Explore San Francisco Like a Local: Best Tips and Spots

Planning a trip to San Francisco? Discover top sights, best neighborhoods, day trips and travel tip in this local’s guide to the Bay Area.

San Francisco is one of those cities that draws in travelers in with its diversity and unique charm. Its iconic Victorian homes and bridges stretching across the bay make frequent appearance in movies and TV shows, and for a good reason.

They say that our of all American cities, San Francisco is the most open-minded and maybe even the most European. And that definitely checks out. The city has a ton of different sides to it; a vibrant downtown, a gorgeous bay and surprisingly, a whole bunch of nature trails tucked all around.

In terms of size, San Francisco is the fourth largests city in California. It is home to about 800,000 people but if you count the surrounding areas, at the San Francisco Bay Area, you are looking at a population of around 7.5 million. And that is where we fall too.

We have loved in the Bay Area for over ten year now, so we have gotten to know the city and its surroundings pretty well. So here it is, our local’s guide to San Francisco; what is worth seeing, what you can probably skip and all the delicious things you should try while you are there.

San Francisco and the Bay Area

A trip to San Francisco can easily be so much more than just exploring the downtown area. The greater San Francisco Bay Area which is surrounding the is packed with other major cities and endless things to see and do.

Locals often refer to different parts of the Bay Area based on direction: there’s the North Bay, East Bay and South Bay, depending on which side of the bay you are on. San Francisco itself, along with the cities just south of it, make up what is called the Peninsula, the strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay.

There is a lot to discover beyond just the city center and exploring a bit further can give you a totally different vibe of the region.

If the prices in downtown San Francisco make your eyes water, there are a lot of great alternatives! Look for accommodations in places with a direct train connection into the city, like South San Francisco or Daly City. It is an easy way to save money and you can still explore everything that San Francisco has to offer.

Of course, you can also drive into the city but keep in mind that parking fees add up quickly, often even more than several train tickets would cost. If you are bringing a car, you might want to check out places like the beach town of Pacifica, the university town; Berkeley, or Alameda, a charming island city with a beach.

Oakland is the largest city in the East Beay and while it does have many great things such as amazing restaurants, theaters and hiking trails, it is also known for ongoing crime issues. I personally wouldn’t recommend it for first time visitors.

If you choose to stay in Oakland, just be sure research the neighborhoods carefully and confirm that your has secure parking.

If you love wine tasting then head over to the East Bay’s Livermore Wine Country. It is much more affordable alternative to the famous Napa Valley. Another great spot for the wine lovers is Sonoma which also sits within the greater San Francisco Bay Area and has a charming, relaxed feel.

Heading south, the South Bay is home to cities like San Jose and Palo Alto. San Jose is actually much larger in area than San Francisco but it doesn’t have quite the same big-city feeling. One of the funnest attraction there is the Winchester Mystery House. It is perfect if you are into quirky architecture or spooky stories.

Palo Alto on the other hand, is the heart of Silicon Valley and one of the most expensive places to live in the entire country. If tech is your thing, this is the place to start expolring! Visit some of the famous tech campuses or even swing by Steve Job’s old house.

Silicon Valley generally includes the South Bay and parts of the East Bay, and it is also home to the prestigious Stanford University. In Palo Alto, be sure to check out the restaurants along California Street and University Avenue. There are plenty of great options for foodies.

San Francisco neighborhoods

Locals simply call it “the city” or “San Francisco.” If you hear someone say “Frisco” or “SF,” chances are they’re a tourist as those nicknames usually get a bit of an eye-roll from the locals.

“SFO” is actually the code for San Francisco’s airport, although some people mistakenly use it to refer to the city itself.

Like any big city, San Francisco has both charming and less charming neighborhoods. While it’s generally a pretty safe city for travelers, it’s always smart to stay alert, especially in crowded areas like metro stations.

And remember that old saying, “opportunity makes the thief”? Unfortunately, it applies here too. Car break-ins have become increasingly common in recent years. Never leave anything visible in your car, especially bags or valuables. Parking lots near major attractions are prime spots for thieves.

We’ve listed all the top sights to see in San Francisco here.

And here’s a quick guide to the city’s most known neighborhoods:

Union Square

Union Square is San Francisco’s true downtown, centered around Market Street. It’s where you’ll find big department stores, popular shops, and cute cafés. Most luxury designer stores are also based in this area.

During the holidays, Union Square hosts a giant Christmas tree and a pop-up ice skating rink. There are also events happening throughout the year.

If we’re planning a fun night out with friends and staying overnight in the city, this is where we usually book a hotel. Our go-to is the San Francisco Marriott Marquis. It is also great for families.

From Market Street, you can easily hop on BART trains or the metro, which will take you across the Bay Area. The famous cable cars also start here, making it a great starting point for exploring the rest of the city.

Nob Hill

Nob Hill is a classy neighborhood located high on a hill with beautiful views of the city. It’s also a great area to stay in, with several upscale hotels.

One of the highlights is the rooftop bar at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins hotel; Top of the Mark. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth a visit for sunset cocktails.

During the holidays, stop by the Fairmont Hotel across the street to see their life-size gingerbread house; yes, you can actually walk inside it! Fairmont San Francisco is a fabulous option for anyone looking for a little luxury.

Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest outside of Asia and is definitely worth a visit.

It’s a fun place to wander around, do a little shopping, or grab a delicious meal. There are tons of great restaurants and quirky little stores.

If you’re in town during Chinese New Year, the Chinatown parade is a must-see. You can even visit a fortune cookie factory while you’re there. Did you know, that fortune cookies were actually invented in the U.S., not China!

Tenderloin & Mission District

I personally avoid walking around the Tenderloin and Mission District alone at night. The Tenderloin in particular has a visible homeless population and a reputation for higher crime.

That said, the Mission District has amazing street art and some great restaurants and clubs. It’s the heart of the city’s Latinx community and home to the popular Dolores Park which is perfect for a picnic on a sunny day.

Just be aware that after dark, it’s best to get around this area by taxi or rideshare, rather than on foot.

Presidio of San Francisco

The Presidio is a dream for nature lovers. It’s full of beautiful green spaces, historic buildings, incredible views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The big lawn in front of the Walt Disney Family Museum is a favorite local picnic spot and often hosts fun events. The entire area is part of the National Park System.

You can take a scenic walk along Lover’s Lane or hike all the way to the beach under the Golden Gate Bridge.

Embarcadero & Fisherman’s Wharf

Both Embarcadero and Fisherman’s Wharf sit right on the waterfront and are packed with iconic sights like Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and a cable car terminal.

The Embarcadero is lined with piers and walking paths, while Fisherman’s Wharf has everything from seafood stands to boat tours. There are plenty of restaurants here too, though most have a bit of a tourist markup.

Alcatraz Island tours leave from Pier 33, and tickets sell out fast, so book early if you want to go.

Another must-see is the Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street. It’s a food hall packed with local vendors and great eats.

Castro District

Castro is a colorful and welcoming neighborhood known for its rich LGBTQ+ history. Everyone is accepted here, no judgment, just good vibes.

That said, if you’re visiting with kids, just know the area has a number of adult-themed shops and clubs.

Flying into San Francisco

Getting to San Francisco is easy thanks to three international airports nearby. You can fly into San Francisco International (SFO), San Jose Mineta (SJC), or Oakland International (OAK).

When flying from abroad we usually prefer layovers in Europe rather than in the U.S., since it simplifies the customs process for checked bags.

For domestic flights, check American Airlines, United Airlines, or Southwest. Southwest doesn’t show up on most flight search engines, so check their site directly, they’re often the cheapest option.

There are also a few budget airlines in the U.S., but we haven’t had great experiences. I once flew Frontier for a short trip, and it wasn’t great. We’ve steered clear of Spirit Airlines entirely.

Best time to visit San Francisco and what to wear

The San Francisco Bay Area is a unique place when it comes to weather; it can vary drastically from one neighborhood to another, and it changes fast. Thanks to the mountains and ocean, most of California operates on its own little microclimates.

You can be driving for just ten minutes and the temperature might swing by 50 Farenheits (10C). That’s why layering is key here. We usually worn our guests that even if it’s hot and sunny at our house, you should always pack a hoodie or light jacket for day trips.

San Francisco, especially, is known for its chilly wind and surprise fog that rolls in out of nowhere. The fog has become so famous it even has a name, Karl the Fog!

And even though it’s California, the Pacific Ocean is cold! Most people only swim during the hottest summer months. If you’re in the mood for a beach day, the best spots along the Pacific Coast Highway in places like Santa Cruz, Capitola, and Half Moon Bay.

My personal favorite season in California is fall. The weather is still warm (but not too hot), and everything is covered in the beautiful colors of harvest season. If you’re visiting in the fall, definitely stop by one of the Bay Area’s pumpkin patches or check out the famous Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival.

In winter, usually December through February, it can get quite rainy, depending on the year. Nights and evenings are cool, and we occasionally dip just below freezing for a few nights. During holiday season make sure to check out the best lights and decorations in the area.

Spring is another great time to visit. While tourists are already wearing t-shirts, locals are still bundled up in winter coats and beanies. Spring is when the flowers bloom in full force across the state and the national parks really start to shine.

Summers used to be ideal for travel, but in recent years, wildfires have become a serious concern. Even if the fires aren’t nearby, smoke can drift far with the wind. Fire season typically runs through October. That said, the weather itself is usually lovely in summer.

As for how to dress California style is very casual, especially compared to most U.S. states or Europe. Even for work, unless you’re in a more formal industry like banking, “California casual” is the norm. That usually means jeans and a nice (often short-sleeved) shirt instead of a full suit.

The streets of San Francisco are a happy mix of every style you can think of. You might see someone in shorts, a puffer jacket, and Ugg boots because it was cold that morning, and yes, moms dropping off their kids in pajama pants is totally a thing.

Here, anything goes. No one stares, and everyone just does their own thing!

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A little while ago, we were driving back home from San Francisco late at night after a concert. I looked out at the city lights sparkling in the darkness and the tall buildings reaching into the sky, and once again, I thought; wow, San Francisco really is something special.

Sure, it has its share of problems. But it’s still such a magical place. If you ever get the chance, San Francisco is absolutely worth visiting!