LOL, ok I'll try again! We are staying about a 15 min walk from Fishermans Wharf - on Lombard (about 4 blocks down from the crooked part of it) Is it a safe area to be walking around do you know? We have a HoHo bus stop about a block away and then 4 blocks uphill we can catch the trolly as well so we won't have to do too much walking but just wondered how safe it is around there in case we decide to walk to the wharf.
also we thought about muni but I really don't want to put thought into which bus to catch and where. That's why the HoHo appealed to me. We got a hotel near one of the stops so we can just hop on it and know it will stop at all the attractions we want and its' SUPPOSED to go every 20ish minutes so we don't need to bother with a time schedule much either. Between that and the trolly car we can get to anywhere we want. I just hope the HoHo can stay close to the 20 min intervals. I don't really care about the commentary on the bus - it's mostly transportation for us.
Ok, so I typed out a very long reply Saturday night on my phone, then the app closed and I lost it.
We were just down in that area Saturday evening for dinner and to hang out. We often end up down there after doing other things in the city because we don't like to drive home from anywhere further than 15 minutes away and risk late naps that will end up in superbly late bedtimes.
Our DDs love that Pier 39! My DH and I used to avoid it like the plague (it's so crowded and touristy), but the girls have a blast, so we suck it up and go for them.
It's a safe area. I've been down there by myself with the girls, and we don't park in the garage, but rather several blocks up on a street where it's less crowded. I have never felt unsafe, but the city,
in general, is safe, especially in touristy areas. I have developed into quite the city girl, though, so if things like homelessness or being able to tell someone is using a particular type of recreational drug bother you or make you feel uncomfortable, then you might not feel the same.
Some things my DDs (2 and 4) like to do down there:
Playground - there's a small playground near the aquarium that they love. It's a good place to sit and enjoy the view while they get out some energy. It's almost hidden; just keep walking past Pier 39 and just after the aquarium building, the sidewalk splits, and the playground is right there. We have lots of favorite city playgrounds, so if you would like more ideas in other places (by the Ferry Building or in Golden Gate Park, for example), I can share more.
Carousel - there's a pretty double decker carousel towards the end of Pier 39. Just note that adults pay to ride even if you are just standing. DD4 loves the spinny teacup thing on the bottom platform- it reminds her of the teacup ride at DLR/WDW.
Musee Mecanique - Old timey arcades from the turn of the century. This is at the end of Fisherman's Wharf. Five dollars per kid will buy you a couple hours of fun wandering around and playing.
Pier 39 shows - there's a stage behind the carousel. We must have seen 30 shows now, and DDs always love them. The performers are not paid, so please consider a small tip if you watch. They are great at involving the audience. DD4 has been picked before to participate.
Aquarium- we are members of the Monterrey Bay Aquarium, so this one is just so-so for us. Not something I would recommend unless you desperately need to fill time.
Sea Lions- no explanation needed.
Food:
The restaurants range from awful to terrible on Pier 39. Trust me. Especially in a city known for great food. We eat at two places: Boudin's (there are two locations down there, and both are good) and Fog Harbor Fish House. Fog Harbor is pricier and can have a wait, so consider reservations. They do have a nice waiting area with a fireplace. The views are also stunning from the window tables, which is another good reason for a reservation.
Scoma's on Fisherman's Wharf is nice, but it is quite pricey. I'm from New York and spent a lot of time in Massachusetts growing up, and I find San Francisco clam chowder to be "meh," so I don't like any of the clam chowder places, but you might.
One thing to note. Please,
please bring warm clothing, including warm coats. It's cold in the summer here. Actually cold, too, not SoCal cold, but the "I'm from NY and grew up in below zero temps and this is cold" kinda cold. The wind off the Bay can just cut through you. I am over the moon in love with San Francisco, and I think the cold and fog is part of the charm, but I can guarantee you (based on bringing visitors who didn't listen to me when I said "winter coats"), that you will find it far less charming when you are shivering. I can always spot the tourists with their shorts and San Francisco sweatshirts they just paid $50 for.
Speaking of, buy tshirts, etc, in Chinatown. Cheapest prices you will find.
Hope that helps!
The next night it was fine.
I will add in your info to the lists. Glad to have you join us!!! 
so I'm in a bit of a pickle this year. Normally we do Disney when it's cold here so it's SO easy to count down and anticipate the shorter numbers but we only get so much warmth here in the cold prairies of Canada that I am finding it hard to count down. Are you planning any other excursions this summer??? Or is it just this one big lovely Disney trip? Feel free to share any other plans you might have.
