Why Go to San Francisco
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
San Francisco is a colorful patchwork of neighborhoods, hills and spectacular views, and it has a free-spirited energy all its own. Tony Bennett famously sang about leaving his heart here, and once you've seen the fog roll over the Golden Gate Bridge, you'll understand why.
Ride a historic cable car up the steep hills, cruise beneath the Golden Gate Bridge on a bay tour and take the ferry to Alcatraz for a fascinating look at the infamous prison. Watch the sea lions lounge at Pier 39 near Fisherman's Wharf, then explore the Presidio and the views from Twin Peaks. Wander the city's distinct neighborhoods: the colorful murals and taquerias of the Mission, the hippie history of Haight-Ashbury, the vibrant Castro and the oldest Chinatown in North America. Stroll Golden Gate Park, browse the gourmet stalls at the Ferry Building and enjoy one of the best food scenes in the country.
San Francisco is compact but hilly, so pack layers for the cool, changeable weather. It's also the gateway to Napa and Sonoma wine country. I'll plan your stay, Alcatraz tickets, which sell out early, and a wine country day trip.
BEST FOR
Food lovers, architecture fans, families and urban explorers
BEST MONTHS
September to October and April to June
EXPLORE
Fisherman’s Wharf and the Embarcadero follow the waterfront; North Beach has cafés and literary history; the Mission has murals, while Golden Gate Park stretches westward.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
San Francisco
North America › West Coast › USA › California
The Golden Gate, cable cars and foggy hills in America's most beautiful city.
Coastal & Harbor
Architecture
Culinary
Technology
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Book Alcatraz tickets weeks in advance, and only through the official operator. They sell out, especially in summer.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Visit the Welcome Center and walk out onto the bridge.
Golden Gate Bridge
Walk or bike across the iconic bridge for breathtaking views of the bay and city.
Book tickets weeks in advance through the official operator.
Alcatraz Island
Tour the infamous former federal prison on an island in the bay.
Visit on Saturday for the farmers market.
Ferry Building Marketplace
A historic building on the waterfront, filled with gourmet food stalls.
Visit the Japanese Tea Garden and the de Young Museum.
Golden Gate Park
A huge park with museums, gardens and lakes.
Visit at sunset for beautiful photos.
Palace of Fine Arts
A stunning classical structure with a lagoon.
A grand historic hotel on Nob Hill, with stunning views and the famous Tonga Room.
Fairmont San Francisco
Nob Hill / California Street
Hotel Tags
An eco-friendly luxury hotel on the Embarcadero, with bay views.
1 Hotel San Francisco
Embarcadero / Mission Street
Hotel Tags
A luxury hotel in the Financial District, with views of the bay.
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
Financial District / Sansome Street
Hotel Tags
A historic hotel in the Financial District, steps from the cable cars.
Omni San Francisco Hotel
Financial District / California Street
Hotel Tags
A stylish boutique hotel in the Financial District.
The Jay, Autograph Collection
Financial District / Clay Street
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in San Francisco
High 64°F · Low 50°F · Rain 2.5 in
Pleasant weather and the holiday season begin.
The best times to visit San Francisco are September through October and April through June, when the weather is mild and sunny. Summer can be foggy and cool, so pack layers. Winter is mild and rainy.
Best Times to Visit San Francisco
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
San Francisco is one of America's best food cities, from Michelin-starred restaurants to taquerias and dim sum.
- Seafood: Try clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and Dungeness crab.
- Mission burritos: The Mission District is famous for its oversized burritos.
- Must-try: Sourdough bread, cioppino, dim sum and a Mission-style burrito.
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Walking
San Francisco is walkable, though the hills are steep.
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Ferries
Ferries connect the Ferry Building with Sausalito and other bay towns.
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Taxis, Rideshares & Robotaxis
Taxis, rideshares and driverless robotaxis are widely available.
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Muni & Cable Cars
Muni buses, streetcars and the famous cable cars cover the city.
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BART
BART connects the airport with downtown and the East Bay.
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Flying In
San Francisco International (SFO) is about 30 minutes from downtown by BART. Oakland (OAK) is another option.
Most visitors fly into SFO and take BART downtown. Once you're here, Muni, cable cars, ferries and rideshares make it easy to get around. Skip the car: parking is expensive and limited.
Getting Around San Francisco