San Francisco is a city of iconic landmarks, colorful neighborhoods, and beautiful parks, but there are also a few things that can catch visitors off guard. Here are my top five tips to help you enjoy your visit to San Francisco like a local.
1. Bring Layers
The joke “the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco” is true. The first time I visited SF, I wore a dress in the summer but it was so foggy and windy I froze my tail off. The weather can also be different between different neighborhoods and different times of day, so always wear layers!
2. Skip Driving If You Can
Parking is expensive in the city and break-ins are common (our car even gotten broken into when we parked it in our apartment garage). Streets can also be narrow and hilly, so it’s often easier to take public transit (Muni or BART) or rideshares (Uber, Lyft, Waymo, etc.). If you do drive, make sure to keep nothing visible in the car.
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes
San Francisco is full of steep hills and scenic walks, so wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore on foot.
4. Book Alcatraz Tickets Early
Alcatraz tickets can sell out weeks in advance, so make sure to book those early for guaranteed spot.
5. Avoid Certain Neighborhoods at Night
San Francisco is generally safe, but avoid areas like the Tenderloin, Civic Center, and some parts of SoMa after dark.
Looking for things to do in San Francisco? Check out my top 5 must dos for first time visitors.