would anyone spend a lot of time there is beyond me! We left fairly quickly but it took forever as the line for the trolley car was long! There is so much better to see and do! Look at Lonely Planet for suggestions. The trolley car museum is great for example. Take a trip to Sausalito.

Union Square or Nob Hill area is best!

I would second the trolley museum also the Wells Fargo museum is very good, and free. We also liked the Exploratorium. Alcatraz is a great trip, book ahead and go on the first ferry of the day, you will be up at the crack of dawn for the first few days anyway. We had Go San Francisco cards which included public transport and entry to quite a few attractions, we definitely got our money's worth.

Fishermans Wharf is tacky but you shouldn't miss it for that reason, it is fun too. I wouldn't rush to stay there though.

We stayed in Union Square and it was fine, however the streets behind our hotel had large numbers of homeless people. We were careful about which way we walked on leaving the hotel. There are ime many more homeless people in US cities than in the UK.