San Francisco Travel Guide (Updated 2024) (2024)

San Francisco Travel Guide (Updated 2024) (1)
Known for its counter-culture roots, eclectic music scene, startup tech companies, booming immigration populations, and picturesque views, San Francisco is an exciting city to visit. Here you’ll find hippies, college students, tech giants, artists, immigrant enclaves, and everything in between. It’s one of the most diverse cities in the country.

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

  1. Things to See and Do
  2. Typical Costs
  3. Suggested Budget
  4. Money-Saving Tips
  5. Where to Stay
  6. How to Get Around
  7. When to Go
  8. How to Stay Safe
  9. Best Places to Book Your Trip
  10. Related Blogs on San Francisco

Top 5 Things to See and Do in San Francisco

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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

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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, co*cktails 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Buy a transit pass Download the MuniMobile app or get a Clipper card ($3 USD). With the card, one-way rides are only $2.50 USD instead of $3 USD if you pay with cash. A single-day Visitor Passport lets you use the bus, cable car, and streetcar network as much as you want. A 1-day passport is $13 USDwith the app or Clipper card, while a 3-day passport is $31 USD. If you’re staying longer, a 7-day passport is only $41 USD.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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!
  9. Stay with a localCouchsurfing 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

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:

For more hostel suggestions, be sure to check out my complete list of the best hostels in San Francisco!

How to Get Around San Francisco

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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.

Car rental – Car rentals start at $40 USD per day for a multi-day rental. Unless you’re doing some day trips outside the city (such as Muir Woods or Napa Valley) you won’t need one. Renters need to be at least 21 years old. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars.

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

Click here for more articles--->

San Francisco Travel Guide (Updated 2024) (2024)

FAQs

Is San Francisco okay to visit now? ›

Yes! So far. Based on the crime stats for San Francisco through mid April 2024, there does appear to be a drop in both violent crime and property crime. The chart below compares numbers of crimes committed in the first months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

How do I order a San Francisco travel guide? ›

How To Order:
  1. Go to the San Francisco CVB website. ...
  2. Electronic Version: About half way down the home page, on the right side of the page, click the icon that says "Virtual Planning Guide"
  3. Printed Version: About half way down the home page, on the right side of the page, click the icon that says "Order a Visitor Kit"

Has tourism gone down in San Francisco? ›

San Francisco's tourism industry is slowly recovering

By the numbers: Last year, San Francisco had 23.1 million visitors, a 5.2% increase from 2022, according to the San Francisco Travel Association. Those visitors spent $8.8 billion, an 18% year-over-year increase.

How many days to see San Francisco? ›

It's clear that 3 days in San Francisco, as a first timer, or repeat customer, is always a great idea! From the fog at the Golden Gate Bridge to the busy piers of Fisherman's Wharf, the historic streets of Chinatown, and the beautiful landscapes of Golden Gate Park, San Francisco has something for everyone.

Is San Francisco safe for tourists in 2024? ›

In the first quarter (Jan 1-March 31) of 2024, property crime is down 32% and violent crime is down 14% compared to the first quarter of 2023. This builds on major improvements seen in 2023, when the City saw decade low crime rates, except for 2020 during the pandemic shutdown.

What is a famous way to travel San Francisco? ›

Cable cars and street cars are San Francisco's historic public transit. Cable cars are located downtown and run on three lines: Powell-HydeOpens in new window, Powell-MasonOpens in new window, and California StreetOpens in new window. The F-Line streetcar runs up and down Market Street all the way to Fisherman's Wharf.

What is the best way to get around San Francisco? ›

Getting Around San Francisco
  1. Underground BART System. ...
  2. MUNI System. ...
  3. Cable Cars. ...
  4. Streetcars. ...
  5. Bike Share. ...
  6. Taxis and Rideshares. ...
  7. Train. ...
  8. Ferry.

Is SF in a doom loop? ›

One year after San Francisco was introduced to the concept of a “doom loop,” in which fears of a remote-work-fueled real estate “apocalypse” would trigger mass tax shortfalls, budget cuts and out-migration, the city has yet to spiral into the worst-case scenario, experts say.

Is San Francisco getting better? ›

Overall crime reached its lowest level in 10 years (except for 2020 during the pandemic shutdown) and continues to trend downward in 2024. San Francisco saw a 35% drop in retail theft in the first six months of 2023, the largest drop in a study of 24 cities nationwide.

Is San Francisco expensive as a tourist? ›

With a much-deserved reputation for being costly, San Francisco and the entire Bay Area regularly top the charts of the USA's most expensive places to live. While it's possible to spend unlimited sums on a visit to SF, there are ways to make your trip more affordable. Book hostels over hotels. Order pizza by the slice.

What is the best area to stay in San Francisco? ›

Best Area to Stay in San Francisco
  • Alamo Square.
  • Hayes Valley.
  • Pacific Heights.
  • Market Street, San Francisco.
  • San Francisco Cable Car.
  • Street Art in North Beach.
  • North Beach, San Francisco.
  • The Embarcadero.
Oct 6, 2022

What's the best time to go to San Francisco? ›

The best time to visit San Francisco usually begins in late summer and heads into the fall. The latter parts of August, along with September, October, and November, are ideal months for exploring “The City by the Bay”. These months typically see the best weather.

Is San Francisco walkable for tourists? ›

Want to visit iconic landmarks and explore San Francisco's unique neighborhoods? It's easy! As one of the most walkable, bike-friendly and transit-connected cities in America, San Francisco is best explored by foot, on bike and on Muni, the city's public transportation system.

Is it a good time to visit San Francisco? ›

September to November (Fall) Fall is the goldilocks season for visiting San Francisco. You get warm and mostly dry weather but without the summer crowds.

Is Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco safe? ›

San Francisco, like any city, has its share of bumps in the road. But fear not, Fisherman's Wharf is generally considered a safe haven for tourists. Think of it as a Disney World for grown-ups, minus the giant mouse ears (although, you might find some questionable Mickey knock-offs).

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