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The Best Time to Visit San Francisco

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Best Time to Visit

• Frequently Asked Questions

Home to iconic architecture, diverse neighborhoods, and colorful things to see around every corner, San Francisco is a traveler's dream. Know when to go to beat the crowds, take advantage of affordable prices, and steer clear of “Karl of Fog.”

The best time to visit San Francisco is in the fall (September through November) when the city's “Indian Summer” sets in and kids have returned to school, making for some of the city's warmest weather and cheaper all-around prices.

Still, whenever you plan to explore San Francisco this handy guide will navigate the city's unusual micro-climates and discover some of its most exciting events and festivals. Get ready to enjoy San Francisco at its best.

Don't let the moniker “summer” fool you. June through August can be some of San Francisco's coldest months, with the city's renowned fog rolling in and quickly dropping temperatures, making layers a must. The rainy season typically runs from late November through April, though May and June are often quite misty. March and April usually offer a stretch of warmer weather, but September and October are traditionally the city's warmest months, with blue skies from the bayside to Ocean Beach.

Despite the cool weather, summer—and spring break—remains a popular time to visit San Fransisco and crowds are at their peak. While the greater Bay Area pours into the city for the holidays, many local residents actually head elsewhere to celebrate, evening out crowds and making the week between Christmas and New Year's an excellent time to visit. Insider tip: San Francisco completely empties out during Nevada's annual Burning Man festival (end of August/beginning of September), opening up parking spaces and attractions. Most museums close one day a week, typically Monday.

For the most part, prices in San Francisco are lowest in winter, when temperatures drop, the rain sets in, and crowds thin out, though both the cost of airline tickets and lodgings can fluctuate drastically when there's a conference in town, most notably the Salesforce Dreamforce Conference in late November. If prices seem otherworldly, try booking a week back or ahead.

Although San Francisco's weather may change drastically from one day and neighborhood to the next, there are some things that remain constant. Winter is a great time for indoor events like Sketchfest —the city's premier comedy festival—and to experience some of the city's best bars and restaurants, while street festivals take over during summer months. October offers a bevy of events to choose from, including the city's annual literary festival and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass , a three-day, six-stage, completely free music festival in Golden Gate Park. For a more thorough breakdown on both weather and events, here's a month-to-month guide: 

January is a part of San Francisco's off-season, when temperatures are often at their coldest and residents are still recovering from the December holidays. It's often rainy, though you can get perfectly clear, dry days as well. Perks include minimal crowds and cheaper lodgings overall (unless there's a conference).

Events to check-out:

• The city's annual SF Sketchfest comedy festival seems to grow in both hilarity and big names each year. Past events have included everyone from Jon Hamm to Canadian sketch comedy troupe The Kids in the Hall.
• More than 100 eateries citywide (including popular spots like Waterbar and Flour + Water ) offer special prix-fixe menus during SF Restaurant Week, making dining out in this bayside city an even bigger treat. 

Typically still cold and rainy, February also means lesser crowds and lower costs—though rates may rise during the annual Chinese New Year celebration. It's also the month in which San Francisco's ornamental cherry trees usually start to bloom.

• Beer-centric events reign during SF Beer Week, meaning a plethora of curated beer and food tastings, talks on home-brewing, and special guest beers at neighborhood brew pubs.
• The largest Chinese New Year parade outside of Asia takes place in San Francisco: an illuminated night extravaganza that first began in the mid-19th-century. Associated events include a flower market fair and Miss Chinatown U.S.A. Pageant.

Winter's rains continue and days can often be quite windy, but temperatures often improve and flowers like trumpet honeysuckle and sunflowers start to add a bit of color. Rates on rooms also begin to rise.

• Celebrate the luck of the Irish with San Francisco's St. Patrick's Day Festival and Parade, the biggest Irish celebration on the West Coast—complete with live bands and arts and crafts.
• Colorful flowers, trees, and plants transform downtown's Union Square during Macy's Flower Show, an annual tradition since 1946. 

The weather starts to warm, rainy days are fewer, and the city starts springing to life before the inevitable fog rolls in. Expect rates to go up a bit more—but it's still a good time to visit.

• Spring-centric festivities are par for the course, and depending on the year may include the Union Street Easter Parade & Spring Celebration —complete with its own bunny hop. The annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, which promotes silliness, is an April 1st given.
• Indoor events range from the modern and contemporary artworks of Art Market San Francisco to the city's landmark International Film Festival, showcasing approximately 200 films from more than 50 countries.

Temperatures remain mild, averaging in the mid-sixties, though days are drier and often clear. However, the city's notorious “Karl the Fog” has been to known to make a May appearance—sometime sticking around for days at a time.

• Held in the city's multi-cultural Mission District , San Francisco's decades-old Carnaval celebrates the neighborhood's diverse Latin American and Caribbean roots with hip-shaking music and dance, vibrant costumes, and a Grand Parade.
• The city's annual AIDS Walk has raised millions of dollars since its 1987 inception. Join thousands of others making a difference on two feet.

Fog starts rolling in on a regular basis, leaving many of the neighborhoods closest to the ocean covered in a white blanket of “brrr” that covers the sun, while other parts of the city—such as downtown and the Mission—have blue skies and spring-like temps for much of the day. Either way, it's not your typical summer. Still, street fairs are in full swing and families flock to the city, taking full advantage of their kids' school vacations. Room prices rise accordingly.

• San Francisco is known for its festive street fairs, and the best month to experience them is June. Sample craft wine and beer at the long-running Union Street Music Festival, with performances from two-dozen live bands; peruse handmade jewelry and tie-dyed wares at the Haight Asbury Street Fair; and wander the back alleys of San Francisco's “Little Italy” at the two-day North Beach Festival, one of the country's original street fairs.
• An absolute must-do, the annual LGBTQ Pride celebrates the city's wonderful diversity with a grand parade and two days of all-out festivities, including plenty of music and dance. 

The fog has settled in and the city experiences cool temps and weather that can change from warmish to downright frigid in an instant. Remember: San Francisco is a city of microclimates. Bring layers, and despite the chill, expect crowds.

• San Francisco's chilly summer weather means July is a great month for indoor activities, including film festivals. Notable ones this month include the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival and the San Francisco Frozen Film Festival, highlighting indie films, live music concerts, and documentaries.

San Franciscans are pretty much over the seemingly endless fog, which continues to retract late and roll back in early, leaving a small window of time to endless warmer temps and sun. Still, the summer crowds continue.

• Since its 2008 beginnings, Outside Lands has morphed into one of the Bay Area's most beloved music and arts festivals—featuring headliners from Paul McCartney to Metallica over the years. Bring a parka and gloves: the three-day outdoor event takes place in Golden Gate Park, where temps drop quickly.
• San Franciscan's strip down and let loose during the city's annual Bay to Breakers: a just-over seven-mile foot race from the bayside Embarcadero to Ocean Beach. While there are some serious competitors, most of the “running” is done in elaborate costumes or often nothing at all—and in many cases inebriated. It's a definite sight to behold. 

September is one of the best months to visit San Francisco, as "Karl the Fog" starts to dissipate and the sun begins to shine, making for warmer temps and the start of San Francisco's “Indian Summer.” Crowds start to lessen as well—except during the annual Salesforce “Dreamforce” conference, when lodging prices also go through the roof. 

• Not for the faint of heart (or children), the Folsom Street Fair happens to be the world's largest leather event. Expect chaps, whips, and lots of skin exposure.
• Enjoy a random array of independent and offbeat theatre at the San Francisco Fringe Festival, with upwards of 100+ performances held over a 10-day period.

There's no better month to visit San Francisco then October, with its warm weather and a host of exciting activities and events citywide. Even lodgings are (relatively) affordable, and the local energy is unbeatable.

When San Francisco billionaire Warren Hellman decided to start a free music festival in Golden Gate Park back in 2001, no one knew how big it would become. With six stages and dozens of performances, the three-day Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (HSB) festival attracts all walks who come to picnic, dance, and simply listen to good music. Acts like Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, and Alison Krauss are perennial favorites.

• Litquake is the city's beloved literary festival, 10 days of storytelling, readings, “in conversations” with, and a “literary pub crawl” held at venues across the city.
• You'll know its SF Fleet Week when the Blue Angels aerobatic flight team start roaring their engines overhead. Along with their death-defying show, festivals include ship tours and a parade of sea vessels.

Rain starts moving in and temperatures begin to drop, but prices remain low. Crowds lessen as even San Francisco residents head out of town for the beginning of the holiday season, freeing up attractions and making the month a perfect time to visit.

Events to check out:

• Commemorate the lives and legacies of departed loved ones at Dia de los Muertos, a festival of altars held in the city's historically Latino Mission District.
• A bevy of large-scale installations light up the night citywide at the annual Illuminate SF Festival, which starts on Thanksgiving and runs evenings through New Year's Day. 

The holiday season is in full swing, and visitors flock to the city for its light displays, ice-skating, and shopping. Temperatures continue dropping and SF can get downright cold. As expected, prices spike a bit as the holidays draw nearer.

• It's the season to celebrate in San Francisco, from two-story gingerbread houses to Nutcracker performances.
• The Union Square Ice Rink is an annual holiday tradition, as is the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, a throwback to Victorian London complete with roasted chestnuts, costumed carolers, and plenty of handmade wares for purchase. 

The best time to visit San Francisco is in the fall (September through November). During this time, the weather is warm, the kids have returned to school, and airfare and lodging are at their cheapest.

San Francisco's rainy season extends from December through February, with December being the wettest month of the year, yielding over 4 inches of precipitation.

If you're leaving your car at home, it's best to stay in downtown San Francisco and within walking distance to Union Square, North Beach (Little Italy), Chinatown, and Nob Hill.

Weather Spark. "Average Weather in San Francisco, California, US." Retrieved February 26, 2021.

San Francisco Travel. "Fun Facts About San Francisco Fog." Retrieved February 26, 2021.

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The best time to visit San Francisco

SF's many microclimates can be hard to navigate. Use this guide to figure out the best time to visit San Francisco.

If it’s your first time to the city, San Francisco’s weather can be hard to wrap your brain around. Yes, San Francisco is in California, which means we get our fair share of sun, but thanks to location and geography we also get a whole lot of fog and cold wind. Counterintuitively, summer is San Francisco’s coldest season, where temperatures tend to range from the mid-50s to low-60s. Winters are mild enough to enjoy outdoor activities but it’s also the season where the city gets most of its rain. If you prefer warm, sunny days, early fall and spring are your best bet for a visit.

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When to visit San Francisco

Spring is a beautiful time of year in San Francisco, full of blooming flowers and sunny skies. As the winter rain fades away, temperatures rise to the mid- to high-60s during the day (though, as they do year-round, they’ll drop back to the 50s at night). Fog is common in the spring but so are plenty of sunny warm days, especially in neighborhoods like the Mission, Potrero Hill and Bernal Heights which are farther from the ocean. Cold winds can rise quickly, though, so always be sure to bring a sweater. San Francisco’s parks and outdoor cafes see their fair share of visitors in the spring and events like Bay to Breakers and Carnaval (both in May) liven up the streets. Spring also marks the beginning of San Francisco’s  whale watching season .

While the rest of California basks in the sun during the summer months, San Francisco is shrouded in fog. June through August is typically the city’s coolest, windiest season and some weeks Karl the Fog (yes, our ever-present foggy friend has a name) doesn’t allow the sun to come out at all. During the day, temperatures typically hover in the high-50s and low-60s and nights tend to be in the low-50s. Accustomed to these foggy days and nights, San Francisco still manages to wring joy out of the summer months with free concerts at Stern Grove’s outdoor amphitheater, neighborhood festivals, and the Outside Lands music festival in Golden Gate Park in August.

Karl the Fog takes a vacation when temperatures begin to cool off slightly inland, making early fall—typically September through October—the warmest, sunniest days of the year. While evening temperatures will still drop to the low- to mid-50s, during daylight hours expect comfortably warm temperatures in the high-60s to mid-70s. This is the city’s favorite time of year to be outdoors and the crowds picnicking at Dolores Park and biking through Golden Gate Park on the weekends are at their max. Outdoor events continue to surge during early fall, including October’s free music festival Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and Fleet Week . This is also a great time of year to get out on the Bay on a kayak , ferry or other seagoing vessel.

When not in drought, winter is San Francisco’s rainiest season. For those from the Midwest and South, our “rain storms,” however, are child’s play; a steady drizzle is about the most you can expect and temperatures rarely drop below the mid-50s during the day. Still, winter is the best season for taking advantage of the city’s world-class museums and cozy bars, especially those with fireplaces blazing. Around the holidays, Union Square is bustling with holiday cheer (including a seasonal ice skating rink) and Fort Mason hosts an impressive array of holiday craft fairs . At restaurants, keep an eye out for Dungeness crab , a local favorite featured on menus during the winter season.

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The first timer's guide to San Francisco

Jun 19, 2020 • 14 min read

View from de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. © rhkamen / Getty Images

San Francisco has an outsize reputation in the American consciousness, from the myth-making Gold Rush to the Summer of Love to gay liberation to the current tech boom. The long story of the 'Cool Grey City of Love' has somehow spanned counterculture and culinary revolution, dive bars and dot coms, sailors and psychonauts – a range of experiences as far-reaching as the iconic Golden Gate Bridge that branches from the big city to big redwoods across the bay.

No matter what impressions you have on arrival, San Francisco is sure to shift and subvert them. Despite plenty of gentrification in recent years, San Francisco retains a certain mystique belayed by its shimmering white skyline shrouded in fog. It's not the westernmost point in the continental United States – that honor goes to Cape Alava, Washington – but somehow San Francisco has always felt as if it sits on the rim of America, marking some sort of edge or tipping point. At the very least, it was the western terminus of the Lincoln Highway, the original trans-American mother road that ushered generations west in the age of the automobile.

If it's your first time visiting San Francisco, no doubt you have a long list of must-see experiences vying for top billing – whether you're seeking old school dishes like Hangtown fry, a classic cablecar ride, a visit to Alcatraz, the rhythm of the beat generation, some '60s nostalgia, a little comeback '70s Cali cool, or some  Party of Five  90's nostalgia. That's the wonderful thing about San Francisco – this is a city that contains multitudes, which invites you to return again and again and again as you find little pieces of yourself scattered in its storied neighborhoods.

Not sure where to get started? Just read on, man.

Population: around 883,305 Visitors per year: around 25 million Daily budget: $50 to $300, plus hotel Best time of year to go: April–May or September–October; summer is often foggy and cool. Number of restaurants:  4,415

Neighborhoods & sights

Fisherman’s wharf.

The city’s number one tourist destination, and you could write off  Fisherman’s Wharf  as a trap, but really that's only true for the seafood that passes through this strip of working warehouses and quirky attractions. Fisherman's Wharf recently survived a football-field sized fire, and continues to process vast quantities of seafood for a city that takes eating seriously (just a few years ago, San Francisco had the most restaurants per capital in the nation). Humans aren't the only fans of the Wharf's bounty – you can see and hear the sea lions near Pier 39  before ducking into the Musée Mécanique  to check out century-old arcade games that hint at San Francisco's long legacy of cool.

Next, tour the 19th-century tall ships at the Hyde St Pier and Maritime National Historic Park  to learn more about the city's naval ties – which were also the origin of San Francisco's eventual reputation as the capital of LGBTQI America.

Meanwhile,  Alcatraz  offers a jumping off point to learn about San Francisco's complicated history of crime and punishment, as well as its role in the indigenous rights movement – from 1969 to 1971, Alcatraz was occupied by the activist group Indians of All Tribes.  Take a tour to learn more about the long and varied history of one of the world's most famous prisons.

Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco’s most spectacular icon, the Golden Gate Bridge , rises 80 stories of gleaming orange above cold, dark waters. Visit midday or early afternoon when views will be clearest. If you're curious exactly how San Francisco's most famous structure stays aloft, stop by the welcome center in the Presidio – a former military complex –  to see a cross section of the thousands of tiny woven wires that have held the bridge since 1937. The Presidio also offers some fantastic vantage points not only of the Golden Gate, but other nearby scenery like Chrissy Field and glimpses of the downtown skyline.

You can walk, cycle or drive across for panoramic vistas of the downtown skyline and the Pacific. For an especially unique angle, you can even sail underneath . Children especially will be thrilled by a fire truck tour of the Golden Gate – a memory sure to linger for decades.

147 years ago, San Francisco's iconic cable cars were cutting edge technology. Today, they're a tourist attraction and part of the city's vital public transportation network immortalized in the 1953 George Cory song that goes, "I left my heart in San Francisco/ High on a hill, it calls to me / To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars / The morning fog may chill the air, I don't care." 

Now those pretty little cars are National Historic Landmarks on wheels. Just a handful of the original routes prevail, named for the streets they traverse: California, Powell-Mason, and Powell-Hyde. Expect the biggest crowds – and even lines to board– on the Powell St lines. You can get your chance in the morning before rush hour, while most tourists are still enjoying breakfast at joints like nearby Lori's Diner , or head to the less-harried California Street line. If you want to learn more about San Francisco's perennial workhorses, swing by the  Cable Car Museum  – always a hit with children.

Chinatown, North Beach and Coit Tower

San Francisco's Chinatown was once the largest in the country, a fact that transformed it into a political as well as culture hotspot. While San Fransisco's Chinese-American population has largely filtered into the Richmond and Sunset districts and broader bay area suburbs, one only needs to come in February to see the old district come to life. Old Chinatown is at its smoke-filled best when its hosts San Francisco's annual  Lunar New Year Parade , quaking with firecrackers as the city gathers for dragon dances and tours of the fortune cookie factory.  Another prime season to visit is  Christmastime, when many of San Francisco's wonderful dim sum restaurants put out special menus.

Recharge at Caffe Trieste in North Beach, the city’s ‘little Italy’ and birthplace of West Coast coffee culture. Though the city has a whole has changed quite a bit since big tech arrived, North Beach is still an area where you can glimpse old school San Francisco. Just keep an eye out for anywhere that distinguished gentlemen in cabby hats tend to gather where there's nary a fleece pullover in sight – that's a sure sign you've stumbled on a local hangout that stands the test of time.

Just around the corner, duck into the famous City Lights Bookstore . This is hallowed literary ground, and has been a fixture in the neighborhood since 1953, when it was founded by the great beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Right next door is another important landmark in San Francisco's beatnik legacy, the Vesuvio Cafe , where the likes of Jack Kerouac, Dylan Thomas, Allen Ginsberg, and Bob Dylan were known to gather. 

If you aren't tempted by a book or a beer, burn off your caffeine buzz on a hike uphill to Coit Tower . This Art Deco monument is perched atop Telegraph Hill and has sweeping views of the city, not to mention a series of murals made by the Works Progress Administration almost a century ago, with colorful scenes of life in the Golden State. Afterward, find the Filbert Street Steps . This semi-secret wooden staircase feels like you've stepped out of San Fran and into another world, where friendly cats will say hello while wild parrots squawk in the trees overhead. It's the perfect route to cut down to the Embarcadero waterfront. 

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's back yard – what Central Park is to New York, but even more. It spans five miles, reaching from San Francisco's most storied neighborhoods to the white capped Pacific coast. It contains everything from the formal Victorian gardens of the  Conservatory of Flowers   to distinctive pagodas of the  Japanese Tea Garden . The  MH de Young Museum  is a must-see for art lovers that stands out as a gleaming copper landmark even if you never step inside. Meanwhile, the California Academy of Sciences  speaks to California's conservation-minded ethos, its planetarium capped with wildflowers. Inside is an indoor rainforest and a variety of live animals that will delight all ages.

Even if you skip the major sites, you could easily spend a whole day hiking through Golden Gate Park. Often an aimless stroll is the key to experiencing this green space like a local, and to take in the endless people watching that might attune you to the city's unique vibe.

SOMA, Union Square, the Tenderloin

Once upon a time, San Francisco's City Hall  sat on the eastern edge of the city before the Bay was steadily filled in, forming the foundation of new neighborhoods. Even just 25 years ago, TV shows like Party of Five  that celebrated San Francisco's historic neighborhoods further west cast the Mid-Market and SOMA (South of Market) neighborhoods near city hall as crime-ridden loft spaces appealing only to broke college students and up-and-comers.

Today, Twitter and other tech companies have set up their headquarters here and fancy high-rise apartment buildings have cropped up next door. You'll find an assortment of food trucks and fast-casual ramen joints just a stone's throw from the gorgeous gilt dome – grab a burrito from  Señor Sisig  and sit on a benh to watch the happy couples stream out of city hall fresh from getting hitched.

This part of San Francisco has seen dramatic growth in recent years, and as a result the hotel epicenter around  Union Square  now abuts the rough-and-tumble Tenderloin – once (and somewhat still) the Skid Row of SF. The area's reputation may make you tighten your grip on your handbag, but there's a concentration of cheap ethnic restaurants and trendy bars that have locals and visitors alike venturing into what was once verboten  territory. Block to block you'll see everything from hip craft beer emporiums to homeless camps – remember this is the result of high housing rates, not criminality. Keep an open, compassionate mind.

The Haight and Hayes Valley

When many people picture San Francisco, they're picturing the Haight , whether they realize it or not. Full of handsome old Victorians that once housed anonymous communes, the Grateful Dead , Joan Didion, and even Charles Manson, the neighborhood hasn't lost its bohemian charms.

The  Summer of Love may be over and you can't find free meals from the Diggers and LSD on every street corner, but the Haight's counterculture is still alive and well. There's plenty of tie-dye on display at the annual Haight Ashbury Street Fair each June, not to mention boundless records at the world-famous Amoeba Music , where the likes of the Violent Femmes have been known to play free shows. When the sun goes down, nightlife keeps the Haight's streets bright, and you're sure to find a good tipple or a concert – not to mention a souvenir or two if you duck into one of the neighborhood's many head shops and tattoo parlors. 

Nearby, Hayes Valley has a decidedly different vibe, full of posh shops, piano bars , and hip eateries. One of the most iconic restaurants in San Francisco is here – don't miss the chance to try the legendary roast chicken at Zuni Cafe . Judy Rodgers' light-filled flatiron restaurant has been wowing diners with simple, perfectly prepared dishes that, over the past forty years, have come to define California cuisine. Another must-visit is The Riddler , the tiny, female-owned, impossibly chic champagne bar where you can chow down on caviar-strewn tater tots while sipping impeccable bubblies. 

The Mission and the Castro

Home to lively street art, burritos the size of your arm, and generations of Chicano culture, there's a reason the Mission District is one of San Francisco's most popular neighborhoods. That's also meant some of its charms have been blunted by gentrification in recent years, but loyal locals haven't let beloved mainstays like Foreign Cinema and Mission Chinese founder. A slew of dive bars and bookstores still survive, too, not to mention packed hole-in-the-wall taco shops like  El Farolito  and La Taqueria , which serve up the neighborhood's very own Mission Burritos – a genre all its own. Indulge in a morning  pan au chocolate at Tartine before enjoying a long, winding tour of the area's murals and history . When your dogs are barking, pick up a couple paperbacks at Alleycat Books  before settling onto a bar stool at Phone Booth underneath the naked Barbie chandelier for a shot and a beer.

Just west of the Mission is another neighborhood whose reputation precedes it. Instead of following the yellow brick road, keep an eye out for the rainbow crosswalks to know you've found the Castro, America's original gayborhood. Take in views of San Francisco's own Oz from  Buena Vista Park , atop the tall hill that separates the Castro from Haight Ashbury, or the small-but-spectacular Corona Heights  before dipping back into neighborhood where locals like Harvey Milk once hit up the  Castro Theatre  and  Twin Peaks Tavern – the oldest gay bar in SF. Book a Castro  walking tour  so you can get the inside scoop on the kind of neighborhood lore that typically gets left out of history books.

What to pack for San Francisco

• Layers: Even in peak season, the City by the Bay has the potential to be chilly and cloudy. That's ironically true even in the summer, when Karl the Fog (yes, San Francisco's marine layer has been personified) is feeling friendlier than usual
• Sensible footwear:  San Francisco is famously hilly, yes, but it's still a pedestrian-friendly city where you can easily hoof it between neighborhoods. Even if you aren't typically a walker by nature you might find yourself strolling transit stops and Uber pickup locations. Leave the heels at home and bring something (festive) with support
• An open mind:  Whether you're ready to commune with the chaps-clad glitterati or are expecting a refined  Silicon Valley  experience, San Francisco demands a blend of acceptance, patience, and whimsy
• A generous budget:  While it's certainly possible to do San Francisco on a budget, let's face it – this is a spendy city. If you're hoping to Uber around, shop, take advantage of SF's well-lauded fine dining scene or book prime hotel rooms, budget a little more than you might even in other major American cities or West Coast locals
• A good book:  San Francisco is a city layered with stories. While anyone can drop in and have a fabulous time, you'll get a whole 'nother level of appreciation if you read your way through this city that's jam-packed with ride-or-die bookshops. From Gary Kamiya's Cool Grey City of Love  to David Talbot's  Season of the Witch  to Rebecca Solnit's  The Infinite City  to classics bu Kerouac, Didion, Jack London and Richard Brautigan, there are no shortage of books that will help you tap into the spirit of San Francisco. Pick something up ahead of time, or once you arrive at local favorites like Green Apple Books .

Getting around

The BART train from the airport to downtown will cost about $10.20 one-way, or you can take a taxi (roughly $50, plus tip). A ride share like Lyft or Uber will run a little cheaper than a cab – San Francisco is home turf for both companies.

It's most practical to get around San Francisco by the MUNI (public transit) system or your own feet. While the cable car will help you get up some steep hills, its predominantly a tourist experience in a small area of the city rather than a serious tool for commute. Visitor Passport transit tickets can be had for 1-, 3-, and 7-day blocks which give you unlimited travel on buses, streetcars, cable cars, and metros. You can pick one up from kiosks at Powell and Market St, as well as at local pharmacies and other retail spots around the city . You can also use your smartphone as a transit pass using the  MuniMobile  app.

San Francisco is casual – you're more likely to see a ubiquitous techie fleece-and-brogues uniform or feather boas and glitter than you are to see anyone in a tie. Locals are likely to rely on outdoor apparel to navigate the ever-changing weather, let their freak flag fly with thrift store finds, or dress for cute comfort than to rock couture. Even evening wear steers away from the binding and formal towards the expressive and earthy.  

Booking ahead

Because San Francisco is a busy, expensive city, it's wise to plan ahead. Check the city convention calendar  before booking your lodging as rates are often higher when there's a convention or event in town. That's especially true now that many of the city's AirBnB's and other short-term lodging stock has been knocked out by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For the city's best-known restaurants, you'll want to book at least a week or two in advance – or as much as a month in peak season, especially if you're hoping to score special (sometimes cheaper) tasting menus only offered on certain nights. Do advance research on tours, too, especially if you're hoping to book specific day and times for sites like Alcatraz that are on everyone's must-see list. Concerts, theater, and dance events should be booked as soon as dates are announced – after all, you're competing with locals who pay a premium to take advantage of everything San Francisco has to offer.

It's best to skip a rental car in San Francisco – public transit, ride shares, and your feet will get you where you need to go more efficiently. Even if you want to head further afield to see sites like Muir Woods or wine country, it's often easier to book a tour than fuss with a vehicle.

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This article was first published August 2014 and updated June 2020

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The Best Time to Visit San Francisco

SD › San Francisco › Best Time to Visit Updated: February 22, 2021 By Santorini Dave

• Where to Stay in San Francisco
• Best Hotels in San Francisco
• Best Family Hotels in San Francisco

San Francisco – My Recommendations

I’ve lived in San Francisco, and in my opinion, the best time to visit is May-June and September-October to avoid the peak tourist seasons. These months also offer cool weather with clear skies, and good deals on travel and lodging can be found.

May, June, September, and early October are my favorite months to visit San Francisco.

The best time to visit San Francisco are in the spring and fall months of May, June, September, and October, when the weather is generally clear and mild, and tourist season isn’t at its peak. Traveling to San Francisco in the winter guarantees chilly, damp weather, while summer trips in June, July, and August ensure higher rates and heavier crowds of tourists.

While summer is peak season for travel, in general it isn’t peak season for clear weather. Summer in San Francisco is notorious for its fog and this doesn’t make for great sightseeing or photographs.

San Francisco County’s coldest month is January when the average low temperature is 46.4°F. September is the warmest month, and the average day time temperature is 71°F. San Francisco can be chilly any time of year and it’s always wise to dress in layers.

• Best Time to Visit San Francisco for Sightseeing : The best time to enjoy pleasant walks around the city is during what’s referred to as “Indian summer,” generally just after Labor Day weekend through September, and often well into October. Typically in September, after a cool, foggy summer, the skies clear and the thermometer rises – locals head to the beach, while many tourists have gone home. As San Francisco weather is fairly mild year-round, winter is a good choice for sightseeing while avoiding crowds; if you don’t mind bundling up a bit, the weather shouldn’t get in the way of your plans. Summer, the height of tourist season, may actually be the worst time to visit San Francisco; tourists pack into the city, and often stand shivering in the unexpectedly cool weather, waiting in long lines.
• Best Time for Shopping : San Francisco is a shopper’s paradise year-round. There are no specific times to go for sales, but if you’re looking for unique vintage items or just a great bargain, consider heading to one of the city’s flea markets like the Treasure Island Flea or Alemany Flea. Arrive early in the morning as all of the best items will be quickly grabbed by store owners, collectors, and designers by 10am. If your goal is clothing, the day after Christmas is the best day of the year for great fashion buys, though you will have to wade through the hordes of other shoppers returning unwanted gifts. During other seasons, experts say Thursday evenings are the best day and time of the week for clothing buys as you’ll hit the early part of weekend sales, with good discounts and the best selection. Beyond sales and flea markets, Union Square is a pedestrian-friendly district of gorgeous historic architecture, top name-brand boutiques, and luxury department stores. Maiden Lane is the best high-end shopping district. It’s a pedestrian-only street from 11am – 6pm, with outdoor cafés and upscale retailers including Chanel, Marc Jacobs, and Yves Saint Laurent.
• Best Time to Walk the Golden Gate Bridge : If you’d like to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, the best time to visit San Francisco is in September or October, after the fog dissipates and warmer temperatures arrive. If you go in the summer, it’s likely to be engulfed in fog in the morning hours, and while the air usually clears by early afternoon, be prepared for wind and cold. You can also rent bikes at a variety of locations and ride across the bridge.
• Best Time for Visiting Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf : Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf are some of the city’s busiest and most popular sites. The area is filled with food stands, restaurants, shops and museums. The original Fisherman’s Wharf area is more authentic than Pier 39, which is really nothing more than an outdoor strip mall along the water. If you visit by car in the summer, parking can be such a nightmare that you may want to turn around. Your best bet, no matter what the time of year, is to go very early in the morning, or later in the evening. Highlights are seeing (and hearing) the sea lions, dining at the Franciscan Restaurant, eating clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, and visiting the Aquarium of the Bay.
• Best Time for Riding Cable Cars : Riding a cable car in San Francisco is the quintessential must-do experience. The Powell-Hyde cable car line has some of the best views in the city. You’ll want to make sure to ride down the north side of Russian Hill for truly spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz. The Powell-Hyde trolley is such a popular attraction, you can end up waiting over an hour for a ride, with lines sometimes stretching for two blocks or more. On weekends, and in the busy summer tourist season, it’s best to be at the cable car turnaround at Fisherman’s Wharf as early as possible or to plan a late evening ride. Another option is the California Street Car at Van Ness and California, which is never particularly crowded. If possible, avoid the summer months as the views are likely to be blocked by the ever-present fog; plan to visit sometime after Labor Day weekend and before about mid-November for the best weather and fewer crowds.
• Best Time to Visit Alcatraz : The best time to visit Alcatraz Island is during September and October, the warmest months of the year, after the majority of the fog has lifted and the main cell block won’t be as chilly. While January and February will be cooler and there’s a greater chance for rain, this can be a perfect time to go if you don’t want to battle crowds – the ferries have covered seating, so they won’t be canceled due to wet weather. The worst time to go is on a summer weekend, when the crowds are at their peak and fog frequently enshrouds the city, particularly during the morning hours. During summers and holidays, the ferries are often sold out. It’s best to pre-purchase your boat ticket as far in advance as possible.
• Best Time to Visit China Town : Start early and explore the produce shopping area in the first couple of blocks of Stockton south of Broadway. Then head further into Chinatown to arrive when restaurants and dim sum houses open, usually 10:30 or 11am to avoid a wait.
• Best Time to Visit Ghirardelli Square : A short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf, this 3-level landmark of the former chocolate factory now houses the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop at Ghirardelli Square. The public landmark is also filled with shops and restaurants and the Fairmont Heritage Place 5-star hotel. The best time to visit Ghirardelli Square is when the shops first open in the morning or in early evening. Of course, summer and holidays will be especially busy.
• Best Time to Visit the Buena Vista : The Buena Vista is one of the most famous cafés in San Francisco and known for introducing Irish coffee to the United States in 1952. It opened in 1916 when the first floor of the boarding house was converted into a saloon. This popular spot is almost always crowded but worth the wait. Best times to visit are between breakfast and lunch or between lunch and early evening.
• Best Time to Visit Haight-Ashbury : The Haight-Ashbury District is one of the most famous in San Francisco. This is the community famously known as the home of the ‘Summer of Love’ in 1967. The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and Jefferson Airplane were just a few of the bands that became famous during this time. They lived in the neighborhood and were known for giving free shows. Haight-Ashbury is an intersection and the heart of where to visit. The main area to visit is Haight Street from Masonic Avenue to Stanyan Street. Today there are still plenty of tie-dye options at the many hippie-centric shops and second-hand stores. You’ll also find the neighborhood is gentrifying a bit with a few higher-end shops and cafes. Don’t miss the murals and street art as well as classic San Francisco Victorian homes. Best time to visit is when the stores open and before the lunch and afternoon rush of tourists.
• Best Time to Visit the Presidio : The Presidio is, without a doubt, one of San Francisco’s hidden gems. For over 200 years, the Presidio was an Army post. Today it’s a unique national park as well as a modern-day multi-functional public space. Inside the Presidio, you’ll find numerous museums, restaurants, and scenic hiking trails, an 18-hole public golf course, and San Francisco’s most historic building, the Presidio Officers’ Club. You’ll also find some spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay, Pacific Ocean, and city skyline. It is also home to the Lodge at the Presidio, a renovated historic hotel with amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Best times to visit are outside the summer holidays and during daylight hours to enjoy the outdoor activities.

San Francisco Travel Seasons

• High Season (mid-May through early September) : The high season is generally summertime, June through Labor Day weekend. This is when you’ll find the biggest crowds, and with tourists filling the hotels, it’s also the time when accommodation rates peak, though it’s not generally the best period for good weather. Much of summer is marked by morning fog that brings a chill in the air, with days mostly overcast and cool, though the fog begins to dissipate in August or early September, bringing warmer weather that frequently sticks around through November.
• Shoulder Season (March through mid-May, mid-September through November) : In the spring, the weather is generally mild with average high temperatures hovering around 17°C; hotel prices aren’t at their peak and the tourist rush has yet to hit. While not soaking up the sunshine on the beach, it’s a good time to explore the city’s sights. Early autumn may be the best time to be in San Francisco all year long, as the sun makes an appearance more often and it’s warmer now than it is in the summer. Plus, with kids back in school, the big crowds of tourists have mostly exited so hotel rates drop too.
• Low Season (December through February, except around the holidays) : Winter is the least crowded time, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving weekend as well as just before Christmas through New Year’s Day. While it can be chilly, especially when the wind hits, the temperature rarely dips below 6°C. Expect temperatures to range from around 10°C to 13°C, but between the fog and biting winds, it often feels colder. If you’re willing to bundle up and occasionally brave the rain, this is a time to usually strike the best deals of the year on accommodation.

San Francisco Weather by Month

• San Francisco Weather in January : January is one of the rainiest and coldest months of the year in San Francisco. While the cold is nothing compared to places like Chicago or New York City in the winter, you will need a warm jacket along with an umbrella; a scarf can make a big difference when it comes to warmth, especially on a windy day. An average of 119mm of rainfall occurs, which can be in the form of anything from light rain to heavy downpours. The city rarely sees snow, though occasionally a few snow flurries may drift through the air, with flakes melting before they hit the ground. Typically, temperatures hover around 10°C, increasing to 13°C on a nice afternoon, while overnight lows average around 7°C. Early in the month the days are fairly short, with sunrise just before 7:30am and sunset around 5pm, but by January’s end the sun will stick around until 5:30pm. (Average Max Temperature: 13°C. Average Precipitation: 119mm.)
• San Francisco Weather in February : February is still cool and wet, though the rain decreases somewhat to 97mm, while the average temperature rises a degree to 11°C, and on some days it will get as warm as 15°C. When the sun comes out, it may even feel a bit too warm if you’re bundled up, so plan to dress in layers with clothing that’s easily removable so that you can take it off or put it on easily when necessary. In the evening, a warm jacket is a must if you plan to do much walking outside as temperatures can get as chilly as they did last month, dipping down to 7°C. (Average Max Temperature: 11°C. Average Precipitation: 97mm.)
• San Francisco Weather in March : March brings gradually warmer days, with the average high notably increasing to 16°C, and precipitation lessens too, with 79mm of rain coming down over just 10 days this month. When rain does fall, it’s usually light to moderate rather than heavy downpours. The days are getting longer, and in part thanks to Daylight Savings Time, by March 31 the sun won’t go down until about 7:30pm. If you plan to be here during the first half of the month, there’s a greater chance for rain, so you might want to have an umbrella handy just in case. As you would for February, plan to dress in layers to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures. Keep in mind that the weather can change in an instant, even from one part of the city to another. (Average Max Temperature: 16°C. Average Precipitation: 79mm.)
• San Francisco Weather in April : The rainy winter season has come to an end, with just 38mm of rainfall on average over six days in April. You’ll see the sun more often, and longer this month too, with roughly 10 hours of sunshine a day and sunset holding off until 8pm by April 30. You won’t need a heavy coat or shorts, as it’s unlikely to be very cold or very hot, but temperatures can fluctuate all the way from 10°C to as warm as 17°C, though it isn’t unheard of for the mercury to rise as high as 23°C occasionally. Keep an eye on the forecast, and remember that different areas of the city can vary quite a bit, with light rain and 16°C temperatures in Golden Gate Park to sunny skies and 19°C in the Mission District, for example. In general, the west side of the city near the ocean will be cooler than the east, which sits along the bay. Again, it’s all about layers when it comes to packing; a light, wind-resistant jacket, a couple of sweaters along with short-sleeved shirts for warm days is your best bet. Don’t waste the room in your suitcase by bringing an umbrella, as you’re unlikely to need it. (Average Max Temperature: 17°C. Average Precipitation: 38mm.)
• San Francisco Weather in May : May is almost a carbon copy of April, though there is even less chance for rain with just 18mm coming down on average over four days. Some years May can be on the cool side, with winds coming off the bay making it feel even colder, so you’ll appreciate having a fleece jacket, or something comparable to keep you warm, although some years bring lots of sunny days and temperatures in the mid-20s. The odds of being able to comfortably wear shorts are quite slim, but you will want to toss both long- and short-sleeved shirts into your suitcase, and bring a pair of sunglasses too, as you’re likely to see the sun on some days during your trip. (Average Max Temperature: 17°C. Average Precipitation: 18mm.)
• San Francisco Weather in June : While the average temperature in June creeps up 2 degrees to 19°C, it’s unlikely to feel anything like summer as most people know it, though rain is practically non-existent this month, with just 3mm over two days. Fog is a common occurrence in the summer, and it can get pretty chilly when it rolls in. Now is a great time to have a fleece-lined nylon shell windbreaker with you as wind is common at many of the popular tourist sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and any spot near the water. If you plan to explore inland areas outside of San Francisco, such as Napa Valley you’re likely to experience more summer-like temperatures that can be as warm as 28°C. June brings the longest days of the year, with sunset at around 8:30pm throughout the month. (Average Max Temperature: 19°C. Average Precipitation: 3mm.)
• San Francisco Weather in July : Like June, although you’re now in the middle of the summer, expect to experience cool, damp weather during the majority of your trip unless you plan to spend time further inland, where the climate warms significantly. In fact, it’s not unusual for it to be 19°C in San Francisco and well into the 30s or even low 40s in the Central Valley, including places like Tracy, Modesto and Stockton just a little over an hour’s drive east. While July brings virtually no rain, the fog is a common occurrence now, and the average temperature is just 19°C, with lows dipping down to around 22°C, though occasionally it can get as warm as 22°C. Once again, layering is best, though you’ll probably need your sweatshirts and jeans the most. (Average Max Temperature: 22°C. Average Precipitation: 0mm.)
• San Francisco Weather in August : August starts out very similar to July. Most mornings the city will be blanketed in fog, with the sun making its presence by early afternoon, and it will still feel cool with average temperatures of around 19°C, occasionally rising as high as 22°C. As the month progresses, San Francisco begins to warm up, experience more summer-like weather. Evenings will be cool, with overnight lows at 14°C, so don’t forget to throw a few sweatshirts into your luggage, as well as long-sleeved shirts and pants. During the day, there may be times that you can get away with shorts and a short-sleeved shirt, and you’re more likely to need sunglasses now too. (Average Max Temperature: 19°C. Average Precipitation: 0mm.)
• San Francisco Weather in September : As summer comes to an end in much of the world, here in September, it’s only just getting underway. This is arguably the best time to be in San Francisco, with the thick crowds of tourists thinning as kids go back to school, and the fog lifting, giving way to warmer days are pleasant enough for enjoying the beach. Sea temperatures hover around 15°C, which is the warmest they’ll get here all year, so you may see some locals taking a dip, but it’s still rather chilly for most. There is only a slight amount of precipitation on average this month, with 8mm falling over two days, and when it arrives it’s usually in the form of drizzle and is unlikely to interfere with outdoor activities. Pack as you would for August, and leave the bathing suit at home unless you’re a hardy soul or will have access to a heated pool. (Average Max Temperature: 21°C. Average Precipitation: 8mm.)
• San Francisco Weather in October : While the average high temperature officially dips a bit in October to 20°C, this month can be the warmest of the year, with temperatures in the mid to upper-20s not unheard of. It’s often characterized by dry, sunny days, and odds are, you’ll experience a fair amount of sunshine, though the days gradually get shorter as the month progresses, with sunset at about 7pm on the 1st, and just after 6pm by October’s end. There is a slightly greater chance for rain, with precipitation increasing to 25mm over 4 days, though most of it arrives later in the month and it’s unlikely to cause an interruption in your plans for exploring the city. Once again, think layers. (Average Max Temperature: 20°C. Average Precipitation: 25mm.)
• San Francisco Weather in November : November ushers in a return of the rainy season, with at least some precipitation more likely this month as 64mm comes down over eight days on average. The rain is likely to be light or moderate, but it may become heavy at times, so it is a good idea to bring an umbrella along with you now. Appropriate attire most often will be some type of fleece jacket and long pants. While it’s not unbearably cold by any means, the average high temperature this month noticeably drops three degrees to 17°C, and it can get as chilly as 10°C at night. With clocks changing backward an hour due to Daylight Savings Time in early November, you’ll want to plan your outdoor activities accordingly as sunset is around 5pm throughout much of the month. (Average Max Temperature: 17°C. Average Precipitation: 64mm.)
• San Francisco Weather in December : In December, the rainy season is well underway, with precipitation nearly doubling over last month to 112mm over 10 days, though rainfall can vary from year to year depending on El Nino, which brings warmer wetter conditions, or potentially less rain and cooler temperatures. The average temperature this month hovers in the 13°C to 15°C degree range, so you will need a warm jacket along with that umbrella; gloves and a scarf are helpful too, particularly when chilly winds hit. (Average Max Temperature: 15°C. Average precipitation: 21mm.)

San Francisco Events and Festivals

San francisco in january.

• New Year’s Day – January 1st is a national holiday, but in San Francisco, just about everything, particularly places that cater to visitors like restaurants and shops, will be open; government services like the post office, and banks will be closed. Public transit runs on a Sunday/holiday schedule. A number of eateries offer New Year’s Day brunch, and you can visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden at Golden Gate Park for free.
• FOG Design+Art – This event held annually over 4 days in mid-January is a platform for contemporary design and art displayed through a wide variety of forms and dimensions held at the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion.
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade Celebration – Held annually on the third Monday in January, this celebration honors the late civil rights leader with a festival, march and parade around Yerba Buena Gardens. The 1.5-mile journey crosses the Lefty O’Doul Bridge and stops at Willie Mays Plaza at AT&T Park to commemorate the crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, a symbol of violence and victory in the civil rights movement. On arriving at Yerba Buena Gardens an interfaith commemoration commemorates Dr. King.
• Anniversary of the Sea Lions Arrival – The sea lions that lounge on the docks at Pier 39, have been one of the city’s most popular attractions for years. This event held over several days in mid-January, commemorates the time they arrived in droves, just after the Loma Prieta earthquake hit the city in October of 1989. Discovering the protected environment and plentiful supply of herring, they decided to stick around and make K-Dock their new home. Visitors can take part in Sea Lion Encounter Walking Tours, enjoy special discounts, refreshments, and more.
• San Francisco Noir City Film Festival – Held at the Castro Theatre over 10 days in late January and early February, this festival dedicated to noir philosophy, style, and attitude in films, art, music, and books, is the largest of its kind in the US and includes special guests as well as very rare films.
• Bay Area Brew Festival – Held on a Saturday in late January at Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion, the Bay Area Brew Festival showcases 80 breweries and over 200 hundred beers, food trucks, DJs, corn hole, and much more. Admission includes unlimited beer samplings, with VIP attendees getting an extra hour of admission and some specialty beers poured during the first hour.
• Uncorked Wine Festival – Held in late January, this 1-day event at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture offers the chance to sample up to 200 wines and champagnes, a live DJ, gourmet food trucks, photo wall, and more. This event is 21 and over only.

San Francisco in February

• Chinese New Year – The Chinese New Year celebration in San Francisco is one of the largest in the world. Named one of the Top 10 parades in the world, it was started in the 1860s by the Chinese in San Francisco, and today more than 100 floats participate, the largest and most popular of which is the 28-foot-long Golden Dragon. It takes a team of more than 100 people to operate and move it through the streets of San Francisco. Other festivities to celebrate include the Chinese New Year Flower Fair, the Miss Chinatown USA Pageant and the Chinatown Community Fair, which all take place between late January and mid-February in San Francisco’s Chinatown District, the first, and one of the largest, most prominent, and highly visited Chinatowns in the Americas.
• Union Street Valentine Wine Walk – Union Street hosts a fun Valentine Wine Walk, in the days leading up to the romantic holiday. The annual tasting event includes merchants and restaurants that offer wine samples, finger foods, and special treats.
• San Francisco Independent Film Festival (SF IndieFest) – This event held over 2 weeks starting in late January and concluding in mid-February celebrates maverick filmmakers by screening films made by independent producers at various theater venues in the Mission District.
• Tulipmania Festival – Held for a little over a week in mid-February, Tulipmania brings more than 39,000 colorful tulips and seasonal garden favorites to Pier 39. Visitors can enjoy free guided and self-guided tours as well as learn helpful gardening tips.
• San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition – The largest competition of American wines in the world, over 5,000 wine enthusiasts gather to enjoy a day on the bay in mid-February, with breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge views as well as samples from more than 800 wineries and a variety of fine food.

San Francisco in March

• San Francisco International Chocolate Salon – Held annually in early March, chocolate lovers can enjoy indulging in premium, gourmet, and artisan chocolates from over 50 confectioners and chocolatiers during this event at the San Francisco County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park.
• CAAMFest – Formerly known as the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, this festival held for 10 days in mid-March, is an important launching point for Asian American independent filmmakers and screens 130 films in San Francisco as well as Oakland and Berkeley.
• Bay Area Brew Festival – This newer festival, held on a Saturday in mid-March at Pier 35, features dozens of international and domestic beers along with San Francisco’s best food trucks.
• St. Patrick’s Day – As the home of many Irish immigrants, San Francisco celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in a big way. The highlight is the parade, one of the longest-running in the US, dating back to 1852, generally held on the Saturday before or on March 17. Thousands participate to honor Irish culture with over 100 colorful floats, Irish dance troupes and marching bands. After the parade, the day is celebrated with live music and dance as well as traditional Irish cuisine and Guinness.

San Francisco in April

• Cherry Blossom Festival – This annual 2-weekend-long celebration in April takes place in the Japantown neighborhood of San Francisco and offers the chance to sample gourmet treats, listen to traditional Japanese music, and buy or browse dozens of other vendor stalls featuring arts, crafts, and other items. Visitors can also watch origami making and flower arranging demonstrations, along with a parade that celebrates cherry blossoms and Japanese culture.
• Green Film Festival – This week-long festival in mid-April showcases more than 60 films from over 20 countries around the world, including the US, Canada, Sweden, Korea, and Japan, focused on our impact on the earth and the ways we’re trying to save it.
• Cesar Chavez Holiday Parade and Festival – Celebrating the life and work of labor and civil rights leader Cesar Chavez around the anniversary of his death on April 23, this festival in the Mission District includes a parade that starts at Dolores Park as well as entertainment, music, and arts and crafts booths along 24th Street between Treat and Bryant.
• San Francisco International Film Festival – Held over 2 weeks in mid-April and into early May at Sundance Cinemas Kabuki Theatres and Castro Theatre, this festival is a spectacular showcase of cinematic discovery and innovation featuring over 150 films from more than 50 countries, including live action, animated shorts, television and theatrical dramas, and feature films.
• Union Street Easter Parade – Known to be wonderfully wacky and elegantly fabulous, the Union Street Easter Parade offers children’s activities including photos with the Easter Bunny, pony rides, a petting zoo, Mrs. Rabbit’s Fantasy Hat Garden, and a Faerie Garden. The event is famous for it’s Easter Bonnet Decorating Contest. The Easter Parade takes place at 2pm and is free for all to participate.
• San Francisco Salsa Festival – A weekend of world-class performances, dancing, competition, and workshops with top salsa instructors taking place at the Park Central Hotel.
• Hunky Jesus Contest – Every Easter Sunday in the Mission’s Delores Park, a gay charity group called the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence holds a contest for the hunkiest Jesus lookalike among a group of scantily-clad hopefuls. Contestants, clothed in barely-there togas and accessorized with crowns of thorns and crucifixes, strut their stuff on a temporary stage in the park, after which a vote is cast and a new reigning Hunky Jesus is crowned.

San Francisco in May

• Cinco de Mayo Festival – May 5, Cinco de Mayo, is observed in a bigger way here than it is in Mexico. This is a time when the Latino community celebrates the victory of the Mexicans over the French in 1862, with dancers, mariachi bands, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, food and more, usually in the Mission District’s Dolores Park.
• Uncorked Wine Festival – Held in early May, this 1-day event at Ghirardelli Square in Fisherman’s Wharf offers the chance to sample up to 50 wines from local wineries as well as enjoy music, food, and wine tasting seminars.
• Oysterfest – Also held annually in early May, Oysterfest is all about oysters. Taking place in Golden Gate Park’s Sharon Meadows, visitors can enjoy oysters and other outstanding cuisine as well as local beers, wine, and premium spirits, along with live music.
• Bay to Breakers – The world’s largest footrace takes place on a Sunday in mid-May. This 12k race, continuously run for over a century, now brings together over 2 million costume-wearing runners, walkers, and centipedes that make their way from the bay near the Embarcadero to Ocean Beach along the Pacific Coast.
• San Francisco International Arts Festival – This 3-week long festival kicks off during the second half of May and features performances by over 40 artists and ensembles from the Bay Area and approximately 10 other countries performing in multiple venues at the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture.
• CAAMFest – Formerly known as the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, this festival, held for 10 days in mid-May, is an important launching point for Asian American independent filmmakers and screens 130 films in San Francisco as well as Oakland and Berkeley.

San Francisco in June

• Union Street Art Festival – This two-day outdoor event is one of the largest outdoor San Francisco neighborhood fairs every summer. Held along Union Street in the Marina District, it features gourmet food booths, music, entertainment and an art show with works by more than 250 artists during the first weekend in June. one of the largest outdoor San Francisco neighborhood fairs every summer.
• Haight-Ashbury Street Fair – Held on the second Sunday of June every year along Haight Street, this eclectic and somewhat gritty fair attracts a significant number of hippies and street kids with its ethnic foods, rock bands, and alternative crafts.
• Ethnic Dance Festival – Taking place over 3 weekends in June at the new Presidio Theatre. The event features dance and music performances from more than 20 cultures around the world.
• San Francisco Jazz Festival – This long-running festival held for nearly 2 weeks in June in various venues throughout the Bay Area, with most concentrated in San Francisco’s center, offers more than 30 jazz shows.
• San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Parade & Celebration – This event, usually held during the third or last weekend of June, draws as many as one million participants to its parade which proceeds west on Market Street, culminating at the Civic Center where there are hundreds of food, art, and information booths. There is live music and dancing in the streets all day long.

San Francisco in July

• Fillmore Jazz Festival – Held in the Pacific Heights neighborhood, the upscale portion of Fillmore is closed to traffic for the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, drawing over 100,000 visitors over the Independence Day weekend on Fillmore Street in San Francisco between Jackson and Eddy streets. Instead of cars, the streets are filled with live jazz, unique arts and crafts, and gourmet food.
• Fourth of July Waterfront Festival – While this event can often be a disappointment due to the fog that rolls in the city, making it nearly impossible to enjoy the million-dollar fireworks show, if it’s clear, a spectacular display from the waterfront at Pier 39 is guaranteed. And, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, those who attend can enjoy some great local bands, food, and arts and crafts.
• Salsa Festival on the Fillmore – Three city blocks are closed off for this fun event that features free concerts, salsa lessons, and outdoor dancing at the Fillmore Center Plaza over a Friday and Saturday in mid-July each year.
• The Renegade Craft Fair – Over a weekend in mid-July, this fair held at Fort Mason Center brings some of the best makers of handmade goods from throughout the S.F. Bay Area and beyond. Attendees can purchase items and enjoy interactive workshops focused on indie-craft culture.
• J-Pop Summit Festival – This one-of-a-kind summer festival celebrates Japanese pop culture and Japantown over 3 days around the third weekend in July at various venues, including Fort Mason Center, Union Square, New People Cinema, and Castro Theatre. Enjoy new films, special guest appearances, live music, fashion, entertainment, and food.
• AIDS Walk San Francisco – Since 1987, AIDS Walk San Francisco has raised more than $90 million for HIV programs and services in the Bay Area and has grown into the largest and most visible AIDS Fundraising event in Northern California. The event takes place in mid-July and begins and ends in Golden Gate Park.
• San Francisco Shakespeare Festival – The outdoor festival takes place in San Francisco, as well as Pleasanton, Cupertino, and Redwood City. The free Shakespeare in the Park productions begin in June and the San Francisco production tends to take place in July.

San Francisco in August

• Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival – Held at Golden Gate Park, this massive 3-day event in early August is one of the largest outdoor live music festivals in the city. In addition to an incredible line-up of bands, including artists like Elton John and Mumford & Sons, who have performed in the past, it features gourmet food, internationally recognized wines, and hundreds of works of art on display.
• Nihonmachi Street Fair – This Asian-Pacific American festival held in Japantown during the first weekend of August, features live musical and cultural performances, delicious foods from Asian-Pacific countries and San Francisco delights, Asian artisans, music, a variety of exhibits and more.
• Jerry Day – Honoring the late Grateful Dead leader Jerry Garcia on a Sunday in mid-August at Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, this event features an outdoor concert and fun family-oriented activities.

San Francisco in September

• Sausalito Art Festival – Just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, and easily accessible by ferry from Pier 41, this annual 3-day art festival takes places around the first weekend in September. It’s held along the shores of the bay and showcases more than 20,000 original works of art as well as jazz, rock, and blues performers from around the SF Bay Area and beyond.
• San Francisco Fringe Festival – Over 2 weeks in mid-September, this festival held at a number of different venues in downtown San Francisco, is a marathon of more than 40 shows, including a wide range of classical, alternative, comedy, and cabaret.
• Autumn Moon Festival – This 2-day festival held in mid-September in Chinatown, features live multicultural entertainment, traditional lion and dragon dances, moon cakes and other traditional Chinese cuisine, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and a lantern village.
• Oktoberfest By The Bay – Held at Pier 48 near AT&T Park for 3 days around the third weekend in September, Oktoberfest features non-stop music, including a world renowned, 21-piece Chico Bavarian Band, singing, dancing, and German fare and beverages.
• Folsom Street Fair – This unique street fair, typically held on the last Sunday of September, is the world’s biggest leather, alternative, and fetish event in the world, attracting around 250,000 visitors every year – most of whom are dressed in leather, rubber, a variety of uniforms, drag, or practically nothing at all. As this gay-centric extravaganza is rather hard-core, it’s generally only for the very adventurous and open-minded. The event is spread out over 13 city blocks.

San Francisco in October

• Artspan – Kicking off on October 1 and running into early November, this event includes some of the city’s most exciting artists who open up their doors to the public, revealing their latest projects, how they work, and pieces that are available for sale.
• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass – A free gathering in Golden Gate Park featuring over 100 musical artists on 7 stages taking place in Hellman Hollow, Marx, and Lindley meadows. The event attracts thousands who come to enjoy 3 days of music, beer, and marijuana over the first weekend in October.
• Castro Street Fair – This gay-friendly fair held on the first Sunday in October features arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, music, and dancing around the intersection of Castro and Market Streets.
• Fleet Week San Francisco – Fleet week takes place over a 2-week period beginning in early October along the waterfront at Aquatic Park and Pier 39, the highlights of this event are the navy ship tours and the spectacular Blue Angels air show. The air shows take place between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
• Halloween – San Francisco doesn’t take Halloween lightly. On October 31st, there will be parties and costume contests hosted throughout the city. Castro Street is famous for its massive Halloween Street party, but it isn’t as wild as it used to be, though you will still see some residents in drag enjoying music and costume contests.

San Francisco in November

• Hip Hop Festival – For 1 weekend in mid or late-November, this festival offers the chance to see award-winning hip hop artists from around the world at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. This is the first festival of its kind that honors the artistry of hip hop dance in a theater setting.
• Tree Lighting Ceremonies – Starting in late November, usually around Thanksgiving, tree lighting ceremonies are held throughout the city, including Union Square, Pier 39, Presidio, and Ghirardelli Square.
• The Great Dickens Christmas Fair – Running for 5 weekends starting just before Thanksgiving, this fair has an old English Victorian Christmas theme complete with a music hall, dance parties, theaters, shops, stalls, taverns, food, street vendors and period costumes. The fair takes place in the Cow Palace Exhibition Halls.
• Another Hole in the Head Genre Film Festival – This film festival that begins in late October or early November and runs for about 2 weeks screens sci-fi, horror, dark fantasy, and exploitation films from filmmakers from the San Francisco Bay Area and around the globe!at the New People Cinema in Japantown.

San Francisco in December

• Noe Valley Holiday Wine Walk – This December 1st wine walk is held along 24th Street from Diamond to Chattanooga and Castro Street and features finger foods, wine samples and special treats.
• Parol Lantern Festival & Parade – Hosted by the Filipino-American Development Foundation on the second Saturday of December, this festival has become a must-see event during the holidays featuring a night filled with sparkling lights, music, games, and prizes as well as a parade that starts in Yerba Buena Gardens and proceeds to St. Patrick’s Church. Special Pilipino sweets and delicacies are a highlight of this special event.
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – On Christmas Eve, many restaurants offer special holiday dinners, and the internationally renowned San Francisco Ballet performs two Nutcracker shows at the War Memorial Opera House – book early as they sell out quickly. On Christmas Day, many attractions will be closed, but multiple restaurants remain open, often with menus geared for the holiday. There are also a number of dinner cruises on the bay.
• New Year’s Eve – Parties will be held to ring in the New Year throughout the city, but the highlight is the impressive fireworks show over the bay that begins at 11:59pm on December 31st. It can be viewed anywhere along the eastern side of the city near the waterfront as well as Treasure Island, or by embarking on a New Year’s Eve cruise, which offers the very best views, often with dinner and live entertainment.
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• Things to Do in SF
• Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit San Francisco: When to Book Your Northern California Vacation

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: August 21, 2023

Are you looking for the best time to visit San Francisco? The great thing about our beloved City by the Bay is that temperatures are cool and mild all year long. This means a vacation here at any time of the year is wonderful.

However, there are a few times of the year that I think are extra special. Read on for more details about my top 5 so you can select the right time for you.

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

1. Best Time to Visit San Francisco: September & October

Overall, the best time for visiting San Francisco is in September and October. It's the warmest time of the year and is often called our "Indian Summer." It's also when we have the least amount of fog.

In my opinion, the San Francisco weather is the best this time of year. 

Throughout these two months, you will find mostly clear skies and daytime temperatures around 70 degrees. At night, the lows are in the mid-50s. September is the warmest month of the year.

There is also little rain during this time of year. Overall, it's the perfect time to soak up the sun around San Francisco.

I love this time of year because you will find dozens of festivals, outdoor concerts, and other fun outdoor activities.

Here are a handful of my favorite events and things to do in the fall in San Francisco. 

Feel the roar of the Blue Angels as they perform over the SF Bay during Fleet Week. This annual event is usually the second weekend in October.

The Blue Angels typically perform on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons starting at 3 pm and offer a fantastic show over the San Francisco Bay until around 4 pm.

In addition to the airshow, you can also tour (for free) several Navy ships and attend Fleet Week related parties and celebrations.

Visit my Fleet Week page to learn more .

SF Giants Baseball

Watching a baseball game at Oracle Park is a wonderful experience. The best time of year to do it is in September. This is when the evening temperatures are a little warmer (just a little!).

The views are outstanding and usually the baseball is great as the season is wrapping up. Go Giants!

Visit my SF Giants page to find a schedule of upcoming home games .

Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival

This annual festival is another big draw in September. It includes a street fair and a decently large parade. The date changes each year and is always the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar's eighth month.

Don't worry, no need to calculate it out, visit my page for the date for this year and other details .

Japanese Tea Garden

Head over to Golden Gate Park to visit our famous Japanese Tea Garden. I love this time of year here since it's a great time to see the sun shining down on the park. It's also a fantastic time of year to photograph this beauty.

It also isn't usually that crowded since the busy summer tourist season is over.

Arrive on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 9 am and 10 am for free admission.

See pictures and learn more here .

Napa Valley Wine Tours

Fall is also the perfect time to head north to do some wine tasting. You can head up on your own ( Napa visiting tips here ) or on a guided tour ( my recommendations here ). It's the middle of harvest during these months, and gorgeous.

The region is full of activity, the grapes are ripe on the vines, and the leaves are starting to turn colors. It's a lively and beautiful time to visit.

This is also one of my favorite guided Napa tours .

Bay Cruises

With September and October being the best time to visit San Francisco, I think it's also a great time to head out on the water on a San Francisco Bay cruise.

The skies are clear, and you can get wonderful photos of the Golden Gate Bridge , Alcatraz Island , and the San Francisco Skyline.

>> Find tickets to the most popular SF Bay Cruise

>>  Find some of my other favorite cruises around the Bay here

2. Best Time to Visit San Francisco: Fourth of July

One of the summer's biggest draws is our large Fourth of July Waterfront Celebration. It draws in more than 200,000 people each year.

The day is full of music, food, and fun. Even though it is busy, you are able to stroll around the waterfront as you celebrate the holiday.

You can head out on a boat cruise or go on a Segway tour too. There are so many fun things to do.

The big fireworks show draws in even more people in the evening. The fireworks start at around 9:30 pm.

It's an interesting time in San Francisco in early July. While it's usually mostly clear, there are years when it's foggy around the time the fireworks go off.

Even though you can't see the fireworks fully, seeing them through the fog is neat. It's a fireworks show like no other.

The other great thing about July is that it's cool in SF when most of the rest of the country is sweltering hot. Therefore, you'll want to wear a jacket and maybe even grab a blanket. It's a great retreat from the heat.

>> Learn more about the fireworks show

>> Find a list of things to do all around SF for the Fourth of July

Fun Events by Month

3. best time of year to visit san francisco: thanksgiving weekend.

If you love Thanksgiving, you will probably find this is the best time for visiting San Francisco. This is such a fun weekend around the city.

Even though it's a holiday weekend, you will find that many attractions and tours run on Thanksgiving Day. Several restaurants offer brunch, lunch, and dinner specials.

Black Friday is a fun day around SF. You will find lots of shopping deals. It's also the day of the annual lighting of the Union Square Christmas tree .

Many other holiday lights will be shining by this weekend. You can head out on a holiday lights tour or stroll around the city checking them out yourself.

The weekend is also full of other activities including theater performances , concerts , and sporting events .

>> More about what's happening during Thanksgiving Weekend in SF

4. Best Month for Visiting San Francisco: December for Holiday Lights

Those of you who love to check out Christmas and holiday lights, you will find December the best time to visit San Francisco.

The San Francisco weather has a chill in the air and most of the holiday lights are on display by the first weekend in December.

You can check out the Christmas trees in Union Square , on Pier 39 , and at Ghirardelli Square . You can also head over to City Hall to see it adorned in red and green lights.

Other displays around the city include department stores right on Union Square, popular personal displays in the Castro & Noe Valley , and the lights around the Civic Center Plaza . These are just a few of my favorites .

Many keep their displays lit until the first of January.

Other fun holiday events include ice skating rinks, visits from Santa, and plenty of great deals at local stores.

>> Find out what there is to see and do for Christmas

>> Check out what's happening on NYE

San Francisco Weather by Month

5. best time to visit san francisco: april for the cherry blossoms.

Another one of the best times to visit San Francisco is in April. This is when the city is in bloom after all the rain during the winter months.

The most striking blossoms are from the cherry trees. These usually start to bloom in late March, and you can almost always guarantee they will fully bloom by April.

The best places to see them are in the Japanese Tea Garden and in the Japantown District .

April is also when the large Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival takes place. It's over the course of two weekends in April (usually the second & third weekends).

The festival features traditional Japanese food, entertainment, and a parade. You can also do a little shopping or check out one of the demonstrations.

>> Visit my Cherry Blossom event page for details

>> Learn more about what's happening in SF in April

What About San Francisco in the Summer Months?

The summer months are our busiest time of the year. Although it isn't in my top five (outside of the Fourth of July), you are going to find so many fun things to do here in the summer.

The San Francisco weather is so much cooler than most of the US, so it's a great place to escape the heat. 

Day time temperatures in the summer often feature average high temperatures in the upper-60s and cool down to around the mid-50s at night. It's comfortable and one of the only places in the US you will be wearing a jacket in the middle of July and August!

You will also find plenty of summertime festivities including the North Beach Festival in June, the SF Jazz Festival in July, and Outside Lands in August. Our mild temperatures make it easy to enjoy outdoor activities like strolling across the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Chinatown, and walking around Fisherman's Wharf.

So, if you plan to visit San Francisco in the summer months, you are still in for a special treat! 

My Final Thoughts on When to Visit San Francisco

I know not everyone can visit in September and October, which I consider to be the best time to visit San Francisco, so I hope these alternatives will work too including the option to visit in the summer.

The reality is that SF is gorgeous all year long, and there is always something in bloom, a great festival, or some other event that will make your stay special.

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group ! 

It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.

You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

Come join the fun here !

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San Francisco   Travel Guide

30 Top-Rated Things to Do in San Francisco

San Francisco is only 7 miles square, but it's packed with activities to delight outdoorsy types, art and culture lovers, foodies and curious wanderers of all ages. San Francisco offers so much more than its iconic landmarks. While Coit Tower and

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Crissy Field & The Presidio Tunnel Tops Crissy Field & The Presidio Tunnel Tops free

Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Presidio Tunnel Tops is the nation’s newest national park space and reconnects the city to the bay. The 14-acre park, which was designed by James Corner Field Operations (the same team behind NYC ’s High Line ) bridges over the newly tunneled Presidio Parkway. The parkway (formerly Doyle Drive) separated the historic Main Post from the waterfront. Connecting pathways, bluff landscapes and overlooks have made the park a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. 

One of the park’s largest areas, the Golden Gate Meadow, is a popular spot for families for picnics, kite-flying and other outdoor activities. Gardens and accessible cliff walks border the meadow, which also offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge , the bay and the Marin Headlands. A 2-acre play space called the Outpost features huge play structures built from fallen tree trunks, boulders and other things inspired by nature, allowing children to swing, crawl and climb. 

Golden Gate Park Golden Gate Park free

If California had a Central Park equivalent, Golden Gate Park would undoubtedly be it. Though Golden Gate Park sees a small fraction of the visitors its New York counterpart does (Central Park welcomes more than 42 million, while Golden Gate sees more than 24 million yearly), it's about 174 acres bigger (Central Park is 843 acres). The park offers so much to see and do, it could take an entire day to experience all that it has to offer. Trails, picturesque picnic spaces, playgrounds, sports courts, gardens, museums and more can be found within its evergreen borders. With so many options available, it's best to map out what you want to do ahead of time, though some attractions warrant a visit, regardless of traveler taste.

The Japanese Tea Garden is one of those standout sites. This attraction is one of a kind, serving as the oldest Japanese garden in the U.S. It features 5 acres of manicured gardens outfitted with cherry trees, bamboo-lined pathways, koi ponds, a five-story pagoda, a Zen garden and a tea house, among other features. There's also the Conservatory of Flowers, the oldest existing public conservatory in the Western Hemisphere. The conservatory offers visitors a look at a plethora of vibrantly colored blooms and a chance to learn more about the nearly 2,000 species of plants that call the conservatory home. 

Coit Tower Coit Tower

Rising from its position on the peak of Telegraph Hill in Pioneer Park, Coit Tower serves as a vantage point to take in the northwest corner of San Francisco. Visitors might think the 210-foot-tall tower was designed to resemble a fire hose nozzle. While Lillie Hitchcock Coit commissioned the tower as a monument to volunteer firefighters, the concrete pillar's nozzle-like appearance is coincidental. The tower was completed in 1933, while artists painted the murals around its base (and repainted them due to some illustrations containing communist imagery) in 1934. The Coit Tower currently resides on the list of San Francisco Designated Landmarks and the National Register of Historic Places.

Recent travelers enjoyed the murals and 360-degree views of San Francisco from the top of the tower, but have complained about paying to climb stairs. The easiest way to access the Coit Tower is via the N line of the Muni. From downtown, you can take either the No. 30 or No. 45 line to Washington Square, located at the corners of Union & Columbus and transfer to the No. 39 Coit Tower bus.

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Lands End Lands End free

One of the top places in San Francisco to catch the sunset, Lands End offers whimsical, winding trails through rocky cliffs. Located in the northwestern corner of San Francisco, the park sits inside of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The park encompasses multiple historic sites, monuments, multiple trails and a shoreline labyrinth with excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge .

Visitors often rave about the park’s trails and the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and other San Francisco landmarks. Many have appreciated the historic ruins of the Sutro Baths, which San Franciscans used as a recreational swimming facility from 1898 to 1964. The baths were demolished in 1964, then further destroyed by a fire in 1966, leaving the structure that travelers can visit today. Similarly, the park's iconic Cliff House was destroyed twice by fire, but it was rebuilt each time. Cultural hounds will want to stop by the nearby Legion of Honor museum, which displays European paintings, European decorative arts and sculpture and ancient art from the Mediterranean basin, among other works. The Legion of Honor is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Admission costs $20 for adults and is free for children 17 and younger.

Golden Gate Bridge Golden Gate Bridge free

The Golden Gate Bridge's vaulting, orange arches amidst the rocky seascape of the San Francisco Bay have made it one of the West Coast's most enduring symbols and the city's most popular tourist attraction. The bridge's name, "Golden Gate," actually refers to the body of water it spans (the Golden Gate Strait that connects the Pacific Ocean with the San Francisco Bay), and was built to make travel between San Francisco and Marin County an easier feat. 

There are plenty of great spots to capture a snap of the majestic bridge. But if you want a truly postcard-worthy shot, head to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, situated high on a hill overlooking San Francisco. If you have extra time, make sure to explore the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The actual span of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area encompasses multiple places in San Mateo (south of San Francisco), San Francisco and Marin counties ( Alcatraz and Muir Woods included), but notable parts of this recreation area can be found just a stroll away from the Golden Gate. From the bridge, travelers will find some scenic, bayside trails, some of which lead to secluded beaches, including Kirby Cove and Black Sands Beach. If you really want a trek, journey to the Point Bonita Lighthouse for sweeping views of the bay, found at the very tip of the Golden Gate Strait.

Ferry Building Marketplace Ferry Building Marketplace free

Attention all foodies: this delectable attraction needs to be at the top of your San Francisco to-do list. The Ferry Building Marketplace is a public food market that features a variety of food stalls that act as small restaurants, snack stops and grocery stores. Here you can find everything from staples, such as seafood, burgers, Mexican food and plenty of coffee, to a Japanese delicatessen, empanada stand, a honey shop and an organic bagel shop.

Many travelers who stopped by the Ferry Building Marketplace enjoyed the lively atmosphere and were impressed with the amount, variety and overall quality of eats available on-site. The Saturday farmers market was a standout for many. Though there are formal restaurants available, some visitors say the best strategy is to pick up a to-go meal and enjoy it along the scenic waterfront. And if you're not one for lines, don't come on the weekends. For a different perspective of the marketplace, view it from the water on a narrated boat tour . Some of the best San Francisco food tours also make stops here.

Alcatraz Alcatraz

U.S. News Insider Tip: Depending on what time of year you visit, tours to Alcatraz can sell out months in advance. Play it safe by not waiting until the last minute to reserve your spot. – Alissa Grisler, Associate Editor

While riding a cable car and getting a snap of the Golden Gate Bridge is a must when visiting San Francisco, both visitors and travel experts tend to argue the same for Alcatraz. This is because Alcatraz is rich with history. Sitting on a small, rocky island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz is best known as being a former federal prison that housed some of society's biggest offenders, the most famous of which was Prohibition-era mob boss Al Capone. Before that, it was a military prison that housed prisoners from the Spanish-American War and Civil War, as well as the site of the West Coast's first operating lighthouse. The prison closed down both times due to high operating costs and was handed over to the National Park Service in 1972 after the island experienced a short occupation from Native American activists. Today, the attraction welcomes more than one million visitors per year. 

California Academy of Sciences California Academy of Sciences

Attention, families: recent visitors said this is the perfect place to bring kids in San Francisco. The California Academy of Sciences brims with plenty of things to see, including an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum and even a rainforest. 

The Steinhart Aquarium is home to about 40,000 animals representing more than 900 different species, including a penguin colony from Africa, a swamp with an albino alligator, a shark lagoon and a separate 100,000-gallon tank that mirrors the ecosystem of the California coast. Meanwhile, the Osher Rainforest houses more than 1,600 animals, including 250 free-flying birds and butterflies, and about 100 reptiles and amphibians in its four-story complex. The Morrison Planetarium is known for its 75-foot-diameter screen, which plays "Tour of the Universe" shows daily. And the Kimball Natural History Museum boasts dinosaur fossils, an interactive science exhibit and a unique earthquake simulator. 

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The only remaining structure from an early 20th-century world’s fair that helped put San Francisco on the international map, the Palace of Fine Arts is a faux palace surrounded by a lagoon frequented by snow-white swans. That setting combined with the building’s neoclassical design makes the Palace of Fine Arts one of the most popular spots in the city for wedding photos and Instagram shots. 

Described as a Beaux-Arts wonder, the palace was restored in the early 1960s, duplicating the original with a towering colonnade, bas-relief urns and a domed ceiling with allegorical paintings.

Hayes Valley Hayes Valley free

One of the best areas for shopping, eating, and people-watching, Hayes Valley is a cool, revitalized neighborhood located in the heart of the city. The main commercial strip, along Hayes Street between Laguna and Franklin, teems with stylish and unique home decor shops and clothing boutiques interspersed with charming outdoor cafes, dessert spots and a wide array of well-established restaurants and trendy watering holes. The neighborhood also features beautifully restored Victorians, a community garden and an art park.

Past visitors enjoyed the eclectic, European feel of the neighborhood and the quintessentially San Francisco experiences they've had there. These include customizing your own bag at the original Timbuk2 store , grabbing a coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee 's first brick-and-mortar tucked into a garage or enjoying a made-to-order ice cream at Smitten's kiosk overlooking the lively urban park, Patricia's Green .

Dolores Park Dolores Park free

On the western edge of The Mission , this 16-acre park is billed as one of the city’s most popular – because of its views of the San Francisco skyline and beyond, as well its ample green space. On sunny days, the park is a favorite among families who flock here to picnic on the grassy lawns that are shaded by palm trees. There’s also a playground and two off-leash dog play areas, as well as several sports courts. If you’re hoping to bring a picnic to enjoy at the park, experts suggest stopping by Tartine Bakery, Rhea’s Market & Deli and Nopalito.

Interestingly, the park is situated on land that was once a Jewish cemetery. In 1905, the city purchased the land and created the park. A year later, it became a refugee camp for hundreds of residents who became homeless after the historic 1906 earthquake and fire. 

The Mission The Mission free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Walk along Valencia Street between 20th and 22nd streets for unique and creative shops and affordable restaurants. Check out local favorites like sustainable bag brand Baggu, Dog Eared Books and Paxton Gate. – Lili Weigert

The Mission has attracted San Francisco's young bohemian crowd in the past decade, but its history is rooted in Hispanic heritage. After all, its namesake is the city’s oldest building, Mission Dolores. This is the place that introduced the burrito to the wider world, so be sure to check out Latinx-owned businesses like La Taqueria, Taqueria La Cumbre and El Farolito for some tasty eats loved by both locals and travelers alike. The Mission is also a great neighborhood for getting away from the heavily visited tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf , plus it's a popular stop on many of the city's best walking tours .

San Francisco's Chinatown San Francisco's Chinatown free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Did you know that fortune cookies were invented in San Francisco? While in Chinatown, stop by the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory where you can watch the cookies being made and sample different flavors and toppings. – Lili Weigert

While New York City 's Chinatown tends to take center stage in the U.S., San Francisco's Chinatown is just as much of a star. San Francisco's Chinatown hosts one of the largest Asian communities outside of Asia, and is considered one of the oldest in North America. Chinese immigrants first started coming to California in search of fortune during the Gold Rush. After being driven out of the gold mines due to discrimination and restrictive legislation against Chinese immigrants, the Chinese moved to build businesses of their own in the area that is now Chinatown – one of the city's most visited neighborhoods. 

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Named for the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets, this neighborhood is best known as the center of the 1960s counterculture movement. Remnants of the long gone hippie culture endure, including the former Grateful Dead house at 710 Ashbury St., and the Jefferson Airplane house at 2400 Fulton St. Both are private residences, but remain perennial attractions. 

These days, trendy has replaced hippy. Colorful Victorian homes line the hillsides and restaurants and boutiques crowd the streets. Along Upper Haight, you’ll find flamboyant clothing shops, piercing and tattoo parlors, and hip restaurants. Downhill on Haight Street, you’ll find dive bars, consignment stores and music shops. 

Ocean Beach Ocean Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: After a walk along the beach, cross the Great Highway for brunch or happy hour at The Beach Chalet. Enjoy the ocean view from the spacious dining room or head around back to the Parc Chalet for outdoor seating and a more relaxed atmosphere. – Lili Weigert

Located in the northwestern corner of San Francisco, Ocean Beach separates attractions like the San Francisco Zoo and Golden Gate Park from the Pacific Ocean. This 3 ½-mile stretch of sand is a welcome respite from the city's bustling downtown. Visitors and locals can walk the beach, while experienced surfers brave the frigid water in search of the perfect wave. While swimming is not encouraged here due to strong currents, travelers can build a bonfire and hang out and soak up the scenery by one of the 16 fire rings that pepper the beach. Average temperatures at the beach typically hover around 50 degrees. Also, keep in mind that fog shrouds the shore during the late spring and summer, while the sunniest months are September and October.

Muir Woods National Monument Muir Woods National Monument

U.S. News Insider Tip: You won't find great cell service here, so download anything you need before you enter the park. – Leilani Osmundson, Digital Producer

What better exemplifies California's dramatic landscape than sky-high redwood trees? That's what you'll find at Muir Woods, the beautiful and expansive national monument just 16 miles north of San Francisco. This attraction is a must-see for anyone looking to get up close and personal with some of California's most famous topography, not to mention a nice break from the bustle of the city. The largest redwood tree in Muir Woods measures about 258 feet tall. To give you a better visual, imagine 45 six-foot-tall individuals stacked on top of each other. And if that wasn't enough to impress, the average age of redwoods in Muir Woods is 600 to 800 years, and that's not even some of the oldest in the park at the moment.

Japantown Japantown free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Navigating this part of town can be hectic, so if you drive, the best place to park is the Japan Center Garage. As an added convenience, the garage's website shows the number of spaces available in real time. – Lili Weigert

There are only three Japantowns left in the country, and San Francisco's is both the largest and the oldest, dating back to 1906. It's a vibrant and colorful community where you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture and experiences. The neighborhood offers a huge variety of Japanese items calling out to be purchased or consumed, including plenty of affordable options for the budget traveler.

Cable Cars Cable Cars

Chances are, you've seen a television show, movie, postcard or some type of San Francisco memorabilia emblazoned with the city's iconic cable car or trolley. So, of course, to fully experience San Francisco's charm, you should hop on board. San Francisco's cable car system is the last of its kind in the United States, given the title of a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The cable car was conceived after Andrew Smith Hallidie, an immigrant from England, witnessed an accident involving a horse-drawn buggy trying to climb a steep San Francisco hill and failing. His father had a patent for wire rope in England and he used that to design a transportation system that relied on just that. Thus, cable cars were born in the late 1800s. 

Though cable cars are seldom used by locals (due in part to their small travel network and high fare), tourists flock to them in droves. More than 9 million visitors ride the cable cars each year, and according to recent travelers, it's easy to see why. Tourists had a blast riding the cable cars up and down San Francisco's vibrant streets. Even though some said they encountered long lines to board, the majority of visitors believe the wait to be worth the experience and a must-do in San Francisco. Though if you're not one for long lines, some say to board at one of the stops along the line instead at the beginning. 

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Presidio Heights Presidio Heights free

U.S. News Insider Tip: This is a great neighborhood for consignment stores. Sprinkled among the many high-end fashionable boutiques, check out local favorites Goodbyes and The Designer Consigner. – Lili Weigert

Presidio Heights is an elegant and immaculate neighborhood known for its stunning views and beautiful homes. It also includes the Sacramento Street Shopping District, which stretches over seven blocks and is where you'll find some of San Francisco's most established and sophisticated design shops and fashion boutiques. Whether you're looking for gifts, keepsakes, ideas or inspiration, it's a lovely area to explore away from the hustle and bustle of the city's other shopping districts.

Oracle Park Oracle Park

The San Francisco Giants have been calling this stadium home since 2000, playing host to multiple World Series games. Oracle Park is regarded as one of the most scenic baseball parks in the United States for its picturesque placement along the San Francisco Bay. The majority of attendees are afforded prime views of the glittering water from their seats all the while being able to enjoy one of America's greatest pastimes. 

Although baseball season runs from April to October, the stadium holds tours year-round (except on game days), providing a behind-the-scenes look at the field, dugout, the press box, luxury suites and more. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the World Series trophies and rings, which are on display on the Promenade Level behind home plate. 

Baker Beach Baker Beach free

While San Francisco isn't known for being a beach town, the city's Baker Beach is often considered one of the best in California . Located in the northwestern area of San Francisco in the Presidio, Baker Beach is primarily known for its sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the neighboring Marin Headlands. The mile-long beach offers travelers plenty of room to spread their legs and features picnic areas and access to nearby Presidio trails. Travelers flock here to snap photos of the bridge, however, if you're looking to catch some rays or get your feet wet, you should go elsewhere: Swimming at Baker Beach is dangerous due to large waves, undertow and rip currents, and the city's fickle weather means it's not always warm enough for sunbathing.

Travelers strongly recommend bringing an extra layer, no matter what time of year you visit. Reviewers also stress that those traveling with families should stick to the south side of the beach: North Baker Beach is clothing optional, and it's definitely practiced. 

Yerba Buena Gardens Yerba Buena Gardens free

After a day of hasty sightseeing, the Yerba Buena Gardens provide travelers with an opportunity to wind down and enjoy San Francisco's weather and unique culture. The gardens include 5 acres of landscaped lawns complete with flowers, trees, water features and public art. The Cho-En Butterfly Garden attracts native San Francisco butterflies with plants (also native) that encourage butterfly growth from eggs to adults. Meanwhile, the Reflection Garden serves as a tribute to the Ohlone Indians as well as a performance area for various oral traditions. The Upper Terrace Garden and the Sister City Gardens, which include plants from San Francisco's 18 sister cities from around the world, are where visitors will find the area's cafes and most of its seating. Additionally, the East Garden houses a variety of sculptures and water features. There are also three spaces designed specifically for kids, including a children’s garden and two playgrounds. 

What's more, attractions like the Children's Creativity Museum and the Yerba Buena Ice Skating + Bowling Center flank the Yerba Buena Gardens, so travelers could feasibly spend an entire day exploring this area of San Francisco. Due to the number of restaurants that also surround the gardens, many past travelers recommend stopping by the Yerba Buena Gardens after grabbing lunch or snacks nearby. They also find the park a great location to relax and enjoy the landscape,

Twin Peaks Twin Peaks free

If you want the best views of San Francisco, take a hike to Twin Peaks. These famous grassy peaks rise 922 feet in elevation, making them the second highest point in the city (after Mount Davidson). From the top, travelers can view multiple San Francisco landmarks, including the Bay Bridge and the downtown skyscrapers. Whether you decide to go during the day or night (some say you should do both), numerous visitors agree that the views are stunning and worth the trek. But make sure to bring a jacket: many recent visitors said it can get windier (and subsequently chillier) up top than at sea level.

The Twin Peaks are open 5 a.m. to midnight and there is free (albeit limited) parking at the top of Twin Peaks Boulevard. The Castro Street station is the nearest Muni Metro stop and the Crestline Drive stop on the No. 37 is the best bus route (picks up from Market Street). The most common way that travelers visit the area is by walking or biking to the north peak parking lot. Many guided tours also stop here. If you’re up for a little more exploration, hike the nearly mile-long trail that ascends the two peaks. There are also more trails that meander along the southern and eastern slopes of the 64-acre park. Be sure to stay on marked trails, as poison ivy can be found in the area. For more information, visit the San Francisco Recreation and Parks  website .

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North Beach North Beach free

Don’t let the name of this neighborhood in northeastern San Francisco fool you: There’s no actual beach at North Beach. The name is more of a geographical marker for the neighborhood’s location on the bay. It’s better known as San Francisco’s Little Italy and remains home to a vibrant Italian-American community, with streets lined with restaurants and cafes. Among the neighborhood staples is Original Joe’s , which has been serving San Francisco residents for nearly a century. If you want a little help navigating the neighborhood’s delectable dining scene, consider signing up for one of the best San Francisco tours ; many of the companies featured lead guided food tours throughout North Beach.

In addition to its Italian restaurants, North Beach also gained fame as the preferred neighborhood for the post-World War II Beat Generation, which included authors Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Neal Cassady and Gregory Corso, among others. You can still see remnants of the Beat Generation in the City Lights bookstore and Vesuvio Cafe, which draws chess players, artists, poets and literary tourists. 

Union Square Union Square free

Situated a couple blocks north of Market Street and southwest of the city's Financial District, Union Square sits at the heart of downtown San Francisco's hustle and bustle. This area is loved by travelers and locals alike for its awesome location and incredible energy. Union Square Park is flanked by tall buildings (some of which are adorned with Times Square -size ads) and busy streets, offering people the unique opportunity to sit in the middle of a busy city and enjoy the atmosphere without the risk of getting hit by a car. The square also acts as a park, outfitted with small grassy spaces and palm trees. There are also multiple seating areas and works of art dotted across the square. The most recognized are the tall Dewey monument, situated in the center of the square, and the regularly photographed Hearts in San Francisco sculpture found at the base of the square. From late November to mid-January, an outdoor ice-skating rink is set up in Union Square Plaza.

Travelers appreciated the abundance of amenities that surround Union Square. There are plenty of hotels as well as dining options left and right. Union Square is pretty well-known, however, for its shopping, with many calling the area a "shopper’s paradise." Just blocks away, travelers will find everything from Neiman Marcus to Sephora. Getting to Union Square via public transportation is much easier than driving. The attraction sits just blocks from Market Street, a hub for all types of public transportation including the bus, Muni Metro and BART. Union Square is only two blocks from the Market St. & 3rd St. Muni Station and about four blocks from the Powell Street BART Station. Union Square can be visited all hours of the day and night for free. For more information on Union Square, visit the attraction's website .

Japanese Tea Garden Japanese Tea Garden

Located in Golden Gate Park , the Japanese Tea Garden offers visitors a slice of tranquility in a busy city. The garden, originally created as a "Japanese Village" for an international exposition in 1894, is the oldest continuously maintained public Japanese garden outside of Japan. 

The 5 - acre site features classic elements of a Japanese garden, including an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds, a five-story pagoda and a Zen garden. You’ll want to plan your visit foo March or April when the garden’s cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. The garden is also home to a 9,000-pound Lantern of Peace, a gift given to the United States by Japan after World War II and meant to symbolize friendship between the two countries. 

Angel Island State Park Angel Island State Park

Angel Island State Park is situated in the San Francisco Bay and provides an abundance of outdoor activities for anyone willing to trek across the water by ferry. Some consider it the less famous (and thus, less crowded) sibling to the bay’s other well-known island, Alcatraz . Before the government converted the storied island into a park, it served as a hunting location, a cattle ranch, an immigration station and even a missile base. You can learn more about the island’s role as the West Coast’s Ellis Island with a visit to the Immigration Station, which tells the important story of the Chinese immigrant experience. 

Past visitors suggest taking one of the seasonal tram tours to get a feel for the island. Tickets for the tour cost $18 for adults and $12 for children 12 and younger. They can be purchased on the Angel Island Company's website . Recent travelers also say visitors should allot extra time to hike the roughly 6-mile perimeter loop, which offers excellent views of the water and is relatively easy.

Fisherman's Wharf Fisherman's Wharf free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  For a sweet treat, grab some delicious beignets at Frankie's Pier 43. – Leilani Osmundson, Digital Producer

Fisherman's Wharf is so tourist-laden that some travelers might prefer the quieter, more authentic attractions nearby (like the Castro or Presidio Tunnel Tops ). But if you're looking to explore all of San Francisco – from its alternative underbelly to its mainstream attractions – Fisherman's Wharf really is a must-see. This waterfront neighborhood features a laundry list of things to do, as well as a few popular San Francisco sites. One of these is Pier 39. The Pier features plenty of shopping and restaurant options for tourists and is also famous for offering sweeping views of the bay, as well as the can't-miss attractions that call it home, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge . Though while you're there, don't miss an opportunity to snap a photo of the sea lions who have a habit of sunbathing on buoys near the docks.

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Ghirardelli Square Ghirardelli Square free

Named after the famous purveyor of chocolate, Ghirardelli Square sits on the site of the company’s original factory. Framed by stately brick buildings, the square draws lots of tourists, thanks to its proximity to Fisherman’s Wharf and other landmarks. The square is home to shops, galleries, restaurants and, of course, the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. You can even hang your hat here: the Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square  sits within the complex.

Recent travelers were impressed by the views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge , as well as the variety of shopping, and the chocolate.

The Exploratorium The Exploratorium

This museum, or as it refers to itself, "a learning laboratory," features 600 hands-on exhibits that cover a plethora of subject matter, such as engineering, psychology, geography and biology. The museum spreads its knowledge over six main galleries, each with its own standout interactive offerings. Here, visitors can feel what it’s like to be inside a tornado, walk on an outdoor fog bridge, gaze at a bacteria terrarium, swim through the air with an anti-gravity mirror and more.

Though the Exploratorium appears as if it's designed for kids, travelers say it's a great attraction for all ages. Adults report feeling just as excited and amazed at the galleries and exhibits as kids. Though if you prefer to experience The Exploratorium without having to deal with kiddos running around, a few visitors suggested stopping by on a Thursday evening, when the attraction is open to visitors 18 years and older from 6 to 10 p.m. Regardless of the time you arrive, travelers say there is so much to see and do, you could easily spend a whole day there. And though the high price of admission might turn some off, many agree that the experience is worth the price.

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San Francisco Travel Guide

Last Updated: July 17, 2023

To me, visiting San Francisco is all about 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 to lounge away the day.

While it is one of the most expensive cities in the United States , there are still plenty of ways to visit on a budget (even I, a person used to living in New York City , get sticker shock when I visit).

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 $41 USD, night-tours are $51 USD, and behind-the-scenes tours cost $96 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.

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 $145 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 biggest). Immigrants from China first arrived on the West Coast and set up shop in San Francisco. Due to racial segregation, this neighborhood became predominantly Chinese. Though mandatory segregation is over, the area has remained Chinese and the area has some of the best places to eat Chinese food in the country, as well as wonderful teahouses, bars, souvenir stalls, and fortune cookie makers.

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. If you really want to do a tour, go with Red and White Fleet . Their tours start at $38 USD.

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 GLBT Historical 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

Come here for 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 $122 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 USD) or a shuttle reservation ($3.50 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 $15 USD and advance reservations are required.

For more information on other cities in the United States, check out these guides:

• Austin Travel Guide
• Boston Travel Guide
• Chicago Travel Guide
• Hawaii Travel Guide
• Las Vegas Travel Guide
• Los Angeles Travel Guide
• Miami Travel Guide
• New York City Travel Guide
• Philadelphia Travel Guide
• Seattle Travel Guide
• Washington D.C. Travel Guide

San Francisco Travel Costs

Hostel prices – In peak season, a bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs around $46-57 USD, while off-peak season costs $35-46 USD. For a dorm with 8-10 beds (or more), expect to pay $42-44 USD in peak season and $32-35 USD in off-peak season. Private double rooms cost $130-160 USD per night in peak season and $100-130 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 $30 USD per night for a basic plot for two people without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at $125 USD per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, AC, and a coffee/tea maker.

There are lots of Airbnb options in San Francisco. A private room averages about $105 USD per night while an entire home/apartment starts at $160 USD. Expect to pay double (or more) if you don’t book early.

Food – 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 $10 USD. Pizza costs around $15 USD while fast food (think McDonald’s) is $10 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 $20 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 (but some go for nearly double that). A plate of pasta or fish starts from about $20 USD, while a steak dinner costs about $45 USD. A glass of wine costs at least $12 USD.

Beer is around $8 USD, cocktails are $13-16 USD, and a latte/cappuccino is $5 USD. Bottled water is $2 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 $75 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 $10-20 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!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

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 $76 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 $67 USD while the 5-day pass is $156 USD.
• 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!
• Find the oyster happy hours – There are lots of restaurants that offer an oyster happy hour at least once a week for about $1-1.50 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 is extremely expensive in San Francisco. Before you book, make sure you have a hostel in the location where you want to spend most of your time. Here are some recommended places to stay in San Francisco:

• HI San Francisco – Downtown
• Green Tortoise Hostel
• HI San Francisco – Fisherman’s Wharf

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 $2.75 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. If you purchase a paper Visitor Passport, it costs $24 USD. A 3-day passport is $31 USD ($36 USD for paper), and a 7-day passport is $41 USD ($47 USD for paper).

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, however, a Visitor Passport gives you unlimited rides.

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 $13.50 USD. A Blue and Gold Fleet ferry to Tiburon costs $14.25 USD. The ferry to Alcatraz is included with your ticket ($41 USD).

Bicycle – Bay Wheels (operated by Lyft) is San Francisco’s biggest bike-sharing program. To unlock a bike, it’s $3.49 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 $3.50 USD and then an additional $3 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 Cali for some fun in the sun. The weather averages around 65-68°F (18-20°C) during this time.

Winter is an excellent time to come for the lowest accommodation prices and the least number of visitors. It can be chilly during this time, though, with temperatures averaging about 57°F (14°C) in December and January.

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.

Spring starts out cool and rainy, but temperatures eventually get a bit more comfortable, ranging from 57-64°F (14-18°C) from the beginning and end of the season.

Regardless of the time of year, bring some rain gear and pack some warm clothing for when temperatures dip.

How to Stay Safe in San Francisco

San Francisco is a relatively safe place to travel but you have to keep a vigilant eye. 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 extra eye out at night.

Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially while taking crowded public transportation.

If you’re concerned about getting ripped off, you can read 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 soituation 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).

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. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

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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Best Time To Visit San Francisco

San Francisco is known for its unique climate and the fact that the weather remains good throughout the year. The locals boast that you can wear shorts and a t-shirt all year round, although that is a definite stretch in the middle of the winter.

The best time to visit San Francisco is in September and October. The peak tourist season ends in August which means less crowds, the weather is at its best in early fall and there are great events and festivals on throughout September and October.

To help you choose when to go to San Francisco for the weather (and to avoid the fog), things to do or to catch a festival, read our guide below.

When should you go to San Francisco?

When to visit san francisco - summary.

• Best Time for Good Weather: September to October has the best weather of the year in San Francisco. These are the two warmest months, there's no rain and the summer fog has long cleared.
• Best Time for Sightseeing: All the main attractions and things to do in San Francisco are open year round, so visiting in March to April and September to October is best to avoid the crowds and the summer fog. Winters are great with few other tourists around and the weather being mild, but you might catch some rain and a lot of the best sightseeing in San Francisco is outdoors.
• Best Time for Saving Money: January and February are the cheapest months to visit San Francisco. The winter season is generally the least popular with tourists which brings hotel and flight prices down and while November and December bring holidays and the festive season, January and February are generally quiet.
• Best Time for the Beaches: Despite its balmy weather and seaside location, the beaches in San Francisco are not the best for swimming - the water is bitterly cold and there are very strong currents going right up to the shoreline. Aquatic Park or Crissy Field are the best beaches if you do want to swim and the water is warmest in September and October at the end of the summer.

Best time to visit San Francisco

• Best Time for Shopping: San Francisco shopping is great all year round with large malls, shopping streets and markets open in all seasons. Sales start after Christmas and run through January if you want to pick up some bargains and the shops tend to be more quiet than over the busy retail season around Thanksgiving and in December.
• Best Time for Museums and Activities: Museum and key sights' opening times and prices are the same throughout the year without any seasonality - it's best to avoid the summer months as the high tourist season can mean queues to get in and having more people wherever you turn to.
• Best Time for Restaurants: January to May and September to early November are best for eating out in restaurants in San Francisco. The summer months are very busy with tourists which can make your evening out crowded and it can be hard to find a table. Thanksgiving and the Christmas season attract a lot of family gatherings, office parties and other events which can be frustratingly loud when you're wanting to enjoy your meal.
• Best Time for Concerts and Music: The San Francisco music scene comes alive in the summer with concerts and festivals from June to August. October and November are also great for more niche music festivals and local events ranging from Hip Hop to Bluegrass.
• Best Time for Families and Kids: September to October if you can avoid the need to come during the summer school break. The weather is perfect and not too hot and there are less tourists making for a perfect family break.
• Best time to Avoid Crowds: The least busy season in San Francisco is in January and February with few tourists in the city. If you want to avoid the coldest and wettest part of the year, consider coming in the first half of November when the crowds are gone, but the weather often holds up.

San Francisco travel seasons

High Season for Tourists (June to August)

The peak travel season in San Francisco lasts through the summer months from the beginning of June right through to the Labor Day Weekend at the beginning of September.

Tourists from across U.S.A. and abroad fly in during the summer holidays and flights, hotels and other travel costs are at their highest.

Popular tourist attractions are busier between June and August even though the weather is not at its best during the early part of the High Season.

Shoulder Seasons (March to May and September to October)

Spring and fall tend to have less visitors than the summer months. Families with children can't visit San Francisco due to the school semesters and fewer people choose to visit outside the summer despite the weather and high prices.

September and October are surprisingly quiet despite the best weather of the year in San Francisco coming in the fall. A number of business events and conferences bring some visitors to town which means hotel prices are not as cheap as during the winter.

Low Season (November to February)

As the weather turns cooler, the low season for tourism in San Francisco starts from November and runs through to the end of February or early March.

Even though San Francisco winters are only cold by West Coast standards, demand for hotels drops considerably during the winter. With the rain setting in and the wind chill, it can feel considerably colder than the 52 °F (11 °C) that the average mean temperatures would suggest.

Best time to visit San Francisco for scenic views of the city

San Francisco has some of the most stunning city views you'll find anywhere - the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, Alcatraz and Treasure Islands and the steep hills make for amazing views everywhere you look.

If you want to snap some great photos and capture the sights, it's best to come to San Francisco in April or from September to October. These months are clear of the summer fog and don't carry the risk of winter rain which gives you the best opportunity to see the city in the best possible light.

Weather in San Francisco across the year

Weather in San Francisco is relatively consistent throughout the year without big temperature swings between summer and winter seasons. The main factors that affect the weather are the winter rains and the summer fog.

Average rainfall in San Francisco can be deceiving as the different years have very different patterns depending on the El Niño cycle with some years having a very wet winter and others having almost no rainfall at all. Even during the wet years, the rain tends to come in large quantities on a few days, rather than persistently falling through from December to February.

Summer fog is a big factor in San Francisco, as it is for much of the U.S. Pacific coast. Typically occurring in June, but often spreading into May and July, the fog can sit heavily in the Bay Area and can make the warmer temperatures fell a lot cooler. The higher humidity and damp effect of the fog makes early summer a bad time to visit San Francisco.

Average monthly temperature and rainfall for San Francisco

San francisco weather by month.

• San Francisco weather in January: January is a relatively cool and wet month by San Francisco's standards. Night-time temperatures are the coldest of the year with lows averaging 45.7 °F (7.6 °C). Rainfall is high as it is throughout the winter season and can come down heavily on a few days during January. Average temperature: 51.3 °F / 10.7 °C. Average precipitation: 4.50 in / 114 mm.
• San Francisco weather in February: February is the last of the wet winter months and rainfall tends to become less common towards the end of the month. Temperatures are noticeably warmer than the lows of December and January with daily highs over 3 °F higher at 60.2 °F (15.7 °C). Average temperature: 53.9 °F / 12.2 °C. Average precipitation: 4.46 in / 113 mm.
• San Francisco weather in March: March is a shoulder month in terms of weather - the rain drops considerably from the beginning to the end of the month and the temperatures continue climbing although March has the largest variability of any month with temperature swings common day to day. Average temperature: 55.1 °F / 12.8 °C. Average precipitation: 3.26 in / 83 mm.
• San Francisco weather in April: April begins feeling a lot more pleasant with only 4 days on average receiving any significant rainfall. Nights become warmer with daily lows at 49.2 °F (9.6 °C) on average and towards the end of the month, days with temperatures in the 80s can happen. Average temperature: 56.2 °F / 13.4 °C. Average precipitation: 1.46 in / 37 mm.
• San Francisco weather in May: May is a mixed month with the weather becoming changeable. Average temperatures continue improving with daily highs of 64.3 °F (17.9 °C) but the summer fog arrives towards the end of the month making it feel cooler and wetter. Average temperature: 57.6 °F / 14.2 °C. Average precipitation: 0.70 in / 18 mm.
• San Francisco weather in June: June Gloom arrives in earnest with heavy fog covering the city for much of the month. Despite the fog, there is virtually no rain in June but the humidity and fog can make it feel more damp than the wet winter months. Average temperature: 59.6 °F / 15.3 °C. Average precipitation: 0.16 in / 4 mm.
• San Francisco weather in July: July is the driest month of the year with rain only happening once every few years. Most years, there is an overhang of the fog from June causing early July to be less pleasant, but the weather gets better towards the end of the month with daily highs going above 67 °F (19.4 °C). Average temperature: 60.3 °F / 15.7 °C. Average precipitation: 0 in / 0 mm.
• San Francisco weather in August: August is the start of the best weather season in San Francisco lasting well into October. The skies clear up (although there are years when the fog sticks around longer) and the temperature hits its peak. Daily highs reach 68.1 °F (20.1 °C) with some days at the end of August climbing into the 80s (above 27 °C). Average temperature: 61.6 °F / 16.4 °C. Average precipitation: 0.06 in / 2 mm.
• San Francisco weather in September: September has the best weather of the year in San Francisco. The fog and clouds are gone, temperatures reach their maximum with daily highs of 70.2 °F (21.2 °C) and you might get a day or two over 90 °F (32 °C). Average temperature: 62.7 °F / 17.1 °C. Average precipitation: 0.21 in / 5 mm.
• San Francisco weather in October: October weather is almost identical to September. The warm ocean currents extend the summer later than other parts of the United States and warm temperatures persist for the whole month. A few rainy days are likely towards the end of October as the winter looms. Average temperature: 61.5 °F / 16.4 °C. Average precipitation: 1.12 in / 28 mm.
• San Francisco weather in November: Winter arrives during November with daily highs dipping significantly to below 60 °F (15.6 °C). Rain arrives towards the end of the month although in some years, you won't see a drop until December. Average temperature: 56.6 °F / 13.7 °C. Average precipitation: 3.16 in / 80 mm.
• San Francisco weather in December: The winter season kicks in as December arrives. It is the wettest month of the year and only marginally warmer than January with daily lows going down to 46.1 °F (7.8 °C) making the evenings a lot cooler and daily highs dipping below 50 °F (10 °C) on some days. Average temperature: 51.6 °F / 10.9 °C. Average precipitation: 4.56 in / 116 mm.

San Francisco events and things to do by month

January in san francisco.

• San Francisco Tape Music Festival - Four immersive concerts with different music styles composed by 40 local and international composers delivered in complete darkness.
• SF Sketchfest - Large annual event over 3 weeks in January bringing together the best comedy acts from the San Francisco Bay Area from improv to comedy game shows.
• NOIR CITY Film Festival - Takes place every year in the historic Castro Theatre celebrating the Film Noir genre with some of the best movies from the 40s and 50s being shown.
• Bay Area Brew Fest - The huge beer festival has moved to January and includes dozens of breweries as well as a food truck alley - get tickets early for the evening slot to make the most of the event.

February in San Francisco

• Chinese New Year Parade - One of the most impressive parades you will see anywhere in the world, taking place shortly after the Chinese New Year in San Francisco's Chinatown. There are a number of accompanying events too including pageants and the Community Fair.
• Tulipmania - 39,000 tulips bloom through February and into early March at San Francisco's Pier 39 in Fisherman's Wharf.
• San Francisco Tribal and Textle Art Show - The leading show dedicated to the art of tribal cultures in the United States. 70 art galleries display exhibits ranging from the indigenous peoples from across the Americas, Asia and Africa.
• SF IndieFest - A two-week event at the beginning of February which is all about independent and alternative film from controversial shorts to eye opening documentaries.
• San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition - Largest wine competition in the United States with around 7,000 wines being entered from 35 states competing in almost 200 categories with public tasting allowing you to see if you agree with the judges.

March in San Francisco

• St Patrick's Day Parade - Despite being on the other side of the world to Dublin, San Francisco hosts one of the largest St Patrick's Day Parades in the world with plenty to see and do for the whole family.
• San Francisco International Chocolate Salon - A growing event with over 50 chocolate artisans, producers and culinary experts gathering to showcase the best of chocolate for a day - entry ticket includes all the tasting you can muster!

April in San Francisco

• Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival - Taking place in Japantown over two weekends in mid-April, the festival has celebrated Asian traditions and Japanese culture for over 50 years.
• San Francisco Film Festival - The longest running film festival in the Americas offers 2 weeks of events and movie screenings with some 200 movies of every genre represented from across the world.
• San Francisco Salsa Festival - A weekend of dance competitions, stunning performances, opportunity to learn some salsa dance moves and party into the early hours.

May in San Francisco

• Cinco de Mayo Festival - Popular festival that takes place on the closest Saturday to May 5 in the Mission District with live music, different events and delicious street food.
• Bay to Breakers - A very popular 12 km (7.6 mile) race from the Embarcadero on the San Francisco Bay to the waves breaking on Ocean Beach with a focus on running in fancy dress. There is even a team event called the Centipede for groups of 13 or more connected by bungee rope.
• San Francisco International Arts Festival - A 2-week event in late May that is all about the performing arts. From theater to music to contemporary dance, there is something for everyone.
• Carnaval San Francisco - An entire weekend of activities with a large parade featuring feather-clad dancers and music beats from South and Central America, international cuisine and arts and crafts events.

June in San Francisco

• San Francisco Jazz Festival - While SF Jazz runs amazing concerts throughout the year, the annual Jazz Festival in June attracts some of the world's best artists for the 2-week event.
• Haight-Ashbury Street Fair - The event has run for over 40 years on the second Sunday of June along Haight Street celebrating counter culture with the slogan of Peace, Love & Happiness .
• San Francisco Pride - The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parade and celebration happens on a Sunday at the end of June with music performances across different stages and the parade that runs along Market Street from the Beale Street intersection to the Civic Center.

July in San Francisco

• Fourth of July Events - A large program of events culminating in the spectacular fireworks display which you may or may not actually see with the summer fog descended on the city.
• Fillmore Jazz Festival - The largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, the Fillmore happens during the first weekend in July on Fillmore Street come rain or shine.
• San Francisco Marathon - Around 26,000 runners take part in a marathon with one of the best backdrops in the world. Some runners only do 5k or a half marathon, while the Ultramarathon runners run the route in reverse before joining the marathon start in the morning!

August in San Francisco

• Outside Lands Music and Art Festival - The largest independent music festival in the United States takes place annually in the Golden Gate Park. It is known for its liberal and bohemian vibes from hosting wine tasting and an art fair to the legal sale of cannabis.
• Nihonmachi Street Fair - A celebration of the culture, food and music of Asian and Pacific communities in San Francisco that takes place in Japantown.

September in San Francisco

• Sausalito Art Festival - A festival for those who like the finer things in life with art, wine and music blending in Sausalito, right across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.
• San Francisco Fringe Festival - A grassroots theater festival hosting indie performances by local groups pushing towards 100 shows over 10 days.
• Folsom Street Fair - The incredibly niche and unbelievably popular fair is all about leather and fetish with 200 exhibitors and 250,000 visitors. If the live demos and good on sale are not enough, you can check out the Sick and Twisted performance stage.
• Castro Valley Fall Festival -
• Oktoberfest by the Bay - A whole weekend of Bavarian celebration with German food and drink and traditional Bavarian music and dancing - get your pretzel and a giant stein of fine beer!

October in San Francisco

• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival - Over 100 musicians on 7 different stages in Golden Gate Park over the first weekend in October and best of all - it's completely free.
• Castro Street Fair - A popular street fair centered at the Castro Street and Market Street intersection with live music performances and great street food.
• San Francisco Fleet Week - A series of events along the length of the Bay in San Francisco with a U.S. Navy Blue Angels Air Show, a ship parade that includes U.S. Navy and U.S. Coastguard ships led by a Fire Department fire boat and ship tours.

November in San Francisco

• San Francisco International Hip Hop DanceFest - A weekend devoted to the art of Hip Hop dance from break dance performances to the finest dance moves of the 90s.
• Illuminate SF Festival of Light - Dozens of sculptures, buildings and even cars are lit up on Thanksgiving and stay lit every night through to January 1.

December in San Francisco

• Great Dickens Christmas Fair - Runs from late November through most of December, the fair transports you into Victorian London with Christmas shops, special performances and traditional pubs.
• Parol Lantern Festival - A parade and celebration of Filipino culture, music and food in the SOMA Pilipinas district that lasts deep into the night.

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Things to Do in San Francisco: A Guide to Fun (2024)

W elcome to the enchanting city by the bay, where every street corner whispers tales of diversity, landmarks beckon with storied histories, and breathtaking scenery leaves you awe-inspired. San Francisco, a city like no other, is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, a treasure trove of landmarks, and a masterpiece of nature’s beauty.

Picture yourself strolling along the bustling streets, the aroma of freshly baked sourdough bread wafting from corner bakeries, and the eclectic mix of languages and laughter filling the air. You’re not just visiting a city; you’re embarking on an adventure through a melting pot of cultures that have woven themselves into the very fabric of this metropolis. You will be amazed at all the things to do in San Francisco for people of all ages.

But it’s not just the diverse culture that makes San Francisco a must-visit destination . The city boasts iconic landmarks that have graced postcards and inspired filmmakers for generations. From the majestic Golden Gate Bridge standing guard over the bay to the historic Alcatraz Island, where echoes of infamous inmates still resonate, there’s no shortage of stories etched into the cityscape.

Let’s not forget the scenery that will steal your heart – rolling hills dotted with colorful Victorian houses, the sparkling Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon, and the lush green spaces that invite you to relax and rejuvenate. San Francisco’s natural beauty is as captivating as its urban charm.

I want to take you on a journey through this eclectic wonderland, unveiling the best activities, hidden gems, and insider tips to ensure your stay is nothing short of unforgettable. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, nature enthusiast, or just someone seeking adventure, San Francisco has something special in store for you.

Things to Do in San Francisco: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Attractions and Activities

So, grab your heartiest appetite and your most comfortable walking shoes because the City by the Bay is ready to enchant, inspire, and surprise you at every turn. Join us as we uncover the endless possibilities in our comprehensive exploration of “Things to Do in San Francisco: A Guide to Fun.” Your adventure begins now with these tourist attractions!

Iconic Landmarks

San Francisco is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world. Here are three must-see landmarks that you can’t miss on your trip to San Francisco:

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic symbol of San Francisco and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The bridge spans 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County. One of the best ways to experience the bridge is to walk or bike across it. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about its history and construction.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a former federal military prison that is now a national park . It is a small island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay and can only be reached by ferry. Visitors can take a guided tour of the prison and learn about its infamous inmates, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” The island also offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Since childhood, I have seen these iconic gems in the commercials that touted the favorite rice dish of San Franciscans – and still have that Rice-A-Roni jingle stuck in my head. It goes without saying that San Francisco is famous for its cable cars , which are a fun and unique way to explore the city.

This fun form of public transportation runs on three lines: the Powell-Hyde line, the Powell-Mason line, and the California line. You can hop on and off at various stops throughout the city, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and Chinatown.

Riding a cable car is a great way to experience the city’s hilly terrain and historic neighborhoods. And heck, what fun photos and TikTok reel opportunities as you go up and down those steep hills!

These three iconic landmarks are just a few of the many attractions that San Francisco has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler , you won’t want to miss these must-see sights.

Cultural Experiences

I adore that San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures, and there are many ways to experience the city’s diverse cultural offerings. Here are some must-see cultural experiences to add to your itinerary:

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and largest Chinatown in the United States. It is a vibrant neighborhood that is home to many shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory , where you can watch fortune cookies being made by hand.

You can also explore the alleyways and side streets to discover hidden gems like the  Tin How Temple and the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum . If you want the perfect memorable photo, take a selfie at the Dragon Gate.

Mission District Murals

I love street art and that put this on my list of great things to do in the city of San Francisco! The Mission District is known for its colorful street art murals. They reflect the neighborhood’s Latino heritage and social activism.

Take a walking tour to see some of the most iconic murals, like the Women’s Building Mural and the MaestraPeace Mural. You can also visit the Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center to learn more about the history and significance of the murals.

Japanese Tea Garden

Location: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive San Francisco

The  Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is a serene oasis that offers a glimpse into Japanese culture. It is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States and features traditional Japanese architecture, koi ponds, and a tea house. You can participate in a traditional tea ceremony or simply stroll through the garden and admire the beautiful scenery.

Ferry Building Marketplace

Location: One, Ferry Building, San Francisco

The Ferry Building Marketplace is a food lover’s paradise that showcases the best of San Francisco’s culinary scene. It is home to many artisanal food vendors, including Cowgirl Creamery, Acme Bread , and  Blue Bottle Coffee . You can sample local cheeses, fresh oysters, and gourmet chocolates while enjoying views of the San Francisco Bay. The marketplace is also a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, or food, San Francisco has something to offer every culture lover. Don’t miss these unique cultural experiences on your next visit to the city.

Outdoor Activities

San Francisco is known for its beautiful outdoor spaces and activities. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking to enjoy some fresh air, there’s something for everyone in the city. Here are some of the top outdoor activities to experience in San Francisco:

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors in San Francisco. This expansive park spans over 1,000 acres and offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Some of the top attractions within the park include:

• The Japanese Tea Garden : This tranquil garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States and features beautiful landscaping, koi ponds, and a tea house.
• The  de Young Museum : This art museum features a variety of exhibits and collections, as well as stunning views of the city from its observation tower.
• The California Academy of Sciences : This museum is home to a planetarium, aquarium, and natural history museum all in one, making it a great option for families.

The Presidio is a former military base turned national park that offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. Here are some of the top things to do in the Presidio:

• Hiking: The Presidio offers over 24 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. Some of the top trails include the Batteries to Bluffs Trail and the Ecology Trail.
• Beaches: The Presidio is home to several beautiful beaches, including Baker Beach and Marshall’s Beach, which offer stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
• The Walt Disney Family Museum : This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Walt Disney and features exhibits, screenings, and interactive experiences.

Ocean Beach

If you’re looking to enjoy some time by the ocean, Ocean Beach is the perfect destination. This long stretch of beach offers plenty of space to relax and take in the views. Some of the top activities to enjoy at Ocean Beach include:

• Surfing: Ocean Beach is known for its challenging surf conditions, making it a popular spot for experienced surfers.
• Bonfires: Visitors can enjoy a bonfire on the beach with a permit from the city.
• Sunset watching: The sunsets at Ocean Beach are some of the most beautiful in the city, making it a popular spot for photographers.

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Location: 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco

These botanical gardens are s a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city. This 55-acre garden features over 8,000 different plant species from around the world. Some of the top attractions within the garden include:

• The Redwood Grove: This section of the garden features towering redwood trees that are over 100 years old.
• The Succulent Garden: This garden features a variety of unique and colorful succulent plants.
• The Ancient Plant Garden: This garden features plants that have been around for millions of years, including ferns and cycads.

Overall, San Francisco offers a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to hike, relax on the beach, or explore a beautiful garden, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Museums and Galleries

San Francisco is home to numerous museums and galleries that cater to a wide range of interests. From modern art to science, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the top museums and galleries to check out during your visit:

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Location: 151 Third St San Francisco,

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum has an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by famous artists such as Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Frida Kahlo. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see. Be sure to check out the museum’s rooftop sculpture garden, which offers stunning views of the city.

De Young Museum

Location: Golden Gate Park 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive San Francisco

Located in Golden Gate Park, the  de Young Museum is a work of art inside and out. The museum’s collection includes American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, as well as art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The museum also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit. Don’t miss the observation tower, which offers panoramic views of San Francisco.

The Exploratorium

Location: Pier 15, (Embarcadero at Green, San Francisco

The  Exploratorium  is a hands-on science museum that’s fun for all ages. The museum’s exhibits explore a wide range of topics, from physics to biology to social science. Visitors can experiment with light and sound, learn about the human body, and even create their own art. The museum also hosts events and workshops throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit.

California Academy of Sciences

Location: 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco

The California Academy of Sciences  is a must-see destination in San Francisco. The museum is home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and world-class research and educational programs. Visitors can see penguins, butterflies, and even a living roof. The museum also hosts special events and exhibits throughout the year.

Walt Disney Family Museum

Location: 104 Montgomery Street in the Presidio   San Francisco

Located in the Presidio, the Walt Disney Family Museum is a must-visit for Disney fans. The museum tells the story of Walt Disney’s life and career, featuring artifacts, interactive exhibits, and original artwork. Visitors can learn about the creation of Mickey Mouse, the making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Disney’s impact on the entertainment industry. Don’t miss the museum’s theater, which screens classic Disney films.

Food and Drink

San Francisco is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, with a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences to choose from. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, classic Italian dishes, or craft beer , the city has something to offer every palate. Here are some of the top food and drink experiences to try during your visit:

Seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular destination for seafood lovers, offering a variety of restaurants and vendors serving up fresh catches from the nearby waters. One of the most iconic dishes to try is cioppino, a hearty seafood stew that originated in San Francisco. Sotto Mare is a local favorite for this dish, with a rich tomato-based broth filled with Dungeness crab parts, mussels, and other seafood.

If you’re in the mood for something fried, head to Alioto’s  or the  Crab Station for some crispy fish and chips or fried calamari. For a more casual experience, grab some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery or one of the many street vendors.

Dining in North Beach

North Beach is known as San Francisco’s Little Italy, with a wide range of Italian restaurants and cafes to choose from. One of the most popular spots is Tony’s Pizza Napoletana , which has won numerous awards for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. For pasta dishes, head to The Stinking Rose that offers classic Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, stop by Stella Pastry & Cafe for some cannoli or tiramisu. For a more upscale dining experience, consider booking a table at Cotogna  or Tosca Cafe , both of which offer a modern take on Italian cuisine.

Craft Breweries

San Francisco is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a variety of breweries and taprooms to choose from. One of the most popular spots is  21st Amendment Brewery , which offers a wide range of beers on tap, and Magnolia Brewing Company , which specializes in English-style ales.

For a more casual experience, head to one of the many taprooms in the city, such as Cellarmaker Brewing Company  or Fort Point Beer Company . Many of these spots offer outdoor seating and food trucks, making them a great place to relax and enjoy some local brews.

Shopping Destinations

San Francisco is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide range of shopping destinations to suit any taste and budget. Here are three of the best shopping destinations in the city:

Union Square

This is the heart of San Francisco’s shopping district , with a wide range of high-end and mid-range stores. This is where you’ll find the city’s largest collection of department stores, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s. If you’re looking for luxury brands, head to the boutiques on Maiden Lane, where you’ll find stores like Chanel, Prada, and Gucci.

Haight Street

Haight Street is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the best places for vintage and alternative fashion. This street was the epicenter of the 1960s counterculture movement, and today it’s home to a wide range of vintage clothing stores, record shops, and head shops. Some of the most popular stores on Haight Street include Wasteland, Amoeba Music, and Loved to Death.

The Castro is San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood, and it’s also home to a wide range of unique and eclectic stores. If you’re looking for quirky gifts or one-of-a-kind souvenirs, head to stores like Cliff’s Variety , which has been a neighborhood institution since 1936. Other popular stores in the area include  Books Inc ., which has a great selection of LGBTQ+ literature, and the Castro Theatre gift shop, which sells movie-themed merchandise.

No matter what your shopping preferences are, San Francisco has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands or vintage finds, you’re sure to find it in this vibrant and diverse city.

Nightlife and Entertainment

San Francisco is known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. From live music venues to comedy clubs and theater performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Live Music Venues

This town has a diverse music scene that caters to all tastes. Some of the most popular live music venues include The Fillmore, The Independent , and The Warfield Theatre . These venues feature a variety of music genres including rock, jazz, blues, and hip-hop. If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, check out the Great American Music Hall or the Rickshaw Stop.

Comedy Clubs

San Francisco has a thriving comedy scene with several comedy clubs to choose from. The Punch Line , Cobb’s Comedy Club , and The San Francisco Comedy Cellar are just a few of the popular comedy clubs in the city. These venues feature both local and national comedians, so you’re sure to find something that will make you laugh.

Theater Performances

This great spot is home to several world-class theaters that offer a variety of performances throughout the year.  The American Conservatory Theater , The Curran , and The Orpheum Theatre are just a few of the venues that feature Broadway shows, musicals, and plays. If you’re looking for something more experimental, check out The Magic Theatre or The Cutting Ball Theater .

Overall, San Francisco’s nightlife and entertainment scene is diverse and exciting. Whether you’re looking for live music, comedy, or theater performances, you’re sure to find something that will keep you entertained.

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco and want to see some of the city’s top attractions, consider purchasing a CityPASS. With a CityPASS, you’ll save money and time by gaining admission to some of the city’s most popular attractions.

CityPASS offers two different options for visitors to San Francisco: The CityPASS and the C3 pass. The CityPASS includes admission to four attractions: the California Academy of Sciences, the Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure, the Aquarium of the Bay, and either the Exploratorium or the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. With the CityPASS, you’ll save up to 46% on admission prices.

If you don’t have time to visit all of the attractions included in the CityPASS, consider purchasing the C3 pass instead. With the C3 pass, you’ll get one-time admission to three of the five attractions included in the CityPASS. You can choose from the California Academy of Sciences , the Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure , the Aquarium of the Bay , the Exploratorium , and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art .

One of the best things about the CityPASS is that it allows you to skip the lines at many of the attractions. This can save you a lot of time, especially during peak tourist season. In addition, the CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days, so you can take your time exploring the city and its attractions.

Overall, if you’re planning to visit several of San Francisco’s top attractions, the CityPASS can be a great way to save money and time.

Click on the picture to check it out

Final Thoughts:

As we near the end of our journey through the captivating city of San Francisco, one thing becomes abundantly clear: this city is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered. From the rich tapestry of cultures that harmoniously coexist to the iconic landmarks that tell tales of bygone eras, and the natural beauty that will leave you breathless, San Francisco is a destination like no other.

We’ve explored the vibrant neighborhoods, savored delectable culinary delights, and marveled at the city’s architectural wonders. We’ve delved into its history, from the Gold Rush era to the counterculture movement, and we’ve reveled in the stunning scenery, from the fog-kissed Golden Gate Bridge to the tranquil serenity of Muir Woods .

But beyond the sights and sounds, it’s the spirit of San Francisco that truly sets it apart. It’s a city that embraces diversity, celebrates individuality, and welcomes all with open arms. It’s a place where you can be yourself, where the boundaries of tradition are challenged, and where creativity knows no bounds.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another adventure, San Francisco promises to surprise you, inspire you, and leave an indelible mark on your heart. It’s a city that invites you to explore, to dream, and to savor every moment.

As you wrap up your journey through the “City by the Bay,” take with you the memories of laughter in colorful neighborhoods, the taste of world-class cuisine, and the sense of wonder that comes from standing before iconic landmarks. And remember, this guide is just the beginning. San Francisco is a city of endless possibilities, and the best way to discover it is to step out and explore for yourself.

So, whether you’re gazing at the city lights from the summit of Twin Peaks or sipping artisan coffee in a quaint café, let San Francisco work its magic on you. It’s a city that thrives on curiosity, and in return, it offers an abundance of experiences that will stay with you long after your journey ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 20 things to do in san francisco.

San Francisco is a city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions. Some of the top things to do in San Francisco include visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Alcatraz Island, taking a cable car ride, visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, and checking out the Painted Ladies. Other popular activities include visiting the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, exploring Chinatown, and going on a food tour of the city.

What are some famous districts to visit in San Francisco?

San Francisco is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique character and charm. Some of the most famous districts to visit in San Francisco include Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, the Castro, and the Mission District. Each of these neighborhoods has its unique attractions, restaurants, and shops.

What shouldn’t I miss during my trip to San Francisco?

There are several things that you should not miss during your trip to San Francisco. These include visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Alcatraz Island, and taking a cable car ride. You should also check out Fisherman’s Wharf, the Painted Ladies , and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor . Don’t forget to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and try some of its famous cuisine.

Can I see San Francisco in 2 days?

While it’s impossible to see everything San Francisco has to offer in just two days, you can still experience many of the city’s top attractions. You can visit the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Fisherman’s Wharf, and take a cable car ride. You can also check out some of the city’s famous neighborhoods, such as Chinatown and the Mission District.

What is the number one attraction in San Francisco?

The Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the number one attraction in San Francisco. This iconic bridge is recognized worldwide and is a must-see when visiting the city. You can walk or bike across the bridge, take a boat tour underneath it, or simply admire it from a distance.

What are some easy things to do in San Francisco?

If you’re looking for some easy things to do in San Francisco, you can take a leisurely walk through Golden Gate Park, explore the Ferry Building Marketplace, or visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. You can also take a scenic drive down Lombard Street or enjoy a picnic in Dolores Park.

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• Top SF Attractions
• Fisherman's Wharf
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Lombard Street
• Ghirardelli Square
• Golden Gate Park
• Japanese Tea Garden
• Haight Ashbury
• San Francisco Beaches
• Conservatory of Flowers
• Botanical Garden
• The Embarcadero
• San Francisco Zoo
• California Academy of Sciences
• The Exploratorium
• de Young Art Museum
• Legion of Honor Art Museum
• Musée Mécanique
• 65 Things to Do in San Francisco
• Ride the Cable Cars
• SF Bay Cruises
• Bike the Bridge
• Go Car Tours
• Best Places to Stay in SF
• Chinese New Year
• Cherry Blossom Festival
• Christmas in SF
• Napa Wineries
• Angel Island
• Santa Cruz Boardwalk
• Whitewater Rafting
• Vintage Plane Rides
• Getting Around SF
• When to Visit SF
• Free Parking in SF
• Bad SF Travel Advice
• Covid Status
• Things to Do
• Best time to visit SF

By  Karen

Updated December 26, 2023.

The Best Time to Visit San Francisco - 2024

Is there a best time to visit the City by the Bay?  Yes!

The best time to visit San Francisco is in the fall , when the weather is warm and dry, and there are lots of fun things to do in the the city.

The summer crowds have lessened so it's easier to explore the attractions and hotel prices are not as high.

October is the best month to visit San Francisco, followed by September !

Here are my tips on the best time to visit San Francisco.

I've lived through 30 years of San Francisco weather and have experienced all the peculiarities of the San Francisco climate.

So I can tell you what San Francisco weather is really like.

Averages and statistics can tell you a lot, and I've included them below, but they don't give you the whole picture.

There are four main factors in picking the best time to visit San Francisco: weather, crowds, expense, and variety of things to do.

• Best time to visit San Francisco: weather
• Best time to visit San Francisco: crowds
• Best time to visit San Francisco: affordability
• Best time to visit San Francisco: activities available

Depending on how important the various factors are for you, you'll be able to figure out the best times for you to travel to San Francisco.

Our mild winters and dry, pleasant summers make San Francisco one of the best places to visit at any time of the year.

Sort of a Goldilocks climate: not too hot and not too cold. Without the bears; they're up in the mountains.

Compared to many areas in the United States and around the world, San Francisco has pretty good weather most of the year, due to our mild temperatures and temperate climate.

The average monthly high temperatures are in a narrow range: 58 to 71 degrees.

So are the average monthly low temperatures : 47 to 56 degrees.

Most months in San Francisco have high temperatures in the 60's and low temperatures in the 50's. 

See table and graph below.

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SF Bay Area Weather

California overall has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. 

That said, San Francisco has a climate all it's own. 

The influence of the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean just offshore keeps San Francisco both cooler in summer and a bit warmer in winter than the surrounding territory.

The fog machine. The interplay between the frigid ocean current offshore, and the hot inland air temperatures, create the famous San Francisco fog, our natural air-conditioning.

It can be boiling hot, 90's and 100's, (32C to 38C+), just beyond the hills to the east and in the Central Valley of California, while San Francisco is shivering in 58 degree fog (14C).

That's a common summer pattern for the Bay Area and beyond.

See San Francisco weather for more info.

Which months have the best weather?

The big picture: San Francisco has five months of rainy weather and seven months with little or no rain.

The rainy months : November through March.

The dry months: April through October.

The foggy months: May, June, July & August.

The sunny months: April, September, & October.

The coldest months: November through February.

The warmest months:  September & October.

The hot months: there aren't any! September is the "hottest" month and the average high is 71 degrees.

The rains taper off in early April, so sometimes April showers bring May flowers, but it's not much and not that often. So April can turn into a nice month to visit once it gets started.

It seems like the rain always holds off until after Halloween on October 31, then comes in with a blast November 1 or soon after. Very considerate.

The winter rains comes in waves, as the storms move in from the Pacific Ocean, with a few days' break in between, typically.

Very different from the tropical pattern of sudden buckets of rain, then the sun breaking out again.

Average monthly highs and lows for SF

First the fahrenheit temps....

Celsius temps for SF...

Source: NOAA

The temperatures don't vary a whole lot, as you can see.

The weather differences have more to do with whether it's rainy or foggy.

Looking for a hotel in SF?  I created an article on the best areas to stay in San Francisco, with maps and hotel recommendations.

Check out descriptions and locations of the safest areas, best areas for families, best areas for traveling with or without a car, and some fun choices. Plus highly-rated hotels in each area.

See best areas to stay in SF .

The best months for weather in San Francisco

The warmest, sunniest months  in San Francisco are September and October, the truly best months to visit San Francisco. High's around 71 and lows around 56. You still need a jacket in the evening.

Next best months for a visit to SF, weather-wise:  April (2nd half) and May (1st half) . Not as warm, but nice, mostly sunny weather in the 60's.

April and May are mostly dry, with little or no rain. At some point in May, the summer fog starts to roll in.

The cool, foggy months

The foggy months in San Francisco are May , June , July and most of August .

But the fog has a strong preference for the western half of San Francisco. So it can be fogged-in in Golden Gate Park and the zoo, while the sun is shining in the Mission District and Fisherman's Wharf.

This happens because San Francisco has microclimates .

The cool ocean air and fog often gets blocked by the row of hills in the center of San Francisco, like Twin Peaks and Mount Sutro .

The fog often gets completely stopped, but some of the cool air comes over the hills and keeps the eastern half of the city pleasantly mild: not too warm, not too cold.

Even with the fog, it's not that cold: highs in the mid to upper 60's, lows in low 50's. But it is often windy, which makes it feel colder. Again, jacket weather.

If San Francisco is fogged in, you can easily escape to Sausalito across the Bay, or just about anywhere outside of San Francisco, where the sun is shining.

Summer in the Bay Area is sunny everywhere except San Francisco (and the towns of Daly City and Pacifica, just south of the city - worse fog than SF!).

Summer months in San Francisco

Even though the summer tends to be foggy and cool, the temperatures are still mild and there are few rainy days. Summer is the peak season for tourism in San Francisco.

By cool, I mean highs in the upper 50's to upper 60's , lows in the low to mid 50's , depending on which side of San Francisco you're on. Jacket weather.

The western edge of the city is the coolest and foggiest. Golden Gate Park, the Sunset District and the Richmond District are known for their fog.

In summer there is often a ten degree difference in temperature between the warmer Mission District and the foggy Sunset.

It can often be foggy on one side of the city and sunny on the other side.

Ocean Beach on the western edge of San Francisco has a tendency to be cold and foggy in summer. But it's warm and sunny in September and October.

I lived in the Sunset District for years and luckily I happened to love the fog and cool temperatures out there (not everyone does!).

Winter months in San Francisco - the cold weather

The coldest months in San Francisco are December, January and February, when the highs are around 58 degrees and the lows around 47 degrees.

Winter in San Francisco is cold and rainy; not Midwest or East Coast cold, but temps in the 40's and 50's. Typical pattern is a few days of rain, a break for a few days, then another set of rainy days.

The "weather" in winter comes in off the Pacific Ocean; we look west to see what's coming. There are usually a series of storms that blow in, off and on all winter. Every now and then we have a dry winter.

But almost never snow or sleet. And no hurricanes or tornadoes. Thunderstorms are rare as well. 

Fall season in San Francisco - the warm weather

Fall is the best time of year to visit,   with warmer temperatures and the best weather. 

When fall arrives, the fog has disappeared (mostly) and our Indian summer has arrived.

September  and  October  are the months of blue skies, warmer weather, and sunny days. Average highs are 70 or 71.

Late August can be very pleasant as well, as the fog starts to ease up and the warm season gets going.  It can even get hot, at least for a few days in October.

San Francisco's 'heat wave" happens about once a year: three hot days in a row over 90.

The 1989 San Francisco earthquake hit in October on a really hot day. Locals took this as confirming the existence of " earthquake weather ": hot, with no wind.

San Francisco tends to be windy, so many locals get nervous when the air is very still, especially when it's hot. Science doesn't support this urban myth, but it hangs on anyway. (The Big One in 1906 also hit on an unusually hot day in April.)

The locals suffer mightily when it's hot, and complain bitterly, but the fog usually rolls back in from offshore in two or three days, and Mother Nature's air conditioning turns on again.

Some of the complaining is justified, though; most houses in San Francisco don't have air conditioning.

Spring in San Francisco is rather brief. March is cold and rainy, and May is cool and foggy, so April it is! Sunny and somewhat warm.

The flowers are blooming in April and it's the best time to see the cherry blossoms in the Japanese Tea Garden .

April is also a great time to explore the many gardens of Golden Gate Park : the Rose Garden, Fuchsia Garden, Dahlia Garden, Rhododendron Garden, and my favorite, the Shakespeare Garden, with hundreds of the plants mentioned in his poems.

Best time to visit San Francisco for fewer crowds

Most of San Francisco's visitors come in the summer months: June, July and August, when schools are out and many people take their vacations. Summer is the peak tourist season.

There are fewer crowds in the winter months , although the Christmas holidays and New Year's see an influx of merry-makers. If you want to do indoor activities, like go to shows or concerts, or visit the museums, winter can be a great time to come.

There are fewer tourists in September and October compared with the summer , and the weather is the warmest and sunniest then, so it may be the perfect time to come.

Best time to visit San Francisco for affordability 

The most affordable time to visit San Francisco is in the colder months: November, January, February and March. This is considered off-season and generally has the fewest visitors to the city.

December is the exception; the holiday season is a popular time to visit San Francisco and hotel rates reflect that.

Another exception is the week around Chinese New Year in February. This is a huge celebration in San Francisco and attracts large numbers of visitors.

The most expensive time to visit San Francisco is during the peak season of summer. The summer months of June, July and August see the most visitors to San Francisco.

The shoulder seasons of April, September and October are also popular, but less busy than the summer season and less expensive. 

What varies the most in terms of expense are the hotel room rates.

Restaurant prices and attraction prices don't vary that much, if at all, though you are more likely to find discounts on certain activities like tours off season.

Tickets for Alcatraz are the same year round, but prices for some of the tours combining Alcatraz with another tour can sometimes be cheaper off season. See Alcatraz combo tours to check rates.

Best times for San Francisco activities

If you have specific activities you want to enjoy, then the best time to visit San Francisco would depend on those.

Outdoor activities - when to visit SF

For outdoor activities in San Francisco, mild and sunny weather is optimal, so September, October and April would be the best bets.

If photos aren't that important (or you want some arty fog shots), then May through August are also good times to do outdoor activities in San Francisco because it's not that cold (a light jacket suffices) and it's not raining.

So April through October are the best months to visit San Francisco for outdoor activities.

San Francisco things to do outdoors

Golden Gate Park. This beautiful park is so full of things to explore out of doors. The Japanese Tea Garden , Stow Lake , the lush variety of gardens and the Dutch Windmills are great spots to visit. Even horseback riding in the park.

See my complete guide to all the things to do in Golden Gate Park .

Bay Cruises. Taking a boat tour out under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz Island, and past the city skyline, is something not to be missed! This is one of my favorite things to do in San Francisco. Best if the weather is mild and sunny, but still fun on foggy days (most of the boats have inside areas if you get cold).

See my recommendations for the best bay cruises in San Francisco.

Golden Gate Bridge. Another must see for San Francisco. See it up close and admire the spectacular views of the bay and city from the bridge.

You can walk across the bridge all year long for free, or rent a bike and ride across the bridge , all the way to Sausalito. Or take a bay cruise  and sail under the bridge.

Check out my guide to the Golden Gate Bridge .

Botanical Gardens. Acres of native plants of the Americas in a pretty setting in Golden Gate Park, including a redwood grove, fragrance garden, and a moon-viewing garden.

See the San Francisco Botanical Gardens for more info.

San Francisco Beaches. Beaches in San Francisco have some gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands.

They're great places to walk, picnic or just hang out. Not safe for swimming, so you don't need to wait for a hot day for a beach outing (good, since there aren't any!).

Visit some great view beaches like Baker Beach or Marshall's Beach , or check out all of San Francisco's beaches .

Hikes and walks in the city. San Francisco is a great city for walking. The mild climate and amazing views make it one of the more popular things to do in the city.

Walk the coastal trail at Lands End with its stunning views of the bridge and channel into the bay, or head up to the hills of Twin Peaks for a 360 degree view of the whole city and Bay Area.

Indoor San Francisco activities 

Indoor activities are great year-round, but there's plenty to do in San Francisco even when it's cold and rainy.

The Museums. San Francisco is blessed with a number of world-class art and science museums:

• The de Young Museum . Wide variety of art from all over the world.
• The Legion of Honor Museum . Great works of European & Ancient art.
• The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art . Huge collection in a beautifully redone building.
• The Asian Art Museum . Beautiful collection of art from all over Asia.
• The California Academy of Sciences . Fascinating science museum with a planetarium, aquarium and natural history museum, plus a cool rainforest dome and living roof.
• The Exploratorium . Fun, hands-on science museum where you can interact with the exhibits.
• The Conservatory of Flowers . Fun collection of plants from different tropical regions in a Victorian-style, glass building.
• Walt Disney Family Museum . The story of Walt Disney's life and the development of Disney's artistic creations. 

Concerts & Shows. Loads of entertainment of all kinds is available in San Francisco.

Enjoy performances by the San Francisco Symphony , the SF Opera , or SF Ballet or take in a play at the American Conservatory Theater .

Here's a list of a variety of shows and concerts coming to San Francisco.

Japantown. Explore San Francisco's Japantown and its Japanese ambiance. It's fun to browse the authentic Japanese shops and try some great Japanese cuisine.

Most of the Japantown shops and restaurants are inside two large malls, so it's a great way to spend a rainy day.

See my guide to Japantown .

Spring activities in San Francisco

• Cherry blossoms at the Japanese Tea Garden .
• Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown. Japanese music, cosplay, anime films, martial arts, origami and dance, and lots of great food and crafts on display.
• Lots in bloom at the Conservatory of Flowers and the Botanical Gardens .
• The San Francisco Giants . Spring is opening season for the Giants. Watch the home games at Oracle Park.

Summer season activities in SF

• Stern Gove free concerts . All summer, free concerts in a wide variety of styles, every Sunday in a pretty, stone amphitheater in a park.
• Outside Lands Music Festival . Great bands and food, in Golden Gate Park.
• San Francisco Jazz Festival . 42 jazz concerts over three venues in June.
• San Francisco Marathon. Run the 29 miles across the Golden Gate Bridge, along the waterfront, through Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach. Or just watch.
• San Francisco street fairs . Lots of great street fairs and festivals all summer. Fun shopping, music and food.
• Fireworks for the Fourth of July at the waterfront. Fingers crossed it won't be foggy like the last time we went!

Fall season San Francisco activities

• Napa Valley winery tours. They run year-round but the wine country is especially beautiful in the fall with the changing leaf colors and the golden light on the hillsides. Check out a highly-rated wine-tasting tour .
• Fleet Week. The first week of October, the Blue Angels are in town and do an amazing air show over the Bay. See Fleet Week for my tips on going and best places to watch the show.
• Halloween. San Francisco really does Halloween! Street parties and haunted houses, and trick-or-treating on decorated blocks.
• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival . Very popular and free music festival in Golden Gate Park.
• The Painted Ladies.  The pretty row of Victorian houses on Alamo Square is available to see all year round, but many visitors want to get that great photo of the ladies with the city skyline in the background. It definitely makes for a better picture when it's sunny, so September and October are your best bets to get a clear shot of the houses with blue skies behind them. 

Winter season activities in SF

Christmas in San Francisco. This is a really fun and festive time to be in San Francisco. The city is lit up, and there are traditional Christmas performances to enjoy, like the Nutcracker, Handel's Messiah, and Dickens' Christmas Carol. Also ice skating at Union Square and a big Dickens Christmas Fair to get in the spirit.

See my page on Christmas in San Francisco  for things to do.

New Year's Eve is a big party in San Francisco. Lots of special events.

Chinese New Year.  The hugely popular Chinese New Year Parade is held in February, and there's also a Chinese New Year Street Fair to enjoy.

See my tips on celebrating  Chinese New Year  in San Francisco.

Year-round San Francisco activities

There are plenty of activities that are fun to do any time of year.

• Lombard Street . Walk or drive down the famous crooked street. The hydrangeas have a long blooming season but are probably at their best mid-summer (but it depends on the weather). More on Lombard Street .
• Chinatown . Chinatown is open all year round and it's fun to browse the shops, explore the interesting alleys, and eat Chinese food, especially the dim sum. See my article on Chinatown .
• Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39. Fresh seafood and the sea lions, plus lots of shops and activities at the wharf. Boat cruises, the Bay Aquarium, amusement rides, and more. See my tips on visiting  Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 .
• Alcatraz. Alcatraz is open all year round, and lots of the tour is inside the prison, so weather isn't crucial. Tickets are a lot easier to get in winter, but the city views are prettiest in the fall. See my recommendations on taking Alcatraz tours and how to get the tickets.
• Cable Cars. Riding the cable cars is one of the best San Francisco experiences, unique to the city. You can ride them all year round. See my tips on how to ride the cable cars and which routes are best.
• Coit Tower. Great views of downtown San Francisco and cool city murals from the 1930's. And the wild parrots on the hill, San Francisco's official animal.

When to visit San Francisco - FAQ

When is the best month to visit San Francisco?

October is the best month to visit San Francisco. Warm and sunny weather and lots of fun activities, plus fewer tourists than in summer. Second best month is September, for the same reasons.

October is one of the two warmest months in San Francisco. Highs are in the 70's and sometimes 80's, and once in awhile it hits the 90's, but that's rare.

San Francisco heat waves usually hit in October. But they only last a few days.

What is the cheapest month to visit San Francisco?

January and February are the cheapest months to visit San Francisco. The weather is least pleasant in winter, but the crowds are the smallest, and hotel room prices lower.

But avoid New Year's Eve and the days around Chinese New Year parade in February to save money.

What is the rainy season in San Francisco?

The rainy season in San Francisco starts in early November and runs through March, and sometimes into early April.

What is the off season in San Francisco?

The winter months of November, January and February are the off season in San Francisco, followed by March and April. The kids are in school and the weather is iffy.

November, January and February tend to be cold and rainy, and March is a bit warmer, but still rainy.

April is a good, off-season visit choice: the latter half of April usually has nice weather, highs in the 60's, and it's sunny.

But the week of Chinese New Year in February is crowded and busy in San Francisco, and hotel rooms would be scarcer and more expensive. December is high season; lots of people visit then. The week around Easter in April is also busy.

Is March a good month to visit San Francisco?

March is a fairly good time to visit San Francisco. Hotel prices may be lower because it is off season and it tends to be cool and rainy. But March still has mild weather and most outdoor activities are available, though you might need to carry an umbrella.

There will be a mixture of sunny and rainy days, with an average high of 62 and low of 49. Only 8 days of rain in March is the average, so it's still quite pleasant. Of course the weather varies from year to year, and the shoulder seasons are the most variable.

Is April a good time to visit San Francisco?

April is a great time to visit San Francisco. The rainy season is ending and the weather is warming up. The average high temperature in April is 63, with a low of 50, so you will still need a jacket in the evening (and carry it with you during the day). But most days will be clear and sunny.

On average, April has 4 rainy days, and those are more likely in early April. An added bonus to April is the flowers are blooming and it's a very pretty time to be in San Francisco. The Cherry Blossom Festival  in Japantown is in April as well.

Is San Francisco warm in May?

Not really. May is generally a dry month in San Francisco but the fog starts rolling in in May. May is cool and foggy, but still mild, with an average high of 64 and low of 51.

With the fog comes the wind, so it's definitely jacket weather. But you can probably ditch the umbrella.

SF Travel Tips

Getting around SF. San Francisco has lots of options for getting around without a car.

Check out my compete guide to San Francisco transportation : how to ride the buses, BART, trolleys, cable cars, & ferries, and types of passes available to make it easier and save money.

Is is safe to visit San Francisco? Our city has been in the news lately, but how dangerous is it really? Read my comprehensive article on crime in San Francisco and how to avoid problems. It's not as bad as they say, given some precautions.

Deciding what to see in SF.  Need some ideas on what to do and see in San Francisco? I made a list of the best things to do in San Francisco .

Where to stay in San Francisco. Check out my guide to the best areas to stay in SF , with hotel recommendations for each area.

Safest areas, best areas for first-timers, families with kids, traveling with a car, or not. Plus fun areas to stay.

Checking the weather forecast for San Francisco.  There are a number of apps that give you current weather information. Keep in mind that the temperature given for San Francisco is usually the one taken in downtown San Francisco.

To figure out the temperature near the ocean in summer, figure it's about ten degrees cooler. Winter temperatures don't vary much for different areas of the city.

Air quality in San Francisco. San Francisco usually has excellent air quality, since we get our air right off thousands of miles of open ocean. But sometimes, especially in late summer, our air can be pretty bad from forest fires burning north of here. You can check air quality with AirNow.gov .

What to wear in San Francisco. The answer is simple, and the same for summer and winter: dress in layers. Since San Francisco is generally cool and windy, always bring a jacket, even in the warmer months.

What starts out as a warm day can quickly turn cool, even kind of cold, if the fog decides to make an appearance. Umbrellas: November through April, otherwise you can leave them at home.

If you want to blend in and go incognito, and avoid being seen as a tourist, wear black (and no shorts).

Best things to do in San Francisco

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Perfect 4 Days in San Francisco Itinerary for first timers

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San Francisco is the awesome city of California and one of the bucket-list places that you shouldn’t miss. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States of America. Our 4 days in San Francisco Itinerary was amazing, as we explored the city highlights and more. 

Salil has traveled to San Francisco numerous times, but it was my first trip to the city. And this San Francisco Itinerary is definitely a MUST read for all first-time visitors. Salil is lucky his family lives there and is acquainted with neighborhoods (where to live, work) and what to see as a tourist. Because you only have 4 days in San Francisco I am sure you are seeking to cover the best sites and attractions as possible in a short period of time. This is where our expert itinerary comes into place – written with combined efforts of a frequent traveler and San Francisco locals . 

The city is known for its Mediterranean weather (where temperatures remain moderate all year round and rarely gets any snow in winter), amazing landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown district, Alamo Square (Full House shoot location), cable cars, Sausalito, Coit Tower, to name a few.

Over the years, San Francisco has received several nicknames by locals, tourists, and magazines. Nicknames include “The City by the Bay”, “Fog City”, “San Fran”, and “Frisco”. It is also affectionately called “The Paris of the West”, or simply “The City”. 

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Perfect 4 Days in San Francisco Itinerary for first-timers

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

How to spend 2 to 4 days in San Francisco 

If you really plan your trip well and book attractions ahead of time, you can explore the city highlights of San Francisco in 2 days or a weekend in San Francisco.

• Day 1 – Explore city highlights like Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz, Chinatown
• Day 2 – Continue with city highlights like the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito. Use the 2 days hop on and hop off bus tour to get to these places . We found it to be super convenient.
• Day 3 – See more of San Francisco (you can switch them to any of the above days) by exploring the City Hall, SF MOMA, experience a cable car ride
• Day 4 – Get out of the city for a wine tasting tour or a national park tour from San Francisco . We highly recommend doing a tour instead of driving all the way and back to the city (and then catch a flight the next day) 
• Additional options: Road trip options from SF

Planning a trip to San Francisco Itinerary 4 days 

Ways of getting to San Francisco 

San Francisco is well connected via air and roadways. San Francisco’s airport is located within San Mateo County. (San Francisco International Airport)

• There are many ways to reach the SF city from the airport. Get San Francisco airport transfer to and from the city here (car) .
• Or public transport here – This transit pass includes access to the airport, shopping areas, downtown and more
• If you are flying to San Francisco, look for cheaper flights to San Jose. San Jose is located 50 minutes away from the San Francisco Airport. Accommodation (hostels and hotels including Airbnb accommodation) will be slightly cheaper in San Jose as compared to San Francisco. 
• Using CalTrain to reach San Francisco from San Jose, Standford, Menlo Park, Mountain View to reach San Francisco – If you are staying in any one of these suburbs, then utilizing the Cal Train will save you money. Typically the train journey from the suburban areas to San Francisco takes 30 – 45 minutes. The Caltrain is valid per zone and with crossing each “zone” the fare prices are slightly different. One way ticket costs between $3.75 to $15 (for all 6 zones). A day pass is generally cheaper, so definitely consider buying one if you will be using the Cal Train multiple times a day. Check  Caltrain fares here

Where to Stay in San Francisco?

There are luxurious options for accommodation in San Francisco. Some of them offer stunning views of the sea and the Golden Gate Bridge and some come with great hospitality.  The hotels mentioned here are located near Fisherman’s Wharf (the itinerary is structured with the Fisherman’s Wharf as the starting point, meaning less travel time for sightseeing).

We normally choose a centrally located hotel (in the mid-range budget), so that sightseeing and exploration are easy. Depending on your budget (and the season of travel – peak or off-season), you might find one of the hotel recommendations to suit better than the others. We have included both luxury and budget options for San Francisco hotels. 

Luxury Hotels 

Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco – Upscale hotel located near the Fisherman’s Wharf

• Great location, close to sightseeing spots in San Francisco
• 4-star hotel with stylish rooms, pool, and a heated outdoor pool
• Book your stay at the Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf

Stanford Court San Francisco – 4-star hotel located in the Financial District

• Good location – access to tourist spots
• Elegant rooms, good hospitality
• Awesome views and on-site café
• Book your stay at Stanford Court San Francisco

Mid-range 

White Swan Inn – 3-star bed and breakfast style hotel

• Located in the financial district – good location and accessibility
• Rooms come with a vintage (floral décor). Good value room rates
• The INN does wine socials and provides gourmet breakfast (and cookies)
• Book your stay with White Swan Inn 

USA Hostels San Francisco – Hostel

• Modern hostel, with amenities (location)
• Free breakfast (and Wi-Fi)
• Hostel conducts group activities as well
• Check out USA Hostels San Francisco

Pro- tip: You may also consider staying in San Jose or MountainView. The only thing to remember is the commute (roughly 45- 50 minutes one way and the fare). Click here to browse for San Jose hotels OR hotels in MountainView . Food or access to trains is easy from these two areas to San Francisco.

Map & Sightseeing Tips: 4 days in San Francisco Itinerary 

For sightseeing in San Francisco, we recommend using the hop on and hop off sightseeing tour for 1 or 2 days. During our visit, we used the 2-day pass. Most tours commence at the Fisherman’s Wharf – so it makes sense to explore this attraction first and then join the bus route. Grab your hop on and hop off city pass 48 hour with Alcatraz tickets. 

This 48-hour pass is a good value for transport to city attractions for 2 days. It also includes a tour of Alcatraz, tickets to Madame Tussauds, and a 45 minute night tour. 

Day 1 of San Francisco Itinerary – Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz Island, Chinatown

Fisherman’s wharf.

Start your first day in San Francisco with some coffee and crepes at the Fisherman’s Wharf. Take a stroll, enjoy the lovely breeze as you start your day exploring this new city.

Fisherman’s Wharf is a well-known neighborhood in San Francisco and quite popular with tourists. This touristy neighborhood is located along the waterfront area of San Francisco. It is filled with sea-food restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores. Most day tours to the San Francisco area and around, start at the Fisherman’s Wharf.

Fisherman’s Wharf has a long history, it speaks volumes of the sea and the fishing community and its contribution to the state. To learn more about the city’s past in a unique way, hop on a cable car for sightseeing. This one also includes an optional walking tour (s). You can learn all about it here. This tour is perfect if you wish to explore the major highlights (minus all the research work). 

Within walking distance are the Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39, Pier 35, and the Ferry Building. Ghirardelli Square is a restored neighborhood that once housed a Ghirardelli chocolate factory. Today it is a sprawling retail square.

Pier 39 is another shopping center located at the Fisherman’s Wharf. There are tons of activities to indulge in at the Pier 39. Although very touristy, every day is a big festival here – with balloons, cotton candy, food, souvenirs, and whatnot. This center is usually quite busy and is better to explore in the early hours when it opens.

On the east side of the Pier 39 is the Pier 35 – the largest cruise terminal in San Francisco. You will also notice a big terminal close by, it is the Ferry Building. The Ferry Building was constructed and opened in the latter part of the 19th century. The bell at the Ferry Building was inspired by the Giralda bell tower in Seville Spain .

After all the sightseeing (and walking), settle down for brunch (or an early lunch) at the Fisherman’s Wharf. Try some fish and chips, with a light beer (c’mon, you are on vacation).

Alcatraz Island

From Fisherman’s Wharf, you will see an island far away. That is Alcatraz Island . I remember watching a documentary on Discovery Channel about the Alcatraz prison and the atrocities meted out to the prisons – it is scary and gruesome . Today guided tours are available for visitors who wish to learn about its history.

The Alcatraz Island first came into prominence when a Spaniard mentioned about Alcatraz – the land of pelicans. Over the years, a lighthouse was created for sea safety.

Due to its isolated location, Alcatraz was later used as a military fortification and a federal prison. When the federal prison was in operation, it was believed to have kept the hard criminals at bay. Most notorious of them all was Al Capone, who was imprisoned here. It is also believed that no one has ever escaped this prison.

You can take a guided tour of Alcatraz Island. You will have to take a ferry (15-minute ride on way) to reach the island and back (another 15 minutes), with a 1.50 to 2 hour guided tour at the island. Here is a guided tour of Alcatraz with city tour.

After exploring Alcatraz Island, it will be late afternoon. If you want to relax and take your mind off from the dark history of Alcatraz, then head to Chinatown. It roughly takes about 12 minutes to reach Chinatown from the Fisherman’s Wharf.

Chinatown in San Francisco is the oldest Chinatown in North America. It was built in the mid 19th century and portrays the stories of Chinese immigrants to the country. What will take your heart away are the red lanterns that are hanging all over the neighborhood, along with the dragon gate. It is worth taking a stroll here and enjoying the ambiance.

Everything here looks like you are in a different world altogether. This neighborhood had maintained many of the old traditions and customs for years.

If you are hungry or if you LOVE Chinese food, try the hot and sour soup, with Schezwan Chicken and noodles for dinner. They are delicious.

After ChinaTown, you can either call it a day or spend some time at the Union Square area before heading to your hotel.

Day 2 of San Francisco Itinerary – Explore Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, Palace of Fine Arts, Japanese Tea Gardens, Sausalito

Day 2 of San Francisco Itinerary is to check off the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is the city of San Francisco’s iconic landmark. So much so it is sometimes used synonymously with San Francisco as well.

Golden Gate Bridge Park Area

The Golden Gate Bridge   is an engineering marvel and a California Historical Landmark. Today there are other areas like the Crissy Field, Palace of Fine Arts, and the Japanese Tea Garden –  which form a part of the Golden Gate Recreational Area.

As you might already know, the Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge. You can reach there by car or train or by taking a bus tour. Once you are at the bridge, you can walk across (like I did and took pictures) the bridge, learn about the bridge’s history and mechanisms at the information center or picnic at the Crissy Field. This bridge was part of my USA Bucket list for years, and I am glad I was able to check it off!

You might also like: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Crissy Field

Allot 2-4 hours at the Golden Gate and the nearby recreational area. If you love to walk or take a light hike, then head to the Crissy Field .

You can easily reach the Crissy Field by arriving at Fort Point (located just below the Golden Gate Bridge). Originally used as a military airfield, today it is home to some of the stunning views of San Francisco. You can hike, bike, or picnic here (they have designated picnic areas). Be camera ready for photographs.

Palace of Fine Arts

Located close to the Crissy Field is the Palace of Fine Arts . It is a monument structure that was built in 1915, for the Panama Pacific Exposition for an art exhibition. The original structure was completely demolished, with only the steel frame remaining on site. It was reconstructed later with lighter concrete material and walkways, and other structures were built around it.

The Palace of Fine Arts gives a twist to the landscape with its Greco-Roman details. It is a popular event and wedding venue.

At the Golden Gate Park and nearby recreational area, you will find restaurant options for lunch (includes Crissy Field and Golden Gate Information centre – small café)

Japanese Tea Gardens

From the Palace of Arts, head to the Japanese Tea Gardens . These gardens were created as part of the World’s Fair and this oldest public gardens just stayed after the Fair/exposition. Over the years, many improvements and additions were made. The gardens are beautiful with Buddhist and Shinto religious structures and tons of greenery all around. My favorite structure here was the pagoda .  Isn’t it pretty?

The Japanese Gardens also has a tea house. Try some matcha tea here.

After a fun-filled but relaxing day at the Golden Gate, I think there is still time for absorbing more stunning views of the Bay City. Let’s head to Sausalito.

Located just a ferry ride away is the community of Sausalito. Sausalito is situated at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. From the Golden Gate Bridge (south side of the bridge) it is about a 10-kilometer walk/drive to cross the bridge and reach Sausalito. It is a perfect way to enjoy a romantic dinner in this lively waterfront (but expensive and luxurious) neighborhood.

Sausalito gets a steady stream of visitors due to its close proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge. Sausalito is a waterfront community and so you will find houseboats of all shapes and sizes, yachts, and of course fancy restaurants facing the Golden Gate and the sea.

Depending on what time of the day you arrive in Sausalito, there are a few things worth doing here

• Vista Point – No matter what time of day you arrive here, Vista Point (lookout) offers panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge
• Battery Spencer – This is another observation deck that is open for 24 hours. This historic fort with give uninterrupted and unspoiled views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay area
• Rodeo Beach – Great for taking a stroll after dinner or just to watch the sunset in Sausalito.

Day 3 of San Francisco Itinerary – Alamo Square, City Hall, Cable Car Ride, Lombard Street

Alamo square and painted ladies.

Day 3 of San Francisco starts with a beautiful morning at the Alamo Square. The Alamo Square Park is a residential neighborhood in San Francisco that was popularized with the TV sitcom “Full House”. Today visitors of the park and the city admire the painted ladies and you can take a stroll or picnic here at the park square. Try to arrive in the morning to enjoy the uninterrupted views (and also to score a parking spot).

Spend as much as time as you like. This place does get busy around noon, so time to head for lunch.

San Francisco City Hall

After lunch, head to the City Hall, located just 5 minutes away from Alamo Square. The San Francisco City Hall is the administrative seat of government for the City and County of San Francisco, California. San Francisco City Hall Docent Tour Program provides guided tours to the public. Tours are for 45 minutes to 1 hour in duration.

If you do not wish to tour the City Hall, we would still recommend admiring the monument’s architecture from the outside– it is beautiful.

SF MOMA – San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is attracting locals and visitors alike to its 170,000 square feet of gallery space in Bay City.

It is newly renovated with more displays on every floor (and more stairs). Tickets for adult entry are $25 USD (you can save up to 45% with the San Francisco City Pass). The SF MOMA is open Friday–Tuesday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and until 9 p.m. Thursday. They are closed Wednesdays. You can easily spend 2-4 hours here. More about the SF MOMA activities.

Get the entry tickets to the SF MOMA here

Cable Car ride at Union Square to Lombard Street

From the SF MOMA, head to Union Square. No, not to go back to the hotel. But to take a cable car ride from Union Square to Lombard Street.

You must have seen images of a steep, crooked street in San Francisco – that’s the Lombard Street . The Lombard Street stretches from the Presidio east to the Embarcadero. The crooked part of Lombard Street is located in the Russian Hill neighborhood (eastern side).

You can opt for a cable car ride, starting at the Union Square and taking you to Lombard Street. The cable car operating here is the Powell-Hyde cable car – it takes you to the top of the block on Hyde Street.

San Francisco operates 3 types of cable cars – Powell-Mason (brings you to the Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf Area), Powell-Hyde (Lombard and Fisherman’s Wharf) and the California Line.

Day 4 0f San Francisco Itinerary – Napa Valley or Half-Moon Bay and Mountain Valley 

For 4th day itinerary, take a day trip from San Francisco. If you like wine and are ready to splurge, then Napa Valley is a great option. If you do not drink, but wish to take a day trip and explore more of San Francisco – then Half Moon bay is your answer! Here are some San Francisco day trip itineraries for inspiration. 

Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley day tour

Located only 1.50 hours away from San Francisco is the beautiful Napa Valley . Napa Valley is known for its wine and picture-perfect vineyards and if you are a wine lover (or love the countryside), this is a great day trip option. There are tons of day tour options for Napa Valley and typically they range for 6-8 hours.

Here is a suggested day tour from San Francisco to Wine Valley Napa and Sonoma .

Other then the Napa Valley wines, there is the Napa Valley wine train that runs through the valley and is a real treat to experience. You can also experience hot springs, gourmet food and in some ways get transported to Tuscany 🙂 Here is another Wine Valley tour , this one includes three wine tours and lunch. You have to be at least 21 years of age to experience wine tours in the state of California.

Half Moon Bay & Mountain Valley

If you are not into wine and would rather visit a beach, then Half Moon Bay is the answer. Located in San Mateo County, Half-Moon Bay is about 45 minutes (drive) away from Mountain View. This coastal town has a very laid back feel to it as compared to the bustling Bay Area. You can grab a bite or two to eat and hike or picnic on their beaches.

The town that services the Half Moon Bay gives a very small-town vibe, with colorful stores and cafes. You can easily spend 4-6 hours at the beach and the nearby town (or the whole day, totally up to you). 

In the evening, if interested you can head to see Infinity Loop (Apple’s Head Office) and some of the other Corporate Offices located in Mountain View and the nearby Bay Area. Stay in the Bay area for dinner in one of the multi-cuisine restaurants.

Another option is to head to Mission District in San Francisco for the evening. The Mission District is a vibrant neighborhood with colorful murals, music, and a hipster vibe. Enjoy the street art, do some vintage shopping, and satisfy your taste buds with some awesome burritos.

Visiting San Francisco Travel Tips

How to spend 2 or 3 days in San Francisco? 

You can use this itinerary to plan your 2 or 3 days in San Francisco. Day 1 and 2 will allow you to explore the city’s highlights and relax in the evenings – this is the perfect weekend San Francisco itinerary. 

If you are wondering what to do in 3 days in San Franciso. It’s easy. For a third day in the city – choose between day 3 or 4 of this suggested itinerary. If you love to explore the countryside opt for a day tour to Napa Valley or Half Moon Bay. 

Best way to travel in and around San Francisco

During our trip, we utilized a mix of public transportation, hop on & hop off tours plus day tours. It is possible to pre-pay for attractions online, and ahead of travel to stick to a budget limit. We didn’t take any taxi or uber. 

San Franciso has a good network of public transportation, and depending on your hotel location you may not need to book a taxi. Being a touristy city, you will also find different tours to choose from.

In this post, we included the best tours that are available via our favorite tour provider GetYourGuide.  GetYourGuide offers free cancellation with a full refund, should the tour be canceled or if you wish to cancel – 24 hours prior to the tour. 

San Francisco Tours

We have already included our top tours and attractions tickets above, here are some of the best-reviewed tour favorites!

Day Tours from San Francisco 

We already mentioned a few options for a day tour from San Francisco. Here is a quick list for you to consider if you wish to explore more of California while staying in San Francisco

• Napa Valley with lunch – 9 hour – Book your tour here 
• Full day Muir Woods and Sonoma County tour – Check the tour here
• Head to Yosemite National Park for a day – get all the tour details here
• Not a day tour – but a 3-hour food tour to the North beach here

Travel Documents for San Francisco

If you are traveling to the USA and do not possess passports from the 38 Visa Waiver countries, then a visa is required. US travel visas can be applied from your country of residence ahead of your travel dates. A tourist visa will allow you to travel and stay in the US for 6 months at a stretch.

Carry your passport and visa, while you are traveling to and in the USA

Insurance 

Regardless of your travel duration, medical insurance is a must and essential while traveling to the USA. Click to get insurance quotes for San Francisco 4 day itinerary –  insurance quotes here

Budget for 4 day trip to San Francisco 

San Francisco is not very cheap to travel to. You can, however, plan ahead and budget your stay within affordable means. On our visit, we found that on average with 3 meals, coffees, transportation (taxi and CalTrain), you could spend around $125-150 USD per person per day.

• A few meals can be had at fast-food chains or with grocery shopping (try In and Our Burgers, Dunkin Donuts)
• San Francisco City Pass or Mega Pass was a good way to save on admission fees and tours
• Get Hop on and Hop off bus tours to commute to tourist spots instead of transit or cab
• Book tours, hotels and flights ahead of time and online
• You can save money by buying a day pass for CalTrain

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

June through August are busy tourist months and things like – flights and hotels could be expensive. September and typical spring months are good for travel, especially from March to April – before the busy tourist season kicks in.

My first trip to San Francisco was in April and the weather was pleasant, with occasional winds. Evenings were slightly cold, but bearable to walk outside and enjoy the evening or night.

In December, although the wettest month, there are tons of holiday and Christmas festivals happening in town including whale watching at the Fisherman’s Wharf.

If you are visiting the Napa Valley, consider coming in September to enjoy the harvest season. Things could get very expensive though for accommodation, but if you plan just a day trip, you will be fine.

Weather in San Francisco

San Francisco’s temperature remains moderately warm throughout the year. September and October are usually the warmest months. December being the wettest and January the coldest months.

We do recommend carrying a light jacket at all times, regardless of when you travel. It does get chilly (cold) in the evenings and night. Take a pack-able jacket with you.

As a Canadian living in the northernmost capital city, San Francisco weather sounds blissful to me. It has a Mediterranean climate, as it is surrounded by water on three sides. Temperatures never drop below freezing point in winters.

Although San Francisco may not flaunt sunny blue skies all the time and occasionally fog might disrupt your photos, it is still an awesome all year round destination to visit.  

What to pack for 4 days in San Francisco

Here are some packing essentials for San Francisco 

• Waterproof and pack-able jacket   – The weather in SF reminded me so much about the United Kingdom, maybe because of the month I visited, it was rainy and on somedays was overcast. Carry a waterproof jacket or a trench coat to protect yourself from rain or chilly evenings. Here is my favorite rain jacket . Click here to shop our favorites FOR HIM  
• Light Cardigan – Layering is key. I always carry a cardigan with me, and the San Francisco trip was no different. A light cardigan in a neutral color will match with most of the outfits. Black and beige are my favorites. LOVE this cozy cardigan, click here to find out
• Trendy Jacket : Style your outfit with a trendy denim jacket or a faux leather jacket. > Buy my favorite denim jacket here . Check out the faux leather jacket Buy it here
• Scarf: A pretty scarf to dress up your outfit or cover up while taking a stroll in the evening. Buy this beautiful baby pink square scarf 
• Dress or flowy tops: Carry dresses or flowy tops to shine under the sun. I love dresses . Buy this gorgeous maxi dress here
• Walking Shoes : For all the walking at the Fisherman’s Wharf or Alamo Square, a comfortable pair of walking shoes are essential. These are waterproof sneakers with an upbeat style. Buy yours here
• Sunglasses: Buy my favorite Ray-Bans here
• Sunscreen: Get yours here Vichy sunscreen
• Facial Mist: Stay moisturized and refreshed all day long, keep a facial mist handy. Buy my favorite rosewater facial mist here
• Clear Travel Pouch : I am in LOVE with this cute clear pouch. Great size to carry all beauty essentials. Buy yours here
• Universal Adaptor: Buy your adapter here to charge electronics overseas (if traveling outside of North America)
• Power Bank to charge electronics on the go. Buy yours here
• Travel Document: Organize your travel documents in an RFID protected organizer   Buy a travel document organizer wallet here

Conclusion – Is 4 days in San Francisco enough

If you are interested in exploring just the city highlights and take one relaxing day trip outside of the city, then it is possible to do that in San Francisco in 4 days. The attractions listed here in the first 2 days are not located close to each other (like in Europe’s cities – city center), so travel time is required.

Using the sightseeing bus to reach there is a smart idea. This bus tour is just a convenient way of commuting in the city without driving or having to track down all the spots on your own.  

We hope you enjoyed our four days in San Francisco Itinerary. If you are extending your trip, find some inspiration below.

San Francisco Trip Planner: Resources for California San Francisco Travel

• Road Trip Itinerary – West Coast USA with San Francisco
• Find  California Road Trip inspiration 
• Extending your stay beyond San Francisco? Get inspiration for  romantic getaways in California .
• California and one of the bucket-list destinations
• Road trips in California 
• Get hotels guide to San Francisco
• Looking for a gluten-free guide to eating in San Francisco? Find out here
• Find out what to buy in San Francisco –  San Francisco souvenirs guide 

Other USA Travel Resources

• Winter Destinations in the USA to visit
• Find out the Romantic Things to do in Las Vegas here
• Get an itinerary inspiration for Las Vegas
• Guide to Grand Canyon – Which is better North, South or West Rim
• Choose awesome day tour to Grand Canyon from Las Vegas 
• Or get the hotel guide to Las Vegas Nevada

Pin: San Francisco Itinerary 4 Days for first time visitors – The best way to Spend 4 Days in San Francisco and Napa Valley 

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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12 Comments

Fantastically descriptive blog about your trip with great pictures

Thank you for your kind words 🙂

I can’t believe I missed Alcatraz when I visited San Francisco! (I did make it to Angel Island though). Great travel guide!

Thanks so much!

I love San Fran (especially because it is where I got engaged!) I love how you mapped out 4 day including a day trip to Napa! I love the Golden Gate area.

Thanks so much! Glad you liked it!

I love San Francisco! You put together quite the itinerary and fit a lot in only 4 days. I have been many times and I never get bored. The view of the Golden Gate bridge never gets old.

Thanks so much! We love to be on the go when we travel!

Informative guide! I like your post that will be helpful to guiding the traveller. 🙂

I love San Fran (especially because it is where I got engaged!) I love how you mapped out 4 day including a day trip to Napa

Wow super blog I can’t miss these places in my visit to SanFrancisco. Just my seeing your info graphic feeling to explore. Thanks for such a great post.

Thank you so much! Glad you liked the infographic photo! Have fun in San Francisco

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23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Francisco

Written by Lisa Alexander and Lana Law Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Set along the ocean, with rolling hills and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and the jewel of Northern California. The city is full of history, great neighborhoods, parks , beaches , museums, entertainment options, and an astounding variety of restaurants.

Some of the most famous attractions are Alcatraz Island and Fisherman's Wharf, but the sightseeing possibilities here are extensive. San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest of its kind in North America and definitely worth visiting. For an exciting experience, hop on one of the historic cable cars and tour the city.

Discover more things to do with our list of the top tourist attractions in San Francisco.

1. Golden Gate Bridge

2. alcatraz island, 3. fisherman's wharf, 4. ride the cable cars, 5. golden gate park, 6. chinatown, 7. legion of honor fine arts museum of san francisco, 8. palace of fine arts, 9. california academy of sciences, 10. san francisco museum of modern art, 11. de young fine arts museum of san francisco, 12. twin peaks, 13. asian art museum, 14. exploratorium, 15. golden gate national recreation area, 16. oracle park, 17. day trip to napa valley, 18. hike and picnic on angel island state park, 19. ghirardelli square, 20. high tea at a historic hotel, 21. walt disney family museum, 22. muir woods national monument, 23. coit tower, where to stay in san francisco for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to san francisco, san francisco, ca - climate chart.

The Golden Gate Bridge appears even more beautiful and impressive in real life than it looks in photos. It is the most photographed site in the city, with the orange structure backed by blue water, or in many cases, peaking through a dense layer of coastal fog. At night, the flood-lit structure is equally striking.

Connecting San Francisco with Marin County and other districts further north, the Golden Gate Bridge was, at one time, designated the greatest man-made sight in the United States by the U.S. Travel Service. Opened on May 28th, 1937, the bridge took four years to build and at the time of its completion, was the longest suspension bridge in the world, measuring approximately two miles in length.

If you want to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, the road is US Hwy 101 , or SR 1. On the east side of the bridge, a sidewalk is open to pedestrians. Bicycle access is allowed on both sides of the bridge.

The walk across the bridge begins at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center (near the Presidio GO shuttle bus drop-off point) and ends in Marin County with a panoramic viewpoint of San Francisco's cityscape.

Many locals enjoy biking across the bridge to the nearby waterfront town of Sausalito .

For a great view of the bridge, or for anyone interested in photographing the bridge, there are a number of ideal vantage points. From the San Francisco side, Nob Hill , an area known for its posh old mansions, offers some beautiful views over the bridge.

On the opposite side of the bridge, in Marin County, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is another good place to visit. Also, if you take a tour of Alcatraz Island, you will enjoy completely open views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the boat and island.

The former federal penitentiary, located on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, was one of America's most infamous prisons. It operated for almost thirty years, closing in 1963 and re-opening as a tourist attraction in 1973.

Some of America's most well-known criminals were incarcerated here, including Al Capone, "Machine-Gun" Kelly, and the "Birdman," who would later form the basis for the fictional movie The Birdman of Alcatraz .

In the course of its 30-year existence, the penitentiary received a total of 1,576 convicts. There were never more than 250 at any one time, even though therewere 450 cells measuring about 10ft by 4ft. At times the number of guards and staff was greater than the number of convicts. Alcatraz Island is also home to migrating birds.

You can visit Alcatraz on a guided tour (which includes round-trip ferry transportation from Pier 33). Choose from a daytime tour or an evening tour.

At the Alcatraz prison site, you are provided with an exceptional audio recording that offers a glimpse into life in the cellhouse, rather than just a historical list of the facts. The narration is even voiced by former inmates and guards of Alcatraz.

If you have just one day to explore San Francisco, try a combined Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour which covers Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Alcatraz regularly sells out, so booking in advance is strongly advised.

Locals call it a tourist trap, but visitors can't seem to resist. Fisherman's Wharf ranks as one of San Francisco's most popular tourist spots. The picturesque waterfront scenery and old-fashioned Italian fishing boats ( feluccas ), not to mention the fresh-caught Dungeness crab, make quite an impression!

Originally the "Little Italy" district of San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf is known for its shops, restaurants, and spectacular setting. Italian immigrants began to arrive in San Francisco in the 1860s and brought the waterfront to life with seafood commerce.

Some of the best seafood is served in the bay-view dining room of Scoma's restaurant. It's a great place for a gourmet dining experience. Or you could sample the local specialty of seafood stew at Cioppino's Restaurant just steps away from the waterfront.

Pier 39 is a hub of activity at Fisherman's Wharf. Be sure to go for a stroll here and check out the dozens of boutiques and eateries. The shops are very touristy (T-shirts, souvenirs, pretzels, chocolate-chip cookies), but the seafood restaurants give you a true taste of the city. You can also find authentic local sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery .

Tourists are not the only crowds you'll encounter at Pier 39. Local sea lions love this waterfront spot and are often found lounging on the Pier 39 docks. There's a viewing area where you can check them out. It's easy to find. You'll hear the sea lions barking from quite a distance!

From Pier 39, you can take a sightseeing cruise for spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay. You might also want to organize a fishing charter boat trip or hop on a whale-watching tour.

Some of the main attractions of Fisherman's Wharf are Madame Tussauds Wax Museum , the Musée Mécanique , Ripley's Believe it or Not! , and Ghirardelli Square . Restored 19th- and 20th-century ships line the waterfront at the Hyde Street Pier , which is now the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park .

• Fisherman's Wharf
• Ghirardelli Square
• The Cannery
• National Maritme Museum
• Maritime State Historic Park
• USS Pampanito
• Art Institute
• Telegraph Hill
• Coit Memorial Tower
• St Peters and Paul

Cable cars were introduced in 1873 to spare the horses from the city's grueling hills. Today, the few remaining cable cars are mainly a tourist attraction rather than a mode of transportation for local residents. Since 1964, these tram-like vehicles have had the unique distinction of being the only public transport system to be declared a National Historic Landmark .

Riding a cable car is an unforgettable tourist experience in San Francisco. It's an exhilarating way to take in the scenery. If you're standing on the open-air deck of a cable car, you'll feel the wind on your face. Anywhere you sit on a cable car, the noise of the brakes will surprise you.

Three sets of brakes are required to stop a cable car: A red lever operates the main brakes, a foot pedal controls the front brakes, and a really loud crank puts the rear brakes in action.

The Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde are the most scenic routes. These cable car lines will get you to tourist attractions such as Fisherman's Wharf , Ghirardelli Square , the Ferry Building , Nob Hill , and Lombard Street . The California line runs through the Financial District, Chinatown, and Nob Hill.

You can wait for a Powell-Mason or Powell-Hyde cable car at the cable car turntable (departure point), either at Powell & Market Street near Union Square or on Hyde Street near Aquatic Park, Ghirardelli Square, and Fisherman's Wharf. You can catch the California cable car at the Market & Drumm turntable in the Financial District.

Alternatively, you can hop on a cable car at any of the stops. Tickets can be purchased onboard the cable car.

If you are planning on more than a couple of rides or are going to be sightseeing for a few days, consider buying a pass.

Author's Tip: The Powell & Market and California Street cable car turntables (departure points) are in downtown San Francisco, in areas that could be described as gritty. You should be aware of your surroundings and watch your wallet/purse while in these areas.

You may want to avoid taking public transportation if you are going to the Powell & Market turntable. Some consider the Powell Street BART station to be San Francisco's worst example of a station (in a close tie with the Civic Center station). The Embarcadero BART station, near the Market & Drumm turntable, is cleaner and less gritty.

Official site: http://www.sfcablecar.com/

Golden Gate Park, home to gardens and museums, is a fabulous green space in the heart of San Francisco. Before development began in 1871, this was an area of arid dunes.

Today, the park has a network of walking trails and cycling paths, more than 5,000 different kinds of plants and dozens of species of trees, several lakes, bridle paths, and a buffalo paddock.

The main attractions include the de Young Fine Arts Museum, the California Academy of Sciences which houses a planetarium, rainforest, and the Steinhart Aquarium, the Japanese Tea Garden , and the San Francisco Botanical Garden .

Other favorite spots include Stow Lake where you can enjoy boating and picnics, the Conservatory of Flowers which dates to the Victorian era, and the Koret Children's Quarter which has an old-fashioned Herschell-Spillman carousel.

You could easily spend a couple of hours at Golden Gate Park or visit several times over a couple of days. The park is too large to cover it all on foot. If you want to see all of the highlights of Golden Gate Park, you will need a car or a bicycle to get around.

Bike rentals are available, and this can be a good way to explore the park, rather than trying to do everything on foot. Parkwide Bike Rentals offers bicycle rentals at two locations in Golden Gate Park (near the Music Concourse and at the corner of Stanyan & Haight streets); the bicycles are rented out for a full day of use. The company also leads guided bike tours.

Alternatively, try an organized 2.5-hour Segway Tour with a local guide, and hit all the major highlights.

You may have been to Chinatown in other cities, but San Francisco's Chinatown is a whole other realm. It is both the largest and oldest Chinatown in North America. Almost completely destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, Chinatown was rebuilt entirely in the Chinese style and was soon even more attractive than before the disaster.

Chinatown gives you a glimpse of Chinese immigrant culture in San Francisco, an important part of the local heritage. In this compact area (San Francisco's most densely populated neighborhood), you'll find traditional green tile-roofed buildings filled with small businesses, restaurants, dim sum places, houses of worship, herbal shops, tea houses, and boutiques that sell jade jewels, antiques, and souvenirs.

For delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine, try the award-winning Z & Y Restaurant (655 Jackson Street). This Michelin Bib Gourmand -rated restaurant has served two Chinese presidents and several Foreign Ministers as well as other distinguished guests (such as President Obama).

If you are traveling through San Francisco during an important Chinese holiday or event, you can expect to see an elaborate celebration. Chinese New Year celebrations are often considered the best in North America. The main street in Chinatown for tourists is Grant Avenue , with the Chinatown Gateway at Grant Avenue and Bush Street.

San Francisco City Guides offers guided walking tours of Chinatown led by knowledgeable locals, free of charge (donations recommended). The Chinatown tour takes you beyond the main street into the neighborhood's hidden alleyways, to visit a Taoist temple, a fortune cookie factory, and a park where you'll see Chinatown residents practicing tai chi and playing chess outside.

If you don't mind a little exercise, you can do your own walking tour beginning in Chinatown with the help of our San Francisco Walking Tour .

Discover an exquisite fine arts collection, displayed in a beautiful location: a dramatic Neoclassical building surrounded by a woodsy parkland near the ocean. Just outside the museum, you'll find a walking path with perfect outlooks onto the Golden Gate Bridge.

For a scenic hike, continue on the walking path until reaching the Land's End Trail . This winding cliffside trail in a wild, rugged terrain offers sweeping Pacific Ocean views.

The Legion of Honor was the gift of the socialite, philanthropist, and patron of the arts Alma de Bretteville Spreckels. Because of her love for all things Parisian, the museum was designed as a replica of the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris.

This museum is one of the top cultural attractions in San Francisco. The Legion of Honor 's permanent collection includes European decorative arts, sculptures, and paintings, along with antiquities from the Mediterranean and Near East. Admission to the Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museum also gives you same-day admission to the de Young Fine Arts Museum.

The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is the last remaining structure from the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition . Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Neoclassical building is beautifully situated on a lagoon that reflects the mirror image on the surface of the calm water, while ducks and geese drift by.

The palace has been restored, along with the grounds, and today hosts art exhibitions and cultural events. The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre primarily presents comedy performances.

Address: 3301 Lyon Street, San Francisco

The California Academy of Sciences , in Golden Gate Park , is an architectural marvel as well as a multifaceted museum. The exhibition space is voluminous and bright, thanks to walls that are largely made of glass allowing for natural light.

This state-of-the-art building features an eco-friendly design. The 2.5-acre Living Roof is covered with native plants, grassy fields, and seven "rolling hills" to match the natural surroundings. The roof also has solar panels to generate electricity, and the soil acts as natural insulation.

Inside is an incredible natural history museum, planetarium, aquarium, rainforest, gift shop, café, and restaurant. Both the café and restaurant offer plant-based options and California cuisine specialties prepared from local ingredients.

The Steinhart Aquarium includes some 60,000 live specimens and a 25-foot-deep coral reef. You can descend in a glass elevator to arrive at the aquarium. When you exit the elevator, look up through an acrylic tunnel to see fish swimming overhead in the freshwater mangrove forest.

The four-story-high Osher Rainforest houses tropical flora and fauna (birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects) within a temperature-regulated environment, beneath an enormous glass dome. The temperature is kept at 82 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. With the humidity, heat, and butterflies fluttering about, you might think you're walking through a real tropical rainforest. Look out for the poison-dart frogs and golden-silk orb-weaver spiders!

The Kimball Natural History Museum has skeletons of a T. rex and a blue whale, along with an exhibit of brilliant gems and minerals and exhibits about earthquakes, coastal fog, local marine mammals, and ancient redwood forests.

Little kids love the Natural History Museum's Tusher African Hall because it houses a colony of African penguins , part of a program to protect endangered species. It's fun to watch these small penguins waddle and splash about in their glass-enclosed area (which replicates their natural habitat). From time to time, the penguins jump or slide into a refreshing pool of water.

Address: 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

If you love modern art, be sure to visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in the SoMa District. SoMa is in downtown San Francisco next to Union Square and the Financial District.

The museum focuses on 20th-century art, in all forms, and the innovative and interesting exhibits are constantly changing. You will have plenty to admire during your visit, as the museum displays thousands of artworks within 170,000 square feet of exhibition space spread across 10 floors.

You can visit one section of the museum free of charge . This area includes 45,000 square feet of space. Here you'll find a Diego Riviera mural and an exhibit of paintings and sculptures dating from the early 20th century to the present. Some of the museum's highlights (such as Femme au chapeau by Henri Matisse, Frieda and Diego Rivera by Frida Kahlo, Lake George by Georgia O'Keeffe, and Mark Rothko's No. 14 ) are in the free-of-charge section. The rest of the museum requires a ticket.

The museum is housed in a modern, architecturally stunning building that was extensively renovated and expanded in 2016. The light and airy building is a pleasure to wander about.

Should you work up an appetite, you can stop for a bite to eat. A lunch menu is available at the museum's casual restaurant and at Café 5 in the museum's Sculpture Garden which features fabulous city views. There's also a coffee shop that serves coffee, tea, pastries, and desserts.

About the neighborhood: SoMa is a happening urban area but unfortunately has recently experienced some of San Francisco's urban issues. Still, you should visit the museum and the attractions near the SFMOMA: the Contemporary Jewish Museum , the Yerba Buena Gardens , the Metreon shopping center (which has a movie theater, restaurants, and casual eateries), and the Children's Creativity Museum , but there's no need to explore SoMa much further.

Address: 151 Third Street, San Francisco

While visiting Golden Gate Park, set aside some time to explore the de Young . This fine arts museum is one of the top cultural attractions in San Francisco. The collection covers a wide variety of exhibits from Mayan antiquities to 19th-century Hudson River landscape paintings.

While art and period interiors from North America feature strongly in the collection, many other exhibits from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Near East are of note. British art and folk art from Africa, America, and the Pacific Islands, are also well represented.

Admission to the de Young Fine Arts Museum includes free same-day admission to the Legion of Honor .

Address: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

These two uninhabited hills, more than 900 feet high, have one of the finest views out over the city and bay. Access is easy - you can drive to the north peak parking area, park your car, and soak up the amazing vista.

If you're outdoorsy, take a hike along trails over the north and south peaks. This is some of the best hiking in San Francisco . While up here, you may be forgiven for thinking these are the highest of San Francisco's 43 hills; however, that lofty distinction belongs to Mount Davidson, which is 33 feet higher.

The Twin Peaks are the only hills in San Francisco not to have been built over and remain in their original state. The Spaniards called them " Los pechos de la Chola " or the Breasts of the Indian Maiden. Even on warm days, strong, cool breezes blow in from the Pacific, especially in the late afternoon.

The Asian Art Museum is unquestionably one of the most important museums in San Francisco. The museum opened in 1966, with the basis of the collection coming from art collector Avery Brundage.

Brundage built up a private collection, which in 1959 he offered to the city of San Francisco "to bridge the gap between East and West." The museum building was constructed, and on his death in 1975 at the age of 88, the museum also received the rest of his collection of works of art in the form of a legacy.

Building on this, the museum has continued to amass various pieces and now contains an extensive collection of sculptures, paintings, bronzes, ceramics, jade carvings, and architectural fragments from Japan, Korea, China, India, Iran, and other Asian cultures. The works span more than 6,000 years.

Author's Tip: Try to avoid taking public transportation to the Civic Center BART station or walking around the Civic Center area, as this is a rough neighborhood of San Francisco.

Address: 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, California

If you are traveling with children or you are young at heart, you must visit the Exploratorium . This incredibly popular science museum is one of the most popular things to do with kids in San Francisco . It displays fascinating interactive science exhibits. Kids enjoy the hands-on learning experiences, which educate and entertain at the same time.

Children tend to rate this museum very highly because the exhibits are so much fun to check out. Adults also rave about the Exploratorium whether or not they have kids.

For a top-notch dining experience, try the museum's Seaglass Restaurant which serves seasonal cuisine prepared from local organic ingredients. The sleek modern dining room looks out onto the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and Treasure Island. You may also enjoy your meal outside on the bay-view patio.

Address: Pier 15, San Francisco, California

Golden Gate National Recreation Area , not to be confused with Golden Gate Park, is a huge natural area located across the Golden Gate Bridge from downtown San Francisco. This 600-square-mile park in Marin County is a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve and a recreational area. It is also simply a beautiful place to enjoy nature and relax.

The park has walking trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and beautiful beach areas. Some of the beaches have fabulous views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The park is home to the historic Fort Baker , a former US Army post from the early 20th century.

Home of the San Francisco Giants, Oracle Park is a fun place to take in a baseball game while visiting the city. If you want to gaze out over the ballpark to the sublime view of the ocean, buy tickets along the 1st base or 3rd baselines or behind home plate.

If you don't have time to see a game, consider taking a 90-minute Oracle Park Ballpark Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at places off-limits to most people. You can step onto the field, sit in the dugout, check out the clubhouse, and learn about the historic moments that have taken place at the ballpark.

Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco

About a 1.5-hour drive from San Francisco are two gorgeous rural destinations: Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. These are the two best-known and largest grape-growing areas in California. Many people day trip to this area to enjoy the scenery and stop in at some of the sites along the way.

Top tourist attractions include the quaint town of Yountville , which has many excellent French restaurants, the historic town of Sonoma , and the spa destination of Calistoga where you can see Old Faithful Geyser. In Sonoma, be sure to visit the Sonoma State Historic Park which is partly in the downtown near the Plaza and also includes the historic Mission that was founded in 1823.

Many people visit Napa or Sonoma as a day trip or for a relaxing weekend getaway. You'll find many lovely resorts in the Napa Valley.

Both Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley are renowned for gastronomy. You'll find fine dining establishments as well as casual gourmet restaurants. Napa Valley is home to the Culinary Institute of America where you can take cooking classes and the famous three Michelin-starred restaurant The French Laundry in Yountville.

If you are looking for a non-touristy thing to do in San Francisco, take a 25-minute ferry ride from San Francisco to Angel Island State Park for a refreshing escape to nature. The largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay, Angel Island affords panoramic views of the surrounding bay.

You can enjoy the lovely scenery while hiking or biking on the well-groomed trails. It's possible to hike up to the island's summit, Mount Caroline Livermore , at 788 feet, where the views are sensational.

Relaxation is another reason to visit. The island has picnic areas, campsites, and several sandy beaches ideal for taking a walk or sunbathing. If you enjoy guided sightseeing tours, take a tram tour to see the island from an open-air vehicle. Tram tours include audio guides that share interesting commentary about the island.

Angel Island served as an Immigration Station from 1910 until 1940. You can visit the Angel Island Immigration Museum to learn more about the island's history and to see the barracks where immigrants were detained for weeks or months during an interrogation process.

Well designed for visitors, the island has day-use boat docks, bicycle rentals, and a café that is open daily during the high season and from Wednesday through Sunday during the low season. The café sells snacks, sandwiches, salads, and beverages.

To reach Angel Island , you can take the ferry from San Francisco Ferry Terminal. The Golden Gate Ferry company provides service daily year-round. Keep in mind that it can be expensive to park in this area of San Francisco, so it's best to get a taxi or ride to the San Francisco Ferry Terminal.

Alternatively, you can get to Angel Island from Marin County (north of San Francisco). The Angel Island Tiburon Ferry company runs ferries from Tiburon to Angel Island daily from early March through October; service is limited from November through February.

If you are traveling with a car, you could combine a visit to Angel Island with a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge and a stop in Tiburon. This takes longer if you are based in San Francisco, but it's an incredibly scenic drive and you avoid the hassle and the crowds taking the ferry from the San Francisco Ferry Terminal.

For a full-day outing, add Tiburon to your itinerary. This bayfront town has a charming downtown and an idyllic seaside setting. It's definitely worth visiting, especially if you want to have a meal at a waterfront restaurant with views. The vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco across the bay are spectacular.

When visiting the Fisherman's Wharf area, you must visit Ghirardelli Square . Overlooking the bay, this quaint shopping and dining complex occupies historic brick buildings: a former chocolate factory, a woolen mill, and a mustard company. The square was inaugurated in 1964 and is listed on the National Historic Register .

Today, Ghirardelli Square appeals to chocolate lovers and anyone with a sweet tooth. The main tourist attraction of the square is the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop . Here, you can indulge in a decadent hot fudge sundae or shop for Ghirardelli chocolate bars and candies.

Besides chocolate and ice cream, Ghirardelli Square offers an inviting ambiance, with its fountains and flowers, and splendid bay views. Take a stroll around the square as you browse the boutiques. On sunny days, you'll want to spend some time sitting on the outdoor terraces.

The dining options at Ghirardelli Square include an excellent dim sum restaurant, Palette Tea House (which requires advanced reservations), and McCormick & Kuleto's, an old-timey restaurant that specializes in seafood and steaks. If you're looking for stunning bay views, McCormick & Kuleto's does not disappoint. The dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

Steps away from Ghirardelli Square near the Hyde Street cable car turntable, you will find Aquatic Park Cove where there is a small beach. Aquatic Parc Cove is also home to the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Enjoy afternoon tea at one of San Francisco's landmark hotels, and you'll experience the refinement of another era.

Opened in 1907, the Fairmont San Francisco on Nob Hill delights guests with its opulent lobby and elegant ambiance. The Fairmont offers afternoon tea service on Saturday afternoons, in the lovely Neoclassical Laurel Court dining room. You will be treated to a choice of organic tea, house-made scones with clotted cream, gourmet finger sandwiches, macarons, and other desserts.

The Palace Hotel , in the downtown area near Market Street, is famous for its fancy afternoon tea service. This Gilded Age landmark has a magnificent glass-domed reception area, the Garden Court , where you may enjoy the Signature Tea on Saturday afternoons. It's a sophisticated affair, complete with fine china, sterling silver, and haute cuisine afternoon tea specialties.

If you love the original Disney cartoons or you're traveling with kids who love Disney stories, then make a beeline for the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. This unique museum is dedicated to chronicling the life and works of Walt Disney.

Exhibits showcase drawings, cartoons, and films created by Walt Disney and describe his worldwide business empire. Also on display are the numerous awards he won over his career, along with priceless sketches of Mickey Mouse.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is located in the Presidio National Park , which has picnic areas, a children's playground, beaches, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks including views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Take a 45-minute drive north of San Francisco to marvel over the magnificent ancient redwood forest at Muir Woods National Monument . At this serene and shady nature site, meandering paths wind their way alongside a babbling creek and beneath enormous old-growth redwood trees, some of which are nearly 260 feet high.

Until you visit, it's hard to appreciate the incredible sight of these stoic sentinels that have been living quietly in the forest for almost a thousand years.

To get a deeper understanding and to make the most of your visit, check out the Visitor Center , where you'll find fascinating exhibits and displays along with park staff who are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Note that to visit the park, you will need to reserve your parking space or shuttle tickets in advance. Plan ahead to secure a spot in this popular tourist attraction.

As you look up Telegraph Hill in San Francisco, you may notice the cylindrical tower that looks a little like the Leaning Tower of Pisa (without the lean). This is the Coit Tower. Completed in 1933, the tower stands 210 feet high and is one of the best places for panoramic views of the city.

From the top of the tower, the sights that lie before you include Lombard Street, Pier 39, the downtown skyscrapers, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz.

Inside the tower are wonderful murals painted in the early 1930s depicting views of daily life during the Depression. The tower is named after its benefactor, Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who was a wealthy and somewhat eccentric lady.

Nestled within charming gardens in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood, Coit Tower is open daily year-round except for a few holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and January 1st). Groups of four or more people may arrange to take a guided tour, for an additional fee, to learn about the murals.

Address: 1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard, San Francisco

If you'd like to visit the key tourist attractions on foot, the best place to stay is near Union Square or in the Nob Hill neighborhood, a short uphill walk from Union Square. You'll find plenty of upscale shops, restaurants, galleries, theaters, and hotels here. San Francisco's famous Chinatown and North Beach ("Little Italy"), with its bustling Italian restaurants and cafés, are just steps away from Union Square.

Union Square is a major transport hub, so it's easy to venture further afield to other attractions via cable car, bus, BART, or taxi.

Fisherman's Wharf is also a popular place to stay, with lively vacation vibes and picturesque bayfront scenery – especially for families who might prefer being in a safer neighborhood than the Union Square/downtown area. Below are some of the best places to stay in San Francisco for sightseeing.

Luxury Hotels:

• The five-star Four Season Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero is a sleek contemporary-style property on the top floors of a 48-story building. The plush guest rooms and suites feature incredible views of San Francisco Bay and the city skyline.
• A short walk from Union Square, the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco on Market Street in the SoMa neighborhood provides exceptional service and amenities. The hotel has recently renovated guest rooms and a trendy lounge/restaurant that specializes in California cuisine.
• Consider The Ritz-Carlton for posh accommodation on Nob Hill, the most exclusive neighborhood in San Francisco. Housed in a colonnaded Neoclassical building, this five-star hotel blends old-world elegance with modern amenities including a fitness center, concierge, sun terrace, and an award-winning restaurant.
• Chic contemporary style defines The St. Regis San Francisco , right in the heart of downtown San Francisco in the vibrant SoMa District. This five-star hotel boasts recently redecorated guest rooms, an up-to-date fitness center, a yoga & meditation room, and a fine-dining restaurant that serves seasonal cuisine. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is steps away, and the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) is next door.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Chancellor Hotel on Union Square offers excellent value in the heart of Union Square and treats guests to complimentary tea and cookies. This three-star hotel occupies a historic building that has been updated for today's travelers. The cable car runs right past the front of the hotel.
• The boutique three-star Cornell Hotel de France exudes Parisian style in a convenient location between Union Square and Nob Hill. The hotel dates from 1910 and is on the Register of Historic Places. The hotel has a restaurant on the premises which is renowned for its cozy ambiance and traditional French cuisine.
• In a salt-tinged setting by the water, the three-star Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf boasts a fantastic location. This hotel is a good choice for families seeking accommodations near Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman's Wharf.

Budget Hotels:

• If you're on a budget, try The Herbert Hotel in the heart of downtown. This two-star hotel offers excellent value a short walk from Union Square.
• Between Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square, the Castle Inn provides good value for the price, along with wonderful views. You can walk to Fisherman's Wharf in about 25 minutes and Union Square in 30 minutes.

Several interesting tours in San Francisco make exploring the city easy and hassle-free. Since San Francisco is a large city built on hills, with many uphill climbs and stairs, tours are an especially good idea for anyone with mobility issues.

Tours are also ideal if you have only a couple of days and want to see as much of the city as possible without the challenges of driving or trying to find parking. The following tours are some excellent options for saving time, seeing the sights, and exploring some of the areas outside the city. These also guarantee the lowest prices.

See the Sights :

• The best explore-at-your-own-pace sightseeing tour is the Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. This double-decker bus tour, with guided narration, allows you to get on and off at the major tourist spots and is a great way to get acquainted with the city while learning a little history and seeing the highlights.
• To add a splash of fun to your sightseeing and save your legs some extra walking, book a San Francisco Waterfront Segway Tour and cruise around Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and other popular areas.

Cruise the Bay :

• To get out on the water and enjoy the city skyline in the evening, hop on a San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise . This 1.5-hour cruise sails past Alcatraz Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge while the sun sets and the city lights begin to glow.

Get Out of the City :

• San Francisco lies within easy striking distance of some fantastic scenery. The Monterey, Carmel, 17-Mile Drive Tour treats you to an action-packed day. You will see the fabulous coastline, shop at Monterey's Cannery Row, see the charming seaside town of Carmel, and drive along the oceanfront 17-Mile Drive.
• Another very popular trip, offering a chance to see one of America's great national treasures, is a Tour to Yosemite National Park . This is a must for nature lovers who want to see the famous sites of El Capitan and Half Dome and walk among the Giant Sequoias of Sequoia Grove. This tour includes pick-up and drop-off from some San Francisco hotels.
• For a half-day tour that covers a little of everything, the Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Trip is a good mix of nature, sightseeing, and shopping. This tour is available in the morning or afternoon.

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More on San Francisco: Plan out a free walking tour beginning in Chinatown with the help of our San Francisco Walking Tour . For families looking for activities to entertain children, see our article on San Francisco with Kids: Top Things to Do . If you're interested in some healthy dining options, have a read through our list of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco .

Exploring Northern California: San Francisco is the gateway to some of California's most amazing sites. In three or four hours you can be exploring the sites of Yosemite National Park or gazing out at Lake Tahoe . If you don't want to go that far, have a look at our top-rated day trips from San Francisco to see where you can get to in even less time.

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