I think some of the hotels out by Fisherman’s wharf may have free or inexpensive daily parking for guests, but nothing downtown will. Driving around the city to go places is challenging - you will spend lots of time/money looking for parking.

Depending on what you plan to do, you might be better of staying outside the city. What do you want to do in the city? Where are you going “south”? Day trip or longer?

Do not leave anything in your car. Smash and grab for basically anything visible has been a thing for years here.

Thank you! Inc for the suggestion re: hotel.

We have unvaccinated kids so was thinking about cars v public transport, but I hear you in terms of getting around. I was thinking of renting car at airport and parking at a hotel with free parking - and then using it to drive south (which we will need; we aren't spending all the time in SF).

We are looking for a place that will store our belongings for 10 days - we are moving from overseas and stopping in CA on the way "home" to DC, so we will have MANY bags...

We travel to the Bay Area often (I grew up there) and I would not recommend renting a car in SF. Public transportation is decent or you can take Lyft. Even if there's parking at the hotel, parking around the city is time-consuming and costly. Re luggage storage -- I've never stayed at a hotel where they wouldn't keep your luggage for a few hours. I've never paid a fee for that, but I would certainly tip the person who helps with the bags. For a reasonably-priced and pleasant hotel (with surprisingly spacious rooms) in a great location, I'd suggest the Kimpton Buchanan in Japantown.

anyone happen to know of not too expensive hotels in SF that have low-cost or free 1) luggage storage and/or 2) free parking and/or shuttle buses from SFO?