I was there in the 1970s and 80s (visiting). I thought it was just wonderful. I didn’t see any homeless but did see the hippies. If you can believe it, a wealthy family member put me up at the Mark Hopkins Hotel - at that time, I was living in LA. I loved the fog, the cool weather...everything!
Ahh yes, the Mark Hopkins..Top of the Mark...good times, good times. Glad you had lovely visits. San Francisco is beautiful.