San Francisco Travel Guide

SF Travel Guide Karl the Fog

What they say is true. You will leave your heart in San Francisco. Maybe it was my rose-colored glasses. Maybe it was because my trip had few hiccups. Maybe it was the undeniably perfect weather. Maybe it was the subtle coolness of the city and its residents. Maybe it was because around every corner was a fun activity or sight and with every step, a calling of a new neighborhood filled with charm and history. Though residents told me about the city’s ugly side with talk of rising rent, gentrification, and the homeless issue, they unknowingly couldn’t help but exude pride for their city by sharing tidbits of history and the city’s unique, prevailing personality. Yes, San Francisco charmed me. San Francisco is a city for most, if not all. You’ll find an abundance of activities, restaurants, and interests. Everything and everyone seems to fit in here and there’s always something to be discovered. For me, I know it’s a place I will continue to visit!

You’ve read about my favorite San Francisco restaurants/eats and my favorite things to do and suggestions of things to do in San Francisco. Read on in my San Francisco Travel Guide for tips on how to get around the city and things to think about when planning your trip.

Mission District

WEATHER
The weather is consistent and cool in San Francisco. The average fluctuates between 50 to 80 degrees, depending on the season. I recommend bringing a light jacket to keep with you because some areas, like those close to the Golden Gate Bridge, may be breezier and colder than other areas. Ferries will have cooler temperatures also. In September, I found myself sweating from walking around and wishing I had a fleece jacket in the same day!

Pier 39

GETTING AROUND

Airport
You’ll likely fly into San Francisco International Airport, which is about 20 minutes south of downtown. The BART can be taken directly from the airport to the downtown area.

Public Transportation
The BART subway and Muni transit are the ways to get around. The BART is available on the east side of the city, which is slightly inconvenient. Muni transit refers to the buses, light rail, street cars and cable cars. Some buses may allow you to give your fare in exact change ($2.25 single trip) but others will require you to pay with a Clipper card. Check the website to see where to buy one.

Private Transportation
Uber and Lyft are widely available. In most areas of the city, short distances will cost $5 to $6 and longer distances will cost up to $12.

Mission District

Take a sight-seeing tour like Vantigo or a hop-on, hop-off bus because there are many “must-see,” tourist sights. This will help you cross all the sights in a succinct amount of time and help you decide where you want to spend more time.
There are also places outside of San Francisco like Napa, Sonoma, and Sausalito that would be great to enjoy if you have time.
For a list of recommended sights, check out my blog post about things to do in San Francisco and more recommendations about things to do.

If you’re planning a first trip, I would opt for at least five full days in San Francisco. I’m one who loves to pack in as many “must-see” sights and experiences into my vacations, so here is my quick five-day guide to see and do as much as possible.

Day 1: Sight-Seeing Day. Spend a couple of hours on a sight-seeing tour to cross off all the San Francisco “must-see” places. Make sure to hit Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Ferry Building, Chinatown and Alcatraz.

Day 2: Wine Country Day. Adventure to Napa or Sonoma for a wine tour.

Day 3: Outdoors Day. Venture out to Muir Woods National Monument, ride a bike across the Golden Gate Bridge or spend a day at Angel Island State Park.

Day 4: Museum Day + More Outdoors. Go hang out in the Golden Gate Park area where there are several museums. You can also swing over to Presidio, Baker Beach, Ocean Beach, Cliff House, Land’s End, and the Sutro Baths if you’d like to explore these sights.

Day 5: Everything You Haven’t Done Yet Day. Anything else you missed? If you have free time, I recommend spending half a day in the Mission District where there are plenty of great restaurants, shops to wander in and out of and Dolores Park to relax on.

The Sassy Sea Lion of Pier 39

STAY

Trying to find an affordable place to stay in San Francisco was a doozy. Average hotel rates are the highest in the country – about $397 per night. Thankfully, I had friends to stay with on this last trip. For my next trip, we opted for Airbnb because rates per night were a lot cheaper (around $150 per night). If you’re looking for a place to stay, try staying in Hayes Valley or Castro for lower rates. There are plenty of great hotels but be ready to work that into your budget.

Clarion Alley

EAT

You will love all there is to eat in San Francisco. There are an abundance of pastries and plenty of cuisine options. Check out this post to find out more about popular restaurants.

Fisherman’s Wharf

QUICK TIPS

While the Tenderloin neighborhood is safer during the day, try to avoid it at night.
Be sure to check the sights you want to see ahead of time. Alcatraz requires reservations ahead of time.
As with any popular sights in any city, get to a landmark or viewpoint early in the morning for the best photos without other people in them.
Yes, San Francisco’s fog has a name. Say hello to Karl the Fog!