Here is a nice walking tour that my wife and I like to take when we go into the City for a walk and dinner in North Beach. I've got it starting from your hotel.
1. Walk to Pier 39. Check out the "famous" sea lions (that's Coit Tower on the hill in the distance; that's where you're headed eventually).
2. Head down the Embarcadero to Levi Plaza. Cut through Levi Plaza toward the hill along Filbert St. Take the (very steep) Filbert Street steps up to Coit Tower. While heading up the steps, note the beautiful homes tucked into the hillside and views of San Francisco Bay. I don't think they're around right now (we were there a couple weeks ago), but keep an eye out while on the steps for the
.
3. From the Coit Tower parking lot (tower itself is closed, but no biggie), if the weather is clear, look for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Marin County, Angel Island, and
The Crookedest Street in the World.
4. Head down the Greenwich steps and weave your way down to Washington Square in Northbeach (Italian neighborhood).
5. Have dinner (or lunch) a couple blocks down Columbus Avenue at Calzone's. Get a seat on the sidewalk if you can; they have outdoor heaters.
6. After dinner, head a couple of blocks down Columbus to famous beatnik hangout, Vesuvio's Bar, and enjoy an Irish Coffee.
7. From Vesuvios, head a couple blocks over to Grant Street and enter Chinatown. Walk all the way down Grant and check out all the neon lights and shops.
8. Continue as far as California Street. Watch the cable cars go by. Jump on one going up or down if you like / can.
9. If you still have time and energy, continue along Grant across California and down the hill. Make your way to Union Square; watch the people and the ice skaters and check out the hoity-toity shops. Take a cab back to the hotel.
Here's your route (as far as getting to Chinatown; although my map says Stockton, you want Grant Street).
