San Francisco is a vibrant city known for its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and stunning views. When planning a trip to San Francisco, there are a few travel tips that can help make your visit more enjoyable.
- The city is known for its microclimates, so be sure to dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather throughout the day.
- Public transportation is a great way to get around the city, with options including buses, cable cars, and the BART subway system. Consider getting a Clipper card for easy access to all modes of transportation.
- Book popular attractions in advance to avoid long lines, such as Alcatraz Island tours and the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Don’t miss the bustling streets of Chinatown, the hip shops and cafes in the Mission District, and the historic architecture of Nob Hill.
- Take advantage of the city’s culinary scene, with renowned restaurants offering everything from fresh seafood to artisanal pastries.
Things to do in San Francisco SF Top 20 sites and monuments to visit in San Francisco USA
- Golden Gate Bridge [https://www.goldengate.org/] – Free to walk or bike across, $7.75 toll for cars
- Alcatraz Island [https://www.alcatrazcruises.com/] – Tickets starting at $39.90 for adults, includes ferry ride to the island
- Fisherman’s Wharf [https://www.fishermanswharf.org/] – Free to explore, optional fees for attractions and dining
- Lombard Street [https://www.sftodo.com/lomabardcrookedstreet.html] – Free to drive or walk down
- Palace of Fine Arts [https://palaceoffinearts.org/] – Free to visit
- Coit Tower [https://sfrecpark.org/destination/coit-tower/] – $9 admission fee for adults
- Painted Ladies at Alamo Square [https://www.sftravel.com/painted-ladies] – Free to see
- Exploratorium [https://www.exploratorium.edu/] – $29.95 general admission for adults
- SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art) [https://www.sfmoma.org/] – $25 general admission for adults
- The Presidio [https://www.presidio.gov]
- California Academy of Sciences [https://www.calacademy.org/] – $35.95 general admission for adults
- Muir Woods National Monument [https://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm] – $15 per vehicle entrance fee
- Golden Gate Park [https://sfrecpark.org/golden-gate-park/] – Free to explore, optional fees for attractions and activities
- Ferry Building Marketplace [https://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/] – Free to explore, optional fees for dining and shopping
- Asian Art Museum [https://asianart.org/] – $25 general admission for adults
- Ghirardelli Square [https://www.ghirardellisq.com/] – Free to visit, optional fees for dining and shopping
- The Castro District [https://www.sfcityguides.org/districts/castro.html] – Free to explore, optional fees for dining and entertainment
- Angel Island State Park [https://angelisland.com/] – $5 per person for ferry ride to the island
- Twin Peaks [https://www.sftravel.com/explore/twinPeaks] – Free to visit, offers panoramic views of the city
- Haight-Ashbury District [https://haightashbury.com/] – Free to explore, known for its hippie culture and eclectic shops
Don’t forget to get Travel Insurance Before You Travel
If you’re looking for travel insurance, we recommend the following travel insurance provider:
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| World Nomads Travel Insurance | Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip with Travelex | Cancel for any reason with Travel Guard |
Our Top Travel Gear and Equipment Recommendations: Best Camera, Photo and Video Equipment for Your Travels
If you’re interested in our recommended travel gear and photo/video equipment:
- Best and Most Useful Travel Gear:
- Best photo / video cameras and equipment for Travel:
- Best Action Cameras and Portable Cameras
- Best Full-Frame DSLR Cameras and DSLR Cameras for Amateur and Professional Photographers
- Best Drones and Aerial Photography Cameras
- Best Tripods, Monopods and Selfie Sticks for Photography and Videography
- Best Mobile Phones and Cell Phones, Best Laptops and Computers for Travel:
3 Days in San Francisco / SF 3-day itinerary in San Francisco USA
Day 1:
- Visit Alcatraz Island in the morning
- Explore Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoy fresh seafood for lunch
- Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge in the afternoon for stunning views
- Dinner in Chinatown
Day 2:
- Visit the Palace of Fine Arts and explore the Marina District
- Spend the afternoon at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park
- Dinner at the Ferry Building Marketplace
Day 3:
- Take a cable car ride to Lombard Street and Coit Tower
- Explore the Mission District and sample local cuisine for lunch
- Visit the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square and enjoy the view
- Dinner in the Castro District
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Where to Stay in San Francisco / SF Top Hotels and Accommodation San Francisco USA
Top Rated Hotels San Francisco priced over $300 per night:
- The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
- Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
- LUMA Hotel San Francisco – #1 Hottest New Hotel in the US
- Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
- Omni San Francisco
Recommended and Best Hotels in San Francisco priced between $200 to $300 per night:
Top San Francisco Hotels priced between $100 to $200 per night:
- Club Donatello
- Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco
- Inn at Union Square
- Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
- Hotel Majestic
Best Budget Hotels and Hostels in SF San Francisco priced below $100 per night:
- ITH San Francisco Pacific Tradewinds Hostel
- Chapter San Francisco
- HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel
- Francisco Bay Inn
- Green Tortoise Hostel
- Samesun San Francisco
Please note that hotel prices may vary depending on the season and availability. Be sure to check the booking.com links provided for the most up-to-date pricing and availability. Enjoy your stay in San Francisco!
For more about the United States / USA, Washington DC, New York City, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Francisco, Honolulu and other travel destinations in the United States / USA, read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.
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