Ultimate san francisco travel Guide (2024)

Let's start with a few quick travel tips about San Francisco that we think you should know before your visit!

Navigating San Francisco: San Francisco offers a variety of transportation options to suit every visitor's needs. Remember that there are toll bridges surrounding San Francisco, so if you rent a car, be sure to have tolls as an option on your rental! Here are some tips and insights to help you get around the City by the Bay efficiently and enjoyably: 

• Explore on Foot: San Francisco is known for its walkable neighborhoods & hot spots like Fishermans Wharf, Golden Gate Park, and Mission District. Exploring on foot allows you to discover hidden gems and enjoy the city's vibrant streetscapes. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, dress appropriately for weather conditions, & be prepared to potentially walk up and down some of the most steep streets in all of California

• Cable Cars and Streetcars: A must-do experience, not just for novelty but also for practical transit between key areas & getting up and down the steep hills of San Francisco. You can choose from three cable car lines - two start at Powell and Market and continue to the Fisherman's Wharf area; one starts at California and Market and continues to Van Ness Avenue. Click here to get more public transit information & to purchase tickets. 

• BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): BART trains are ideal for longer distances, plus they can take you to and from both the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK). This is a great way to avoid sitting in the horrendous traffic.Click here to get more BART details.

• Rideshare Apps: Uber and Lyft are widely available and can be convenient, especially late at night when public transport is less frequent.

• Biking Around: This is a great way to experience San Francisco California; once again, you won't have to deal with traffic. On a side note, depending on where you want to explore, be prepared for climbing steep streets and hills. Here are some great ideas & pricing for renting bikes.

• Ferries and Sailboat Cruises are another way to experience San Francisco, but they are a bit more scenic than exploring inside the city. This is a great way to travel, especially to destinations like Sausalito, Tiburon, or Alcatraz Island, plus this gives you unique views of the city skyline & Golden Gate Bridge. 

• Parking Insights: Another tip if you are planning to rent a car & take it into San Francisco; parking can be a bit of a nightmare. If you are in the downtown areas or Fishermans Wharf, be prepared to pay a hefty parking fee! Also, if you are looking for overnight parking, find a gated & guarded parking garage. Yes, you will pay a hefty parking fee, but you are less likely to get your vehicle broken into! We have discovered if we are staying overnight, most hotels charge upwards of $50 per night per vehicle. We found the parking garage at Waterfront Plaza (off Francisco Street) offered a nighlty parking of $27 & it was a secured locking gate from 7pm to 6am, so no one could enter or exit during those hours. Also, be mindful of street cleaning schedules to avoid tickets & confirm you can park overnight without getting towed!

San Francisco's weather can be unpredictable, but understanding the seasonal changes and packing accordingly will ensure you're comfortable during your visit. Here is a quick list what what to pack for your San Francisco vacation!
 

Summer Packing List

• Layered Clothing: Despite being summer, it can be chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. With that being said, we do suggest you pack your summer clothes as well (for obvious reasons), just be sure to take a light jacket with you during the day, just in case!
• Light Jacket or Windbreaker: Essential for the unpredictable weather and cool breezes.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: For exploring the city's hilly terrain.
• Sunscreen & sunglasses: The sun can be strong during the day, even through the fog, so be sure you have a little protection for your skin & eyes!

Fall Packing List

• Warm Layers: Temperatures can vary, so packing items you can layer will serve you well.
• Scarf and Light Gloves: For cooler mornings and evenings.
• Sunglasses: You'll enjoy many sunny days during this season.
• Comfortable Footwear: Ideal for walking and taking advantage of the best weather.

Winter Packing List

• Waterproof Jacket: To stay dry during the rainy days.
• Umbrella: A compact one can be handy for unexpected showers.
• Warm Hat and Gloves: For those chillier days.
• Boots or : Waterproof if possible, for walking in the rain.

Spring Packing List

• Light Scarf and Layers: The weather can swing from cool to warm.
• Water-resistant Jacket: For those spring showers.
• Comfortable Shoes: For enjoying the city as it starts to bloom.
• Camera: Spring brings beautiful flowers and greenery worth capturing.