I usually spend my time on the north side of Market street while visiting. On my next trip, I will be at the IC on Howard and 5th and I need some help.

1) Will there be a problem walking down 5th from Market to the hotel during late evening hours?

2) How about walking down to Brannan from the hotel along 5th during daylight hours? Both REI and Performance Bike should be an easy hike. From Google Earth, the neighborhood appears to be truly diverse..lots of parking lots (probably sitting on the site of long demolished buildings) and older warehouse type structures. Will walking with my wife be ill-advised?

Thanks