According to forum posts, some travelers recommend staying in areas like Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf for their safety, convenience, and access to public transportation. The Chancellor, located near Union Square, is frequently mentioned for its reasonable rates and good guest relations. The Argonaut Hotel at Fisherman's Wharf is praised for its proximity to attractions and public transport links.

Travelers have called out the Hilton Financial District for its advantageous location at the border between the Financial District and Chinatown, with easy access to public transportation. The Hyatt Regency near the Embarcadero is also highlighted for being close to key areas like the Ferry Building and Market Street. Prices were not consistently detailed, but the context suggests a mid-range to upscale pricing structure depending on the location and amenities.

For many users, choosing a hotel with character and good location is crucial. Hotels like the Chancellor are noted for their boutique atmosphere, while the Argonaut adds a historical touch near major tourist spots. Parking availability and costs are also significant considerations, as many central hotels do not offer free parking.

During a layover in San Francisco, travelers often explore the city's iconic sites. Options include visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Fisherman's Wharf, or strolling through neighborhoods like Chinatown and North Beach. Some travelers suggest taking BART to Embarcadero Station for a walk along the bay or enjoying local cuisine in various districts.

Using public transportation like BART is recommended to efficiently travel between the airport and the city. This option allows for quick access to downtown areas. Travelers should consider travel time, including waiting for trains, to ensure they return to the airport in time for their connecting flights.

For those concerned about luggage during their layover, the Airport Travel Agency in the international terminal offers luggage storage services for a fee. This allows travelers to explore the city without the burden of carrying their bags.

According to forum posts, a well-rounded short stay in San Francisco can include visits to iconic locations such as Fisherman's Wharf, where Pier 39 and the sea lions are popular attractions, and a walk through the historic Chinatown. Travelers have suggested exploring the vibrant Mission District and the artsy Castro neighborhood for a mix of cultural experiences.

Some travelers said that starting a day at the Japanese Tea Garden, especially during free entry hours, followed by exploring Golden Gate Park can be refreshing. For museum enthusiasts, the Exploratorium or the California Academy of Sciences offers interactive exhibits, with the latter known for its impressive Osher Rainforest.

For dining, posts highlighted vegetarian options at the Ferry Building and suggested trying local Mexican cuisine in the Mission District. Thrift shopping along Valencia and visiting unique bookstores like City Lights are recommended activities for those interested in quirky and vintage finds.

Travelers have called out the Exploratorium After Dark as a worthwhile evening event, offering a chance to enjoy science exhibits in an adult-oriented setting. This can be a pleasant wrap-up to a day filled with city exploration.

According to forum posts, Dylan’s Tours receives excellent reviews for its personalized small van city tours. For a more focused experience, the Movie Tour compares current city scenes with their cinematic portrayals, and City Guides SF offers walking tours emphasizing local neighborhoods, historical eras, or specific buildings. Food enthusiasts may enjoy culinary walking tours in areas like the Mission District and Chinatown.

Some travelers have recommended exploring alternative tour options such as Segway tours of Fisherman's Wharf and Golden Gate Park, which offer a unique way to see these popular areas. For tech enthusiasts, Silicon Valley tours are available, providing visits to major tech campuses and historical sites in the tech industry, although expectations should be managed regarding the accessibility of corporate interiors.

According to forum posts, travelers can use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, taxis, or public transportation such as BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and Muni services from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). For those heading directly to downtown San Francisco or nearby hotels, these options are frequently recommended.

Some travelers have noted that for direct and convenient transfers, rideshares or taxis are preferable, especially when carrying luggage or traveling in groups. Rideshare services can be arranged for larger groups by requesting larger vehicles.

For a more budget-conscious option, BART is available and can be taken to various parts of San Francisco including the Embarcadero Station. From there, travelers can connect to other forms of transport like the Muni services to reach specific destinations. This option may involve more travel time and handling of luggage compared to direct rideshare or taxi services.

Travelers have also mentioned using car services such as Pleasant Limo for a more personalized transport experience directly from SFO.

According to forum posts, family-friendly accommodations in San Francisco include the Hilton Financial District, located close to Chinatown and North Beach, and the Hyatt Regency near the Ferry Building. These hotels are appreciated for their proximity to family-friendly attractions and safety.

Some travelers have also recommended the Columbus Motor Inn, which includes parking and is noted for its convenience to Fisherman's Wharf, a popular area for families. The Grand Hyatt Union Square is another option, described as a 4-star hotel close to major attractions, suitable for family stays.

Travelers have called out specific features like the availability of family rooms and included amenities such as on-site parking, which is particularly valuable in a city like San Francisco where parking can be expensive and challenging to find.

According to forum posts, travelers recommend using well-known car rental agencies such as Avis, National, and Hertz, which have locations in San Francisco, including Union Square. These agencies are known for reliability and have numerous pick-up points around the city.

Some travelers suggested renting a car only for the days it is needed to avoid high parking fees in the city. It is also advised to pick up and return rental cars at the airport to potentially reduce costs. However, renting from a downtown location right before leaving the city can save on unnecessary rental days.

For shorter trips or specific day needs, services like Zipcar and Gig Carshare are mentioned. These services offer flexibility for travelers who need a car for just a few hours or a day. Zipcar requires membership but includes gas in the rental price, while Gig Carshare operates on a pay-per-use basis without reservation far in advance.

According to forum posts, travelers can use public transit to reach Muir Woods from San Francisco. One option involves taking Golden Gate Transit Route 70 to Pohono Street Park & Ride and then catching the Muir Woods Shuttle. During summer, the shuttle runs daily, but outside this period, it operates only on weekends.

Some travelers mentioned that taking a ferry to Sausalito followed by a shuttle to Muir Woods used to be a popular option, but recent changes now require catching a shuttle from Pohono Park & Ride instead. For those considering a weekday visit when the shuttle isn't running, forum suggestions include using a taxi service like A1 Taxi from nearby places such as Mill Valley.

For those preferring not to use public transit, forum users have discussed organized tours and private transport options like Uber or Lyft. However, they noted the absence of cellular service at Muir Woods, which complicates arranging a return trip via these services. Booking a scheduled tour or arranging a taxi for a return trip in advance are recommended alternatives.