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Are you heading to San Francisco and wondering how safe the city is? Use this guide to help you plan your trip and make sure you are armed with information to keep you safe.
San Francisco is a popular travel destination and is known for its diverse culture and attractions. Home to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, the city holds plenty of reasons to visit.
However, like any city, it has its share of crime. That’s not to say it’s not a great place to visit, and there is actually a low risk of you being the victim of terrible crime here.
Let’s take a deep dive and answer the question, “Is San Francisco safe?” This guide will also cover how you can stay safe while visiting San Francisco.
How Safe is San Francisco, California?
So, is San Francisco dangerous? San Francisco is generally considered a safe city, with a low violent crime rate when compared to other major metropolitan areas.
This said, taking precautions and being aware of your surroundings is always important, especially when traveling in unfamiliar areas.
The biggest danger in San Francisco is petty crime, and certain areas of the city should be avoided if you want to be as safe as possible. But with a little knowledge about the city and its neighborhoods, you can easily avoid any dangerous areas.
Common Crimes in San Francisco
The most common crimes in San Francisco are theft and robbery. Tourists are often targeted because they are seen as being more likely to have cash and valuables on them.
Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, is common in crowded areas like tourist attractions, public transportation, and markets.
Robberies can also occur, especially in areas where tourists are known to congregate. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secured at all times.
Another issue that has increased in the past few years in San Fran is the risk of having your car broken into. This occurs more when valuables are left in plain sight on car seats or in the trunk.
So make sure your vehicle (if you’re driving yourself on a road trip) is locked and doesn’t have any tempting items staring at criminals.
Other Travel Dangers
Below are some other dangers, besides pickpockets and car break-ins, that travelers should be aware of:
- This beautiful city does experience earthquakes from time to time, if there is a tremor while you are there, make sure you move away from any possible falling debris.
- Ocean Beach is a stunning spot to enjoy, but there are deadly riptides so swimming is not advised here.
- Finally, be aware of the many steep hills in San Francisco; they can be tricky to navigate if you’re not used to them.
Dos and Don’ts in San Francisco
There are a few things that you can do to help protect yourself from becoming a victim of crime.
Some Dos:
- Always be aware of your surroundings and be cautious when walking in unfamiliar areas.
- If you are carrying a lot of cash or valuables, try to keep them concealed and don’t draw attention to yourself.
- Keep in mind that San Francisco is a very busy city, so always be patient when waiting for buses or crossing the street.
- Have a copy of your passport and visa with you at all times, just in case you need to show them to authorities.
And a Few Don’ts:
- Don’t leave your car unlocked or with any valuables inside.
- Avoid walking around alone after dark.
- Don’t keep your headphones on and head down while walking in the street.
- Avoid giving money to the homeless population, if you want to help, donating to one of the many charities is a better option.
San Francisco’s Safest Areas vs. Areas to Avoid
This is a big city, with many suburbs and districts. While the entire city of San Fran offers unique and interesting attractions, certain neighborhoods have higher crime rates than others.
There are lower-income districts that have problems with drug addicts and other areas where petty crime is just high because of crowds. Some of the most popular tourist districts can be unsafe at night, so it’s best to avoid them or take precautions if you do visit them.
San Francisco’s Safest Neighborhoods
Below are some stunning and safe areas for you to take in the best parts of San Francisco.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most popular tourist destinations in San Francisco. It’s located on the northern waterfront and is full of restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Fisherman’s Wharf is often crowded (because it is so popular), but it’s relatively safe and a great place to stay if you want to be close to the action.
There are also a number of museums located at Fisherman’s Wharf, including the Musée Mécanique and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum.
North Beach
San Francisco’s North Beach district is a vibrant and eclectic area that offers something for everyone.
The neighborhood is home to a wide variety of businesses, including art galleries, Italian restaurants, and cafes. In addition, North Beach is also known for its lively nightlife scene, which attracts visitors from all over the city.
Whether you’re looking for a place to eat, drink, or shop, North Beach is definitely worth a visit. The neighborhood has something for everyone, and it’s always buzzing with energy.
Haight-Ashbury
San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district is known for its hippie culture and liberal attitudes. The district is home to a number of record stores, head shops, and other businesses that cater to the city’s counterculture.
The district is also known for its Victorian architecture and narrow streets — it is, however, one of the more expensive areas in San Francisco.
South of Market
San Francisco’s South of Market district is a trendy and vibrant area full of art galleries, trendy bars and restaurants, and unique shops. There are also plenty of parks and open spaces in the district, making it a great place to spend a sunny day.
This is a more budget-friendly area in San Francisco, but still offers more peace of mind and security than some of the neighboring districts.
Nob Hill
San Francisco’s Nob Hill is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the city. Located on a hill overlooking downtown, it’s home to some of the city’s most expensive real estate.
The only real danger in this part of the city is the insanely steep hills which do get very slippery when it rains. So be sure to visit, or even stay here, but pack sensible shoes and watch out for the weather.
“Dangerous Neighborhoods” to Avoid in San Francisco
Much of the violent crime that does occur in this city is concentrated in San Francisco’s dangerous neighborhoods — which are often because of drug deals and gangs. So unless you’re with a trusted local, try to avoid these areas:
The Tenderloin District
Found along the borders of Market, Van Ness, Geary, and Taylor Streets, San Francisco’s Tenderloin District has a bad reputation for property crime and drug use.
The combination of crime and poverty has made this district (west of Union Square) a difficult place to live for many residents.
There are a number of low-income dwellings and seedy hotels, as well as high rates of prostitution on the streets. Despite recent efforts to clean up the neighborhood, the Tenderloin remains one of the most dangerous areas in the city.
During the day, however, you can visit the many fantastic restaurants, the Great American Music Hall, and the Warfield Theater. Just don’t get stuck in the streets alone at night.
Market Street
Market Street is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It’s home to some of the city’s best restaurants and retailers, making it a prime target for criminals. But it’s mostly between 5th and 10th Streets that you’ll find the most crime.
This area is home to the Orpheum Theater, but if you make use of safe transport and stick to the immediate space around the theater (with the crowds), you should be perfectly safe.
Market Street also includes Powell Street and the start of the cable cars, which has much lower crime rates than the rest of the district.
The Mission District
While there have been some improvements in recent years, the Mission District remains one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in San Francisco.
Despite the high crime rate, the Mission District is a vibrant and culturally rich area of San Francisco. The district has many interesting restaurants, shops, and art galleries, and it is home to a large Latino population.
The nightlife here is quite a vibe, so you may find yourself drawn to the area after dark. While there are people walking around, the streets are relatively safe, but once they get quieter, it’s best to head home.
Another danger here is deserted parking garages since street parking in the area is hard to come by. If you’re driving alone, pick a lot or garage that has plenty of activity, and stay vigilant when walking back to your car.
Western Addition
The Western Addition is quite close to the Tenderloin District, and both areas share the reputation of having a high crime rate. But most of the crime here is theft, muggings, and the notorious San Fran car break-ins.
You may want to visit the Fillmore District or Japantown here; if so, just be aware of your surroundings and perhaps take a local with you.
Bayview
Bayview is more of an industrial area, so there isn’t much reason to visit as a traveler. But the area is known for more violent crimes, including gun violence. It’s best to avoid this spot completely while visiting San Francisco.
Hunters Point
Hunters Point is San Francisco’s most impoverished district, which has led to an increase in crime in recent years.
There aren’t many tourist attractions or landmarks here, so without a reason to risk a visit, we’d count Hunters Point high on the list of places to avoid in San Francisco.
Golden Gate Park (at Night)
It’s important to note that Golden Gate Park should absolutely be visited during the day. It’s brilliantly beautiful and a must-see. But after sunset, not many people are around, and those that are, do not usually have good intentions.
Safety Tips For Travelers to San Francisco
While San Francisco is not considered a dangerous city, the world is full of opportunistic criminals. Here are a few tips for staying safe while traveling in San Francisco:
- Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
- When you arrive, book a few walking tours to help you get familiar with the Golden Gate City and its streets.
- Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas, especially at night.
- Use caution when using public transportation, and be aware of your belongings at all times.
- If you’re going to drink alcohol, be sure to do so in moderation and never leave your drink unattended.
- Avoid areas that are known for crime — like the Mission District or Tenderloin.
- Familiarize yourself with the area before venturing out on your own. This can help you avoid dangerous areas and know where to go for help if needed.
- Getting around San Francisco is pretty easy, but if you’re not familiar with the city and its neighborhoods, it might be helpful to take a guided walking tour or use a taxi or ride-sharing service instead of walking around alone at night.
- Invest in an anti-theft money belt to keep valuables safe and close to your body.
- Use the official city website to plan your trip and stay updated with anything happening around you.
San Francisco 24/7 Crime Tip Line
If you do see a crime happening or are the unfortunate victim, you can report it any time to (415) 575-4444. Note that this is not the police line (you should still call 911).
For the Millenials who prefer not to call, you can also text your crime tip to TIP411 (847411) using SFPD before your message.
For reporting any illegal drug dealing or use, the number is 1-800-CRACK-it (272-2548).
San Francisco Safety FAQs
Take a look at a few more frequently asked questions to put your mind at ease while planning your trip to San Francisco.
Is Downtown San Francisco Safe?
Downtown San Francisco is safe for tourists to visit, but there are some areas to avoid. The Tenderloin district is known for its high crime rate, so it’s best to avoid this area if you’re not familiar with the city.
Other areas to be aware of are North Beach and the Financial District — these are also relatively safe, but be cautious at night. Overall, San Francisco is a safe city, and you shouldn’t have any major trouble walking around downtown.
Is San Francisco Safe to Walk Around at Night?
A few parts of San Francisco are safe to walk around at night. The busy tourist neighborhoods are well-lit, and there are plenty of people out and about.
However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when walking alone at night.
If you’ve been out drinking, rather call a registered cab to get you home safely. Trust your gut and (if you can) stay in groups when you are out on unfamiliar streets in the dark.
Is San Francisco Safe For Female Travelers?
San Francisco is perfectly safe for female travelers who use common sense and stay aware of typical safety concerns. Women who travel should take the same precautions in San Francisco as they would in any other large city.
Be aware of your surroundings, avoid carrying large sums of money or wearing expensive jewelry. If you feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to ask for help from local authorities or people in the area.
Why Are There So Many Homeless People in San Francisco?
San Francisco’s homeless population is a rising concern for the city. As of 2022, there are over 8,000 homeless people in the city, most of them found along the San Francisco Bay Area.
Some people lose their homes because they can’t afford to pay rent, some people become homeless after they lose their job. Other people become homeless because of mental illness or because they have an alcohol or drug addiction.
San Francisco also has a high cost of living, which makes it difficult for people who are homeless to find affordable housing.
Mental illness and illegal drugs within the unhomed communities contribute to increased crime rates, but the police and government are actively working to control this.
Final Words on Staying Safe in San Francisco
So, is San Francisco safe? As a traveler to San Francisco, there are a few safety things to remember when exploring the city.
No city is 100% safe, but knowing what to look out for can help you avoid being a victim of crime or getting into any sticky situations.
San Francisco is a fun and exciting city to explore, but it’s important to stay safe while doing so. Use common sense, keep an eye on your personal belongings, and listen to your gut in strange situations.
With those few bits of advice, you’re ready to visit San Francisco and enjoy all that this city has to offer.
