Hi all, Got docs <! for our upcoming Mercury cruise (California coast down to Cabo San Lucas), and are looking for some pre- and post-cruise advice. The cruise is from Sunday, April 4 - 11, and we're arriving in town late Thursday night, 4/1.  Plan to Priceline a hotel in the Fishermans Wharf area, as it seems that gives us the best access to sightseeing and the pier from where the Mercury will leave. My first question is about getting from SFO to the city.  Do you suggest getting transportation from the airport and staying at the hotel without a car, or renting a car to use for these couple of days?  I know parking is impossible (or expensive at the hotel), and I'm not sure we'll actually need a car, but not having visited the city before I really don't know.  Coming from Long Island, it's hard to imagine being anywhere without a car! My second question is for when we return.  We get back early morning Sunday, April 11, and don't leave until very early Monday morning.  I'm kinda stuck as to what our best plan of action for Sunday is.  If we stay in the city again we'd need to get ourselves to a hotel and then arrange for VERY early transport to the airport, but if we stay at the airport we'll be stuck in the middle of nowhere on our last day in town. Who knows the area really well and can help me sort this out??  Thank you in advance! ~ Peri

No car needed. Cal gave excellent advice.  Consider purchasing ahead tickets for Alcatraz Island, very interesting tour, but very popular and most always sells out.

advance! Have fun at my back door.

i agree on alcatraz for no 1 not to miss                        also like the cliff house.