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Free Walking Tours of San Francisco

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City Guides, founded in 1978, is an independent 501c3 non-profit organization with more than 300 trained volunteers who lead FREE historical and architectural walking tours in San Francisco for over 35,000 locals and visitors each year. We are a program of the San Francisco Public Library. Join us for a walk along the streets, sidewalks, and byways of America’s most beautiful – and fascinating – city!

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Truly one of the greatest treasures of San Francisco! City Guide tours never disappoint, always full of interesting stories, anecdotes, and fun- facts! Google Review – Jan ’24

The guides are well trained and enthusiastic to share their knowledge and love of the greatest city on earth! I have done numerous tours and am always delighted! Google Review – Jan ’24

The tour was fabulous! I’ve lived in SF for over 40 years but learned so much! And I saw so many places that I now can appreciate their significance. I can’t wait to do more. Google Review – Jan ’24

One of the best ways to see San Francisco on the cheap! SF.FunCheap.com

Our guide was warm, friendly, funny, and full of interesting facts and stories. What a great way to get to know The City by the Bay! Google Review – Jan ’24

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Crissy Field & The Presidio Tunnel Tops Crissy Field & The Presidio Tunnel Tops free

Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Presidio Tunnel Tops is the nation’s newest national park space and reconnects the city to the bay. The 14-acre park, which was designed by James Corner Field Operations (the same team behind NYC ’s High Line ) bridges over the newly tunneled Presidio Parkway. The parkway (formerly Doyle Drive) separated the historic Main Post from the waterfront. Connecting pathways, bluff landscapes and overlooks have made the park a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. 

One of the park’s largest areas, the Golden Gate Meadow, is a popular spot for families for picnics, kite-flying and other outdoor activities. Gardens and accessible cliff walks border the meadow, which also offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge , the bay and the Marin Headlands. A 2-acre play space called the Outpost features huge play structures built from fallen tree trunks, boulders and other things inspired by nature, allowing children to swing, crawl and climb. 

Golden Gate Park Golden Gate Park free

If California had a Central Park equivalent, Golden Gate Park would undoubtedly be it. Though Golden Gate Park sees a small fraction of the visitors its New York counterpart does (Central Park welcomes more than 42 million, while Golden Gate sees more than 24 million yearly), it's about 174 acres bigger (Central Park is 843 acres). The park offers so much to see and do, it could take an entire day to experience all that it has to offer. Trails, picturesque picnic spaces, playgrounds, sports courts, gardens, museums and more can be found within its evergreen borders. With so many options available, it's best to map out what you want to do ahead of time, though some attractions warrant a visit, regardless of traveler taste.

The Japanese Tea Garden is one of those standout sites. This attraction is one of a kind, serving as the oldest Japanese garden in the U.S. It features 5 acres of manicured gardens outfitted with cherry trees, bamboo-lined pathways, koi ponds, a five-story pagoda, a Zen garden and a tea house, among other features. There's also the Conservatory of Flowers, the oldest existing public conservatory in the Western Hemisphere. The conservatory offers visitors a look at a plethora of vibrantly colored blooms and a chance to learn more about the nearly 2,000 species of plants that call the conservatory home. 

Lands End Lands End free

One of the top places in San Francisco to catch the sunset, Lands End offers whimsical, winding trails through rocky cliffs. Located in the northwestern corner of San Francisco, the park sits inside of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The park encompasses multiple historic sites, monuments, multiple trails and a shoreline labyrinth with excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge .

Visitors often rave about the park’s trails and the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and other San Francisco landmarks. Many have appreciated the historic ruins of the Sutro Baths, which San Franciscans used as a recreational swimming facility from 1898 to 1964. The baths were demolished in 1964, then further destroyed by a fire in 1966, leaving the structure that travelers can visit today. Similarly, the park's iconic Cliff House was destroyed twice by fire, but it was rebuilt each time.

Golden Gate Bridge Golden Gate Bridge free

The Golden Gate Bridge's vaulting, orange arches amidst the rocky seascape of the San Francisco Bay have made it one of the West Coast's most enduring symbols and the city's most popular tourist attraction. The bridge's name, "Golden Gate," actually refers to the body of water it spans (the Golden Gate Strait that connects the Pacific Ocean with the San Francisco Bay), and was built to make travel between San Francisco and Marin County an easier feat. 

There are plenty of great spots to capture a snap of the majestic bridge. But if you want a truly postcard-worthy shot, head to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, situated high on a hill overlooking San Francisco. If you have extra time, make sure to explore the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The actual span of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area encompasses multiple places in San Mateo (south of San Francisco), San Francisco and Marin counties ( Alcatraz and Muir Woods included), but notable parts of this recreation area can be found just a stroll away from the Golden Gate. From the bridge, travelers will find some scenic, bayside trails, some of which lead to secluded beaches, including Kirby Cove and Black Sands Beach. If you really want a trek, journey to the Point Bonita Lighthouse for sweeping views of the bay, found at the very tip of the Golden Gate Strait.

Ferry Building Marketplace Ferry Building Marketplace free

Attention all foodies: this delectable attraction needs to be at the top of your San Francisco to-do list. The Ferry Building Marketplace is a public food market that features a variety of food stalls that act as small restaurants, snack stops and grocery stores. Here you can find everything from staples, such as seafood, burgers, Mexican food and plenty of coffee, to a Japanese delicatessen, empanada stand, a honey shop and an organic bagel shop.

Many travelers who stopped by the Ferry Building Marketplace enjoyed the lively atmosphere and were impressed with the amount, variety and overall quality of eats available on-site. The Saturday farmers market was a standout for many. Though there are formal restaurants available, some visitors say the best strategy is to pick up a to-go meal and enjoy it along the scenic waterfront. And if you're not one for lines, don't come on the weekends. For a different perspective of the marketplace, view it from the water on a narrated boat tour . Some of the best San Francisco food tours also make stops here.

Palace of Fine Arts Palace of Fine Arts free

The only remaining structure from an early 20th-century world’s fair that helped put San Francisco on the international map, the Palace of Fine Arts is a faux palace surrounded by a lagoon frequented by snow-white swans. That setting combined with the building’s neoclassical design makes the Palace of Fine Arts one of the most popular spots in the city for wedding photos and Instagram shots. 

Described as a Beaux-Arts wonder, the palace was restored in the early 1960s, duplicating the original with a towering colonnade, bas-relief urns and a domed ceiling with allegorical paintings.

Hayes Valley Hayes Valley free

One of the best areas for shopping, eating, and people-watching, Hayes Valley is a cool, revitalized neighborhood located in the heart of the city. The main commercial strip, along Hayes Street between Laguna and Franklin, teems with stylish and unique home decor shops and clothing boutiques interspersed with charming outdoor cafes, dessert spots and a wide array of well-established restaurants and trendy watering holes. The neighborhood also features beautifully restored Victorians, a community garden and an art park.

Past visitors enjoyed the eclectic, European feel of the neighborhood and the quintessentially San Francisco experiences they've had there. These include customizing your own bag at the original Timbuk2 store , grabbing a coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee 's first brick-and-mortar tucked into a garage or enjoying a made-to-order ice cream at Smitten's kiosk overlooking the lively urban park, Patricia's Green .

Dolores Park Dolores Park free

On the western edge of The Mission , this 16-acre park is billed as one of the city’s most popular – because of its views of the San Francisco skyline and beyond, as well its ample green space. On sunny days, the park is a favorite among families who flock here to picnic on the grassy lawns that are shaded by palm trees. There’s also a playground and two off-leash dog play areas, as well as several sports courts. If you’re hoping to bring a picnic to enjoy at the park, experts suggest stopping by Tartine Bakery, Rhea’s Market & Deli and Nopalito.

Interestingly, the park is situated on land that was once a Jewish cemetery. In 1905, the city purchased the land and created the park. A year later, it became a refugee camp for hundreds of residents who became homeless after the historic 1906 earthquake and fire. 

The Mission The Mission free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Walk along Valencia Street between 20th and 22nd streets for unique and creative shops and affordable restaurants. Check out local favorites like sustainable bag brand Baggu, Dog Eared Books and Paxton Gate. – Lili Weigert

The Mission has attracted San Francisco's young bohemian crowd in the past decade, but its history is rooted in Hispanic heritage. After all, its namesake is the city’s oldest building, Mission Dolores. This is the place that introduced the burrito to the wider world, so be sure to check out Latinx-owned businesses like La Taqueria, Taqueria La Cumbre and El Farolito for some tasty eats loved by both locals and travelers alike. The Mission is also a great neighborhood for getting away from the heavily visited tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf , plus it's a popular stop on many of the city's best walking tours .

San Francisco's Chinatown San Francisco's Chinatown free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Did you know that fortune cookies were invented in San Francisco? While in Chinatown, stop by the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory where you can watch the cookies being made and sample different flavors and toppings. – Lili Weigert

While New York City 's Chinatown tends to take center stage in the U.S., San Francisco's Chinatown is just as much of a star. San Francisco's Chinatown hosts one of the largest Asian communities outside of Asia, and is considered one of the oldest in North America. Chinese immigrants first started coming to California in search of fortune during the Gold Rush. After being driven out of the gold mines due to discrimination and restrictive legislation against Chinese immigrants, the Chinese moved to build businesses of their own in the area that is now Chinatown – one of the city's most visited neighborhoods. 

Haight-Ashbury Haight-Ashbury free

Named for the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets, this neighborhood is best known as the center of the 1960s counterculture movement. Remnants of the long gone hippie culture endure, including the former Grateful Dead house at 710 Ashbury St., and the Jefferson Airplane house at 2400 Fulton St. Both are private residences, but remain perennial attractions. 

These days, trendy has replaced hippy. Colorful Victorian homes line the hillsides and restaurants and boutiques crowd the streets. Along Upper Haight, you’ll find flamboyant clothing shops, piercing and tattoo parlors, and hip restaurants. Downhill on Haight Street, you’ll find dive bars, consignment stores and music shops. 

Ocean Beach Ocean Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: After a walk along the beach, cross the Great Highway for brunch or happy hour at The Beach Chalet. Enjoy the ocean view from the spacious dining room or head around back to the Parc Chalet for outdoor seating and a more relaxed atmosphere. – Lili Weigert

Located in the northwestern corner of San Francisco, Ocean Beach separates attractions like the San Francisco Zoo and Golden Gate Park from the Pacific Ocean. This 3 ½-mile stretch of sand is a welcome respite from the city's bustling downtown. Visitors and locals can walk the beach, while experienced surfers brave the frigid water in search of the perfect wave.

Japantown Japantown free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Navigating this part of town can be hectic, so if you drive, the best place to park is the Japan Center Garage. As an added convenience, the garage's website shows the number of spaces available in real time. – Lili Weigert

There are only three Japantowns left in the country, and San Francisco's is both the largest and the oldest, dating back to 1906. It's a vibrant and colorful community where you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture and experiences. The neighborhood offers a huge variety of Japanese items calling out to be purchased or consumed, including plenty of affordable options for the budget traveler.

Presidio Heights Presidio Heights free

U.S. News Insider Tip: This is a great neighborhood for consignment stores. Sprinkled among the many high-end fashionable boutiques, check out local favorites Goodbyes and The Designer Consigner. – Lili Weigert

Presidio Heights is an elegant and immaculate neighborhood known for its stunning views and beautiful homes. It also includes the Sacramento Street Shopping District, which stretches over seven blocks and is where you'll find some of San Francisco's most established and sophisticated design shops and fashion boutiques. Whether you're looking for gifts, keepsakes, ideas or inspiration, it's a lovely area to explore away from the hustle and bustle of the city's other shopping districts.

Baker Beach Baker Beach free

While San Francisco isn't known for being a beach town, the city's Baker Beach is often considered one of the best in California . Located in the northwestern area of San Francisco in the Presidio, Baker Beach is primarily known for its sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the neighboring Marin Headlands. The mile-long beach offers travelers plenty of room to spread their legs and features picnic areas and access to nearby Presidio trails. Travelers flock here to snap photos of the bridge, however, if you're looking to catch some rays or get your feet wet, you should go elsewhere: Swimming at Baker Beach is dangerous due to large waves, undertow and rip currents, and the city's fickle weather means it's not always warm enough for sunbathing.

Travelers strongly recommend bringing an extra layer, no matter what time of year you visit. Reviewers also stress that those traveling with families should stick to the south side of the beach: North Baker Beach is clothing optional, and it's definitely practiced. 

Yerba Buena Gardens Yerba Buena Gardens free

After a day of hasty sightseeing, the Yerba Buena Gardens provide travelers with an opportunity to wind down and enjoy San Francisco's weather and unique culture. The gardens include 5 acres of landscaped lawns complete with flowers, trees, water features and public art. The Cho-En Butterfly Garden attracts native San Francisco butterflies with plants (also native) that encourage butterfly growth from eggs to adults. Meanwhile, the Reflection Garden serves as a tribute to the Ohlone Indians as well as a performance area for various oral traditions. The Upper Terrace Garden and the Sister City Gardens, which include plants from San Francisco's 18 sister cities from around the world, are where visitors will find the area's cafes and most of its seating. Additionally, the East Garden houses a variety of sculptures and water features. There are also three spaces designed specifically for kids, including a children’s garden and two playgrounds. 

What's more, attractions like the Children's Creativity Museum and the Yerba Buena Ice Skating + Bowling Center flank the Yerba Buena Gardens, so travelers could feasibly spend an entire day exploring this area of San Francisco. Due to the number of restaurants that also surround the gardens, many past travelers recommend stopping by the Yerba Buena Gardens after grabbing lunch or snacks nearby. They also find the park a great location to relax and enjoy the landscape.

Twin Peaks Twin Peaks free

If you want the best views of San Francisco, take a hike to Twin Peaks. These famous grassy peaks rise 922 feet in elevation, making them the second highest point in the city (after Mount Davidson). From the top, travelers can view multiple San Francisco landmarks, including the Bay Bridge and the downtown skyscrapers. Whether you decide to go during the day or night (some say you should do both), numerous visitors agree that the views are stunning and worth the trek. But make sure to bring a jacket: many recent visitors said it can get windier (and subsequently chillier) up top than at sea level.

The Castro Street station is the nearest Muni Metro stop and the Crestline Drive stop on the No. 37 is the best bus route (picks up from Market Street). The most common way that travelers visit the area is by walking or biking to the north peak parking lot. Many guided tours also stop here. If you’re up for a little more exploration, hike the nearly mile-long trail that ascends the two peaks. There are also more trails that meander along the southern and eastern slopes of the 64-acre park. Be sure to stay on marked trails, as poison ivy can be found in the area.

North Beach North Beach free

Don’t let the name of this neighborhood in northeastern San Francisco fool you: There’s no actual beach at North Beach. The name is more of a geographical marker for the neighborhood’s location on the bay. It’s better known as San Francisco’s Little Italy and remains home to a vibrant Italian-American community, with streets lined with restaurants and cafes. Among the neighborhood staples is Original Joe’s , which has been serving San Francisco residents for nearly a century. If you want a little help navigating the neighborhood’s delectable dining scene, consider signing up for one of the best San Francisco tours ; many of the companies featured lead guided food tours throughout North Beach.

In addition to its Italian restaurants, North Beach also gained fame as the preferred neighborhood for the post-World War II Beat Generation, which included authors Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Neal Cassady and Gregory Corso, among others. You can still see remnants of the Beat Generation in the City Lights bookstore and Vesuvio Cafe, which draws chess players, artists, poets and literary tourists. 

Union Square Union Square free

Situated a couple blocks north of Market Street and southwest of the city's Financial District, Union Square sits at the heart of downtown San Francisco's hustle and bustle. This area is loved by travelers and locals alike for its awesome location and incredible energy. Union Square Park is flanked by tall buildings (some of which are adorned with Times Square -size ads) and busy streets, offering people the unique opportunity to sit in the middle of a busy city and enjoy the atmosphere without the risk of getting hit by a car. The square also acts as a park, outfitted with small grassy spaces and palm trees. There are also multiple seating areas and works of art dotted across the square. The most recognized are the tall Dewey monument, situated in the center of the square, and the regularly photographed Hearts in San Francisco sculpture found at the base of the square. From late November to mid-January, an outdoor ice-skating rink is set up in Union Square Plaza.

Travelers appreciated the abundance of amenities that surround Union Square. There are plenty of hotels as well as dining options left and right. Union Square is pretty well-known, however, for its shopping, with many calling the area a "shopper’s paradise." Just blocks away, travelers will find everything from Neiman Marcus to Sephora. Getting to Union Square via public transportation is much easier than driving. The attraction sits just blocks from Market Street, a hub for all types of public transportation including the bus, Muni Metro and BART. Union Square is only two blocks from the Market St. & 3rd St. Muni Station and about four blocks from the Powell Street BART Station. Union Square can be visited all hours of the day and night for free. For more information on Union Square, visit the attraction's website .

Fisherman's Wharf Fisherman's Wharf free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  For a sweet treat, grab some delicious beignets at Frankie's Pier 43. – Leilani Osmundson, Digital Producer

Fisherman's Wharf is so tourist-laden that some travelers might prefer the quieter, more authentic attractions nearby (like the Castro or Presidio Tunnel Tops ). But if you're looking to explore all of San Francisco – from its alternative underbelly to its mainstream attractions – Fisherman's Wharf really is a must-see. This waterfront neighborhood features a laundry list of things to do, as well as a few popular San Francisco sites. One of these is Pier 39. The Pier features plenty of shopping and restaurant options for tourists and is also famous for offering sweeping views of the bay, as well as the can't-miss attractions that call it home, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge . Though while you're there, don't miss an opportunity to snap a photo of the sea lions who have a habit of sunbathing on buoys near the docks.

Ghirardelli Square Ghirardelli Square free

Named after the famous purveyor of chocolate, Ghirardelli Square sits on the site of the company’s original factory. Framed by stately brick buildings, the square draws lots of tourists, thanks to its proximity to Fisherman’s Wharf and other landmarks. The square is home to shops, galleries, restaurants and, of course, the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. You can even hang your hat here: the Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square  sits within the complex.

Recent travelers were impressed by the views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge , as well as the variety of shopping, and the chocolate.

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San Francisco

Travel reviews.

• Worth the detour

There are many neighborhoods to explore, each with its distinct character, where you will enjoy discovering an everyday life that is very different from your own.

The "City by the Bay" can sometimes feel like an urban roller coaster with its many hills, steep streets and surprising staircases .

The official entrance to Chinatown is marked by the Chinatown Gate   (Dragon Gate), a large colourful gateway arch that was a gift from Taiwan in 1969. San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest in North America and the largest Chinese community outside Asia. 

If you really want to get a feel for Chinatown, it's best to go early in the morning when the local residents do their shopping. Grant Avenue is the neighbourhood's major thoroughfare with its many souvenir and gift shops. There is also Washington Street and Waverly Place , a quiet narrow street where you can find a wide variety of brightly painted balconies in a striking mix of colours and styles.

Portsmouth Square is known as the Heart of Chinatown. This small park is rich with history and contains many commemorative statues and plaques.  It is a popular spot for local residents, and you will find Tai Chi adepts there early in the morning, children at the playground, and seniors playing cards and Chinese chess .

The famous fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco, and they are still made at Golden Gate Fortune Cookies , 56 Ross Alley.

NORTH BEACH

North Beach is a charming and vibrant neighborhood packed with local history that stretches from Broadway and Columbus Avenue to around Washington Square. The neighbourhood is San Francisco's "Little Italy" and is very lively in the evenings, especially on Columbus Avenue which is lined with many coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

North Beach was also the birthplace of the “beat generation”, a literary movement that grew up in 1950s San Francisco.

TELEGRAPH HILL

Telegraph Hill is another of the city's many neighbourhoods. As it is located on the 86-meter-high and very steep hill of the same name, it is easily recognizable. The hill owes its name to a semaphore built in 1850 at its top, which was used to notify the population as to what type of ship was passing through the Golden Gate.

Coit Tower , a slender white concrete column rising from the top of Telegraph Hill, is an emblem of San Francisco’s skyline. It was built as a tribute to the city's firefighters by one of their great admirers and patron, Lillie Coit. The tower is 65 metres high and has an elevator to an observation deck, which offers spectacular views of San Francisco. Take some time to admire the magnificent fresco murals inside the tower's base.

Admission to the tower is free but there is a small fee to use the elevator.

On leaving the tower, we suggest that you head east and follow the signs for the Filbert Steps , an impressive series of brick and wooden stairs leading down the hill amidst gardens and trees. Once at the bottom, you will find the Fog City Diner at 1300 Battery Street, one of the many curiosities of San Francisco, where you can eat well at a good price.

FISHERMAN’S WHARF

The neighbourhood known as Fisherman's Wharf is actually a waterfront area and popular tourist attraction that encompasses several piers along with a wide array of restaurants, shops, museums and shopping centres.

As you pass by Fisherman's Wharf, you can't miss the stars of the neighbourhood: the famous colony of sea lions on Pier 39! Just a few meters from the pedestrian area, hundreds of sea lions have taken up residence on the wooden docks and like to bask in the sun.

Pier 39 is also home to more than 100 shops, a dozen restaurants with stunning bay views, and many street artists and musicians who perform here each day. 

Admire the San Francisco hills and skyline from a different angle, sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and around legendary Alcatraz Prison, with a cruise of San Francisco Bay.

As mornings are often foggy, it is better to take a cruse in the late afternoon. Be sure to bring a windbreaker and sweater.

PAINTED LADIES

On a clear day, there is a superb view of the Financial District skyscrapers in the background.

This is a three-hour tour that you won't want to miss, but it's so popular that it may be hard to get tickets. Of course, we are talking about the most mysterious and famous prison in the world, so its popularity comes as no surprise!

Alcatraz is known for its terrible living conditions, its cramped cells, and its sinister isolation rooms from which escape was nigh impossible. The tour includes access to the island and its gardens, the penitentiary and also the screening of a short documentary film.

Four different tours are available, lasting between 2½ and 5½ hours. The night tour is the most impressive. Book online as early as possible (at least 3 months in advance).

LOMBARD STREET

Be warned: Lombard Street is quite an urban driving challenge… take it slowly and in low gear! Between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street .

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

Inaugurated in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge is 2.6 kilometres of roadway 67 metres above the water, 1 million tons of steel, 129,000 kilometres of cable, and 25 painters who maintain the bridge's paintwork on a continuous basis.

The bridge can be crossed on foot or by bike (there are several bike rental companies on the Piers) and you can even take the bus back into the city if you time it right. If you have the chance, walk across the bridge at sunset (bring a windbreaker and some warm clothing!). Visit their website for opening hours : www.goldengate.org/bridge/visiting-the-bridge/bikes-pedestrians/.

*Note: if you drive south across the bridge, into San Francisco, you will have to pay a toll of about $8 (per car or RV). With a rental car, your best option is to prepay the toll before crossing, because cash payment is not accepted on the bridge. Payment can be made up to 30 days in advance or up to 48 hours later.

If you do not pay the toll, the rental company will charge the toll directly to your credit card, adding a hefty administration fee .

You can pay by phone or on the website. Just choose the "Pay future toll" or "Pay recent toll" option and enter the requested information (including the vehicle licence plate number and State).

MARIN HEADLANDS

If you have a car, don't miss driving across the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County, to the rocky promontory of Marin Headlands , which offers breathtaking views of Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.

Optional activities

• Golden Gate Cruise
• City Tour and Alcatraz
• Biking in San Francisco
• Guided City Tour

Where to eat

• $ Inexpensive
• $$ Moderate
• $$$ Upscale
• $$$$ Fine dining

ANCHOR BREWING COMPANY ($)

A San Francisco tradition since 1896, Anchor Brewing is California's oldest craft brewery . This small establishment offers an enjoyable craft beer experience. Guided tours are available: learn about the company's history, tour the brewery's facilities, discover Anchor's unique brewing process, and sample select beers on tap.

House of Nanking ($-$$)

For authentic Chinese cuisine at a good price, go to House of Nanking, always crowded with students and tourists and for good reason! You won't be disappointed.

Nopalito ($-$$)

This Mexican restaurant is so popular that it now has two locations in the city. Chef and co-owner Gonzalo Guzman got his start at Nopa before deciding to open his own restaurant, the Nopalito, serving wonderful traditional Mexican fare. The flavorful dough in the tamales and tortillas is homemade and the carnitas are considered by many to be the best in town. Don't forget to order a cocktail: the choice of tequilas and mezcals is impressive.

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana ($-$$)

Welcome to the best pizza restaurant in San Francisco, owned and run by 13-time World Pizza Champion Chef Tony Gemignani. All the ingredients are authentic and are imported directly from Napoli, pizza capital of the world. The menu is not limited to pizza and includes pasta and typical Italian dishes.

Cafe Zoetrope ($$)

This restaurant is owned by famous filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, who is also a winemaker and a lover of fine food. Cafe Zoetrope serves authentic Italian cuisine including pasta, pizza and traditional dishes, in a decor that pays tribute to Coppola's long and celebrated film career.

Mission Chinese Food ($$)

The chef and his team have created a new kind of Chinese food using Sichuan peppercorns, quality ingredients and an abundance of bold flavours. The food is insanely affordable and insanely delicious. Don't miss the restaurant's signature dishes, which are sure to surprise and please.

FOG CITY ($$-$$$)

Fog City, formerly known as Fog City Diner, is a San Francisco landmark. The restaurant has been a popular tourist attraction for years, as well as a film location for several American movies. The 1930's-nostalgia decor belies the modern, innovative cuisine. Don't hesitate to try one of the delicious cocktails for which the place is famous!

State Bird Provisions ($$$)

Voted Best Restaurant in 2013, the food at State Bird Provisions is the product of passion and talent. Chef proprietors Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski have created their own style of Californian cuisine in a kitchen that serves as a culinary workshop. The concept is somewhat unusual: every evening, an array of creative and utterly unique dishes are served from table to table on trolley carts, dim sum style.

Frances ($$$)

This small restaurant from Chef/owner Melissa Perello has been a hit from the get-go, and for one reason: no one knows how to cook like she does. Her intensely personal cuisine is successful on many levels: execution, taste, interest, value. Reservations are hard to come by, but if you queue outside the restaurant before it opens, you may succeed in getting a table.

THE FRANCISCAN CRAB RESTAURANT ($$$)

Fisherman's Wharf is famous for its sea lions and excellent seafood restaurants. The Franciscan Crab Restaurant offers panoramic seafood dining featuring crab-based specialties such as Dungeness Pacific crab, the symbol of the Golden Gate fishing industry. The food is a bit expensive, but the magnificent view of San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Prison is worth it.

Gary Danko ($$$$)

A designated member of Relais & Château since 2002, Restaurant Gary Danko is one of the finest in the city. The best seasonal ingredients are used in thoughtful inventive ways, using meticulous classic techniques to create well-balanced flavours. Everything is fresh, sophisticated and refined.

Where to sleep ?

• Executive Hotel Vintage Court
• Hotel Zephyr
• Beresford Arms Hotel
• Argonaut Hotel
• Fairmont San Francisco
• San Francisco RV Resort

Festivals calendar

Carnaval san francisco.

Dates:  end of May

Two-day family festival. Discover global cuisine, international music, dancing, arts & crafts, and other fun activities and entertainment on every street corner for the whole family to enjoy.

Harrison Street between 16th and 24th Streets.

San Francisco Pride

Dates:  end of June

Celebrate the LGBT community with a large parade and musical performances. The festivities begin in Civic Center Plaza in downtown San Francisco on the last full weekend in June each year.

The parade on the Sunday morning starts from Beale Street and finishes at Market and 8th Street.

Stern Grove Festival

Dates: June 

A summer series of free concerts by world-class artists in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater.

Sigmund Stern Grove at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard in San Francisco.

Outside Lands Festival

Dates:  early August

3-day festival in Golden Gate Park. It's a celebration for all five senses, combining an eclectic lineup of musicians with world class art, food, beer, wine, and much more.

When to visit

• Very Favourable
• Unfavourable

Cool sights but sketchy neighborhoods

Saw some iconic San Francisco sights (Alcatraz, GG bridge etc) which were amazing. A fair number of homeless people however, some of whom were aggressive at times.

(Translated by Google) We managed to spend a day on the whole trip, late arrival on the first day, but time on the last day. This allowed us to see the essentials and walk around on foot, Pier 39, passing through Chinatown, trying to get a view from Telegraph Hill, and of course, the Golden Gate if the fog allows it! This city is very lively with a significant mix of population, a lot more stoned homeless people than I remember, but no feeling of insecurity.

(Translated by Google) A must-see as it is quite a unique city with its hills, cable cars, the port, its Victorian houses and different neighborhoods, the famous Golden Gate but lots of homeless people and drug addicts! And watch out for the weather, there can be a 20-degree difference between the north and south of the city! We rented a 3-hour city tour by jeep, it was very good!

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San Francisco

If there's a technology still unimagined, a poem left unspoken or a green scheme untested, chances are it's about to happen here. Goodbye, inhibitions; hello, San Francisco.

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Was it the fall of 1966 or the winter of ’67? As the Haight saying goes, if you can remember the Summer of Love, you probably weren’t here. The fog was…

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If you look close today at the clinker-brick buildings lining these narrow backstreets, past the temple balconies jutting out over bakeries, acupuncture…

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No one could have predicted the cultural force City Lights would become when it first opened in 1953. Sure, it had a proletarian ethos suggested by its…

If you want to really see San Francisco, head to Coit Tower, a 1933 art deco beaut designed by Arthur Brown, Jr. and Henry Howard that sits high up on…

Golden Gate Bridge

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Few cities boast a structure so iconic as the Golden Gate Bridge, commemorated in everything from films like The Maltese Falcon to not one but two emojis…

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Welcome to San Francisco's sunny side, the land of street ball and Mayan-pyramid playgrounds, semiprofessional tanning and taco picnics. Although the…

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The Mission District has a long history of street art and muralismo – an oft-political school of public art prevalent throughout South and Central America…

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San Francisco 3-Day Itinerary: Best Way to Spend Your Trip to the City by the Bay

Posted on Published: August 9, 2023  - Last updated: June 20, 2024

Today I want to bring you my San Francisco 3-day itinerary. The City by the Bay is one of the most popular places to visit in California, and there’s a lot you can do and see if you have a few days or a long weekend here. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Union Square, the cable cars, and Alcatraz, San Francisco has a lot to entertain visitors. Read on for my itinerary. I’ve even included an interactive map with all the places I recommend.

San Francisco 3-Day Itinerary

I often get asked how to spend 3 days in San Francisco, and I have a lot to say on the subject. I’ve been spending time here my whole life, and I know the city as well as any.

Having been born and raised just south of SF, I visited for day trips when I was a child and I lived in here for three years after college. These days I spend a lot of my time in SF, and I love sharing about my favorite places. You’ll know that if you’ve seen itineraries like my guide to spending 1 day in San Francisco , my 2-day San Francisco itinerary , my 4-day itinerary for San Francisco , or my post about 5 days in San Francisco .

The great thing about a San Francisco 3-day itinerary is that it will allow you sufficient time to take in the highlights and explore some of the areas locals spend time in. The city is compact and walkable (if you can handle the hills…but my itinerary will keep you on fairly flat ground while you’re exploring on foot), and you can cover a lot of ground in a few days.

Whether you want to ride a cable car, take a boat trip on the San Francisco Bay, see the big attractions, go shopping, eat, drink, or delve into the city’s past, you’ll find a lot to love when you’re visiting SF.

My 3-day itinerary for San Francisco includes a variety of things to do and places to discover. It’s ideal for first-time visitors and those who haven’t been here in a while. It will give you a great overview of the highlights of the city and tempt you to come back and explore more of them on your next trip.

I’ve included a lot of options, so you can tailor it to fit your travel style and preferences. You can do this whole San Francisco 3-day itinerary without a car, too.

Where to Stay in SF

As far as places to stay in San Francisco go, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation. The city has a range of options for various tastes and budgets. If you need ideas, you can take a look at my guide to the best area to stay in San Francisco for your style. It will help you decide which part of the city fits you best.

If you’d prefer to take my word for it, my favorite place to stay in SF is Hotel Triton . It’s in a great location near Union Square, and it has stylish decor and atmosphere. I’ve stayed here before and I can personally vouch for how good it is. You can book a room here .

If you want to see additional options for places to stay, you can take a look at some of the most popular hotels in the city here . There’s no shortage of good ones to choose from.

Day 1 in San Francisco: Morning

My San Francisco 3-day itinerary starts at my all-time favorite place in the city: the Ferry Building. If it’s a Saturday, you’re in luck. You’ll be able to visit the famous Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market (there’s also a smaller version on Tuesdays and Thursdays).

This is one of the most amazing food markets in California. You’ll find a huge variety of food and drinks in the shops and stalls, from prepared meals to produce and goodies to take home as souvenirs. The chilaquiles from the Primavera stand are my go-to breakfast every time I come here (and I’m here a lot).

Even if you’re not here on a Saturday you can still go to the Ferry Building in the morning. You’ll be able to pick up a coffee at places like Red Bay Coffee and Blue Bottle. You can find something for breakfast at one of the many shops, cafes, and restaurants, too.

After you get your fix at the Ferry Building, walk outside and board the F train. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to ride in a vintage carriage from a city around the world. The F line is famous for having them, and they come in a range of bright colors.

This popular streetcar route will take you north along The Embarcadero. You’ll get a chance to take in waterfront views of the piers, Coit Tower, and places like the Exploratorium science museum as you go.

Soon you’ll arrive at Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can either spend some time discovering the area or walk through it to get to the Aquatic Park and Ghirardelli Square.

This part of the city is home to everything from the famous souvenir shops on Pier 39 to restaurants offering Dungeness crab and classic clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls. You can find museums like Madame Tussauds here, too.

Locals tend to avoid the Wharf since many see it as touristy, but it’s popular with visitors (especially children), so I’m including it in my 3-day San Francisco itinerary. If nothing else, it’s worth a trip to see the famous resident sea lions at Pier 39 (you’ll hear them before you see them).

Additionally, Fisherman’s Wharf is where you’ll find the only location of California’s iconic In-N-Out Burger in the city center. It’s just the place to stop if you want to try the famous fast food (don’t forget to look up the secret menu before you go).

I’m also including this part of the city in my San Francisco itinerary because while you’re in the area you can take a ferry to Alcatraz or do a bay cruise . They’re some of the most popular things to do in SF, so you’ll need to book in advance (especially for Alcatraz, as tickets regularly sell out). You can book Alcatraz here and a bay cruise here .

When you’re done exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, you can walk over to Aquatic Park. It offers waterfront views and a beach from which you can admire the pier and the historic ships moored in the bay. You might even spot some brave swimmers in the perennially cold water.

Behind it, Ghirardelli Square is famous for its historic ice cream factory. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues here as well. If you’re hungry, it’s a good place to stop for lunch (and an ice cream sundae, of course!).

Day 1 in San Francisco: Afternoon

When you’re finished exploring Ghirardelli Square, start the first afternoon of your San Francisco 3-day itinerary with a walk over to the Powell / Hyde cable car stop on the corner of Hyde Street and Beach Street.

Before boarding the famous trolley, you can make an optional detour and go into The Buena Vista. A local landmark, it’s famous for Irish coffee. Locals and visitors alike love coming to this place, and it has a fun historic atmosphere.

Once on the cable car, you can ride it all the way through Russian Hill and Nob Hill to Union Square in downtown San Francisco. If you want to, you can get off at the famous red-brick stretch of Lombard Street and walk down the stairs past its eight winding curves.

This block of Lombard claims to be the “crookedest street in the world”, and you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Coit Tower, Telegraph Hill, North Beach, and the Bay Bridge from the top. The houses on this part of the street are a treat to admire, too.

Back on the cable car, you can soak up the San Francisco scenery as you ride through the city to Union Square. When you arrive, you can go into the square to see what’s on. There are lots of seasonal events and exhibitions, including festive holiday decorations in San Francisco in December .

This part of downtown SF is a popular place to shop, eat, and drink as well. Whether you want to explore some of the city’s famous department stores, have lunch, or stop for a coffee break, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time here.

When you’re ready to move on, walk over to Grant Avenue and go through the Dragon Gate to take a stroll through Chinatown. This area is rich in history, and it has souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes to discover. There’s street art and lots of eye-catching architectural details to take in here, too.

Walk through Chinatown on Grant Avenue until you reach the intersection with Broadway and Columbus. Now you’ll find yourself in North Beach, one of the most exciting areas in the city. This part of SF is famous for both its Italian roots and its Beat Generation connections.

You can head down Columbus to soak up the atmosphere, pop into iconic places like City Lights Bookstore, see the famous flatiron Columbus Tower (aka The Sentinel Building), and admire Saints Peter and Paul Church.

If you have time, it’s worth discovering the stretch of Grant Avenue in this area as well. It’s home to a lot of my favorite shops, restaurants, and bars in North Beach. They tend to be better than the ones on Columbus, some of which can be a bit touristy.

While you’re in the area, Washington Square is worth a wander. This green space is a good place to take in the local scene and rest your legs if you need a break from all the walking.

Day 1 in San Francisco: Evening

When the sun starts to go down, continue the first of your 3 days in San Francisco by having an early dinner in North Beach. My favorite restaurants here are Da Flora and Trattoria Contadina. The former is a romantic place, and the food is delicious. The latter is a lively Italian spot that’s popular with locals.

After dinner, make your way over to Green Street to see Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi. This exciting show is not only a love letter to the city, but also an entertaining performance featuring impressive acrobatics and daring feats of courage. I’ve seen it multiple times, and I keep going back. You can book tickets here .

If you have some energy left after the show, there’s no shortage of places to get a drink in North Beach or Chinatown. My favorites include Cold Drinks Bar, which has great cocktails and a stylish atmosphere, and The Saloon, which is not only one of the oldest operational taverns in San Francisco, but also one of the top blues bars in the city.

If you want something truly local, head to Northstar. This no-frills dive bar is conveniently located across the street from Club Fugazi. It’s a favorite with locals (some of my friends practically live here).

And if you’re after something with a bit of history and character, Vesuvio is just the ticket. This place was popular with Beat Generation legends like Jack Kerouac, Neal Cassady, and Allen Ginsberg. The atmosphere and decor reflect its countercultural roots.

Day 2 in San Francisco: Morning

When morning comes, continue your San Francisco 3-day itinerary by heading out to the Golden Gate Bridge or taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour (it will also take you to the bridge).

If you choose to go independently, you can drive, take a taxi, get on a bus, or rent a bike to get to the bridge. It’s worth a special trip to see this famous feat of engineering up close. Some of my favorite views of it are from Battery Cranston and Battery Marcus Miller on the west side, but it’s hard to go wrong.

While you’re here, you can walk along the trails in the Presidio if you want to see beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you go southwest on the Batteries to Bluffs Trail or southeast toward Crissy Field, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas.

If you rent a bike , you can cycle across the bridge and all the way down to Sausalito. This waterfront town has sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline and great shops and restaurants to discover. It’s a steep ride back to the city, so the best way to return to SF is by ferry from Sausalito .

If you choose to visit the bridge on a tour, you can book a ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus here . You can ride it though SF to take in famous sightseeing highlights like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Transamerica Pyramid, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Haight-Ashbury.

Day 2 in San Francisco: Afternoon

Whether you see the bridge independently or on a tour, head to Alamo Square when you’re finished. This park is famous for the Victorian houses that border its east side. They’re commonly referred to as the Painted Ladies. If you head up the hill in the park, you’ll be rewarded with increasingly good views of the city skyline behind them.

While you’re here, don’t miss the rest of the square. There are stunning Victorian houses on all sides, and a great view of Sutro Tower from the park’s southwest corner. If you need a caffeine hit, the Lady Falcon Coffee Club truck sits in the middle of the square from Thursday to Sunday. It serves delicious drinks from its stylish vintage windows.

When you’ve finished exploring Alamo Square, walk down Hayes Street to get to Hayes Valley. This area is great if you want to browse some of the city’s coolest independent shops and eat lunch at one of the many good restaurants in the neighborhood.

From the boutiques on Hayes to the park on Octavia and the restaurants on Gough, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to things to entertain you here.

If you want to, you can also walk over to Van Ness Avenue and check out City Hall, the War Memorial Opera House, and Davies Symphony Hall while you’re in the area. The Asian Art Museum is here as well if you want to get your culture fix.

Day 2 in San Francisco: Evening

After eating and shopping in Hayes Valley, you can walk down Gough, turn right on Market, then turn left on Valencia to get to The Mission. This part of San Francisco is known for its hipster scene, delicious Mexican food, rich history, and trendy bars. It’s the perfect spot to spend an afternoon and evening in the city.

Valencia Street is one of the best places to start a visit to the Mission. It’s where a lot of the neighborhood’s best independent shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes are. From clothing boutiques to chocolate cafes and trendy places to eat, there’s a lot to love on this road.

Depending how early you arrive, you can also pop over to see Mission Dolores and Dolores Park. The former dates back to the 18th century, and it’s the oldest intact building in San Francisco. The latter is a green space with great views. It’s popular with locals on sunny days.

When it’s time for dinner, you have no shortage of options. If you want a burrito, La Taqueria on Mission Street is my go-to. If you’re after something cool, Good Good Culture Club serves inventive dishes and creative cocktails, and Foreign Cinema screens independent movies on a big wall in its hip outdoor space.

If you want a Michelin-starred experience, Lazy Bear is my top choice. If you’re looking for somewhere with a great wine list, Heirloom Cafe is just the place. And if you’re after a local staple, Delfina is one of the most popular restaurants in this part of San Francisco.

Before and after dinner, there are lots of bars you can go to. Whether you’re looking for something new and noteworthy or a tried-and-true dive, the Mission has something for everyone.

From long-standing favorites like Lone Palm to craft beer numbers like Southern Pacific Brewing and top-rated cocktail spots like True Laurel and Trick Dog, you have a lot of options. They’re great places to start and end your evening.

Day 3 in San Francisco: Morning

The next morning you can continue your San Francisco 3-day itinerary with a trip to Haight-Ashbury (say “The Haight” if you want to sound like a local). This is the perfect place to delve into San Francisco’s 1960s counterculture past and see the famous intersection of Haight and Ashbury.

There are lots of shops to pop into here, and plenty of places where you can get a coffee or have breakfast. From vintage clothing stores to cool souvenir shops, hippie cafes, and long-established restaurants, there’s plenty to take in here.

While you’re in the area, you can see the Grateful Dead house at 710 Ashbury Street. This was the famous band’s headquarters in the late ’60s, and they were here during the Summer of Love in 1967.

You can also see the Four Seasons Houses nearby at 1300-1328 Waller Street. This row of beautiful Queen Anne-style homes features facades representing the winter, spring, summer, and fall. They were built by shipwright John Whelan in 1896, and they still look much like they did in the 19th century.

When you’re done exploring The Haight, make your way down to Golden Gate Park for a walk. There’s a lot to do and see on the east end of this enormous green space, including the Conservatory of Flowers, de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences , Japanese Tea Garden, Blue Heron Lake (formerly Stow Lake), and San Francisco Botanical Garden.

You can spend as much time as you’d like exploring the park, and you can have lunch here as well. There are food trucks, museum cafes, and other places dotted throughout the park where you can get something to eat.

Day 3 in San Francisco: Afternoon

When you’re done exploring Golden Gate Park, you can drive or take a bus or taxi to Lands End. Located at the northwestern end of the city, this area has beautiful coastal trails with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Ocean. You can walk around here and take in the scenery in the afternoon.

The Legion of Honor museum is in this area, too. It’s a great place to visit if you love art. There are regular exhibitions here, so it’s worth checking to see what’s on before you visit the city.

Day 3 in San Francisco: Evening

When you’re done exploring Lands End, you can either make your way to Ocean Beach for dinner or head back towards downtown. The former is home to the famous Beach Chalet restaurant. It’s a great place to eat if you want to enjoy views of the water while you dine.

The latter will give you plenty of options. You can eat like a local in the Outer Richmond, where there are lots of great restaurants on Balboa Street. You can also head to the Inner Richmond, where Clement Street is home to iconic places like Burma Superstar.

Farther east, you can go to Fillmore Street and eat at places like Little Shucker, The Tailor’s Son, or State Bird Provisions. It’s near Japantown, which is home to delicious restaurants like An and Nari.

Still heading east, Van Ness is the site of the iconic House of Prime Rib, and Russian Hill has famous restaurants and bars like Frascati and Bar Iris. If you want to go back to Hayes Valley, Robin does excellent sushi and Smuggler’s Cove is one of the most famous bars in the world.

If you get all the way to Nob Hill or downtown San Francisco without stopping for dinner, you can go to a famous tiki bar like the Tonga Room and have dinner at a classic place like Tadich Grill or a contemporary favorite like Kokkari Estiatorio. Whatever you decide, you’ll end your 3 days in San Francisco on a delicious note.

San Francisco Map

If you want to follow my San Francisco 3-day itinerary, you can find an interactive Google map of all the places I mentioned here . I hope it helps you get a feel for the city so you can enjoy your time visiting.

3 Days in San Francisco

I hope my 3-day itinerary for San Francisco has helped you decide what to do on your trip to this exciting part of the Golden State. SF is one of my favorite cities in California, and it’s worth spending a few days here to discover the best of it.

There’s plenty more to do and see, too, so if you have time, it’s worth staying even longer to take a day trip from San Francisco . Happy travels!

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SFTourismTips: An Insider's Guide to the Most Amazing City in the World 

by Jill Loeffler   •

San Francisco is one of the most colorful and interesting cities in the world. It offers visitors must-see attractions, thousands of unique events, and several diverse districts.

While you are here, make sure to also step into our celebrated museums, catch a Broadway show, and explore some of our most treasured hidden gems.

Whether this is your first visit or a return trip, you will find so many things to see and do. 

Welcome to SFTourismTips.com, my guide to the best of everything there is to see and do in this City by the Bay. It covers information about San Francisco, the Bay Area, and beyond, and is the perfect tool to help you plan the most amazing vacation ever.

Top Things to See & Do in San Francisco

Top attractions in San Francisco include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, & the SF MOMA.

From Broadway shows to local productions, you will find performances on stage around town.

See professional baseball, football, hockey, soccer, and more. 

Planning to visit with the entire family? Discover my 25 top kid and family-friendly ideas. 

Every day, you will find several free things to do from events to attractions to activities.

Explore San Francisco on foot, by bike, on a boat, or by bus. 

Head to the theater, grab a beer at a brewery, or catch a concert. 

Learn more about SF's history, see modern art, or enjoy hands-on exhibits.

Upcoming Events by Month

Each month, you will find a variety of fun events. San Francisco is well known for our fun festivals, street fairs, and other community activities. While you are here, you can do some wine tasting, sample gourmet cuisines, and enjoy the symphony, ballet, or opera. 

Find the best events each month by clicking on the links below.

Holidays in San Francisco

Holidays are a special time in San Francisco. Every year kicks off with a large New Year's Eve fireworks display over the bay. It continues with fun things for other top holidays such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day Weekend, Halloween, Thanksgiving, & Christmas.

If you plan to visit during a holiday, you will find plenty of things to see and do during that time of the year.

With more than 300 hotels and lodging options all around San Francisco, you are sure to find an amazing place to stay. The two districts with the largest concentration of hotels are Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. 

In addition to these two, you will also find several great hotels and B&B's tucked away in local districts. Here are a few pages to help you get started on researching hotels for your stay.

Top Districts

Explore Fisherman's Wharf. Discover the mysteries of Chinatown. Admire the Victorians in Alamo Square. San Francisco's districts are unique. Make sure to check out several of them during your stay.

Beyond San Francisco

In addition to all of the great things to do in San Francisco, you will find so many great places an hour or two away. Some of the top options include wine country, Monterey, and Muir Woods. Find out more about these and other fun day trips to check out during your stay.

Sample wine, enjoy food pairing & top annual events. 

Go kayaking, shopping, or visit the Monterey Aquarium. 

Stroll through Coastal Redwoods up to 800 years old! 

Visit Sausalito, Yosemite, & other fun places near SF. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Should I take the day or the night tour of Alcatraz ?
• What are some tips to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge ?
• Where will I find the Painted Ladies featured in "Full House" ? 
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• Should I stay in Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square ?
• What time of year should I visit ?
• How should I pack ?
• What are some tips for getting around San Francisco ? 
• Where are some of the best places to go shopping ?
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• What are some tips for first time visitors ?

About SFTourismTips.com

My goal with SFTourismTips.com is to help you fall in love with San Francisco in the way that I did during my first visit and each time I walk out my door. It's a trip of a lifetime for many and a place that I hope you will return to after your first stay. 

I'm hoping you find everything you need for your stay on my site. If not, please reach out to me with questions and let me know how I can help! 

Enjoy ~ Jill 

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group ! 

It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.

You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

Come join the fun here !

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The 24 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

Don’t let San Francisco’s small seven-mile by seven-mile footprint  (under 10 percent the size of Los Angeles) fool you. This cosmopolitan, mini-metropolis surrounded by the bay and Pacific Ocean is awash with outdoor adventure, Michelin-star restaurants, historic sites, world-class museums, and independent mom-and-pop shops—all tucked into a tapestry of hilly neighborhoods lined with Victorian houses, green parks, and an independent ethos. Invigorating hikes through nature and walks along the city-proper trails and beaches are as much a part of life in San Francisco as Karl the Fog (yes, San Franciscans have named their most famous weather pattern), which can creep in at a moment’s notice in all four seasons. Whether you’re looking for a music- and art-filled visit, diverse food, or you simply can’t wait to fulfill your dream of riding a cable car or crossing the Golden Gate, this guide has you covered. Here are 24 of the best things to do the next time you’re in San Francisco.

Read our complete San Francisco guide here .

Golden Gate Bridge Arrow

Arching over the Golden Gate Strait, which connects the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay, the defining landmark of the city links San Francisco to Marin and Sausalito. At just under two miles, it's walkable by foot but also easy to see by car. It's hard to understand the magnitude or beauty of the bridge until you cross it. Stop outside the Welcome Center at the statue of Joseph Strauss, the bridge's designer, and look for the plaques explaining the bridge’s history and, of course, grab the obligatory snapshot. For more insights of the bridge’s backstory, sign up for a free walking tour of the bridge with San Francisco City Guides .

Edible Excursions: Japantown Food Tour Arrow

Edible Excursions is run by a team of expert guides obsessed with San Francisco, food, and showing off Japantown. Small groups walk and nibble, sip and savor, for around two hours while hearing stories about the neighborhood and meeting family-run business owners. This is a neighborhood where you can't be afraid to step through doors because behind them teems friendly people, delicious foods, and a community passionate about their heritage and culture. At first, Japantown appears quiet, but once inside a restaurant, a grocery store, or even a mall, your perception changes. For curious visitors and backyard travelers who want to learn more about San Francisco’s Japantown, its history, and its food, and for anyone who loves trying dishes they might not make or find at home, this is a can't-miss.

Muir Woods National Monument Arrow

The towering trees of Muir Woods National Monument might be known as Sequoia sempervirens to botanists and naturalists, but to travelers like us, they are California coastal redwoods and are some of the tallest and oldest trees on earth. This 558-acre preserve was named after conservationist John Muir and proclaimed a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. It is home to one of the last remaining ancient redwood forests in the Bay Area. Every step you take here is a do-not-miss wonder. There are around six miles of trails within the park, that wind among the mammoth trees to areas such as Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove, and along Redwood Creek. More experienced hikers can extend their treks to the adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Arrow

SFMOMA stands out among other elite museums in the city for its innovative, exciting exhibits in a cutting-edge building. Located by a BART station and right off MUNI bus lines, it's accessible in a busy downtown location. Architecture firm Snøhetta spearheaded an innovative expansion, which includes a two-story-high and half-block-long "living wall" covered in native plants, as well as fiberglass-reinforced panels on the exterior that evoke the waters of the Bay. The collection is full of heavy hitters and the Museum Store is packed with wonders, ranging from Lichtenstein-inspired vases to glowing book-shaped lamps, delicate silver necklaces to a chess set with San Francisco landmarks for pieces. Spending an entire day here is certainly not out of the question.

The Legion of Honor Museum Arrow

The Legion of Honor museum is not only one of San Francisco's best, but one of its most beautiful buildings, built as a replica of Paris ' Legion d'Honneur. It's home to more than 800 European paintings, including works from Picasso, Monet, and Rembrandt, as well as more than 90 sculptures by Rodin, most notably The Thinker. Save some time for a walk along the grounds, for breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge .

San Francisco Cable Cars Arrow

Horses and carriages long had trouble conquering San Francisco's steep hills, and so in 1873 the cable car system was born—three lines of the original eight remain today. They are a symbol of San Francisco, the world's last manually operated cable car system, and one of the city’s most popular attractions. An estimated 9.7 million people hop aboard each year–the vast majority are tourists, but some residents still use these moving monuments to crisscross the city, just as was intended more than 150 years ago. Riding is a blend of an open-air bus and a slow-moving roller coaster. When you board, you'll either sit on the wooden benches for a more comfortable ride, or seek thrills and stand on the car's exterior, gripping the poles as the car moves up and down the steep streets of San Francisco.

Lands End Trail Arrow

You know the well-worn piece of advice, not to spend too long in California, or it’ll ruin you? This hike will ruin you. Snaking along the rocky clifftops at the city’s wild edge, the Coastal Trail at Lands End follows the Golden Gate Strait out to the Pacific Ocean, delivering jaw-dropping views along the way. The 1.7-mile path wends around corners and over hills, through wide-open spaces and cathedral-like groves of trees, tracing the path of a long-gone railway that once ferried pleasure seekers to Sutro Baths and Ocean Beach. You’ll get there, too, but don’t hurry—this is a hike to be savored.

California Academy of Sciences Arrow

An impressive science and natural history museum in Golden Gate Park, the museum was completely rebuilt in 2008, and the new Renzo Piano-designed building features unique architectural elements like a rooftop covered in native plant life. The "living exhibits" are probably the highlights. There is a rainforest populated by plants, frogs, and free-flying birds and butterflies, with a flooded rainforest tunnel filled with Amazonian fish. Other live animal exhibits include a recreated swamp, where you can peer down at Claude, the resident albino alligator with ruby-red eyes, plus a colony of playful African penguins who share a tank with pyjama sharks and sea stars, where they swim and do flips. There's also the Steinhart Aquarium, with jellyfish and a living coral reef. The less “live” exhibits include Shake House, an immersive exhibit that allows visitors to (safely) experience the kinds of tremors that shook the Bay Area during the city’s two biggest quakes—the Loma Prieta Earthquake and the Great Earthquake of 1906.

Sutro Baths Arrow

These Instagram-worthy ruins overlooking the Pacific draw hikers and visitors during the day, especially at sunset, when the views are unforgettable. They are all that remains from a complex opened by Mayor Adolph Sutro in 1896, that burned down 70 years later. The spooky beauty makes this place stand out in a city with many outdoor spaces. Where else in San Francisco can you find sprawling ruins on the edge of the sea? It's practically like something out of the ancient world.

Chinatown Arrow

San Francisco’s Chinatown looms large in our collective imagination, and rightly so. Born during the California Gold Rush years, the neighborhood dates back further than any other Chinese community in North America. With  30 square blocks to explore, it’s also the largest neighborhood of its kind outside Asia. Explore Chinatown’s nooks and crannies on foot and you’ll find something new and wondrous beneath the swaying red lanterns and neon signs. Down one side alley sits Tin How Temple, a quiet, incense-filled space where locals gather to pray; down another sits Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, a small shop where workers rapid-fold fortune cookies beneath a soundtrack of whirring machinery. You’ll see a real cross-section of humanity here—families  eating dim sum , older Chinese men and women playing mahjong in Portsmouth Square, dressed-up foodies making a night of it at Michelin-star Mister Jiu’s, gorgeous Empress by Boon, or the exclusive Eight Tables,  and tourists hunting for souvenirs (prices are cheaper here than in Union Square and Pier 39). 

Alcatraz Island Arrow

You may know it by its real name or you may know it as “The Rock” (thanks Nic Cage!). It is the prison that was open as a federal penitentiary for 29 years and, at one point, housed gangster Al Capone. It became notorious for failed escape attempts—the island is just 1.25 miles offshore and, lured by the glittering lights of the city, 34 prisoners tried their hand at swimming through the frigid, choppy waters to freedom. Today, you can take a 12-minute ferry ride out to the island and take in the infamous prison up close. Audio tours guide visitors through the main cell block, laundry facility, and chow house. Don’t miss the ruins of the 15-room Warden’s mansion, where lavish parties were held. It was burned to the ground during the 19-month-long occupation of Alcatraz Island by Native American activists in 1970. Outdoor spaces to see are Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, and the island’s colorful gardens, maintained by volunteer gardeners of the  Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy .

Ferry Building  Arrow

The Ferry Building becomes San Francisco’s prime food destination during the Saturday Ferry Plaza farmers’ market, which brings more than 80 farmers and purveyors to the plaza surrounding the building, selling everything from rare citrus to small-batch miso to California olive oil. There's much to eat at other times, too, any time of day. Start your day with organic bagels at Daily Driver or vegan donuts from Donut Farm, washed down with Red Bay Coffee.  The ever-popular Hog Island Oyster Company has an outpost here serving briny delights pulled from its  flagship location on Tomales Bay . Also in the building is Grande Creperie, serving sweet and savory Brittany-style crepes in a French café setting. And recently opened  Reem’s  brings Arab street food, such as their popular mana’eesh and sharable mezze, from James Beard-nominated restaurant owner Reem Assil to the space vacated by Cowgirl Creamery. The Ferry Building outdoor seating currently holds 100 chairs and 50 tables on the back plaza, while all indoor dining areas are back to full seating capacity.

Mission District Street Art Arrow

The Mission's famous street art, which spills out of alleys, splashes across the exterior of grocery stores and bodegas, and covers homes, is one of its most pronounced characteristics. Some pieces are commissioned, others more spontaneous, but all of it contributes to the neighborhood’s character.  The spots you should make sure to hit if you’re touring around are Balmy Alley, just off Mission and 24th Streets, and Clarion Alley near the 16th Street BART station. If you have a bit more time, check out the neighborhood’s major mural corridors, 24th Street from Valencia to Portrero Avenue and Mission Street from the corner of 15th Street to Cesar Chavez. For a real deep dive, contact Precita Eyes Muralists, a nonprofit that runs street art tours of the neighborhood.

Angel Island Arrow

Once the port of entry for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Asia and the Pacific Rim, Angel Island is a state park in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Hop on the ferry (your ticket includes the cost of admission), to get here from Tiburon or San Francisco. Once you get off, it's a lush scene for the eyes. The island is loaded with native plants and animals, and has views of both San Francisco and Marin. This is a great half-day activity: You can walk or bike the whole island in a few hours. You can also visit the Angel Island Immigration Station as well as the Angel Island Immigration Museum (AIIM), which opened in 2022 inside the former hospital building.

City Lights Booksellers and Publishers Arrow

Founded in the 1950s by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and college professor Peter D. Martin, City Lights became famous for publishing Howl by Allen Ginsberg (and undergoing an obscenity trial as a result) and developed a reputation as one of the country's most interesting bookshops . Today, City Lights still publishes some of its own books, with a particular focus on poetry and titles that speak to vital political and social issues, and runs a well-stocked bookstore. If you want to supports artists, discover a new writer published by a small press, to imagine yourself in Kerouac's shoes, or to kill an hour before meeting someone for dinner, this is your place. Their selection is great and, for poetry lovers, the Poetry Room upstairs—with its vast, comprehensive collection—is a place of legend. You needn’t look far for signs of fans’ love of the place. During the pandemic, when it was thought the store might close indefinitely—and the store’s CEO posted a heartfelt GoFundMe asking readers for support—City Lights devotees donated $500,000 in four days to help the iconic store survive.

The Presidio Arrow

A National Park established in 1994 from a massive converted Army base, the Presidio is a sprawling, scenic, wild-feeling park in San Francisco proper. The grounds have plenty of attractions, but the real appeal is visual, with trails leading to scenic overlooks of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge . It is perfect for folks who want a remote-feeling walk without wanting to invest time or energy in a full out-of-town hike. The Batteries to Bluffs (.7 miles), Bay Area Ridge (2.5 miles), and Lovers' Lane trails (.6 miles) are all tremendously scenic without being strenuous and, a new addition: Hikers on the Tennessee Hollow Trail can walk through a new section of restored wetlands habitat, which stretches from Thompson Reach all the way to Crissy Field.

Tiburon Arrow

 This former railroad and maritime town is picturesque in a classic-New England-meets-laid-back-California kind of way, and an easy day trip for a bite and shopping. Just 30 minutes across the bay on the Golden Gate Ferry, Tiburon is practically another neighborhood of San Francisco and is fast becoming a culinary destination too. Here and you can visit a museum, sample caviar and champagne, sip California wine, pick up some hand-blended spices, and grab brunch on an outdoor deck, all in an afternoon. For budget minded travelers, Tiburon can be spendy, especially if you tack on a restaurant visit to the cost of a ferry ticket. That being said, there is no cost to simply walk around Tiburon and enjoy the atmosphere. There are also places to simply grab a coffee or a sandwich, or BYO picnic if you prefer. The ferry runs on a strict schedule so check ahead for departure and return times.

Park Life Store and Gallery Arrow

Located on Clement Street in the foggy Richmond District, the eclectic Park Life fits right in with the neighborhood's diverse restaurants, cozy coffee shops, unfussy dim sum joints, and other independent stores. Like an indi-mart married an art gallery, Park Life is a champion of emerging global artists and designers who create one-of-a-kind paintings, quirky curios, interesting books, and unconventional home accessories. The inventory is ever-changing, and art and design products collected from around the world are stacked on the tables, shelves, floors, and walls of the 1,400-square-foot space. Here you might page through a book featuring maps from National Parks spanning the last 100 years, spot an oil and acrylic painting of a pink tulip that’s just right for your new office, or pick up an embroidered throw pillow or colored pencils for your studio. 

Asian Art Museum Arrow

Housed in an airy 1917 Beaux-Arts Building—the former location of the city’s main library—the Asian Art Museum is home to a massive collection, with works from India, China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Southeast Asia, and more. The museum’s vast holdings include pottery, carvings, calligraphy, and unusual artifacts such as coffins, pipes, weapons, snuff bottles, even an entire reconstructed Zen Japanese tea room. The collection of Chinese bronze sculptures is one of the best outside of Asia. If that sounds like a lot to take in, remain calm: in the fall of 2020, the museum unveiled redesigned collection galleries, structured around 15 strikingly displayed masterpieces. Chosen for their beauty, rarity, and significance, these objects give visitors a useful lens through which to view the other 2,500 works on display. Of special note: On the first Sunday of the month, the museum offers free admission.

Japanese Tea Garden Arrow

The oldest continuously operating public Japanese garden in North America, the Japanese Tea Garden, located in Golden Gate Park , is a wonderful spot to relax while exploring the park, but it's also worth a trip in its own right. Sitting among the perfectly pruned trees, small Japanese-style buildings, and gently flowing water features, sipping tea, it’s impossible not to relax, even on those Saturdays when the place gets a bit busier. Locals get a discount on entry ($7 instead of $10), so be sure to bring your ID.

Marrakech Magic Theater Arrow

Step off the busy streets near Union Square and make your way downstairs and into the Oasis Lounge, a former speakeasy with Moroccan tile, velvet banquets, and flickering lanterns adjacent to the 35-seat jewel box theater. This is the exclusive venue of mentalist and magician Jay Alexander, whose show is a little bit Broadway, a little bit Vegas, and a little bit comedy club. It begins in the lounge with close-up magic and sleight-of-hand. The main event moves to the adjacent theater–with Alexander on stage, the interactive performance brings in the audience for mind reading, human lie detector tests, and extraordinary stunts of mind-bending magic. Even skeptics will be convinced that magic is real!

Golden Gate Ferry San Francisco-Sausalito Arrow

The Blue & Gold Fleet, San Francisco’s largest ferry company, takes passengers to big-name destinations around the bay: Alcatraz , Tiburon, Angel Island . In 1997, the company launched a San Francisco to Sausalito ride. The journey begins, really, at the departure point: Fisherman’s Wharf. This is the city’s thrumming tourist heart: bicycle taxis fly down the street, aspiring soul-savers hand out pamphlets, the Silver Man poses for photos, and vendors sell T-shirts and knit caps. Once you board the ferry, though, you’ve entered another realm. The engine rumbles to life, and you’re heading out onto the bay. The sounds of the pier fade gradually; then suddenly, all you can hear is the water splashing off the ship, and the low hum of the motor. As the boat cuts through the water, the city starts to shrink and fade, the familiar forms of Coit Tower, Salesforce Tower, and the Transamerica Pyramid growing ever smaller, the rest of the city a sea of matchstick buildings in eggshell and gray and white and dusty rose. Then, perhaps before you even realized it, the boat’s engines decrescendo. Sausalito emerges, a vision in green.

Amoeba Music San Francisco Arrow

Think of Amoeba Music as the mascot of Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco’s famously countercultural neighborhood and the epicenter of the Summer of Love. Born in 1997—the same year as Radiohead’s OK Computer and the Notorious BIG’s Life After Death—Amoeba is colorful and fascinating, a riot of color and sound. An independent music shop thriving in the age of Spotify and Amazon, the whole place has a punky, free-spirited vibe: The walls are papered with band posters, cheeky merch abounds (Iron Maiden bobbleheads, Bob Ross action figures, a Nicolas Cage prayer candle), and the staff deejays, playing ear-catching CDs of their choice from bands you may have never heard before.

San Francisco Crosstown Trail Arrow

Conceived nearly a decade ago by volunteers, neighborhood activists, and outdoor enthusiasts, San Francisco’s Crosstown Trail finally became a reality when it opened in 2019. The epic 17-mile path takes walkers, runners, and bikers diagonally across the city, from the southeast near Candlestick Point Recreation Area to the northwest corner at Sutro Baths. Along the way, you’ll traverse city streets, meander through community gardens and neighborhoods, pass cafes and restaurants (for much-needed food and water breaks), and climb up hillsides and stairways where the city and bay views don’t disappoint. Walking, running, biking the trail is free, but to do the entire thing in a day would take 8-10 hours–break it up into small sections, being sure to pass the south end of sandy Baker Beach, a perfect place for a selfie with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

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The Ultimate Local’s Travel Guide to San Francisco

Updated March 2024

After living in the city for nearly ten years, I’m excited to share a local’s travel guide to San Francisco. San Francisco is a vibrant city and often I refer to it as the city with a “thousand views.” Each neighborhood unique in its own way, with plenty of dining, and beautiful outdoor spaces, which makes it my favorite city in the U.S.

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I’ve yet to really share a comprehensive travel guide to San Francisco. We’ve since moved out of the city up to Sacramento and figured it was time. We still pop down at least once a month to hang out for the day, grab a few bites and explore our go-to’s.

San Francisco is one of those cities you can spend weeks in and still not see it all. There are so many wonderful restaurants and cafes, plus pockets of neighborhoods to explore. So my suggestion is always to save something for another trip. Instead of doing it all, do a few parts really well. I think you’ll find the experience that much better.

In the travel guide to San Francisco below, you’ll find several suggestions. From where to eat to things to do, they are all places I truly love. Depending on where you’re staying or if you’re in for the day, you can easily put together an itinerary for your time. One thing I always do is star my favorites on Google Maps and see where everything is to help plan out a trip.

So here’s to exploring one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in California, it will always be home for us.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in San Francsico:

• 1 Hotel ,  for the best design hotel
• Fairmont San Francisco ,  for the best Nob Hill hotel
• Hotel Kabuki ,  for the best neighborhood hotel

For my full list of San Francisco hotel recommendations, don’t miss my guide to the best hotels in San Francisco !

What to Know Before Traveling to San Francisco

Amount of Time

If it’s your first trip to SF, my recommendation is three nights in the city. I think this sets you up for a wonderful experience and an opportunity to see a few highlights and indulge in great meals. You could definitely pair it with a trip to other nearby destinations like Yosemite or Napa Valley as well.

Time of Year

Summers in SF are incredibly windy and foggy — you may have heard the famous Mark Twain quote? “The coldest winter was a summer in San Francisco.” So I would recommend the shoulder months of April-June and September-November. Year-round is definitely still great but just plan to wear a lot of layers.

Flying into San Francisco

SFO is the main airport and BART runs right to it. Alternatively, you could fly into Oakland and take BART.

Transportation

You don’t necessarily need a car in SF and I would avoid it if possible. You can use public transportation and Uber and avoid having to park. If you are driving in SF for the day, it’s good to note most street parking is 2 hours, and anything more than that you’ll need a garage.

Reservations

I’ll make a quick note now — if you can reserve it, book it. With dining and museum restrictions, you will need reservations ahead of time. Plus, the more highly booked places will often book out 2-3 weeks in advance.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

When it comes to location, you really can’t go too wrong as long as you’re within earshot of the center of the city. Everything is a 15-20 minutes drive, so you will find a few things in your area and eventually have to cross the city. There are several Airbnbs as well to choose from which is great for a longer stay. Though personally, I find the ease of a hotel great for SF since I know I’ll be out all day anyway (things to consider: luggage storage if you have to check out early before a flight, etc.).

My Top Picks for Hotels in San Francisco:

• 1 Hotel (Embarcadero),  for the best design hotel
• The Proper San Francisco (Downtown), for the best design hotel
• The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco (Nob Hill), the best for luxury and location
• The Fairmont San Francisco (Nob Hill), for the best for classic luxury and location
• The Four Seasons San Francisco (Embarcardero), for the best luxury for Embarcadero
• Kimpton Alton (Fisherman’s Wharf), for the best newer hotel to open
• Hotel G (Downtown), for the best boutique hotel
• Hotel Drisco (Pacific Heights), for the best boutique hotel
• Hotel Kabuki (Japan Town), for the best boutique and design hotel

Where to Eat in San Francisco

I could write several guides just on food in San Francisco, so I’m going to try to keep it short and concise for the best spots that we love. I wrote an entire blog post on our secret list of SF restaurants which goes into more detail on some of the restaurants in the first section below. I also put together my short list of the best restaurants in San Francisco . I am also placing an asterisk next to the spots you absolutely need reservations for. If you ask anyone who has lived in SF, we all have different favorites in the city, so trust me there are many more restaurants than what is on this list.

Wouldn’t Miss San Francisco Restaurants (Our Tried & True)

• Saru * — incredible sushi, best known for omakase in Noe Valley. Hands down our favorite restaurant in SF. Show up early to get a table.
• Izakaya Sozai * — our favorite ramen in SF, closest to anything we’ve had in Japan.
• Nopa * — tried and true for just great food overall, highly recommend their brunch.
• Rintaro * — fantastic Japanese izakaya and the latest addition to our SF restaurants.
• Kingdom of Dumpling — best soup dumplings out on Taraval street, adore this place.
• Yamo — our favorite Burmese restaurant, cash-only spot in the Mission.
• El Farolito — our favorite burrito spot in the Mission.

San Francisco Restaurants We Always Love

• Tacolicious — always a win, love their tostadas, passionfruit margarita, and queso.
• Souvla — a great casual spot for Greek-inspired food.
• Blue Barn — favorite salads in the city.
• Absinthe Brasserie & Bar * — corner spot in Hayes Valley for great French food.
• Bread n’Chu — delicious katsu sandwiches on Japanese milk bread.
• Lucca Delicatessen — SF classic for killer old-school Italian-American sandwiches.
• Brenda’s French Soul Food — Creole-inspired menu and one amazing brunch.

San Francisco Elevated Restaurants That Are Wonderful

• State Bird Provisions * — this has been one of our favorites for elevated cuisine, it’s an urban rustic menu that is served dim sum style. It’s hard to get a reservation but definitely take it if you can score one.
• Foreign Cinema * — we’ve celebrated many birthdays over the years here and adore their outdoor courtyard that plays a foreign film. Don’t miss the fried chicken on the menu.
• Cotogna * — my favorite Italian restaurant in the city and the space is beautiful. Every pasta dish here is wonderful.

Where to Get Coffee in San Francisco

I do have this San Francisco coffee shop guide and not much has changed since. These are my favorite coffee shops:

• Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters (Marina) — our absolute favorite for coffee and friendly service.
• Ritual Coffee Roasters (Mission) — still one of our go-to’s in the city, Travis always brings a bag of beans home.
• Lady Falcon Coffee Club (NOPA) — you can find the vintage truck near Alamo Square most days.
• The Mill (NOPA) — this is our go-to for toast and coffee; it’s a San Francisco staple.

Top Things to Do in San Francisco

Visit the Museums

One of my favorite experiences is to pick one of the many great museums in San Francisco. Our favorites include the MOMA, the de Young Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences. If you’re into modern art, the MOMA will be your favorite and its right in the heart of downtown. The de Young Museum is our favorite for more classic art and incredible exhibitions — recently they had Calder and Picasso. The California Academy of Sciences is for those who love animals and nature. I used to volunteer there and adored watching the penguins.

Explore the Neighborhoods

San Francisco has many neighborhoods and each with its own personality. A few make for a great hour or two of walking and exploring, with shops and cafes. Here are a few of my favorites and their respective cross-streets:

• The Mission District — Valencia Street between 22nd and 15th.
• Hayes Valley — Hayes Street between Franklin and Laguna Street. Some small streets that offshoot as well.
• Fillmore District — Fillmore Street between Jackson Street and Bush Street.
• Embarcadero — Embarcadero Street along the water.
• Jackson Square Area — Broadway Street to Davis Street along Pacific, Washington, and Jackson Street.
• Chinatown — Sacramento Street to Broadway along Kearny, Grant, and Stockton Street.
• North Beach — Area from Washington Square to Coit Tower
• The Marina — Chestnut Street from Divisadero to Fillmore Street.
• NOPA — Divisadero Street from Golden Gate to Oak Street.
• Castro District — 18th Street from Diamond to Noe Street.

See the Sights

San Francisco has a few famous sights you’re not going to want to miss. In no particular order, here are a few of them: The Painted Ladies, Views from Coit Tower, Golden Gate Bridge from either Marin or SF side, Palace of Fine Arts, Sutro Baths out on the Pacific Ocean, and views from Twin Peaks.

Enjoy the Gardens and Parks

If you’re looking to get outdoors, there are a few gardens and parks that are very enjoyable on a sunny day. I would do a combination of the ticketed experiences like the stunning Conservatory and enjoy a picnic at one of the other public parks. Each of the parks has very unique views of the city as well.

• San Francisco Botanical Garden (love this one)
• Japanese Tea Garden
• Conservatory of Flowers
• Dolores Park
• Golden Gate Park
• Lafayette Park
• Corona Heights Park (for epic views)
• The Presidio

Catch an Epic Sunset

There are a few good spots to catch sunset over San Francisco, but one that tops it all. Twin Peaks offers 360 degree views over SF, and I am biased because we lived right there for ten years. I would arrive a little early as parking can be tricky but well worth the wait for the views.

A few other spots to catch the sunset are at the Golden Gate Bridge near the entrance on either side, out at Sutro Baths if it’s not windy, or even from Coit Tower .

Shop at One of The Many Amazing Boutiques

There are a few standout stores that if you have time to pop into, I’d highly recommend going to. You’ll have your range of big box stores but there are some small shops that are well curated and ones we love to support.

Our favorites Shops

• Hugomento — storied art & objects for the home. Truly incredible collection of local artists
• Paxton Gate — oddities and plants, this store is a trip and worth it just to see
• Ampersand — for all your floral needs
• General Store — home goods, ceramics, books
• MARCH — beautiful home goods from decor to tabletop
• The Perish Trust — rustic and vintage home goods
• The House by Tracy Simmons Design — curated elevated pieces for the home.
• Heath Ceramics — ceramics for everyday living

Take a Guided Tour

We have done a few in the city and loved them. The most recent one we did was with Get Your Guide and it was a Chinatown Walking Food Tour . This tour showed us around an incredible neighborhood all while eating at some hidden gems. One of the benefits of a guided tour is that you will get a much deeper knowledge of a place or experience. I would recommend a tour if you’re looking to learn more about history or even taste more food.

Other Popular Tours to Consider

• Alcatraz Skip the Line Boat Tour
• Golden Gate Bay Cruise
• Go SF CityCard Pass (discounted entry to multiple attractions)

Take a Day Trip

If you’re making San Francisco your base while exploring the area, there are a few opportunities for day trips that are within a few hours. You will need a car, so keep this in mind for planning.

Favorite Day Trips from San Francisco

• Point Reyes — coastal town, great for fresh seafood, hikes, and scenery.
• Yosemite National Park — the most popular day trip from San Francisco, it’s around 3.5 hours drive each way and totally doable (we did this all the time).
• Napa Valley — incredible wine tasting and scenery.
• Stinson Beach + Mount Tamalpais + Muir Woods — a really popular area for hiking and seeing the redwoods. *Reservations required for Muir Woods

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

I use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

I use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

I use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Rental Car

Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

I use Priority Pass to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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Hi, Consider introducing your readers to the Presidio of San Francisco. A National Park in beautiful San Francisco! Within the Presidio, there is Sports Basement, which sits at the foot of the Tunnel Tops and Golden Gate Bridge, offering bike rentals, snack foods (compare to expensive food trucks), a clean bathroom and place to refill your water bottle before you head out hiking!

Best, Shelley

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San Francisco Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 28, 2024

To me, visiting San Francisco is all about enjoying the outdoors and the food. You come here to dine on some of the best Asian food in the country, relax in a chill cafe, and then head out to the parks or nearby hiking trails to lounge away the day. There’s also a phenomenal amount of art and music here too.

While it is one of the most expensive cities in the United States (even I, a person used to living in New York City , get sticker shock when I visit), there are still plenty of ways to visit on a budget.

This travel guide to San Francisco can help you plan a fun and affordable trip!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on San Francisco

Top 5 Things to See and Do in San Francisco

1. Tour Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island is the site of an abandoned federal prison, the oldest operating lighthouse on the west coast (built in 1909), and 19th-century military fortifications. Its best known for Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, a notorious maximum security prison that operated from 1934-1963. Take a tour to learn about the island’s past and its famous inmates (including mobster Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly). Be sure to book the ferry early as it fills up fast. Day-tour tickets cost $45.25 USD, night-tours are $56.30 USD, and behind-the-scenes tours cost $101.30 USD.

2. Walk the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is an engineering marvel and one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks. When it opened in 1937, it was the longest and the tallest suspension bridge in the entire world and was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. You can walk the 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) across the bridge, visit the visitor’s center to learn the history of the bridge, or just stare at it from every angle and take a stupid amount of pictures like I did.

3. Visit Golden Gate Park

This gigantic park spanning 1,017 acres features a Japanese garden, an art museum, an arboretum, a tulip garden, a herd of wild bison, and tons of hiking and walking trails. At 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) long and stretching some 30 blocks, it’s 20% bigger than New York’s Central Park! Walking from end to end can take half a day. The park itself is free to visit, though most of the museums and gardens charge admission. The National Aids Memorial is a ten-acre grove in the park dedicated to the individuals who have suffered from the disease. At the western edge of the park, you can visit the Beach Chalet which dates back to 1925. Inside there are mosaics, frescos, and wood carvings. Upstairs is a restaurant upstairs with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. The California Academy of Sciences is also the perfect stop for nature lovers. It’s a rainforest, natural history museum, aquarium, and planetarium all in one.

4. See Wine Country

Near the city are the world-famous Napa and Sonoma wine regions. If you love wine and have time to leave the city, you obviously need to come here. Organized day trips with Tower Tours cost $165 USD. That said, at around 1.5 hours one-way from the city, it’s far better to spend the night. It can be a pricey place to visit, but I’ve found that it is indeed possible to visit Napa on a budget .

5. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is the only remaining remnant of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Meant to emulate a decaying Roman ruin, the outdoor rotunda (and its lagoon) is one of the city’s most photographed sights. Take a leisurely stroll around the lagoon, relax under the rotunda, or enjoy a picnic on the grass. Admission is free.

Other Things to See and Do in San Francisco

1. hang out in the mission.

The Mission District is one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco; in fact, the oldest building in the city is located here (Mission San Francisco de Asís, built in 1791). The neighborhood is the epicenter of the city’s Mexican community and has long been an alternative artist enclave as well. After a busy day, relax in Dolores Park for great views of the city, grab a drink at the cool bars, and dig into incredible Mexican food. There’s an eclectic food scene in general in the area, including several Michelin-starred restaurants.

2. Ride the cable cars

Riding the cable cars is an excellent way to tour the city and experience the various neighborhoods of San Francisco. Originally built in 1823, the city’s cable cars are the last manually operated system in the entire world. Of the 22 lines that were originally created in the 19th century, only three are still in operation. They are fun to ride and will save you lots of time since the city is so hilly. A one-way fare on a cable car is $8 USD and a single-day pass is $13 USD.

3. Visit Lombard Street

This is the world’s windiest street. Surrounded by gardens and flowers, it’s made up of eight hairpin turns. The roads were made this way during the 1920s when people in San Francisco were beginning to drive around in automobiles. Since many of the city’s famous hills were too steep to navigate, the idea of using a curved street to help vehicles move downhill was embraced. This took the hill’s incline from 27% to 16%. Today, you can watch cars and bikers navigate the sharp turns as tourists gawk at them.

4. Head up Coit Tower

Perched atop Telegraph Hill, this art deco tower was built in 1933. Standing 180 feet (55 meters) tall, it’s home to over 25 murals and offers a panoramic view of the city. The murals here were painted in 1934 by local artists and depict life in San Francisco during the Depression. The tower became a San Francisco Designated Landmark in 1984 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. It’s free to visit the ground floor, though if you want to take the elevator to the top and see more artwork on the second floor it’s $10 USD.

5. Head to Chinatown

After New York City , this is the most famous Chinatown in the United States (it’s also the oldest and the biggest). Immigrants from China first arrived on the West Coast in the 1850s and set up shop in San Francisco. Due to racial segregation, this neighborhood became predominantly Chinese. Though mandatory segregation ended decades ago, the area has remained predominately Chinese and thus has some of the best places to eat Chinese food in the city, as well as wonderful teahouses, bars, souvenir stalls, and fortune cookie makers. Many of the buildings are modeled after traditional Chinese architecture, including the Bank of America. The Sing Chong Building was one of the first buildings in the city to be rebuilt after the earthquake in 1906. You can get an in-depth look at the area with a food and history walking tour of Chinatown .

6. Take a harbor tour

Take an afternoon cruise of the bay to see the city from the water. There are many tour companies available, but a budget way to see the harbor is to take the public ferries starting at $7 USD (prices vary depending on which route you take). Same views, lower price. The Oakland & Alameda route takes an hour to complete the round-trip route from the Downtown San Francisco terminal. It stops at Main St in Alameda and in Oakland. If you really want to do a tour, go with Red and White Fleet . Their tours start at $38 USD for a one-hour tour.

7. Hang out in the Castro

Since the 1960s, the Castro has been known as the LGBTQ district of San Francisco. The area has lots of trendy restaurants serving local and seasonal food, as well as the GLBTHistorical Society Museum ($10 USD admission) and the Rainbow Honor Walk, a walk of fame for LGBTQ members who left a significant impact on society. Plus, there are a plethora of lively bars and clubs that cater to the LGBTQ community (but are fun for everyone!).

8. Explore Haight-Ashbury

The birthplace of America’s counter-culture, the Haight was ground zero during the summer of 1967, a.k.a. The Summer of Love. Hippies used to live here (including Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead), but yuppies have since moved in, buying up all the colorful Victorian homes and replacing head shops with high-end boutiques, chic restaurants, and hip cafés. Flower Power Walking Tours run in-depth and informative hippie history tours throughout the neighborhood for $25 USD.

9. Take a walking tour

Free SF Tours runs daily free walking tours that can show you the main sights of the city. You’ll not only get to learn about the city but you’ll have access to an expert local guide who can answer all your questions. Just be sure to tip at the end! For more in-depth paid tours, check out Take Walks .

10. Eat at the Ferry Building

This iconic historic building on the San Francisco waterfront used to be one of the busiest transportation terminals in the world. Today, it’s home to a massive food marketplace and is my top place to eat in San Francisco. This place is a foodie dream. Inside, you’ll find restaurants and food vendors selling specialty food items as well as butchers, cheesemongers, a wine bar, and more. On the weekdays, food stands set up outside the building and on the weekends, there’s a big farmer’s market. Come here with an appetite!

11. Visit Crissy Field

This park located near the Golden Gate Bridge used to be a US Army airfield. After its closure in 1974, it was derelict for years until it reopened in 2001 as a park. Today, it has a beach, some restaurants, piers where you can see locals fishing, and plenty of green space to relax. It offers sweeping views of the harbor, making it a laid-back place to come in the summer to have a picnic, lounge in the sun, read a book, and watch life go by.

12. Explore Japantown

This is the largest remaining Japantown in the United States. There are two large malls here full of shops featuring uniquely Japanese items and a ton of restaurants. New People is a 20,000-square-foot complex dedicated to bringing Japanese culture to the community through events, arts, fashion, and more. The Peace Plaza is a relaxing spot to enjoy the greenery and admire the Peace Pagoda that opened in 1968. In this part of the city, you’ll find amazing sushi, Japanese food, Korean food, and kitchen ingredients. Shabu Sen has amazing ramen, and Yama-chan has delicious onigiri (rice balls) and takoyaki (octopus balls). To learn more about the food and the neighborhood, you can take a food tour with Edible Excursions for $130 USD (they have a specific Japantown tour, as well as other food tours around the city). Tours last around 3 hours.

13. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square cover numerous blocks along the waterfront and visiting this area is one of the most popular (touristy) things to do in the city. There are street performers, souvenir shops, and tons of overpriced restaurants. This is a good place to wander and explore for people watching, but don’t eat here. The food is overpriced and, to be honest, not that good. If you want to try some of the mouthwatering seafood that San Francisco is famous for, I liked Waterbar and the Anchor Oyster Bar.

14. See Muir Woods

Named after famed naturalist John Muir, Muir Woods is the closest place to San Francisco where you can see giant redwood trees (it’s just 17 miles/27 kilometeres outside of the city). You don’t get to encounter the huge, iconic redwoods (which are sequoias and further away at Sequoia National Park), but if you’re looking to see something close to the city, this is as good as it gets. Admission is $15 USD in addition to either a parking reservation ($9.50 USD) or a shuttle reservation ($3.75 USD round-trip). You can also do a guided tour with Get Your Guide for $89 USD (including transportation).

15. Explore Oakland

Just across the Bay Bridge, Oakland is considered the Brooklyn to San Francisco’s Manhattan. In recent years, Oakland has developed a niche for craft beer and specialty restaurants. There are tons of bars and breweries, and they even have their own “Ale Trail” if you want to wander the city and sample its best drinks. You can also visit Oakland Redwood Regional Park, Lake Merritt, or catch a baseball game at Oakland Coliseum. There’s a lot you can do in Oakland and you can easily spend a day or more here!

16. Visit the Beat Museum

Dedicated to the Beat Generation (the 1950s counter-culture), here you’ll find original manuscripts, rare books, letters, and more from authors like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Founded in 2003, the museum has over 1,000 pieces of memorabilia including Ginsberg’s typewriter and a first edition copy of Kerouac’s novel The Town and the City . They also hold regular events (and walking tours) so check the website to see if anything is happening during your visit. Admission is $8 USD.

17. Visit Berkeley

Across the bay and close to Oakland is the city of Berkeley, home to music, hippies, students, and the University of California – Berkeley. Here you’ll find a plethora of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, street performers, and eclectic shops (including booths selling jewelry and other goods on the streets). Don’t miss the University of California Botanical Garden, which has over 10,000 plants! Admission is $18 USD and advance reservations are required. You can also check out the UC Berkeley campus, take the elevator to the top of the Campanile clock and bell tower for incredible views of the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding area (admission is only $5), or visit The Lawrence Hall of Science with its interactive exhibits for kids and adults (admission is $20).

San Francisco Travel Costs

Hostel prices – In peak season, a bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs around $42-$50 USD, while off-peak season costs $30-40 USD. For a dorm with 8-10 beds (or more), expect to pay $40-50 USD in peak season and $33-35 USD in off-peak season. Private double rooms cost $110-130 USD per night in peak season and $90-115 USD in off-peak season. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels have self-catering facilities. Quite a few of hostels include free breakfast as well.

Campgrounds are available outside the city starting at $50 USD per night for a basic plot for two people without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels near Union Square start at $105 USD per night and go up from there. Near Fisherman’s Wharf, prices start around $135 and closer to $200 around the Embarcadero. Expect standard amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, AC, and a coffee/tea maker.

There are lots of Airbnb options in San Francisco (it’s the headquarters of the company!). A private room averages about $75 USD per night while an entire home/apartment starts at $120 USD.

Food – San Francisco is known for its fresh seafood. Raw oysters and cioppino (a seafood soup) are two popular ways to try the local fare. Sourdough bread is also a local staple, which you can buy fresh from many bakeries around the city or even find at the grocery store. Although eating out here can be expensive (there are lots of fancy restaurants and rich techies driving the cost of food and rents up), you can keep your spending in check by going to the local supermarkets, markets, food trucks, and mom-and-pop restaurants.

It’s easy to find street food like burritos and falafel for $12 USD. Pizza costs around $15 USD while fast food (think McDonald’s) is $12 USD for a combo meal. Eating Chinese food is a must in San Francisco because it’s delicious and also less expensive than other choices. Expect to spend $10-15 USD for a main dish.

A meal at an inexpensive casual restaurant costs around $25 USD. A three-course meal with a drink costs closer to $50 USD (if not more).

There are lots of high-end dining options in San Francisco. You can find a 6-8 course tasting menu for about $150 USD (some go for nearly double that), but you can also find 3-course tasting menus for as log as $42. A plate of pasta or fish starts from about $20 USD, while a steak dinner costs about $60 USD.

Beer is around $8 USD, cocktails are $13-16 USD, and a latte/cappuccino is $6 USD. Bottled water is around $2 USD. A glass of wine costs at least $12 USD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay around $60-70 USD per week for basics like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.

Two restaurants you shouldn’t miss are Naan ‘N’ Curry and Old Siam.

Backpacking San Francisco Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking San Francisco, expect to spend about $80 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like the parks and free walking tours. If you plan on drinking, add $30 USD per day to your budget.

A mid-range budget of $210 USD you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb room, eat out for most meals at Chinese restaurants and fast-food chains, have a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like museum visits and visiting Alcatraz.

On a “luxury” budget of about $390 or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to do some day trips, and do more guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

San Francisco Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. You’re going to spend a lot of money here if you go out a lot, see lots of attractions, and decide to drink. But, like any major city, there are lots of ways to cut costs if you know where to look. Here are some ways to save money in San Francisco:

• Get the CityPASS – Getting a city sightseeing card is always a good idea if you plan on seeing a lot of attractions. CityPASS is good for nine days and costs $87 USD. It includes admission to 4 of the city’s main attractions (California Academy of Sciences and Blue & Gold Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruise along with your choice of 2 others). If you want to see these more expensive attractions, this will save you money.
• Get a GoCity Pass – If you want a more inclusive option than the above CityPASS, GoCity offers all-inclusive options in 1-5-day increments. The one-day pass costs $89 USD while the 5-day pass is $189 USD.
• Redeem hotel points – Hotel credit cards can help you save money when you travel. Every time you spend, you’ll get points that you can use on your next trip. It’s always awesome to have free accommodation and most cards come with at least 1-2 nights free when you sign up. This post will help you understand the basics so you can start earning points today and have plenty for your trip.
• Eat cheap in Chinatown – San Francisco’s Chinatown has some of the best places to eat Chinese food (especially dim sum) in the country, with teahouses, bars, souvenir stalls, and fortune cookie makers. Eat your heart out here!
• Hit up happy hour for food and drink – Booze will really wreck your budget here so take advantage of San Francisco’s many happy hours (usually between 4pm-6pm). Ask your hotel/hostel staff for suggestions near where you’re staying.
• Find the oyster happy hours – There are lots of restaurants that offer an oyster happy hour at least once a week for about $1.50-2 USD per oyster. Waterbar and Waterfront Restaurant are good places to start.
• Take a free walking tour – This is the best way to see the main sights on a budget. I always do one when I visit a new city. Free SF Tours has a great tour that provides a solid intro to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is the best way to meet locals and save money. You’ll get to meet a local whose brain you can pick for tips and suggestions all while getting a free place to stay. Just be sure to send your request well in advance.
• Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft are way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi.
• Fly into Oakland Airport (OAK) – OAK is nearly as close to downtown as SFO is and sometimes flights there are cheaper. Make sure you make a comparison before you book your trip.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Accommodation can be extremely expensive in San Francisco and there’s not a ton of budget options here. Some recommended places to stay in San Francisco:

• HI San Francisco – Downtown
• Green Tortoise Hostel
• HI San Francisco – Fisherman’s Wharf
• Axiom Hotel
• Seaside Inn
• Golden Gate Hotel

How to Get Around San Francisco

Public transportation – The subway can get you all over the city, as well as to the airport and eastward to places like Oakland and Berkeley. Fares depend on where you’re going but cost at least $2.50 USD. You can use either a cash ticket or a Clipper card to tap in and tap out. Although the Clipper card is $3 USD to purchase, it’s cheaper in the long run because each regular ticket costs $0.50 USD more than a fare purchased with a Clipper card. You can also download the Clipper app, load your fare, and use tap-to-pay.

San Francisco’s bus system is even more extensive than the subway. If you want to save money, download the MuniMobile ticket app or use a Clipper card. One-way rides are $2.50 USD with the Clipper card or $3 USD cash (exact change is required).

You can also get a single-day Visitor Passport for unlimited use across the bus, cable car, and streetcar network. If you purchase the Visitor Passport through the MuniMobile app or Clipper card, it costs $13 USD. A 3-day passport is $31 USD, and a 7-day passport is $41 USD. It will cost an extra $3 for any of the Visitor Passports if you don’t already have a Clipper Card.

Cable cars are a fun way to travel between the waterfront and Union Square. Their website (sfmta.com) has a listing of all routes and schedules. Single rides cost $8 USD but a Visitor Passport gives you unlimited rides, so that can be a better deal, especially if you’re using lots of public transportation.

The historic streetcars are an excellent way to see certain parts of San Francisco, especially the touristy places along the Embarcadero (which stops at Fisherman’s Wharf, the Ferry Building, etc.). Streetcars are part of the MUNI system, so prices are the same as for the bus.

Ferry – You can get a Golden Gate Transit ferry to Sausalito or Tiburon for $14 USD. The ferry to Alcatraz is included with your ticket ($45.25 USD).

Bicycle – Bay Wheels (operated by Lyft) is San Francisco’s biggest bike-sharing program. To unlock a bike, it’s $3.99 USD, which includes 30 free minutes (past that, it’s a hefty $.30 per minute, which adds up quickly). When you’re using your Lyft app, you’ll see a bicycle icon show up on your app’s home screen when you’re in the bike service area. Just return your bicycle to the nearest Bay Wheels station when you’re done.

Taxis – Taxis are expensive. Everything is meter-based, starting at $4.15 USD and then an additional $3.25 USD per mile after that. Avoid them!

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a cab.

When to Go to San Francisco

Summer (June-August) is the busiest time of the year as people flock to California for some fun in the sun. The temperature averages around 65-68°F (18-20°C) during this time. San Francisco hosts one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the world on the last weekend in June. During the summer, you can also enjoy the Haight-Ashbury Street Fair and the North Beach Festival. August brings the epic music festival, Outside Lands, to Golden Gate park for three days of music that ranges from mellow indie rock to EDM.

Winter is an excellent time to come for the lowest accommodation prices and the least number of visitors. It can be chilly and cloudy this time of the year but temps range between 57°F-61°F (14°C-16°C) in December-February so it’s never too cold. It’s also the wettest time of year so be sure to bring proper rain gear. You can check out the Illuminate SF Festival of Light that runs from November through January and lights the city with more than fifty installations across seventeen neighborhoods. If you want to experience the largest Chinese New Year celebration in the US, this is the time to visit. For comedy lovers, the Sketchfest in January is a chance to catch shows all month long and stay out of the rain.

Personally, I think September-November is the best time to visit San Francisco. It offers warm temperatures (70°F/21°C) but with much fewer crowds compared to the summer. October has a lot of events too. Fleet Week brings people from all over to watch the aviation showcase and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a free music festival in Golden Gate Park. The Castro Street Fair was founded by Harvey Milk and celebrates San Francisco’s LGBTQ culture. There’s also the Italian Heritage Parade and Litquake which celebrates local literary icons like Jack Kerouac.

Spring starts out cool and rainy, but temperatures eventually get a bit more comfortable, ranging from 62-65°F (17-18°C) from the beginning and end of the season. The city puts on the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration on the West Coast with a massive parade and tons of festivities. The San Francisco International Film Festival happens in April, along with the Northern California Cheery Blossom Festival.

How to Stay Safe in San Francisco

San Francisco is a relatively safe place to travel but you have to keep a vigilant eye. Crime here has definitely increased over the years, though it’s mostly non-violent crime. Petty theft is the most common crime here, with a particularly high rate of car break-ins. If you have a rental car , make sure it is locked at all times. Don’t leave any valuables in it overnight.

Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially while taking crowded public transportation. It’s helpful if you can plan your route in advance so you don’t have to pull out a map or be looking at your phone to navigate. Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.

If you’re concerned about getting ripped off, read my post about common scams to avoid here (there aren’t many here though).

Unfortunately, there’s a serious drug and homeless problem in San Francisco though, and there’s no way to sugarcoat this situation. It’s not uncommon for visitors to witness drug use in the streets, as well as mental health episodes. The city is making moves to resolve these issues, but you’ll still need to stay aware of your surroundings. The situation has only gotten worse since COVID and, while there’s not a lot violence, you’re going to be careful of where you walk, especially at night.

The Tenderloin (one of the city’s neighborhoods) is especially known for its street drug activity, and it’s near enough to the city’s touristy areas that you might find yourself in the neighborhood at some point. You’re better off avoiding this area altogether at night (especially the intersection of Turk and Taylor).

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. The standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk around at night intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, I would read one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

San Francisco Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

San Francisco Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in San Francisco: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chicago

The 5 Best Hotels in San Francisco

How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local

The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

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City: San Francisco (seven hours drive; one hour flight)

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18 Free Things to Do in San Francisco

TripSavvy / Melissa Zink

Luckily, of all the most popular places to visit in California , ​ San Francisco has more top sights that have no admission charge than anywhere else. You can enjoy free concerts , museums , parks , and even sailing in this vibrant California city.

Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge

It almost goes without saying, but a walk across one of the most recognizable spots in the U.S. is an absolute must. Bring a sweater along, because there is bound to be a breeze as you walk. Be sure to check out some of the history of the bridge at the visitor’s center in the Presidio. On the other side, take in the Golden Gate Bridge View  in Sausalito.

See the Coit Tower Murals

For a completely different art experience, head over to the historic Coit Tower  and check out the murals inside Coit Tower’s first-floor lobby—it costs extra to head upstairs—but the lobby contains many of the Diego Rivera-inspired American Social Realism murals painted by students from the nearby California School of Fine Arts.

Explore the Ferry Building

 Melissa Zink / TripSavvy

The historic Ferry Building, in the Embarcadero, is home to one of the largest farmers markets in the area, as well as numerous shops featuring local artisanal shops, including Blue Bottle Coffee and Cowgirl Creamery. The Ferry Building also offers a fantastic view of the bay with spots for having a picnic on one of the many benches. At night the Bay Bridge fills up the sky with a beautiful light show.

Explore Chinatown

Melissa Zink / TripSavvy

Boasting the largest Chinese population outside of Asia, San Fransico’s Chinatown is home to a stunning array of architecture, history and of course, food. Spend an afternoon looking for landmarks like Dragon Gate’s, the official entrance to Chinatown, the Sing Chong and Sing Fat buildings, the Old Telephone Exchange, and the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory—San Fransico is the home of the fortune cookie, after all.

Catch a Free Show at Amoeba Music

Amoeba Music, one of the most famous record shops in the world, frequently plays host to bands of all sizes at their massive shop in the Haight-Ashbury district. Arrive early to ensure you get a good spot AND to have time to explore the racks and racks of music here.

No Fare Necessary for the Cable Car Museum

Not only is the Cable Car Museum in Nob Hill free, but you can actually catch a train there—sort of. Take the California line train to Mason and walk three blocks north to The Cable Car Museum, which also houses all of the cable cars  at night. The museum shows off not only the history of the cable car system in San Francisco, but all of the mechanical parts on display are still actually running the system.

Wander the Mural-filled Alleys of the Mission

The Mission District has been home to artists looking to work in the city for a couple of decades now, and it shows in the art covering many buildings and alleyways in the area. Most famously, you’ll want to explore the Clarion Alley between Valencia and Mission streets. Since 1992, this alley has been home to massive murals created by up and coming artists.

Take in a Book Reading at City Lights

The famed City Lights bookstore in ​ North Beach was a frequent haunt of Beat poets—the shop is adjacent to Jack Kerouac alley, after all. City Lights hosts weekly authors and poets for free readings of their recent work.

Listen to the Sea Lions at Pier 39

It may not be the most pleasant thing to hear in the city, but one of the new iconic sounds of San Francisco is the barking of the sea lions that love to sunbathe at  Pier 39 . The sea lions arrived in the city around 1990 and have been a fixture ever since, much to the chagrin of local boat owners attempting to take couples on romantic cruises. The sea lions typically leave the pier in June and July.

Have Fun at the Seward Street Slides

Located on a steep hill in Noe Valley are two large cement slides that have been bringing thrills to the neighborhood for decades. Designed in 1973 using a design from a 14-year old girl, the slides and the rest of the park were built to save the land from being turned into an apartment complex. It’s best to bring a piece of cardboard or even a plastic tray for getting real speed. There is sand at the bottom, so don’t worry about injuring yourself too much.

Explore San Francisco City Hall

A popular destination for cheap but stunning weddings, San Francisco City Hall  is one of the most beautiful Beaux-Arts buildings in the country. Built in 1915 by architect Arthur Brown, who also designed Coit Tower and San Francisco Opera House, the building features design elements like carved figures in the Doric columns as well as marble floors and a marble staircase flanked by giant lamps. The Dôme des Invalides in Paris served as the inspiration for the dome. The city hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Go to the Real Cheap Seats at Oracle Park

Nothing beats going to a baseball game on a summer day, except maybe paying for the admission and the food. At Oracle Park (formerly AT&T Park), baseball fans can watch a game for free, that is if they’re willing to stand outside the gate and watch. The small free-viewing area sits next to the boardwalk at McCovey Cove, and viewers are allowed to stay for three innings at a time. The area is even close enough to shout out to your favorite player (or your least favorite).

People Watch at Dolores Park

TripSavvy / Melissa ZInk 

Mission Dolores Park is located at the western edge of the Mission district and is home to a colorful cast of characters. The park includes a large slope from the southwest down to the northeast, offering an unobstructed northeast-looking view of downtown San Francisco. This spot is a favorite hang out for young people and families having picnics. Settle in for a nice lunch here with an unbeatable view of the city from within.

Take a Walk Down Lombard Street—The Most Crooked Street in the World

TripSavvy / Melissa Zink 

Probably more fun than actually driving down it, having a walk down historic Lombard Street gives you a chance to see the hectic, block-long hill without having to navigate it or drive residents crazy with your squeaky breaks. Make sure you’re in good shape, though, as the slope is still quite steep.

Visit the Rose Garden at Golden Gate Bridge Park

After you’ve walked across the Golden Gate Bridge, take time to sit for a bit at the rose garden inside the Golden Gate Bridge Park . There are more than 60 rose beds planted in the garden by a collection of dedicated locals. Be sure to visit if you’re in the area during the holidays, as many of the roses here are known to bloom yet again around this time.

Go Location Scouting for your Favorite San Francisco Movie and TV Moments

San Francisco has been the setting for many famous films and tv shows over the years. You could spend hours walking around the various sites used for filming, but a few that we love include the famous “ Painted Ladies” row of Victorian Alamo Square which were used in the opening titles for Full House . Parts of Hitchcock’s classic Vertigo was shot near the Golden Gate Bridge at Fort Point. The house from Mrs. Doubtfire is located at the same address given in the film, 2640 Steiner Street, in Pacific Heights.

Take A Free Sailing Class

Ten times a year, the Cal Sailing club offers free introductory sailing lessons on their keelboats and dinghies. The lessons are available on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. You’ll sail around in the San Francisco Bay, learning about boat and waterfront safety, Bay ecology, and the fun of sailing a non-motorized watercraft.

Do an Urban Hike at Mount Sutro

This park, located in the heart of San Francisco, is home to a nearly 100-year-old forest, as well as a 900-foot hill, perfect for urban hiking. Be sure to have a knowledgeable guide, as the park is home to poison oak and other unfriendly forms of flora.

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to San Francisco

Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure

There's no denying that, at least in the 21st century, San Francisco is often thought of as the technology hub of America. And it's perfectly true that this city—which is home to Apple, Facebook, Google, Uber, and countless other technology platforms that impact our daily lives—is synonymous with big tech. However, San Francisco is home to revelatory architecture, the first established LGBTQ+ neighborhood in the country, and Michelin-starred dining, all of which are crucial components of San Francisco's legacy.

When in San Francisco, do as the Northern Californians do. Dress in layers, because the weather is constantly changing, and the fog—whose name, by the way, is Karl—often rolls in with little warning. Spend an afternoon lounging in a public park, taking advantage of San Francisco's seemingly endless green space. Take the BART—i.e., the Metro—to dinner in the Mission. Hike along the Pacific Ocean, or at least stroll on Ocean Beach at sunset. And if someone offers to let you test their app in beta, you've officially made it as a local.

Pacific Standard Time (Daylight Savings Time observed, timing varies)

Best Time to Go

Because San Francisco weather is moderate year-round, it's a destination you can visit all 12 months of the year. That being said, San Francisco records its warmest temperatures from June to October. The city tends to see a high season in July and August, which is why we would recommend visiting in May, June, September, or October. Generally, the fall is quieter than the spring and summer, and yet the temperatures are still in the 70s.

If you're visiting for a specific event, keep in mind that San Francisco famously hosts Outside Lands Music Festival in August each year, and other notable festivals include the San Francisco International Film Festival (April), Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival (April), and San Francisco Jazz Festival (June).

Things to Know

San Francisco is home to Golden Gate Park, which is the third most visited park in the U.S. and spans 1,017 acres.

San Francisco is a true food town: There are 62 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city, and seven restaurants with three Michelin stars (which is impressive considering there are only 14 three-Michelin-star restaurants in the U.S.). Michelin includes restaurants in the greater Bay Area (all the way up to Napa) in its San Francisco ratings.

The best way to get around San Francisco is to take the BART, San Francisco's metro network.

San Francisco is divided into more than 20 neighborhoods, the most popular ones for tourists being Haight-Ashbury, the Castro, the Mission, Chinatown, and Fisherman's Wharf. Many of the city's best hotels are located in the downtown area.

The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island are technically considered part of San Francisco's city limits. Marin, Oakland, and Palo Alto are not, though many visiting San Francisco still like to tour or stay in the surrounding areas, especially when coming to town for work.

How to Get Around

Trains : The BART, or Bay Area Rapid Transit, is San Francisco's heavy rail metro, connecting five counties across 131 miles and 50 stations. It allows those on the greater San Francisco peninsula (in tech hubs like Los Gatos, Palo Alto, or Mountain View) to commute to the city center. It also transports tourists and locals around the city, connecting many of the city's top attractions. Find a BART map here .

Buses : The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) operates buses, trains, and historic streetcars, among other essential inter-city transportation. The SFMTA's Muni transportation network includes "fuel-efficient Muni buses, light rail Metro trains, historic streetcars, and iconic cable cars." Find all the Muni bus and light rail stops and routes here . You can buy a Muni ticket for $2.50 on the MuniMobile app or on a Clipper Card, or pay $3 cash for a ticket.

Taxis : Find a full list of San Francisco taxi stands here . Uber and Lyft both service San Francisco as well.

Car service : In addition to rideshare services, you can also arrange for black car service via companies like Black Lane or SF Black Car .

Best Hotels

San francisco proper.

Address: 45 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 Phone: (415) 735-7777 Book Now

San Francisco Proper has modern design, a charming rooftop, and a restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Jason Fox. With 131 rooms and suites, ranging from their 200-square-foot Deluxe Queen all the way up to their Premier Suite, this hotel is a see-and-be-seen hotspot with California charm.

St. Regis San Francisco

Address: 125 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 Phone: (415) 284-4000 Book Now

You'll find SF's St. Regis property in the SoMa neighborhood of the city, not far from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Oracle Park. The St. Regis has an impressive art collection of its own, a fine dining restaurant on-site, and a lavish Lobby Bar that serves craft libations and afternoon tea.

Mansion on Sutter

Address: 1409 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 Phone: (415) 213-2746 Book Now

Mansion on Sutter offers a boutique hotel experience in the heart of San Francisco. The hotel has only 12 rooms and is housed in a spectacular Victorian mansion.

Inn San Francisco

Address: 943 S Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110 Phone: (415) 641-0188 Book Now

Inn San Francisco is a bed-and-breakfast within a Victorian mansion. Leaning into Victorian-era decor, this hotel on Mansion Row has just 27 rooms. For accommodations, guests have their choice of small rooms, medium rooms, spacious rooms, or the inn's garden cottages.

Address: 138 King Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 200-4977 Book Now

Stay right across from Oracle Park in San Francisco's South Beach neighborhood at Hotel VIA. The hotel has a rooftop lounge overlooking the San Francisco Bay, and suites with equally impressive views.

Parker Guest House

Address: 520 Church Street, San Francisco, CA 94114 Phone: (415) 621-3222 Book Now

This 21-room guest house on Church Street offers a young, boutique atmosphere nestled between two of SF's most vibrant neighborhoods: the Castro and the Mission. The property has beautiful gardens where guests can relax with a cup of coffee in the morning before exploring the city.

Nobu Palo Alto

Address: 180 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Phone: (650) 798-8396 Book Now

Nobu Palo Alto features gorgeous, high-concept design and 73 guest rooms in Silicon Valley. The property is conveniently located in downtown Palo Alto and offers exclusive Ryokan suites on the hotel's seventh and eighth floor.

Waters Edge Hotel

Address: 25 Main Street, Tiburon, CA 94920 Phone: (415) 789-5999 Book Now

San Francisco travelers opting to stay across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin can check into the Waters Edge Hotel, which boasts gorgeous views of the water and the San Francisco skyline.

Waterfront Hotel Oakland

Address: 10 Washington Street, Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: (510) 836-3800 Book Now

Stay in Oakland along the water in Jack London Square, not far from downtown Oakland. Waterfront Hotel is pet-friendly, with spacious rooms and an intimate, boutique hotel feel.

Best Restaurants

Mission chinese food.

Address: 2234 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 Phone: (415) 863-2800 Website

A San Francisco foodie institution in the Mission district of the city, Mission Chinese Food serves innovative and wholly unexpected takes on Chinese cuisine. Under renowned chef Danny Bowien, who has significant culinary cachet after founding Mission Chinese in 2010, the restaurant has expanded to New York City, but the SF Mission location is the original.

Address: 306 Broderick Street, San Francisco, CA 94117 Phone: (415) 437-0303 Website

Bringing an authentic taste of Mexico City to San Francisco, Nopalito now has two locations and a James Beard Award-winning cookbook. At the Broderick Street location, order up their fried brussel sprouts al pastor, slow-cooked carnitas, and of course, the chicken mole.

Tartine Manufactory

Address: 595 Alabama Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 Phone: (415) 757-0007 Website

Tartine now has a nationwide following, thanks in large part to the Tartine cookbook and their ever-Instagrammable pastries. But the manufactory on Alabama street is where this bread-based empire started. Visit Tartine Manufactory for breakfast or lunch, where you'll enjoy great coffee, exceptional pastries, and sandwiches served on rustic, freshly baked bread.

Wako Japanese Restaurant

Address: 211 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118 Phone: (415) 682-4875 Website

One of the most impressive Japanese restaurants in San Francisco, Wako is known for its omakase offerings. A mecca of uni, toro, and other sushi delicacies, every course Wako serves is plated with care and precision. Since opening in 2014, Wako has received one MIchelin star.

Atelier Crenn

Address: 3127 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94123 Phone: (415) 440-0460 Website

One of the only three-Michelin-star restaurants in San Francisco, helmed by renowned chef Dominique Crenn, Atelier Crenn serves luxurious French cuisine. The restaurant typically serves a prix fixe, 14-course meal, focusing on sustainable and in-season ingredients for more than $300 per person.

Address: 300 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 Phone: (415) 861-0625

Only in California will you find revelatory plant-based cuisine that nudges vegan eats into the must-try fine dining category. At the newly opened Baia, you'll enjoy vegan Italian food by chef Matthew Kenney, which the restaurant calls "plant-based culinary art."

Reem's Mission

Address: 2901 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 Phone: (415) 780-1953 Website

Reem's Mission has been recognized as a James Beard Award semi-finalist, and is known for their delectable Middle Eastern fare. They have a strong following throughout the Bay Area, thanks to their meze spreads, baklava, falafel, and more.

Address: 2170 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 Website

San Ho Won is known for exceptional Korean Barbecue in the Mission District. New on the SF restaurant scene from chef Corey Lee, San Ho Won serves a modernized take on classic Korean dishes as well as Korean charcoal barbecue.

Address: 517 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118 Phone: (415) 742-4958 Website

Mamahuhu is working to marry Chinese-American cuisine with healthy, sustainable living. They serve dishes made from only sustainably sourced ingredients, and their menu is all about making delectable Chinese-American that's healthy and affordable.

Flour + Water Pasta Shop

Address: 3000 20th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 Phone: (415) 471-2998 Website

Flour + Water is a minimalist Italian restaurant, in that they source only the highest quality ingredients and serve a pared down menu. Diners are in awe of their handmade pastas, from filled agnolottis to perfectly crafted pappardelle served beneath ragu bolognese, pesto, or homemade meatballs.

Address: 1355 Market Street, Suite 180, San Francisco, CA 94103 Phone: (415) 562-4817 Website

Nashville hot chicken has officially come to SF at Hotbird. Hotbird is serving just one sandwich that's in extremely high demand. Get their fried chicken sandwich original style (without the heat), hotbird style ("your choice of heat"), or protein style (served with slaw on the side and no bun).

Things to Do

Alcatraz island.

Kelly Griffin/Travel + Leisure

Phone: (415) 561-4900 Website

Alcatraz Island served as a federal prison from the 1930s to the 1960s—and before that was a military fort and military prison. Today, it's operated by the National Park Service, and the NPS offers tours and transportation to the island.

Golden Gate Bridge

Don Eim/Travel + Leisure

Address: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA Website

The Golden Gate Bridge goes from the Presidio in San Francisco across the Bay to Marin. The art deco suspension bridge, built in 1933, extends more than a mile and a half, and accommodates cars, foot traffic, and bicycles.

Palace of Fine Arts Theatre

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

Address: 3601 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA 94123 Phone: (415) 360-3731 Website

Experience a rare display of Greco-Roman architecture at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. The stunning rotunda is set on a lagoon, offering visitors a healthy dose of old-world serenity. Now used primarily as a private event space, visitors can still buy tickets to explore the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, built by renowned California architect Bernard Maybeck.

Address: 501 Twin Peaks Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94114

Twin Peaks are two summits at nearly 1,000-feet elevation that offer 360-degree views of the city by the bay. The north peak, which most travelers choose to drive up, is called Eureka, and the south peak is called Noe. It's a free attraction and one of the city's best lookout points.

Fisherman's Wharf

Address: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133 Website

Attracting tourists year-round, Fisherman's Wharf is a shopping area right on the water and San Francisco's Embarcadero. It's two blocks from the bustling Pier 39, and while there are a number of tourist trap souvenir shops and eateries here, you can find some long-standing SF institutions, too.

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park stretches for 1,017 acres and is the United States' third most visited park. Points of interest within the park include the Japanese Tea Garden, the windmills at the west end of the park, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, and the Conservatory of Flowers.

Land's End Lookout

Address: 680 Point Lobos Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121 Phone: (415) 426-5240 Website

Land's End is a lookout point within Golden Gate National Recreation Area, not far from the Sutro Bath ruins. From the lookout point above the Sutro Baths, take the Coastal Trail toward the Golden Gate Bridge for magnificent views of the San Francisco Bay.

Mission Dolores Park

Address: Dolores Street & 19th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114 Phone: (415) 554-9521

Spending an afternoon lounging in the park is something of an art form in San Francisco. Mission Dolores is one of the most popular parks in San Francisco—it covers 16 acres and locals gather here on weekend afternoons when the sun comes out. You'll find Mission Dolores Park (often just referred to as Dolores Park) on the western edge of the Mission District.

Sutro Baths

Address: 1004 Point Lobos Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121 Phone: (415) 426-5240 Website

Right near Land's End, just north of Ocean Beach, you'll find the remains of the Sutro Baths. The Sutro Baths and adjacent Cliff House were erected in the late 1800s, though now ruins are all that's left of the baths. Once a swimming facility with seven pools of varying temperatures, each filled naturally by the waves of the Pacific Ocean, the waterfront cliffside ruins are still exciting to explore prior to visiting Land's End.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Address: 151 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 Phone: (415) 357-4000 Website

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, better known as the SFMOMA, was the first modern and contemporary art museum on the West Coast when it opened in 1935. The SFMOMA has since undergone an elaborate redesign by noted architecture firm Snøhetta in 2016 and is home to more than 33,000 works of art.

Mission District Murals

Address: Multiple locations Website

The Mission District is known not only for their great restaurants and vibrant atmosphere, but for their art scene as well. Take a self-guided tour of the Mission District's murals and you'll get to appreciate firsthand the powerful display of public art in this neighborhood. To start, check out The Women's Building MaestraPeace Mural and the artwork on Balmy Alley (between 24th and 25th streets and Treat and Harrison streets).

Bike Tours Extranomical

Address: 501 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133 Phone: (415) 357-0700 Website

Biking around San Francisco is a great way to see the sights, but because this is such a high-tech city, your adventure calls for a high-tech bike. Rent an electric bike from Bike Tours Extranomical, so you can take a self-guided electric bike tour of the city. They'll provide bikes, safety gear, maps of the city, and expert guidance before sending you off on an e-bike-fueled adventure.

Best Shopping

Ferry building marketplace.

Address: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111 Website

Along the Embarcadero and the San Francisco Bay, you'll find the historic Ferry Building Marketplace. The Ferry Building has everything: it's simultaneously a food hall, farmer's market, and shopping hub, filled with local merchants selling souvenirs and San Francisco delicacies (like the sourdough at Acme Bread Company).

Westfield San Francisco Centre

Address: 865 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 Phone: (415) 512-6776 Website

Westfield San Francisco Centre is a nine-story mall with more than 170 shops. You'll find all your favorite retailers at Westfield (think: Nordstrom, Kiehl's, Lululemon, and J.Crew), plus plenty of places to eat and a rooftop terrace.

Crocker Galleria

Address: 50 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 Phone: (415) 393-1500 Website

Crocker Galleria is both a design feat and a shopper's paradise. It's known for the remarkable glass-dome covering the three-story shopping center, and within the dome, you'll find luxury retailers and a farmer's market.

Canton Bazaar

Address: 616 Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94108 Phone: (415) 362-5750

In San Francisco's Chinatown, you'll find Canton Bazaar, a buzzing market where you can find exports from all over Asia. Find diamond-in-the-rough shops selling authentic Chinese tea sets, souvenir stores, and of course, great food stalls.

The Metreon

Address: 135 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 Website

In downtown San Francisco's Yerba Buena neighborhood, you'll find this four-story shopping center. The Metreon has a futuristic design and houses not only some of your favorite retailers, but also a movie theater and a dining terrace with a myriad of culinary options from around the world.

San Francisco Mercantile

Address: 1698 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94117 Phone: (415) 757-0677 Website

Nestled in Haight-Ashbury, the charming San Francisco Mercantile feels like a hyper-local souvenir shop, selling one-of-a-kind SF souvenirs made by local artists. Come for the hand-painted mugs, stay for the eclectic ambiance of the shop itself.

Love on Haight

Address: 1400 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94117 Phone: (415) 817-1027 Website

If you didn't buy tie-dye in Haight-Ashbury, did you even go to San Francisco? Love on Haight—on Haight Street in this iconic artist district of San Francisco—sells tie-dye everything, even face masks.

Dog Eared Books

Address: 900 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 Phone: (415) 282-1901 Website

Dog Eared Books, in the Mission, sells new and gently used books in a store covered in iconic music posters and rows upon rows of books. You can find used books here for as little as $5, and you'll be impressed with their selection of books from small, independent publishers.

Kenneth Wingard

Address: 2319 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94114 Phone: (415) 431-6900 Website

Kenneth Wingard is a renowned designer whose work is now sold by the likes of Restoration Hardware and Crate & Barrel. Visit his flagship store in San Francisco, which sells beautiful home decor pieces, some of which you can't find anywhere else.

Gravel and Gold

Address: 3266 21st Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 Phone: (415) 552-0112 Website

Gravel and Gold, a woman-owned boutique in the Mission, is a perfect fusion of upscale and purely funky. Their eclectic array of clothing, accessories and designer goods is expertly curated by women with a keen eye for design. Overall, their aesthetic is California-chic, with a dash of Haight-Ashbury eccentricity.

Neighborhoods to Know

The Castro: Known as one of the first established LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in America, the Castro is a vibrant neighborhood thanks to wonderful restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and a deluge of rainbow flags. You'll love walking through this ever-bustling neighborhood, from the crosswalks, which feature rainbow stripes, to the local businesses around every corner.

Haight-Ashbury: You'll find this neighborhood at the corner of Haight and Ashbury streets. Haight-Ashbury is an iconic neighborhood, because it was hippie central in the '60s, and it still gives off major peace-and-love vibes. You'll find great vintage clothing and vinyl shops, and more tie-dye than you'd ever know what to do with.

The Mission: Home to Mission Dolores Park, as well as some of the best taco and burrito stands in town, and trendy shops, restaurants, and bars, the Mission is a fusion of young San Francisco tech professionals and Latinx culture. Come to the Mission on a Saturday afternoon, and you'll see all of San Francisco out in full force.

Chinatown: This is the oldest and largest Chinese community outside the U.S. San Francisco's Chinatown is always bustling with locals and tourists, coming to experience authentic Chinese food (particularly for their Sunday dim sum fix) and shop exports from China.

Fisherman's Wharf: Next to North Beach (dubbed SF's Little Italy), you'll find Fisherman's Wharf, which is considered the tourist hot spot in San Francisco. It's not far from Pier 39 and the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, .

Presidio: Right by the water and the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio is a ritzy SF neighborhood that tends to be quieter and more residential. Nonetheless, you'll find stunning architecture here, as well as some high-end shops and restaurants, and of course, views of the water.

In San Francisco, the warmest month of the year is August, and the coldest is January. Because San Francisco is right on the water in its own microclimate, you'll rarely see temperatures above the mid-70s. That being said, lows rarely dip below the mid-40s, making San Francisco a year-round destination. The key to dressing for success in San Francisco is: layers. The temperature fluctuates considerably on any given day, thanks in large part to the famed San Francisco fog, Karl.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month. Average annual precipitation is 8.91 inches.

January 44 - 57 February 46 - 59 March 48 - 62 April 49 - 64 May 52 - 67 June 54 - 70 July 55 - 71 August 56 - 72 September 56 - 73 October 54 - 71 November 49 - 63 December 44 - 57

Apps to Download

BART App : Bay Area Regional Transit app iOS | Android

MuniMobile : SFMTA ticketing app iOS | Android

BART to Airport : Tickets for affordable, shared rides to the airport iOS | Android

Uber : Rideshare servicing San Francisco iOS | Android

Lyft : Rideshare servicing San Francisco iOS | Android

City Explore San Francisco : An on-the-go guide to arts and culture in SF iOS | Android

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Travel Guide To San Francisco

Known as the City by the Bay, San Francisco is arguably the most cosmopolitan and bohemian city in America. It is also one of the most beautiful, with its pretty houses and hilly streets providing beautiful views of the bay and the famous Golden Gate Bridge.

Where to stay in San Francisco

CAVALLO POINT

601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito (00 1 415 339 4700; www.cavallopoint.com ). Surrounded by pine trees on Marin Headlands, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Cavallo Point is the area's first National Park lodge. Run by Passport Resorts in partnership with the National Park Service, the hotel is in Fort Baker, a military post built to protect San Francisco Bay during World War II. The original officers' quarters have been converted into 68 rooms and suites with fireplaces, ceiling fans and porches furnished with rocking chairs; 74 additional contemporary rooms are built on a hillside. There is a big spa, and the restaurant is led by Joseph Humphrey. £££

495 Geary Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 775 4700; www.clifthotel.com ). Hotelier Ian Schrager's Clift hotel is located in the heart of San Francisco's theatre district. A fantastical interior has been designed by Philippe Starck with oversized floor lamps in the lobby and sleigh beds and Man Ray-inspired decor in the 375 rooms. The restaurant is an outlet of Schrager's trendy Asia de Cuba. £££

FOUR SEASONS SAN FRANCISCO

757 Market Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 633 3000; www.fourseasons.com ). Space is the thing here. Kids will love to be let lose in the giant lobby; adults will love the 6,960sq ft ballroom, the 2,760sq ft Presidential Suite and the 100,000sq ft sports club with lap pool, basketball court and Splash spa. £££££

HOTEL DES ARTS

447 Bush Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 956 3232; www.sfhoteldesarts.com ). This quirky, stylish hotel is in an excellent location on the cable-car route next to Chinatown and downtown. The rooms may be small and frill-free, but they are filled with big-statement modern art from known and emerging artists, including Damon Soule, Tricia Choi, Sam Flores and Shepard Fairey. Standard perks include a complimentary continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi access. What little public space there is - narrow hallways, shared bathrooms and a breakfast room - is enlivened with works of art (even the central air shaft is decorated with colourful murals). ££

HOTEL DEL SOL

3100 Webster Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 921 5520; www.jdvhotels.com ). A converted 1950s motor lodge with 57 rooms, run by the Joie de Vivre hotel group. Retro-lovers should take one of the 10 themed suites, from The Love Shack (hippy-dippy) to The Dream Factory (Zsa Zsa glamour). ££

440 Geary Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 885 0200; www.hoteldiva.com ). Hotel Diva occupies a prime spot opposite the American Conservatory Theater and Philippe Starck's swanky Redwood Room. An oversized TV screen in the glitzy lobby shows film clips of famous divas. There are 116 smallish rooms with DVD players, flat-screen TVs, sleek Artemide lamps, cool blue carpets and stainless-steel bathrooms. This hotel is great value, with Wi-Fi, daily papers, business and fitness centres included in the price. Morning muffins and apples are available, Colibrí restaurant serves Mexican food. The price and location mean that the Diva is sometimes too popular, especially at check-in and check-out times. £

HOTEL KABUKI

1625 Post Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 922 3200; www.jdvhotels.com/kabuki . This light-filled Zen retreat in funky Japantown recently underwent a $9-million refurbishment by the Joie de Vivre hotel group, which also owns the Kabuki Springs & Spa just down the street (guests receive free passes to the Kabuki Spa). You get a Japanese tea service on arrival, and the comfortable rooms have balconies accessed through sliding shoji-screen doors printed with paintings of geishas and samurai. From the top floors there are views of Twin Peaks and other city landmarks. The bathrooms come with eucalyptus bath salts and wooden buckets for Japanese-style bathing, and some have deep soaking tubs. The restaurant, Izakaya Lounge, serves a Japanese breakfast bento and hosts a karaoke night every Thursday. ££

HOTEL MAJESTIC

1500 Sutter Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 441 1100; www.thehotelmajestic.com ). Built in 1902 as a home for railroad magnate Milton Schmidt, the Majestic is a meticulously restored Edwardian mansion south of Pacific Heights providing old-world glamour at down-to-earth prices. The actresses Joan Fontaine and Olivia de Havilland both lived here, and visitors seeking a more 'neighbourhood' feel will want to move in as well. Large bay windows flood the 58-room hotel with light; suites are furnished with four-posters, claw-footed tubs and armoires. English antiques, Biedermeier chairs and French Empire chandeliers complete the look. The French-Californian restaurant, Café Majestic, opened in 2007 to rave reviews for chef Ian Begg's fresh, seasonal cooking, including dishes such as Kobe beef tartare, crispy polenta cakes with wild mushrooms and butter-basted Alaskan halibut. ££

HOTEL MONACO

501 Geary Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 292 0100; www.monaco-sf.com ). Directly across the road from the Clift (see above), the Monaco boasts a rich and dramatic decor: red-lacquer wall coverings and canopied beds in 201 rooms, including 35 suites, some with two-person Jacuzzi tubs. £££

562 Sutter Street (00 1 415 433 4434; fax: 433 3695; www.thehotelrex.com ). Just off Union Square, this hotel has 94 rooms and is themed around literature and the arts of the jazz age. Style: literary artistic salon of the 1920s and 1930s, with old books and portraits of local authors, including Dashiel Hammett. ££

HOTEL VITALE

8 Mission Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 278 3700; www.hotelvitale.com ). An eco-inspired hotel - opened in 2005 after a $53-million investment - across from the Ferry Building and food market and close to the Embarcadero's shops. There are 199 rooms, with free Wi-Fi access, limestone showers and custom-designed, glass-topped tables filled with illuminated river stones. The 125-seat Americano restaurant (Italian-influenced Californian dishes) spills out onto a terrace with a groovy lounge-bar scene. There is free yoga for those so inclined and a Vitality Concierge to put you in touch with 'wellness' experts. £££

MANDARIN ORIENTAL SAN FRANCISCO

222 Sansome Street, San Francsico (00 1 415 276 9888; www.mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco ). Located in the financial district, close to the Transamerica Pyramid, Bank of America tower and Market Street. There is an Asian-style welcome, with jasmine tea and cookies in the 158 rooms located on the top 11 floors of San Francisco's third highest office tower, with jaw-dropping views of Alcatraz and Coit Tower. Local ingredients are embraced at Silks, the hotel's acclaimed Pacific Rim-influenced restaurant. Bathrooms have oversized tubs and walls of windows for bay views. Though the Financial District can feel like a skyscraper ghost town on weekends. £££

PHOENIX HOTEL

601 Eddy Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 776 1380; www.jdvhotels.com/phoenix ). A former 1950s caravan lodge, now transformed into an urban oasis. The elliptical pool has references to Warhol in the shallow end and Duchamp in the deep, while hanging poolside are the stars and rock 'n' rollers who favour this no-tell motel. £

SIR FRANCIS DRAKE HOTEL

450 Powell Street at Sutter, San Francisco (00 1 415 392 7755; www.sirfrancisdrake.com . Beefeater costume-clad doormen guard the entrance to this Prohibition-era gem in Union Square. In 2007, Kimpton Hotels gave the 416-room grande dame a much-needed $20-million facelift, updating rooms in a palette of deep purple, sage and cream, with button-back headboards, granite baths and Wi-Fi access. The large lobby showcases heavy chandeliers dripping with crystal, lots of Italian marble and vaulted, gold-leaf ceilings. Scala's Bistro is a lively, always-crowded restaurant that serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Harry Denton's Starlight Room, a bar on the 21st floor, is a San Francisco institution, with velvet banquettes, a classy cocktail menu and sparkling views of the city. ££

ST REGIS SAN FRANCISCO

125 3rd Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 284 4000; www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis ). Situated in a 40-floor tower next to the Museum of Modern Art and across from the bustling Yerba Buena cultural complex, the St Regis reflects its location in a fine collection of modern art throughout the hotel. The spacious rooms, in shades of taupe with luxurious finishes such as leather and snakeskin, have great views. Celebrity chefs Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani rule in signature restaurant Ame; less formal fare can be found in Vitrine, which has an open-air terrace. The Remède spa has nine treatment rooms and a 50ft pool in the fitness centre. ££££

W SAN FRANCISCO

181 3rd Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 777 5300; www.whotels.com ). This 30-storey, 404-room hotel offers impeccable style and an unbeatable location adjacent to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and directly across from the Moscone Center. Service is black-clad and obliging: The company motto is 'whatever/whenever'. £££

Where to eat out in San Francisco

With over 3,000 eating and drinking establishments, more per capita than anywhere in the world, it is no wonder San Francisco is renowned for its food.

2355 Chestnut Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 771 2216; www.a16sf.com ). The original A16 is the autostrada that leads east out of Naples and into Puglia in the foot of southern Italy; the area it covers has inspired this restaurant's menu and wine list. Appetisers incorporate locally caught fish, salad leaves, herbs and fruit into Italian dishes while two wood-fired ovens produce wafer-thin pizzas and main courses such as yellowtail tuna with almonds and capers, lamb sausages with porchetta, and lamb with fennel and radishes.

ANCHOR & HOPE

83 Minna Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 501 9100; www.anchorandhopesf.com ). Anchor & Hope, opened in 2008, is where the hip set dine on bacon-wrapped oysters and basil-stuffed clams in a minimalist white space with exposed beams and concrete floors, inside a converted garage. A three-course dinner for two - without wine - costs about $100 (in 2009 - prices may change) .

GREENS RESTAURANT

Building A, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard, San Francisco (00 1 415 771 6222; www.greensrestaurant.com ). A wonderful vegetarian restaurant with a beautiful view across the water to the Golden Gate Bridge.

JEANTY AT JACK'S

615 Sacramento Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 421 7355; www.jeantyatjacks.com ). This famous 1864 French bistro-style restaurant was once popular with major-leaguers such as Ingrid Bergman and Ernest Hemingway.

2031 Chestnut Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 346 5641; www.laiola.com ). A new Spanish restaurant in a laidback and fashionable neighbourhood. House specialties include a plate of pan con chocolate , a rich chocolate mousse topped with sea salt and olive oil.

LA TAQUERIA

2889 Mission Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 285 7117). La Taqueria serves authentic Mexican cuisine. No one heads here for the decor or to find comfortable surroundings: it's the great value, the hearty comida and the music which draw the crowds. Half a dozen strongly built Mexicans prepare the tacos, quesadillas, burritos (served without rice, the Mexican way) and all their different stuffings, as well as the fresh fruit drinks (the mango is delicious).

MEE MEE BAKERY

1328 Stockton Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 362 3204; www.meemeebakery.com ). Rich and luscious egg tarts, crunchy almond cookies and buttery sesame biscuits are the specialities at this Chinatown pastry-maker's. The shop will arrange tours of its nearby factory, and will also create personalised fortune cookies. Open daily, 8am-6pm.

1701 Octavia Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 775 8500; www.quincerestaurant.com ). Quince is set in an old wooden building constructed as an apothecary before it became a private house and, now, a restaurant run by Michael and Lindsay Tusk. Although Michael Tusk draws his primary inspiration from Italian cuisine, as do so many other California chefs, what is particularly impressive is the way in which he extracts so many good flavours from the less expensive cuts of meat and fish and how extensively Christie Dufault, Tusk's wine buyer, has visited California's many vineyards to track down some fascinating bottles from less well-known producers.

842 Valencia Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 282 8283; www.rangesf.com ). Range is like many of the city's other restaurants, occupying a long, thin space where an open kitchen (manned invariably by Mexicans regardless of the cuisine) divides a busy bar at the front from a dining room at the rear. Red leather banquettes, zinc table tops, mirrors and a large flower display lend a touch of class to this husband-and-wife-owned eatery. Memorable dishes include a Pluot apricot salad with fromage blanc, hazelnuts and peppercress; a slow-roasted duck breast with morels, peas and a green peppercorn sauce; and a warm Meyer lemon pudding cake.

SAMOVAR TEA LOUNGE

Yerba Buena Gardens, Upper Terrace, 730 Howard Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 227 9400; www.samovartea.com ). Behind a wisteria-covered patio above Yerba Buena Gardens, the Samovar Tea Lounge is a relaxing spot for a light lunch, or a tasting-session of inventively named teas such as Monkey Picked Ireon Goddess of Mercy.

SWAN OYSTER DEPOT

1517 Polk Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 673 1101). Swan Oyster Depot is only for lovers of oysters and fresh seafood. And for those with some patience, as Swan's has been so popular for so long that there is always a queue for one of the 16 seats at its broad marble counter.

TADICH GRILL

240 California Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 391 1849). The Tadich Grill opened in 1849 and is the oldest restaurant in California. Its interior seems to have barely changed for decades and it has a classic bar with tenders who make terrific Bloody Marys. Tadich's has a catholic menu based principally around simple cuts of meat and fish from its grill.

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY

Macy's (8th floor), Union Square, San Francisco (00 1 415 397 3333; www.thecheesecakefactory.com ). A restaurant that specialises in cheesecakes. Also serves great main courses and has excellent views of Union Square.

THE SLANTED DOOR

1 Ferry Building, San Francisco (00 1 415 861 8032; www.slanteddoor.com ). The Slanted Door serves classic Vietnamese food 'family style', which makes sharing easy even if an extremely long menu in black ink makes reading the menu and choosing equally difficult. The spring rolls with mint and peanut sauce and a green papaya salad with tofu and roasted peanuts are a highlight, as is the stunning view - across the water to the Bay Bridge and Oakland.

VIVANDE PORTA VIA

2125 Fillmore Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 346 4430; www.vivande.com ). Sells nearly 40 different kinds of Italian olive oil, fresh handmade pasta and sausages, and a myriad of cooking books. Styled like a Milanese kitchen, it also offers tasty lunchboxes to take away, containing items such as goat cheese and roasted garlic torte. There is also a full sit-down lunch and dinner menu. Open daily: take out, 10am-7pm; restaurant, 11.30am-10pm.

1658 Market Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 552 2522; www.zunicafe.com ). As Zuni is open from 11.30am right through until midnight almost every day of the week, there is never a sense of having to rush. The wood-burning oven produces the café's signature roast chicken for two and the thinnest of pizzas. Bright sunshine under blue skies is one of California's natural attractions and here the high windows on both sides allow light to pour in and energise everyone inside. Chef Judy Rodgers' culinary approach has been to combine the best produce with the best of the simple, family-orientated dishes she learnt when travelling around Europe.

The best nightlife in San Francisco

CALIFORNIA WINE MERCHANT

2113 Chestnut Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 567 0646; www.pressclubsf.com ). Part urban winery, part subterranean drinking den, eight Californian vineyards have tasting areas in Press Club.

46 Minna Street (00 1 415 777 1077; www.harlotsf.com ). Dramatic Renaissance-style paintings line the black walls at Harlot, a glamorous bar and club where stylish locals dance beneath chandeliers made from deer antlers. Open Wed-Sat, 9pm-2am.

What to see in San Francisco

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

111 MINNA GALLERY

111 Minna Street, San Francisco (00 415 974 1719; www.111minnagallery.com ). A funky hidden gallery gem that showcases local and international artists. 111 Minna Gallery also screens films, and host live DJ sets.

The city has many amazing sights to offer the visitor, including Alcatraz Island. Accessible by boat from Pier 41, this former prison, which housed the likes of Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly, is the city's single biggest attraction. By tickets through Alcatraz Cruises: www.alcatrazcruises.com ).

CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM

736 Mission Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 655 7800; www.thecjm.org ). You can't miss this new museum, designed by Daniel Libeskind: a reworked brick building with a striking, blue-black 'diamond' extension. Exhibitions explore contemporary perspectives on Jewish culture, history, art, and ideas.

SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

151 3rd Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 357 4000; www.sfmoma.org ). With its dramatic architecture and excellent collections of art, photography and music, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, in the Yerba Buena Gardens, also draws huge crowds. Open Thu-Tue.

YERBA BUENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS

701 Mission Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 978 2700; www.ybca.org ). Yerba Buena Center, in San Francisco's cultural heart, showcases contemporary and emerging artists from the Bay area and beyond, and crosses the line between fine art and popular culture. The YBCA also hosts live performances. Open Tue-Sun.

DON'T MISS: the free montly 'art walk by the Yerba Buena Alliance ( www.yerbabuena.org ).

Things to do in San Francisco

With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Bay on the other, San Francisco is enclosed (like Manhattan) within a relatively small area, making it a great place to explore on foot. Explore include Lombard Street, the city's most crooked with nine hairpin bends, and Union Square. As well as being a landmark in its own right, the Golden Gate Bridge offers great views, too, while Alamo Square is another great vantage point.

Where to shop in San Francisco

XANADU GALLERY

Frank Lloyd Wright Building, 140 Maiden Lane, San Francisco (00 1 415 392 9999; www.xanadugallery.us ). Pieces range from 4,000-year-old Chinese pottery to contemporary Mexican creations. The prices may be high at this repository of predominantly African and Asian art, jewellery, masks, textiles and artefacts, but so is the style quotient. A collection of books on Wright is also for sale. Open Mon-Sat.

CITY LIGHTS

261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco (00 1 415 362 8193; www.citylights.com ). Made famous in Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City as the place Mrs Madrigal supposedly kept shop before she made the change, City Lights remains San Francisco's pre-eminent bookshop. With everything from bestsellers to Beat literature via Dadaism and Surrealism, the shop also hosts regular poetry readings. Definitely a San Francisco experience. Open daily, 10am-midnight.

361 Sutter Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 837 1442; www.babettesf.com ). This European-inspired local design house in the middle of hip South Park stocks its own range of travel-friendly coats, trousers and tops for women. The pleated pieces are made, as company head (and husband of the eponymous designer) Steven Pinsky says, 'for real women at real prices'.

BLOOMINGDALES

845 Market Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 856 5300; www.bloomingdales.com ). The most fashionable department store. Travellers can take their passport to the Visitor Center for a 15 per cent discount.

JEREMY'S

2 South Park, San Francisco (00 1 415 882 4929; www.jeremys.com ). This warehouse-like department store on the edge of tech-trendy South Park is essentially a glorified designer discount shop, with men's and womenswear, plus accessories and fragrances from the likes of Voyage, Chanel, and Santa Maria Novella. Stock changes every six weeks or so, and discounts of 20-40 per cent are typical.

2351 Market Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 431 4545; www.rolo.com ). This branch of the popular three-shop chain (also at 450 Castro Street and 1301 Howard Street) has separate men's and women's departments. The fashions are uniformly hip and happening and Rolo's regular rave and club events offer instant destinations for those all dressed up with nowhere to go.

WILKES BASHFORD

375 Sutter Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 986 4380; www.wilkesbashford.com ). Wilkes Bashford offers everything the well-dressed globetrotter could hope for. Labels include Marc Jacobs, Helmut Lang and Issey Miyake, plus many of San Francisco's cutting-edge fashion names. Each of its five floors comes with a well-stocked bar. Open Mon-Sat, with late shopping on Thursdays.

3560 18th Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 565 0360; www.farinafoods.com ). Farina prepares what many believe is the city's finest pesto.

TARTINE BAKERY

600 Guerrero Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 487 2600; www.tartinebakery.com ). The Tartine Bakery sells some delicious coffee, sandwiches, cakes and great bread.

HOME AND INTERIORS

271 9th Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 861 6665; www.evolutionfurniture.com ). This SoMa (South of Market Street) furniture-seller is like IKEA for those with a bigger budget. The solid cherry, maple and walnut pieces come in uniquely updated versions of Shaker and Amish styles. Also features modern, modular designs from Quebec's Cameleon, along with recovered metallic military furniture from Douglas M Metal. Open daily.

1315 Howard Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 255 1311). Remember Elaine from Seinfeld and all her funky-yet-fashionable furniture? You can get some of it here. Colourful, fanciful beds, paper and metal lamps, swivel chairs and wall canvases are mostly from India, Indonesia and the Philippines and are reasonably priced for those of us who don't have the resources of a Hollywood production team.

2185 Fillmore Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 931 2224). With 10,000sq ft and more than 4,000 different items, Fillamento is the place to go for serious home furnishers. It is located in the smart Pacific Heights area, so the prices are not cheap, but with a high-end range of lighting, furniture, bedlinen and accessories, few would expect it to be so. Claims one of its bestsellers is the private-label bamboo candle.

151 3rd Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 357 4000; www.sfmoma.org ). The SFMOMA store is a treasure trove of posters, stationery, furniture and homewares. International shipping is available.

2453 Fillmore Street, San Francisco (00 1 415 441 3051). Finding international newspapers and magazines can be challenging in San Francisco, but media fans of all nationalities will be well served at Juicy News, where most of the European publications are only a day or two late.

How to get to San Francisco

San Francisco airport is 20km south of the city. SFO airport buses run every 15 minutes to downtown San Francisco.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK

British Airways (0844 493 0787; www.britishairways.com ) and Virgin Atlantic (08705 747747; www.virgin-atlantic.com ) both fly from Heathrow to San Francisco. Air France (0871 663 3777; www.airfrance.co.uk ) flies from Manchester, via Paris.

Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, san francisco itinerary and travel guide for first-time visitors.

I visited San Francisco over two decades ago as a teenager when I was living in Los Angeles . Safe to say, I could barely remember anything about that first visit. I finally had the chance to experience the city as an adult when my work sent me to the bay area.

I was anxious about visiting San Francisco this time around. I had read about how the city had gone downhill since the pandemic, and how petty crime was at an all-time high. But after spending five days exploring the city, I think Tony Bennet is still right – I truly did leave my heart in San Francisco. And dare I say, San Francisco might just be my favorite city in the US .

Sure, I had to avoid certain areas. I had to be extra careful while walking so that I don’t step on any stray fecal matter on the sidewalk, and one night, there was a drive-by shooting at Mission district just a few hours after I had left the area. But the city is so pretty and charming I couldn’t help but fall in love.

So, allow me to show you my favorite bits about San Francisco.

Tips for visiting San Francisco for the first time

How much time should i spend in san francisco, when is the best time to visit san francisco.

• How to get to San Francisco from SFO
• Getting Around San Francisco
• Neighborhoods in San Francisco

Where to stay in San Francisco

Day 1: the san francisco essentials (part 1), day 2: the san francisco essentials (part 2), day 3: mission district and dolores park.

• Day 4: Other things you can do in San Francisco
• Day 5 onward: Day trips from San Francisco

Where to eat in San Francisco

• Where to Shop in San Francisco
• Notable events in San Francisco

1. San Francisco is very hilly – I felt this doesn’t translate well when you’re just looking at the city through maps online, but yes, the city has quite a few (steep) ups and downs. I personally loved this because it makes for a beautiful photo, but I know some people would appreciate the warning. So if you plan to walk, and I do believe walking is the best way to experience San Francisco, please do yourself a favor and wear appropriate footwear!

2. San Francisco is an early city – Most shops will close by 7 pm, and restaurants are shut by 10 pm. Plan accordingly! I was told it is normal to have dinner at 5 or 6 pm in this city.

3. Watch out for the CA sales tax! In California, you’re subjected to an 8.5% sales tax every time you make a purchase. This sales tax is usually not included in the stated price and will be charged upon payment. So for example, say you see a nice purse for $30 – it will ring up to $32.55 when you pay for it. Make sure you take that into account in your purchasing decisions.

4. Learn how to tip the American way – yes, I know, the tipping culture in the US baffles every foreign visitor. It’s confusing! But, you don’t want to shortchange someone just because you disagree with this social norm. The most common instance where you’ll need to tip is when eating at a restaurant. The general rule of thumb is to tip 15% for average service, 20% for great service, and 25% for exceptional service. You don’t need to tip at establishments where the food is prepared but not served to you. Fast food, bakeries, or dessert places are examples of these types of establishments, but it certainly would be nice if you feel the staff did an exceptional job. You also don’t need to tip ride-sharing drivers (but again, it is always nice to), but you must tip taxi drivers.

5. Safety in San Francisco: Avoid certain neighborhoods and stay vigilant – So this topic is an interesting one in San Francisco. I’m sure you’ve heard about it on the news as well. The rule of thumb is that you want to avoid certain parts of the Tenderloin district. Generally, this means the area around where Market Street crosses with 5th to 9th Streets. If you’re driving into the city, make sure you do not leave any valuables within sight in the car when you park, and only park in a secured garage (vs the street). Car break-ins are common in the city, regardless of the area.

6. iPhone users – Use both Apple Maps and Google Maps! – In any other destination, I typically just use Google Maps and it would suffice. But in San Francisco, being so close to Cupertino where Apple is headquartered, I find that Apple Maps sometimes offer more accuracy and a better experience. I also noticed locals were also using Apple Maps more than Google Maps.

7. Get a data SIM Card – This is a must for every destination, and even more so while you’re in the States. Having data on your phone will allow you to look up directions, book Uber, and reload your transport card easily. You can purchase a global data e-SIM here , which will work in over 60 countries including the US.

8. Wise Card worked extremely well in San Francisco – as well as the rest of the US, really. If you’re an international visitor like myself, definitely get yourself a Wise Debit Card . You’ll save the foreign transaction fee when you use Wise. I never had to use cash when I was in San Francisco or NYC.

I spent 5 days in San Francisco and I feel I could spend more time there. I would say a minimum of 3 full days here is required to really get a feel of the city.

You could perhaps see most of the San Francisco essentials in 2 days if you pack your days in and follow my itinerary , but it would be rushed.

I visited San Francisco from late May to early June , which I think was the best time of the year. The weather was fantastic on some days – clear blue skies and sunny on the good days, and cloudy on the other days but not too cold. The truth is, there is no way to predict whether the weather will be good or not, but you just never know when “Karl the Fog” decides to descend.

How to get to San Francisco from the airport (SFO)

1. By Uber or Lyft – This is of course the most straightforward way to get into the city, but also the costliest. For comparison, my Uber from SFO to Fisherman’s Wharf was US$ 58 (including tips)

2. By BART – BART is short for Bay Area Rapid Transit. This is probably the best way since there is a BART station at SFO airport itself. It costs around US$ 9.90 to get to the city from SFO, then you can resume your journey with local transport via MUNI once you’re in the city. You can pay your BART rides using Clipper (more on this below).

• BART Route – Check out the list of BART stations here
• BART Fares – Check out the BART fare calculator here

3. By Caltrain – This is one of the most popular ways to commute and get to San Francisco. To get to the city from SFO, you’ll want to either get to San Bruno Caltrain station (not to be confused with San Bruno BART station) and take it to San Francisco station for US$ 3.25. Once you’re in SF, you can resume your journey with local transport via MUNI.

• Caltrain Route – Check out the list of stations and zones here
• Caltrain Fares – See the list of fares here

Getting Around in San Francisco

As I said earlier, San Francisco is a very walkable city, and I truly believe walking is the best way to explore the city. However, there may be some occasions you can’t walk, in which case there are a few ways to get around in San Francisco:

• Using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft – This is one of the best options if you will be traveling in a group of 3-4 people. An Uber ride in the city doesn’t run much. My Uber rides within the city usually cost only US$10-16 before tips.
• Taking public transport via Muni – Muni is short for The San Francisco Municipal Railway , which is the public transit system of San Francisco. Muni operates a system of bus routes, the Muni Metro light rail system, three historic cable car lines, and two historic streetcar lines. A single ride on Muni public transportation cost US$2.50, and it’s good for 120 minutes of travel. This means you can ride as much as you want for 2 hours once you’ve paid the fare. Another good news – anyone under 19 can ride for free ( view Muni fares here )
• Historic Cable Car – Yes, taking the cable car is definitely an option ( read more about taking the cable car here )
• Renting a car – This is not recommended since parking is expensive in the city. There is also a higher likelihood of car break-ins. But if you must rent a car, try to get a car with a California license plate. Tourists (and this includes domestic tourists from out-of-state) tend to get targeted more.

Using MuniMobile vs. Clipper card in San Francisco and the Bay Area

There are two transport card systems in San Francisco: MuniMobile and Clipper card. MuniMobile is only valid for San Francisco city, while Clipper covers the entire Bay Area, which includes San Francisco.

For those who are only planning to occasionally take public transport (1-2 rides per day), the Clipper card is the most convenient way for single rides as it allows you to pay via your smartphone without any additional apps.

Click here for instructions on how to add your Clipper card to your mobile phone .

However, if you are planning to take a lot of public transport and get on cable cars, you might want to check out MuniMobile because they have visitor passports that will give you unlimited rides on all Muni public transportation including historic streetcars and cable cars. The passes are valid for 1 day (US$13), 3 days (US$31), or 7 days (US$41). This could be worthwhile as the price for a single ride on the cable car is already US$8.00. If you’re only planning to take Muni transports (and no cable cars), they also have a day pass for US$5. View the full list of fares here .

You don’t have to choose between only using MuniMobile or Clipper cards. You could use a mix of both. For example, you could get a 1-day pass on MuniMobile for the days that you’re planning to take the cable car and other transports. On other days when you aren’t taking the cable car anymore, you can use the Clipper card or get the MuniMobile Day Pass.

Taking the Historic Cable Car in San Francisco

Taking the cable car may not be practical for everyday use in San Francisco, but I think this is a cool and novel way to explore the city! You should try it at least once.

Here’s what you need to know about taking the cable car:

Fare – A single, one-way cable car ride costs US$8 and it doesn’t allow you to hop on/off, so as much as possible you’ll want to ride the entire route. If you’re planning on taking the cable car, you might want to look into the visitor passes that are available through MuniMobile , which will allow unlimited rides on the cable car in case you do want to ride it multiple times a day.

Timing – The cable car service starts at 7 AM, but I don’t recommend going THAT early – unless you’re planning to go hiking or walking by the beach – because most other attractions are open only from 9:30 AM onward. I think 9 AM is the perfect time if you’re up for an early start.

Routes – Usually, the starting point is from Union Square at Powell St & Market St, and you would likely have to queue for it unless you’re there early.

There are two routes you can take from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf:

• Powell-Hyde – Drops you off near Ghirardelli Square ( Route Map )
• Powell-Mason – Drops you off near Pier 39 at the Powell/Mason Cable Car Turnaround ( Route Map )

It doesn’t matter which one you take. The routes are pretty similar and endpoints are pretty close together.

Another option is to take the cable car down from Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square . This is the lesser-popular way, and you might not have to line up to get on the cable car, as opposed to if you take it from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Another lesser-popular route is the California Cable car , which takes you from east to west. Find out more about California cable cars here .

Lastly, if you’re interested in how the cable car works and its history in San Francisco, you should make sure to stop by the San Francisco Cable Car Museum . It’s free of charge! This museum gives you an overview of the history of the cable cars in San Francisco, how the cable cars work, as well as a view of the actual cable that runs the cable cars around the city.

Neighborhoods / Districts in San Francisco

San Francisco is not a big city, but each of its districts has its own personality. I’ll expand more on each neighborhood in the itinerary below, but here are a few notable districts you’ll want to know about as a visitor:

Union Square – This is the downtown area of San Francisco. Before the pandemic, this was where most people go to work and shop.

SoMa – Short for “South of Market”. It’s an extension of Union Square and where many tech companies are headquartered.

Marina – The area northwest of the city. It’s considered a nice neighborhood, and it’s where some tourist attractions are located, such as the Palace of Fine Arts and Crissy Field. There are also nice neighborhoods and shops on Union Street.

Haight-Ashbury – A super cool and colorful neighborhood, channeling the 1960s hippie culture. I think this was my favorite neighborhood in San Francisco!

Fisherman’s Wharf – A picturesque district. Fisherman’s Wharf is yet another district with plenty of touristy things to do: Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square to name a few.

Mission District – The Latino central of San Francisco, the Mission District is the most vibrant, colorful, and exciting neighborhood in the city. There is so much to do at Mission that I dedicated one of my itinerary days entirely to Mission , and an entire section just for food at Mission .

Castro – Although the whole of San Francisco is supportive of LGBTQ these days, Castro is where it all started.

Tenderloin – Not everything about the district is bad, but Tenderloin has a seedy reputation. You can definitely still find interesting things to do here, but it’s wise to be aware of what you’re getting into before you go to the Tenderloin district.

I stayed at Kimpton Alton at Fisherman’s Wharf , a new hotel that had just opened in 2021. I booked this hotel because it has great reviews. After 3 nights of staying here, I can definitely corroborate those positive reviews. I loved my stay at Kimpton Alton!

Initially, I was looking at hotels in Union Square since that seems to be where most hotels and shops are. But we decided against it since the group I was traveling with wanted a quiet and safe area.

The rooms at Kimpton Alton were modern and clean. Each room even came with a record player! Check-in was really fast. They gave us US$10 snack credit for each night we stayed, which could be redeemed for cookies and candies at the snack bar in the lobby. They also had a freeflow wine hour from 5-6 pm every day.

The location of Kimpton Alton Hotel was convenient too. There was a Trader Joe’s within a 5-minute walk distance. The only In-N-Out Burger in the city is also within a 3-minute walk. And of course, there are plenty of tourist attractions nearby. We walked to Ghirardelli Square, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and Coit Tower on our first day in the city.

If Kimpton Alton doesn’t tick the boxes for you, here are other great accommodations in San Francisco that I considered:

• Chateau Tivoli B&B at Alamo Square – I happened to pass by Chateau Tivoli after visiting the painted ladies nearby, and the hotel caught my eye because of its iconic late-nineteenth-century architecture that can be seen all over San Francisco. Turns out, Chateau Tivoli is a historic residence that has been converted into a small bed and breakfast. I wish I had known about this place because I definitely would have booked here.
• citizenM Union Square – If you are traveling by yourself or as a couple, you can consider citizenM. The rooms are small, but the location is great. Right at the heart of Union Square with plenty of amenities nearby.
• The Clancy Autograph Collection at SoMa / Union Square – Located just a little south of Market Street, this hotel is also at the heart of Union Square and close to many shops and amenities. It’s within a block away from SF MoMA.

The San Francisco Itinerary

I’ve created daily itineraries you can do in San Francisco. Please note that you don’t need to do the itinerary in the same order as I’ve outlined below . I’ve simply grouped the activities and attractions that are close to each other so that they can be visited together.

• Day 3: Mission District and Dolores Park (Pick a sunny day for this)

As a first-timer in San Francisco, this itinerary will cover nearly everything San Francisco is known for. Put your comfortable walking shoes on, because you’ll be walking a lot today – up and down the hilly streets of San Francisco.

1. Take Cable Car to Fisherman’s Wharf (OPTIONAL)

If you’re staying at Union Square, or any other location that isn’t Fisherman’s Wharf, you can start your morning by taking one of San Francisco’s historic Cable Cars. But if you can’t, don’t worry – there are other opportunities to get on the cable car later.

For today, I suggest taking Powell-Mason which will drop you off at Powell/Mason Cable Car Turnaround and closer to Pier 39 and our next destinations. Find out more about how to take the cable car here

2. Breakfast at Boudin

Start your day by having breakfast at Boudin Bakery . Boudin claims to be the inventor of San Francisco Sourdough , and to this day they are still baking their sourdough bread from a gold miner’s sourdough starter! This means, if you’re eating Boudin’s sourdough – you could be tasting something that is over 100 years old.

Boudin is also known for New England-style clam chowders served in sourdough bread bowls. Although touristy, I thought the clam chowder was pretty good. And you get to try the sourdough bread with it, so it’s a two-birds-one-stone type of situation!

Boudin is already at Pier 39, so once you’re done with breakfast – head on over to Pier 39. Some notable attractions nearby are:

• See the famous San Francisco Sea Lions – They are often found lounging about on Pier 39. You can check a live webcam here first if you are visiting and want to see if the sea lions are there.
• Pearl Factory – where you can see pearls harvested from an oyster
• Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze – A colorful mirror maze, a staple of any American beach carnival attraction. You go in and try to find your way out.
• Aquarium of the Bay – If you are interested in visiting this aquarium, please pre-buy the ticket online here for a cheaper price. General admission at the door is US$31.75 + Service = US$34.
• Musée Mécanique – A free museum showcasing antique and coin-operated arcade games

4. Ghirardelli Square

From Pier 39, take a short walk to the west and find Aquatic Cove and Fort Mason . This is a very nice walk that really shows off the beauty of San Francisco, especially on a good day. You’ll be able to see Alcatraz Island from here.

Then, once you’re done, right to the south of it is Ghirardelli Square , where you can learn about the history of chocolate factories in San Francisco and taste their hot chocolate or buy the famous Ghirardelli chocolates.

5. Lombard Street

From Ghirardelli Square, head further south and up the hill to our destination: Lombard Street. I suggest walking through Francisco Park for a more scenic route.

From the park, Lombard Street is just a few minutes up the hill.

Enter from the Hyde Street side, so that you can walk down Lombard Street instead of walking up.

Lombard Street is a scenic street that is extremely steep at 27% grade. And because of the steepness, it contains eight switchbacks to allow cars to safely climb up and down the street. Thanks to this design, Lombard is now famous for being “the crooked-est street in the world”. People who live on this street must be really good drivers – I can’t imagine having to park my car in the garage of any of the houses on this street.

You can use the stairs on either side of the street to go down Lombard Street to our next destination.

6. North Beach

From Lombard Street, go east to Columbus Avenue, where you’ll find yourself in North Beach, aka the Little Italy of San Francisco . Here are a few notable attractions you can explore in North Beach:

• City Lights Bookstore – An independent bookstore, and a MUST visit for book lovers. It was founded in 1953. The bookstore has plenty of books, including an entire section of a poetry room. In 2001, it became one of San Francisco’s Designated Landmarks.

• The Beat Museum – If you are a fan of the Beat Generation in the 1950s, especially the works of Jack Kerouac, you’ll want to check out this museum. Admission is only US$8.
• Graffeo Coffee Roasting Co – A famous coffee roaster. Take note they don’t serve coffee, only beans
• Sam’s Pizza & Burgers – This would be a great option for late lunch on this day. This place serves one of late Anthony Bourdain’s favorite burgers, which he says was one of his “top three in the world”. But take note, they are only open from 1 PM (Sun-Thu) or 2 PM (Fri-Sat).

7. Coit Towers

From North Beach, head to Coit Tower . Coit Tower is an old tower built in 1933 on Telegraph Hill. From the outside of the tower, you can stop and admire the view of Bay Bridge and Treasure Island from up there.

There are beautiful murals in the lobby and staircase of the tower up to the 2nd floor, which was painted in 1934 and depicts scenes from California during the great depression era.

At the top of the tower, it gives you a cool 360 view of San Francisco city. Take note though, when we visited, the old elevator was closed so we had to take the stairs all the way up to the 13th floor.

There is a $10 admission for non-SF residents to go up, but I think it’s worth it. Although it’s only 13 stories high, it’s located on top of a hill so you truly get a non-blocked view of the area.

8. Choose your own adventure: Exploratorium, San Francisco Cable Car Museum, or In-N-Out Dinner

Depending on when you’re done with your Coit Tower, you could explore the following activities near the area:

• Exploratorium – Science and Technology Museum. Closes at 5 pm, but re-opens at night time 6-10 PM on Thursdays, and fully closed on Mondays. Buy your tickets here .
• San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise – A 1.5-hour cruise around the bay, where you’ll be able to see Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge.
• San Francisco Cable Car Museum – Free Admission. This museum gives you an overview of the history of the cable cars in San Francisco, how the cable cars work, as well as a view of the actual cable that runs the cable cars. The museum closes at 4 PM and is fully closed on Mondays. Highly recommend!
• In-N-Out for dinner – Or, if you need some rest you could simply head back to Fisherman’s Wharf for In-N-Out Dinner.
• Take a look at the list of things to do in San Francisco or where to eat in San Francisco for more ideas

It’s not enough to see San Francisco in just one day, so let’s continue on to our second day of San Francisco essentials.

If you didn’t get the chance to take the Cable Car before, now is another chance.

For this day, I recommend taking the Powell-Hyde as it drops us closer to our destinations for the day. You will be dropped off at Powell & Hyde Cable Car Turnabout . Learn more about how to take the cable car here .

2. Fort Mason

From there, continue northwest to Aquatic Park Pier and walk through Fort Mason. You can then continue walking west towards the Palace of Fine Arts, stopping by The Wave Organ if you have time.

3. Palace of Fine Arts

You really can’t miss the Palace of Fine Arts. Once you get there – you’ll know. It’s a grand structure, built in the ancient Roman style, located in the Marina district of San Francisco. Palace of Fine Arts is free to visit, though it’s possible that certain areas might be booked for private events or weddings.

4. Crissy Field

From the Palace of Fine Arts, Crissy Field is just a very short walk north. You can see the Golden Gate Bridge from here, as well as the Alcatraz island. There is a nice and easy trail you can follow for a waterfront walk.

5. See the Golden Gate Bridge up close

The Golden Gate Bridge needs no introduction – it is, without a doubt, the most recognized symbol of San Francisco. The bridge connects the San Francisco peninsula to Marin County in the north. Unlike what the name implies, the bridge is actually a very vivid reddish-orange or vermillion in color, which makes it very photogenic.

There are a few popular ways to enjoy the Golden Gate Bridge and its surrounding area:

• First, the most obvious one – you can call an Uber to visit the viewpoints. Take note there is a toll to cross the Golden Gate Bridge, which will be US$9.40 one way. This will be added to your Uber fare.
• Second, you can walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. There is a dedicated area for pedestrians. This will take about 35-40 minutes one way. This would be a fairly easy walk, but it could be cold and windy on the bridge if the weather is not cooperating. Make sure you’re properly dressed for all kinds of weather.
• Third, you can also rent a bicycle and cycle across in 25 minutes per way. The Golden Gate Bridge is part of a popular biking trail. Rent your bicycle here
• Lastly, you could take a San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise which is a 1.5-hour cruise around the bay, where you’ll be able to see Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge.

Lookout / Viewpoints to see the Golden Gate Bridge

Here are a few popular lookout points:

Golden Gate Overlook – This is conveniently located on the San Francisco peninsula, and it’s ideal if you just want to see the bridge and not actually cross the bridge.

Battery Spencer – This is probably the most famous viewpoint for Golden Gate Bridge. Take note to get to this point by car, you actually need to circle around the entire hill on Marin Headlands. So if you’re taking Uber, you can ask to be dropped off at Headlands parking then do a short walk up yourself.

The view on the other side towards the north is pretty nice as well!

Dana Bowers Rest Area & Vista Point – This is a rest area located just at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County. It is very close to Battery Spencer, so you could probably visit these two viewpoints together.

Kirby Cove – This is also located near Battery Spencer but requires a bit of walking to reach the cove. Make sure you wear the right type of shoes for hiking.

By the way, when you’re done with the Golden Gate Bridge, this might be a good time to visit the popular Arsicault Bakery for its famous croissant. It’s located in the Richmond district, just a little south of the Golden Gate Bridge.

6. Explore a neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury

Once you are done with Golden Gate Bridge, it’s time to explore a neighborhood in San Francisco! You could choose any neighborhood , but I suggest visiting Haight-Ashbury due to its proximity to the viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge. Although it’s not very big, this area is my favorite neighborhood in San Francisco.

To start, get dropped off at the Haight Ashbury Painted Ladies , then walk down Haight Street towards the west and go where your heart takes you. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to check out in this area!

Notable landmarks in Haight-Ashbury:

• Haight Ashbury Painted Ladies
• Jimmi Hendrix House
• That’s So Raven House

Stores and brands to visit on Haight Street:

• Love on Haight – A colorful, hippie store selling tie-dye shirts and other rainbow paraphernalia
• San Franpsycho – A cool local apparel focusing on comfortable wear
• Decades Of Fashion – A vintage shop that has clothes from every decade
• Amoeba Music – The world’s largest independent record store
• Wasteland – Vintage shopping
• Borderlands Books

Food and Coffee Recommendations on Haight Street:

• Mellow Coffee
• Flywheel Coffee Roasters
• VeganBurg San Francisco
• Slice House Haight Street

7. Golden Gate Park

Right at the end of Haight Street is Golden Gate Park – a large 1,017 acres park in the middle of the city. The concept of a large park in the middle of the city is similar to Central Park in NYC , and they both even have that similar rectangular shape, but Golden Gate Park is bigger. It is about 20% larger than Central Park. A walk from one end to another is about 3 miles or 5 km, which would take an average person about an hour without stopping.

There are a few landmarks you can check out at the Golden Gate Park:

• de Young Museum
• California Academy of Sciences
• Japanese Tea Garden – Tickets required
• San Francisco Botanical Garden – Tickets required, but free before 9AM

You can also go out of the park a bit and a few blocks down south, and see the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps for a nice view of the city.

At the end of the park is Ocean Beach , which faces the Pacific Ocean. When it’s foggy, look out for a phenomenon called the marine layer , which often occurs in San Francisco due to the climate in the area.

8. Choose your own adventure: Dinner at Marina or Alcatraz at night

• Alcatraz at night – If you still have some energy, book an Alcatraz at night tour. I have heard it’s different than visiting Alcatraz during the day.
• Dinner at the Marina – You can choose to go back to the Marina and have a nice dinner. I recommend checking out Terzo or Kaiyo on Union Street ( more details below )

Do this on a sunny day: Pick a good day to do this itinerary, because you’ll want to enjoy Dolores Park when the sun is out! ☀️

1. Walk around Mission District

Exploring and walking around Mission District is a good way to spend the entire afternoon. There are plenty of good food, cute little shops, and generally just a great area to hang out.

If you walk down Mission Street , you might see an impromptu live band, or you might see unauthorized street vendors selling random knick-knacks. It is said that the goods sold by these vendors are actually shoplifted from retail stores. For a “nicer” walk, you can walk down Valencia Street , just one block east of Mission. The street is lined up with trendy boutique shops and nice eateries.

Where to eat in Mission

• Mexican food – I have so many recommendations for Mexican food at Mission that I had to write a separate section for Mission in the “ Where to eat in San Francisco ” section below

Where to get sweets and dessert in Mission

• Tartine Bakery
• Bi-Rite Creamery
• Salt & Straw
• Dandelion Chocolate

Stores to check out in Mission

• Gravel & Gold
• Needles & Pens
• Jenny Lemons
• Luz De Luna

2. Picnic at Mission Dolores Park

Dolores Park is a large green park just between Mission and Castro districts. Before coming to Dolores Park, you can stop by Tartine Bakery or Bi-Rite Creamery , just across the street from the park, so that you can have some snacks while picnic-ing at the park. There is a brewery near the park called Woods Cervecería where you can get some craft beers.

You can almost guarantee that Dolores Park will be packed when it’s sunny. San Franciscans will be gathering here with friends, family, and pets for a large picnic, couples will be hanging out with each other on a small picnic blanket, or someone would be reading or listening to a podcast by themselves. Basically, it’s a park for people-watching.

Just a few blocks east of Dolores Park is the Castro district, simply referred to as “the Castro”. You might have noticed that the entire San Francisco city is LGBTQ-friendly, but you can say Castro is where it all started.

A few places you might want to stop by while you’re in Castro:

• GLBT Historical Society Museum
• Rainbow stripes on 18th Street & Castro Street
• Cliff’s Variety
• ZGO Perfumery

4. Painted Ladies

After, you can head up to Alamo Square, where you can find the Painted Ladies on its western side. Painted Ladies are a row of brightly colored, well-preserved Victorian houses. They have been featured in many movies and TV shows, most notably the house featured on the opening credit of “Full House”, the popular 90s TV show.

4. Choose your own adventure: Sunset Cruise or Alcatraz at night

• San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise – A 1.5 hours cruise around the bay, where you’ll be able to see Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge.
• Alcatraz at night – If you still have some energy, book an Alcatraz at night tour! I have heard it’s different than visiting Alcatraz during the day.

Day 4: Things to do in San Francisco

Now that you’ve completed most things I consider San Francisco essentials, you can decide what you want to do today. Here I will list out cool things to do in San Francisco that I either couldn’t slot into the daily itineraries, or things that I have included as optional in the itinerary that you might have missed on the previous days.

Here are a few recommendations on things to do in San Francisco:

• SF MOMA – San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts. The museum has 6-levels worth of exhibitions . One of its permanent exhibits is the Oculus Bridge by Olafur Eliasson on the fifth floor of the museum, which you cannot miss. And no joke, on the ground floor, this museum has one of the best gift stores ever. I personally think it’s even better than the MoMa in NYC. Pre-buy tickets to SF MOMA here .

• Baseball Games – The city has its own professional baseball team called the San Francisco Giants. Watching a baseball game is one of those quintessentially American experiences, so definitely try to catch a game while you’re here. You can buy the Giants game tickets here if they happen to be playing a home game while you’re in town.
• Exploratorium – Exploratorium is a Science and Technology Museum. They usually close at 5 pm, but re-open at night time 6-10 PM on Thursdays, and are fully closed on Mondays. Set aside 3-4 hours to explore this museum. Buy your tickets here .
• Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Bay Cruise – Buy tickets here , which will include the ferry and ticket that allows you to visit the island
• Alcatraz at night – If you can, try to go for Alcatraz at night tour! I have heard it’s different than visiting Alcatraz during the day.

• Beat Museum – If you are a fan of the beat generation in the 1950s, especially the works of Jack Kerouac, you’ll want to check out this museum. Admission is only US$8
• Lands End – A hiking trail at the northwestern corner of San Francisco. The trails are convenient to get to from the city, and it is quite rewarding with really nice views.
• Check out any notable events in SF – there are cool events happening in SF all year round. You can see a non-exhaustive list of it here .
• SF Neighborhoods – Last but not least, visit any SF Neighborhoods you didn’t get to visit

Day 5 onward: Excursions and Day trips from San Francisco

The Bay Area is known for its proximity to magnificent nature. While you’re here definitely take advantage and do excursions outside of the city.

• 3-day camping at Yosemite – I REALLY wanted to do this camping tour, but couldn’t due to time constraints. A friend of mine booked this specific tour and raved about it. They provide everything you need – food, transport, and camping equipment. All you need to do is show up with your belongings! The tours only start twice a week, so make sure it works with your schedule.
• Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Country Day Trip – California is known for its wine, so while you’re here, you definitely want to visit the wineries that made the place famous.
• Half Moon Bay – I went to Half Moon Bay for a day trip with my work colleagues. The beach here is beautiful!
• Monterey and Carmel

While in San Francisco, you won’t be short of good food to eat. I have so many recommendations I had to divide the list into categories. Enjoy!

1. Chocolate and Sweets

San Francisco is known for its chocolate factories, so while you’re here, you must visit some of the local chocolatiers:

• Ghirardelli Chocolate in Fisherman’s Wharf – The Ghirardelli name should not be a stranger to most people. The Ghirardelli Square is a tourist attraction with restaurants and cafes, but it used to house the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. You can still purchase some Ghirardelli Chocolates and squares to take home or try their famous hot chocolate drinks.
• Dandelion Chocolate – There are multiple locations of Dandelion Chocolate across the city, but if you want to see the factory you’d want to head to their 16th Street location. You will need to book ahead for the factory tour . We couldn’t find any availabilities! If you’re only keen to try chocolate and hot chocolate drink, you can head to the branch at Mission.
• See’s Candies – See’s Candies was originally from Southern California, but you can find a few outlets in San Francisco. I recommend their Peanut Brittle and Toffee-ettes.
• Recchiuti Confections at the Ferry Building in Embarcadero – I had this place bookmarked for a long time, but didn’t manage to visit on this trip.

2. Mexican food in Mission District

You can’t go to California and not eat Mexican food. On our second day in San Francisco, a friend of mine brought us on a “taco tour” across Mission District and I got to try a few places (Thank you, Michael Paravati). Here are my favorites and other notable eats in Mission:

• Tacos el Patron in Mission District – The place didn’t look as authentic compared to some of the taco places we went to in Mission, but Tacos el Patron was delicious. They are known for their Birria tacos, which is a crispy tacos loaded with cheese and beef from a stew, but I’ve pretty much tried all of their tacos and they’re all good. My personal favorite is the lengua taco, which is beef tongue. Even the free chips and salsa they give was probably one of the best I’ve had in a while. Just so simple yet delicious, and the salsa was fresh.
• Senor Sisig in Mission District – The Filipino-Mexican fusion I never knew I needed in my life. I only tried their signature Senor Sisig Burrito, but I still dream about it. That combination of adobo garlic rice with pico de gallo and cilantro cream was heavenly. They also had Ube Horchata, which was an interesting take on the traditional Mexican drink.
• La Taqueria – Just like their name, their foods are no frills. Just some really good tacos and burritos. I had the carnitas (pulled pork) taco here and it was delicious.
• La Cumbre Taqueria – The birthplace of Mission-style Burritos.

3. Bakeries

Did you know that Sourdough bread was said to be invented in San Francisco during the Gold Rush in 1849? Some say the taste of San Francisco Sourdough cannot be replicated, due to the yeast produced by the bacteria that thrived in the foggy conditions in the city.

• Boudin in Fisherman’s Wharf – Boudin claims to be the inventor of San Francisco Sourdough, and to this day still baking sourdough bread from a gold miner’s sourdough starter. They’re also known for their New England-style clam chowders served in sourdough bread bowls. Although a bit touristy, I thought the clam chowder was pretty good, and you get to try the sourdough bread with it.
• Tartine Bakery in Mission District – We saw this bakery featured on “Somebody Feed Phil”, the Netflix show, and we had to visit. I tried the Pain au Chocolat, but I think their Banana cream tart was the star.
• Arsicault Bakery in Richmond – Famous for their croissant, especially the almond croissant. Unfortunately, I never made it to this neighborhood, but I heard there are snaking queues for their croissant, especially on weekend mornings.

4. General Food Recommendations in San Francisco

• In-N-Out Burger in Fisherman’s Wharf – You haven’t been to California if you haven’t been to In-N-Out. Even though In-N-Out was originally from Southern California , you can find a few locations in Northern California too. There is only one In-N-Out in San Francisco, and it’s located in Fisherman’s Wharf. I recommend getting their Double-double with a side of animal-style fries.
• Deli Board in SoMa – I did not get to visit this place, but I bookmarked it after seeing some rave reviews for their sandwiches on Reddit.
• The Bird in SoMa – Great fried chicken burger with loaded tater tots and curly fries!
• Sam’s Pizza & Burgers – One of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite burgers, which he says was one of his “top three in the world”. They are only open from 1 PM (Sun-Thu) or 2 PM (Fri-Sat).

5. Just Some Nice Restaurants

Looking for a nice restaurant to wine and dine with a group of friends? These restaurants will not disappoint:

• Terzo in Union Street – Mediterranian restaurant with a nice ambiance and really good service. They seem to change their menu around a little, but I enjoyed the Fava Beans flatbread, skirt steak, hummus, and roasted beets. Take note, they only accept cash or credit card that can be swiped. They cannot do contactless payments.
• Kaiyo in Union Street – I really wish I could have tried this place, but they did not have any table for us on the night that we wanted to have dinner in the city 🥲. It’s a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant.
• Abacá in Fisherman’s Wharf – This is a restaurant below our hotel Kimpton Alton. It is a contemporary Filipino-American restaurant, serving Filipino-inspired dishes like Wagyu Tapsilog, Bibingka pancakes, and Ube Mousse. I loved the Wagyu Tapsilog – the garlic fried rice was 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
• Prubechu in Mission District – A trendy space in Mission service food from Guam. This comes highly recommended by a friend of mine, but it’s yet another restaurant that I missed due to our packed schedule in the city 🥲
• Fable in Castro

6. Good Coffee

• Coffee Movement in Chinatown or Richmond – I was traveling with a bunch of coffee connoisseurs and this place was a hit with them. The Dark cocoa cappuccino was tasty. And as an added benefit, the Chinatown location is only steps away from the San Francisco Cable Car Museum.
• Blue Bottle Coffee – A famous coffee roaster originally from Oakland, the city across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco. There are multiple locations in the city, but the most convenient one is probably the Union Square branch.
• Graffeo Coffee Roasting Co – A famous coffee roaster at North Beach. Take note they don’t serve coffee, only roasted beans.
• Flywheel Coffee in Haight-Ashbury
• Ritual Coffee Roaster

7. Ice Cream!

• Salt & Straw (Multiple locations in the city) – Salt & Straw is a popular ice cream store from Portland. They rotate their flavors every month, but also have a few permanent ones. My favorite permanent flavor was peach and blue cheese, an unlikely duo in my mind.
• Bi-rite Creamery in Mission District – Some say this is the best ice cream in San Francisco. Their Ritual Coffee Toffee was indeed very delicious.

Where to Shop in and Around San Francisco

Shopping isn’t for everyone, but I feel whenever you’re in the US, you got to experience shopping here. Their customer-first attitude makes shopping such a delightful experience. There is also way more variety than other places in the world.

Just make sure to watch out for the CA sales tax! In California, you’re subjected to an 8.5% sales tax every time you make a purchase. This sales tax is usually not included in the stated price and will be charged upon payment.

• Groceries – I absolutely love going grocery shopping whenever I travel. It makes me feel like I’m a local. But grocery shopping in the US is definitely on another level. There are plenty of varieties and the shelves are well stocked. My favorite stores to visit in the US are Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods .
• San Franpsycho – Good quality and comfortable clothing. The brand is also known for its involvement in the local community.
• Everlane – I’ve always loved Everlane for many years, and they are headquartered in San Francisco. They don’t have many physical stores, but there is one in San Francisco in the mission district.
• Vuori – The Lululemon competitor, headquartered in San Diego. They’re famous for their super soft and comfortable athleisure apparel – especially jogger pants and hoodies.
• Old Navy – Great for kids’ clothes. Especially when they’re having their seasonal sales. I got so many shirts and shorts for my toddler for US$5 each, I practically bought his entire wardrobe for the next two years.
• Chalo – Super cute SF-themed store at Westfield in San Francisco. I bought myself some of their goodies when I was there. Unfortunately, Westfield might be closing down soon, but Chalo is also available at SFO at gates E .
• Target – This is not an SF-specific store, but it is a must-visit every time I’m in the US. Target is a department store carrying quality goods that are easy on the wallet.
• Gilroy Premium Outlets – If you’re really serious about shopping, premium outlets are where you want to be. They usually carry current styles at discounted prices, not just items no one wanted from the previous season. It is really far from San Francisco though, about 1 hour+ drive south. Check out the brands at Gilroy .
• Stanford Shopping Center – This is probably the most beautiful mall I’ve been to. They had all the popular American brands you can think of. My only gripe was that everything was closed by 7 pm, which didn’t give us much time to shop after work.

Notable Events in San Francisco

There are many exciting events happening around San Francisco all year round, but here are a few that I think are the most notable:

• Chinese New Year Parade & Festival (February) – Chinese immigrants are a core part of what makes San Francisco what it is today. So, it is not surprising that the Chinese New Year parade is a big thing here. Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar and usually, it is at the end of January or early February.
• Bay to Breakers (May) – An annual 12km running event, in which many participants will do so while wearing costumes. Usually, it happens on the third Sunday of May.
• San Francisco Pride (June) – Usually, this happens on the last weekend in June. Please check the SF Pride website for the definitive date.
• Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival (August) – One of the most famous indie music festivals in the country, usually taking place in early August.

Okay, that might have been one of the longest posts I’ve ever written on this blog. I hope you can see that I truly love my time in this city. And, I hope this helped your visit and I hope it gets you excited about visiting San Francisco.

As usual, please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or comments. Until next time! 👋🏻

• April 19, 2024

Your detailed itinerary and recommendations were incredibly helpful in planning my own trip to San Francisco.

• April 11, 2024

Wow….You did a great job covering San Fransisco, one of my favourite cities. I just moved from the Napa Valley area to South Carolina. My mom grew up in the San Fransisco area so we went there a lot. They have a great aquarium and the Presidio by the Golden Gate is serene and picturesque. We often rode the ferry from Sausilito to the Ferry building on Pier 41 in San Fransisco. Then spend the day in San Fransisco and ride the ferry back to Sausalito. That way you escape some of the Bay area traffic and it’s a fun ride. Loved your post.

• March 7, 2024

This is useful information. Thank you for sharing this great knowledge.

• February 1, 2024

Thank you for this comprehensive San Francisco travel guide! Your itinerary strikes the perfect balance between must-see landmarks and local experiences. As a first-time visitor, your insights are invaluable. Your blog has become my go-to resource for planning an unforgettable trip to the city by the bay

• January 18, 2024

This article is a goldmine for anyone curious about San Francisco living! The insights on day-to-day realities provide a genuine perspective. From the iconic landmarks to the unique challenges, it’s a comprehensive guide. I appreciate the honesty about the cost of living and the vibrant cultural scene.

• November 16, 2023

Great guide, found helpful. Thanks for sharing!

• November 9, 2023

I just moved to San Francisco for work! It’s my first time in the city, so this guide is super helpful for me! My apartment is getting the carpets cleaned, so I think the first thing on my list will be to go get some food at The Bird in SoMa! Thanks for this great guide!

• August 31, 2023

I’m so excited to visit San Francisco! This itinerary and travel guide is perfect for first-time visitors.

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San Fran-tastic Adventures: A Guide to the Golden City’s Must-See Spots

San Francisco is a city where iconic landmarks meet hidden gems, offering an eclectic mix of experiences that cater to every kind of traveler. Whether you're strolling across the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, exploring lively neighborhoods, or indulging in the city's renowned culinary scene, San Francisco is a playground of culture, history, and endless adventures. Join us as we uncover the must-see spots, tastiest bites, and most memorable activities that will make your visit to the Golden City truly unforgettable.

Places to See

Golden Gate Bridge

If you haven’t snapped a photo of the Golden Gate Bridge , did you even really go to San Francisco? Strolling or driving across this iconic bridge is essential! The Golden Gate Bridge is a symbol of American ingenuity and resolve, having been constructed during the Great Depression. Today, this beloved international symbol and true engineering marvel carries about 40 million vehicles a year and serves not only as a vital transportation link but also as a major travel destination for millions of visitors from around the world.

Pier 39 is where San Francisco meets the bay—a bustling waterfront filled with endless attractions and activities. With so many fun and unique shops to explore, like Lefty’s San Francisco (a store focused on products specially designed for left-handed people), The San Francisco Sock Market (every type of sock imaginable), and Fairy Tales (a whimsical shop filled with mystic myths and magical gifts), Pier 39 offers a truly engaging shopping experience. There are also countless waterfront dining options, plus pit stops for snacks like pretzels, hot dogs, and my personal choice—Mrs. Fields Cookies! If you’re looking for entertainment, Pier 39 has it all: carnival-themed rides, escape rooms, boat charters, and, for animal lovers like me, the Aquarium of the Bay. Don’t forget to visit Pier 39’s K-Dock to watch the sea lions bask in the sun (or hilariously push each other off the dock).

For those looking to connect with nature, Muir Woods is an experience you simply can’t miss. This beautiful national monument offers a peaceful stroll among ancient coast redwoods, where you can marvel at their towering presence and explore a variety of plant and animal life. Since its protection in 1908, Muir Woods has been a place of both history and natural beauty, evolving from its early days of tourism and the Mount Tamalpais Mill Valley Scenic Railway to a modern era focused on conservation and preservation. Take a hike and enjoy the serene beauty of these majestic woods, where nature’s wonders are on full display.

Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and immerse yourself in the intriguing history of American incarceration, justice, and shared humanity. This small island has worn many hats over the years: a fort, a military prison, and a maximum-security federal penitentiary. In 1969, it became a symbol of resistance when the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months, advocating for freedom and Native American civil rights. I found the tour to be both thought-provoking and deeply engaging—an experience that I highly recommend to anyone visiting San Francisco.

Palace of Fine Arts

For those who appreciate architecture and art, the Palace of Fine Arts is a highlight. Following the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire, San Francisco built this stunning structure to showcase its resilience to the world. With its Greco-Roman rotunda, colonnades, immaculately planted grounds, lagoon, and spacious exhibition center and theater, the Palace of Fine Arts is a true San Francisco treasure. Keep an eye on their website for upcoming events or performances, as the theater hosts everything from ballets and comedy shows to music performances.

The Painted Ladies

Among San Francisco’s most beloved landmarks are the Painted Ladies. These pastel-colored, Victorian homes along the eastern side of Alamo Square Park are some of the most admired and photographed sights in the city. Known as "postcard row" for their scenic beauty, these iconic homes offer a glimpse of old San Francisco, with the gleaming downtown skyline serving as a stunning backdrop. The Painted Ladies have been featured in countless stories set in San Francisco, perhaps most famously in the beloved TV show Full House .

Chinatown San Francisco

No visit to San Francisco is complete without exploring the energetic and historic Chinatown , the largest of its kind outside Asia and the oldest in North America. As you stroll through the streets, you'll be captivated by the rich cultural heritage that infuses every corner—from the ornate architecture of the Dragon Gate to the lively markets filled with exotic goods and traditional foods. Chinatown is a sensory delight, offering everything from authentic dim sum to handcrafted souvenirs. Be sure to stop by the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where you can watch fortune cookies being made by hand and even create your own personalized messages.

Where to Eat

Of course, we had to stop at the most talked-about spot in California— In-N-Out . Famous for their classic burgers and fries, it was a stop we simply had to make. A few of us decided to be adventurous and ordered the infamous “Flying Dutchman” Burger—a bunless creation featuring a patty with cheese and grilled onions. Though it was a bit messy to eat and didn’t quite win me over, it was certainly an interesting experience. We also tried the “Animal Style” fries, loaded with chili, grilled onions, melted cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. As a lover of loaded fries, I found them quite satisfying. While In-N-Out may be somewhat overhyped, it's undeniably a California rite of passage—one you have to experience at least once.

Roundhouse Cafe

Who could resist a meal with a view—especially when it’s a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge? The Roundhouse Cafe is the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch, offering a delicious selection of pastries, salads, soups, and sandwiches. On breezy San Francisco days, warm up with a beverage from Equator Coffee while you take in the sights. Originally opened as a diner in 1938, the Roundhouse Cafe still retains its historic charm, with a photo on display to remind visitors of its legacy. Renovated in 2012 for the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, this timeless cafe remains a cherished place to enjoy a meal with an unforgettable view.

Did you know that San Francisco is renowned for its sourdough bread? If not, you’ll be glad to learn it now! Boudin , the city’s legendary bakery, crafts some of the freshest and most delicious sourdough you’ll ever taste. At Boudin at the Wharf, their flagship restaurant, you can even watch the bakers in action as they handcraft each batch. While you’re there, you absolutely must try a soup served in a sourdough bread bowl. Every option is delightful, but to truly savor the best of San Francisco, I highly recommend the clam chowder—it’s the perfect marriage of fresh seafood and this iconic sourdough.

Ghirardelli Square

Ice cream, ice cream, we all scream for ice cream! A visit to Ghirardelli Square isn’t complete without stopping by "The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop" to indulge in their world-famous hot fudge sundae. I treated myself to the Ocean Beach Sea Salt Caramel Sundae, a decadent delight featuring caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, handmade dark chocolate fudge, whipped cream, sea salt, and topped off with a dark chocolate sea salt caramel square. It was absolutely divine! I recommend opting for the mini size—it's still plenty indulgent and perfectly portioned for a sweet treat.

Foreign Cinema

For an elevated and unique luxury dining experience, Foreign Cinema is a must-visit. This one-of-a-kind restaurant combines Californian-Mediterranean cuisine with the enchantment of outdoor movie screenings. During our visit, the 1950 film Gunfighter was playing in the heated outdoor courtyard. I tried the Grilled Wagyu Akaushi bavette and Wild King Salmon with English pea purée and shaved summer squash. The food was exceptional—the meat was tender, and the salmon was fresh and flavorful. The ambiance of the restaurant matched the quality of the food perfectly. We even took some fun photos with vintage movie posters and an old-time camera projector, adding a unique touch to our dining experience.

Things to Do

Take a Waymo Everywhere You Go

San Francisco is at the forefront of innovation, being home to self-driving cars. During your visit, why not skip the usual Uber rides and try something new? Download the “ Waymo ” app, and let a driverless car pick you up wherever you are. It was a novelty for us, and while it provided plenty of laughs, it also felt remarkably safe, sustainable, and accessible. Plus, you get to choose your own music and enjoy the ride to your next destination in style.

Play with Dogs at the Conservatory of Flowers

The Conservatory of Flowers at the Gardens of Golden Gate Park houses one of the most rare and exotic plant collections you’ll ever see. The colorful, blooming flowers planted in every corner are awe-inspiring and a pleasure to enjoy. As we relaxed in the park, we were delighted to see locals bringing their pets to run around and play fetch on the lush green lawns. Making a few furry friends along the way gave us an automatic serotonin boost and added an extra layer of joy to our visit. Whether you’re bringing your own pup to join the fun or simply enjoying the sight of happy dogs at play, this charming experience is a must-add to your San Francisco itinerary.

Get Vintage Photo Booth Pictures at Photoworks

Looking to capture all the unforgettable moments from your trip? Make your way to Photoworks , where you can step into a vintage photo booth that transports you back in time, creating strips of images with a nostalgic charm that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before. The photos are printed wet, straight from the machine, adding an authentic touch that requires a moment to let them dry. While there might be a line outside the store, the experience is truly worth the wait, offering a unique and timeless keepsake from your San Francisco adventure.

Enjoy the Nightlife and Go Dancing at White Rabbit

San Francisco’s nightlife often leans towards a laid-back, bar-hopping scene, but if you’re like me and love to dance the night away, White Rabbit is the place to be. This lively club boasts a DJ and a pulsating dance floor, where we enjoyed a memorable evening of music and fun. White Rabbit blends casual sophistication with a stylish, living-room-inspired ambiance, offering a carefully curated selection of no-fuss cocktails, fine beer and wine, and an impressive array of spirits. Nestled in the trendy Triangle area of Cow Hollow, this hotspot comes alive from Wednesday to Saturday with live music, featuring everything from rock and hip-hop to funk, making it the perfect destination for a night of spirited revelry.

Pair your Trip with an Escape to Napa Valley

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An Eater’s Guide to San Francisco

S an Francisco has Mission-style burritos , Dungeness crab , and sourdough bread bowls the size of a kiddie pool, so there’s no shortage of unforgettable dining experiences to be had in this foggy city by the bay. Even if you’re committed to the idea of tying on a plastic bib and digging into a bowl of cioppino at one of San Francisco’s over-the-top tourist traps , we’ve got resources to help. But for those discerning diners who want to find where locals really eat, this guide unearths the city’s true treasures.

Welcome to San Francisco

The elegant red lines of the Golden Gate Bridge have long served to welcome newcomers to San Francisco and the West, where myriad cultures commingle and coexist in this 7-by-7 metropolis. The result? A culinary wonderland crammed into a remarkably small space — a place where you can marvel at La Taqueria’s iconic rice-free burritos in the Mission, and be not more than four miles from the oldest Chinatown in America with its century-old institutions. In North Beach, family-run Liguria Bakery still serves massive sheets of focaccia 113 years after it first opened its doors, and just a couple of miles away in the shadow of Japantown’s Peace Pagoda, pristine sushi , and steaming bowls of ramen abound. This is a city with award-winning Burmese dining, exquisite croissants , and vibrant Malaysian cuisine .

Where to Start

As you know, Eater puts out tons of maps detailing the best places, food, and drink in the Bay Area. Below, we cherry-pick the top one or two points on our most popular maps to help time-starved eaters prioritize which spots to visit.

Hot Restaurants

Of all the new restaurants to enter the San Francisco dining scene in recent months, the most exciting include the debut of Little Original Joe’s in the Marina, from the same family that owns Original Joe’s in North Beach and Elena’s , a new Mexican restaurant that’s been a hit in the West Portal neighborhood since its debut in early 2024. At Little Original Joe’s, expect a beautiful restaurant with plush banquettes, hearty pasta dishes like Joe’s house-made meat ravioli, pizzas, and five styles of parmigiana, including a prosciutto with spicy vodka sauce version.

Down the street, Tiya debuted in early May from chefs (and brothers) Sujan and Pujan Sarkar, and the restaurant puts a California spin on Indian cuisine . There are both a la carte and prix fixe menu options and dishes featuring produce from small local producers, meaning there will be updates to the menu as the seasons change. For the summer, expect to see bites such as an elegant pani puri decorated in flowers and filled with bright, elegant passionfruit water; duck seekh kebabs with apricot and chile chutney; and a standout butter chicken with smoked red pepper makhani. There’s even a vegan tasting menu for those who are interested.

Dalida , a gorgeous new Eastern European restaurant overlooks the Presidio’s Main Parade Lawn. Owners and co-chefs Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz, who opened Noosh before splitting with the restaurant in 2019, draw inspiration from Sayat’s home country of Turkey to create a menu that blends California ingredients and sensibilities with Mediterranean cooking traditions . Don’t skip the uni-topped tahdig, octopus and sujuk , freshly baked bread, and Middle Eastern pasta dishes.

Essential Restaurants

If you need to narrow down the Essential 38 , splurge on a meal at the Progress , the restaurant from acclaimed chefs Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski. While perhaps their restaurant State Bird Provisions first garnered attention for the couple — and deservedly so — the Progress is their restaurant ambitions fully realized. The restaurant features powerful dishes and strong techniques, such as their showstopper duck and a not-so-secret off-menu hot dog that walks the line between casual (read: hot dog) and fancy (it comes in a house-made milk bread bun and is topped with bonito, fried shallot, garlic, and more). Out in the Mission, drop into Rintaro , a local favorite from chef Sylvan Brackett. If the weather’s right sit on the outdoor patio of this Japanese izakaya and enjoy bites from their charcoal grill, like the kanpachi kama, or yellowtail amberjack collar, or snag an order of beautifully sliced sashimi. For an old-school experience, head over to House of Prime Rib , where chefs in toques carve meat on carts that roam the dining room and martinis are the “specialty cocktail.” And don’t forget to lunch at Zuni Cafe for the single most classic dining experience in town. The famous roast chicken is a must.

Pizzetta 211 is the gem of the pizza map . But there’s a whole slew of hot and fresh newcomers that showcase the depth of the San Francisco pizza scene with a range of styles to try. At Outta Sight , grab a floppy New York-style slice and keep your eyes peeled for specials like vodka or al pastor pies. Meanwhile, at Square Pie Guys in SoMa or Ghirardelli Square, it’s all about the crispy-edged Detroit-style pizzas. Don’t forget to order the ranch trio and, if you have room, the excellent Szechuan wings. For a classic experience, head to Golden Boy for a thick slab of Sicilian style that’s best enjoyed at nearby Washington Square Park. At Tony’s in North Beach, you can even gather up a group of up to six friends and indulge in a pizza tasting menu that spans seven styles of pie.

If you must narrow down the ice cream map , the pro move is to hit Bi-Rite Creamery for a scoop of something hand-made and seasonal and then take your treat to Dolores Park. At the Ferry Building, Humphry Slocombe rocks the more esoteric flavors, including “secret breakfast,” made with bourbon and cornflakes. For a classic experience, try Mitchell’s Ice Cream in the Mission, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by real ones who know to delve deep into the Mitchell’s menu, ordering flavors such as halo halo, a take on the classic Filipino dessert, or Tropical Four, a mix of banana, guava, mango, and pineapple flavors.

The most essential sushi spot on our sushi map is Akikos , which relocated to a sleek new space, ushering the longstanding restaurant into an elegant new era . Temaki, or hand rolls, are still popular in the Bay Area, but there’s perhaps no better place to get a taste than at this counter spot from the team behind Michelin-starred Ju-Ni . For a San Francisco take on sushi, complete with local fish and a hip interior, check out Robin in Hayes Valley — and because, of course, there are also several sushi options for vegan and vegetarian diners including standard-bearer Shizen and newcomer Chīsai Sushi Club , which offers top-notch vegetarian omakase .

If you only go to one Bay Area brewery , know that Cellarmaker is the San Francisco-born microbrewery aficionados return to again and again. The SoMa brewery closed in late 2022, but you can still get a pint at Cellarmaker’s House of Pizza in Bernal Heights. Meanwhile, the Howard Street space is now home to a new iteration of the historic San Francisco brewery Enterprise . If you’re downtown and wandering through Salesforce Park , the elevated rooftop gardens along Mission Street, have an outdoor beer moment with Barebottle Brew Co. and their new beer garden .

Start with these 12 cocktail bars, compiled by our companion publication Punch , which range from Mission stalwarts to tropical cocktail havens to true industry darlings.

Then head to the underground drinking den the Felix or the sky-high and uber swanky new Starlite , both near Union Square, for a taste of San Francisco’s vibrant downtown bar scene. At the Felix, a speakeasy-style entry gives way to a loungey space often filled with loud music and a high-energy crowd. Drinks pull in Asian ingredients including lychee, chrysanthemum, and makrut lime. If you want to try one of San Francisco’s hottest bars , rooftop bar Cavaña in Mission Bay offers an impressive selection of spirits made throughout Latin American countries — or opt for a more classic experience at House of Shields , a more than 100-year-old institution. Looking for something with more style? In the Mission, try True Laurel for a world-class cocktail experience (and a patty melt that will blow your mind) or the charming new Bar Gemini for natural wine with bites by a Michelin-recognized restaurant .

Outdoor dining

Craving Chamorro cuisine on a lively covered patio? How about burgers and fries on the literal dock of the Bay? We’ve got suggestions for both the former and the latter on the outdoor dining map . And since we’re now in the era of permanent parklets in San Francisco, there is a handful worth going out of your way to see. California-Italian restaurant Cotogna might have the swankiest outdoor dining setup in town and Red Window’s colorful outdoor dining set up on Columbus wins points for atmosphere and views of the city lights at night.

San Francisco Neighborhoods to Know

For a city that’s only seven miles by seven miles, San Francisco has so many amazing neighborhoods, each with a slightly different food scene. But here are a few particularly tempting areas to start — complete with what to eat and drink in each.

North Beach:

Despite its well-deserved reputation as a historic “Italian immigrant” food neighborhood, you’re not going to find the city’s best pasta in North Beach — hit up Flour + Water for that, though the restaurant also operates its new pizzeria on Columbus . But North Beach has nooks to explore and old-school charm to spare. Stop for a coffee at Caffe Trieste , a cannoli at Stella Pastry , and a beer at the Saloon , which claims to be the oldest bar in the city. If you come hungry for Italian-American fare, get the cioppino at Sotto Mare or the pizza from Tony’s Pizza Napoletana . If you’re patient and don’t mind placing a reservation over the phone , old-school spot Cafe Jacqueline is still a favorite for its cloud-like souffles. Also: you will not find focaccia better than the freshly baked slabs coming out of Liguria Bakery . Finally, for a nightcap, you must head to Vesuvio , a Beatnik favorite.

The Mission:

In the late 1990s, the Mission’s dining scene was just getting onto the map. Now, the Mission’s exploding dining scene is home to our city's most renowned restaurants: Places like Lazy Bear , Prubechu , Foreign Cinema , and buzzy newcomer Piglet and Co . Not to mention taquerias. Walk down 24th Street to get a taste of the neighborhood's Mexican foundation. Stroll Valencia Street to bask in hip-yet-pricey chocolate bars, smoothies, and cocktails. The ideal day starts with a morning bun or some croissant variation at Tartine Bakery , continues on to a perfect smash burger at Wesburger or a top-notch sandwich from chef Charles Phan’s Chuck’s Takeaway , followed with a pit stop at the El Gallo Giro taco truck . Grab drinks at a classic like the award-winning Trick Dog or chill on the back patio of Casements , a modern take on an Irish pub .

The oldest and largest Chinatown in the country, San Francisco’s Chinatown attracts throngs of tourists through the Dragon’s Gate, and it’s a true food destination . Grant Avenue is the main pedestrian thoroughfare, and while you wander around the shops, munch on barbecue pork buns from Washington Bakery . For classic Chinese American restaurants with white tablecloths, lazy susans, and dim sum carts, try Sam Wo , Z & Y , or City View . But there have also been several new-school restaurants opened in recent years: Michelin-starred Mister Jiu’s , massive emporium China Live , and Four Kings , which has made waves for its nostalgia-inducing Hong Kong food. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch egg tart standard bearer Golden Gate Bakery during its ever-changing business hours.

The Richmond & the Sunset:

“The Avenues,” as locals refer to the Golden Gate Park sandwich made by these two adjacent hoods, are beloved holdouts from “old San Francisco” — before Square, Facebook, and Uber were running everyone's lives. You’ll find another excellent enclave of Chinese food, along with pockets of classic Russian, Korean, and Japanese foods. It’d be easy to spend an entire day eating your way through the neighborhood like a local. If you’ve got less time than that: In the Richmond, north of the park, fans of dim sum should troll Clement Street with a portable dumpling from Good Luck Dim Sum in hand, hit Cinderella Bakery for meaty piroshki, or sit down for dinner at Pasta Supply Co. , a refreshingly affordable option for fresh pasta and fun wine; whatever you do, don’t miss the iconic kaya toast and other beautiful baked goods at Breadbelly . In the Sunset , south of the park, Fiorella’s Sunset outpost sports a secret rooftop patio perfect for enjoying pizza and pasta, Palm City is a Philly-style hoagie destination, and Andytown is your stop for a hot coffee to bring to the often-foggy beach.

Reservations to Make in Advance

Californios , Chez Panisse , House of Prime Rib , Lazy Bear , Good Good Culture Club , Mourad , Nari , Nopa (brunch), Rich Table , San Ho Wan , Zuni Cafe

Follow the Stars

Though Michelin stars aren’t always the end-all, be-all of restaurant ratings, they’re still a good indication of what’s hot and high-quality. Northern California currently boasts an impressive 52 Michelin-starred restaurants from Mendocino’s Harbor House Inn to Aubergine the restaurant at L’Auberge Carmel. If you’re looking to find a more affordable but still Michelin-approved meal, try one of the 65 — yes, you read that right — Michelin Bib Gourmands , which includes options as far east as the Sacramento suburbs.

Head Out of Town

If San Francisco is only one stop on your itinerary, here are some guides to help you find gems in Half Moon Bay , Sacramento , Santa Cruz , Monterey, and Carmel . Of course, wine country is also just a short drive away and whether you’re looking to tour a one-of-a-kind wine cave or for a wine tasting that comes with an excellent dining experience , we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss Napa Valley’s impressive restaurant scene , the drive-worth dining in Sonoma , or the backroad wineries of the Russian River Valley . For a more unexpected adventure head east to California Gold Country to find epic roadside pies , groundbreaking rural breweries , and the home of some of the oldest grapes in the country .

Follow the News

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• Keep an eye on the Eater SF homepage. New stories will always show up near the top and flow down toward the bottom of the page as they get older, while important recent stories will stay pinned right at the top. Also, check out Eater.com for national and international food news and features.
• Subscribe to our newsletter , which goes out every weekday evening and includes links to the day's top stories.
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Get in Touch

Have questions not answered here? Want to send in a tip or a complaint or just say hello? Here are some ways to get in touch with the Eater San Francisco staff:

• Email us at [email protected] .
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Labor Day weekend travel surges, with SF among top destinations

By ginger conejero saab • published august 29, 2024 • updated 4 hours ago.

Labor Day weekend is almost here, and many Americans are expected to say so long to summer with one last getaway.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to travel over the three-day weekend, and a good portion of them actually will be coming in to visit San Francisco and the Bay Area, which is among the top destinations, according to AAA.

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Labor Day weekend domestic travel is up 9% compared to last year, and travel costs are down 2%, AAA says. The other top U.S. destinations are New York, Boston, Denver and Chicago.

Europe is a top destination for international travelers, with Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Dublin, Ireland topping the list, AAA says. International travel over the Labor Day weekend, however, is down 4% compared to last year.

"Labor Day isn’t as popular travel-wise as July Fourth or Thanksgiving, but it’s still an opportunity for people to get away, especially if they have that built in three-day weekend," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said.

TSA says it expects to screen a record-breaking 17 million passengers over the weekend.

Bay Area airports are bracing for the influx. San Francisco International Airport expects to see about 930,000 travelers from Thursday through Tuesday, airport officials said. Oakland’s airport estimates 200,000 passengers to visit the airport from Thursday to Tuesday. The busiest travel days will be Friday and Monday, the Oakland airport says.

San Jose police investigate ‘unverified bomb threat call' at Willow Glen High School

Multi-vehicle crash in Santa Rosa kills 1, sends 8 to hospital

For those planning on driving to their destination, Thursday and Friday will be the busiest days, according to AAA. The agency advises drivers to leave before 11 a.m. to avoid traffic, which will get more congested as the day progresses.

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USA TODAY 10Best

Gluten-free gems: Readers' top spots for dining and drinking

August 28, 2024 // By 10Best Editors

By 10Best Editors August 28, 2024

Whether the aim is to eat healthier or avoid certain foods due to intolerance or allergies, more and more people in the U.S. are going gluten-free each year. Once upon a time, eliminating gluten from your diet meant severe restrictions on what you could eat, with things like pizza, pasta, beer, and sweets all but off the table.

Today, thanks to a growing understanding of what it means to be gluten-free and a new wave of gluten-free menus and products, these restrictions are a thing of the past. To find the best gluten-free options, an expert panel nominated their top picks across six categories, from cider to gluten-free bakeries. Then, readers voted for their favorites to determine the winners.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

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Best Cider: Traditional Dry - Commonwealth Ciders

Philadelphia visitors and locals alike searching for a time-honored cider variety should consider Traditional Dry by Commonwealth Ciders. Each bottle is brimming with the perfect blend of tartness and crispness and finished off with added effervescence for a perfect mouthfeel.

Full list of winners: Best Cider »

Best Cidery: Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard in Fly Creek, New York

In business since the 1850s, Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard offers a truly massive array of both food and drink products for Upstate New York visitors and locals to sample. Beyond treats like fudge, dumplings, and cookies, cider is a particularly popular liquid refreshment for guests, with the drink available in both hard and alcohol-free varieties.

Full list of winners: Best Cidery »

Best Gluten-Free Bakery: Mariposa Baking Company in Oakland and San Francisco, California

This Bay Area bakery has an expansive selection of goodies — both savory and sweet — that are all gluten free and delicious. Enjoy Mariposa's cakes, pastries, pies, cookies, breads, bagels, and more at their two locations in San Francisco and Oakland, or you can place an order for nationwide delivery.

Full list of winners: Best Gluten-Free Bakery »

Best Gluten-Free Beer: Birdie Juice - Departed Soles Brewing Company

Birdie Juice is a golden ale from Departed Soles Brewing Company, which bills itself as New Jersey’s first brewery and tasting room. This crushable beer is made with certified gluten-free ingredients, offering slight notes of hop and fruit flavors.

Full list of winners: Best Gluten-Free Beer »

Best Gluten-Free Pizzeria: Razzi's Pizzeria in Seattle, Washington

Razzi’s Pizzeria in Seattle has a special menu for its gluten-free diners, with safe versions of appetizers, sandwiches, soups, salads, pastas, pizzas, and calzones. Pizza lovers can choose between multiple types and sizes of crusts and several different sauces, as well as tons of topping options.

Full list of winners: Best Gluten-Free Pizzeria »

Best Restaurant for Gluten-Free Dining: Razzi's Pizzeria in Seattle, Washington

Enjoyed at two locations in Seattle, Razzi's Pizzeria goes beyond offering just gluten-free pizza. An entire gluten-free menu is available, featuring grinders, gyros, panini, and pasta, along with gluten-free appetizers, from garlic bread to mozzarella sticks.

Full list of winners: Best Restaurant for Gluten-Free Dining »

Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more Readers' Choice Awards.

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Everything About Flying from San Francisco to Delhi

by Travelopod

August 23, 2024

Master the Journey from San Francisco to Delhi with the Following Golden Tips:-

• Preparing for the Journey
• Flight Booking
• The Right Time for Traveling
• Travel Documents: Organize all travel documents, and keep them in a secure and easily accessible location.
• Flight Details & Confirmation: Confirm your flight details, such as departure time, layover, baggage allowance, etc. Keep digital or hard copies of the boarding pass and flight itinerary for easy access to the information at the airport.
• Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that provides coverage against situations like medical emergencies, flight cancelation, and lost luggage. 
• Currency Exchange: Exchange currency to INR before departure or arrival at the Delhi airport. Notify your bank about your, travel plans to avoid any, hassles while exploring Delhi.

Explore Delhi’s Rich Offerings

• Historical and Cultural Sights: Delhi is renowned for its, historical and cultural richness, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, etc. are some of the must-visit destinations. These iconic marvels still hold their old-era charm and speak about the cultural richness of Delhi.
• Shopping: Delhi is every shopper’s paradise, from bustling street markets to shopping malls Delhi has everything to offer. Visit Delhi Haat to shop for unique handicrafts and ethnic wear. Or visit Sarajoni Nagar for great bargain deals and a rewarding shopping adventure.  
• Food & Cuisines: Delhi is a haven for food enthusiasts. Delhi offers a vibrant culinary landscape ranging from mouth-watering street food to authentic traditional dishes. Old Delhi is a must-visit for indulging in sweet and savory street food delights and traditional cuisines. Apart from this, Delhi houses various upscale restaurants and cafes, for a gourmet dining experience. 

EXPLORE MORE

Non-Stop Flights from San Francisco to Delhi: A Guide to Comfort and Convenience

The Cheapest Days to Fly from San Francisco to Delhi

Based on 20k+ Reviews

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