There is a conflict within the average American traveler that has shaped much of our tourism industry. We want to be adventurous, but we also want to be safe. Through television commercials and shows, films, and the hyperbolic stories of key personalities, we have glorified the cares-to-the-wind, Rome for lunch, Barcelona for dinner persona, despite the fact that most travelers intentionally shy away from such excess.
When it comes down to our own money, our own time, and our own well-being, such flights of fancy are simply too much too fast. So what is the average American traveler to do? It's simple: go to San Francisco.
The City by the Bay is one of the most popular foreign and domestic tourist cities in the nation, and that's because it actually manages to resolve that opening conflict. San Francisco feels very safe, after all it's an American city known for its tolerance and low crime rate. At the same time, it embodies so many ideals and cultures that are uncommon in much of the country, even the rest of California, that it can offer many travelers a veritable buffet of new sights, sounds, challenges, rewards, and experiences. In short, it's adventurous and safe. It's exactly what many American travelers are looking for.
Here we'll provide some basic information for having a successful trip to San Francisco. We'll discuss when to visit, some transportation options, where to find the best San Francisco hotels for any budget, what to eat, and finally provide a brief list of never-fail things to do in San Francisco. Start packing.
When to Visit
Anytime. Like much of California's western coast, San Francisco maintains a fairly even climate year-round, and so happens that climate is incredibly well-suited to foot traffic and sightseeing. The highs hover between the 60s and 70s from summer to winter, so dress accordingly and be on your way. The only thing you might consider is the precipitation, which increases considerably during the winter months, but even then is not notably heavy.
How to Get Around
For getting in, the predominant option is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The second busiest in California, SFO is a decently modern facility with a relatively low rate of delays, cancellations, and baggage incidents. It is a bit off-site, though, so you'll want to take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) Shuttle into downtown unless you plan on renting a car. On that note, unless you plan on taking a trip outside of San Francisco during your stay, renting a car shouldn't be necessary thanks to excellent public transportation options. Besides, the sloping hills of San Francisco can be rather daunting for all but very confident drivers.
Note: If at all possible, avoid taxis from the airports and even around the city. The fares are borderline outrageous.
If you're looking to save on airfare, you might find cheaper flights into Oakland International (OAK) or Mineta San Jose International (SJC). It's a longer trip into town, but if you stick to the shuttles the prices will be about the same.
Around town your best travel option is by foot. The weather is always pleasant, the sights are beautiful, and there's no better way to enjoy both than with a nice walk. However if you need to cover a lot of ground, stick to BART or the world-famous cable cars. Again, avoid those taxis.
Where to Stay
If only all cities were so simple - in San Francisco you should stay in Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square, which is almost the same thing. The Bay City's most popular tourist district, Fisherman's Wharf is a smart place to stay for several reasons. For one thing, a lot of what you'll eventually be doing in San Francisco is in Fisherman's Wharf. World-class dining options, several popular sightseeing destinations, events venues, it's all within walking distance. Another great reason is competition. As the most popular district, there is a bevy of Fisherman's Wharf hotels vying for your lodging dollar, and they're willing to roll out affordable San Francisco vacation packages to entice you.
Union Square, located only two miles from the Wharf, is a choice very much in that same vein. A lot of the things you'll want to do during your trip, from riding the cable cars to visiting the Museum of Modern Art, are within walking distance.
Here we'll present four reliable options depending primarily on budget comely:
Union Square:
For a boutique Union Square hotel, reserve a stay at the stylish Hotel 480.
Fisherman's Wharf:
For an upscale or luxury Fisherman's Wharf hotel, consider the Marriott Fisherman's Wharf Hotel.
For a mid-range San Francisco lodging, look into the Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf.
For a budget-friendly San Francisco hotel, trust the Holiday Inn Express Fisherman's Wharf.
What to Eat
The regional cuisine often gets a passing mention in the forthcoming "What to Do" segment, but in a culinary landmark as vibrant as San Francisco, it deserves its own section. In a global city known for rich cultural diversity, and an invaluable location on the Bay, what would you expect?
Since you'll hopefully be staying in or near the Fisherman's Wharf area, take advantage of it with a bowl of the local specialty: clam chowder. Although the dish was invented in the Northeast, the San Francisco version using high quality cream and vegetables and the freshest possible seafood competes with the original valiantly, and it's remarkably easy to come by. Whether dining in at a fancy restaurant or just stopping by a roadside chowder stand, San Francisco clam chowder is the must-have dish for traveling seafood fans.
Ethnic variety has infused the rest of the city with a wealth of choices, and eager palates stand to benefit. Sushi is another local favorite, with top-quality sushi bars and restaurants on virtually every corner. With the nation's largest Chinatown, satisfying dim sum is a readily-available delicacy. If you just don't do seafood, you can head into the Mission district for a diverse selection of Mexican and Latin American cuisines served up in small-scale restaurants and also food carts.
For the traveler with epicurean tastes, San Francisco is hard to beat in North America.
What to Do
So you're here, you're rested, and you've got a hearty meal in your belly. Now what do you do? Here's just a brief glimpse at some of the most popular San Francisco attractions:
Tours - Ideal for getting an overview of this resplendent city, San Francisco tour options are many and always engaging. Harbor Tours are a popular choice. Study the city from the San Francisco Bay while an expert docent regales you with fascinating facts about everything from the city's history to its unusual Victorian architecture. Some harbor tours even include a stop at Alcatraz Island. Do-it-yourself walking and biking tours give a different look around town for little to no cost.
Cable Cars - Nothing says San Francisco so quickly as the famous cable cars which run from Fisherman's Wharf through Union Square and on to Market Street. First time visitors owe it to themselves to take a ride, not just to say they've done it, but because they actually provide a fun and at times breathtaking view of downtown San Francisco.
Golden Gate Park - Like entering another world, the palatial Golden Gate Park is home to several museums including the de Young and the Conservatory of Flowers, scenic windmills, a carousel, man-made lakes and a serene Japanese Tea Garden. One of the most-attended urban parks in the United States, it is 174 acres larger than New York's Central Park.
San Francisco Zoo - A fabulous choice for family travel in San Francisco, the San Francisco Zoo is the largest and oldest zoological attraction in Northern California. The zoo is acclaimed for its collection of mammals including Western Lowland Gorillas, Reticulated Giraffes, Grizzly Bears, and Chimpanzees.
Chinatown - One of the most prominent centers of Chinese activity outside of China, not to mention one of San Francisco's most-visited tourist destinations, Chinatown is the place to go for cuisine, culture and otherworldly sights. Be sure to visit Portsmouth Square, arguably the heart of Chinatown.
San Francisco Sports - Not every major league sport is represented by San Francisco, but when they do hit the field, they bring their A-game. Playing at Candlestick Park (recently renamed from Monster Park), the San Francisco 49ers are one of football's most successful teams with an incredible Super Bowl record of 5-0. Rounding the bases at AT&T Park, the San Francisco Giants boast just as much success. Established in 1883, they're among the oldest baseball franchises in league history.
The Castro - The chief district in San Francisco's burgeoning gay community, The Castro is a sure-bet for any traveler hoping to discover all of the city's many cultural highlights.
Shopping - As with everything else, San Francisco shopping options abound. The Union Square shopping district offers a multitude of upscale choices interspersed between art galleries and fine dining restaurants in a beautiful outdoor plaza. The Westfield San Francisco Shopping Centre is a truly massive shopper's paradise located at The Emporium and anchored by stores such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Bristol Farms.
So What Are You Waiting For?
San Francisco is exactly what the modern traveler wants. Delightful food, sights, and shopping set to a charming, personable backdrop where cultures, personalities, and preferences are allowed to coexist harmoniously. You don't risk any of the concerns of overseas travel, yet you genuinely feel as if you've visited another world entirely. Take these tips into account, and choose one of our recommended San Francisco hotels near Fisherman's Wharf, and experience an unforgettable vacation in the City by the Bay.
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