San Fran Hop On/ Hop Off Bus Tour?

[hopeis]

It seems like the hop on hop off double decker bus tour might be a good way to experience San Fran. Has anyone tried it? Do I sign up for a specific boarding time at the first stop? Do i really get to "hop" off and on whenever i like and as many times in the day as I'd like? And suggestions, tips or recommendations?

And what's a good hotel to stay at (budget friendly, free parking and breakfast would be a bonus) near the starting point... Fishermans Warf (I think)

Thx

 

[gatorfreud]

We live here but my boys and I did for fun in the spring. I can't remember which one we did - the red one. I think we signed up for a time. Then you do just hop on and off whenever you want. It was really fun!

I feel like I picked a time to get on when I bought the tix - but it was pretty loosey goosey. You can get on at any stop, doesn't have to be at the wharf. We got on in Golden Gate Park near our house.

We did the whoooole day - about 10am-8pm. We went across the bridge but didn't get out, stopped at Exploratorium for a couple hours, a few hours in Chinatown, and a couple at the wharf. I think the pass is for two days so you could split it up that way. Or say you only wanted to go to GGP and do stuff there, just take public transport back to hotel, then do the other part the next day.

Kim