finalizing itinerary- how does it look

Question

Getting excited about our trip in 2 weeks and trying to finalize a plan for our SF portion. Looking for feedback on plans, restaurant suggestions and transportation opinions (get a day pass or pay per ride?). Thanks!

Monday:

Drive up from Monterey, drop car off at airport (since this was over $200 less than dropping it off in the city)

Uber (or BART but we are 4 with luggage) to hotel (debating between Marriott Marquis on pts or Hotel Adagio still)

Walk or take the T down to Oracle Park and enjoy the ballgame for the evening.

Tuesday:

-We have 9:20 Alcatraz tickets reserved. What's the best way to get there? Should we do our cable car ride this morning with lower crowds? And what time would we need to leave the hotel to get there by?

After exploring Alcatraz I plan on meandering through the rest of the stops for the day taking as long or little time as the kids want.

-Pier 39 (seals and musical stairs)

-Boudin Bakery for lunch

-Musee Mecanique

-Ghirardelli Square (afternoon treat)

*If kids feel like they need a closer view of the GG go to a spot closer OR head back for a refresh to the hotel OR keep going

-Lombard Street

-Possible cable car or uber or walk to Cable Car Museum

-Fortune Cookie Factory (and China town)

-City Lights Bookstore

-Finish the long day off with pizza in North Beach(Tony's? other suggestions?)

Wednesday:

We need to pack up and check out this day so I'm not sure exactly how this morning will go.

-I have free morning tickets reserved for the Botanical Gardens and Japanese Gardens. Concerned the family won't want to get up this early. So maybe I venture out and then uber back to the hotel or we do get up early enough to do at least the Japanese Gardens (free entry 9-10).

-The other 2 things I want to hit are Japantown (any fun stores? I have a pokemon kiddo) and the mission district. We are ok uber-ing to get between places. Thinking of hitting up a bullet-train sushi place for a snack (is there just the one place, or other suggestion). Also need a suggestion for best mexican in mission for late lunch (near some of the murals would be good too).

We have a 930pm red eye. What time do we need to be back at the hotel to collect our luggage and uber to the airport?

Answer

Your San Francisco itinerary looks well thought-out and ambitious, but manageable with a mix of walking, public transit, and occasional Uber rides. Here’s detailed feedback for each day along with restaurant and transportation suggestions.

Monday:

Driving from Monterey and dropping the car at the airport makes sense cost-wise. Uber from the airport with four people and luggage is probably easier than BART, especially with luggage.

Hotel choice: Marriott Marquis is convenient for downtown and the ballpark; Hotel Adagio is also good but slightly further from some sights. Either works depending on your points preference.
For the ballgame at Oracle Park, consider taking an Uber or rideshare—parking can be challenging and expensive.

Tuesday:

For your 9:20 Alcatraz tickets, it’s best to allow 30–40 minutes from your hotel depending on location. Uber or rideshare is the easiest for a family with luggage and to ensure you arrive on time.

Cable cars are less crowded early in the morning; you could do the Powell-Mason or Powell-Hyde line before heading to Alcatraz if you’re up for it. Allow about 45–60 minutes for a round trip if you plan to ride and get photos.
After Alcatraz, your plan to meander through Pier 39, Boudin Bakery, and Musee Mecanique works well.
For Ghirardelli Square, an afternoon treat is perfect timing. Lombard Street is nearby and accessible by short Uber rides or walking.
Cable Car Museum is a fun stop; a brief visit is sufficient.
China Town and Fortune Cookie Factory are close together—good timing for photos and snacks.
City Lights Bookstore is in North Beach, which is also ideal for finishing your day with pizza. Tony’s is a classic option; other suggestions include Golden Boy Pizza for a casual slice or North Beach Pizza for family-friendly dining.

Wednesday:

With a red-eye at 9:30 pm, you have flexibility but need to manage luggage pickup and airport travel.

Japanese Tea Garden opens at 9 am; Botanical Garden entry is free 9–10 am. If the family is slow to get moving, consider just the Japanese Gardens to start, then Uber back for check-out.
Japantown has fun stores and cultural spots; check out Kinokuniya for manga and Pokemon items.
Mission District: for sushi/snack, Orenchi Ramen or a small sushi counter is great, but check for exact locations. For Mexican food near murals, La Taqueria or El Farolito are both excellent and iconic.
Plan to be back at the hotel around 6:30–7 pm to collect luggage and allow enough time to Uber to the airport, accounting for traffic.

Transportation:

For your short, central trips, Uber/Lyft is convenient and flexible with a family of four.
For multiple short trips in a day (especially Tuesday), a Muni day pass can save money and simplify travel if you plan to ride buses and streetcars multiple times.

Overall, your plan is busy but feasible. Prioritize Alcatraz and ballpark events with strict timing, and allow flexibility elsewhere to accommodate kids’ energy levels. Having a mix of Uber, walking, and possibly a day pass for Muni should cover your transportation needs efficiently.

finalizing itinerary- how does it look

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