San Francisco Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in San Francisco

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Modern Luxury 3 BR Near Presidio & GG Park

237 14th Avenue | San Francisco, CA 94118, US

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Hotel Drisco

2901 Pacific Avenue | San Francisco, CA 94115, US

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Private 1-Br Apt near Golden Gate Park

539 2nd Avenue | San Francisco, CA 94118, US

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Parker Guest House

520 Church Street | San Francisco, CA 94114, US

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Suites at Fishermans Wharf

2655 Hyde Street | San Francisco, CA 94109, US

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San Francisco Retreat Just Steps from Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach! home

San Francisco, CA 94122, US

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ITH Pacific Tradewinds Hostel

680 Sacramento Street | San Francisco, CA 94111, US

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The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square

900 North Point Street | San Francisco, CA 94109, US

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At a glance

Climate

Mediterranean

Languages

English and Spanish

Local currency

USD (USD)

Local time

16:32 (GMT-7)

Ideal trip length

3–7 days

Cost level

5 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Union Square

Tap water

Generally described as safe to drink

Tipping

15-20% for service

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 85 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bowl Mission Burrito Dungeness Crab Irish Coffee

When to visit San Francisco

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: September, October Busiest: Sep-Nov

Jan

60

Cool, wet
Feb

65

Cool, wet
Mar

70

Mild, less rain
Apr

75

Mild, pleasant
May

70

Cool, foggy
Jun

65

Cool, foggy
Jul

60

Cool, foggy
Aug

70

Cool, less fog
Sept

90

Warm, clear
Oct

90

Warm, clear
Nov

80

Mild, some rain
Dec

60

Cool, wet

60

Jan Cool, wet

65

Feb Cool, wet

70

Mar Mild, less rain

75

Apr Mild, pleasant

70

May Cool, foggy

65

Jun Cool, foggy

60

Jul Cool, foggy

70

Aug Cool, less fog

90

Sept Warm, clear

90

Oct Warm, clear

80

Nov Mild, some rain

60

Dec Cool, wet

Things to do in San Francisco

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Walk or Bike the Golden Gate Bridge

Presidio/Sausalito 2.5 hrs

Experience breathtaking views from this iconic engineering marvel.

Outdoors Good for children

Tour Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island 3 hrs

Explore the infamous former prison with a captivating audio tour.

Outdoors Good for children

Indulge at Ferry Building Marketplace

Embarcadero 2 hrs

Sample gourmet foods and local produce at this historic waterfront hub.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Explore Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf 3 hrs

Enjoy fresh seafood, street performers, and sea lions at Pier 39.

Outdoors Good for children

Mission District Mural Walk

Mission District 2 hrs

Admire vibrant street art and enjoy diverse culinary delights.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

2 places

Ride a Historic Cable Car

Union Square/Fisherman's Wharf 0.5 hrs

Climb San Francisco's steep hills on a classic moving landmark.

Outdoors Good for children

Discover Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park 4 hrs

Wander through museums, gardens, and lakes in this urban oasis.

Outdoors Good for children

San Francisco itineraries

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First-timer highlights

3 Days in San Francisco — First-Timer Highlights

Experience the iconic sights, vibrant neighborhoods, and breathtaking views of the Golden City.

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to explore San Francisco's most famous landmarks and diverse cultural hotspots. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz and charming districts, it offers a comprehensive taste of the city's unique charm, designed for efficient and memorable sightseeing.

3 Days 15 Stops

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With the family

Pacific Coast Highway Adventure

San Francisco to San Diego

Embark on a breathtaking drive along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, where stunning ocean views, charming seaside towns, and thrilling outdoor activities await. This luxurious route is perfect for a relaxing family getaway, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the majestic California coastline.

5 Days 6 Stops

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With the family

California Coast Adventure

San Francisco to San Diego

Embark on a stunning coastal drive along California's Highway 1. With breathtaking views, this journey offers a blend of beach fun, charming towns, and family-friendly activities perfect for all ages.

5 Days 6 Stops

See the full plan

With the family

3 Days in San Francisco — Family with Kids

Discover the magic of San Francisco with an adventure-packed itinerary designed for all ages!

This 3-day itinerary is crafted for families exploring San Francisco, blending iconic landmarks with interactive, kid-friendly attractions. From science museums and park adventures to cable car rides and historic sites, it promises memorable experiences for parents and and children alike, ensuring fun and discovery at every turn.

3 Days 14 Stops

See the full plan