I'd doubt that other than at 2am on a Sunday ANYONE could EVER get from SFO
to the area near the Conference hotel in 20 minutes... better plan on
something closer to an hour, especially if you're driving.  Taxis or
Shuttles are no different, the traffic once you get near downtown is HEAVY
from 5a-11a and from 3p-7p.

BART will get you to the Downtown Stations within a half hour once you're on
BART, but then depending on the time of day, it's another 15 minutes to the
hotel.  The financial district in SF is a bustling area from about 7am until
6pm, then it becomes a ghost town by 7:30-8pm.  In the areas around the
downtown BART stations on Market Street, it's like spawning season on
coastal rivers... except the fish are traveling both directions.  Also, it's
not uncommon for the escalators to be out in stations, and elevators are
intended for handicapped only, and are almost non-existent (not every
station has one). I only mention this because if you have a suitcase packed
for a week long stay and other accouterments, it's a long walk up from the
platform.

To get to BART from Oakland, you have to take a shuttle bus which is about a
15-20 minute ride once you're on the bus, then the ride IS longer to SF and
you have to make sure you board the correct train- they don't all go to SF,
and there is only one transfer station if you're on the wrong train.

That said, unless I have NO OTHER OPTION, I always fly out of Oakland
because the airport is MUCH less busy (but I live in the East Bay).

As far as places to go, there have been some great suggestions- but no one
has mentioned Lake Tahoe or Yosemite.  Early November means *some* snow in
Tahoe, but it's uncommon that you can't drive without chains.  It's about a
3-4 hour drive NE from Downtown SF, and it's BEAUTIFUL.  Yosemite is almost
due E, about the same length of a drive (plan on entering by Merced on 99,
NOT Sonora on 108/120) and it's ALWAYS beautiful,. but the falls won't be
running in November- most of them start drying up around now. 

The wine country is a much nicer destination in May-Aug when the vines are
green and full; come fall depending on how early the harvest is (and it
looks like ti will be soon) some of them may be completely stripped of
foliage by November. The surrounding area is pretty, but it isn't spectacular.  

And for those that are interested, there are Indian Gaming Casinos north and
east of SF, about 90 minutes to 2 hours away to 4-5 venues. 

The Redwoods up Hwy 1 (or up 101 and then over to the coast along Russian
River) are also very nice- but it's a pretty long drive, definitely not a
day trip, so plan a minimum of 2 days side venture if you want to go up
anywhere near Eureka.  There is a closer option, but not as impressive- the
Muir Woods is across the Golden Gate Bridge and north about an hour up Hwy 1.  

In general, the North Coast is a lot more laid back, lots of beautiful
scenery and while it's 'touristy', its not filled with places to spend money
on things other than food and lodging, except maybe some crafts and wine.  

South along the Coast, you can be treated to Half Moon Bay, (stop south of
there in Pescadero for some great food at Duarte's Tavern),  Big Basin
Redwoods Park, Santa Cruz (Boardwalk only open on weekends), Moss Landing
(Phil's Fish Market is an excellent spot for seafood),and finally Monterey
and Carmel-by-the-Sea (for some retail therapy).  This is a full day trip
down, so plan on spending the night before the trip back, or continuing on
further south.

If you're planning on heading WAY SOUTH, look into a one-way rental car fly
into SFO and fly out of one of the many SoCal airports.

Naturally, don't short change SF itself, with plenty of sights including a
World Class Zoo, Golden Gate Park, loads of beautiful architecture,
Alcatraz, the Wharf, Chinatown and North Beach and pretty much any kind of
food you can imagine.  There's a great theatre district and always concerts
in town, but you better look now if you're after tickets.

That's all I've got to say on the subject.  Personally, I won't be attending
the Conference, might be around some on one of the days to visit some
friends though and my dance card is pretty much punched up for the preceding
weekend.

Larry
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