San Francisco During the 4th

First time to the Bay Area and wanted to get some tips on where to stay, what the MUST dos are, things like that. We%26#39;ll be in town for 4 nights, and we%26#39;ve been looking at Union Square/Nob Hill area but didn%26#39;t want to pay too much for a room; is it too far to stay in a cheaper area and just, I dunno, cab it around?

As for things to see, we%26#39;re of course doing touristy things such as Alcatraz and the Piers, but maybe, I dunno, is Haight Ashbury worth while?

No car, although would you recommend us renting one?

And how is the weather? Its rather warm here (Minneapolis!) during the 4th; should I also be expecting hot weather in the Bay Area?

Any help would be very much appreciated.

San Francisco During the 4th

1. Union Square will have the greatest variety of rooms at all different price points; Nob Hill will not. Many budget hotels in the former. You can cab around or take public transit via SF Municipal Railway and BART.

2. Haight Ashbury is worth your while if you want to see Haight Ashbury. Really, it%26#39;s just a neighborhood, albeit an interesting one with a colorful history 40 years ago.

3. Do NOT rent a car unless you are going out of the city. A car is a headache in town.

4. Weather is usually pleasant in July, but the fog does come in in the evenings. Take a look at Wunderground.com for historical temps in July to gauge. Bring a sweater. You%26#39;ll probably end up buying a tourist sweatshirt once you get out here and freeze by the water.

San Francisco During the 4th

There%26#39;s still rooms at Comfort Inn by the Bay on Lombard %26amp; Van Ness and walking distance to the fireworks, walking distance to the Marina, Cow Hollow (Chestnut Street and Union Street are major areas for bar hopping and shopping): www.comfortinn.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo鈥?/a>

you can take public transit from there.

#45 Muni on Union %26amp; Van Ness will take you to North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square

#30 Muni on Van Ness %26amp; Chestnut will take you to Fisherman%26#39;s Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square (in opposite direction it%26#39;ll take you to the Marina %26amp; Palace of Fine Arts)

#22 on Fillmore %26amp; Lombard will take you uphill through Pacific Heights, Japantown, Western Addition, Lower Haight Street, Mission District, Potrero Hill

#47 on Van Ness will take you to Fisherman%26#39;s Wharf or, going south, Civic Center, Hayes Valley, South of Market

#49 on Van Ness going south to Civic Center, Hayes Valley, Mission District

you can check out my Go List for the Polk Street/Van Ness area restaurants and bars: tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i17406-San_Fran鈥?/a>

concert venues: tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i17402-Concert_鈥?/a>