Are you planning your first-ever visit to the City by the Bay, San Francisco? If so, you probably have several questions about where to stay and what to see. To simplify your search for lodging, dining, and more, here are answers to some of your most pressing and frequently asked questions (FAQs). Whether you’re traveling soon or later, you’ll find this information reasonably practical and easy to understand.
FAQs for the First-Time Visitor to San Francisco
Congratulations! You are on your way to one of the world’s most exciting and diverse cities: San Francisco!
How Do I Get To San Francisco From San Francisco International Airport?
SFO offers several transportation options, including rental cars, ride shares, and public transportation. If you don’t want to visit a rental car business, take a BART train into San Francisco. A BART ride will take approximately 30 minutes to arrive in the heart of the City. However, due to COVID-19, BART closes daily at 9 p.m. You can also make arrangements for a shuttle or limousine service.
Should I Get A Rental Car?
That depends on your budget and transportation needs. If you want the freedom to visit the city, a rental car can be a practical option. It’s also the safest way to get around due to current conditions. However, city traffic can be very challenging, especially during peak hours. Furthermore, there are new driving restrictions in downtown San Francisco to improve pedestrian safety. Something else to consider is how much your hotel charges for parking.
How Easy Is It To Get Around The City With Public Transit?
It can be straightforward if you’re knowledgeable in reading timetables and understanding system maps. On the other hand, if you’re not public transportation savvy, riding Muni may be difficult and time-consuming. Either way, public transportation is the most affordable way to visit the City. Unfortunately, the famed cable cars are not running due to COVID-19.
Update:
The cable cars are now in operation! For information on fares, locations, and departure times, visit the Muni website.
Can I Rent A Bike In San Francisco?
Yes, you can! The most popular options are located along the Embarcadero to Fisherman’s Wharf. Top recommendations include San Francisco Bike Rentals, Blazing Saddles, and Parkwide Bike Rentals. One other top option worth mentioning to visit is the Sports Basement. The Sports Basement has two locations in San Francisco, including the flagship store along Crissy Field.
What About Rideshare Companies Like Uber & Lyft?
Both Uber and Lyft are headquartered here, so it shouldn’t be surprising that ridesharing drivers are everywhere. Prices may be slightly higher than in other major cities, but the service is very convenient and reliable. Due to its wide popularity, visitors who select an affordable option can expect to ride with others. Uber Eats and other food delivery services like DoorDash and GrubHub are also available.
What Are The Must-See Attractions?
The leading attractions are the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Chinatown, and North Beach are additional must-see attractions. With time permitting, you should also visit the Presidio, Ferry Building, Japantown, Mission District, and Haight-Ashbury. The vibrant Castro District is also a great option to spend the day. Alamo Square and the crooked Lombard Street are world-famous for photo opportunities. However, as a first-time visitor, you should be particularly mindful of the residents there.
Is Alcatraz Open?
Yes, public access to Alcatraz Island is now available. However, reservations are strongly advised. Reservations can be made online up to 90 days in advance. While tickets may be available at vendors near Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, some tours may sell out.
Related: Hotel Recommendations In Fisherman’s Wharf
What Museums Should I Visit?
It depends upon your personal preference and transportation. The top choices in downtown San Francisco are SFMOMA and the Asian Art Museum near City Hall. Also not far from City Hall is the temporary exhibition Immersive Van Gogh San Francisco. Two other world-class museums are the de Young in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor. However, these museums are several miles away from the heart of downtown. Additional choices during your visit may include the Contemporary Jewish Museum and the Walt Disney Family Museum.
What Are The Best Family Friendly Attractions?
Many family-friendly attractions are at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. At the Wharf, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not are among the most talked about. However, due to COVID-19, you should check the times and days these attractions are open. Pier 39 has additional attractions like the Aquarium of the Bay, Magowan’s Mirror Maze, and the San Francisco Carousel. Ghirardelli Square is not far from the Wharf, featuring its popular Ghirardelli chocolate store. Don’t forget to visit the entertaining seal lions at Fisherman’s Wharf for photo ops!
Family-Friendly Attractions In Golden Gate Park
The California Academy of Sciences is the leading family-friendly choice in Golden Gate Park. Due to its popularity, advance ticket purchases are strongly advised, particularly on weekends. Afterward, visit the SkyStar observation wheel, which is just footsteps away. Also in Golden Gate Park is the Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest in the U.S. One last notable attraction is the Exploratorium, along the Embarcadero. Although temporarily closed, the Exploratorium also features outdoor exhibits and artwork.
Is There A Fee To Walk Across The Golden Gate Bridge?
No, there is no charge for pedestrians and cyclists to cross one of the world’s most photographed bridges. However, it can be highly windy, so you should dress appropriately. Even if you don’t walk across the bridge, you should plan on bringing a jacket or two. Limited parking is available at Golden Gate Bridge visitor areas. On weekends, you should strongly consider taking public transportation or ride-sharing. Motorists who wish to cross the bridge in the northbound direction do not have to pay a fee. However, motorists in the southbound direction pay a cost of $8.70.
Other Places To See The Golden Gate Bridge
Other excellent Golden Gate Bridge spots are Crissy Field, Fort Point, Baker Beach, and Land’s End. There are also sweeping views of the bridge onboard a ferry boat to Angel Island or Alcatraz. Across the Golden Gate Bridge are more breathtaking views from the Marin Highlands and Fort Baker.
Related: InterContinental San Francisco
What Are The Best Seafood Restaurants?
Since San Francisco is one of the world’s premier seafood destinations, many outstanding restaurants exist. Among the top restaurants are Waterbar, Fog Island Restaurant, Sotto Mare, and Scoma’s. In addition to Waterbar, the City offers outstanding oyster houses like Hog Island, Anchor Oyster, and Swan Oyster Depot. Of course, the most celebrated restaurants are renowned for their seafood dishes. Standouts include Angler SF, Atelier Crenn, Benu, and Saison. The extraordinary French restaurant ONE65 is also a phenomenal choice for fabulous seafood dishes.
Related: Best NYE Parties In San Francisco
Where Can I Find The Best Italian Restaurants?
Many Italian restaurants are located in the North Beach area, also known as Little Italy. Suggestions include Original Joe’s, Il Casaro, Trattoria Contadina, and Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. For a Michelin-starred experience, there are Acquerello, SPQR, and Sorrel. Other exceptional Italian restaurants are A16, Cotogna, Delfina, and Flour+water. For pizza, try Capo’s, Pizzeria Delfina, Little Star and Tony’s Pizza Napoletana.
The Best Japanese Restaurants?
San Francisco offers a diverse selection of superb Japanese restaurants, from affordable noodle houses to expensive sushi bars. Omakase, Hashiri, jū-ni, Keiko a Nob Hill, and Wako are on the high end. Favorites include Akiko, Okane, Saru, and Sasaki. Many moderately priced restaurants are also in Japantown. Both locals and visitors favor places like Akira, Hinodeya, Marufuku, and Kushi Tsuru.
The Best Vegan-Vegetarian Restaurants?
Several vegan or vegetarian restaurants exist in health-conscious San Francisco. For a classic experience, try the landmark Greens Restaurant at Fort Mason Center. Additionally, there are highly rated spots like Golden Era, Wildseed, Vegan Picnic, and Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar. In the Mission District, known for its outstanding Mexican cuisine, vegetarians will enjoy Gracias Madre.
Best Restaurants On A Budget?
With one of the nation’s largest collections of restaurants per capita, San Francisco has several affordable options. Chinatown is a great place to start, with popular spots like China Live, Sam Wo, and Z&Y. Over in the Mission are several more affordable options, including Bi-Rite Creamery, La Taqueria, El Farolito, and Taqueria Vallarta. Even more low-fare options are Dinosaurs, Irving Subs, House of Bagels, and Wise Sons Deli.
Food Trucks
Try one of the many food trucks operating in the City for on-the-go options. Choices are plentiful, but Senor Sisig, Roli Roti, The Chairman, and Curry Up Now rank among the best. There are also food truck parks like SoMa StrEat Food Park and Off The Grid at Fort Mason.
Related: San Francisco Restaurants For Seafood
What Are The Best Hotels In San Francisco?
As with any world-class city, there are multiple luxury hotels. Leading brands like the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, St. Regis Fairmont Heritage Place, and Ghirardelli Square exist. Of course, additional landmark hotels like the Fairmont and InterContinental Mark Hopkins, the Palace Hotel, the Marriott, and InterContinental San Francisco exist. All in all, the choice should depend on location.
Best Hotels Near Oracle Park?
Hotel VIA and Hyatt Place are practically across the street from the Giant’s ballpark. Along the Embarcahere are exceptional hotels like Hotel Griffon, Harbor Court, and Hyatt Regency. The Intercontinental San Francisco, San Francisco Marriott Marquis, and the W San Francisco are slightly farther in SoMa.
Related: San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Best Hotels Near Fisherman’s Wharf?
Several moderately priced hotels are near the lively Fisherman’s Wharf area. Favorites include the Argonaut, Hotel Zephyr, Hotel Zoe, and Hotel Riu Plaza. Other fine neighborhood hotels are Hyatt Centric, Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf, and Courtyard by Marriott.
Best Hotels In Union Square?
Several notable hotels are in Union Square, including the Grand Hyatt, Taj Campton Place, Hotel Nikko, Parc 55, and Westin St. Francis. For travelers on a smaller budget, there are still several great hotels: the Marker, Hotel Zeppelin, Marines’ Memorial Club, and Kensington Park Hotel.
Best Affordable Hotels?
If you’re on a small budget, you still have many lodging options in the City. In fact, over 10 hostels are available, with top-rated spots like Orange Village, HI Union Square, and Green Tortoise. Most of the budget motels/hotels can be found along Van Ness Avenue and Lombard Street. Visitors can choose among Nob Hill Motor Inn, Lombard Plaza, and Cow Hollow, among others.
About The Author:
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a digital audience reach of 489 million and more than 5.5 million monthly visitors. His other stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, Engadget, and Radio.com. He is a Media Fellow of Stanford University and a lifelong resident of Santa Cruz County, California.