San Francisco – what to see? A practical guide to the city

Next to Los Angeles, San Francisco is California’s most popular city. The city, whose symbols have become the Golden Gate Bridge, cable streetcars and the island with Alcatraz prison, is frequented by tourists from all over the world. What else is worth seeing here?

San Francisco is often shrouded in fog. When we came here for a few days during our first trip in the West of the USA and were greeted by sunshine, many people wrote us that this is not the real San Francisco and asked where that famous fog was ;) We had the opportunity to see the Golden Gate Bridge in all its glory, from almost every possible angle, and nothing obscured the view for us. And for most of our stay in the city, it was just such sunny weather that accompanied us. The fog did appear, but only once, and then we also drove to the area around the bridge, which actually changes its face into a more gloomy and unpredictable one.

If we think about the state of California, San Francisco definitely made a more interesting impression on us than Los Angeles. Although it’s hard to compare them one to one, as they are completely different cities, we would sooner return to San Francisco. The City of Angels is a more entertaining city, full of beaches, amusement parks, and here we have older buildings, beautiful Victorian houses, views from the hills, more interesting stories…. So if that’s your vibe then take a trip to San Francisco!

Thefts in San Francisco and California

However, to make it not so beautiful. During our trip, we observed how theft and burglary are a big problem. In many places we saw warnings about pickpockets and theft of things from cars, and unfortunately, on many occasions, with our souls on our shoulders, we left the car in the parking lot, fearing whether we would see broken windows when we returned (even though we did not leave anything inside, of course).

We know that the problem has not disappeared since then, and has even gotten worse, an aftermath of changes in the law qualifying such thefts. But we won’t elaborate on that here – you’ll read more about security later in this post, and here we’re just highlighting that such a problem exists.

Just as, by the way, is the homelessness crisis that the media is so rumbling about. We many homeless have not seen, however, information and pictures of entire encampments in the city reach us, so clearly the authorities are still not coping.

How to visit San Francisco?

In today’s post, we’ll show you the most interesting places, suggest some tours in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, and, as always, we’ve prepared a handful of practical information from travel to hotels to attractions for families with children. This is not a ready-made city tour itinerary, but if you’re looking for one, take a peek at our ready-made 7-day California itinerary, which also includes San Francisco (we also have plans for 14, 21 and 28 days!).

Ready-to-use interactive map with more than 700 points in the Western US. You can find it in our store in the category of travel planners »

At the end of the post you will also find a map with all the places described.

So what, are you ready? :)

Basic information about San Francisco

San Francisco, located on the San Francisco Peninsula, is one of the most distinctive cities in the United States. It is located on the California coast, on the bay of the same name(San Francisco Bay). The city is known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep hills and historic Cable Cars, which make moving around these hills easy, although they are now mainly a tourist attraction. It is a cultural, financial and technological center with a rich history and interesting neighborhoods.

However, the city also has a history of cataclysmic events that have often united society and shaped its character.

History of San Francisco

San Francisco’s history dates back to 1776, when Spanish settlers established the Mission of St. Vincent de Paul. There is also a military fort and the St. Francis of Assisi Military Fort. Of course, these are the first concrete records we know of, but it is also known that the current San Francisco area was inhabited much earlier by a tribe of indigenous Yelam people.

In 1848, the discovery of gold in California sparked the so-called Gold Rush, attracting thousands of prospectors and significantly accelerating the city’s development.

Unfortunately, the most tragic event occurred in 1906, when San Francisco Bay was hit by a strong earthquake that, although brief, destroyed most of the city. The quake led to fires that raged for several consecutive days and could not be extinguished for a long time. About 3,000 people lost their lives, and it is estimated that up to 300,000 people lost their homes. How did the city manage to rebuild in the face of such a disaster? It turned out that there was a huge mobilization of society, a lot of hands were needed for work, and there was no shortage of those willing, coming from all corners of the country. The city quickly recovered, becoming an important financial and cultural center.

San Francisco’s history is full of dynamic events that have shaped the city’s unique character. It is worth mentioning, for example, that this is where the hippies came in the 1960s, and in the following decade the city witnessed the struggle for gay rights.

Interesting facts about San Francisco

Below we have prepared some interesting facts about San Francisco that may surprise you!

1. The town was originally named Yerba Buena after the herb that abounds in the bay. In 1847, the name was officially changed from Yerba Buena to San Francisco.
2. The Golden Gate Bridge, opened in 1937, is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world although its color is more a coincidence. According to the design, it was to be yellow and black.
3. As many as 55,000 cars a day pass over the famous bridge!
4. Alcatraz, a former federal prison on an island in San Francisco Bay, has hosted many notorious inmates, including Al Capone. To this day, it is not known whether the famous escape was actually successful, or whether the prisoners nevertheless perished in the cold waters of the bay.
5. San Francisco Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest Chinese neighborhoods in North America.
6. Cable Cars, vintage cable streetcars, are the only such public transportation system in the US.
7. The Haight-Ashbury district is considered a major center of the hippie movement. In the 1960s, several thousand hippies came here, specifically for what was known as the “Hippies’ Hippies”. Summer of Love.
8. The Millennium Tower, a nearly 200-meter tall residential building in SF, was supposed to be a luxurious place, but now it inspires fear. Why? Because the building is not only collapsing, but also tilting, and the work to stabilize the structure is very expensive.
9. The famous Levi’s are from San Francisco! It was here that the brand was founded by Levi Strauss, a German-Jewish immigrant who arrived on the West Coast in 1853 and created pants ideal for cowboys.

San Francisco weather – when to go?

The San Francisco Bay Area has a temperate Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry summers. The best time to visit is late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October), when the weather is most pleasant and the number of tourists is lower than during the peak summer season.

The most characteristic weather phenomenon is the aforementioned dense fogs that often shroud the city, especially during the summer. This fog is the result of cold ocean currents and warm air from overland that meet over the San Francisco Bay Area.

Temperatures:

• Spring (March-May): Spring in San Francisco is relatively cool, with daytime temperatures hovering around 15-20°C. This is a good time to visit, as the weather is stable and fogs are less common.
• Summer (June-August): Summer in San Francisco is unusual in that it is slightly cooler than most California cities. Daytime temperatures rarely exceed 20°C, and mornings and evenings are often cool, with temperatures dropping to around 10°C. In summer, the city is often shrouded in fog, especially in the morning and evening hours.
• Autumn (September-November): Autumn is one of the best times to visit San Francisco. Temperatures are moderate, averaging around 18-23°C, and fogs are less common. October can often be the warmest month of the year.
• Winter (December-February): Winters are mild but wet. Daytime temperatures average 12-15°C, and nights are cool. Rainfall is most intense during the winter months, but snow is extremely rare.

San Francisco attractions – what is worth seeing?

San Francisco is a popular destination on the West Coast, attracting up to 25 million tourists a year! Being here in spring, however, we did not feel the breath on the backs of other tourists. Even in the most popular places it was easy to sit quietly for a while and enjoy the views.

Below we have prepared a list of places that are particularly worthy of attention when visiting this city.

Golden Gate Bridge – the symbol of San Francisco

The famous bridge is undoubtedly a symbol not only of the city, but also of the entire coast. The bridge connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County, stretching majestically over the Golden Gate Strait, which connects San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. Its distinctive International Orange color and monumental structure attract tourists from all over the world.

Construction of the bridge began in 1933 and continued until 1937. It was a huge investment that required advanced technology and courage on the part of engineers. Joseph Strauss, the project’s chief engineer, faced a number of challenges, including strong ocean currents, dense fog, and high seismic activity in the region. Despite these difficulties, the bridge was completed as intended.

Golden Gate Bridge was opened on May 27, 1937. For the first few days after opening, pedestrians were able to cross the bridge before it opened to vehicular traffic. The bridge quickly became an architectural icon and a symbol of modernity, and became the longest suspension bridge in the world.

The Golden Gate Bridge is not only a key transportation artery, but also a tourist attraction. Pedestrians and cyclists can use designated sidewalks on both sides of the bridge to enjoy spectacular views of San Francisco, the Bay and Alcatraz Island. The view of the bridge immersed in the morning mist or illuminated by the setting sun is an unforgettable experience.

There is a fee to drive through the famous structure, but only in the southern direction. The cost of the ride depends on the method of payment, and there are several: online before or after the ride, over the phone or at designated locations, using a special device in the FasTrak car, or upon receipt of an email with the bill (if you rent a car such an email will be directed to the rental company and it will get back to you, at which there may be additional costs). The cost of the ride is about $10 per car.

Of course, the bridge can be admired from numerous vantage points. The most popular is the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point next to which is the Welcome Center. There is parking on site, but thieves often prowl here so don’t leave anything inside!

Other popular viewpoints include:

• Fort Point National Historic Site
• Baker Beach

On the Marin side:

• Golden Gate View Point
• Battery Spencer
• Battery Wagner
• Kirby Beach
• H. Dana Bowers Memorial Vista Point
• Fort Baker

It can be quite an adventure, or a challenge, to participate in the San Francisco Marathon, whose route stretches across the famous bridge.

It is worth mentioning here that this is not the only bridge to reach San Francisco. The second is The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

Alcatraz – the island with the famous prison

Located in San Francisco Bay, just 2.4 kilometers off the coast, this small island is shrouded in mystery and history that attracts many tourists. From a former military fortress to one of the harshest federal prisons to today’s museum, Alcatraz has a rich and complex past.

Alcatraz ‘s history dates back to 1850, when the island was converted into a military fort, and in 1934 Alcatraz was transformed into a maximum-security federal prison. Due to its isolated location and strong currents around the island, Alcatraz was considered impossible to escape. The prison served as a place of confinement for the most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Robert Franklin Stroud, known as the Birdman of Alcatraz. The prison was closed in 1963 due to high maintenance costs and infrastructure problems.

The site is currently managed by the National Park Services (NPS) and is open to the public. Tours begin with a ferry ride to the island, and then with an audio guide visitors walk around the island and the former prison grounds. You tour the prison buildings, cells, canteen, walk-in, but you can also see the ruins of the building where the guards lived, the museum, the power plant, the lighthouse, etc.

Cable streetcars and a museum telling their story

San Francisco’sCable Trams (Cable Cars) are not only a means of transportation, but also a city icon and tourist attraction. Known around the world, these charming vehicles have been navigating the steep streets of the city of San Francisco since the late 19th century, when they replaced horses, for which climbing heights with a full load was an enormous effort.

Since the streetcars appeared on the city’s streets they immediately gained popularity. Why ropey? You can’t see it, but there are ropes moving under the tracks all the time, and the moving cars catch on to these very ropes and thus move forward. Thus, the driver’s main task is to operate the stick that stops and sets the vehicle in motion.

You can definitely learn more about how these vintage streetcars operate at theSan Francisco Cable Car Museum, which we highly recommend to you. It is a free museum telling their stories and showing how the entire city’s vintage rolling stock system has worked so far.

Admittedly, of the dozen or so lines, only a few remain (three to be exact), but they are one of the biggest tourist attractions and have become a permanent part of the city’s landscape. It is worth mentioning at this point that there was a time when the specter of the liquidation of all lines loomed, and the fact that they managed to leave them is due to the local community, which fought for them.

In order to ride such a cable streetcar, you need a ticket, of course, and there are several ways to purchase it. The most traditional is to buy directly on the streetcar, but you can also buy at designated sales points or through the MuniMobile® mobile app. The ticket is purchased for one ride and currently costs $8 and $4 for a discounted ticket.

The Painted Ladies and Other Victorian Houses

Since it was about historic streetcars, it’s time for the famous Victorian and Edwardian houses we can admire in SF. They are often referred to as the Painted Ladies, but not every one of these houses meets the conditions as outlined by Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen in their book, The Painted Ladies. Painted Ladies: San Francisco’s Resplendent Victorians (1978). And one such condition, according to the authors, is the use of three or more colors on building facades. They are also distinguished by rich ornamentation, tall turrets, decorative cornices and stained glass windows. Each of these houses is unique, but together they form a harmonious and delightful composition.

Victorian architecture was very popular in San Francisco in the late 19th century, and the city had thousands of such buildings. Unfortunately, many of them were destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire.

Alamo Square, home to the most famous “The Painted Ladies,” is a city park offering beautiful views of downtown San Francisco, including the Transamerica Pyramid and City Hall. It is the perfect place for a picnic, a walk or just a moment of relaxation. Tourists and locals alike flock to this park to admire what is known as the Seven Sisters or Postcard Row and have their picture taken against the backdrop of these picturesque houses with the city skyline in the background. The seven picturesque cottages became famous thanks to the lead of the TV series “The Full House” – it was in Alamo Square that scenes for it were filmed. Currently, these houses are inhabited and residents cannot be disturbed, only one of them can be visited (the cost is $25 dollars per person).

However, we recommend just walking the streets and looking at the Victorian houses yourself because there are many other gems. It was during such a walk that we had the opportunity to see how open and positive the people of San Francisco are, when one elderly lady almost invited us into one such house to see it ;)

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is one of the largest and most beautiful park settings in the United States, stretching over 4.1 square kilometers. This magnificent park, often referred to as the “green heart of San Francisco,” is a place where San Francisco residents and tourists can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the serenity of nature.

The history of Golden Gate Park dates back to the 1960s. It was in the 19th century when engineer William Hammond Hall was hired to transform the sand dunes on the western outskirts of the city into a green park that would become San Francisco’s “Central Park.” The park was officially opened in 1870, and over the years it has grown and grown in popularity. Today it is one of the most famous urban parks in the world, attracting more than 20 million visitors a year!

What makes it so crowded? With numerous attractions and green areas, there is something for everyone. At the heart of the park is the California Academy of Sciences, one of the most modern science museums in the world, which combines an aquarium, planetarium and rainforest under one roof. The DeYoung Museum, located nearby, is in turn home to an impressive collection of art from all corners of the world.

Nearby, in the western part of the park, is the Conservatory of Flowers, a beautiful Victorian conservatory with unique collections of tropical plants. For plant lovers, the Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, is also worth a visit for its serene landscaping, bridges and pavilions. As if that wasn’t enough there is another garden within the park: The San Francisco Botanical Garden with gardens such as the Antique, Succulent, Children’s and Fragrance gardens.

Golden Gate Park also features Stow Lake, a picturesque lake surrounded by paths, ideal for walking or renting a boat or pedal boat. The park has numerous biking and hiking trails, golf courses, tennis courts and soccer and baseball venues. Bison Paddock, located in the western part of the park, is where you can see the buffalo herd, which has become one of the symbols of the park.

With kids, head to Koret Playground, which is the oldest public playground in the US.

Interesting San Francisco neighborhoods

San Francisco is a city that captivates with the diversity of its neighborhoods. Each of them has a unique character, history and culture that attracts locals, but also tourists from all over the world. It is worth going to these places for a quiet stroll and to go to atmospheric restaurants. Of course, there are also neighborhoods shrouded in disrepute, such as the Tenderloin district, but let’s not focus on those ;)

• Fisherman’s Wharf: A lively neighborhood with numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood, souvenir stores and views of San Francisco Bay. It is here at Pier 39 that you can watch sea lions lounging peacefully on the wooden piers.
• Russian Hill: this is where the famous Lombard Street is located, where there are as many as 8 turns in a short stretch, 160 meters to be exact! The street is very well-kept, full of flowers, but also narrow, and the passage is slow. Residents are trying to reduce the traffic of cars and tourists, which is a nuisance to them.
• Chinatown: the oldest and largest Chinese district outside of Asia, where you can sample authentic cuisine, see colorful temples and feel the atmosphere of the Far East. As in other cities, San Francisco’s Chinatown is also a culinary journey.
• Haight-Ashbury: A historic neighborhood associated with the hippie movement, today known for its vintage clothing stores, cafes and music clubs.
• North Beach district: the so-called. “Little Italy,” famous for its Italian restaurants, cafes and jazz clubs.
• Yerba Buena: A modern financial and technological part of the city, with numerous office buildings. Of particular note are the Yerba Buena Gardens, a green space in the center of the city with gardens, fountains and a playground. Right next door is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
• The Castro district, which is part of Eureka Valley: we really liked the term found on the Internet: a colorful open-air museum. It was here that Harvey Milk fought against discrimination against homosexuals and became a symbol of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
• Financial District: a district with skyscrapers, including the famous Transamerica Pyramid building.

What else is worth seeing and experiencing in San Francisco?

If you have more time, you are going to spend, for example, 5-7 days then you can also:

• Go shopping at the Ferry Building, a historic ferry building.
• Visit Mission Dolores, the oldest church in San Francisco.
• Tour City Hall, the seat of city government.
• See a San Francisco Giants baseball game.
• Admire the city skyline from Mount Davidson (San Francisco’s highest hill).
• Head to San Francisco Opera

What to see in the area – ideas for day trips

San Francisco is a unique city, but equally fascinating are the places around it, perfect for day trips. Traveling around the San Francisco Peninsula but also further afield, one can find remarkable landscapes, picturesque towns and vineyards to visit.

Here are some suggestions for day trips that are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Ready-to-use interactive map with more than 700 points in the Western US. You can find it in our store in the category of travel planners »

Napa Valley – Land flowing with wine

Napa Valley is one of the most famous wine regions in the world, located slightly more than an hour’s drive from San Francisco. The region is famous for producing excellent wines, and numerous wineries offer tastings and tours of their facilities. Walking through the vineyards, you can enjoy beautiful views of the valley, as well as learn the secrets of wine production. Napa Valley is the perfect place for a relaxing trip from San Francisco, especially for lovers of wine and fine dining.

Muir Woods – Immerse yourself in the shade of majestic sequoias

Muir Woods is a national monument just a 30-minute drive from San Francisco, where you can see some of the tallest trees in the world, the sequoias. These majestic trees create an amazing landscape that will delight any nature lover. The park has many hiking trails that lead through dense forests and scenic glades. Muir Woods is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of nature, and especially if you don’t have enough time to travel to more remote ones: Sequoia National Park or Redwood National Park.

Point Reyes National Seashore – Wildlife and spectacular views

Point Reyes National Seashore is a wild coastline located about an hour’s drive north of San Francisco. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and hikers. Point Reyes offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, cliffs and expansive beaches. Point Reyes is the perfect destination for a day trip for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and feel close to nature.

Monterey and Carmel by the Sea – Magic Route 17-Mile Drive

Monterey and Carmel by the Sea are two picturesque towns along the coast, about a two-hour drive south of San Francisco. Opting for a longer drive along the coast, you can enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, cliffs, beaches and luxury residences. In Monterey, visit the famous aquarium, and in Carmel by the Sea stroll through the charming streets and enjoy the artistic atmosphere of the town.

Silicon Valley – The headquarters of technology giants.

Not far from San Francisco is a region that has gained global fame as a center of modern technology, and its impact on our daily life cannot be overestimated. When you visit Silicon Valley, you can see the headquarters of the biggest tech giants, learn about the history of technology, and discover the places where innovations that shape the future are born. Of course, not everywhere can be entered, but some companies make part of their grounds available to visitors and there are special stores.

San Francisco with child

Is it worth taking the kids on a trip to San Francisco? Much depends on what interests you and how you plan to spend your time here, but as befits a large American city, there will be many attractions for children and there are extensive green areas with playgrounds.

What you need to know before traveling with your child

How do you prepare to make a city tour a pleasure for everyone? First of all, it’s a good idea to plan your stay well and mark in advance on the map the places you want to visit with your children, it’s also a good idea to have playgrounds in the area ;)

Using public transportation can be a challenge, especially with young children. Renting a car may be the best option, but remember car seats for children. Much of San Francisco is hilly, so keep in mind that you will have to walk up and down a bit.

When traveling with children, it’s a good idea to prepare for San Francisco’s changing weather by taking along both warm clothes and lightweight rain jackets.

San Francisco’s best attractions for families with children

The city offers many attractions that are ideal for families with children (we’ve already described some above, but we’ve also added a few typical children’s attractions):

• California Academy of Sciences – Museum complex with aquarium, planetarium and rainforest.
• Exploratorium – An interactive science museum that will delight children of all ages.
• San Francisco Zoo – A large zoo with a variety of animal species and playgrounds.
• Pier 39 – A popular spot with plenty of attractions, including the Aquarium of the Bay and sea lions on the piers.
• Children’s Creativity Museum – Located in downtown San Francisco, Children’s Creativity Museum is a space where children can develop their creativity. The museum offers workshops in animation, music, art and technology to inspire young artists to explore their talents.

Practical information

It’s time for a handful of practical information, from security issues to costs to communications and accommodations. We hope they will make it easier for you to plan your dream trip!

Security in San Francisco

While the city has much to offer, like any metropolis it also has its security challenges. Like Los Angeles, for example, it is struggling with problems related to the homelessness crisis and petty crime such as theft.

During our stay in the city we did not have any dangerous situation, no one tried to rob us or even distract us, but we also admit that we were very careful and had eyes around our heads. Well, and we took every warning about thefts seriously, and there are plenty of them too, especially at popular tourist sites.

We also have to admit that in a few places it took away the pleasure of enjoying the view – because how can you enjoy a scenic bridge when out of the corner of your eye you are constantly looking towards your car?

It is the theft of items from cars that are” the most popular,” but also the theft of phones or purses. California has changed its laws and thus more crimes are getting away with it, which of course thieves are quite eager to take advantage of.

So how can you make your trip around San Francisco safer? Avoid carrying large sums of money and be aware of your surroundings, especially in less-traveled areas like the Tenderloin district. Of course, remember not to leave valuables in plain sight, including in the car, even for a short time. Tourists should also be cautious in crowds, especially in places like Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square, where theft can occur.

Prices in San Francisco

San Francisco is not cheap. Prices for lodging, food and attractions can be high, so plan your budget in advance and look for bargains and promotions.

The cost of staying is rather comparable to Los Angeles, the average price for a hotel stay is around $150-300, but there are cheaper options if you don’t care completely about the standard, although we found that a low price is followed by really inferior conditions and sometimes it’s worth paying more after all. The cost of a meal at a restaurant can range from $15 to $50 per person, depending on the location.

Also keep in mind additional costs, such as tickets to tourist attractions – you can easily check prices on websites. However, it’s worth mentioning that a lot of attractions in SF are free: no one will make you pay to admire the Golden Gate Bridge, walk around Chinatown or visit the Cable Car Museum ;)

In the city, it’s a good idea to book accommodations and a car in advance, especially in high season. Remember that prices may go up or there may be problems with their availability during the highest season, or during events and activities such as the San Francisco Pride Parade or San Francisco Marathon.

Getting to San Francisco

San Francisco is well connected to the rest of the country thanks to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and the highway network. San Francisco Airport is one of the most important airports on the west coast of the US and offers a wide range of international and domestic connections. Admittedly, no carrier currently offers direct flights from Poland to SFO, but such flights were once offered by PLL LOT, and perhaps they will return someday. And for the time being, we are left with flights with connecting flights in, for example, Frankfurt, Amsterdam or Copenhagen. The cost of such a flight is about 2,500-3,000 zlotys per person, round trip. It’s cheaper to try to fly in from airports in Berlin, Prague or Vienna.

Upon arrival at SFO Airport, there are several options to get to Downtown San Francisco. The most convenient way is to take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), a commuter rail service that connects the airport directly to downtown San Francisco. The trip takes about 30 minutes and is relatively inexpensive (about $10 per person). Alternatively, you can take a cab, use rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft, or simply rent a car at the airport.

San Francisco is accessed by several major highways that provide convenient connections to other cities in California and beyond. The I-80 freeway connects San Francisco to Sacramento, the capital of California, as well as to Reno, Nevada. Highway US-101 runs north and south, connecting San Francisco with Los Angeles and the northern California coast. Faster is Interstate 5 also stretching west, but not entering SF directly. Getting to San Francisco by car can be not only convenient, but also scenic. One example is a trip along the famous CA-1 state road, known as the Pacific Coast Highway, which runs along the coast and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

San Francisco can be entered by bridges: Golden Gate Bridge (from Marin) and Bay Bridge (from Oakland).

How to move around locally?

If you are wondering whether you will still be able to travel around SF on the famous vintage streetcars, we have to worry you. They only operate on 3 routes, and while a few popular destinations can be reached by them, others require more modern vehicles.

We mainly moved around in a car, which we had rented for our entire long trip in the American West. Being in SF in the spring, we somehow did not feel the problems of movement very much, and more challenging than traffic jams was parking on hilly streets ;) Fortunately, this was managed without problems, so we have no bad experiences here either. If you drive, you only have to reckon with paid parking lots. Also remember that traffic in San Francisco can be heavy during rush hour, especially on bridges that connect the city to the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area, such as the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge.

However, if you prefer public transportation, we have good news: it works quite well here! MUNI (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency) is the city’s main public transportation system, including buses, streetcars, trolley buses, cable cars and subways (MUNI Metro). MUNI serves most areas of San Francisco, making it a convenient mode of transportation for residents and tourists alike. On the other hand, if you’re planning on traveling further afield, this is where the aforementioned BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) comes to the rescue – a high-speed rail system that connects San Francisco to other Bay Area cities such as Oakland, Berkeley, and Daly City. BART is especially useful if you are planning trips outside of downtown San Francisco or if you are arriving at SFO Airport.

It’s a good idea to get transportation cards, such as the Clipper® Card, which allows you to use various public transportation modes, including the San Francisco subway – scan it when you board the vehicle. Tickets can be purchased on the MuniMobile® app and this is probably the most convenient way.

If you plan to ride at least a few times, we recommend buying a single-day ticket, which entitles you to an unlimited number of rides on any given day. Note, there are two types of such tickets, and the one with which you can so travel including the historic cable streetcars costs $13.

A single ride costs $2.5 and a cable streetcar is $8.

Ready-to-use interactive map with more than 700 points in the Western US. You can find it in our store in the category of travel planners »

Where to spend the night in San Francisco?

San Francisco offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy hostels and apartments, and choosing the right one depends mainly on your preferences and budget. Popular neighborhoods for overnight stays are primarily Downtown San Francisco with Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Embarcadero at the forefront.

Since we had a car anyway and used it to get around the city mostly, location didn’t matter much to us. Nevertheless, we spent some time looking for accommodation.

Below we have a few suggestions of where to stay at accommodations with very good reviews in San Francisco or near the airport (from where there is good access to downtown):

• Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Francisco Airport Oyster Point Area
  Address: 4127 W. Harris Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080
  Prices: from $177 per double room (with breakfast)
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-san-francisco-airport-north
• Hampton Inn San Francisco Airport
  Address: 300 Gateway Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080
  Prices: from $147 per double room (with breakfast)
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-hampton-inn-san-francisco-airport
• Greenwich Inn
  Address: 3201 Steiner Street, Marina District, San Francisco, CA 94123
  Prices: from $154 per double room (with breakfast)
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-greenwich-inn
• HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel
  Address: 240 Fort Mason, Marina District, San Francisco, CA 94123
  Prices: from $34 for a shared room or from $108 for a private room (with breakfast)
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-hi-sf-fisherman
• Hotel Zetta San Francisco
  Address: 55 5th Street, Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94103
  Prices: from $192 per double room (with breakfast)
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-zetta
• Harbor Court Hotel
  Address: 165 Steuart Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
  Prices: from $214 per double room (with breakfast)
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-harbor-court
• Holiday Inn San Francisco – Golden Gateway
  Address: 1500 Van Ness Avenue, Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA 94109
  Prices: from $275 per double room (with breakfast)
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-sf-golden-gateway

Where to eat in San Francisco?

San Francisco is a food lover’s paradise. The city offers cuisines from around the world, from fine dining restaurants to street food. Visit neighborhoods such as the Mission District, Chinatown, North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf to sample local specialties.

What restaurants are particularly worth visiting? We did some research for you and selected a few restaurants, although we admit that unfortunately we didn’t get to every one.

• Mission District: La Taqueria, Tartine Bakery, Foreign Cinema,
• Chinatown: Z & Y Restaurant, R&G Lounge,
• North Beach: Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, Trattoria Contadina,
• Fisherman’s Wharf: Scoma’s, The Codmother Fish & Chips, Fog Harbor Fish House,
• SoMa: Benu, Mourad, Marlowe,
• Haight-Ashbury: Cha-Ya, The Alembic, Magnolia Gastropub.

Map of attractions in San Francisco

Below we have prepared for you a map of places in the city as well as nearby San Francisco. If you’re interested in a map across the West, we’ve also prepared one with more than 700 locations!

Ready-to-use interactive map with more than 700 points in the Western US. You can find it in our store in the category of travel planners »

Our opinion – is it worth going to San Francisco?

It is undoubtedly a city full of various attractions that will satisfy even picky visitors. And although most people associate San Francisco mainly with the famous bridge, streetcars or Alcatraz, we hope that with this post we have shown that there are many more interesting places here. From iconic landmarks to beautiful scenery and rich culinary offerings, San Francisco has much to offer.

It is a diverse city that is currently facing a number of problems that can scare tourists away, and all in all, we are not surprised that more and more people have doubts about whether it is a good destination for travel. The city is mainly battling a homelessness crisis and numerous thefts, and you need to be aware of this.

We would love to return, if not now then in a few years :)

Photo Gallery

We also recommend you all our photos from San Francisco: