San Francisco is a city near and dear to my heart. It was my first assigned base as a flight attendant and where I ended up living in a 3-bedroom house with 7 other people (oh, the joys of crashpads). In the year and a half I spent living there, I definitely made my way around town a few times. There’s no shortage of things to do, so hopefully this San Francisco travel guide can narrow down the best of the best — here were my favorite attractions, restaurants, and places to go in the Golden City.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. When you purchase through links on my site, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).
Best time to visit San Francisco
San Francisco enjoys relatively mild weather all year round. The city’s most notable weather feature is the nearly constant blanket of fog, affectionately nicknamed Karl. Besides fog, you can expect plenty of wind, sunshine, and crisp temperatures.
Surprisingly, summers in San Francisco can be colder and less pleasant than the weather in the fall. For that reason, I’d recommend visiting anytime between September and November. By that time, most of the crowds have thinned out and you can enjoy more consistently stable weather. If you’re there at the end of October, you can also attend San Francisco’s best music festival, Outside Lands.
The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.
– Mark Twain
How to get to San Francisco
Most visitors will arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). As an ex-flight attendant, SFO is one of my favorite airports of all time — it is clean, efficient, and has lots of good food options. Transportation from the airport is easy to maneuver as well. To get into the city from SFO, you can take a BART train, a SamTrans bus, or a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft.
You can also fly into nearby Oakland International Airport (OAK) or San Jose Airport (SJC).
Where to stay in San Francisco
Budget accommodation
Mid-range accommodation
Bougie accommodation
Getting around San Francisco
BART
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is San Francisco’s all-electric subway system. Fares are based on distance, so the farther you travel, the more you pay. You can pay for your BART fares with a Clipper Card, which also can be used to pay for Muni buses and San Francisco cable cars.
Muni
San Francisco’s Muni system covers city buses, trains, cable cars, and the F-line heritage streetcar. Muni fares are a flat rate based on which transportation type you’re using. You can pay for your fares with cash, a Clipper Card, or through the MuniMobile app.
CalTrain
The CalTrain is a popular option for commuters coming into San Francisco from other places in the Bay Area. It’s especially useful if you want to take a day trip to another nearby city like San Jose or Gilroy. You can pay for your CalTrain fares with a Clipper Card.
PresidiGo Shuttle
The PresidiGo Shuttle offers free rides to, from, and around the Presidio. There are three different routes that operate 7 days a week. On weekdays during the morning and evening commutes, you’ll need a shuttle pass to be able to ride. These passes cannot be purchased — they are distributed to people that live or work in the Presidio. On weekends and any other time on weekdays, you can ride the shuttle freely.
Shared scooters & bikes
A fun way to get around the city is by using shared scooters or bike rentals. You can unlock and ride e-scooters and mopeds via an app with companies like Scoot or Revel. Lyft’s Bay Wheels is the most popular bike-share app.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft both operate in San Francisco. As the land of tech startups, you’ll also find various other local rideshare and taxi apps (like Flywheel).
Best things to do in San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge
This is a must for any San Francisco travel guide — you can’t leave the city without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. Built in 1937, the bridge gets its iconic red color from a coat of reddish-orange primer that was applied to protect it from the elements.
The best way to see the bridge is to walk, bike, or drive across it. At 1.7 miles (2.7 km) long, I’d recommend going to the halfway point and back if you’re on foot — the whole thing can be quite the walk!
For cheap bike rentals, check out Lyft’s Bay Wheels option.
The Presidio
Located right next to the bridge, the Presidio is a 1,500-acre park that offers running and biking trails, scenic overlooks, and a few beaches. Go to Baker Beach for one of my favorite views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands.
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is located between the Outer Richmond and Outer Sunset neighborhoods of San Francisco. It’s a massive park with tons of different areas within — you’ll find a polo field, golf course, multiple lakes, a paddock for bison (???), and more. For the best experience, I’d recommend renting a bike and bringing a picnic lunch with you to enjoy.
Here are a few notable places to check out within the park:
- Strawberry Hill
- Japanese Tea Garden
- The de Young Museum
- Dutch and Murphy Windmills
- San Francisco Botanical Garden
- California Academy of Sciences
- Conservatory of Flowers
Ferry Building
This building is the city’s main terminal for ferries that cross the San Francisco Bay. Inside, it also houses a food hall slash farmers market with plenty of different local merchants. Come here to grab a light lunch or to buy some tasty artisanal souvenirs. The Ferry Building also makes a good first stop if you want to walk along the Embarcadero, the city’s eastern shoreline. Walking north along the Embarcadero will take you past the Exploratorium and bring you to Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf.
See the sea lions at Pier 39
The now-famous sea lions first started moving onto the pier after the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. Because of the plentiful nearby food source and lack of predators, the Pier 39 Marina became an ideal home for the playful pups. On any given day, you can see hundreds of them soaking up the sun on their floating wooden platforms. My favorite part is when they jostle for position and start barking at each other — hours of free entertainment here, people!
Adjacent to Pier 39, you’ll find Fisherman’s Wharf. This is a nice little touristy area where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops. Make sure to grab some freshly baked sourdough from Boudin or some clam chowder from a street vendor.
Ghirardelli Square
This is a must-stop for any chocolate lover! Ghirardelli Square used to house the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. Nowadays, it’s a little square with various shops and restaurants, the most popular of which is the Ghirardelli store. You can purchase chocolate gift boxes and baskets or order a freshly-made dessert (you’ll find things like ice cream sundaes, hot cocoa, and chocolate shakes — YUM).
Mission Dolores Park
This is one of my absolute favorite places in San Francisco, and it’s free!
Mission Dolores is a large, sloped park with a lovely view of the city skyline. Come here at noon on a sunny weekend day and you’ll be among thousands of people lounging, picnicking, and tanning on the grass. There are roaming vendors that sell anything from ice cream to cocktails in coconuts to weed cookies. The communal outdoor spirit reminds me a lot of park culture in Europe — post up, bring a bottle of wine, and have a good time.
Ride a cable car
Hanging off the edge of a cable car going down a steep hill is a San Francisco must-do! In operation since 1873, there are 3 cable car lines still running today. The Powell-Hyde line is the most scenic and popular route.
There is a flat rate fare of $8 per rider. You can pay with cash, a Clipper Card, or through the MuniMobile app.
If you want a similar (and cheaper) experience, try riding on one of San Francisco’s historic streetcars instead. You won’t get to hang off the edge, but you will still get a scenic ride through the city. Tickets for these are $3 per adult and $1.50 for children and seniors.
Union Square
Union Square is a bustling shopping and transit hub in the heart of the city. Its numerous hotels and proximity to lots of tourist attractions make it a popular base for many travelers coming to San Francisco. Take a bit of time to sit and people watch and make sure to stop by all four corners of the square to see the heart statues.
Yerba Buena Gardens
Nearby Union Square, the Yerba Buena Gardens are an oasis within the city. You’ll find public art displays, butterfly and reflection gardens, and various performance art events. There is also a cafe that makes the perfect pit stop for a sunny midday beer.
Lombard Street
Known as the “crookedest street in the world,” Lombard Street is a one-block section of road with eight downhill hairpin turns. You can either (slowly) drive or walk down the street’s sidewalk. The view from the top of Lombard Street is really nice, making this attraction worth a quick visit.
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks lookout offers one of the best views of the city that you can get for free. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, the Twin Peaks park area can be accessed either by driving or by hiking up one of the many trails. Come here right before sunset — it’s one of the best places to watch the sun go down in San Francisco.
Lands End
Lands End is a waterfront park in San Francisco’s northwestern corner. It’s filled with beautiful hiking trails and lookout points. Two of the coolest features at Lands End are the Sutro Baths, ruins from a former public bathhouse, and Lands End Labyrinth, a relaxing rocky swirl with views over the water.
16th Avenue Tiled Steps
Because San Francisco is so hilly, there were bound to be several beautiful staircases around the city. The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are covered in a sea-to-stars themed mosaic that goes all the way up the staircase’s 163 steps. Each hidden staircase you find is unique in its own way, featuring great views from the top, local artwork, or a connection with the surrounding nature.
Some other hidden staircases in San Francisco include:
- Hidden Garden Steps
- Lincoln Park Steps
- Filbert Street Stairs
Alcatraz
Known for being an intense federal prison between 1934 and 1963, Alcatraz is now run by the National Park Service as a popular tourist attraction. Back in the day, it housed notoriously violent inmates like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Because Alcatraz is located on an island 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco, escape from the prison was nearly impossible.
The only way to visit Alcatraz now is to book a tour. There are both day tours and (more spooky) night tours. When you purchase a ticket, you receive a round-trip ferry ride to the island and a self-guided audio tour. Tickets to Alcatraz do sell out, so I’d recommend securing a ticket as early as you can.
See a Giants game
Even if you’re not particularly a fan of baseball (like me), going to a Giants game at Oracle Park is still a lot of fun. The stadium has lovely views of the Bay Bridge and surrounding harbor, as well as overpriced beers and hotdogs — it can’t get any better than that. Single-game tickets start at $10.
Coit Tower
Coit Tower was built in 1933 as a tribute to the city’s firefighters. Located in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood, the view of the city from the tower and surrounding hilltop is awesome. You can also take some time to admire the colorful murals around the tower’s base. Back when they were painted, they were considered “radical” because of their depictions of life in California during the Great Depression. Admission to the top floor of the tower costs $10 per adult.
Painted Ladies
If you grew up watching Full House, you’ll need to visit the iconic Painted Ladies. These Victorian homes (also known as the “Seven Sisters” or “postcard row”) were featured in the show’s introduction and are now famous in their own right. The seven colorful houses are set against a background of San Francisco’s modern city skyline, striking a cool contrast. Come here to take a few pictures in front of the Painted Ladies and relax in the adjoining Alamo Park.
Best San Francisco neighborhoods to explore
Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown neighborhood is a must-see spot in the city. The biggest Chinatown outside of Asia, you’ll find hundreds of authentic restaurants, markets, and retailers. I’d recommend taking some time to stroll and get lost amongst the neighborhood’s 24 square blocks. Afterward, grab some dim sum and a drink at one of the many cocktail bars.
Some Chinatown must-see sights:
- Tin How Temple
- Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
- Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral
- Portsmouth Square
Mission
Historically, the Mission District was home to a large Hispanic population. As the neighborhood became more gentrified (and thus more expensive), many of its original residents were forced out. Despite this, you can still find a lot of the Mission’s Mexican heritage in its restaurants and street art.
Things to do in the Mission:
- Try a Mission-style burrito
- Clarion Alley Street Art
- Galeria de la Raza
- Browse the shelves at Dog Eared Books or Borderlands Books
Castro
The Castro District is San Francisco’s internationally recognized LGTBQ+ community. In the 1970s, it was also home to gay rights activist and politician Harvey Milk (the focus of the excellent 2008 movie Milk). Come to the Castro District today and you’ll be met with a lively, accepting community with lots of spirit.
Castro District must-sees:
- Castro Theatre
- GLBT Historic Museum
- Rainbow Honor Walk
- Mission Dolores park
Haight-Ashbury
The Haight-Ashbury District was home to the 1960s counter-cultural hippie movement. Spawned by the Summer of Love in 1967, thousands of young people flocked to the neighborhood in search of love, drugs, and rock & roll. Nowadays, the Haight is a haven for those wanting to go back to simpler times.
Things to see in Haight-Ashbury:
- Amoeba Music
- Piedmont Boutique
- Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park
- Wasteland and Held Over thrift shops
Best restaurants, cafes, & bars
Classic San Francisco
- Boudin Bakery Cafe for sourdough bread bowls
- Tosca Cafe for cioppino
- La Taqueria for Mission-style burritos
- Taqueria El Farolito for Mission-style burritos
- Golden Gate Bakery for egg tarts
- Li Po Cocktail Lounge for mai tais
Modern & trendy
- Surisan for American-Korean fusion
- Tartine Bakery for fresh sweet & savory pastries
- El Techo for Latin American food & a rooftop patio
- Wildseed for trendy vegan food
- Mensho Tokyo SF for ramen
- Dragon Beaux for dim sum
Best day trips from San Francisco
Pacifica
Twenty minutes down the coast from San Francisco, Pacifica is the perfect place if you’re looking for nearby hiking or mountain biking. You can climb up the Bootlegger’s Steps, take in the view at Mori Point, or walk down the boardwalk at Sharp Park Beach on a sunny afternoon. For all the surfers out there, Rockaway Beach is a popular spot to catch some waves.
Muir Woods
Just 40 minutes from San Francisco, Muir Woods is a respite from city life. Filled with old-growth redwood forest as far as the eye can see, Muir Woods is known for its hikes among the massive trees. You can easily spend the whole day here learning about redwood conservation or meandering through the many trails.
You can buy your required entry tickets and parking passes on the GoMuirWoods website.
The mountains are calling and I must go.
— John Muir
Big Sur
Big Sur is the rugged stretch of coastline between Carmel and San Simeon. If you take a drive down State Route 1, you’ll be met with scenic cliffs, misty coastline, and gorgeous oceanfront views. From San Francisco, it’s a 2.5 hour drive south to Big Sur. It doesn’t feel like that long of a drive, however, because of the stunning scenery. Make a full day trip out of your drive and visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park along the way.
Pinnacles National Park
At 2.5 hours away, Pinnacles National Park is the closest National Park to San Francisco. The park is known for its unique rock formations and talus caves. There, you can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and birdwatching (peregrine falcons and California condors are common).
Best hikes at Pinnacles National Park:
- Balconies Cliffs Trail
- High Peaks Trail
- Bear Gulch Cave Trail
Napa Valley
Napa is a wine lover’s paradise. The best way to visit is to book a wine tour or trolley — you’ll get driven around to multiple different wineries without having to worry about drinking too much (and really, you’ll want to sample all the wines). Lots of tours leave from San Francisco and will drop you back off at your hotel.
Best wineries in Napa:
- Castello di Amorosa
- Calistoga Ranch
- Mumm Napa
Book a tour in San Francisco
You’ll also love:
- USA Bucket List Destinations: 150+ of the Best Places to Visit in All 50 States
- Your Guide to All the Best Beaches in Budva, Montenegro
- Anchorage Travel Guide: How to Spend 24 Hours Exploring America’s Final Frontier
Thanks for reading this San Francisco travel guide! I’d recommend bookmarking this post or saving the suggestions in a list on Google Maps for easy reference. Look out for more travel guides coming soon!
xoxo Niki
Pingback: Ultimate 2 Week California National Park Road Trip Itinerary for 2022
Thank you for sharing this kind of wonderful content material on your website. I discovered it on the internet. I may check back again whenever you publish extra articles.