San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is a commercial, financial, and cultural center of Northern California. With a population of 827,526 residents as of 2024, San Francisco is the fourth-most populous city in the U.S. state of California and the 17th-most populous in the United States. Wikipedia
September to November 🍂
Surprisingly the warmest, sunniest months with fewer crowds
Best time for clear views of the Golden Gate Bridge
April to June 🌸
Pleasant spring weather with blooming gardens and lively events
July & August 🌫️
Peak tourist season but often foggy ("Fogust"), especially near the coast
December to March 🌧️
Cooler, wetter months, but fewer tourists and great deals on accommodation
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – major hub with domestic and international flights
Also nearby: Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Amtrak via the Emeryville Station with shuttle service to downtown SF
Scenic drives into the city via Highway 1, 101, or I-280
Parking is expensive — consider public transportation or rideshares
Walk or bike across the iconic orange suspension bridge
Best viewpoints: Battery Spencer, Crissy Field, Marshall’s Beach
Former prison turned museum; take a ferry and audio tour
Book tickets in advance, especially for night tours
Historic ride through the city’s steep hills
Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines are the most scenic
Seafood, shopping, sea lions, and waterfront attractions
Larger than NYC’s Central Park, includes gardens, museums, and lakes
Beautiful Greco-Roman rotunda and lagoon — a photographer's dream
Explore the oldest Chinatown in North America
North Beach = SF’s “Little Italy,” great for food and nightlife
Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito
Take a Bay Cruise or sunset sailing tour
Explore art at SFMOMA or science at the Exploratorium
Visit the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square (Full House fans!)
Hike Twin Peaks or Lands End for city and ocean views
Fairmont San Francisco – historic, elegant, Nob Hill views
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco – downtown comfort and luxury
Hotel Zephyr – stylish and fun near Fisherman’s Wharf
Hotel Bohème – boho vibes in North Beach
HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel – great location for backpackers
The Mosser Hotel – simple, clean, and central
Sourdough bread from Boudin
Dungeness crab and clam chowder in a bread bowl
Mission-style burritos (try Taqueria La Cumbre or El Farolito)
Dim sum in Chinatown or ramen in Japantown
Swan Oyster Depot – old-school seafood bar
Tartine Bakery – legendary pastries in the Mission
Zuni Café – iconic roast chicken and upscale California cuisine
State Bird Provisions – creative, Michelin-starred small plates
The Slanted Door – modern Vietnamese with bay views
A city of innovation and activism, San Francisco embraces diversity, art, and individuality
Strong tech presence (Silicon Valley influence) balanced by a deep-rooted counterculture history (hippies, beat poets, LGBTQ+ movements)
Neighborhoods each have their own vibe:
Mission – artsy, edgy, Latino culture
Haight-Ashbury – 60s nostalgia, vintage shops
Castro – heart of LGBTQ+ culture
Marina – upscale and relaxed