Hello! could anyone give me some ideas on SF areas... where to stay, things to do, any festivals going on... planning next week a trip to the city and I have never been...  

You're solid most places outside of the Tenderloin (skid row of San Francisco- sketchy as shit) or Pier 39 (Fishermans Wharf- too family with kids touristy, parking is unreal). Union Square is most convenient as its central but I never had a problem with hotels in the Financial District or Marina area either.

I go there twice a year and lived there for 10 years, so feel free to PM me for info.

thank you!