Destinations,  North America

The Ultimate Local’s Travel Guide to San Francisco

February 13, 2019 / 239 Comments

San Francisco is famous for its cable cars, steep hills and gorgeous landmarks. I have lived in the Bay Area my whole life so here’s the ultimate SF travel guide with general city tips and fun things to do made by a local.  

General Tip: Locals prefer you call San Francisco “SF” or “The City”. Avoid using the phrases “Frisco” or “San Fran”.

Best Time to Go To San Francisco

sf skyline

San Francisco has a mild climate throughout the year but the rain really hits between November and February. The city can get foggy if “Karl the Fog” rolls in. There are significant weather changes in different parts of the city so it is best to always carry a jacket.

Where to Stay In San Francisco

Most of the time when I visit the city, it is usually for a day trip. However, there have been a few times where I have stayed overnight for a couple of days. In the past I have stayed at The Wyndham near Union Square, JW Marriot San Francisco Union Square and Hilton San Francisco Union Square. I find that staying near Union Square is the perfect spot for those who want to explore. You are within walking distance of many landmarks, museums and good food.

Airbnb is also a fantastic accommodation as it was founded in San Francisco and offers rooms all around the city at various prices.

Getting Around In San Francisco

Walking is the best way to explore a ton of the city for free. MUNI and BART are the best public transportation options to get around the city, go to the airport or even venture outside SF. If you plan ahead, get a Clipper Card to load money onto and get around the city faster. Uber and Lyft are constantly available and are an inexpensive mode of transportation.

What to Eat In San Francisco

Ike’s Place

A three-page menu with hilarious names, Ike’s Place has the best sandwiches in San Francisco. They draw in huge crowds but you will leave with a smile on your face. Most of their sandwiches are exclusive to the SF location and some are only available during certain days of the week.

Boudin

Whenever someone visits from out of town, I must take them to Boudin. The Wharf location is a staple for every SF trip with clam chowder or tomato soup in a sourdough bread bowl. They have been using the same technique for their bread since the Gold Rush and you can see their bread making in action.

star belly cocktail
Star Belly

This is one of my favorite brunch spots in the city for their Californian comfort food, seasonal cocktails and their covered patio seating. It is a beautiful spot to relax and eat some good food.

Philz Coffee

This coffee chain as unique coffee blends with drinks personalized to your individual taste. My favorites are the Mint Mojito, iced with fresh mint, sweet and creamy and Mocha Tesora, hot or iced with dark chocolate, caramel and cocoa.

boba guys
Boba Guys

Founded in 2012 in San Francisco, this boba joint serves quality drinks free of artificial ingredients. With different locations around the city, you are sure to addicted fast. My favorites include Jasmine Green. Strawberry Jasmine Tea Fresca and Thai Tea.

More food places to check out:

Things to Explore In San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is the most iconic landmark of San Francisco and can be viewed from multiple points around the city. My favorite viewpoints are the Marin Headlands and Hawk Hill. Make sure to rent a bike or take a stroll along the bridge for that perfect Instagram picture.

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is home to over 1,000 acres of lakes, gardens and activities. The SF Botanical Gardens are a sight to see with plant species from all over the world (free from 7:30am-9am, every second Tuesday of the month and special holidays). My other favorites are the Japanese Tea Garden (free before 10am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and the California Academy of Sciences.

ferry building in san francisco
Stairs to coit tower in San Francisco

Walking tours are my favorite way to see a city and San Francisco is no exception. The route my friends and I always take is to get off at Union Square and head over to Chinatown for some snacks and trinkets. From there we head on over to Jackson Square where you can see the Transamerica Pyramid then off to Coit Tower. At Coit Tower you can take the hidden steps either up Filbert Street or Greenwich Street or continue down to the Ferry Building. At the Ferry Building you can find a farmer’s market, boutique stalls and authentic restaurants perfect for any foodie. Walking past the Ferry Building you will pass by the piers and get gorgeous view of the Bay until you reach Fisherman’s Wharf. If we are ever in a mood for something sweet, head past Fisherman’s Wharf, past Boudin until you reach Ghirardelli Square.

pier 39

If you plan your trip during baseball season, you do not want to miss a Giants game. Often you can buy cheap tickets last minute, especially the standing room tickets.

san Francisco giants game
Alcatraz

Alcatraz, a former is prison, is now a National Park and one of the city’s most famous attractions. The audio tour has amazing commentary and they offer a nigh tour as well. Make sure to book your tickets in advance (at least a month) and bring a jacket because no matter where you are in SF, it can get windy.

alcatraz
outside alcatraz
A View inside Alcatraz in San Francisco
Dolores Park

Dolores Park is an iconic city park in San Francisco with gorgeous views of the city. This park is perfect for a picnic with friends, family-friendly area with a playground and is a great place to relax and soak up some sun.

Author at Dolores Park in San Francisco

There is no experience more unique than riding a cable car up and down San Francisco’s hilly roads. It is an excellent way to tour the city and see the various, diverse neighborhoods. The ride costs seven dollars one way and Clipper Card is accepted.

Lombard Street

Lombard Street is the crookedest street in SF with its eight hairpins turns and byzantine curves. Located near Russian Hill Park, this street has awesome landscape views and Victorian mansions on each side it is a sight to see.

Lombard Street view in San Francisco
Coit Tower

Coit Tower, built in 1933, is located on Telegraph Hill has 360 degree, panoramic views of the entire city. The hike up the hidden stairs can be brutal but are worth the trek. Alternatively, you can take an Uber or Lyft to the tower. There is usually a long wait so enjoy the 27 murals on the ground floor of the tower that depict life during the Great Depression. It costs nine dollars for adults and less than three dollars for children over five years old.

Chinatown

Chinatown is one of the most robust Asian-American communities in the country is another “must see” place in San Francisco. The bustling maze of streets are filled with restaurants, karaoke bars, teahouses, souvenir stalls and temples.

Dragon's Gate in Chinatown in San Francisco

San Francisco’s world-class museums with interactive science displays and diverse art collections are extraordinary including the newly renovated SFMOMA, the Exploratorium for kid’s hands-on activities, and the Asian Art Museum with over 18,000 works of art.

Come visit the de Young Museum with me below:

Day Trips From San Francisco

Sausalito is a quiet little town just North of the Golden Gate with historic houses perched on the hills, famous shops and great views of the city.

Muir Woods is a must for every nature enthusiast with 6 miles of hiking trails through ancient, giant redwoods.

Half Moon Bay is the perfect escape from the city life with relaxing beaches, multiple gold courses, art galleries, hiking trails and restaurants.

Monterey is just a few hours south of San Francisco and sits on California’s central coastline. Explore underwater creatures, ocean conservation efforts, and adorable sea otters at Monterey Bay Aquarium or take a stroll through Cannery Row with shopping and dining experiences for all. Monterey Bay has amazing outdoor activities including biking, kayaking, and whale watching. Don’t miss out on its neighbor Carmel!


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