Rental car in San Francisco?

Hi-

We're considering a Jewel of the Seas sailing in Oct. 2015. It arrives in San Francisco 2pm one day, stays overnight and departs at 6pm the next day. We were thinking of renting a car for 2 days, so we could see some things outside of metro area where I don't think buses, etc. go. Some things we're interested in are Muir Woods, Point Reyes, riding cable cars, Santa Cruz. Not that we'd do all, but just some examples. Is it logistically possible/easy to rent a car near the port and park it overnight before returning it later the next day? Any recommendations about other transportation options? We do really prefer to be on our schedule, but would consider a tour, etc. Also, we'll have our 6 and (almost) 4 year old , if anyone has recommendations for good things to do with that age group.

Thanks!

The Jewel is scheduled to arrive at 2:00 p.m. on a Monday. If you are lucky enough to be off the ship by 3:00, you might spend an hour walking or driving to a car rental agency and getting a car, followed by another hour or two negotiating traffic during the height of rush hour(s). I don't see how having a car would benefit you that first day during this timeframe., especially with small children.

Santa Cruz is 1.5 to 2 hours away, depending on traffic. You would need all of your available hours on Tuesday to make that trip worthwhile.