Your Ultimate Guide to San Francisco, California

san francisco travel guide

California, USA

This amazing city we call home has a variety of things to do, see and eat! San Francisco is a place for innovation, and not just the city’s start up offices but from California Cuisine to world-class museums and cultural experiences. It holds an adventurous spirit which reflects in the thriving cafes, shops, galleries and restaurants. We hope this travel guide will help your adventures here be memorable and make the best of the City by the Bay!

in a glance

Duration: 4-5 days depending on how far out you are exploring

Getting around: public transportation, biking, cars (I’d recommend avoiding renting a car, it’s hard to find parking), Uber & Lyft is a fast and easy way to get around the many different districts and neighborhoods

Best time to visit: all year round. May-November has more sunshine and better weather

Weather: mild climate throughout the year, warm but not too hot summer days with cooler temperatures during early mornings and evenings
This city is famous for its fog and wind. Even during the summer months it is recommended to carry a light jacket/cardigan around.
During winter it isn’t unbearably cold but can get wet and windy.

Airports: San Francisco International Airport, Oakland Airport

Where to stay

There are quite a few neighborhoods that are great options to find accommodation in San Francisco. It is relatively a large city and if it is your first time visiting, I’d recommend staying near the downtown area in Union square. Here are some of the hotel suggestions while exploring San Francisco!

Palace hotel - (downtown) This is San Francisco’s most iconic, historical hotel, built in 1875. it is located in downtown sf and has a European feel to it. this hotel is famous for it’s afternoon tea in the Garden court and cocktails at The Pied Piper. Check out our review of this hotel here.
San Francisco Proper - (downtown) Designed by the famous Kelly Wearstler, this hotel boasts captivating interiors and three dining destinations with a stunning rooftop view. They have a bunk bed option in some of there rooms which would be a fun idea for families with kids.
Alton Hotel - (Fisherman’s Warf) New boutique hotel tucked in an iconic neighborhood.
Hotel Kabuki - (Japan town) beautiful Japanese style boutique hotel
Mansion on Sutter - Boutique hotel in a Victorian property only 15minute walk from City Hall, 2 miles from MOMA and 2 minutes on foot from bus stops.
Club Donatello - (Union Square) Italian themed hotel with amazing views of the city. Walking distance to shops, restaurants, attractions and cafes.
1 Hotel San Francisco -(Embarcadero) Newer sustainable property, pet friendly, luxury hotel with stunning views of the city skyline and the San Francisco Bay.

where to eat

There is just so many amazing restaurants to try when visiting San Francisco. This is our personal favorite tried and true spots as locals here.

Our Tried & True

Izakaya Sozai - one of our favorite Ramen spots in town
Rintaro - Japanese Izakaya at its best
Papito Hayes - good portions, delicious Mexican food in cute Hayes Valley
Souvla - perfect casual spot for Greek food
Dragon Eats - great for picnics, take out menu with noodles/ banh mi/ kale soup (really good!)
Roam Burger - absolutely get their fries! Burgers never disappoint
Abaca - contemporary Filipino food located inside Alton hotel, famous ube cocktail!

Delicious Plant-based restaurants

BAIA - best plant based Italian food in the city by famous chef Matthew Kenney
Shizen - scrumptious vegan sushi bar/restaurant with one of our favorite ramens and rolls
Wildseed - seasonally driven dishes and one of the busiest plant-based restaurants
Cha-Ya - serves some of the tastiest vegan Japanese food
Gracias Madre - plant based Mexican food

Cafés

Le Marais - one of the best hot breakfast spots, french pastries
The Mill SF - spacious, beautiful cafe with the best almond butter honey toast
The Interval at Long Now - serious cocktail bar doubles as cafe and museum
Sightglass Coffee - roastery, open coffee bar and large space for gatherings, customizable Affogatto bar (best ice cream parlor)
Cafe Réveille - playful design with serious coffee/ brunch menu

what to do

Check out world class Museums - With so much to choose from the many amazing museums and galleries, our favorites are MOMA, De Young, California Academy of Sciences, Legion of honor
If you like Modern Art, MOMA will be a good choice and it’s located right in downtown. De Young is a more classic art museum with a great view at top.
Enjoy the gardens and parks - some parks like the Golden Gate, Dolores, Lafayette, Presidio are free. Paid parks include the Japanese Botanical Gardens, Conservatory of Flowers and the Botanical Gardens.
Stroll through Hayes Valley - a cute neighborhood with live music bands, picnic areas, boutique stores, cafes and restaurants.
Take a day trip to - Point Reyes ( a cute coastal town with beautiful scenery and hiking trails, Napa Valley for the wine lovers (check out my guide here), Muir Woods (one of the most popular hiking areas to see the impressive redwoods), Sausalito (just across the bridge up north of San Francisco, fresh seafood), Marin and Tiburon.
Check out the oldest Chinatown
Shop at boutique stores - Heath Ceramics, MARCH (home goods), The Perish Trust (vintage home goods), Tantrum (kids toy shop), Rare Device (beautiful trendy items)
Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge
Find amazing view points from - the Coit Tower, Golden Gate Bridge, Sutro Baths, Lands Ends, Battery Hill, Twin Peaks, and Bernal Heights.