After 35 Years... (San Francisco, Stockton, Emeryville: car rental, fit in, restaurants)

[ridingduo]

Hi all,
We're planning a visit to SF in early June, my second visit since those wild times of the '70's when one could hitch-hike across the country (and enjoy doing it).

We're going to the Symphony to catch a Botti performance!

Coming from Western Colorado (Grand Junction) on Amtrak this time, and am taking the dedicated bus from Emeryville to the Ferry Building.

I plan as soon as we get off the bus to pick up a couple of 7-day passes for the local transportation system.

We're walking, no car rental.

We'll be staying in the Union Square area, on O'Farrell Street.

For the 5 nights we have reserved, two are dedicated so far, the show and I've already got tickets for a night tour on Alcatraz.

So what I'm asking is:
1) Without falling victim to the usual crowded tourist traps, what would be your "must see" places?
2) I see there are a number of trolley lines that branch off Market Street. Which ones would you say fit into a "must ride" category?
3) Is there a place for the best view, as in during Sunset, like where I imagine the Twin Peaks are?
4) Is Golden Gate Park worth the effort to go to?
5) Favorite cafes/restaurants in a mid-priced range?
6) As an American history buff, where should I go?
7) Favorite night time spot (not club/bar)?
8) Favorite tech type spot?

I realize the remaining three nights we have aren't much time, so you can imagine how we want to make the most of this visit!

Sorry if this/these have been asked before, but I needed to put out my own request...we're really excited about this visit.

Thanks!

-Bill in Colorado

[humboldtrat]

Take the N (Judah) light rail from any Market St. subway station and go all the way out to the beach ($2) http://www.transit.511.org/static/pr...2200722226.pdf

[ubringliten]

Originally Posted by humboldtrat

Take the N (Judah) light rail from any Market St. subway station and go all the way out to the beach ($2) www.transit.511.org/static/providers/maps/SF_712200722226.pdf

Stupid question, but is this the light rail system? I have been here 5 weeks now, and just haven't taken advantage of the mass transit.

Thanks!

[humboldtrat]

Originally Posted by ubringliten

Stupid question, but is this the light rail system? I have been here 5 weeks now, and just haven't taken advantage of the mass transit.

Thanks!

Yes, this is the light rail system. It's called Muni Metro

[ubringliten]

Originally Posted by humboldtrat

Yes, this is the light rail system. It's called Muni Metro

Great! Thanks.

[Faville]

Take the Hyde St Cable Car to Hyde & Chestnut. Walk down a couple blocks to Chestnut and Jones:the San Francisco Art Institute. Go in, visit the art galleries (one includes a Diego Rivera mural), then go up onto the roof for a spectacular view of San Francisco. Afterwards, head back down the hill to Chestnut Street, and walk down Chestnut into North Beach. From there you can catch the 30 Stockton back to Union Square when you're done.