San Francisco
United States and Canada · United States
See also
Overview
The centerpiece of the Bay Area, San Francisco is one of the most visited cities in the world. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, unique culture, and diverse neighborhoods, from Chinatown to the Castro.
Languages: English
Why go?
The centerpiece of the Bay Area, San Francisco is one of the most visited cities in the world. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, unique culture, and diverse neighborhoods, from Chinatown to the Castro.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
San Francisco is served by San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport, and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport. The Salesforce Transit Center is the hub for buses and some rail. Major carriers include Greyhound and FlixBus.
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When to go
The best time to visit is late September through October when it is relatively warmest. Summers are foggy and windy; winters are mild but rainy. Daytime temperatures range from upper 50s to low 70s °F (15-25 °C).
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Getting around
Muni buses and metro ($2.50 per ride) cover the city. The iconic cable cars ($8 per ride) run from Market Street to Fisherman's Wharf. BART connects to the East Bay. Bicycle rentals are available for exploring the waterfront and Golden Gate Park. Ride-sharing and taxis are also options.
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Where to stay
Accommodations range from hostels to luxury hotels, concentrated in the northeastern part of the city. Hotel costs vary greatly depending on events at the Moscone Convention Center. Consider staying near the airport for cheaper options.
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Food and drink
San Francisco is a foodie city with more restaurants per capita than any major North American city. Known for Mission burritos and cioppino. Vegetarian and vegan options are abundant. Many restaurants are corkage-friendly.
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Things to do
Top attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, and numerous museums. The city hosts many events such as the Chinese New Year parade and Fleet Week. Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge is popular.
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Stay safe
Car break-ins are common; never leave valuables visible. Avoid leaving luggage in rental cars. Be cautious in the Tenderloin and southeastern neighborhoods. Bicycle theft is prevalent.
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Connect
Area codes 415 and 628. Free WiFi is available on Market Street and many cafes. Internet cafes are scattered. Pay phones cost $0.50 for local calls.
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Budget
San Francisco is arguably the most expensive city in the U.S. Budget at least $100 per day for basic expenses. Look for budget accommodations near the airport or in hostels.
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Day trips
Bikes can be rented near Fisherman's Wharf to cross the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County. Golden Gate Transit buses serve the North Bay. Oakland and Berkeley are accessible via BART.
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Go next
From San Francisco, you can easily visit other Bay Area cities like Oakland, Berkeley, and San Jose. BART connects to the East Bay, and Caltrain goes south to San Jose.
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Talk
English is dominant. Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and Tagalog are also commonly spoken. Government services are available in these languages.
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Learn
World-class universities: University of California, San Francisco (biomedical), UC Berkeley, and Stanford University are in the Bay Area. Also San Francisco State University and City College of San Francisco.
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Work
San Francisco's economy is diversified with professional services, finance, tourism, and technology. Many tech workers commute to Silicon Valley. The city is a major convention destination.
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Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- see
California Welcome Center
One of several California Welcome Centers across the state.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
San Francisco Visitor Information Center
Visitor center run by the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Bay Wheels
Bikesharing program with stations throughout Downtown. Pass entitles unlimited rides under 30 minutes.
Recorded price: $9/24 hours; $22/3 days
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Bay to Breakers
Third Sunday in May. An annual footrace that is one of the largest in the country. The route runs from Downtown to Ocean Beach. Many runners do the whole thing in costume, wearing anything from elaborate costumes to wearing almost nothing at all, lending a party atmosphere to the event.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Chinese New Year Festivities
January or February. The San Francisco version of the Chinese New Year dates way back, with a colorful, vibrant parade with decorative costumes, lions, deafening firecrackers, "lucky-money" envelopes, colorful banners, ornately themed floats, martial arts groups, stilt walkers, acrobats, and, of course, a 200-foot Golden Dragon.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Critical Mass
On the last Friday of each month, bicyclists in San Francisco (and about 200 like-minded cities world-wide) gather at the north end of Market Street on the Embarcadero and ride en masse to some destination, demonstrating their right to use the roads. If you are driving in SF on a Critical Mass day, you will want to listen for radio traffic reports, but if you are stopped by the mass the best thing to do is maintain a good sense of humor and remember that it will all pass in about 5 minutes. Tempers can and do flare, and there have been cases where run-ins with drivers and bicyclists have gotten violent. If your car is surrounded by bikes, definitely do not move until they have passed or they might feel threatened.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Easter Parade and Spring Celebration
The kid-friendly but diverse festivities include a petting zoo, pony rides, live music, train rides, alfresco dining, and a parade.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon
Second Sunday in June. Participants (which often include world champions and Olympic medalists) swim 1.5 miles through chilly waters, bike 18 miles, and then run an extra 8 miles. The course winds its way throughout the city, but the transition and finish line is at Marina Green in the San Francisco/Golden Gate
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free WiFi on Market Street and many cafes. Area codes 415 and 628.
Culture
Diverse neighborhoods: Chinatown, Castro, Mission District. English is dominant, but Cantonese, Mandarin, and Spanish are common.
Health
Tap water is safe to drink.
Language
English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and Tagalog are widely spoken.
Local transport
Muni ticket $2.50, cable car $8, BART to SFO $8-10.
Money
San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. Budget accordingly.
Safety
Car break-ins are common. Never leave valuables in plain sight.
Transport
BART, Muni, and Caltrain provide public transit. Consider a multi-day pass.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking.
Weather
Mild climate; dress in layers. Best time: late Sep-Oct.