Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
San Francisco & Bay Area (California) is one of the United States' most rewarding destinations: Golden Gate Bridge foghorns, historic clanging cable cars, Victorian Painted Ladies, Alcatraz Island, and ferry rides across San Francisco Bay.
Getting here and moving around is straightforward: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) via BART rapid transit directly to Downtown Embarcadero/Montgomery (30 min, $10.55) or Oakland Airport (OAK) via BART (40 min, $12.15). Once in town, rely on Clipper Card (load onto Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for $0 plastic fee) for Muni buses/light rail ($2.50), BART, Golden Gate Ferry, and Muni Passport ($14/day including historic Cable Cars, which cost $8 per single ride).
Neighborhoods & key areas
Union Square, Nob Hill & Embarcadero
Central BART and Cable Car access within walking distance of the Ferry Building and Chinatown.
Marina, Cow Hollow & Pacific Heights
Sunny bayside blocks near Crissy Field, the Presidio, and Golden Gate views.
Hayes Valley & The Mission
Walkable boutique shopping, sunny microclimates, and top restaurants.
Top sights & experiences
Golden Gate Bridge, Battery Spencer & Crissy Field
Walk or bike across the 1.7-mile span to Sausalito and return by Golden Gate Ferry to the Ferry Building.
Alcatraz Island Night or Day Tour
Book official Alcatraz City Cruises tickets from Pier 33 up to 90 days ahead for the cellhouse audio tour.
Powell-Hyde & California Street Cable Cars
Ride the last manually operated street cable car system in the world over Nob Hill and Russian Hill.
Ferry Building Marketplace & Embarcadero
Browse artisan California cheeses, oysters, sourdough, and coffee overlooking the Bay Bridge (Saturday farmers market).
Golden Gate Park, de Young Museum & Japanese Tea Garden
Explore 1,017 acres of redwoods, botanical conservatories, and oceanfront trails to Lands End.
Chinatown (Grant Ave & Stockton St) & North Beach
Walk the oldest Chinatown in North America right into North Beach's Italian espresso bars and Coit Tower.
What to eat
Cioppino & Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl
Dungeness crab, clams, shrimp, and fish in tomato-wine broth served with tangy San Francisco sourdough.
Mission-Style Burrito
Foil-wrapped giant flour tortilla stuffed with carne asada, rice, whole beans, salsa, guacamole, and crema in the Mission District.
Fresh Dungeness Crab & Hog Island Oysters
Cracked bay crab and cold-water Tomales Bay oysters along the Embarcadero.
Artisan Tartine-Style Country Loaves & Dim Sum
Naturally leavened hearth bread, morning buns, and handmade har gow and xiao long bao.
Where to stay by budget ($ USD)
Budget
$110/night — clean central hostels, 2-star motor lodges, and diner breakfasts.
Mid-range
$240/night — 3-to-4-star boutique or historic hotels in walkable neighborhoods (Union Square, Nob Hill & Embarcadero).
Luxury
$520+/night — 5-star landmark hotels, national park lodges, and luxury resorts.
Getting there
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) via BART rapid transit directly to Downtown Embarcadero/Montgomery (30 min, $10.55) or Oakland Airport (OAK) via BART (40 min, $12.15).
Getting around
Clipper Card (load onto Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for $0 plastic fee) for Muni buses/light rail ($2.50), BART, Golden Gate Ferry, and Muni Passport ($14/day including historic Cable Cars, which cost $8 per single ride).
Day trips & side trips
Muir Woods National Monument & Sausalito
Reserve a vehicle parking or shuttle permit ahead at gomuirwoods.com to walk among ancient coastal redwoods.
Napa Valley & Sonoma Wine Country
1 hour north across the Golden Gate Bridge for Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir vineyard tastings.
Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea & Big Sur (Highway 1)
2 hours south for Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, and Bixby Creek Bridge.
Best time to visit
The most pleasant months to visit San Francisco & Bay Area are September–November & April–June, when outdoor sightseeing and trail conditions are ideal. Reserve popular timed-entry tickets and national park permits 4–8 weeks ahead.