San Francisco Travel Tips

Keep in Mind...

• Bring a jacket The weather in San Francisco is fickle. Just because it's warm and sunny when you start your day doesn't mean damp fog and brisk winds won't set in later on.
• No student discount Home to several universities (including UC Berkeley and Stanford), the Bay Area is teeming with college students. But don't expect any price breaks; San Francisco is expensive for everyone.
• Forget the car Having a car in San Francisco will be an expensive hassle. Instead, rely on public transportation and your own two feet.

A jumbled collage of colorful neighborhoods and picturesque views, hill-sloped and breezy San Francisco draws those free-spirited types who have an eye for edgy art, a taste for imaginative cuisine, and a zeal for adventure. Often described as Los Angeles' more refined northern cousin, cool and compact San Francisco combines the big-city buzz exuded by its southern counterpart and melds it with a sense of small-town charm. Here, you'll discover a mish-mash of culture flourishing throughout San Francisco's many vibrant quarters. Follow the crowds to the touristy Fisherman's Wharf area (which offers spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz), but don't forget to save time for the Mission district, The Haight, and The Castro, where much of the city's history and culture can be explored.
It's really not surprising that songwriter Tony Bennett left his heart here: The city boasts jaw-dropping sights, world-class cuisine, cozy cafés and plenty of booming nightlife venues -- there's no shortage of ways to stay busy here. Spend an hour or two sunning yourself alongside sea lions on the bay, admiring the views of Coit Tower from Russian Hill, or strolling along the Marina. For an authentic tour, enjoy a ride on a cable car.

How To Save Money in San Francisco

• Forget about summer Hotels welcome a large number of hopeful sun-seekers during the summer, causing room rates to rise rather dramatically. You'll find plenty of deals if you book during the cooler months.
• Reconsider that big-name hotel Hotel chains in major areas like Downtown, SoMa and Fisherman's Wharf are just waiting to take your money. You'll find much better rates at smaller bed and breakfasts and independent hotels in the less-visited Nob Hill and Marina District.
• Buy a CityPass For $67, you can get unlimited rides on all city transportation as well as entry into some of the top things to do. While it may seem pricey at first, the San Francisco CityPASS is a great deal if you plan on being here for more than a couple of days.

San Francisco Culture & Customs

San Francisco is one of the most progressive cities in the United States, with historical ties to the Hippie and Gay Rights movements. The city is also among the most diverse in the United States, with distinct Hispanic, Chinese and European traditions embodied in a host of arts and music festivals, as well as an oftentimes grandiose display of architecture.
To match its love for progressiveness and diversity, San Francisco also prides itself for its environmental sustainability efforts. Composting is mandatory for all city residents, and the Bay Area remains host to an abundant amount of non-profit environmental organizations.
San Franciscans also love the outdoors, and the city's geography and proximity to excellent natural wonders -- including Yosemite National Park -- make it one of the most enviable cities for adventure travelers.

San Francisco Dining

San Francisco's culinary scene stands as one of the most diverse and ambitious in the U.S. Luring world-renowned chefs to its Bay city quarters, San Francisco restaurants boast top-tier dishes infused with rich flavors and organic ingredients. But there are two drawbacks: most establishments close around 10 p.m. and more popular restaurants require reservations six to eight weeks in advance.