San Francisco

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in San Francisco

Introduction

San Francisco, the City by the Bay, is a popular tourist destination known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep hills, colorful Victorian homes, and vibrant cultural scene. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip to this amazing city. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your San Francisco adventure.

Places to Go

1. Golden Gate Bridge

  • Take a walk or bike ride across the iconic bridge for spectacular views of the city and the bay.
  • Access: The bridge is open 24/7, but be prepared for crowds and wind.

2. Alcatraz Island

  • Explore the former prison turned national park and learn about its infamous history.
  • Access: Take a ferry from Pier 33; book tickets in advance to avoid long wait times.

3. Fisherman’s Wharf

  • Sample fresh seafood, browse souvenir shops, and take in the sights and sounds of this bustling waterfront district.
  • Access: Located at the northern end of Jefferson Street; parking can be challenging.

4. Chinatown

  • Wander through the vibrant streets of San Francisco’s largest Asian community, exploring markets, temples, and restaurants.
  • Access: Enter at the iconic Dragon’s Gate on Grant Avenue; be prepared for crowds and narrow sidewalks.

5. Golden Gate Park

  • Explore the de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, and other attractions within this sprawling urban park.
  • Access: The park is open daily from 6am to midnight; entrance is free, but some attractions may require tickets.

6. Haight-Ashbury

  • Visit the epicenter of San Francisco’s 1960s counterculture movement, now home to vintage shops, cafes, and eclectic restaurants.
  • Access: Located at the intersection of Haight and Ashbury Streets; parking can be challenging.

7. Lombard Street

  • Take in the views of the city from this famous “crooked” street, lined with beautiful gardens and ornate architecture.
  • Access: Located between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets; be prepared for steep hills and narrow sidewalks.

8. The Painted Ladies

  • Admire the colorful Victorian homes on Alamo Square, a iconic symbol of San Francisco’s architectural heritage.
  • Access: Located at Alamo Square Park; be respectful of the surrounding neighborhood.

9. Ferry Building Marketplace

  • Sample artisanal foods and drinks from local vendors within this historic ferry terminal turned culinary hub.
  • Access: Located at the foot of Market Street; open Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm, and Saturday, 8am to 6pm.

10. The Castro

  • Explore the heart of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community, known for its vibrant nightlife, eclectic shops, and historic landmarks like the Castro Theatre.
  • Access: Located at the intersection of Castro and Market Streets; be respectful of the surrounding neighborhood.

Activities

1. Take a Cable Car Ride

  • Experience San Francisco’s iconic transportation system, which offers stunning views of the city.
  • Cost: $7 per ride (one way) or $20 for an all-day pass.

2. Go Hiking

  • Explore the city’s many hiking trails, including Lands End, the Presidio, and Mount Tamalpais.
  • Cost: Free; be prepared for varied terrain and weather conditions.

3. Take a Food Tour

  • Sample the best of San Francisco’s diverse culinary scene on a guided tour.
  • Cost: Varies by tour operator; book in advance to ensure availability.

4. Visit a Museum

  • Explore the city’s many world-class museums, including the de Young Museum, California Palace of the Legion of Honor, and Exploratorium.
  • Cost: Varies by museum; some offer free admission on certain days or at specific times.

5. Attend a Sporting Event

  • Catch a game by the San Francisco Giants (baseball), 49ers (football), or Warriors (basketball).
  • Cost: Ticket prices vary by team and event; book in advance to ensure availability.

6. Go Shopping

  • Browse high-end boutiques, vintage shops, and artisanal markets throughout the city.
  • Cost: Varies by store and market; be prepared for crowds and varied pricing.

7. Take a Day Trip

  • Explore nearby destinations like Napa Valley (wine country), Muir Woods National Monument, or Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
  • Cost: Varies by transportation method and destination; book in advance to ensure availability.

Where to Eat

1. Sourdough Bread

  • Sample San Francisco’s famous sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery or Fisherman’s Wharf.
  • Cost: $5-$10 per loaf.

2. Fresh Seafood

  • Enjoy fresh seafood at Alioto’s, The Crab Shack, or Swan Oyster Depot.
  • Cost: $20-$50 per entree.

3. Chinese Food

  • Explore the diverse culinary options in Chinatown, from dim sum to Szechuan hot pot.
  • Cost: $10-$25 per entree.

4. Mexican Food

  • Sample authentic Mexican cuisine in the Mission District at La Taqueria or El Farolito.
  • Cost: $10-$20 per entree.

5. Coffee Culture

  • Visit iconic cafes like Blue Bottle Coffee, Four Barrel, or Philz Coffee to experience San Francisco’s coffee culture.
  • Cost: $3-$5 per cup.

Where to Stay

1. Luxury Hotels

  • Experience opulence at hotels like the Fairmont San Francisco, Ritz-Carlton, or Four Seasons.
  • Cost: $200-$500 per night.

2. Boutique Hotels

  • Enjoy unique amenities and stylish decor at boutique hotels like Hotel Zelos, Hotel Zeppelin, or The Inn at Union Square.
  • Cost: $150-$300 per night.

3. Hostels

  • Meet fellow travelers and enjoy budget-friendly accommodations at hostels like HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel or Green Tortoise Hostel.
  • Cost: $30-$60 per night.

4. Vacation Rentals

  • Rent an apartment or house through services like Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway for a more home-like experience.
  • Cost: $80-$200 per night.

Things to Know

1. Weather

  • San Francisco is known for its cool, foggy climate; pack layers and be prepared for varied weather conditions.

2. Hills

  • Be prepared for steep hills throughout the city; wear comfortable shoes and consider using public transportation or ride-hailing services.

3. Safety

  • As with any major city, take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, such as avoiding walking alone in dimly lit areas at night.

4. Parking

  • Be prepared for limited parking options and high fees; consider using public transportation or ride-hailing services.

5. Tipping Culture

  • Tip 15%-20% at restaurants and bars to show appreciation for good service.

Transportation

1. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

  • Use this regional rail system to travel throughout the Bay Area.
  • Cost: $3-$10 per ride; consider purchasing a Clipper card for convenient travel.

2. Muni Metro

  • Ride San Francisco’s light rail system, which connects many popular neighborhoods and attractions.
  • Cost: $3 per ride; consider purchasing a Clipper card for convenient travel.

3. Cable Cars

  • Experience San Francisco’s iconic transportation system, which offers stunning views of the city.
  • Cost: $7 per ride (one way) or $20 for an all-day pass.

4. Ride-Hailing Services

  • Use services like Uber or Lyft to travel throughout the city.
  • Cost: Varies by distance and time of day; consider using public transportation or walking/biking when possible.

Tips

1. Buy a Clipper Card

  • This reusable transit card offers convenient travel on BART, Muni Metro, and other regional systems.

2. Explore Neighborhoods

  • Discover hidden gems by exploring San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods on foot or by bike.

3. Take Advantage of Free Attractions

  • Enjoy free attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and the Painted Ladies.

4. Be Prepared for Crowds

  • Be patient and plan ahead when visiting popular attractions during peak travel seasons.

5. Respect the City

  • Be mindful of your impact on San Francisco’s environment and community; recycle, reduce waste, and respect local customs.

Other Things of Interest

1. Festivals and Events

  • Attend iconic events like San Francisco Pride, Outside Lands Music Festival, or the San Francisco Film Festival.
  • Dates: Vary by event; check official websites for schedules and ticket information.

2. Wine Country

  • Explore nearby Napa Valley, Sonoma County, or Livermore Valley for wine tastings and vineyard tours.
  • Cost: Varies by winery and tour operator; consider booking a guided tour for a convenient experience.

3. Outdoor Activities

  • Enjoy hiking, biking, or surfing in San Francisco’s many parks and natural areas, such as Golden Gate Park or Ocean Beach.
  • Cost: Free-$20 per person; consider renting equipment or booking a guided tour for a convenient experience.

With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in San Francisco!