There are many opinions about San Francisco. We’ve seen plenty of negative videos, but for us, it’s the kind of city that stays with you long after you’ve left. The way the fog rolls in over the Golden Gate Bridge, the charm of the cable Cars, and the cutest sea lions at the pier – there is something undeniably special about this city.
But with so many things to do, where do you even start? That’s where we come in! From our favorite neighborhoods to the best day trips, we’ve got you covered.
Our Top 5 Tips for San Francisco:
1. Parking can be expensive, so take public transportation or look up parking spaces in advance.
2. Be prepared for some steep hills. Aside from the hills, the city is generally pretty walkable.
3. Get a day pass for the cable car – single rides are way too pricey.
4. Never leave belongings in your car.
5. Make reservations in advance. Many attractions sell out quickly – especially Alcatraz.
Where to stay: Our Favorite Areas and Hotels We’ve Stayed In
Where to stay: Our Favorite Areas and Hotels We’ve Stayed in
As in any other city, the best area to stay in depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. We knew right away that we wanted to stay in the Marina District. We’ve stayed on Lombard Street twice, and it was the perfect spot. Whether you’re getting around by public transportation or driving, you’ll have great access to everything you’re looking for. You’ll be within walking distance of Fisherman’s Wharf, the famous crooked section of Lombard Street, and even the Golden Gate Bridge.
As in any other city, the best area to stay in depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. We knew right away that we wanted to stay in the Marina District. We’ve stayed on Lombard Street twice, and it was the perfect spot. Whether you’re getting around by public transportation or driving, you’ll have great access to everything you’re looking for. You’ll be within walking distance of Fisherman’s Wharf, the famous crooked section of Lombard Street, and even the Golden Gate Bridge.
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The Hotels We’ve Stayed In
Here are the two hotels we’ve stayed at. There are many other hotels to choose from – some far more luxurious – but we aimed to keep our trip as budget-friendly as possible. These two hotels were great budget-friendly options that still offered a clean and comfortable stay.
Seaside Inn
Approximately $150 per night
+ Budget-friendly hotel with a great location
+ Small but comfortable rooms
+ Free parking spaces (a rare find in San Francisco!)
– Small, limited parking spaces (first come, first served)
– No breakfast provided
Comfort Inn by the Bay
Approximately $200 per night
+ Includes breakfast
+ A mix of comfort, convenience, and value
+ Simple, spacious rooms (some with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge)
– Parking costs $30 per day
The Best Day Trips
If you’re spending a few extra days in San Francisco, here are some of our favorite day trips. Whether you’re into rugged coastal adventures, slow days at sprawling vineyards, or exploring charming small towns, we’ve got you covered. Just a short drive away, you’ll find some of California’s most beautiful landscapes and delightful experiences.
Monterey
About two hours south of San Francisco, the drive along Pacific Coast Highway 1 is an experience in itself! You’ll pass some of the most beautiful beaches, charming towns, and you’ll probably make a stop or two along the way.
Monterey is home to one coast’s most delightful and entertaining sights: the sea lions. And you won’t believe how many there are! Whether they’re sunbathing on the docks of Fisherman’s Wharf or playing in the water, watching them will make your day and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Santa Cruz
Located about 1.5 hours south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz is where you’ll feel like a kid again, thanks to its expansive Beach Boardwalk filled with attractions – almost like the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles.
But Santa Cruz offers more than just the Boardwalk. It’s also one of the best surfing spots in California. The downtown area is filled with charming cafes, impressive artwork, and vintage stores.
Santa Cruz and Monterey are so close, we combined them into one trip – and it made for the perfect day.
Old Sacramento
Sacramento is about two hours northeast of San Francisco. We initially planned to stay for one night, but it didn’t quite meet our expentations.
That said, Old Sacramento has a charm all it’s own. With its historic buildings, old-fashioned saloons, and vintage boutiques, it feels like stepping back in time. The California State Railroad Museum is also worth a visit – it’s surprisingly impressive.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is roughly a 3.5-hour drive from San Francisco. It’s absolutely worth the trip if you’re up for a longer drive – or even an overnight stay near the park.
It’s one of the most stunning places we’ve ever visited. The nature is truly breathtaking, whether you’re into hiking or simply exploring – you’ll be surrounded by some of the most picturesque views. There are countless must-see spots, far too many to cover in just a short section.
Things to Do: Top Activities
San Francisco is packed with iconic sights, charming spots, and unforgettable experiences. From world-famous landmarks to hidden gems, we’re diving into the absolute best things to see and do in this incredible city!
Get the Perfect Views of the Golden Gate Bridge
There are countless viewpoints to capture the perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Our favorite is Battery Spencer, just north of San Francisco, offering breathtaking views of the bridge with the city skyline in the background.
Our favorite photo of the Golden Gate Bridge was taken at the Golden Gate Picnic Spot. There are plenty of great angles to capture the bridge, but the best we found was the view framed between these two trees.
Other excellent viewpoints include Crissy Field, Marshall’s Beach, and the Golden Gate Overlook.
Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39:
Fisherman’s Wharf – especially Pier 39 – is easily one of the most touristy spots in San Francisco. Many guides suggest skipping it, but we genuinely enjoyed strolling around and exploring the area.
Since our hotel was nearby, we took a scenic walk through Fort Mason Park, which offers fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, on our way to the Wharf. We started at Hyde Street Pier, made our way through Pier 39 (which we’ll dive into next), and finished at our destination – the Ferry Building. If you’d rather not walk, hop on the tram to cover the distance between these two spots.
There’s a large farmers market at Ferry Plaza with a diverse selection of fresh products, where we grabbed lunch and treated ourselves to ice cream. Afterward we strolled through the Financial District all the way to Union Square.
For us, this was the perfect way to kick off our San Francisco adventure!
Pier 39 is the iconic spot you often see in photos when people talk about San Francisco. This lively pier filled with charming shops, restaurants, and even a classic carousel. From here you’ll get amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and – most importantly – the sea lions lounging on the docks.
We could’ve spent hours watching the sea lions play – they never disappoint. Most of the time, you’ll find a large group of them laying in the sun or playfully splashing around on the floating docks.
Naturally, the pier is a major tourist hotspot and can get quite crowded. To beat the crowds, we recommend arriving before 10 a.m., before most stores open.
Golden Gate Park:
Golden Gate Park is one of the most famous urban parks in the US, offering a perfect blend of nature and culture. It’s the perfect escape from all the big city stress with cute areas like the Japanese Tea Garden, the de Young Museum, the Tulip Garden, and the Botanical Garden.
No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Golden Gate Park.
Believe it or not, Golden Gate Park is about 20% larger than the Central Park!
Honorable Mentions:
Alcatraz – an impressive and must-visit landmark. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to book them in advance.
Chinatown – the oldest and one of the largest in North America, filled with traditional restaurants and iconic sights like the Dragon Gate.
Lombard Street – one of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks, known for its steep, winding turns. A must see! If you have a car, definitely try driving down the curves.
Union Square – perfect for a shopping day and a stroll through the city streets.
Palace of Fine Arts – stunning architecture surrounded by a lovely park.
Twin Peaks – breathtaking panoramic views of the city, perfect for sunrise or sunset
Painted Ladies – have a picnic or relax at Alamo Square Park while admiring the iconic, colorful houses.
Public Transportation & Riding the famous Cable Car
Parking in San Francisco can be expensive, so we opted for public transportation – especially the famous cable car.
We’ve seen plenty of negative comments about San Francisco’s public transportation, but we don’t agree. While getting out of San Francisco without a car can be tricky, public transportation is the most practical way to explore the city. The cable cars aren’t just a fun experience and one of the best things to do in San Francisco – they’re also a great way to get around the city centre.
We recommend getting a 1-, 3-, or 7-day pass that includes cable car rides. One-way cable car tickets are way to expensive and you’ll likely take more than one ride. You can purchase tickets through the MUNI Mobile App.
A standard day pass (without cable cars) costs $5.50, while a single ticket is $2.75. If you want a pass that includes cable car rides, it costs $14 for 1 day, $33 for 3 days, or $44 for 7 days. A single ride on the historic cable car costs $8.
Wrap-Up
San Francisco quickly became one of our favorite cities. With its blend of iconic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and unforgettable experiences, San Francisco is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left. From breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge to the excitement of riding the historic cable cars, we fell more in love with the city every day.