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10 Important Things To Know Before Your San Francisco Trip
If you’re planning your first trip to San Francisco, there are a few important things you should know before you book and go! I’ve laid out the 10 that I find are the most important that you should know before you leave for your trip, so you can plan with these tips in mind. Happy reading!
1. Prepare yourself to see some nudity if you plan on visiting the Castro or Baker Beach
San Francisco is a very free and liberal city, so it is not uncommon to see some folks letting it (all or most) air out in the streets of the Castro neighbourhood, and Baker Beach, a clothing-optional beach located in the northern part of the city. With that being said, what’s important here is to be respectful, as this is the norm in these parts of the city, and a part of the San Francisco culture.
2. Cable Cars are expensive and may not be worth the ride
On my first trip to San Francisco in 2011, my friends and I just had to take a trip on a historic SF cable car. Regular tickets run you about $7.00, but with our weekly visitor’s transit pass, cable car trips were included. If you’re planning on taking cable cars in San Francisco, this is the way I’d recommend to pay for your ride. The reason that I believe cable cars are slightly overrated, is that they go mostly to the most touristy areas and there are always very long lines at either end of the transit line. They also don’t fit many passengers. There is an inside compartment where passengers can sit, and then there is the outside area with a double sided bench and place for people to stand and hold on. Personally, I preferred staying inside, or at least sitting outside, as I didn’t trust myself to stand holding on while the cable car is zooming up and down San Francisco’s many hills.
3. Beware of the Tenderloin and Downtown
In many cities, the downtown area is one of the most sought after areas for accommodations, though there are many better choices when planning your stay in San Francisco. First things first, avoid the Tenderloin at all costs. Staying there or only walking through, is not recommended. It is the roughest area of the city, and not the best for tourists. The Tenderloin is located in Downtown SF, just south of Union Square, so make sure you don’t take a wrong turn when visiting the Downtown area.
4. Research the best neighbourhood and type of accommodation for you
When booking your stay in San Francisco, there are many really great neighbourhoods for accommodations, but it has always been my opinion that how you stay is just as important as where you stay. I’ve broken down the best types of accommodation, depending on your travel style, for the best SF neighbourhoods in this post. I’d highly recommend giving it a read to determine the best area and type of accommodation that will work for you!
5. The best way to get around the city is with your own two feet
Obviously if you’re planning a journey across the city, you might want to hop on a bus or Muni metro car, but the best way to take in as much of San Francisco as possible is by walking. If you can manage it, walking from neighbourhood to neighbourhood will not disappoint, I promise. There is so much to see in this city, and the slower you move through it the better. So many of my best memories from my six month stay in San Francisco were from walking through different neighbourhoods to get to my next destination, and I highly recommend it. With this in mind, you’re going to want to bring a really solid pair of walking shoes. See this post for my favourite walking shoes, as well as my favourite affordable travel essentials for city travel.
6. Pack for all seasons, no matter which season you’re travelling
On the topic of packing essentials, the most important thing to remember is that San Francisco is technically a coastal city, and it can get very chilly during the day, even in the warmer months. That SF wind is truly a force, and can make temperatures drop significantly throughout the day, so make sure you always have a light to medium sweater or jacket with you while you’re out sightseeing in San Francisco. You wouldn’t want to have to shell out $50 on a souvenir hoodie from Fisherman’s Wharf because it’s gotten chilly and your light-weight shirt and shorts are just not covering it, right? Right. Bring layers, friends.
7. Fisherman’s Wharf is great to see once, but don’t spend too much time here
While we’re talking about spending unnecessary money in Fisherman’s Wharf, let’s really talk about spending unnecessary money in Fisherman’s Wharf. First of all, I get it. My first time in the city I spent an entire day here, and while I do not tourist shame, and believe first comers should experience the Wharf, it should be explored with caution. Food, souvenirs and activities will be exponentially expensive in this area (Hard Rock Cafe, I’m looking atchu) compared to other areas in the city. If you’re planning on spending an afternoon here, keep an eye on your money, and I mean this figuratively and literally, as it’s a pickpocket’s paradise.
Ps. My favourite souvenir from Fisherman’s Wharf was salt water taffy from The Candy Baron, at the end of Pier 39. It can add up quickly, but this candy shop is worth checking out if you’re a taffy fan.
8. MUNI Transit System will likely be late
Okay so I’m giggling as I write this because its admittedly a bit petty, but I couldn’t resist. Now, anyone who lives in a big city with public transportation will probably tell you that their transit system is very unreliable, and honestly, most of them are at times. What’s different about the SF transit systems is that there are apps that track the trains, which is honestly pretty cool, and gives the impression that they will be on time. During my stay in SF I took Muni daily to my school and around the city (I was living outside of the city centre), and always relied on it to get me home after my late night classes. On the daily, without fail, the trains were late, and sometimes didn’t show up at all, leaving me having to take an Uber or Lyft to get home. During a short stay, this may not impact you as much, but I’d definitely keep it in mind if you’re on a specific schedule while you’re staying in San Francisco.
9. Get to know Karl the Fog – he will likely be around
Okay so if you have NO idea what I’m talking about, Karl is the name of the San Francisco Fog. Yes, they gave him a name (and instagram account @karlthefog), and yes, he is loved and important. The reason I bring him up is that if you’re planning on visiting the Golden Gate Bridge or Twin Peaks, you’re going to want to check that weather forecast because Karl, at his prime, makes these sights near invisible. On the same note, both of these areas will be extremely windy, so don’t wear any loose fitting hats and hold on real tight to your cameras and phones when taking those iconique insta-worthy pictures, because the wind (yet to be named, to my knowledge) likes to mess with unsuspecting visitors.
10. Despite being a populated metropolitan city, there are lots of great green spaces
So, yes, there are great parks like Mission Dolores Park in San Francisco, but I’m talking about less flat greet spaces, and more secluded-feeling hiking spots within the city and on the outskirts of the Bay area. My favourites include Sutro Forest, Angel Island, The Presidio and Muir Woods (if you’re able to take a drive out of the city, it’s worth it). For my favourite spots to visit for great views around San Francisco, see my Guide To The Best Views in San Francisco.
As with any destination, it’s important that you do some research before booking. San Francisco has so much to offer, and it would be a shame if you missed out, so keep these tips in mind when booking your visit to this foggy city!
Here are some other posts you might find helpful (and the ones linked throughout this post, in case you missed them):
Ultimate San Francisco Travel Guide
11 Best (And Affordable) Must-Haves For City Travel
Guide To The Best Views in San Francisco
