The Starlight Room at the Sir Francis Drake is right there for nighttime dancing and 360 views of the city. Sunset drink at the top of the Mark (Mark Hopkins hotel), across from the Fairmont. Lunch at the rotunda at Neiman Marcus (please don't skip this!!). If you like books, please don't miss City Lights Books. Read up on it to understand what it is, then go next door for absinthe at Vesuvio. I live close by (Sonoma County) and these are the best things that I love to do. If you want to do the tourist thing, then by all means, do the hop on hop off bus and the boat trip. Be aware that weather at this time of year is HIGHLY variable, so layer your clothes - T-shirt to jacket. Check weather apps ahead of time and keep in touch as it changes, but it's likely to be chilly. Kuleto's is just around the corner (wonderful food) or make a reservation at House of Prime Rib. Wish you had longer and I could show you around!

Ciao Nicoletta, posso risponderti limitatamente alle mia esperienza. San Francisco la giri comodamente in tre giorni, io ne ho fatti 5 ma ti conviene vedere anche altro. Ho preferito una stanza in una casa piuttosto che un hotel che ad agosto erano troppo cari rispetto alle case. Non conosco San Diego ma a detta degli americani é una delle città più vivibili degli States. Occhio al vento freddo di San Francisco...

There is a YMCA in the Embarcadero area that should have lane swimming at certain times each day. Also, you can check the web for the closest and best public indoor lap swimming pools. They have a few listed with a map showing you how close they are to your hotel.

We didn't find it necessary to have a rental car in the city. Taxis are very inexpensive and lots of public transport options. With cable cars it can be a bit tricky driving if you're not used to it. We hired a car for trips out of the city (Napa, Sonoma). City relatively small so attractions not difficult to get to.

Someone got you the info. before I saw your ? You have the right instructions - ENJOY!

Take the BART. You will definitely need to give both the arm and the leg to park "IF" you can find a spot. It is the worst ever these days and the surrounding streets are all uprooted for subway and new building construction. Do public transit, cab, or Lyft.