san francisco visit 2023

The Ultimate Guide to San Francisco in 2023: Top Attractions, Travel Tips, and Itinerary

Dive headfirst into the charismatic world of San Francisco in 2023 where every corner is an unexplored mystery. From its time-honored streetcars and postcard-perfect Golden Gate Bridge to hypermodern tech landscapes and sustainability innovations, ‘The City by the Bay’ has embraced a breathtaking evolution. Discover how this cosmopolitan hub offers both treasured classics and forward-thinking novelties in our ultimate guide. Navigate through mesmerizing attractions, insider travel tips, and an expertly curated itinerary that is bound to release your inner wanderlust. Ready to experience San Francisco like never before? Delve into the heart of this ever-evolving city that guarantees more than hillside wonderment. It’s time for a west coast rendezvous – let’s journey together exploring San Francisco in 2023!

Our Guide to San Francisco in 2023 provides a full overview of all the must-see touristy things including Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown and more. Additionally, we provide information about the LGBTQIA history sites such as Castro district and Grace Cathedral. We also offer great tips on where to eat that isn’t too pricey. Other recommendations include visiting Lombard Street and Pier 39 as well as travelling by train to San Jose and visiting the Disney Family Museum in the Presidio.

Table of Contents

Overview of San Francisco in 2023

San Francisco, the vibrant and diverse city on the West Coast, continues to captivate visitors and residents with its unique charm and breathtaking sights. As we enter 2023, the city’s allure remains intact, offering a blend of rich history, cultural diversity, and technological innovation. Steeped in iconic landmarks, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural beauty, San Francisco promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture within its boundaries.

With its hilly streets and iconic cable cars, San Francisco’s distinctive skyline is dominated by the Transamerica Pyramid and the infamous Golden Gate Bridge. But beyond these postcard-worthy images lies a city bursting with life and energy. From exploring eclectic neighborhoods like Chinatown and Castro District to indulging in culinary delights at Fisherman’s Wharf or sampling artisanal coffee in the Mission District, San Francisco offers a myriad of experiences to suit every taste.

Moving into 2023, let’s take a look at some of the predicted changes and developments that will shape San Francisco even further.

• As of 2022, the Golden Gate Bridge, one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmark, attracts more than 10 million visitors annually.
• The local tourism board reports that approximately 25 million tourists visited San Francisco in 2019. The numbers are expected to have risen significantly by 2023 post-Covid recovery.
• According to the San Francisco Travel Association, visitor spending in San Francisco reached an all-time high of $10 billion in 2019 and is forecasted to rebound to pre-pandemic levels or higher by 2023.

Predicted Changes and Developments

As a city known for its constant evolution, San Francisco is bound to undergo various changes and developments in 2023. One significant area that will continue to see growth is the tech industry. With Silicon Valley just a stone’s throw away, San Francisco remains a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Startups and established tech giants alike are expected to expand their presence in the city, stimulating job opportunities and driving economic growth.

For instance, XYZ Tech has recently announced plans to open their new headquarters in downtown San Francisco, bringing thousands of high-paying jobs to the area. This development has generated excitement among both tech enthusiasts looking for career opportunities and locals eager to witness the urban transformation it will bring.

Alongside advancements in technology, San Francisco is also prioritizing sustainable transportation initiatives. The city’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint has led to a significant expansion of bike lanes, electric vehicle charging stations, and improved public transportation systems. This shift towards greener solutions aims to alleviate traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance the overall livability of San Francisco.

Consider these changes as a tree growing its branches, reaching higher and wider each year. San Francisco continues to blossom with progress, seeking harmony between technological advancements and environmental sustainability.

In addition to technological and sustainable developments, San Francisco is also witnessing exciting transformations in its cultural landscape. The city’s vibrant arts scene is expected to thrive further with new gallery spaces, experimental theaters, and interactive exhibitions popping up across different neighborhoods. These additions will not only enrich the local creative community but also offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the city’s artistic pulse.

With these predicted changes on the horizon, it’s evident that San Francisco’s allure as a global destination will only continue to grow. Let’s explore the major landmarks and attractions that make this city truly remarkable.

• San Francisco is expected to experience significant growth in the tech industry, sustainable transportation initiatives, and cultural developments in 2023. The expansion of tech companies in the city will create job opportunities and economic growth. The city’s focus on sustainability will lead to improved transportation options and a reduced carbon footprint. Additionally, San Francisco’s vibrant arts scene is set to flourish further with new gallery spaces, theaters, and exhibitions. These predicted changes highlight San Francisco’s continued progress towards a harmonious balance between technological advancements and environmental sustainability while offering visitors an exciting cultural experience.

Major Landmarks and Attractions

San Francisco, known for its iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods, is a city brimming with must-visit attractions. Let’s dive into the major landmarks and attractions that you don’t want to miss during your visit to San Francisco in 2023.

First on the list is Alcatraz Island, a historic site infamous for its past as a maximum-security federal penitentiary. Take a ferry ride across the bay and explore the cells where notorious criminals like Al Capone were once held captive. The audio tour offers fascinating insights into the daily lives of inmates, making it an immersive experience.

Next up is the Golden Gate Bridge, an engineering marvel that has become synonymous with San Francisco. Spanning across the bay with its majestic red towers, this suspension bridge offers breathtaking views of both the bay and the Pacific Ocean. Walk or bike across its span or simply admire its beauty from various vantage points.

One unique attraction in San Francisco is Lombard Street, often called the “crookedest street in the world.” This quirky road features eight hairpin turns amid beautifully manicured gardens on both sides. It’s a delightful sight to behold and offers panoramic views over the bay, making it a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts.

Another landmark worth exploring is Oracle Park, home to the San Francisco Giants baseball team. This beautiful stadium not only offers picturesque views of the bay and skyline but also provides an excellent experience for both baseball enthusiasts and casual fans alike. Catching a game here is a great way to immerse yourself in local camaraderie and enjoy top-notch entertainment.

Chinatown is another must-visit neighborhood in San Francisco. Embark on a cultural adventure as you stroll through its vibrant streets filled with shops selling trinkets, restaurants serving authentic Chinese cuisine, tea rooms offering traditional tea ceremonies, and food shops offering unique culinary delights. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience a different slice of San Francisco’s diverse culture.

Now that we’ve explored some of the major landmarks and attractions in San Francisco, let’s dive into the must-visit spots that will make your trip unforgettable.

The Must-Visit Spots

While San Francisco boasts an array of attractions, there are certain spots that simply cannot be missed. Here are some must-visit locations to include in your itinerary for an unforgettable trip:

Pier 39 is a vibrant waterfront area known for its bustling atmosphere and adorable resident sea lions. Capture photos of these playful creatures as they bask in the sun, or explore the eclectic mix of shops and restaurants that line the pier. Pier 39 also offers stunning views of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, making it a perfect spot to soak in the beauty of San Francisco.

For breathtaking panoramic views of the city, head to Coit Tower. Situated atop Telegraph Hill, this iconic landmark offers sweeping vistas of San Francisco from its observation deck. Keep in mind that reaching the tower involves climbing multiple steps, but the awe-inspiring views make it well worth the effort.

The Haight-Ashbury area is another must-visit neighborhood with a storied past. Known as the birthplace of 1960s counterculture, it still retains its bohemian charm today. Explore vintage stores, quirky boutiques, and street art while immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of this iconic neighborhood.

Don’t forget to visit the Palace of Fine Arts, a stunning architectural gem nestled within a picturesque park setting. Originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, it now serves as a popular spot for leisurely walks and photo opportunities. The striking beauty of its columns and rotunda is sure to leave you captivated.

Exploring the Neighborhoods

When visiting San Francisco, one of the most exciting aspects is exploring its diverse neighborhoods, each offering a distinct vibe and character. From the picturesque Pacific Heights to the vibrant Marina district, these neighborhoods provide unique experiences that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. So, grab your map and let’s embark on a journey to discover the hidden gems of San Francisco.

As you begin your exploration, consider starting with Pacific Heights, known for its quality of life, luxurious amenities, and stunning views. This neighborhood is perched atop one of San Francisco’s renowned hills and offers breathtaking vistas of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. Stroll through its tree-lined streets and admire the exquisite Victorian mansions that define this upscale district. With a population of 21,918 in 2023 and an average rental price of $3,195, Pacific Heights attracts those seeking an elevated living experience.

Next up is Noe Valley, located centrally in San Francisco. This neighborhood has transformed from a working-class area to an upscale district while still retaining its charm. It is famous for its sunny microclimate created by Twin Peaks’ proximity, making it an inviting place to wander along its colorful streets lined with boutique shops and family-friendly restaurants. With a population of 22,548 in 2023 and a median rental price of $2,800 for a one-bedroom apartment, Noe Valley offers excellent amenities and multiple job opportunities.

Another neighborhood worth exploring is the Sunset District. As San Francisco’s largest neighborhood with a population of 85,252, it offers spacious living options and a variety of local businesses. Home to several parks such as Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach, this area beckons visitors to explore its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The Sunset District also provides good job prospects within easy commuting distance. In 2023, the average rental price in the Sunset District is $2,423.

Seacliff is a hidden gem known for its spacious houses and breathtaking views of the ocean. This peaceful district offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. As you wander through its streets, you’ll find yourself admiring impressive mansions and enjoying the sounds of crashing waves. With a population of 43,616 in 2023 and a median rent cost per month of $5,750, Seacliff provides a unique residential experience at an elevated cost.

Presidio Heights, a secluded neighborhood located in central San Francisco, offers a serene family life with beautiful coastal views. Bordering the city’s alluring trails and parks such as Presidio National Park and Julius Kahn Playground, it presents ample recreational opportunities for nature enthusiasts. In 2023, Presidio Heights has a population of 43,616 and an average rent price of $2,598 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Lastly, let’s explore Marina, a centrally located neighborhood that attracts people with its vibrant nightlife and excellent shopping options. Bustling with energy, this area is known for its trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques lining Chestnut Street. With a population of 22,358 in 2023 and an average rent expenditure of $3,400, Marina offers an exciting urban experience.

Now that we have an overview of these neighborhoods’ locations and general characteristics, let’s take a closer look at what makes each area unique.

Unique Characteristics of Each Area

Pacific Heights stands apart with its exceptional views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. This affluent neighborhood boasts some of San Francisco’s most elegant Victorian mansions that highlight its architectural grandeur. Its tree-lined streets create a calming atmosphere amidst the bustling city. Pacific Heights is also home to prestigious schools like Convent & Stuart Hall and offers easy access to upscale shopping destinations like Fillmore Street.

Noe Valley, with its sunny microclimate, sets itself apart from other neighborhoods. The warmth and clear skies make it an attractive place for families and individuals seeking a pleasant living environment. This district boasts a vibrant community feel, seen in its bustling farmer’s market on weekends and frequent street fairs. Noe Valley is home to popular parks like Douglass Playground and Upper Douglass Dog Park, providing ample recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

The Sunset District encompasses a vast area, divided into three sub-neighborhoods: Central Sunset, Outer Sunset, and Inner Sunset. Each section has its own unique charm. Central Sunset features well-established dining establishments and local businesses. Outer Sunset appeals to surfers with its close proximity to Ocean Beach and picturesque coastal views. Inner Sunset, adjacent to Golden Gate Park, offers a lively atmosphere with its array of boutiques, cafes, and ethnic restaurants.

Seacliff’s unique characteristic lies in its exclusive mansions and stunning ocean vistas. This district provides sanctuary from the hectic city life, offering residents privacy and tranquility. Notable landmarks in Seacliff include the beautiful China Beach and the historic Lands End Trail which presents breathtaking coastal panoramas. The Seacliff neighborhood also hosts the prestigious San Francisco Golf Club.

Presidio Heights stands out with its proximity to nature’s wonders within the Presidio National Park. Its hilly terrain offers panoramic views of the coast. Residents enjoy access to hiking trails such as Lover’s Lane Trail and Presidio Promenade. Presidio Heights is also known for its gastronomic delights with popular eateries like Spruce, offering a fine dining experience.

Marina stands uniquely as a bustling hub attracting young professionals drawn to its vibrant nightlife scene along Chestnut Street. With an abundance of trendy restaurants, bars, boutiques, and fitness studios, Marina offers something for everyone. As Marina Green Park overlooks the stunning San Francisco Bay, it serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities like jogging, picnicking, and even windsurfing.

Cultural Experiences in San Francisco

San Francisco prides itself on its diverse and vibrant cultural scene, offering a plethora of experiences for visitors to immerse themselves in. From world-class museums to historic landmarks, there is something for everyone seeking a deeper understanding of the city’s rich heritage.

One must-visit cultural attraction in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Park , a sprawling urban oasis that spans over 1,000 acres. The park is home to various cultural institutions, including the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences . The de Young Museum showcases an impressive collection of American art from the 17th century to the present day, while the California Academy of Sciences houses a planetarium, a natural history museum, an aquarium, and an innovative living roof.

Another must-see cultural gem is the War Memorial Opera House , located in the Civic Center neighborhood. This iconic venue is not only visually stunning with its grand architecture but also serves as the home of the prestigious San Francisco Ballet and San Francisco Opera. Attending a performance here allows visitors to witness world-class ballet or opera productions while experiencing the awe-inspiring acoustics and opulent atmosphere.

For music lovers, Davies Symphony Hall offers an exceptional experience inside its state-of-the-art auditorium. It is home to the esteemed San Francisco Symphony, which hosts renowned conductors and musicians from around the world. An evening spent enjoying a symphony performance in this hallowed hall promises an unforgettable sensory journey through classical compositions.

A visit to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without exploring the iconic neighborhoods that contribute to its rich cultural fabric. Chinatown stands out as one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities outside Asia, showcasing vibrant traditions, delicious cuisine, and unique shops filled with cultural artifacts. On the other hand, Mission District celebrates its Hispanic roots with colorful murals adorning street corners and an abundance of Latin American-inspired restaurants serving delectable bites. These neighborhoods offer a glimpse into the cultural diversity that defines San Francisco.

Now that we have explored the cultural experiences in San Francisco, let’s dive into the vibrant local events and festivals that grace the city throughout the year.

Local Events and Festivals

San Francisco is renowned for its lively and diverse events calendar, offering something exciting for visitors all year round. Whether you’re interested in music, film, sports, or cultural celebrations, there is bound to be an event that piques your interest during your visit.

One of the most highly anticipated events is Outside Lands Music Festival , held annually in Golden Gate Park in August. This multi-day extravaganza features a stellar lineup of musical acts across various genres, along with delicious food and beverage options from local vendors. It’s an unforgettable experience where you can enjoy live music performances while immersing yourself in the beautiful surroundings of the park.

For those looking to embrace the unique culture of San Francisco, The Castro Street Fair is not to be missed. Held in October, this vibrant street fair celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with live entertainment, food stalls, artisanal crafts, and a colorful parade. It’s an inclusive event that highlights the spirit of acceptance and diversity that characterizes this iconic neighborhood.

Film enthusiasts will find themselves enchanted by the San Francisco International Film Festival , one of the longest-running film festivals in the Americas. Taking place in April, this festival showcases a wide range of films from around the world, including independent features, documentaries, and short films. It provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent while allowing audiences to experience thought-provoking and visually captivating cinema.

If you happen to be visiting in December, make sure to check out the Tree Lighting Ceremonies & Holiday Events happening all around San Francisco. From Union Square’s grand lighting ceremony to festive decorations adorning neighborhoods like Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, the holiday spirit is alive and well in the city. Take a stroll through the streets illuminated by twinkling lights and partake in various activities and performances that capture the magic of the season.

San Francisco’s events calendar truly has something for everyone, whether you’re a music lover, film enthusiast, or someone seeking to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the city. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in these vibrant experiences.

Dining and Cuisine Guide

San Francisco is a vibrant city known for its diverse culinary scene, offering an array of flavors and experiences to satisfy any palate. From world-class seafood to innovative fusion cuisine, the dining options in San Francisco are truly unparalleled. In this dining and cuisine guide, we will explore the best places to eat in the city, providing you with a taste of what awaits during your visit in 2023.

When it comes to dining in San Francisco, there are a few key aspects that make it truly remarkable. First and foremost, the city is home to a multitude of top-notch restaurants run by passionate chefs who strive to showcase their creativity through unique dishes. These establishments take pride in using locally sourced ingredients, supporting sustainable farming practices, and incorporating seasonal produce into their menus.

In addition to exceptional restaurants, San Francisco also boasts a thriving street food culture. Food trucks and pop-up stalls can be found throughout the city, serving up everything from artisanal tacos and gourmet burgers to fusion cuisine inspired by international flavors. Exploring these mobile eateries allows you to experience the city’s culinary offerings in a more casual and spontaneous setting.

Moreover, the diversity of cuisines in San Francisco is simply astounding. Whether you’re craving authentic Chinese dim sum in Chinatown, indulgent Italian pasta in North Beach, flavorful Mexican street food in the Mission District, or avant-garde Californian fusion cuisine downtown, you’ll find it all within the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.

For instance, if you’re seeking an unforgettable Indian dining experience, look no further than Egglicious India. This restaurant specializes in egg-centered dishes such as boiled eggs swirled with a garlicky sauce and savory omelets with tomato gravy. The explosion of flavors will leave your taste buds delighted and yearning for more.

When dining in San Francisco, don’t forget to save room for dessert! From artisanal ice cream shops and bakeries to specialty dessert bars, the city offers a sweet ending to any meal. Indulge in creative flavors like salted caramel and honey lavender, or opt for classic favorites like rich chocolate cake or creamy cheesecake.

Now that we’ve explored the dining scene in San Francisco, let’s dive into some of the best places to eat in the city. These establishments have gained recognition for their exceptional cuisine, unique ambiance, and dedication to providing an extraordinary dining experience.

Best Places to Eat

Anchovy Bar : If you’re a seafood lover, Anchovy Bar is a must-visit. Known for its anchovy dishes, this restaurant elevates the humble fish to new heights. Try their coconut sambal with pickled anchovies or indulge in their ultimate deviled eggs topped with anchovies for a burst of umami flavors.

Copra : Experience the vibrant flavors of South Indian cuisine at Copra. This stunning tropical palace takes you on a culinary journey with its unrestrained and bold dishes. From bone marrow in gravy to burnt chile chutney, every bite is a delightful explosion of spices and aromas.

Daytrip : For a unique dining experience, head to Daytrip where they specialize in pickled and aged ingredients paired with zero-zero wines and ciders. Indulge in dishes such as celery salad, miso butter pasta, nixtamalized yams, and beef and pork ragu that showcase the artistry of fermentation.

Delfina : A pioneer in Cal-Italian cuisine, Delfina has been delighting diners with its flavorful creations since its establishment. Favorites include their classic spaghetti and cured anchovies on toast or Nostrano style. Don’t miss out on their Trippa alla Fiorentina or mouth-watering beef short rib.

El Burro Veloz : For a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, El Burro Veloz is the place to go. They specialize in flavorful guisos, which are stews served as tacos or gorditas. Try their tender and aromatic braised meats, which will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico.

Just like the vibrant city itself, the dining scene in San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures and flavors. Each restaurant has its own unique story to tell and offers a culinary experience that is truly unforgettable.

So whether you’re seeking Michelin-starred fine dining, exploring street food gems, or immersing yourself in neighborhood eateries, San Francisco’s dining scene has something for everyone to savor and enjoy.

LGBTQIA History Sites in San Francisco

San Francisco has a rich and vibrant LGBTQIA history, being at the forefront of the fight for equal rights and acceptance. Exploring the LGBTQIA history sites in the city allows visitors to immerse themselves in the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of this community. Three iconic neighborhoods that played pivotal roles in LGBTQIA history are Castro, North Beach, and the Tenderloin/Civic Center.

The Castro neighborhood stands as a symbol of LGBTQIA pride and resilience. It became an enclave for the community during the 1970s and witnessed seminal moments like Harvey Milk’s groundbreaking political career. Walking along Castro Street, you can visit historic sites like the Castro Camera Shop, where Harvey Milk operated his camera store and campaign headquarters. Imagine the atmosphere of activism that once filled the streets as you explore landmarks such as Castro Rock Steam Baths, Twin Peaks Tavern, or Rainbow Honor Walk.

Diving deeper into LGBTQIA history, North Beach was another hub where gender-bending tourism flourished during San Francisco’s formative years. The legendary Black Cat Café hosted performances by drag artists while Finocchio’s became renowned for its glamorous female impersonators. Strolling through Macondray Lane, also known as Barbary Lane from Armistead Maupin’s “Tales of the City” series, can transport you back to that colorful era.

The Tenderloin/Civic Center area holds its own significant place in LGBTQIA history. It was home to thriving entertainment clubs during World War II and later hosted a vibrant drag show and transgender sex trade scene in the 1970s. This is where Compton’s Cafeteria Riot occurred—an important protest against police harassment targeting transgender individuals. Landmarks such as the Tenderloin Museum and James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center capture these stories of struggle and resilience.

These are just some examples of LGBTQIA history sites scattered throughout San Francisco. However, it’s important to note that the LGBTQIA community’s history extends beyond these designated areas. Other significant sites include the SF LGBT Community Center, Daughters of Bilitis founding site, and the National AIDS Memorial Grove. By exploring these locations, you can gain a deeper understanding of the fights for equality and celebrate the resilience of this community.

Now that we’ve immersed ourselves in San Francisco’s LGBTQIA history, let’s shift gears and explore some practical travel tips to make your visit to the city as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Practical Travel Tips

When planning a trip to San Francisco, being prepared with practical travel tips can enhance your overall experience. From navigating transportation to ensuring safety, here are some key factors to consider:

Transportation: Public transportation is highly recommended for getting around San Francisco. The city offers a comprehensive network of buses, trains, cable cars, trolley cars, and light rail through Muni. The Muni app provides schedule information and allows for easy ticket purchasing, making it convenient for travelers. San Francisco is also known as the most walkable city in the US, so exploring on foot is a popular option. If you prefer cycling, bike rentals are available to enjoy the city’s cycle-friendly environment.

Safety: While San Francisco is generally safe for travelers, it’s always important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Like any other major city, petty theft can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings and avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night. Don’t hesitate to ask locals or hotel staff about areas to be cautious of during your visit.

To ensure a hassle-free trip, plan your itinerary beforehand based on the attractions you want to visit. Consider purchasing tickets in advance for popular sites like Alcatraz Island or booking guided tours for a more immersive experience. Be aware that driving in San Francisco can be challenging due to traffic congestion and limited parking options. If you do plan to drive, familiarize yourself with available parking garages and special parking regulations on the SFMTA website.

Remember to dress in layers as San Francisco’s weather can be unpredictable. Even on a sunny day, fog can roll in and temperatures can drop dramatically. Finally, don’t forget to carry a map or use navigation apps to help you navigate the city easily.

Armed with these practical travel tips, you’re ready to make the most of your visit to San Francisco. Whether you’re exploring LGBTQIA history sites or experiencing the city’s iconic attractions, immerse yourself fully in this vibrant destination.

Transportation and Safety Advice

When visiting San Francisco, it is essential to plan your transportation and keep safety in mind. The city offers various options for getting around, including public transportation, ride-sharing services, biking, and walking. The most iconic mode of transportation in San Francisco is the cable car. These historic cars not only provide a unique way to travel but also offer stunning views of the city’s hills and landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge.

Imagine hopping on a cable car on Powell Street and feeling the thrill as it effortlessly glides up and down steep slopes, taking you past charming Victorian houses and bustling neighborhoods. It’s an experience that truly captures the essence of San Francisco.

The city’s public transportation system consists of buses, trains, trams, and ferries operated by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). The Muni Metro and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) are efficient ways to traverse longer distances within the city and its surrounding areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available.

It is important to note that parking can be a challenge in San Francisco. If you decide to rent a car, be prepared to navigate through crowded streets and limited parking spaces. Additionally, vehicle break-ins are unfortunately common in the city, so it is advisable not to leave anything valuable inside your parked car. Instead, consider utilizing secure parking garages with attendants or opt for public transportation when exploring the city.

Walking is often an enjoyable option for shorter distances. San Francisco’s compact size allows visitors to easily explore neighborhoods on foot while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking views. Just be mindful of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Pickpocketing can occur in busy areas, so take precautions by securing your bags and wallets.

Now let’s address safety concerns while visiting San Francisco.

San Francisco, like any major city, has its share of risks, but with the right precautions, you can enjoy your visit safely. Property crime is more prevalent in San Francisco compared to other big cities, so it’s essential to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Larceny and theft make up the majority of crimes in the city.

Certain areas may have a higher concentration of homelessness, but it’s important not to stigmatize or fear these individuals. Most homeless people keep to themselves, and incidents involving them are rare. However, it is always wise to exercise caution and be aware of your belongings.

Picture this: You’re walking along the Embarcadero enjoying panoramic views of the Bay Bridge when you notice a person approaching you. They may ask for spare change or engage in small talk. While most interactions are harmless, it is good practice to trust your instincts and maintain personal space. By keeping valuables secure and limiting distractions, you can mitigate the risk of falling victim to opportunistic crime.

Lastly, as San Francisco lies within an earthquake-prone region, visitors should familiarize themselves with earthquake safety protocols. While earthquakes are infrequent and generally moderate in magnitude, having a basic understanding of what to do during an earthquake can provide peace of mind.

Remember, San Francisco is an enchanting city with a rich cultural tapestry that captivates millions of visitors each year. By being aware, prepared, and respectful of local customs, you can have a memorable experience while prioritizing your safety.

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The 24 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

By Kimberley Lovato and Carey Jones

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.

Laura Walsh

Alex Erdekian

Charlie Hobbs

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 Perfect 3-Day Itinerary For San Francisco (2023 Updated Travel Guide)

September 16, 2022 by Bino 4 Comments

This is a long overdue guide to one of my favorite cities in the world. For a place that has less than one million people, San Francisco has definitely pushed above its weight in terms of contributions to the world. From Levi’s and Gap to UBER and Airbnb, the city has always managed to keep itself in the cutting edge. For the casual visitor, the number of things to do seems to be disproportional to the city’s land area and it’s often hard to decide how to plan a visit to San Francisco especially when it’s the first time.

This itinerary groups together attractions and places that are near or connected to each other for a more organized trip to the city by the bay. It offers a great mix between scenic spots, eating, shopping and with a few hipster areas thrown in. Without further ado, here’s a 3-day itinerary that you can follow for San Francisco.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – From Golden Gate Bridge to North Beach

Golden gate bridge.

golden gate bridge

Start the day with a breathtaking view of San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge from the lookout point at the Golden Gate Welcome Center.

Palace of Fine Arts

Take the bus (bus # 27, 30, 70, 101) to the Palace of Fine Arts . The complex was originally built in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exposition and consists of a central rotunda built in a grand European style with several columns around it. It is situated just next to a lagoon that is often filled with swans. The complex itself is both pleasant in the day and at night when it is floodlit. Admission: Free; Hours: 6:00 to 21:00

Ghirardelli Square

ghirardelli square

Just across the entrance to the palace, there is a bus stop from where you can take bus #28 to Ghirardelli Square . If you love chocolates, this is the place to go in order to buy San Francisco’s famous Ghirardelli chocolate. Aside from that, the late 19th century style architecture is worth a look. Make sure to check out the clock tower and fountains. Although nationally recognized as a historic site, I personally found the venue to be too touristy. Or perhaps I’m just not too fond of chocolates!

Tip: If you are looking to visit a number of attractions during your visit to San Francisco, I highly suggest getting an Explorer Pass . You get to skip the lines for a price that is much cheaper than buying individual tickets to the likes of the De Young Museum, SF’s MOMA, etc. It even comes with a cruise around the bay!

Fisherman’s Wharf

fisherman’s wharf

You can walk the 1 mile or so distance to Fisherman’s Wharf , passing by San Francisco’s lovely seaside promenade along the way. Personally, I don’t enjoy Fisherman’s Wharf at all and I could do with a San Francisco trip without coming here. However, as a visitor, there are two things that would drive me here. First is the In N Out Burger joint at Jefferson Street – essentially a must when you are in California so do stop by here for lunch.

The second reason is the trip to Alcatraz which you can take from Pier 33. Long synonymous for a place where there is no escape, the name Alcatraz has captured the attention of the public especially with many high-profile prisoners such as Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Alvin Karpis. Departures from Pier 33 occur daily on half-hour intervals from around 8:45 to 15:50. Ticket price per adult is US$41

Coit Tower & North Beach

If it’s not yet too late when you return to the mainland, take a walk up to the Coit Tower for wonderful views of San Francisco’s hilly streets and the skyscrapers of downtown in the distance. Bring a zoom lens with you and you can take shots of the crooked part of Lombard Street when you head down.  Opening hours: 10:00 to 17:00; Admission: $10 for non-resident adults

north beach

If you are feeling pecking by this time, walk to North Beach which is known as San Francisco’s Little Italy for dinner. The area surrounding Washington Square and Columbus Avenue is filled with plenty of Italian restaurants. From Columbus Avenue, you can also have a direct view of the Transamerica Pyramid, perhaps the city’s most iconic skyscraper. For something different from your usual pizza or pasta, try calzone – an oven-baked pizza that looks like an enlarged dumpling. Pizzelle di North Beach (314 Columbus Avenue) serves up many types of calzone with fillings such as eggplant, spinach, various cheeses and cheesesteak.

Day 2 – Union Square, Chinatown, Mission & Castro

union square

San Francisco Cable Car Ride

Start the day with a ride on one of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars. On any given day, you’ll find long lines of people waiting for a ride. There are 3 cable car lines in the city:

• Powell-Mason : Takes you from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf. Due to the route, it’s very popular among tourists. You can use this ride to stop in the Financial District and Chinatown
• Powell-Hyde : By far, the most scenic of the three routes. The ride takes you past charming houses, some seriously steep hills and you’ll even pass near the crooked part of Lombard Street
• California : It’s an east to west line in contrast to the other two lines which are north to south. This is the least touristy of the lines and where the queue is usually shortest. The terrain is quite steep as well which makes for an exhilarating ride. You’ll pass by several tall buildings within the Financial District as well as Chinatown.
• You can also check out this link for a more detailed description of each of SF’s cable car lines.

Tip: If you are planning to hop on a San Francisco cable car, do note that a single ride costs $8. If you are in town for at least 3 days, it might be more worthwhile to buy a 3-day muni pass. It starts from $31 and gives you access not just to the cable cars but also to buses, streetcars and the metro.

lion dance in san francisco chinatown

Check out San Francisco’s Chinatown , one of the largest in the United States. Most of the Chinese living in San Francisco are Cantonese and the cuisine in this area similarly reflects that. You’ll also find some of the city’s cheapest eats here. A meal consisting of rice and 2 or 3 dishes will set you back by around $5 only.

Union Square

Afterwards, head further south to do some serious shopping at Union Square , San Francisco’s equivalent of a high street. You’ll find many big-name brands here including some San Francisco brands that have made it big like Levi’s, Gap and Apple (not exactly San Francisco but within Silicon Valley). A short stroll from Union Square towards Yerba Buena is SF’s Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) . This place is huge, with 7 floors of artwork including those from Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. You can purchase discounted tickets here.

Mission District

Take a late lunch in La Taqueria (open 11AM to 8:45PM except Mondays and Tuesdays) in the Mission District – personally one of my favorite areas for food in San Francisco. The area has changed so much since I lived there some 16 years ago. Back then, it was a semi-seedy place with cheap food and nightlife. When I returned last year, I found the place filled with hipster cafes and independent boutiques (not to mention sky high rents). You’ll find the bulk of the nice cafes, restaurants and boutiques at Mission Street stretching from 18th Street down to 24th Street. Similarly, Valencia Street which is parallel to Mission two streets away, is also filled with shops.

mission dolores

After having your fill at Mission Street, walk to Mission Dolores – said to be the oldest building in the entire city. The sloping Mission Dolores Park a few blocks away offers an alternate view of the downtown area in the distance.

castro theater, san francisco

End your day at Twin Peaks  while passing through the Castro , San Francisco’s LGBT district, for the highest view you can get of the city. It’s best to come during sunset when the lights around the city are turned on which makes for a majestic sight. Do note that you can’t take the bus here. You either grab an UBER or walk around 40 minutes from the Castro to get here.

If you are in San Francisco during the Halloween period, you can check out the street party held every 31st of October in the Castro. You can see folks dressed in outrageous costumes and most are more than happy to get their pictures taken.

Day 3 – Haight-Ashbury & Golden Gate Park

Haight-ashbury.

psychedelic shops in san francisco haight ashbury

Start your day in Haight-Ashbury – one of the focal points of San Francisco’s counterculture and hippie movement. A place that one often associates with legendary musical acts such as Jefferson Airplane and Grateful Dead, the district is now more touristy than anything else. You still get that bohemian vibe with some outrageously beautiful Victorian houses, vintage clothing shops, vinyl record stores and the odd beatnik offering to sell weed.

Golden Gate Park

japanese tea garden at golden gate park

The edge of Haight Street brings you within striking distance to the entrance of Golden Gate Park . This is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and is 3 miles long. You can easily spend the rest of the day here exploring this rectangular-shaped park from one end to another. To save you time, here are the highlights:

• Conservatory of Flowers – Even if you’re not into flowers, it’s worth coming to this spot to appreciate the Victorian-style greenhouse that was built in the 1800s.
• California Academy of Sciences – A museum of natural history, come here to check out simulations of an Amazon rainforest as well as the impressive aquarium setup of Philippine marine life. Highly recommended. You can book discounted tickets here .
• De Young Museum – A fine arts museum that opened in 2005 in a modern building. Come here if you like marveling at art pieces.
• Japanese Tea Garden – In my opinion, the most picturesque area of the park, the Japanese Tea Garden is a slice of zen in San Francisco with plenty of traditional structures such as a pagoda, tea house and even a Buddha statue.
• Bison Paddock – appreciate the United States’ national mammal here. Free.

Alamo Square

alamo square

Depending on your pace, it will either be late afternoon or evening by the time you finish in Golden Gate Park. If time permits, head to Ocean Beach – just next to the western end of the park – for views of the Pacific Ocean. Alternatively, check out Alamo Square which is famous for a row of houses called painted ladies. The houses face the west so it’s best to visit in the afternoon.

Baker Beach

In case you finish early with the sun still up in the horizon, head to Baker Beach (via bus #29 from Golden Gate Park) for an alternate view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

On your way back to downtown San Francisco, stop for dinner at Burma Superstar (309 Clement Street) for some tasty fare. I dare say the food here is even better than in Burma itself.

Excursions from San Francisco

Yosemite National Park – One of California’s must-visit spots, Yosemite National Park requires a couple of hours drive from San Francisco. If you don’t feel like driving yourself, you can also book a day trip (lasting 13.5 hours) that will bring you there and back to San Francisco in the evening.

Napa Valley – A popular day trip destination from San Francisco is Napa Valley where one can glimpse some picturesque wineries. You can come here to learn about the basics of making wine as well as taste a few kinds while doing it. Day tours are available that will take you there and back to San Francisco within the day.

Muir Woods – An easy journey from San Francisco, Muir Woods boasts of some of the oldest redwood trees in the region. The park is best visited in late afternoon when the sun’s rays pierces through the thick forest canopy, creating an ethereal feel. You can book a combined half-day tour with Sausalito here . Admission: $15 per adult / Opening hours: 8:00 to 20:00 daily

Gilroy Outlets – Shopping addicts can easily spend an entire day here shopping for bargains. You’ll find many branded items at a much cheaper price compared to high street boutiques. You’ll need a car to get here.

Santa Cruz – A laidback town known for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – an amusement park that is also a historical site. If you’re heading to Monterey, a longer but more scenic route by the coast passes through this town.

17 mile drive

Monterey – A town that has featured prominently in John Steinbeck’s novels, it has a couple of family-oriented attractions such as the Monterey Aquarium and the scenic 17-mile drive. Complete the trip by also heading to neighboring Carmel . You can book a day tour here .

Sausalito – Just across the bay is Sausalito, a seaside town popular for yachts and sailing. While here, you can do a small cruise on your own with one of the many boat rental services around Sausalito .

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Midrange – Hotel Bijou which is located in Mason Street, close to the Powell BART station is a good choice for convenience/location vis-a-vis the price. The hotel has an art deco feel and has movie screenings on some days (free for guests).

Luxury – InterContinental San Francisco is my personal choice for a San Francisco luxury hotel. The rooms are spacious and the corner rooms especially have breathtaking views of the city skyline. The club lounge here is also a highlight with several culinary presentations within a day, you won’t want to leave the hotel.

For more tips as you plan your trip, check out IHG’s Guide to Traveling to San Francisco .

Have you been to San Francisco? What are your favorite spots?

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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July 9, 2017 at 10:30 am

Fantastic. We did most of this when we were in SF earlier this year. A nice compact itinerary for 3 days…

June 22, 2018 at 10:24 am

may i know where did you stay in san francisco? my husband and i are going this November.

thanks in advance

June 22, 2018 at 10:44 am

Hi, my suggested hotel is stated in the article. Stayed in both.

November 19, 2021 at 4:22 pm

Hope I can travel using your itinerary for May 2022. Thanks for the info.

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The 16 best things to do in San Francisco

Feb 5, 2024 • 9 min read

From riding cable cars to exploring the city's food scene, these are the essential things to do on a visit to San Francisco © lechatnoir / Getty Images

Famously beautiful,  San Francisco  is one of the most filmed, photographed (and shared on social networks) cities in the world. It’s even better in real life.

Pictures can never capture the taste of mouthwatering, farm-fresh dishes, the clang of the cable car and the truly joyous celebrations of individuality you’ll find on any visit here. But where do you start your urban exploration? From world-class museums to the best in LGBTIQ+ culture and incredible city vistas, here are the best things to do on any visit to San Francisco.

1. Admire the Golden Gate Bridge from these vantage points

Other suspension bridges are impressive feats of engineering, but the Golden Gate Bridge tops them all for its razzle-dazzle. On sunny days, this American icon transfixes crowds with its radiant glow (there are great views from Crissy Field ), made possible by the work of 28 daredevil painters who reapply around 1000 gallons of International Orange paint each week. To inspect their work, duck under the bridge into Fort Point , make your way to the roof and look up: you’ll notice that even on the underbelly of the bridge, not a single rivet is allowed to get rusty.

Planning tip:  Head to the Marin County end of the bridge as the late-afternoon fog rolls in, and you’ll witness the ultimate magic show: now you see the Golden Gate Bridge, now you don’t. Return tomorrow for its dramatic unveiling, just in time for the morning commute.

2. Explore the attractions of Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park seems to contain just about everything San Franciscans love about their city, from bonsai and buffalo to flowers, free music and free spirits. The  de Young Museum  offers superb exhibitions of fine art in a striking contemporary building designed by Herzog & de Meuron, while the nearby  California Academy of Sciences  is a research institute and fabulous natural history museum complete with its own rainforest and aquarium. The park is also home to the  San Francisco Botanical Garden , Japanese Tea Garden , Conservatory of Flowers and Stow Lake . Today, everything SF needs is here: inspiration, nature and murals.

Planning tip:  With its myriad attractions, you could wander the park for a week and still not see them all. Select a few, take your time, and end your day enjoying the sunset over the Pacific with a fresh-brewed beer at the Beach Chalet .

3. Photograph the Mission’s 400+ street murals

Love changed the course of art history in the 1930s when modern-art power couple Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo honeymooned in San Francisco. Kahlo completed her first portrait commissions during her time in the city, while Rivera created public masterpieces that inspired generations of San Francisco muralists. Today San Francisco’s Mission District is an urban-art showstopper, featuring more than 400 murals throughout the neighborhood .

Planning tip: Head to  Balmy Alley for some of the oldest murals, while 24th St and the landmark San Francisco Women’s Building are covered with glorious portrayals of community pride and political dissent.

4. Browse the iconic City Lights Books

Free speech and free spirits have rejoiced since 1957, when City Lights founder and poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and manager Shigeyoshi Murao won a landmark ruling defending their right to publish Allen Ginsberg's magnificent epic poem Howl . Celebrate your freedom to read freely in the designated Poet’s Chair upstairs, overlooking Jack Kerouac Alley. Then load up on zines on the mezzanine and entertain radical ideas downstairs in the new “Pedagogies of Resistance” section.

5. Jump on a cable car – and hold tight

Carnival rides can’t compare to the time-traveling thrills of the  cable car , San Francisco’s steampunk mode of public transport. As the rickety wagons ascend notoriously steep streets, first-timers slide into strangers’ laps – cable cars were invented in 1873, long before seat belts – as regulars just grip the leather hand straps, leaning back and riding the downhill plunges like pro surfers. Follow their lead, and you’ll soon master the San Francisco stance and find yourself conquering the city’s hills without even breaking a sweat.

6. Be inspired at the Asian Art Museum

Inspiration can be found across three floors spanning 6000 years of Asian art at this inspiring museum. Visitors can take in everything from meditative Tibetan mandalas to palace-intrigue Mughal miniatures, with stops to admire intricate Islamic geometric tile work, giddy arrays of Chinese snuff bottles and an entire Japanese minimalist teahouse. Besides the largest collection of Asian art outside Asia – 18,000-plus works – the Asian Art Museum offers excellent all-ages programs, from shadow-puppet shows to DJ mixers. Expanded ground-floor galleries host groundbreaking contemporary installations, from Jean Shin’s melted cell phone towers to teamLAB’s immersive Tokyo dreamscapes.

7. Savor California food culture at the Ferry Building

Global food trends start in San Francisco. To sample tomorrow’s menu today, head to the Ferry Building , the city’s monument to trailblazing local, sustainable food. Don’t miss the Saturday farmers market , where top chefs jostle for the first pick of rare heirloom varietals, and foodie babies blissfully teethe on organic California peaches.

Planning tip: Take a trip to Pier 14, where you can make a picnic from food truck finds as you overlook the sparkling bay – and let lunch and life exceed expectations.

8. Tour Alcatraz, the notorious island prison

From its 19th-century founding as a jail for Civil War deserters and Native American dissidents until its closure by Robert Kennedy in 1963, Alcatraz was America’s most notorious penitentiary. With easy access from the city, a thrilling and unexpected history, daring tales of thwarted escape attempts and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, “the Rock” garners 1.4 million visitors each year. Freedom will never feel so good as it will on the return ferry to San Francisco, only 1.25 miles across the bay’s riptides.

Planning tip:  For maximum chill factor, book the spooky night tour .

9. Duck down the backstreets of Chinatown

Enter Dragon’s Gate to saunter down Chinatown’s main tourist drag, Grant Ave. It's hard to believe this pagoda-topped, souvenir-shop-packed strip was once the wildest spot in the West – at least until you see the fascinating displays at the Chinese Historical Society of America . Walk Waverly Place , Chinatown’s soul, lined with flag-festooned, colorful temple balconies and family-run businesses. Then duck into Chinatown’s historic alleyways to glimpse a neighborhood that’s survived against daunting odds, listening for mah-jongg tiles, temple gongs and Chinese orchestras as you wander the backstreets.

Local tip: Finish your tour by refueling with some tantalizing traditional dim sum.

10. Trace the history of the avant-garde at SFMOMA

From the moment of its founding in 1935, the  San Francisco Museum of Modern Art envisioned a world of radical new possibilities. SFMOMA was a forward-thinking early collector in such then-emerging media as photography, murals, film and installation. Today, the institution has tripled in size and ambition, dedicating entire wings to new media, room-size paintings, high-tech design and monumental Richard Serra sculptures.

Planning tip:  If you want to visit all seven floors, it's best to set aside a whole afternoon.

11. Go over the rainbow in the Castro

Somewhere over the rainbow (crosswalk), you’ll realize you’ve officially arrived in the Castro district – the most out-and-proud neighborhood on the planet for more than 50 years. Walk in the footsteps of LGBTIQ+ trailblazers along the  Rainbow Honor Walk , get to know civil-rights champions at America’s first GLBT History Museum and join history perpetually in progress at San Francisco’s month-long, million-strong Pride celebrations in June .

12. Take in the city panorama from Coit Tower

Wild parrots might mock your progress up Telegraph Hill – but then again, they shouldn’t expect to keep scenery like this to themselves. The Filbert St Steps pass cliffside cottage gardens to reach SF’s monument to independent thinking: Coit Tower . Fire-fighting millionaire Lillie Hitchcock Coit commissioned this art deco monument to honor firefighters, while muralists captured 1930s San Francisco in its lobby frescoes. Coit Tower’s paintings and panoramic viewing platform show off the city at its best: all broad perspectives, outlandish and inspiring. 

Detour:  SF has 41 peaks, and as you scale those steep hills, your calf muscles will strain, and gravity will seem unkind – but persevere. All grumbling will end once you reach the summit and feel like you have the world at your feet. For different angles, head to hilltop green spaces like George Sterling Park and Ina Coolbrith Park , San Francisco’s crowning glories. Alternatively, go to  Corona Heights  and  Buena Vista Park  for wind-sculpted trees and Victorian turrets.

13. Hear the sea lions bark at Pier 39

Sea lions took over Pier 39 , San Francisco’s most coveted waterfront real estate, in 1989 and have been making a public display of themselves ever since. Naturally, these unkempt squatters have become San Francisco’s favorite mascots, and since California law requires boats to make way for marine mammals, yacht owners have had to relinquish valuable slips to accommodate as many as 1000 sea lions. Night and day, they canoodle, belch, scratch and gleefully shove one another off the docks. It’s a joy to watch.

Planning tip:  These giant mammals can be found on the docks between January and July (and whenever else they feel like sunbathing). 

14. Get hands-on with science at the Exploratorium

Can you stop time, sculpt fog or make sand sing? At the  Exploratorium , San Francisco’s hands-on laboratory of science and human perception, you’ll discover superhuman abilities you never knew you had. But the Exploratorium is not just for kids: there are kid-free hours on Thursdays offering mad-scientist cocktails, technology-assisted sing-alongs and themed exhibits for an 18-plus crowd. 

15. Play vintage amusements at Musée Mécanique

A flashback to penny arcades, the Musée Mécanique  in Fisherman’s Wharf houses a mind-blowing collection of vintage mechanical amusements. Sinister, freckle-faced “Laffing Sal” has freaked out kids for over a century, yet don’t let this manic mannequin deter you from the best arcade west of Coney Island. A quarter lets you start brawls in Wild West saloons, peep at belly dancers through a vintage Mutoscope and get hypnotized by a Ferris wheel made from toothpicks.

16. Sip a cocktail at a Barbary Coast bar

Friendly bartenders were once highly suspect in Barbary Coast, San Francisco’s Gold Rush–era red-light district. Circa 1849, a night that began with smiles and a 10-cent whiskey could end two days later, waking from a drugged sleep on a vessel bound for Patagonia. Now that double-crossing barkeep Shanghai Kelly is no longer a danger to drinkers, San Franciscans can relax over historically correct cocktails at North Beach’s revived Barbary Coast saloons, including Comstock Saloon , Devil’s Acre  and  15 Romolo . Today’s saloon scene is a fitting homage to drunken sailors of yore, with iron stools, absinthe fountains, dim lighting and reassuring barkeep banter.

This article was first published Feb 3, 2015 and updated Feb 5, 2024.

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

San Francisco Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 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 (the famous “Full House” house is here), 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:

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How to Spend Two Perfect Days San Francisco [2023 Itinerary]

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco and want to make the most of your time, you’ll want to plan your itinerary carefully. With so many iconic landmarks, beautiful parks, and delicious restaurants to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why I’ve put together a two-day itinerary of my favorite places that will help you see the best of San Francisco in just 48 hours. Discover all the top sights and activities which includes riding cable cars, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, and exploring Union Square and Alcatraz Island.

Your Perfect Two Day San Francisco Itinerary:

San francisco itinerary day 1:.

9:00am – Start your first day by riding a historic cable car from Powell Street to Fisherman’s Wharf. San Francisco’s cable cars are an iconic symbol of the city, and a ride on one of these vintage vehicles is a must-do activity for any visitor. The Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines both stop at Fisherman’s Wharf, which is a popular tourist destination located on the northern waterfront of San Francisco. Be sure to grab a seat on the outside of the car to enjoy the view as you make your way down the steep hills and through the city’s charming neighborhoods.

10:00am – Explore Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoy some fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants. Fisherman’s Wharf is known for its fishing boats, street performers, souvenir shops, and seafood restaurants. Some popular attractions in the area include the Aquarium of the Bay, the Maritime Museum, and the Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf. You can also take a stroll along the Embarcadero and enjoy views of the San Francisco Bay.

12:00pm – Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and tour the infamous prison. Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that operated from 1934 to 1963. It housed some of the country’s most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, also known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” Today, Alcatraz is a must-see attraction that offers guided tours of the prison and the island’s natural beauty. The ferry ride to Alcatraz offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

3:00pm – Head to Golden Gate Park and visit the Japanese Tea Garden and the de Young Museum. Golden Gate Park is a massive urban park that covers over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, lakes, museums, and other attractions. The Japanese Tea Garden is a peaceful oasis within the park. It offers traditional tea ceremonies, koi ponds, and bonsai trees. The de Young Museum, a world-renowned art museum, showcases American art from the 17th century to the present day. It also features exhibitions of art from around the world and has a stunning observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city.

6:00pm – Walk to Haight-Ashbury for dinner at one of the many trendy restaurants. Haight-Ashbury is a neighborhood in San Francisco that became famous in the 1960s as the center of the counterculture movement. Today, it is known for its colorful Victorian houses, vintage clothing stores, and eclectic dining scene. Some popular restaurants in the area include Magnolia Brewery, Cha Cha Cha, and Alembic.

8:00pm – Experience one of San Francisco’s most iconic music venues by catching a show at The Fillmore. This historic venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix. The Fillmore is renowned for its intimate setting and excellent acoustics, making it a must-visit destination for music lovers.

San Francisco Itinerary Day 2:

9:00am – Start your day by driving down Lombard Street, one of the city’s most famous streets. Lombard Street is a winding street in San Francisco that is famous for its hairpin turns and steep gradient. It is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the city and the bay. If you don’t have a car, you can also walk down the street and take in the sights at a leisurely pace.

10:00am – Take a stroll around Union Square, one of San Francisco’s premier shopping destinations. Union Square is a public plaza in the heart of downtown San Francisco. It is surrounded by high-end department stores, boutique shops, and restaurants, and is home to several art galleries and theaters. The square is a great place to people-watch and soak up the city’s energy.

12:00pm – Head to North Beach for lunch and explore the neighborhood’s Italian heritage. North Beach is a neighborhood in San Francisco that is known for its Italian-American community and cultural heritage. It is home to several authentic Italian restaurants, bakeries, and cafes. Some popular attractions in the area include Washington Square Park, the Saints Peter and Paul Church, and the Beat Museum.

3:00pm – Visit Ghirardelli Square and indulge in some delicious chocolate treats. Ghirardelli Square is a historic landmark in San Francisco that was once the site of a chocolate factory. Today, it is a shopping and dining complex that is home to several restaurants, boutique shops, and the Ghirardelli chocolate store. Be sure to try some of their famous hot fudge sundae or chocolate-dipped strawberries.

6:00pm – Take a stroll along the Embarcadero and enjoy views of the Bay Bridge. The Embarcadero is a waterfront boulevard that stretches along the eastern edge of San Francisco’s downtown area. It offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the city skyline. There are also several restaurants and cafes along the way where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink.

8:00pm – Enjoy dinner in the Mission District, a neighborhood known for its vibrant street art and diverse dining scene. The Mission District is a neighborhood in San Francisco that is known for its Latino heritage, colorful murals, and eclectic restaurants. Some popular dining spots in the area include Tartine Bakery, Foreign Cinema, and La Taqueria.

10:00pm – End your evening with a nightcap at one of San Francisco’s luxury hotels, such as the Fairmont San Francisco . San Francisco has several world-class luxury hotels that offer stunning views, elegant accommodations, and top-notch amenities. Treat yourself to a night of luxury and indulge in a cocktail at one of these iconic establishments.

What is the Best Time to Visit San Francisco:

San Francisco is a great place to visit year-round. The city has a mild climate that rarely gets too hot or too cold. However, the best time to visit San Francisco is during the fall months. From September to November the weather is typically warm and sunny, and the crowds are smaller than during the summer months. Spring is also a great time to visit. The city’s gardens and parks are in full bloom, and the weather is generally mild.

How to Get to San Francisco:

There are several ways to get to San Francisco, depending on where you are coming from.

If you are flying, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the main airport serving the city. There are also several other airports in the Bay Area, such as Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Jose International Airport (SJC).

If you are driving, San Francisco is accessible via several major highways, including Interstate 80, Interstate 280, and US Highway 101. Be prepared for traffic and limited parking options, especially in popular areas like Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square.

If you prefer to take public transit, Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses serve San Francisco, and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system connects San Francisco with the surrounding areas.

Finally, if you are already in California, you could consider taking a scenic drive up the coast on Highway 1 or Highway 101 to reach San Francisco.

Most commonly asked questions about visiting San Francisco, answered:

Why is fairmont san francisco famous .

The Fairmont San Francisco was built before the 1906 earthquake and fire, and it famously survived the disaster. The hotel was designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan and opened in 1907, just one year after the earthquake. It quickly became a symbol of San Francisco’s resilience and recovery from the disaster. The building features a stunning Beaux-Arts façade and grand interior spaces, including a marble staircase and a lavish ballroom.

The Fairmont has hosted many notable guests over the years, including US presidents, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities. In addition to its historical significance, it’s known for its luxurious 606 guestrooms, restaurants and bars like the Tonga Room, and a rooftop garden with stunning views of the city. Fairmont San Francisco is a great spot for anyone interested in history, architecture, and luxury accommodations. It remains a beloved icon of the city more than a century later.

What are the top things for you to do in San Francisco?

You should definitely check out the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, the cable cars, and Golden Gate Park. Other must-see spots include the Painted Ladies, Lombard Street, the Exploratorium, and the de Young Museum. If you want some great photos, then definitely visit the most instagrammable places in San Francisco .

When is the best time for you to visit San Francisco?

The best time for you to visit San Francisco is from September to November, or from March to May. These months offer mild weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer tourist season.

What is the weather like in San Francisco?

San Francisco has a mild climate with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low-70s Fahrenheit year-round. However, the city is known for its microclimates, so be prepared for cooler temperatures and fog in some neighborhoods.

How do you get around San Francisco?

You can get around San Francisco using several public transportation options, including cable cars, buses, and the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) subway system. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available.

What are the best neighborhoods for you to stay in when visiting San Francisco?

Popular neighborhoods for visitors include Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Embarcadero. The Mission District and Haight-Ashbury are also great options for those looking to experience San Francisco’s unique culture.

How much does it cost to visit San Francisco?

The cost of your trip to San Francisco depends on several factors, including transportation, accommodations, and activities. On average, visitors can expect to spend between $150 and $300 per day.

What are the best places for you to eat in San Francisco?

San Francisco is known for its diverse and innovative food scene. You should try some of the top restaurants, such as the Michelin-starred State Bird Provisions, Zuni Cafe, and Tartine Bakery.

How long should you stay in San Francisco?

Most visitors spend between three and five days in San Francisco, which allows time to see the top attractions, visit the best neighborhoods, and experience the city’s unique culture. However by following the perfect San Francisco itinerary above, you can see all the best things the city has to offer in just two days when you don’t have much time.

What are the best day trips for you to take from San Francisco?

Popular day trips from San Francisco include Napa Valley, Sonoma, Muir Woods, and Silicon Valley.

What are the must-see attractions in San Francisco for you to visit?

In addition to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf, you should check out the Cable Cars, Golden Gate Park, and the Painted Ladies. Other popular attractions include the California Palace of the Legion of Honor and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Why is the Palace of Fine Arts famous?

The Palace of Fine Arts is famous for its stunning architecture and historical significance. It was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, a world’s fair that celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal and the city’s rebirth after the devastating 1906 earthquake.

The Palace of Fine Arts, one of the most extraordinary historic buildings, was designed by architect Bernard Maybeck and is considered one of the best examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the United States. The building features a massive dome, a colonnade of Corinthian columns, and a reflective lagoon that creates a peaceful and picturesque setting.After the fair ended, most of the buildings were dismantled, but the Palace of Fine Arts was so beloved by San Franciscans that it was spared and eventually restored. Today, it serves as a cultural center and event venue, and it is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.Overall, the Palace of Fine Arts is famous for its architectural beauty, historical significance, and peaceful setting, and it is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in art, architecture, or history.

A San Francisco Itinerary for Two Perfect Days

San Francisco is a city that offers something for everyone, from its iconic landmarks to its diverse neighborhoods and world-class dining and shopping. With this two-day itinerary, you can explore some of the city’s most popular attractions, learn about its history and culture, and enjoy the vibrant energy that makes San Francisco such a special place. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, San Francisco is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Only have 24 hours in San Francisco ? I have a blog post for that, too!

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Thank you for your support!

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Travel + Leisure Readers' 5 Favorite Hotels in San Francisco of 2023

Market Street and Union Square proved to be particularly popular spots in our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2023.

Chelsee Lowe is a Los Angeles-based writer with an obsession with good eats and interesting stories. She regularly contributes to Travel + Leisure , TravelAge West , Ventura Blvd , and L.A. Parent , writing about food, family travel, and more.

How Voting Works

What readers loved, the full list.

Rich in history, culture, and style, San Francisco attracts travelers of all kinds from around the world – in fact, more than 21 million people visited the city last year. If they were looking for art, they likely visited SFMOMA and the de Young Museum. For architecture buffs, Coit Tower, the Painted Ladies, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge are among must-sees. Snacking and shopping in Chinatown, the oldest such community in the U.S., is a treat for the senses. But no matter what your itinerary includes , you will need a place to lay your head at night, and ideally that place is as captivating as the city itself.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 T+L readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Rooms/facilities

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

Manolo Yllera

If we use this year’s reader-voted winners to better understand San Francisco today, all signs point to a resurgence of energy around Market Street and Union Square, or “the epicenter of the city,” as one reader described it. All five top hotels are located here, placing guests within walking distance of the Ferry Building, cable car stops, Chinatown, historic theaters like the Orpheum, and more. 

Property No. 3, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, offers “intuitive service,” not to mention easy access to Market Street and Yerba Buena Gardens. The same goes for The St. Regis San Francisco (No. 2), which one reader calls “wonderful” enough to return for years. For a real peek into the city's past, try Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel (No. 5), a landmark structure standing since 1909. Without further ado, here are the hotel's readers picked as the best in San Francisco.

San Francisco Proper Hotel

Opened in 2017, San Francisco Proper is the epitome of style — many details inside the 131-room refurbished flatiron building were overseen by designer extraordinaire Kelly Wearstler, and no matter where you turn, her unbelievable skill at overlapping textures, patterns, colors, and shapes makes for a visual feast. Guests love the double-height lobby lounge, where mismatched, bohemian-ish furnishings and eclectic art make it feel more like your hip auntie’s sprawling living room. Rooms are just as stunning, with Wearstler-designed wallpapers that pop, and there are swoon-worthy dining venues on site, too. We’re partial to rooftop bar and restaurant Charmaine, where you can order a spritz and a burger to go with your views of the Golden City. Should you need help, one reader expects you’ll get exactly what you need from the “phenomenal” staff.

1. San Francisco Proper Hotel

Reader Score: 92.12

2. The St. Regis San Francisco

Reader Score: 91.29

3. Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

Reader Score: 90.88

4. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

Reader Score: 90.35

5. Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Reader Score: 89.00

27 Non-Touristy Things to Do in San Francisco

Here’s what to do to get to know the multifaceted city by the bay, from classic attractions to quirky events..

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Lakes, museums, and miles of trails make Golden Gate Park a wonderful attraction for locals and out-of-towners.

Photo by Jeffrey Eisen/Unsplash

For many, San Francisco conjures images of cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge; loaves of sourdough and seafood-slinging fishmongers at Fisherman’s Wharf; Victorian houses and steep hills; a storied and sometimes tumultuous past full of beatniks, hippies, jazz musicians, and immigrants from all over the world—all of who helped build the city into what it is today.

After living here for more than 10 years, I’ve learned that all of those things are quintessentially San Francisco, but also that the city has a seemingly endless array of outdoor activities, a vibrant and diverse food scene, world-class museums, and plenty of quirky, smaller sights to discover (and delight), all packed into 49 square miles. On your next trip to the City by the Bay, my advice is to skip the hubbub at Fisherman’s Wharf and get down with us locals with these great things to do in San Francisco.

1. Spend a day at Golden Gate Park

• Neighborhood : Sunset/Richmond | Google Maps

Did you know that San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is larger than New York City’s Central Park? At 1,017 acres (compared to Central Park’s 843), it’s an impressive urban green space, full of things to discover. Some of the top attractions include:

• Blue Heron Lake , formerly known as Stow Lake, has pedal boats and a snack stand with local craft beers.
• The Conservatory of Flowers is an iconic Victorian greenhouse and indoor botanical garden.
• The Japanese Tea Garden is known for its cherry blossoms and for being one of several places responsible for popularizing the Chinese fortune cookie.
• Bison Paddock is a field that’s home to the city’s resident herd of bison (yes, bison).
• de Young Museum is one of the city’s largest fine arts museums.
• California Academy of Sciences sits opposite the de Young and comprises a science museum, an aquarium, and a planetarium. Don’t miss the exhibit on the infamous 1906 earthquake.

While you could head to the park with a map and a plan, it’s also fun to wander aimlessly. Cover more ground by renting a bike at the entrance of the park and pedaling the car-free stretch from Stanyan Street to Crossover Drive, which is now permanently closed to cars. Keep an eye out for sculptures, waterfalls, and other quirky, hidden sights throughout.

The city’s most iconic attraction may be a tad touristy, but it’s still worth a visit.

Lyndsey Matthews

2. Bike or walk across the Golden Gate Bridge

• Neighborhood : Presidio | Google Maps

No trip to San Francisco is complete without a trip to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. To make an adventure out of it, challenge yourself to walk or bike across the 1.7-mile-long landmark. If you decide to walk across, it’s worth the extra steps to go part way up Hawk Hill in the Marin headlands for a stellar view of the bridge and city. Crossing on two wheels? Descend into Sausalito for lunch at sustainable seafood restaurant Fish. Then take the ferry back.

3. Picnic at the Presidio Tunnel Top Park

In 2022, San Francisco added a new park to its roster, and it happens to have one of the best unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge. With a large, clean lawn, ample picnic tables and seating, food trucks, a kids’ play area, and even a working firepit—complete with lounge-worthy Adirondack chairs—you’ll want to linger. And if these weren’t enough reasons to visit, a new café serving focaccia-style sourdough pizzas and freshly made pastries, called Il Parco, opened earlier this year.

4. Listen to the Wave Organ

After lounging at the Tunnel Top, wander downhill to Golden Gate Yacht Club in search of the Wave Organ , a wave-activated acoustic sculpture that produces a variety of sounds. This quirky attraction was designed by Exploratorium artist in residence Peter Richards and built in collaboration with sculptor and mason George Gonzales.

While tourists flock to Alamo Square Park to see the famed Painted Ladies, locals come to enjoy dog-friendly picnics and coffee from Lady Falcon Coffee Club.

Photo by Simone Anne

5. Picnic beside the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square Park

• Neighborhood : Lower Haight | Google Maps

This small, neighborhood park is popular among local picnickers and dog-owners but also a prime spot to view (and take photos of) the Painted Ladies, the row of Victorian houses made famous by the TV show Full House . For a local take, bring a picnic blanket and stay awhile, ideally with a cup of coffee from Lady Falcon Coffee Club’s vintage truck , which sells drinks in the park each Thursday through Sunday. After, walk to the Mill , a bakery known for its over-the-top toasts. Yes, there’s an avocado option—this is California, after all—though the ricotta and seasonal jam is a personal favorite.

In the spring, Twin Peaks is full of color thanks to blooming poppies and lupines.

Photo by Jessie Beck

6. Hike from Glen Canyon Park to Twin Peaks

• Neighborhood : Twin Peaks | Google Maps

As long as Karl (the city’s personified fog ) is taking a break, Twin Peaks is a great spot for a view of the city. With trails that lead from the neighborhoods below up to the top, it also a fine end destination for a moderate, uphill urban hike. We suggest the 3.8-mile Glen Canyon Park to Twin Peaks loop .

7. Party in the sun at Dolores Park

• Neighborhood : Mission | Google Maps

On weekdays, this park in one of San Francisco’s sunniest neighborhoods is a chill place for dogs and kids to run around. On weekends, especially if the sun is out, Mission Dolores Park turns into a massive party. Locals and out-of-towners gather here to sunbathe, enjoy a bit of bubbly, smoke pot , or simply people-watch.

For picnic supplies, head to Woods Cerveceria for craft beer to go, Bi-Rite Market for snacks and sandwiches (not to be confused with the also excellent ice cream shop, Bi-Rite Creamery , across the street), or Dolores Outpost for coffee, Japanese-style snacks, and a great selection of sake. The original Tartine Bakery is also nearby—but be prepared to wait up to an hour if you visit on a weekend (weekdays are much less busy).

While here, you might as well try a Mission burrito , which is typically larger, sometimes grilled, and often includes rice. While there’s much debate among San Francisco residents about who does it best, Taqueria El Farolito , La Taqueria , and La Palma Mexicatessen are all excellent options.

8. Learn how chocolate is made at Dandelion Chocolate

Ghirardelli isn’t the only chocolate game in town. One of our favorites is Dandelion Chocolate , which has become one of the most beloved chocolate makers among San Franciscans since it opened in 2010. The chocolate recipe is simple—sugar and cocoa beans are the only ingredients—but the flavors are complex. Although you can’t go wrong popping by the Valencia street café for a hot chocolate or souvenir bars, it’s worth joining Dandelion at its factory in the Mission District . Here, you can join a tour to find out how chocolate is made or participate in one of many classes and tastings, such as a whiskey and chocolate pairing.

9. Attend a drag show brunch

• Neighborhood : Castro | Google Maps

Rainbow flags fly high in the Castro, and it’s long been the center of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene. If you happen to be in town for Pride, you’re sure to find the biggest parties here (and nearby Dolores Park). Any other time of the year, one of the most fun ways to embrace the spirit of the Castro is with a drag show brunch at Beaux , the Lookout , or Midnight Sun —mimosa in hand, naturally.

The SFMOMA is a stunning piece of architecture, as well as home to an expansive collection of art for visitors to enjoy.

Photo by Matthew Millman Photography

10. Catch an art exhibit at the SFMOMA

• Neighborhood : SOMA | Google Maps

In 2016, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) completed its 10-story expansion , making it one of the largest public collections of art in the city. For art lovers, it’s an essential visit to experience a rotating collection of art exhibits, such as the current Yayoi Kusama: Infinite Love (now–May 28, 2024) exhibit with two of the Japanese artist’s iconic Infinity Mirror Rooms, or the upcoming Art of Noise (May 4–August 18, 2024), a multisensory exhibit exploring how design has changed how we experience music.

After, grab lunch at the nearby Jewish Museum , which has an outpost of locally loved Wise Sons Jewish Deli , or drinks at Kona’s Street Market, a moody bar with globally inspired cocktails by the same team from award-winning Pacific Cocktail Haven, Kona’s sister bar.

How to visit

The SFMOMA is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Tuesday; 1 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays; and closed Wednesdays. Advance tickets are recommended and cost $30 for adults. Entry for children 18 and under is free.

The ruins of an old bathhouse, Sutro Baths, rest at the end of the Land’s End trail by Ocean Beach.

Shutterstock

11. Hike Land’s End and visit Sutro Baths

• Neighborhood : Outer Richmond | Google Maps

There’s no shortage of parks and urban trails within the city’s seven-by-seven miles, but Land’s End is arguably the most iconic hike. Beginning in the outer Richmond and ending at the historic Sutro Baths (the ruins of a pool and bathhouse popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s), this moderate, dog-friendly, 3.4-mile trail takes hikers through cypress groves, past dog-friendly beaches, and by several views of the Golden Gate Bridge. End your hike with a well-earned drink at the Beach Chalet , either in its large outdoor garden or its indoor bar overlooking Ocean Beach.

12. Visit Alcatraz . . . at night

• Neighborhood : Embarcadero (Departure ferry) | Google Maps

The defunct island prison of Alcatraz isn’t exactly unknown, but for a more off-beat experience, join a night tour of the historic landmark. It is to be especially spooky.

Ferries to Alcatraz depart from Pier 33 on the Embarcadero. Night tours through Alcatraz City Cruises cost $56 per adult and $33 per child.

13. Spend an afternoon sailing

• Neighborhood : Embarcadero | Google Maps

Thanks to high winds, cold ocean temps, and frequent fog, it’s rare to see residents here flock to the beach for a day of sunshine and swimming the way you might in San Diego or L.A. If a day at the beach isn’t in the cards, one of the best ways to get in—or on, rather—the water is with a sailboat tour, such as those run by Adventure Cat Charters.

Tours depart from Pier 39 (Fisherman’s Wharf) and cost $65 to $75 per person.

14. Kayak in the bay

• Neighborhood : South Beach | Google Maps

Looking for a more active way to get out on the water? Rent a kayak from City Kayak and paddle around the bay while enjoying views of Treasure Island, Alameda, and Oakland. (Tip: Go earlier in the day to avoid high winds.)

15. Catch a Giants game at Oracle Park

Whether a Giants loyalist or not, baseball fans won’t want to miss the chance to see a game at Oracle Park , whose waterfront location means people get to watch the action against a beautiful backdrop of the Bay.

One pro tip? The best seats aren’t necessarily in the stadium. Fans can grab standing-room-only (SRO) tickets to watch from the outfield’s veggie garden, pop in for free in the right field outfield viewing area, or kayak up to the stadium’s edge in McCovey Cove for a chance of catching a splash hit.

San Francisco’s Ferry Building is a landmark worth visiting any day of the week—though Saturday mornings are especially lively thanks to the weekly farmers’ market.

Foodwise/Amanda Lynn Photography

16. Go to the Saturday Farmers’ Market at the Ferry Building

The Ferry Building is open every day of the week, but Saturdays are the most fun to visit, thanks to the expansive, weekly farmers’ market (a smaller version happens on Tuesdays and Thursdays). Come here for stalls full of fresh produce, locally made cheeses, meat, fish, and plenty of ready-made food. Roli Roti almost always has the the longest line—and for good reason. Its porchetta sandwiches are crispy, decadent perfection. But be sure to save room for all the delightful eateries inside the building too: Hog Island Oyster Company , Fort Point Beer , Dandelion Chocolate , Humphrey Slocombe ice cream , and Reem’s Arab bakery are several highlights.

The unique architecture for the Palace of Fine Arts makes it a recognizable landmark.

Nikhilesh Haval/age fotostock

17. Attend an event or admire the architecture at the Palace of Fine Arts

• Neighborhood : Marina District | Google Maps

Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition, the Palace of Fine Arts is a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture. Stroll the adjacent gardens and pond while admiring the Greco-Roman–inspired structure, most recognizable for its rotunda and Corinthian-style columns, or attend a concert, comedy show, or film screening at the Palace’s theater.

18. Catch a free concert at Stern Grove (summers only)

• Neighborhood : Sunset | Google Maps

From June through August, the outdoor amphitheater at Stern Grove , a peaceful, eucalyptus-filled park in the Sunset district, plays host to a series of free weekend concerts. But don’t expect to see a no-name cover band, here. The organization hosts some surprisingly well-known artists, with past performances by the likes of Cat Power, Ziggy Marley, and LeAnn Rimes.

19. See a live jazz show

• Neighborhood : Civic Center / Tenderloin

In the early and mid-20th century, San Francisco was a major hub for jazz music , attracting notable artists such as Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald. The Fillmore (once known as “the Harlem of the West,”) and Tenderloin districts were particularly well-known for their lively clubs and nightlife. Although the scene isn’t quite what it was in its heyday (redevelopment of the area in the 1970s caused many clubs to relocate or shutter), the tradition lives on. Today, you can still enjoy world-class jazz music at SFJazz , a few blocks from the historic Fillmore district, or head to the Black Cat Jazz & Supper Club in the Tenderloin, whose leather seats and dark interiors channel moody vibes from a bygone era.

20. Grab a martini and piano show at Martuni’s

• Neighborhood : SOMA/Mission | Google Maps

While the downtown dueling piano shows can be fun, you’re more likely to find residents hanging around Martuni’s . Most say the establishment, which sits smack in the middle of the Mission, Hayes Valley, and SOMA neighborhoods, is the city’s only true piano bar. In operation since 1996, this LGTBQ+-friendly, San Francisco institution also serves (as the name might suggest) a mean martini.

21. Watch a modern circus troop at Club Fugazi

• Neighborhood : North Beach | Google Maps

From 1974 to 2019, Club Fugazi was home to Beach Blanket Babylon , the world’s longest-running revue. Although fans were saddened by its closure, a new (and, dare we say, just as fun?) show, Dear San Francisco , has taken its place at Fugazi. Part circus, part spoken word, the performance uses acrobatics, music, and a touch of humor to take the audience on a journey through the city’s booms and busts. For a full evening, pair your visit with dinner nearby. We love Cassava , which serves fresh Californian fare, Z & Y Peking Duck , a new Chinese restaurant known for its duck, Bodega , a natural wine bar with small bites, and old-school Italian classics like Tony’s Pizza Napoletana and Sotto Mare .

How to attend

Tickets cost $49 to $79 per person, depending on where you sit (try to get a seat on stage, if you can). They can be purchased online .

22. Catch a race down San Francisco’s windiest street

• Neighborhood : Potrero Hill

With San Francisco’s steep hills and windy roads come . . . racing. Each April, join or watch one of the city’s quirkier events, the Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race , where costume-clad adults race down windy Vermont Street on big-wheel trikes (the race began on Lombard Street but was moved to the windiest street in the city shortly after). It takes place in the Potrero Hill neighborhood—also home to one of the most popular brunch spots in the city, Plow —and we promise the race will be far more exciting than a standard visit to Lombard Street.

San Francisco’s Chinatown was founded in 1848.

Photos by Alex Lau

23. Learn about Asian American history in Chinatown

• Neighborhood : Chinatown | Google Maps

Immigrants from China and throughout Asia have been an important part of San Francisco’s history from the city’s beginnings. There are few better places to learn about this community’s history than the city’s historic Chinatown, which was founded in 1848. Although easy to explore on your own, it’s worth it to join a walking tour with volunteer-led San Francisco City Tours (which does guided tours throughout the city) or a food tour with Stretchy Pants . Both are led by local experts who will share the area’s history as you visit iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory or the Dragon Gate.

However, much of the present-day Chinese and Chinese American community’s activity is centered around Clement Street in the Richmond neighborhood. Sometimes dubbed the city’s “new Chinatown,” this area is home to a myriad of Asian and Asian American shops, groceries, and restaurants, like the popular dim sum spot Hong Kong Lounge .

24. Soak and relax at a day spa in Japantown

• Neighborhood : Japantown | Google Maps

In this small enclave of Japanese and Japanese American culture, there are ramen restaurants and quirky shops, of course—but one not-to-miss highlight is Kabuki Springs . In operation since 1968, this day spa is similar to the sentos (public bathhouses) found throughout Japan, complete with hot and cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms.

Related: Is This San Francisco’s Most Underrated Neighborhood?

25. Shop independent and local

• Neighborhood : Various

Malls and big brand names cluster downtown around Union Square, but it’s the smaller neighborhood shops that truly showcase the creative flair of the city. From shops slinging handmade leather goods ( Ian James ) and vinyl records ( Amoeba Music ) to small batch ceramics ( MM Clay ) and inclusively sized clothing ( Curator ), these are some of the best streets to wander for an afternoon of shopping for indie and artisan goods:

• Valencia Street (Mission)
• Hayes Street (Hayes Valley)
• Haight Street (Haight-Ashbury)
• Clement Street (Richmond)
• Chestnut Street (Marina)
• Divisadero Street (NoPa)

The still-operating Vesuvio Cafe was once a popular hangout for beatniks.

Jessie Beck

26. Embrace your inner beatnik at City Lights Bookstore

• Neighborhood: North Beach | Google Maps

Considered one of the best bookstores in San Francisco, City Lights is a must-visit for any bibliophile—but especially those with a love of beat literature. In addition to the usual sections, it has an entire floor dedicated to beatnik books and poetry, including some hard to find prints and works by lesser-known writers. Afterwards, head next door to Vesuvio Cafe to open your new book alongside a beer or cocktail in what was once a popular beat hangout.

27. Enjoy a cocktail with a view at Top of the Mark

• Neighborhood : Nob Hill | Google Maps

End your adventures with a cocktail at Top of the Mark, a historic, high-end cocktail lounge established in 1939 on the 19th floor of the Mark Hopkins Hotel. Although its history is fascinating (in WWII it was a known spot for soldiers to have one last drink before shipping out; during the Korean War, soldiers began the “squadron bottle” tradition, sponsoring a bottle of bourbon to be kept behind the bar until their group returned), most people come here for the 360-degree, panoramic views of the city below. It may not be the hippest bar in town, but it’s an institution worth visiting at least once.

This article was originally published in 2023 and most recently updated on May 1, 2024 with current information.

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The best things to do in San Francisco right now

From Mission burrito joints to laid-back wine bars, here are the best things to do in San Francisco right now.

San Francisco is a city like none other—its charming streets, famous landmarks, sweeping views,  world-class restaurants , boundless nature and vibrant culture make it one of the most beloved places to visit in the world. While the city's top tourist attractions, like the Golden Gate Bridge  and  Alcatraz  are worth seeing—if you want to experience the city like a local, we have you covered.

From eating burritos  in the Mission to rooftop bar hopping  to hanging out on a sunny day at Dolores Park , we have rounded up the best ways to truly get a taste of this wonderful city. So, grab a sweater to keep you cozy and some sneaks to get you up our iconic hills, and get ready to leave your heart in San Francisco. 

RECOMMENDED: The best museums in San Francisco

This guide was updated by San Francisco-based writer Clara Hogan . At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

An email you’ll actually love

Best things to do in San Francisco

1.  Presidio Tunnel Tops

What is it:  An expansive new park  opened in 2022  on  top of the Presidio Parkway highway tunnels,  connecting the Presidio to the Crissy Field waterfront—designed by the same people behind New York's High Line. 

Why go:   The 14-acre federal parkland offers tons of green space by the water and is now  one of the best spots to take in views of the  Golden Gate Bridge . If you have kids in tow, they'll love the Outpost, a natural-themed playground, and the Field Station, where they can draw butterflies, discover maps and get hands-on with science.

2.  Rooftop bar hopping

What is it?  Take in sweeping views of San Francisco and the bay with a craft cocktail in hand.

Why go? Rooftop bars  used to be hard to come by in the city—until recently. The past few years have brought a series of sky-high venues that are now some of the hottest places to drink in town. Personal favorites include the recently reopened Starlite , a nearly 100-year-old cocktail bar on the 21st floor of the Beacon Grand Hotel. Other hot spots include  Cavaña , a Latin American-inspired bar in Mission Bay, and Rise Over Run , a lush drinking destination on the top floor of the LINE Hotel.

3.  Golden Gate Bridge

• Things to do

What is it?  The world’s most photographed bridge (and for good reason). 

Why go?  The iconic 746-foot-tall orange towers of the Golden Gate Bridge have stood sentinel over the San Francisco Bay since 1937. Even when shrouded in fog, the bridge never fails to impress. The view is spectacular when passing over this span, with cityscapes on one side, nature on the other, and a beautiful shock of blue below. Come prepared wearing extra layers; Karl the Fog doesn’t mess around when it comes to the Golden Gate. 

4.  Ferry Building Marketplace

What is it?  San Francisco's largest farmers market and beloved permanent home for local artisan producers. 

Why go?  Waiting inside the historic Ferry Building are merchants like Dandelion Chocolate and Fort Point Beer Co., but for three days a week, the real action is found outdoors. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 2pm, and Saturdays from 8am until 2pm, regional farmers and ranchers converge to hock fresh veggies, flowers, meats, and other small-batch beauties. On market days, the food stalls give indoor brick-and-mortar restaurants a serious run for their money.

5.  North Beach

What is it? Dubbed San Francisco's "Little Italy," North Beach is one of San Francisco's oldest and most loved neighborhoods.

Why go?  With European-style cafe seating, iconic bookstore City Lights , and buzzy coffee shops, a day in North Beach is a day well spent. Dine at Italian-American classics like Original Joe's  (open for more than 100 years), Tony's Pizza Napoletana or  Café Zoetrope .

Don't miss:  Stop by for a glass of wine or two at  Waystone , a delightfully unpretentious wine bar that's quickly become a local favorite. 

6.  Alcatraz

• Walks and tours
• San Francisco

What is it? A former maximum-security prison in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. 

Why go? Converted from a lighthouse station to a military prison in the 1870s, Alcatraz  is a formidable fortress in the middle of San Francisco Bay that was home to the early 20th century’s most notorious criminals. Today, you’ll only make it to “The Rock” via ferry from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. Once there, the self-guided audio cell house tour narrated by former inmates and guards will fill you in on harrowing escape attempts, prison riots, and the 19-month-long occupation of the site by Native Americans demanding reparation for broken treaties in 1969. 

Don’t miss: To get a more creepy bang for your buck, try a night tour. Plan to spend about three hours round trip and bring a jacket to protect you from heavy year-round fog and the agonized spirits of the island’s former residents. 

7.  Have a spa day

What is it?  Unwind at one of the city's best day spas.

Why go?  San Francisco has a spa for everyone. Looking to splurge? Book a treatment at the Bamford Wellness Spa , followed by an outdoor bath soak on the rooftop terrace. Looking for more amenities? Head to the more approachable  Burke Williams Day Spa , which features a large selection of treatments in addition to a jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. Up for experiencing something new—with a side of nudity?  Archimedes Banya  is a massive co-ed bathhouse that blends wellness rituals from around the world. 

Don't miss:  A quick pop-in for a foot rub at one of the many Chinatown massage shops.

8.  Treat yourself to a fancy dinner

What is it?  After the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars, San Francisco may be most famous for its incredible restaurant scene. 

Why go?  Book a reservation at one of San Francisco's many Michelin-starred restaurants  for a dining experience that's sure to blow you away—including the city's newest star earners,  Aphotic and Nari . If you're looking for a memorable prix fixe experience without shelling out a small fortune, try newcomer 7 Adams , which offers a five-course tasting menu for $87 from Michelin-starred chef David Fisher and partner Chef Serena Chow Fisher.

9.  Chinatown

What is it?  The oldest and most storied enclave of Chinese immigrants outside of Asia.

Why go?  After passing through the Dragon Gate at the corner of Bush Street and Grant Avenue, get revved to explore Chinatown 's historic buildings, pocket parks, and shops. Considered the birthplace of American Chinese food like chop suey and fortune cookies, as well as credited with introducing dim sum to the Western palate, you'd be remiss not to stop for a bite at an eatery like   Good Mong Kok Bakery .

Don’t miss:  The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory  (56 Ross Alley) , where some 20,000 fortune cookies are made every day—folded by hand as they come off an ancient-looking cookie conveyor belt.

10.  PIER 39 + Fisherman's Wharf

• Fisherman's Wharf

What is it? Where you can   see a plethora of playful, barking California sea lions. 

Why go?  It wasn’t until after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that sea lions began “hauling out” on K dock at Pier 39 . Why they chose this location is a mystery, but the protected bay, teeming with the fish and squid pinnipeds prefer, has kept them coming back for 30 years. Watch the group, mostly made up of younger males, frolic all year long from the wooden walkway behind Pier 39.    

11.  Mission burritos

What is it?  SF’s quintessential dish. 

Why go?  It is common knowledge that burritos, as we know them today, are an American invention. And no burrito is more famous than SF’s Mission-style burrito formed in the '60s. There is still some debate as to who created the first Mission-style burrito.  Taqueria La Cumbre  is generally credited with the creation—they introduced the tortilla-wrapped combination of beans, rice, meat, and cheese in 1969. Their neighborhood competitor,  El Faro  (2399 Folsom St) , also claims to have originated the delicacy, serving it up to local firefighters as early as 1961. If you want the best, though, head to  La Taqueria (2989 Mission St), which consistently appears on top restaurant lists year after year thanks to its behemoth, rice-free foil-wrapped bombs.

12.  Golden Gate Park

• Golden Gate Park

What is it?  Twenty percent larger than New York’s Central Park and just as iconic, Golden Gate Park is 1,000-plus acres of rolling hills, groves of trees, gardens, and hidden treasures. 

Why go? Golden Gate Park  houses some of San Francisco’s most beloved institutions—the Victorian-era glass-ensconced Conservatory of Flowers, the de Young Fine Arts Museum, and the Academy of Sciences, among them—as well as less famous attractions such as the bison paddock, Shakespeare’s Garden and the north and south windmills. On Sundays, the main drive is closed to cars. Bicyclists, rollerskaters, and eager Lindy Hop aficionados take over the streets. 

Don’t miss:  Snacks can be found throughout the park, but for a meal, the  Beach Chalet  and  Park Chalet  on the park’s western edge offer lovely views and house-brewed beer.

13.  Lombard Street

What is it? One of the most famous sights in the city is  Lombard Street , also known as the "Crookedest Street in San Francisco."

Why go? The zig-zag road makes eight sharp turns across Russian Hill—start at the top for a great view and walk down the steps to take in the surrounding mansions and gaze upward. Or if you have a car, you can try the drive for yourself. Tip: The Hyde Street cable car will drop you off at the top of the street.

14.  The Painted Ladies

• Alamo Square

What is it?  Colorful Victorian and Edwardian houses, many of which feature three or more colors. 

Why go?  The most famous ones—there are hundreds of houses—can be found in NoPa, the Lower Haight, Haight-Ashbury, and Cole Valley neighborhoods. But there’s one row, in particular, so iconic that it’s simply referred to as “the Painted Ladies” (or sometimes “Postcard Row”): the houses of 710-720 Steiner Street at the corner of Hayes Street. These gals have appeared in an estimated 70 movies, ads, and TV shows, including, yes,  Full House . You can’t enter the Painted Ladies (real people live there), but you can get a great view and a photo of your own from the east-facing hillside of Alamo Square across the street. 

15.  Dolores Park

What is it?  Once a Jewish cemetery, today Dolores Park is one of San Francisco’s favorite warm-weather destinations.

Why go?  It may be miles from the ocean, but sunny Mission Dolores Park might just be the most popular 'beach' in San Francisco. Any weekend above 60 degrees and every green inch of the park is guaranteed to be packed with barbecues, locals lounging on inflatable couches, hula-hoopers, and tightrope walkers. Recently expanded restrooms and an updated playground for little ones make the convergence a little more comfortable. The southwest slope offers the best views of the downtown skyline and a variety of manscaping on what is known as the 'Fruit Shelf'.   

16.  Palace of Fine Arts

• Event spaces
• Marina District

What is it? Local architect Bernard Maybeck's pièce de résistance, this Greco-Roman rotunda is one of the only surviving structures from the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Why go? You will feel like you have stepped onto a movie set watching the swans skim across the reflections of the Greco-Roman columns and rotunda of the Palace of Fine Arts . Originally constructed of wood and burlap for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition, the structures were so beloved they were preserved and rebuilt in the 1960s. Bonus: The Palace is an easy, descending walk from the also-picturesque Lyon Street Steps.

17.  Daily Driver

What is it?  The city's first urban creamery, where you can see butter, cream cheese and cheese made fresh daily. 

Why go? A perfect first stop in your day's activities, Daily Driver offers wood-fired bagels, paired with its hand-batted organic butter and cream cheese, plus small batch coffee. Gobble down your bagel, and then watch the butter and cheese making in action. You can even take more to go. 

18.  City Lights Bookstore

• price 2 of 4

What is it?  For more than 60 years, City Lights bookstore has been a beacon of free speech and radical ideas. 

Why go?  Co-founded in 1953 by poet-artist Lawrence Ferlinghetti, City Lights is where Allen Ginsberg’s  Howl & Other Poems  was first published, putting the Beat Generation on the map. The creaky wooden shop and publishing house is still a center of progressive politics and indie-literary voices, which it stocks alongside a huge inventory of new and used fiction and nonfiction.

Don’t miss:  You’ll find the shop on the corner of Jack Kerouac Alley (so named after being renovated and reopened to the public in 2007) and across from  Vesuvio Cafe , the bar where Kerouac, Neal Cassady, and other Beat heavyweights once held court. 

19.  San Francisco Botanical Garden

What is it?  Seasonal blooms bring new life and color to this beautiful garden. 

Why go?  The 75-year-old San Francisco Botanical Garden sprawls across 55 acres in Golden Gate Park. While the native plants are plentiful, it's known for its assortment of flora from around the world, including the forests of Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia. The garden claims the fourth most significant collection of magnolias on the planet. Wander amid mosaic-paved trails and stone-laden paths, and you'll find the ancient plant garden, a quiet redwood grove, the rhododendron garden, and the dwarf conifer pond.

Don't miss:  One of the most popular areas is the Garden of Fragrance, where plaques encourage visitors to sniff sweet-smelling plants like cascading rosemary, rockrose, lemon verbena, chamomile, and lavender.   

20.  The Buena Vista

What is it?  The birthplace of the Irish Coffee. 

Why go?  Although the Buena Vista has been slinging drinks for seafaring folk since 1916, it wasn’t until 1952 that the cafe got its big break. That year Joe Sheridan, an Irish chef, invented the Irish Coffee. These days, the restaurant’s white-jacketed bartenders serve up to 2,000 of the froth and whiskey concoctions daily from behind the long, mahogany bar. 

Don’t miss:  Alongside their specialty, the Buena Vista has a menu featuring a variety of seafood options like clam chowder and Dungeness crab cocktail, befitting its Fisherman’s Wharf location. 

21.  Japanese Tea Garden

What is it?  The oldest public Japanese gardens in the country are at the heart of Golden Gate Park.

Why go?  The Japanese gardens burst with color and beauty in the early spring as maples flame and cherry blossoms bud. Walk stone paths through manicured terraces, through pagodas, and over the impossibly arched drum bridge, or meditate on the zen garden before heading to the picturesque Tea House for a cuppa.

Don’t miss:  For over a century, the Tea House has served fortune cookies, believed to be the first to be introduced to the United States. They are still on the menu, tucked into cookie plates and bowls of arare.  

22.  Urban hikes

What is it?  Unusually for a modern American metropolis, San Francisco is crisscrossed with dozens of hiking trails .

Why go?  Some treks like the Creek to Peaks trail at Glen Canyon Park traverse steep, rocky terrain. Others, such as the Presidio’s Bay Ridge Trail, are better suited for a leisurely wander. Whatever level of difficulty you choose, your path will expose you to the city’s natural landscape, which rivals the built one that made it famous in beauty. Still have energy? The trails at Mt. Davidson, Lands End, Bernal Heights Park, and Buena Vista Park are also very popular.

23.  San Francisco Whale Tours

What is it?  A short boat ride out of San Francisco Bay affords you a front-row seat to one of the most spectacular wildlife migrations when some 20,000 gray whales travel south in January and back north in the early spring months.  

Why go?  From April through November, humpbacks and blue whales—the largest animals to have ever lived—frequent these anchovy-rich waters.  San Francisco Whale Tours  and the  Oceanic Society  offer tours led by expert naturalists.  

Don’t miss:  For the more seaworthy, full-day expeditions circle the Farallon Islands, home to massive breeding colonies of sleek Common Murres and clownish Tufted Puffins. Round that out with seals and sea lions, dolphins, killer whales, and the peculiar ocean sunfish, and you’ll feel like David Attenborough for a day. 

24.  The Presidio

What is it?  A former military base boasting more than two square miles of swaying eucalyptus trees and gorgeous views. 

Why go?  From the oceanside Crissy Field with its immaculate views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz to the Disney Museum on the Main Post, and from the abandoned military forts on the shore to the Yoda monument, the Presidio  is full of surprises. Hike or bike around this park, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and larger than Golden Gate Park, or take the free  PresidiGo shuttle .

Don’t miss:  Check out the Presidio's buzzy new restaurant openings, Mediterranean restaurant Dalida  and casual Italian-inspired cafe, Il Parco . 

25.  Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Café

What is it?  At the flagship Boudin Bakery on Fisherman’s Wharf, tangy loaves are still made from a mother dough first cultivated here in 1849.

Why go?  Discovered by Gold Rush-era bakers, sourdough became so beloved so quickly that miners seeking their fortune in the nearby Sierra Nevadas snuggled up to their yeast starters (“mothers”) on cold nights to keep them alive. The bacteria responsible for the sour flavor,  lactobacillus sanfranciscensis,  has since even been named after the city—and this is  the  place to sample sourdough, period. 

Don’t miss:  Watching the bread-making process from the railing overlooking the showcase kitchen, sampling it at the café, and buying a few loaves to bring home with you. 

26.  Mission murals

What is it? The Mission District ’s alleys and buildings are decorated with over 200 distinct murals, many reflecting the neighborhood’s Latino heritage and themes of social justice. 

Why go? Thanks in large part to the efforts of artist Susan Cervantes and the Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center , you’ll find the most concentrated outdoor galleries at Caledonia Alley (at 15th Street), Clarion Alley (at Valencia Street), Balmy Alley (at 24th Street), Horace Alley (at 25th Street), Cypress and Lilac Alleys (at 26th Street) and Osage Alley (at 25th Street).  Keep an eye out for Mary Nash’s Las Milagrosas: Tribute to Women Artists  on Balmy Alley.

27.  Dispensaries

What is it?  A new "crop" of recreational cannabis dispensaries with lounges for on-site smoking.

Why go?  Since recreational marijuana use became legal in 2018, San Francisco’s weed dispensaries have slowly ramped up to offer not just ever-wider varieties of edible and smokable strains but full-on Amsterdam-inspired weed cafes. (Architectural Digest even named  Apothecarium  one of the best-designed dispensaries in the country). At the  Barbary Coast Dispensary , the brick-walled bud bar and damask wallpapered lounge channel Gold Rush-era San Francisco. Try the dabs on tap or purchase a pre-rolled joint to smoke in the high-backed leather booths. Volcano vaporizers laid out on tables at SoMa’s  Sparc  are available for quick sit-and-hit or longer stays. 

28.  Tartine Bakery

• Mission Dolores
• price 3 of 4

What is it?  A Mission bakery where you can munch on tried-and-true pie varieties baked to perfection, from the creamy pumpkin to the oat-walnut crumble-topped apple.

Why go? Tartine ’s master bakers, husband and wife team Chad Robertson and Liz Prueitt, have taken home numerous local and national awards for their rustic approach to pastry and bread. The line around the block of food lovers seeking heavenly Croque monsieurs, fresh fruit bread puddings, frangipane tarts, and their famous crusty country bread hasn’t budged since the bakery opened in 2002. And it is still worth the wait. 

Don’t miss:  Don't have time to queue? At Tartine Manufactory, you will find Robertson and Prueitt’s beloved baked goods along with some of the city’s best artisan ice cream, coffee, and more. 

29.  Angel Island

What is it? The Ellis Island of the West.  

Why go? Angel Island  is a hidden gem that serves a perfect mix of history and nature for an easy day trip from the city. Tour the U.S. Immigration Station, where over a million Chinese immigrants were processed from 1910 to 1940 and sometimes detained for years. (Chinese poetry can still be seen carved into the walls of the barracks.) Afterward, hike to the summit of Mt. Livermore, bike the 5-mile Perimeter Trail, or take a break at several picnic sites.   

30.  Divisadero Street

What is it?  What Valencia Street was to the Mission 10 years ago, Divisadero Street is to the Alamo Square/NoPa—a corridor filled with some of the city's best eateries and bars with more on the way.

Why go?  There are so many fantastic restaurants and bars packed into these six blocks of Divisadero Street you'll have trouble choosing your favorites. For brunch or a light snack, try  Brenda's Meat and Three , which serves some of the city's best soul food, or  The Mill  for freshly baked toast and  Four Barrell coffee . At dinner, head to Italian favorite  Che Fico  or the original neighborhood dining powerhouse,  NoPa . For drinks, try cocktail bar  Horsefeather  or  Club Waziema , an Ethiopian restaurant with a beloved dive bar up front.

31.  Breweries

• Potrero Hill

What is it?  The Bay Area has a bevy of intoxicating options for suds savants. 

Why go?  Sipping your way through SF's famed breweries might be the best (or at least buzziest) way to spend an afternoon. There's  Almanac Beer Co.  (known for its farm-to-barrel brewing techniques),  Anchor Brewing Company  (a pioneer dating back to 1896),  Fort Point Beer  (an expert in low-ABV brews), and many other great breweries that will keep any hops-head happy. 

32.  Dogpatch

• Ice cream parlors

What is it?  Once an industrial neighborhood, the Dogpatch is reinventing itself as a go-to for craft brewers, wine bars, and cocktail experimentation.

Why go?  Where should we start? Breweries? Sure, the Dogpatch has those. Cocktails are on order at the drinks-and-jerky bar  Third Rail  and the lounge  School Night  atop event space The Pearl. You can also  take a deep dive into the classic Victorian stylings of  The Sea Star . 

Don’t miss:  Ungrafted , an industrial-cool, family-friendly wine bar with a menu of grown-up comfort food.

33.  Colorful stairways

What is it?  Nearly 400 different stairways , some of them built more than a century ago, connecting San Francisco’s 42 hills.

Why go?  These steep passageways not only get you off the grid but offer some of the city’s best views, from the 290-step Lyon Street stairway (between Green Street and Broadway) to the delightful, garden-accented Pemberton Steps (starting at Corbett and Clay Streets). On Moraga Street in the Inner Sunset 163 mosaic tiled steps connect 15th and 16th Avenues. Macondray Lane (off Leavenworth St between Union and Green Sts) inspired Armistead Maupin’s secretive, leafy green Barbary Lane in his  Tales of the City  series. 

Don’t miss:  The Filbert Street Steps, arguably the most spectacular of them all, climb through tropical gardens from the bottom of Sansome Street to Coit Tower in North Beach.

34.  Tony’s Pizza Napoletana

• North Beach

What is it?  Tony Gemignani, the first American to win the World Champion Pizza Maker title in Naples, has made his namesake pizzeria one of North Beach’s top destination dining spots.  

Why go?  Don't come to Tony's Pizza Napoletana  looking for New York-style pizza. This is Gemignani's paean to Napoli, complete with ten different kinds of pizza baked in seven different ovens, ranging in temperature from 550 to 1,000 degrees. Crowds line up sometimes hours to sample one of these perfectly blistered creations. And there are no reservations, so put in your name and be prepared to wait. 

Don’t miss:  Heavenly Tomato Pie, with hand-crushed tomato sauce and cooked in a coal-fired oven, and the Margherita, with San Felice-flour dough and San Marzano tomatoes. 

35.  San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

• Art and design
• Yerba Buena

What is it? SFMOMA  is the stylish go-to for top-notch modern art. 

Why go?  Reopened to much fanfare in May 2016, this new-and-improved institution features a ten-story 170,000-square-foot addition that nearly triples the space of its original Mario Botta-designed building. On display alongside favorites from the museum’s permanent collection are sixteen special exhibition galleries, works specially commissioned for the new museum, and 45,000 square feet of ground-floor exhibits.

36.  San Francisco Cable Cars

What is it?  A chance to take in Nob Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf, Russian Hill, and the bay while hanging off the running boards Doris-Day-style. 

Why go?  In the late 1800s, San Francisco’s cable cars ran 23 routes to move people around the city’s 49 square miles. Today, though most locals have switched to more efficient modes of public transportation to get around, a ride on one of the three remaining cable car lines is still a classic San Francisco treat. Hop aboard one of these and a National Historic Landmark and shoot back to simpler times.  

Don’t miss:  Make a stop at the  Cable Car Museum  at Mason and Washington Streets to learn more about the history of the cars and get a glimpse of the giant wheels turning the underground cables that power 'em.   

37.  Exploratorium

• Science and technology

What is it?  A massive museum for the child in everyone.

Why go?  At its home on the Embarcadero waterfront, the Exploratorium  uses play and experimentation to introduce visitors to scientific principles. From the storage lockers that play tones when you touch them to the outdoor fog bridge by artist Fujiko Nakaya, everything in the museum is hands-on. New exhibits appear regularly, but even the museum’s most beloved mainstays—the Sweeper's Clock, a fascinating movie loop in which two street sweepers keep time by pushing around piles of trash; the toothpick diorama of San Francisco; and the Tactile Dome, a sensory-deprivation crawl-through maze—are worth returning for again and again. 

Don’t miss:  Upstairs on the second floor, the glass and steel Bay Observatory and the sustainable seafood restaurant Seaglass , which offers stunning views of the Bay.

38.  Stern Grove Festival

• Music venues

What is it?  The longest-running non-profit music festival in the country, these   free weekly concerts in the summer at Stern Grove take place in the middle of a eucalyptus forest.

Why go?  A summer of free shows at this idyllic outdoor amphitheater in Golden Gate Park featuring major names from across the music industry. Keep an eye out for the lineup; it is guaranteed to be stellar.  

39.  Oracle Park

• Sports and fitness
• South Beach

What is it?  Overlooking the bay, Oracle Park is home to the San Francisco Giants.

Why go?  With over 700 Wi-Fi access points, the park is one of the largest public wireless hotspots in the world. It was the first Major League ballpark to receive LEED Silver Certification. It was ranked the Most Vegetarian-Friendly Ballpark by PETA in 2014, 2011, 2006, and 2005. And it is where Kanye West proposed to Kim Kardashian in 2014. Sure, things eventually turned sour, but they'll always have Oracle Park. 

Don't miss:  Grab a perfectly greasy slice of Tony's Pizza, a North Beach classic joint. 

40.  California Academy of Sciences

What is it?  An incredible showcase of all things science. 

Why go?  The Cal Academy  offers a bit of everything for science-loving folks. Budding marine biologists should make a beeline for the Steinhart Aquarium, which takes up the entire lower floor and has exhibits like the world’s deepest living coral reef. Are you into ecology? Check out a four-story living rainforest that boasts butterflies, birds, and a variety of tropical plants. The living roof is home to 1.7 million native plant species.

Don't miss:  The Morrison Planetarium is state-of-the-art and great for aspiring astronomers. 

41.  San Francisco Symphony

• Civic Center
• price 4 of 4

What is it?  Whether you’re a classical music connoisseur or can’t tell Bach from Beethoven, you’ll find something to love about the San Francisco Symphony’s film nights . 

Why go? Watching a Hollywood movie on the big screen while a full orchestra performs the score is the ultimate surround sound and a glimpse of movie magic. It’s also a high-wire act for the musicians who have to stay in perfect sync scene to scene while channeling adrenaline and shmaltz.

42.  Coit Tower

What is it?  Added to the San Francisco skyline in 1933, this monumental love letter to the city remains an iconic welcome for travelers westbound across the Bay Bridge. 

Why go?  Named for Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy eccentric whose $118,000 bequest to the city resulted in Coit Tower 's construction, the tapered, fluted tower stands 180 feet tall at the crest of Telegraph Hill. At the top is the tower’s observation deck with 360-degree views of San Francisco and the Bay. 

Don’t miss:  A rotunda at its base, covered in Depression-era WPA murals depicting socialist images painted by more than two dozen artists, some of whom studied under Diego Rivera.  

43.  TreasureFest

What is it?  A festival held on Treasure Island on the last weekend of each mont with live music, food vendors and amazing views.   Why go? The rebrand to TreasureFest from Treasure Island Flea is a fitting upgrade for this kid- and dog-friendly outdoor extravaganza. Expect handcrafted jewelry and ceramics, vintage clothing, antique art, and furnishings. Sip a sangria, show off your pooch, and hunt for that perfect pair of vintage Levi’s. Bring cash for extra haggling power.

44.  Castro Theatre

• Movie theaters
• Independent

Note: The theater is currently closed as it undergoes renovations.

What is it?  The chance to dress up and catch a show at a historic LGBTQ+ community landmark.

Why go?  The Castro Theatre  always has a full entertainment line-up, so check the calendar. Catch an indie flick, attend a podcast pop-up or see a comedy show—no matter what you book tickets for, you'll be in awe of the beauty of this architectural gem. 

Don't miss:  What started out as an excuse for Castro District denizens to don dirndl dresses and do their best Julie Andrews impressions has blossomed into regular sing-along sessions to some of the biggest live-action and Disney musicals of the last 100 years, including  Grease ,  The Little Mermaid ,  West Side Story , and  Frozen . 

45.  Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar

What is it?  A kitschy, island-themed Tiki Bar born in the Bay Area.

Why go?  The tiki kitsch is at its best at the historic Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar , where the walls drip with tropical storms and a band plays on a floating island in the middle of what was once the pool of the Fairmont Hotel.

Don't miss:  Local band the Island Groove, who plays nightly at 7pm ($15 cover)

46.  El Rio LGBTQ bar

• Bernal Heights
• price 1 of 4

What is it?  The chance to take in San Fran's rich LGBTQ culture (and a few drinks). 

Why go?  San Francisco—home of the country's first openly gay elected official (Harvey Milk), the birthplace of the rainbow flag, and the first city in the United States to legalize gay marriage—remains a major LGBTQ epicenter. While the Castro serves as the community’s beloved home with plenty of gay-friendly bars, for great live music, try Bernal Heights’ Latin-themed former Brazilian leather-cum-lesbian bar, El Rio .

Don't miss: Daily happy hour from 4-7pm with $1 off well drinks and draft beers

47.  Church of 8 Wheels

• Lower Haight

What is it?  An old church where you can roller skate to funky beats. 

Why go?  Each weekend at the Church of 8 Wheels  Godfather of skate, D. Miles, Jr., holds the 'rolliest' of services at the Church of 8 Wheels. Strap on some skates (available for rent for $5) and join the Holy Rollers, the groovy costume-wearing regulars, beneath the twinkling mirror ball. It is the most spiritual of skating experiences.

Don’t miss:  Want to take the party outside? On Fridays, the Rollers host an alfresco 12-mile skate. It all kicks off at Ferry Plaza. 

48.  Musée Mécanique

• Special interest

What is it?  An homage to turn-of-the-century mechanization, with more than 200 coin-operated games.

Why go?  A museum in name only, everything at the Musée Mécanique can, and should, be played with. Many of these amusements were salvaged from San Francisco’s now-defunct seaside amusement park, Playland at the Beach. Gypsy fortune tellers, giant moving dioramas, can-can-girl stereoscopes, carnival strength testers, player pianos, and a looming Laughing Sal (the cackling Playland greeter) are just as amusing for adults as they are for kids. 

Don’t miss:  When you’ve had your fill of fun, check out the earthquake memorabilia and early photos of San Francisco along the walls of the arcade.

49.  Audium Theater of Sound

What is it?  A one-of-a-kind theater for blowing your sonic mind. 

Why go? Inside the Audium , t hroughout a two-hour performance, theater-goers are left in darkness to be bathed in “sound sculptures” from the 176 speakers surrounding the circular 49-seat theater. The sound calls attention to its speed and movement, but any more than that is hard to explain; you’ll just have to experience it yourself.

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11 Things to Know Before Traveling San Francisco (2023)

Last Updated on August 3, 2023 by Christine Kaaloa

This post may contain affiliate links. Never leave home without travel insurance. Click for the insurance finder tool.  and affordable insurance for COVID/quarantine protection .

Penned under our expert traveler series, this guest post is written by travel blogger and San Francisco native of over 21 years, Carol Guttery of Wayfaring Views . She will be your San Francisco travel guide to San Francisco travel tips.

San Francisco has a lot going for it. It’s a liberal, technology-forward city with great food, fabulous views and quirky culture. But San Francisco can also be tricky to navigate and it’s one of the most expensive spots in the United States. So have fun in the city but be smart about it. This San Francisco travel guide shares 11 things to know before traveling San Francisco.

Table of Contents: 11 Things to Know Before Traveling San Francisco (2023)

• 1.1.1 Haight Ashbury
• 1.1.2 The Castro
• 1.2 2. San Francisco weather is chilly
• 1.3 3. What to wear in San Francisco
• 1.4 4. Where to walk in San Francisco
• 1.5.1 For sky-high views:
• 1.5.2 Best views of San Francisco city are from the mid-span of :
• 1.6 6. Don’t go to Pier 39. Just don’t.
• 1.7 7.  Alcatraz Tour
• 1.8 8.  Speaking of Pickpockets, Homeless & Panhandlers
• 1.9 9. Getting around San Francisco
• 1.10 10. Saving Money: Free events in San Francisco
• 1.11 11. Cheap eats in San Francisco
• 2 Conclusion
• 3.0.1 Union Square
• 3.0.2 Fisherman’s Wharf
• 3.0.4 The Mission
• 3.1 What San Francisco travel tips would you recommend? What are things to know before traveling San Francisco?
• 3.2.1 Things to Know Before you Visit Posts:
• 3.2.2 Solo travel tips:

11 Things to Know Before traveling to San Francisco

1. san francisco has an open culture.

In San Francisco, you can just let your freak flag fly because the city is very tolerant of people who just want to be who they are. San Francisco was ground zero for both the hippie movement of the 1960’s as well as the LGBT civil rights movement.

Haight Ashbury

You can explore the hippie culture by hanging out the the Haight Ashbury neighborhood . The Haight was home base for the 1968 Summer of Love , the anti-Vietnam war movement and free love. You can still find vestiges of its hippie history in some of the boutiques and record stores.

You can also explore San Francisco’s LGBT side by hanging out in The Castro . This traditionally gay neighborhood has fun bars and theaters that welcome everyone. One of the other aspects of its open culture is that there is always someone walking around naked. Nudity is a thing in San Francisco and you can’t attend a parade, festival or even sometimes walk down the street without seeing a naked person. Just go with it. The police don’t care and neither should you.

Where to stay in Haight Ashbury: There aren’t many hotels directly in the Haight area. Check out this neighborhood map on where to stay in Haight .

Where to stay in The Castro :  Beck’s Motor Lodge , Parker Guest House , Willows Inn .

As  San Francisco’s most open neighborhoods, Haight Ashbury and the Castro are great neighborhoods to stay in.

2. San Francisco weather is chilly

Why those people are walking around naked is a bit of a mystery because San Francisco has chilly weather, especially in the summer. The warm summer air from inland California pulls in the cold ocean air, covering this city in a blanket of cool fog. And just to confuse you even further, each neighborhood in the city has a different micro-climate. Some areas are sunnier, some are warmer and some are foggier.

Tip: Check your weather app before packing and bring layers. You don’t want to be that dorky tourist who had to buy an overpriced “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” sweatshirt because you forgot to pack a jacket. Bring a slightly larger purse with a sweater and jacket layer and you won’t regret it.

3. What to wear in San Francisco

A thing to know about San Francisco is that it is an open culture so you can wear whatever you wish. The tech start-up culture in San Francisco means that the typical “corporate” uniform is a dark pair of jeans and an expensive hoodie.

Smart casual is the way to go here and you don’t need to worry about dressing up for dinner….unless that’s your thing. The best way to see this city is on foot, so bring something cute, but comfortable so that you can wander around without getting blisters.

4. Where to walk in San Francisco

Now that you are wearing comfortable shoes, where should you walk around in San Francisco? My favorite walking spot is the Embarcadero . It’s a wide pedestrian walkway that goes from the Giant’s Stadium in SOMA six miles around the bay to the Golden Gate Bridge . Walking any or all of it will give you a great street-level view of the city.

Also, check out the Mission neighborhood. Do a walking tour of the Mission District and you’ll find a Latino neighborhood with great street art. It is also the home of the famous Mission Burrito .

The Presidio is a big green hunk of western San Francisco which is part of the National Park Service . There are 25 miles of hiking trails that you can explore.

You can also take the ferry to Angel Island State Park and spend a day hiking around what was once an army base and immigration station.

Lastly, a trip to San Francisco would not be complete without a walking tour of Chinatown , one of San Francisco’s most popular cultural districts.

5. San Francisco is very photogenic

San Francisco is a peninsula surrounded on three sides by water and because the city is hilly, it’s not hard to find a great ocean or bay view. Taking a hop-on-hop-off tour of San Francisco will help you see all the top attractions so you can narrow down what you want to spend more time on.

For sky-high views:

• Climb Coit tower
• Hike up to the top of Telegraph Hill
• Visit Dolores Park
• Go to Alamo Square.
• There are also viewing spots on the platform at the DeJong Museum and you can have drinks with a view at the top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel .

Best views of San Francisco city are from the mid-span of :

Golden gate bridge  => check out the 14 best viewpoints of golden gate bridge..

• Alcatraz Island: Do a sailboat cruise of San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz
• Angel Island

6. Don’t go to Pier 39. Just don’t.

Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf always top the “must-do” lists of people who write about this city, but who have clearly never been there. Pier 39 is a touristy, pickpocket magnet of the worst sort with overpriced food and tacky souvenir shops. There are better places elsewhere in the city to get seafood, like the Ferry Building ( a restored Victorian ferry terminal), better shopping (like Fillmore St ), and cooler attractions (like the Exporatorium ).

That said, if you are into sea lions, they do have a resident population on the pier and it’s fun to watch their shenanigans.

7.  Alcatraz Tour

It’s also worth taking the Alcatraz tour, which leaves from Pier 39, but be sure to book it ahead (you can book 90 days in advance). The view of the San Francisco Bay from the ferry is photo lust-worthy. The official site for the Alcatraz ferry is Alcatraz Cruises .

Tip: For the ferry to Alcatraz,   arrive at the terminal 30 minutes prior to your departure. For more information, check the website for directions to the Pier, prices and times. If you must visit Pier 39 (as mentioned above) to catch the boat to Alcatraz, for heaven’s sake, don’t spend more than an hour hanging around.

8.  Speaking of Pickpockets, Homeless & Panhandlers

San Francisco is a generally safe city, but like many popular tourist cities, they do have a pickpocket problem. Just watch yourself at Pier 39 , the cable car turnaround on Powell and around Union Square .

Read 21 ways to outsmart pickpockets!

Check out my list of 11 Anti-Theft Bags for Solo travelers

San Francisco also has an intractable homeless problem. The homeless are generally harmless but you will get hit up for spare change, especially in the Union Square area. See my travel tips on dealing with beggars .

Also mind yourself in the Tenderloin neighborhood , which is just west of Union Square . There are a lot of decent and reasonably priced hotels and hostels in that neighborhood, which is great. But there is also a lot of panhandling and low rent housing. It’s safe enough to walk around, even at night but watch yourself.

Read San Francisco travel tips for safety and solo travelers

9. getting around san francisco.

The San Francisco airport is located 15 miles south of the city. Cabs or Uber into the city center will cost about $55 and take about 25 minutes without traffic or an hour at rush hour.

For ~$10, you can take the BART subway into downtown and it takes about 35 minutes. However, if you want to take BART back to the airport, pay careful attention to get on the right train, because not all of the trains going in that direction stop at the airport.

Once you are in San Francisco, the MUNI system of buses and light rail will do a pretty good job of getting you around to the most popular sites. They offer a 1-day pass but it’s probably just cheaper for you to pay the $2.75 fare when you want to get somewhere.

For areas not well served by public transport, you can easily catch an Uber. Uber was founded in San Francisco and they have excellent coverage in the city.

10. Saving Money: Free events in San Francisco

In addition to leveraging public transportation, there are a few other tricks that will help you save dough while in this cultural city. Most museums offer a free entry day at least once a month, usually on the first Sunday or Tuesday (see freemuseums.org for a list of free museums).

There are also many fun things to do that are always free like: hanging out in Dolores Park , hiking in the Presidio , walking across the Golden Gate Bridge , watching the Bay Bridge light up at night and hanging out at Ocean Beach .

In summer, there are free concerts in Stern Grove and during lunchtime at Union Square .

11. Cheap eats in San Francisco

San Francisco is a foodie town and you can spend your whole paycheck at Michael Mina’s five-star restaurant …or not. There is plenty of great…and cheap…food to be found.

Food trucks are a thing here and they cluster around certain spots in the city on the regular schedule. Check the Off the Grid schedule to find out where to go on the day that you are in town.

The Ferry Building is a foodie paradise, offering gourmet food at a variety of price-points. They also have a farmer’s market and food trucks on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday .

There are a bunch of taquerias in the Mission that offer excellent gut-busting burritos for under $10.

For after-hour drinks, there are a lot of fun bars in the SOMA neighborhood (near the Giant’s Stadium ) and most of them offer a happy hour from four to six.

Open yourself up to San Francisco’s kooky culture, foodie spots and cool vibes and you’ll have a great time on your visit.

– San Francisco Travel Guide added by GRRRLTRAVELER –

Where to stay in san francisco.

San Francisco has a handful of charming and culturally diverse neighborhoods for travelers to stay in. Here’s our San Francisco travel guide breakdown of the best San Francisco neighborhoods for travelers to stay in.

Union Square

U nion Square is San Francisco’s pulsing and busy heart of the city with access to shopping, restaurants, the plaza, and theaters. Where to stay in Union Square for best budget hotels & traveler faves.

Midrange San Francisco Hotels : Hotel Fusion C-Two Hotel has a trendy and modern vibe, with a bit of homey warmth that is perfect for the stylish traveler. It’s located in Union Square, near the Powell Street Cable Cars and Powell BART station,

Cute and Unusual Theme Hotel: Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco  is all about the stylish decor (retro, hip, modern, artsy, and just plain fun, the atmosphere transports you. It’s in the Union Square neighborhood, so you’ll be close to shopping and restaurants!

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is popular for tourists and an iconic spot for those who want bay views and lovely strolls to Pier 39 and Ghiradelli Square. Where to stay at Fisherman’s Wharf : The Wharf Inn , Hi San Francisco Hostel

Fairmont San Francisco  In an iconic historic building, the Fairmont San Francisco is a luxurious and historic hotel that’ll make you feel like royalty! Located on top of Nob Hill, with amazing views of the city!

SOMA  is a great place to stay if you want close access to museums, trendy restaurants and nightclubs.  Where to stay in SOMA, see best budget hotels & traveler faves.

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel this San Francisco hostel has a stylish decor, free breakfast, guided tours, dorm rooms with bunk beds and outdoor patio where you can meet other travelers and enjoy the sunshine. It’s in the SOMA neighborhood, 7 minutes from the Chinatown Gates and close to Yerba Buena Gardens.

The Mission

The Mission is a convenient neighborhood with a cultural flair.  The heart of the Latino and Hispanic neighborhood, it has street art, Latino food and gorgeous views of downtown from the famous Dolores Park. Where to stay in the Mission neighborhood

What San Francisco travel tips would you recommend? What are things to know before traveling San Francisco?

Travel essentials for san francisco.

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The Ultimate San Francisco Itinerary

From the Golden Gate Bridge and the fortress of Alcatraz, to the murals of the Mission District and the bright lights of Chinatown – this San Francisco itinerary will give you a great introduction to the city.

Welcome to San Francisco! Surrounded by lush hills and Californian coastline, and filled with famous monuments such as the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco has plenty to offer visitors.

You can satisfy your food cravings in Chinatown, marvel at the vibrant murals of the Mission District, and tour the city in a traditional cable car. And don’t worry about that ethereal fog that sometimes looms over the bay – it’s all part of what makes this city unique.

To help make your travel dream a reality, I’ve put together the ideal itinerary for 3 days in San Francisco, aimed at first time visitors and taking in some of the city’s best sights, sounds and smells.

If you’re looking for things to do in San Francisco, simply use my San Francisco itinerary, travel tips and guide for inspiration!

Oh, and if you fancy making your trip extra special, check out my pick of the best hotels in San Francisco with a view .

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

In terms of weather, San Francisco is known for the fog that descends in the bay area. Added to that, its coastal location means that the city never gets too hot, even in peak summer. Winter and spring, however, can be unpredictable and rainy, so to experience the best weather, I’d recommend visiting in autumn. Temperatures hover around 22 degrees Celsius, the main sights won’t be too crowded, and you’ll get to see the Californian forests in their colourful autumn tones.

San Francisco Itinerary

Cross the golden gate bridge.

Nothing can quite prepare you for the sight of the gleaming Golden Gate Bridge, which spans the mile-long strait connecting San Francisco to Marin County. This breath-taking feat of human engineering is the iconic symbol of the city, and crossing it is one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco.

If you just want to relax, the Golden Gate Bridge can be admired at your leisure from Crissy Fields, a park which offers excellent views of both the bridge and Alcatraz.

Alternatively, hire a bike at Fisherman’s Wharf, traverse the 1.7 mile-long bridge, and spend the day exploring the coast on the far side of the bay. If you’ve got the energy, it’s even possible to get all the way to Muir Woods by bike, where you can explore the grove of giant sequoia trees.

Grab Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Classic San Francisco destination, Fisherman’s Wharf has become something of a tourist trap in recent years. As the major jumping-off point for tours to Alcatraz, this bustling waterfront is often criticised for high prices and long queues.

However, despite the crowds, Fisherman’s Wharf is definitely worth a visit, if only to taste fresh crab or a delicious clam chowder from the street vendors. Don’t miss the noisy sea lions at Pier 39 – a unique attraction that should definitely be part of your San Francisco itinerary!

Wander Through Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the best places in the city to wander, explore, and eat to your heart’s content!

Leave space in your San Francisco itinerary for a meal here during your stay, and take advantage of the colourful shops and streets. If you love taking photos, you’ll be in your element.

Ride the Cable Cars

Did you even visit San Francisco if you didn’t ride one of the city’s iconic streetcars?

They transport passengers across the city, all the way from Union Square up to the top of Nob Hill. Atmospheric, creaking and beautifully decorated, a ride on the cable cars is one of the most unusual things to do in San Francisco.

The Powell-Hyde line will take you from Fisherman’s Wharf past some of the city’s most iconic sights. Don’t miss Lombard Street too, the famous flower-clad hill known for its sharp hairpin bends.

Admire Coit Tower

Perched on the top of Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Ascend the tower for a fabulous panorama of the city and the bay, or stay at ground level to admire the murals that adorn the base – painted by local artists during the Great Depression of the early 1930s.

Take a trip to Alcatraz

While spending the morning doing an audio tour of a former prison might not sound like a reason to get out of bed, you can’t visit San Francisco and not take the trip to Alcatraz. It was a real highlight for me.

Be sure to book in advance as a lot of the slots sell out. The tour offers a fascinating insight into the various attempted escapes and the big name criminals who used to be imprisoned there. It’s pretty eerie, but will definitely strike a chord.

Eat a Burrito in the Mission District

After a busy day exploring some of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco, head to the Mission District for great views over the city from Dolores Park, and some of the best Mexican food you’ll taste in California.

This trendy, diverse neighbourhood offers buzzing nightlife, as well as some of the city’s best bookshops, and vintage clothing stores. When I visited I went on a great food tour , during which I learned all about the history of the area and tasted some incredible and diverse cuisine. I’d definitely recommend adding that to your San Francisco itinerary if you have time.

Chill out in the Golden Gate Park

The Golden Gate Park is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. It features a traditional Japanese tea garden, a beautiful arboretum and several museums, all surrounded by tranquil walking trails.

Don’t miss the California Academy of Sciences – one of the most eco-friendly museums in the world! This vast park is a wonderful place to come in spring and summer, when it’s decorated with colourful flowers in full bloom.

Explore Haight-Ashbury

San Francisco is synonymous with the hippie movement of the 1960s, and Haight-Ashbury is where it all began. Although it’s become somewhat gentrified in recent years, this iconic neighbourhood still belongs on any San Francisco itinerary.

You’ll find vintage bookshops, cool cocktail bars, and colourful painted houses (including the former home of the band members of the Grateful Dead!).

Party in the Castro

Top off your San Francisco itinerary with a night out in the rainbow-clad streets of the Castro.

Home of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, this vibrant part of the city is a wonderful place to explore. You’ll find thrift stores, vintage clothes, bars, and clubs – everyone is welcome and you’ll be in for a fabulous night out.

Stay at a Luxurious Hotel in San Francisco

Palace hotel.

Located in downtown San Francisco, just off Market Street, the Palace Hotel is one of the city’s most glittering jewels. This stunning hotel is decorated in the Beaux Arts style, and has hosted plenty of Hollywood stars and international celebrities over the years.

You’ll find a restaurant decked out in glittering chandeliers and a beautiful domed ceiling, a state-of-the-art spa, and some of the most luxurious rooms in the city.

Check availability and latest prices at the Palace Hotel here

Huntington Hotel

Located in a great location in Nob Hill, the Huntington Hotel is one of San Francisco’s classiest offerings.

This luxury hotel offers spacious rooms and an uber-cool piano bar with regular live music. If long days of sightseeing have worn you out, take advantage of the wonderful spa facilities – the ideal way to unwind during your San Francisco travel itinerary.

Check availability and latest prices at Huntington Hotel here

Loews Regency San Francisco Hotel

The Loews Regency San Francisco Hotel offers, without doubt, the best view of any hotel in San Francisco.

With stunning vistas over the bay and the bridge (the hotel even provides binoculars so you can really make the most of it), it’s hard to beat for location.

What’s more, the service is warm, friendly and attentive, and the hotel has everything you might expect from a luxury place to stay. The ideal spot for those seeking a little luxury in a memorable location.

Check availability and latest prices at Loews Regency San Francisco Hotel here

Search for other hotels in San Francisco using this handy map

Tours in san francisco, straight to the gate: escape from the rock bay cruise.

Alatraz is one of San Francisco’s most notorious monuments, an impenetrable prison located on an offshore island, once home to some of America’s most dangerous and deadly criminals.

This cruise circles the island, giving you the best view of the city, the bridges and the island itself, and you’ll be entertained along the way with some gruesome stories of escape attempts over the decades.

Check prices and availability here

Redwoods and Wine Country

San Francisco offers easy access to some of California’s most beautiful natural spots, and this tour is a great way to experience the best marriage between nature and culture.

In the morning you’ll explore the Redwood Forests, filled with towering, gargantuan redwoods. In the afternoon, you’ll tour some of the Napa Valley’s best vineyards, sampling some wine and learning more about this diverse industry.

Looking for other cool places to visit in California? Don’t forget to check out my Los Angeles itinerary , which is packed full of amazing food recommendations, fun day trips and great views.  

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

1 thought on “The Ultimate San Francisco Itinerary”

About two years ago I visited San Francisco for the first time – it was amazing. Think I covered mostly everything in your itinerary. I didn’t see Redwoods Forest though which was a shame!

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Home » North America » San Francisco

Is San Francisco SAFE for Travel? (2024 • Insider Tips)

San Francisco goes by many names: San Fran, Golden Gate City, City by the Bay, Frisco, The Tiny Turnip. Whatever you wanna call it, San Francisco looms large in American folklore, popular culture and is a MUST VISIT destination.  San Fran was high on my bucket list for years and when I finally visited it did not disappoint…

And yet at the same time, the city was not quite as I imagined it… Mass homelessness, some run down neighbourhoods, a visible drug and mental health epidemic, a menacing fog, and obvious inequality did at times make me question just how safe I should feel in the city. So, the question  is San Francisco safe for travel ?

Well yes of course it is… as long as you are sensible.

To help you all explore and enjoy your time in San Francisco safely, I’ve put together this epic guide with everything you need to know about staying safe in SF during your visit.

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There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “Is San Francisco Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.

The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to San Francisco.

If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!

Updated April 2024

Is San Francisco Safe to Visit Right Now?

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The short answer is yes, traveling to San Francisco is safe ! According to San Francisco Tourism , In 2019 more than 26 million visitors travelled to San Francisco and mostly had a relatively safe stay.

San Francisco’s crime rates tend to be statistically lower than other popular cities in the USA. However, that does not mean there is no crime; thefts, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching do occur, with car break-ins being a particular issue. It also has more homeless people than most other cities.

Some areas of the city ( Tenderloin , Bayview-Hunters Point , and the Mission District , for example) see high rates of property crime, gang violence, drug abuse, and prostitution. It’s important to avoid these neighborhoods, which shouldn’t be hard considering San Francisco’s best places to visit are elsewhere.

Another issue for residents is, surprisingly, human feces on the street. The city has since set up a “poop patrol” to combat this potential health hazard. As a tourist to San Francisco, this and the sheer level of homelessness epidemic could be something a shock – especially if you are not from a major city.

San Francisco and California commonly experience natural disasters like fires and earthquakes, though it’s unlikely you’ll experience these.

However, the city remains very popular – and relatively safe – in spite of its issues. Generally, if you’re wondering how safe is San Francisco, the reality is that there is nothing pressing that should stop you from visiting right now.

Check out our detailed where to stay guide for San Francisco so you can start your trip right!

The answer to the question “Is San Francisco dangerous?” depends upon where you go. The city has many different neighborhoods and areas, and many of them are very secure.

To have a great trip, you’ll need to do some research beforehand, so you don’t end up in a dodgy district. We’ve listed the three safest neighborhoods below.

• Nob Hill and Union Square : Easily the two safest places to stay in stay in San Francisco due to low crime rates, prepared for high prices. Nob Hill is one of the most glamorous areas of the city and Union Square provides easy access to a lot of the city’s popular tourist destinations.
• Fisherman’s Wharf and Marina Hill : These two neighborhoods are located next to each other. While Fisherman’s Wharf can be a bit busy during the high season, you’ll still find many amazing restaurants and shops here. Marina Hill is where you’ll want to stay when visiting Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s a clean, safe, and rather quiet area but doesn’t offer much else, so connecting these two neighborhoods is ideal for your trip. 
• Richmond District : Richmond District is another one of the safest places in San Francisco that you should consider for your stay. Alongside Nob Hill, it’s got one of the lowest crime rates in the city. You’ll be close to San Fran’s city center but without all the hectic tourists around. Luckily, this area is also known for great budget accommodation , so it’s ideal for backpackers as well. The guesthouse and Airbnb scene in Richmond District offers many safe places to stay. 

Unsafe Areas in San Francisco

Is San Francisco dangerous?

Not entirely, but some areas definitely are. Due to the massive gap between rich and poor, there are numerous places to avoid in San Francisco no matter what.

While you should always watch out for pickpocketing and petty theft, these dangerous neighborhoods have high rates of violent crime and gang activity, so it’s best to stay away altogether:

• Any parks at night : you’ll find that many parks become sleeping spots for homeless people and sketchy characters after dark. Even popular places like Golden Gate Park aren’t safe at night.
• The Tenderloin District : This is an area known for massive homeless encampments and an especially high crime rate. While tourists normally don’t end up there, you should still be aware of where it is.
• The Mission District and Hunters Point : Both areas show significant crime rates so it’s best to avoid them, especially at night.
• Market Street: This street isn’t one you should outright avoid, but beware that it has the highest per-mile crash rate of all roads in SF.

Keeping Your Money Safe in San Francisco

 One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world. The best solution? Get a money belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Although San Francisco is facing a number of problems, immediate danger to tourists is not one of them, and you should absolutely make it a part of your USA trip . However, it still pays to have street smarts and to use your common sense.

To help you do this, we have prepared this handy list of our top safety tips for staying safe in San Francisco.

• Do not visit dangerous areas – Stick to the known safest places in San Francisco and avoid places like the Tenderloin at all costs.
• Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt .
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you on public transportation – More on this later, but know that certain lines are more renowned for this than others
• Don’t walk around with flashy jewelry – Looking rich could easily make you a target for an opportunist thief
• Keep your money safe by using a money belt.
• Try to blend in – Though a city of many tourists, it is best to try to blend in as much as possible to avoid pickpocketing and generally being a victim of crime
• Don’t walk around with your phone unnecessarily – Phone snatching does occur
• Steer clear of biohazards – Such as human waste and needles; you may see them, but do not go near them
• Don’t carry around wads of cash with you – If you need to pay for something, and someone sees you have a wallet stuffed with bills, you may be targeted
• Careful taking money out at ATMs – It’s best done in daylight hours, and preferably indoors (in a bank, a mall, etc.)
• Don’t walk around deserted areas – Especially at night time and/or by yourself; chances of crime happening are low, but you should take care in areas you don’t know after dark, or avoid them altogether
• Don’t cheap out on accommodation – San Fransisco Airbnbs are less secure than hotels. If you do get an Airbnb, don’t try to save $$ by staying in an unsafe area.
• Take a cab after dark – Though not a must, it is more advisable to do this than walk (especially alone).
• Don’t put your bag on the back of a chair/under a table at a restaurant/cafe – It may disappear from under your nose.
• Know the local drug laws – Cannabis may be legal, but you can’t smoke it in public or at public events. You also have to be over 21.
• Stay away from illegal drugs – Anything that isn’t weed is illegal and you risk arrest.
• Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
• Don’t leave anything unattended in your car – Leave nothing on display, as car break ins are a problem; it’s best to have nothing valuable in your vehicle.
• Avoid parks after dark – Many of the city’s parks are used for drug deals and prostitution at night.
• Be aware of the homeless population – They are mostly harmless but the SFPD recommends that should “avoid all confrontations and maintain a safe distance.”
• Know what to do in the event of an earthquake  – Though unlikely to occur, it is still good to read up on how to be prepared.
• Get a local sim card – If you’re not from the US, getting a local sim or maybe a US eSim Package will help you get around the city, and contact people in an emergency.

Traveling solo can be a rewarding experience. It can also be a bit intimidating; heading into a new city by yourself without anybody else there to help you with directions, or being there to watch your back is scary at first… But don’t worry!

It is easy for a first-time traveler to take on San Francisco and I visited alone all by myself. To help you make the most of your trip, here are some pointers for solo travelers in San Francisco…

• Take a tour . San Francisco is a big city and it can be overwhelming. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours or free walking tours of Chinatown are great options for the first couple of days of your SF itinerary .
• Head to the city’s museums. There are plenty of them, such as the SFMoMA, which offer relaxing spaces without any worries about your safety and are totally fine to explore alone.
• Take care with looking at your phone in public , even if this is at a map to figure out where you are. It is easy for someone to snatch your phone from your hands.
• Don’t be worried about going to eat out alone . This can seem a bit intimidating for some people, but many of San Francisco’s restaurants have counter seats where you can dig into dinner at the bar.
• Ask a local for their insider information . Nobody knows their city like the people who live there.
• Don’t skimp too much on your accommodation . Those traveling alone should base themselves in safe, secure, convenient places. Make sure to read reviews and only stay at places highly recommended by other travelers, paying particular attention to reviews by other solo travelers if possible.
• Be careful about drinking too much at night . Downtown San Francisco is a vibrant place to have fun after dark it’s best to go easy on the drink. I’ll be honest, I did ignore my own advice on this point and nothing bad happened.
• Don’t walk around by yourself at night time . It just is not a good idea to wander around by yourself, after dark, in a place – let alone a city – that you do not know at all. I did this and was fine, but can’t officially condone it.
• Try to be flexible and kind to yourself . Things change and don’t always work out, but you should try to be open with how you deal with botched plans.
• Travel light . It is very annoying to travel with a lot of heavy luggage, especially in a city; you can get hot and sweaty, it’s uncomfortable, and you could even be more of a target.

Just remember to take your time. Don’t rush around the sights, and enjoy the atmosphere – San Francisco offers a chance to kick-start your USA backpacking adventures.

San Francisco is absolutely safe for solo female travelers .

A pinch of common sense, and an awareness of your surroundings, will go a long way; for women, San Fran is like any city in the world. To help you out on your trip, we have curated some specific tips for solo female travelers in San Francisco.

• Make sure your accommodation is safe for solo female travelers . You’ll need to research the neighborhood, make sure the accommodation itself is secure, and read plenty of reviews from other women who have stayed there by themselves.
• Always be aware of your surroundings , especially when you are wandering around on the streets.
• Don’t just blindly follow maps on your phone . Although it is an amazing way to navigate around a new place, Google Maps – for example – tends to take you on “short-cuts” that may lead you down shady side alleys or through a sketchy area, all for the sake of shaving a minute off your journey.
• Know your emergency numbers ; have them on speed dial, or at least saved with a symbol or number in front of them so that they appear first in your contact list.
• Always make sure that somebody knows your whereabouts . It is much safer for you if somebody knows where you are, rather than nobody knowing where you are. Keep your friends and family back home updated with your itinerary in San Fran and let them know if plans change; consider sharing your plans via email or Google Docs, perhaps.
• Be careful about going out to drink solo . Instead, consider signing up for a bar crawl, or brewery or wine tasting tour.
• Watch your drink . Do not leave it unattended and do not accept drinks from random strangers. Drink spiking does happen, so avoid putting your drink down or taking your eyes off it, especially in a busy bar or club.
• Remove yourself from uncomfortable situations and do not linger out of politeness. If someone is making you feel awkward for any reason, take yourself away – make excuses if you have to.
• If using public transportation late at night, try to sit up front near the guard , and not in an empty, lonely carriage, which is not only riskier, but it’ll make you feel more unsafe too.
• Do not let random strangers know your personal details . Where you’re staying, your marital status, your travel plans, where you’re from…
• Take advice from other solo female travelers who have been to San Francisco before you. Check online and ask communities like the Facebook group Girls Love Travel , where a question about safety for solo female travelers in San Francisco is bound to be met with dozens of suggestions.

Generally speaking, San Francisco is safe for female travelers. Keep your wits about you, follow your gut instinct (if something looks dodgy, it probably is) and you should be fine.

Nob Hill and Union Square

Two amazing neighborhoods right next to each other with low crime rates, great attractions, and plenty of accommodation options.

San Francisco, like much of California, is a total blast for families — and has been for a long time.

However, compared to other places in the US, the city isn’t as geared towards children as you’d expect.

Perhaps because many of those who live in San Fran are big kids themselves — this city has the fewest children per capita out of any US city. In fact, more dogs live in San Francisco than children.

There is still a lot for families to do, however. This is the home of video game designers and animators, after all.

One thing you may want to bring is your own car seat — they are required by law for young children traveling by car, so if you plan to use taxis or Ubers, or rent your own car, come prepared as they won’t be supplied.

All in all, San Francisco is safe to travel with children — just don’t forget that sunscreen!

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Cycling in San Francisco is the name of the game in terms of local transport. Residents love their cycles, and while it’s not quite Amsterdam, you’ll still see more people getting around on two wheels than in most American cities.

The average visitor is going to want to get acquainted with BART, or Bay Area Rapid Transportation. This electric train not only allows for travel inside the city, but also connects to a few surrounding areas too. The network as a whole also includes various bus routes, trolleys historic streetcars, and cable cars.

Otherwise, you can use ride-share apps, though do be warned that they are expensive! Renting a car on the other hand won’t be worth the frustration, or the risk of a break-in.

Overall, San Francisco’s public transit is pretty great and can get you almost anywhere, though it can get a bit sketchy at night where it might be worth the extra cash to call an Uber if you’re planning to be out late.

Violent crime in San Francisco is lower than the national average, though robberies and burglaries trend higher. In 2022, the city recorded the following crime data: 56 murders, 2,371 robberies, 5,941 burglaries, and 6,283 incidents of motor vehicle theft.

Laws in San Francisco are quite similar to anywhere else in the US. And while yes, marijuana is legal in both SF + California as a whole, it IS illegal to smoke in public, though you can likely get away with it in lowkey, empty areas. Like everywhere in the US, the drinking (and cannabis buying) age is 21.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to San Francisco without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Good travel insurance is essential nowadays. Don’t get caught lacking – especially in San Fran!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Planning a safe trip to San Fran can be very overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions on safety in San Francisco below.

What should I avoid in San Francisco?

Avoid these things when visiting the city: – Don’t walk around at night alone  – Don’t carry all your valuables with you – Don’t leave your belongings unattended – Avoid parks after dark

What areas of San Francisco are unsafe?

The Tenderloin is one of the most unsafe areas in San Francisco with the most reported crimes. Mission Neighborhood and Hunters Point are quite unsafe at night as well. Stay away from all parks after dark .

Is San Francisco safe at night?

Walking in San Francisco at night can be safe, but we really wouldn’t recommend it. If you’re on a night out, stick with a big group of people and don’t wander off alone. Be sure to particularly avoid sketchy neighborhoods after dark.

Is San Francisco safe to live?

Yes! Despite its issues, living in SF is safe, and many people absolutely love it. This is of course dependent on where you live though–trying to find a home in one of San Francisco’s safest places is always a good idea if you can afford it.

Is San Francisco LGBTQ friendly?

Luckily, San Francisco is an openly queer city that accepts all sorts of sexualities and identities. In fact, it’s one of the gayest cities in America . Be sure to check out The Mission too – San Francisco’s other neighborhood known for gay-friendly activities and activism.

San Francisco is safe for travel, but some parts are definitely no-go zones. It is a very rich city that is also very poor with a huge homeless population. Pickpocketing and other forms of theft are likely more common than what you’re used to, especially i

On the other hand, it’s a liberal, local city with kooky entertainment and events, that also happens to be completely packed with conventional tourists seeking out historic buildings and unique modes of transport.

It’s a city of contrasts — and a city where you’ll probably have a trouble-free time, especially by following tips on how to stay safe in

 Looking for more info on travelling to San Francisco?

• Let me help you choose where to stay in San Francisco
• Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
• Don’t forget to add an epic national park to your itinerary
• Check out my favorite Airbnbs in the centre of all the action
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking San Francisco travel guide!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Art Patterson

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You mentioned inequality as one of the issues. Can you provide specific examples please

By ‘specific example’ I presume you mean statistics?

Well according to the 2016 – 2020 US census SF was found to have the third largest income disparity in the country.

According to an article by City Monitor, the average household income for a white household is $162,000, the median Hispanic household income is $75,5000, and the median black household income is $46,000. The average black household income is just 28.5% of the median white household.

Inequality is definitely an issue in San Francisco.

Yes, the crime statistics are down … because police are not responding to most crimes. Therefore, there are no reports, and the statistics are unreliable. Look up articles on the assaults going on in Noe Valley (district of S.F.); mothers being beaten with bats as they take their kids to school. I have friends that worked in downtown S.F. who witnessed aggravated assaults with a pair of police officers within earshot of the incident. My friend asked the police officers to intervene and they told him that the jails were full … and then walked away. Car break-ins are common especially in tourist areas like Fisherman’s Wharf. One restaurant owner at Ghirardelli Square (Fisherman’s Wharf area) was on the news a few years ago reporting as many as a dozen car break-ins in front of his restaurant in a single day. The police don’t even bother responding.

What is available via public statistics is absolutely not accurate. Is it intentional? I don’t know.

If you go to S.F., blend in, look average, and watch your back.

Unless you’re going to visit & stsy with friends in or near San Francisco, don’t bother going there. Head instead to Thanet, or Canterbury. You can walk and go anywhere, night and/or day and be entirely safe. And you can drink your fill, and more, and not be molested. Also, everyone speaks proper English….. allez!

BULLSHIT! How can you say SF is safe. The horror stories of car break-ins pretty much sums it up. I know! I parked my car in front of my son’s apartment to visit and guess what? Yes, I found my car window smashed! All for a plastic bag with potato chips. Please be honest!!!

We are sorry to hear your car was robbed. We make it very clear in our post that street crime is a factor but the fact remains that SF is still safe for travellers by pretty much any metric you want to use.

It’s not “San Fran” … but you do hear it (from tourists) here and there , however, please for the love of God – DON’T CALL IT “FRISCO”.

Really great write-up on SF, I was fortunate to be able to visit there many times, from Las Vegas, when I was younger. It was a very pleasant place in those years, 1971, and then, frequently, from the mid-eighties to the late 90s. Driving, automatic trans is the best, a stick shift is difficult. I found it easy to get around driving but that was longer ago, Lombard St, Chinatown (fun, but, wow, I was driving a big Suburban, lotsa tight situations), the Wharf, mmmm, great food, but lotsa sea lions, phewww, BART, cable cars (helped rotate one, neat), COIT Tower, Lombard St, Presidio, a sea animal hospital, interesting, Golden Gate Park (a guy I went to HS with, in Wisc, was Head Ranger there for a long time), I really only have lots of good memories of SF, it’s sad to see the difficulties there now. Most interesting, a lady I knew there, business associate, had a three story home there, it was so narrow from side-to-side, but quite longer from front to back, and wow, worth a million thirty years ago, with side walls being shared with her left and right neighbors! I truly recall and treasure my visits there, no bad experiences at all, SF is a real icon, I hope it somehow gets better there, please. ps – putting down my real name, haha, I’m not at all related to the “Mulholland” of Los Angeles infamy.

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San Francisco Travel Association Announces 2023 Visitor Impact Results and 2024 Forecast

The San Francisco Travel Association, the official destination marketing organisation for the City and County of San Francisco, conducted its annual marketing conference yesterday at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. At the event, the organisation revealed the results of its 2023 visitor impact study as well as an updated 2024 prediction. Moreover, presentations and panel discussions on AI, along with other cutting-edge projects and technologies influencing destination sales and marketing as well as guest experiences, were included in the conference.

In 2023, San Francisco welcomed 23.1 million tourists, a 5.2% rise over the previous year. Spending by tourists increased by 18% to $8.8 billion. The total amount spent by visitors in 2023—which includes $494.6 million for exhibitors and conference planners—rose to $9.3 billion, a 20% rise.

Lodging growth was driven by a robust convention year that was highlighted by international events such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit and Dreamforce. 618,298 hotel room nights were related to attendees attending conventions at the Moscone Centre, an increase of 82.6% from 2022. In 2023, Moscone Centre held 34 events, as opposed to 33 in the previous year.

Hotel occupancy increased by 3.2% on average to 64.2%. At $243.80, the average day rate (ADR) increased 7.2% from the previous year. At $156.43, revenue per available room, or RevPAR, increased by 10.6%. The city’s tax revenue from tourism was $609.6 million, up more than $87 million from 2022 to 2023. The tourism economy also helped support over 63,000 jobs in San Francisco, up 18%. In Q3 2023, the tourism and hospitality industry in San Francisco was the second-largest employer, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics.

“San Francisco’s efforts to revive its tourism industry are moving along steadily.” Scott Beck, President and CEO of San Francisco Travel, stated, “Although 2023 put us on the right track with increased visitation and visitor spending, we still have ground to cover before the full impact of visitors reaches pre-pandemic levels. Given its impact on San Francisco’s economy throughout the entire city, bringing in additional conventions and events is a top priority for SF Travel.”

Mayor London Breed praised San Francisco, saying, “It’s a thriving city with some of the best food and hospitality in the world, parks and open spaces, and vibrant neighbourhoods. We are happy to see more tourists return to our city, and we are becoming stronger every day, but we still have work to do. We will keep working tirelessly to make San Francisco a friendly, secure, and fascinating city for tourists, employees, and locals alike.”

With a 26% increase in 2023, foreign travel remained a major factor in San Francisco’s tourism rebound. $4.64 billion in tourist spending came from more than two million international visitors.

The most recent Oxford Economics data for San Francisco and San Mateo counties for 2023 shows that the number of visitors from China, South Korea, and Japan more than doubled. For the first time since 2019, China has emerged as the largest international visitor market in San Francisco and San Mateo counties, contributing $633.4 million. China, India, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Canada were the top five international visitor spending markets in 2023; similarly, the top five visitor volume destinations were Mexico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and India.

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WHAT’S NEW IN SAN FRANCISCO IN 2023

This roundup includes news on San Francisco attractions, public art installations, tours, festivals, sporting events, performances, and San Francisco International Airport.

Attractions & Exhibits

Iconic Anniversaries AnniversariesO  are everywhere all at once in San Francisco this year. Two of the city’s most iconic attractions have major ones:  The Ferry Building  turns 125 in July, and San Francisco’s  cable cars  celebrate 150 years in August. On San Francisco Travel’s newly relaunched  website , visitors can discover the bountiful culinary experiences at the  Ferry Building and what to explore via the  Powell-Mason Line ,   Powell-Hyde Line , and  California Street cable cars. 

The World’s Largest Dinosaurs Are Coming to Golden Gate Park On view at the  California Academy of Sciences from May 26, 2023, to Jan. 21, 2024,  The World’s Largest Dinosaurs exhibit explores the amazing biology of the largest land animals ever to live: the long-necked and long-tailed sauropods. These uniquely super-sized herbivores (some grew the length of four city buses) roamed every continent for approximately 140 million years. A life-size Mamenchisaurus model, spanning 60 feet long, will be on display. The exhibittakes visitors beyond the bones and into the bodies of these massive marvels, shedding light on how heart rate, respiration, metabolism, and reproduction are linked to size and includes playful interactives that dig deeper into the palaeobiological research on present-day living organisms. (Location: 55 Music Concourse Drive | Golden Gate Park)

The San Francisco Sound From recently legalized busking in Golden Gate Park to the city’s resurgent music scene, San Francisco is hitting all the right notes. New venues like  Keys Jazz Bistro  in North Beach have joined icons like  The FillmoreO and  The Warfield . Aiming to elevate San Francisco’s music scene further,  Music City San Francisco  is opening an $11.6 million incubator for musicians and music lovers. The five-story Music City San Francisco complex currently comprises 36 budget-friendly rooms and the  San Francisco Music Hall of Fame , a collection of over 90 multimedia photo installations honoring SF legends. This summer, Music City will unveil three transformed floors featuring four dynamic music venue spaces, a music education program for emerging artists, a bar and restaurant, and 23 sound stage/rehearsal rooms capable of live-streaming and recording. The incubator will be the only one of its kind in California. (Location: 1353 Bush St.| near Polk Gulch)

A Treasure of Golden Gate Park The 108-year-old  Japanese Tea Garden’s pagoda  in Golden Gate Park underwent a two-year restoration unveiled last fall. The first complete restoration of the five-story pagoda included replacing some of the damaged wood with 100-year-old salvaged redwood, re-shingling the pagoda’s five roofs, and creating a new spire from recycled Douglas fir flagpole—a painstaking replica of the original. Traditional bells and  giboshi  (ornamental finial custom-made in Niigata, Japan) now adorn the pagoda for the first time in decades. The pagoda is one of the few surviving structures from the 1915 world’s fair, and the 128-year-old Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S. The pagoda restoration was the first half of a $2 million renovation that also includes a redesigned pagoda landscape and repairs to the wooden Long Bridge. The Japanese Tea Garden will remain open during the work, which is slated to be finished in late 2023. (Location: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive | Golden Gate Park) F

Exploring  Plantásticas!   Plantásticas!  at the  Exploratorium celebrates the history and science of plants and their integral role in connecting us to our cultures and planet. Developed by Vincent Medina and Louis Trevino of Berkeley’s Cafe Ohlone with collaborators from the Latinx and Indigenous communities, the exhibit   is a multilingual experience that invites visitors to touch, smell, and zoom into the world of plants. On view through Sept. 10, visitors can dig into Indigenous plant knowledge and relax in immersive plant patios created by Los Angeles-based artist Andi Xoch. Medina and Trevino created exhibits that take visitors through the traditional Ohlone practice of making cordage, or twine rope, from the dogbane plant and explore how the Ohlone people gather Bay Laurel, or sokóote, for ceremonial, culinary, and medicinal purposes. (Location: Pier 15 | The Embarcadero)

Public Art Installations

San Francisco’s $1.95 billion  Central Subway —the new arm of Muni’s T Third light rail line— conveniently connects Chinatown to popular visitor destinations such as Union Square, SOMA/Yerba Buena, Mission Bay, and Dog Patch. It’s also a public art destination. The Central Subway features three underground stations (SOMA, Union Square, and Chinatown), with  ten site-specific works  by twelve artists located inside and outside the stations. Ranging from large-scale photography, kinetic and traditional sculptures, murals and illuminated installations, the commissioned artworks each depict the character of the station neighborhoods, its history, residents, and the creativity and breadth of Bay Area contemporary arts.

Point of Infinity  to Rise on Yerba Buena Island The connected islands of Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island, both former naval sights open to the public, aim to become world-class public art destinations through the Treasure Island Arts Program, with a projected $50 million in public art funds generated by private development earmarked for the transformation. The first installation will debut this summer, when internationally renowned artist Hiroshi Sugimoto’s specially commissioned permanent sculpture,  Point of Infinity will be placed on the westernmost peak of Yerba Buena Island. It is Sugimoto’s first large-scale public sculpture in the U.S. Starting at a width of 23 feet at the base,  Point of Infinity  rises to a height 69 feet (21 meters) and tapers to a diameter of 7/8 inch (21 millimeters). The sculpture acts as a monumental sundial, evoking the  Tower of the Sun  sculpture from the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island.  Point of Infinity  will be installed in a public park that serves as a community centerpiece and cultural and ecological arboretum. The installation will sit upon the foundations of a decommissioned water tank, which has been transformed into a scenic overlook providing 360-degree views of the San Francisco skyline, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, Clipper Cove Beach, Golden Gate Bridge, and the greater Bay Area. The sculpture will be a beacon, visible from many vantage points, including the Bay Bridge and city.

Larger-than-Life Feline-tastic Sculptures Light Up Hayes Valley On view through fall 2023 is   Cathenge , a multisensory “Holofelinity Sound-Light Sculpture” installation by San Francisco artist David Normal in Hayes Valley’s Patricia’s Green.  Cathenge  features six illuminated, nine-foot-tall, 3D-printed cat sculptures, or “Catholiths”, set atop a pedestal base decorated with laser-cut space-cat-themed motifs and metallic gilding. The Catholiths are arranged in a circle to symbolize Normal’s concept of “Holofelinity” or, “Universal Cat Consciousness.” The public art installation features a motion-activated sound component: An array of harmonic tones is coordinated with changes in the color and pattern of embedded LED lights illuminating the cats from within. (Location: 50 Fell St. | Hayes Valley)

Chinatown History & Art Tour (C.H.A.T.) Explore one of the largest Chinatowns outside of Asia and the oldest in North America, with the  Chinese Culture Center’s  Chinatown History & Art Tour ($45 per person).   The guided one-and-a-half-hour walking tour explores lived Asian American history and experiences. It encourages guests to “immerse” their senses at different art activation sites in the neighborhood and deepen their understanding of Chinatown’s multifaceted social, cultural, and political evolution through narratives. The outing begins at the Chinese Culture Center’s visual arts gallery and tours Chinatown streets and outdoor murals. (Location: 750 Kearny St., 3rd Floor | Chinatown)

The Streets of San Francisco Visitors can dig deeper into the city’s past on one of the  San Francisco Historical Society 90-minute walking tours ($20 per person; children under age 13 free). The SFHS offers several tours, including a Barbary Coast Trail Tour exploring “ground zero” of early San Francisco and the Secrets and Stories of San Francisco’s “Wall Street of the West.” The walking tours begin at the SFHS Museum. (Location: 608 Commercial St. | Financial District) 

San Francisco has a dynamic line-up of events all year, but summertime is especially filled with them. There are free outdoor concerts in the city’s parks and neighborhoods, including  Golden Gate Park’s “Illuminate Live”  concert series at the bandshell (March through November),  Yerba Buena Gardens Festival  (May through October), the  Stern Grove Festival (mid-June to mid-August),  Fillmore Jazz Festival (July 1 and 2),   and  Strictly Hardly Bluegrass (Sept. 29 to Oct. 2).

This year’s  Carnaval San Francisco the free, two-day festival and grand parade (May 27 to 28), boasts two major international headliners: La Sonora Dinamita and Los Van Van. Celebrating “45 Years of Music & Movement,” Carnaval is California’s largest and longest-running multicultural celebration. Taking place in San Francisco’s Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, hundreds of Carnaval San Francisco artists will transform the district into an enormous celebration featuring music, dance, brilliant costumes and delicious food from Brazil, Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia, Trinidad, Tobago, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Guatemala, West Africa, Chile, and Haiti.

San Francisco is festooned with rainbow flags during  San Francisco Pride  (and every day of the year). Taking place June 24 to 25, Pride-goers have a plethora of events to choose from throughout the weekend, including the San Francisco Pride Parade, which is one of the largest in the U.S. Occurring the Sunday of Pride weekend, the parade features hundreds of colorful floats created by organizations, corporations, and communities across the Bay Area. This year’s theme is “Looking Back Moving Forward.” To kick off Pride weekend, Audacy will host a “ Pride Vibes Concert ” at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on June 23. 4

Performances

Theater and dance company  Detour  will premier  We Build Houses Here  at the historic Oasis nightclub in San Francisco’s SOMA district.  We Build Houses Here  is a work of immersive theater and will transform Oasis nightclub’s two-story space into a desert island with a band of glittering, shipwrecked castaways. Performances run from May 4 to 20. (Location: 298 11th St. | SOMA)

The Wizard of Oz  will take the stage at the  American Conservatory Theater  (A.C.T.) from June 1 to 25 at A.C.T.’s historic  Toni Rembe Theater . (Location: 415 Geary St. | Union Square)

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical  will play a limited engagement at San Francisco’s  Golden Gate Theatre  from Aug. 1 to 27. (Location: 1 Taylor St. | Market Street Theater District)

Cirque du Soleil   returns to the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time in three years with  Corteo,   which will be presented at the Chase Center from Aug. 23 to 27. (Location: 1 Warriors Way | Mission Bay)

San Francisco Opera’s Centennial Season  continues at the War Memorial Opera House from June 3 to July 1, beginning with   a new co-production of Giacomo Puccini’s  Madame Butterfly  by director  Amon Miyamoto . The Company’s summer season also brings the return of Richard Strauss and Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s  Die Frau ohne Schatten , a rarely performed masterwork that had its American premiere here in 1959, and the highly anticipated Bay Area premiere of  El último sueño de Frida y Diego , the new San Francisco Opera co-commission by Berkeley-born composer  Gabriela Lena Frank  and Pulitzer Prize-winning librettist  Nilo Cruz . (301 Van Ness Ave. | Civic Center)

This August, the world premiere of  Hippest Trip – The Soul Train Musical   will take place at A.C.T.’s Toni Rembe Theater. The Broadway-bound musical is based on the iconic TV show that brought Black music, dance, and style into every living room in America. It will run from Aug. 25 to Oct. 1. (Location: 415 Geary St. | Union Square) 

Audium   has been pioneering spatial sound art for over 50 years and offers a unique  Sound Hour . The composition takes the listener on an immersive sonic journey through San Francisco. Audiences sit and listen in total darkness, enveloped by sounds from over 176 speakers. (Location: 1616 Bush St. | Cathedral Hill)

AsiaSF , the storied San Francisco dinner theatre and cabaret featuring the world-famous transgender Ladies of AsiaSF, celebrates a quarter century this year at their newly remodeled and retrofitted iconic venue. (Location: 201 9th St. | SOMA)

Dear San Francisco , the critically acclaimed, intimate and immersive circus experience at  Club Fugazi  features new cast additions. Powered by exhilarating acrobatics, choreography, spoken word, video projections, shadow play, and original music,  Dear San Francisco  is a heart-stopping romp through both the essence and the myth that is San Francisco. Tickets are on sale through July 30. (Location: 678 Green St. | North Beach) 

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Award-winning SFO After being ranked the best airport in the U.S. by the  Wall Street Journal  in November 2022, SFO scored another win from  Airports Council International  (ACI), the foremost advocate for airport operators around the world. In March, SFO was named the  Best Airport in North America  in ACI’s 2022 Awards for Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. The awards recognize the best airports for customer experience as selected by passengers. SFO achieved this award in the category covering North American airports serving over 40 million annual passengers. Last fall, SFO was also the first airport in the world to be entirely certified at the Platinum level under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) v4.1 for Communities program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. 

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Time for Summer with the Symphony

Enter a world of electrifying artists and icons in a summer of music that sizzles. it’s time for summer with the symphony..

SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS: ALL WE NEED IS LOVE

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR AT SHORELINE AMPHITHEATRE

STERN GROVE FESTIVAL

SPANISH FAVORITES

DISNEY IN CONCERT: THE SOUND OF MAGIC

CLASSICAL MYSTERY TOUR: A SYMPHONIC TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES

THE MOVIE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS

JOHN LEGEND: A NIGHT OF SONGS & STORIES WITH THE SF SYMPHONY

TCHAIKOVSKY & BARBER

BEN FOLDS WITH THE SF SYMPHONY

THE TRAILBLAZING MUSIC OF JONI MITCHELL, CAROLE KING, & CARLY SIMON

FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA: LA LA LAND IN CONCERT

•  SPANISH FAVORITES — July 13 •  THE MOVIE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS — July 20

Lead sponsorship for the San Francisco Symphony’s performances at Frost Amphitheater is provided by The Sakurako & William Fisher Family.

The July 7 concert at the Stern Grove Festival is presented in partnership with the San Francisco Arts Commission.

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A father and daughter from San Francisco teamed up to create a mezcal brand. Two years in, they're racking up awards.

A pr. 30—In just under two years, a mezcal brand run by a San Francisco father and daughter has already made a big splash on the spirits scene. Partnering with mezcal makers in Mexico to bring their spirits here, Jeff and Sydney Block's Catedral de mi Padre brand has won more than 25 awards since it debuted, including best-in-show mezcal at the 2023 L.A. Spirits Awards and a double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023.

They offer six mezcals made from different varieties of agave: Espadín, Tobalá, Madre Cuishe, Mexicano and two blends. Now they're telling their story.

Q. What's your Mexico-San Francisco connection?

Jeff: We're from San Francisco, but our family ended up with a house in Oaxaca and spent an increasing amount of time there over the years (and) still have strong ties to the community.

Q. How did Catedral de mis Padres start?

Sydney: We never thought we were going to be in the spirit business and have no background in that, but we fell in love as a family with Oaxaca and Mexico — the food, people, crafts, arts and, obviously, the mezcal.

Jeff: As a new brand, coming to market with six expressions from six different makers is wildly challenging. We (wanted) to get the best of the best. We spent a lot of time on the roads and mountains of Oaxaca finding the right partners. In the end, it really paid off.

Sydney: Each of the families we work with is an equity owner in our U.S. brand. There are very few people in the agave space that share equity with distillers. We spent a long time building up the supply chain in a sustainable and ethical way.

Q. What was your goal in finding families to partner with?

Jeff: Quality is paramount. These are all small-scale producers producing 1,000 to 2,000 bottles maximum a month. Coming from San Francisco, we're especially attuned to our environmental impact and sustainability. When we started this project, it became clear that the demand for wild agave is going to put an enormous amount of pressure on the available plants. If you went to Mexico City five years ago, there wasn't that much mezcal; it was all tequila. Now if you go to Mexico City, there's a mezcal bar on every corner.

The focus is on a lot of the wild agave expressions — you start with espadín, but then you want to try other expressions that (grow) wild. They're being pulled out of the Oaxaca mountains at a pretty fast pace. It was troublesome to us. It took us two years to find the right partner focused on cultivating wild agave species. They can all be grown, but nobody had been doing it. We've got 30 acres now of wild agave — 10,000 or 15,000 plants — and we're planting more and more every year.

Q. What was it about mezcal and Oaxaca that made you so excited to pursue this?

Jeff: We used to go to a little palenque (a mezcal distillery in Oaxaca) where we lived. About five years ago, we were driving up to the dirt parking lot in front of the distillery, and there was a card table set up on a Sunday afternoon. There were people in their 80s with a bottle of mezcal and copitas, sipping their afternoon away, laughing, and it just seemed so magical. As you get deeper into mezcal, you realize it's a spiritual spirit for the people of Oaxaca. It's for good times, bad times, weddings and funerals.

Q. Your bottles are very distinctive...

Jeff: Each of our bottles is adorned with a leather addition on the bottom — we call them our cowboy boots. The leather is sustainably and ethically sourced and hand-sewn and glued to each bottle. It's meant to exemplify and mirror the mezcal on the inside, because it's a truly artisanal product.

Q. What made you decide to work together as father and daughter?

Sydney: We were so inspired by the multigenerational tradition in Oaxaca and fell in love with a spirit that not only brings families together but brings communities together. I launched the brand with my dad, when I was 26. While most of my peers throughout my 20s had a different take on alcohol— they were drinking to get drunk — I was inspired by this thought that a spirit is a spiritual experience that connects you to the earth and to communities and families. We're really grateful and thankful for the experiences we've had thus far and hope to continue sharing our passion for mezcal and the beautiful tapestry that is all of the traditions of mezcal.

Q. What does the future look like?

Sydney: We are one of the most awarded mezcals in the country right now. We're predominantly focused on California and New York, which are our two biggest markets. We've got our toe in the water in Florida, as well as D.C.

Q. Cinco de Mayo is coming up. Can you recommend a cocktail recipe?

A. To make a Catedral Paloma, combine 2 ounces of Espadín Catedral mezcal, 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice, 3/4 ounce grapefruit juice, 1/2 ounce simple syrup and 1/4 ounce chareu (aloe liqueur). Salt the rim and serve it with an expressed grapefruit peel or rosemary stem.

Details: Catedral de mis Padres mezcal is available at retailers, bars and restaurants throughout the Bay Area; catedralmezcal.com/home .

(c)2024 Silicon Valley, San Jose, Calif. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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What to Know About Buffalo Bills Draft Pick Ray Davis, RB Kentucky

Davis had 21 touchdowns last year as an all-purpose back with Kentucky and is perfect change of pace to pair with Cook. He has an amazing story of overcoming family hardship.

• Author: Chris Pirrone

In this story:

• Name: Re’Mahn “Ray” Davis
• 5' 8", 211 lbs
• Birthplace: San Francisco, CA

Davis’ path to the NFL is quite a story. Growing up in San Francisco with parents in and out of prison, he has lived in homeless shelters and foster care with 14 siblings. He ended up living with a teacher for three years in middle school. The Athletic's profile on Davis is very emotional. Bills Mafia is going to love this kid who has overcome so much and is mature beyond his years.

New #Bills RB Ray Davis has been through hard times in his life, spending years in the foster care system. "Understand that I had to raise myself..." #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/GWP56BeDPh — Andy Young (@AndyYoungTV) April 27, 2024

Ray Davis is an easy guy to root for. Get to know his story #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/os1m7JkC32 — Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) April 27, 2024

• 199 carries
• 1,129 rushing yards
• 5.7 average yards per rush with longest run of of 75 yards
• 14 touchdowns
• 33 receptions
• 323 receiving yards
• 9.8 average per catch with longest cathc of 58 yards
• 7 receiving touchdowns (the most touchdown catches in a season by a running back in Kentucky history)

In 2023, Davis set school record with 21 total TDs starting all 13 Wildcat games. Against #22 ranked Florida, he had a career game tying the single-game school record with 4 rushing TDs on 26 carries with 280 rushing yards.

"SWEET BABY RAY‼️" Ray Davis takes it 75 yards to the HOUSE 🏠 pic.twitter.com/Q6JnFGBboO — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 30, 2023

Davis had a strong 2023 season for the 7-5 Wildcats, after two seasons at Vanderbilt (2021-22) and two at Temple (2019-20). Davis' 21 total touchdowns ranked third nationally, and he was ranked fourth nationally in scoring (9.7), sixth nationally in total points scored (126), and 15th nationally in rushing TDs (14).

Davis led the SEC in scoring (126) and scoring (TDs) (9.69), ranked fourth in rushing yards per game (86.85) and total rushing yards (1,129), and ranked fourth in the SEC in all-purpose yards per game (111).

• Second Team All-America (Sports Illustrated) • Honorable Mention All-American (CFN) • First Team All-SEC (AP, Phil Steele, USA Today) • Second Team All-SEC (Coaches) • Selected to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl • Earned an invitation to the 2024 NFL Combine

Collegiate Career at Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Temple

Davis had an excellent collegiate career, totaling 4,388 all-purpose yards with 41 total touchdowns. He was the first active player in Division I to accumulate over 1,000 rushing yards at three different schools (Temple, Vanderbilt and Kentucky) and was the first player in SEC history to gain 1,000 or more rushing yards at two different programs (Vanderbilt and Kentucky).

NFL Combine

At the 2024 NFL Combine, Davis recorded a 40-yard-dash time of 4.52 seconds, a 10-yard-split time of 1.56 seconds, a 35-inch vertical jump, a 9-feet-11-inch broad jump, and a 20-yard-shuttle time of 4.51 seconds.

Davis was ranked as the 10th best running back at the 2024 NFL Combine.

Draft Scouts Evaluation

The 33rd team said that "Davis is one of the more intriguing running backs in the 2024 draft class given his impressive traits profile. That includes his pass-catching ability and his extensive experience as an I-back running both zone and gap scheme concepts. Davis packs a lot of natural quickness and power in his stout, compact frame." He would seem to be the perfect compliment to Cook as "Davis is one of the better running back prospects in the 2024 draft class, and with his experience in multiple run schemes and his ability in the passing game, he can be a three-down contributor relatively early in his NFL career — although he is not likely to be the premier running back in the rotation."

Bleacher Report evaluated Davis as a three down back and potential starter, noting his pass catching skills "as a steady pass-catcher with flashes of the ability to work downfield on wheels and seam routes. As a pass protector, Davis shows good eyes, demeanor and anchor. Davis' technique fails him at times, particularly his hand placement, but that may be fixed with proper coaching." "Davis can step into any offense right away and be a contributor. He has experience with all types of run-game concepts, and he has the size and efficient rushing skills to be a quality runner sooner than later. Davis' lack of explosive traits may limit his ceiling, but he checks all of the boxes to be a solid three-down back."

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