San Francisco, CA Travel & Vacation Guide

What to Know

One of America’s most beautiful cities, San Francisco is blessed with big-city culture, world-renowned cuisine, iconic Victorian architecture and stunning bay views backed by the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. A true melting pot, the city’s diversity is captured in its distinct neighborhoods.

Located next to the country’s largest Chinatown, North Beach is famous for its Italian cuisine and Beat Generation history. The Mission District is the heart of San Francisco’s Hispanic population. The Haight, where the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin once lived, will forever be associated with the Summer of Love. Nearby, the colorful Castro District is the epicenter of a thriving gay population and site of the city’s annual Pride Festival.

While San Francisco is a compact city, steep streets can make walking difficult. Fortunately for visitors, the city boasts one of the country’s best public transportation systems. In addition to the world-famous cable cars, there are ferries, trains (BART), tramlines (Muni) and buses to help visitors get around. Cabs are also convenient and relatively inexpensive.

Where to Go

Get outside and explore some of the city’s many picturesque parks. Larger than New York’s Central Park, Golden Gate Park features museums, gardens, outdoor activities and frequent festivals. Nearby, the Presidio, a former military base, offers 1,500 lush acres of trails, historic buildings and stunning Bay views.

Fisherman’s Wharf, anchored by Pier 39, is one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions, complete with the obligatory tourist traps. Skip the overpriced restaurants and kitschy souvenir shops and stroll by the famous sea lions and seafood markets instead. This is also the jumping-off point for the ferry ride to Alcatraz. It’s worth a visit, not only to see where Al Capone was locked up but for the scenic ferry ride to the infamous island prison.

For an authentic slice of city life, head to the waterside Embarcadero for a bite to eat and a bit of shopping at the Ferry Building marketplace. Serious shoppers will want to take their plastic to the bustling retail center at Union Square, an area also known for theater and numerous hotels.

For a culture fix, head South of Market (SoMa) and visit San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art. Visit weekday mornings to avoid crowds, and be sure to stroll through the adjacent Yerba Buena Gardens.

When to Go

While the weather is relatively mild year round (with brisk mornings and nights), summer months are often foggy and cool, not to mention crowded with tourists. Late summer months are a better bet, while September and October are the best months to visit. The winter brings rain, starting in December and sometimes lasting into March.

A wide variety of year-round events and celebrations are a great way to experience San Francisco’s culture. Consider attending the festive Chinese New Year’s Parade in February, the Mission District’s colorful Carnival celebration in May or the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Celebration in June.

Airplane aficionados and military buffs may want to visit in October for Fleet Week. For six days, the Bay is filled with a parade of Navy ships, and the skies overhead buzz with air shows starring the Blue Angels.