1.) You can reference the averages at most any weather site. The odds are it will be highs in the 50s, lows in the 40s, and somewhat rainy (though given how much rain we ve already gotten this year, during months we rarely get rain, it may very well be a constant downpour). You definitely won t need to dress like you re going to the Arctic, but layers and a jacket with a hood would be a good idea.2.) Fisherman s Wharf, Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach.3.) Fisherman s Wharf, Union Square, Chinatown (North Beach has its charm). ;) No, they re safe areas, just kinda gimmicky and stupid and no self-respecting local would spend time there (and please, as a tourist, don t go away thinking you ve seen the real San Francisco ... if you stick to those areas, you haven t... but yes, they have lots that appeals to tourists, so you should like them). Um, next to Union Square is the Tenderloin, which isn t actually bad but freaks people out. Just... don t get freaked out. Anywhere else is so far removed that, as a tourist doing touristy things, you don t even have to worry about because you won t be anywhere near them.4.) Yes. Fisherman s Wharf and North Beach, especially. In fact, they re actually NICE at night (the Wharf especially... no people!). Chinatown is fine. Union Square is fine, too... but again, it s next to a neighborhood many people are freaked out by... not dangerous, but a bit seedy at points. Lots of bars, clubs, and restaurants, though, so it s actually quite vibrant and safe to walk around.
Pack sweaters and long sleeve tops and take a jacket for the evenings as it gets cool. You definitely will not need shorts. Start with a cable car ride to the Wharf and walk along the wharf area from one end to the other. Great shopping, seafood places to eat, etc. Stop in at the Franciscan restaurant in the middle of the wharf for an appetizer and splendid view of the bay area. Drop in to the Buena Vista at the end of the Hyde/powell cable car for home made soup and an Irish Coffee plus another great view of the Bay area. Watch them turn the cable car in the turn-around at the end of the line--educational too. These ideas are for starters and you can expand from there.
Good answers above, and complete if you just want to get your fill of the famous tourist sites. I might also suggest, if you know someone who lives here, that you connect with them for a tour of areas that the locals know about; that aren t really tourist places, but have much more of the flavor of San Francisco. Like that fabulous Russian bakery on Geary Blvd., or the murals on Clarion Alley, or the view from Bernal Hill...
Q1. Temps in the low to mid 40 s at night mid 50 s during the day. It rains more in December than some other months. The trick to SF weather is layers. Don t leave your hotel without jacket, umbrella and sunglasses because you never know which two of those items you may need.Q2. Must Do San Francisco1. Ride a Cable Car, the only moving historical landmark in the world. Stop off at the Cable Car Barn at Washington and Mason to get a full understanding of this unique form of transportation. Riding the Powell Hyde line will allow you to see Lombard Street the famous crooked street.2. Visit Alcatraz, this former prison is the most popular destination in San Francisco. The bay cruise to and from the island will give you the opportunity to see the skyline from the water a unique perspective. During the height of tourist season it is wise to purchase tickets before you arrive as tours are often sold out days to a week in advance.http://www.alcatrazcruises.com3. Visit Coit Tower, Beautiful murals inside, impressive bay view from the tower or Pioneer Park at the base. Then descend Telegraph hill via the Filbert Steps on the East side of the park for a unique view of how folks on Telegraph Hill live, more beautiful bay views and the chance to hear and see the famous Parrots of Telegraph Hill.4. Golden Gate Bridge, not just a feat of engineering, this 1.7 mile span offers incredible views of The City, the bay and the Pacific ocean. Be sure to visit Ft. Point under the bridge for a different view of this San Francisco Icon.5. Explore Golden Gate Park, this large urban park can consume a whole day. The New Academy Science, Japanese Tea Garden, Deyoung Museum [American Art], the Arboretum, Bison Paddock, and Paddle boats are all worth a look and watch the sun go down over the Pacific over a drink or dinner at the Beach Chalet.6. Chinatown, the most densely populated portion of San Francisco offers the largest Chinese center for shopping, food and unique architecture found outside of Asia. The best place to buy souvenirs to take home to friends and family.7. North Beach, traditionally the Italian section of the city which has no beach but abounds in quaint shops, great restaurants and The City��s best coffee options. 8. Civic Center, the largest collection of Beaux Arts buildings in the US. Home to San Francisco City Hall, with a dome larger than the US Capital, the Asian Art Museum and the Modern San Francisco Library with its San Francisco History Room housing an eclectic collection of city artifacts and photographs.9. Buena Vista Gardens, this urban park is home to; the Museum of Modern Art the Museum of The African Diaspora, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Cartoon Art Museum and the Metreon will keep you entertained for hours.10. Twin Peaks, see The City and the bay spread out at your feet. Especially captivating at night when the lights seem to go on for ever.Q3. Avoid Hunters Point, Bayview and certain blocks of the Mission. Otherwise the city is safe as long as you follow big city rules. Q4. Yes as long as you follow big city rules. If you are unsure of your destination take a cab to and from.