Blargh, I totally forgot about all the Occupy protests. I managed to miss them all here in NYC, so would like to avoid getting caught up in them somewhere else!

I'm thinking that maybe we should stay in SF and then take some of your suggestions for things to do in Oakland if we want to explore that area. I did want to avoid the Fisherman's Wharf area, I would much prefer staying somewhere else, less touristy, but that's where the boats would be coming in so I think that's why my cousin wanted to stay there. She is from England, and I doubt that she will ever go back to SF, so it would be best to show her a good time.

Thank you everyone for your advice, I appreciate it!