San Francisco, a city I called home for nearly a decade, is a place of endless discovery. Often described as a city of “a thousand views,” each neighborhood in San Francisco boasts its own distinct character, culinary scene, and stunning outdoor spaces. This vibrant atmosphere makes it, in my opinion, the most captivating city in the United States.
Having recently relocated from the city to Sacramento, I felt it was the perfect time to compile a comprehensive San Francisco Travel guide. Even now, San Francisco remains a constant in our lives, with monthly visits to enjoy favorite spots and explore familiar haunts.
Rintaro Restaurant Interior with Food and Drinks
San Francisco is the kind of city where you could easily spend weeks and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. The sheer volume of incredible restaurants, charming cafes, and diverse neighborhoods is astounding. My best piece of advice for anyone planning San Francisco travel is to pace yourself and save something for a return visit. Instead of trying to see and do everything, focus on a few key areas and experiences to truly savor the city. This approach will undoubtedly lead to a richer and more enjoyable trip.
This San Francisco travel guide is filled with recommendations based on genuine local experiences. From dining to activities, these are places I personally love and frequent. To help you plan your own San Francisco itinerary, I suggest starring your preferred locations on Google Maps to visualize their proximity and efficiently organize your days.
So, get ready to explore one of California’s most beautiful and diverse cities. San Francisco will always hold a special place in my heart.
What to Know Before Your San Francisco Trip
San Francisco Cityscape with Bay Bridge at Dusk
Trip Duration for San Francisco Travel
For a first-time visit to San Francisco, I recommend staying for three nights. This duration allows you to experience key highlights, indulge in the city’s renowned food scene, and get a good feel for the city. A San Francisco trip can also be easily combined with visits to nearby destinations like Yosemite National Park or Napa Valley for a longer California adventure.
Best Time to Visit San Francisco
San Francisco summers are notorious for wind and fog, famously captured in the saying, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” For the most pleasant weather during your San Francisco travel, aim for the shoulder months of April to June and September to November. While year-round visits are possible and enjoyable, be prepared for layers of clothing, regardless of the season.
Flying to San Francisco
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the primary airport serving the city, and it’s conveniently connected to the city center via BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). Oakland International Airport (OAK) is another viable option, also accessible by BART, and sometimes offers more budget-friendly flights for your San Francisco travel.
Transportation in San Francisco
One of the best things about San Francisco travel is that you don’t need a car to get around. In fact, I’d recommend avoiding driving if possible. San Francisco has a robust public transportation system, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. Parking in San Francisco can be challenging and expensive; street parking is often limited to two hours, and garages can be costly. Utilizing public transport and ride-sharing will simplify your San Francisco travel experience.
Advance Reservations
A crucial tip for San Francisco travel: book ahead whenever possible. For popular restaurants and museums, reservations are often essential, sometimes needed weeks in advance. With dining and attraction capacity restrictions, securing reservations is more important than ever to ensure you can experience the best of San Francisco.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
Hotel Room Interior with Modern Design and City View
When choosing accommodation for your San Francisco travel, location is key, but generally, staying near the city center is ideal. Distances between neighborhoods are relatively short, with most locations being within a 15-20 minute drive from each other. You’ll find appealing aspects in various areas and will likely need to explore different parts of the city regardless of where you stay.
Airbnb is a great option for longer San Francisco stays, offering more space and amenities. However, for shorter trips, hotels offer the convenience of services like luggage storage, especially useful if you have an early check-out before a late flight.
San Francisco Restaurants: A Culinary Journey
Nopa Restaurant Exterior at Night with Outdoor Seating
San Francisco’s food scene is incredibly diverse and deserving of its own dedicated guides. To keep this San Francisco travel guide concise, I’m highlighting some of my personal favorite and consistently excellent dining spots. For more detailed insights, I’ve previously written about secret San Francisco restaurants and a shortlist of the best restaurants in San Francisco. Restaurants marked with an asterisk (*) are highly recommended to book reservations in advance. Remember, every San Francisco local has their own cherished favorites, so this list is just a starting point in the city’s vast culinary landscape.
San Francisco Coffee Scene: Fueling Your Adventures
San Francisco’s coffee culture is thriving, and while my San Francisco coffee shop guide remains largely relevant, here are a few standout coffee shops to include in your San Francisco travel plans.
Top Things to Do During Your San Francisco Travel
Painted Ladies Houses with San Francisco Skyline in Background
Explore San Francisco Museums
San Francisco boasts a wealth of world-class museums. Visiting one (or more) is a must for any San Francisco travel itinerary. My top recommendations include:
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (MOMA): Ideal for modern art enthusiasts, located in downtown San Francisco.
- de Young Museum: Perfect for classic art and major exhibitions, often featuring renowned artists.
- California Academy of Sciences: A fantastic choice for nature and animal lovers, featuring an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and rainforest all under one roof.
Discover San Francisco Neighborhoods
Conservatory of Flowers Interior with Lush Greenery
Each San Francisco neighborhood has its own distinct personality. Spending an hour or two wandering through these areas, exploring shops and cafes, is a delightful way to experience the city’s diverse character. Here are some of my favorite San Francisco neighborhoods and their main streets:
- The Mission District: Valencia Street (between 22nd and 15th Streets)
- Hayes Valley: Hayes Street (between Franklin and Laguna Streets)
- Fillmore District: Fillmore Street (between Jackson and Bush Streets)
- Embarcadero: Embarcadero Street (along the waterfront)
- Jackson Square Area: Broadway to Davis Street, along Pacific, Washington, and Jackson Streets
- Chinatown: Sacramento Street to Broadway, along Kearny, Grant, and Stockton Streets
- 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 Iconic San Francisco Sights
San Francisco Cityscape with Bay and Alcatraz Island
No San Francisco travel experience is complete without visiting its famous landmarks. Here are a few must-see sights, in no particular order:
- The Painted Ladies at Alamo Square
- Panoramic views from Coit Tower
- The Golden Gate Bridge (view from Marin or San Francisco side)
- The Palace of Fine Arts
- Sutro Baths along the Pacific Ocean
- Sweeping city views from Twin Peaks
Enjoy San Francisco Gardens and Parks
For outdoor enthusiasts, San Francisco offers numerous gardens and parks perfect for sunny days. Consider combining ticketed experiences like the Conservatory of Flowers with picnics in free public parks. Each park provides unique perspectives of the city skyline.
San Francisco Sunset Views
Golden Gate Bridge at Sunset with Orange Sky
For an unforgettable San Francisco experience, don’t miss a sunset. Twin Peaks [https://maps.app.goo.gl/d2pdtu2v2nGfZLWm7] offers 360-degree views and is my top recommendation, having lived nearby for a decade. Arrive early as parking can be limited, but the views are well worth it.
Other excellent sunset viewing spots include:
- Golden Gate Bridge [https://maps.app.goo.gl/XrAiCnuaPMJbmYZt6] (near the entrance on either side)
- Sutro Baths [https://maps.app.goo.gl/TzXJC4qqWeqgBVWH6] (if it’s not too windy)
- Coit Tower [https://maps.app.goo.gl/B2XhVjaQ3xwXqGhR9]
San Francisco Shopping: Boutique Finds
Beyond major retailers, San Francisco is home to well-curated boutiques that are worth exploring. If time allows, visit some of these unique shops and support local businesses during your San Francisco travel.
San Francisco Guided Tours
Consider taking a guided tour to deepen your San Francisco travel experience. Recently, I enjoyed a Chinatown Walking Food Tour through Get Your Guide, which provided a fantastic exploration of the neighborhood and its culinary hidden gems. Guided tours offer invaluable insights and knowledge that you might miss exploring on your own.
Day Trips from San Francisco
Napa Valley Vineyard with Rolling Hills
If San Francisco is your base for exploring Northern California, several excellent day trip options are within a few hours’ drive. A car is necessary for these excursions, so factor that into your San Francisco travel planning if you wish to explore beyond the city.
