Originally Posted by
returnoftheyeti
Forget Yosemite, its closed right now anyways.
Stay in Fisherman's Wharf area for you hotel.
Don't rent a car, you don't need one and its $20+ a day to park anyways.
Amtrack will take you into the city, otherwise use BART.
+1 ^
There are quite a few 3* in Fisherman's Wharf area, including Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. October is among the best weather in the city.
If you only stay in the city, definitely don't rent a car. If you want to visit nearby area within an hour or two hour of driving such as Sonoma or Napa and the coast, then rent a car for a day only. October is a beautiful time of the year to be in the wine country.