19 Top San Francisco Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & What NOT to Bring

FAQs about Travel to San Francisco

• 1. What is the weather like in San Francisco?

  In general, San Francisco’s weather is mild and fairly comfortable year-round, though the frequent fog and coastal winds make it colder than many people imagine. As in most of the U.S., December-February are the coldest months, with temperatures mostly in the 40s and 50s. It rarely snows in San Francisco, but winter is the rainiest time of year. Unlike the rest of the U.S., however, the city’s warmest month is September, though highs are still just around 72.

• 2. When is the best time of year to visit?

  Fall is usually considered the best time of year to visit San Francisco, as September and October are the warmest months and receive relatively little rain. Despite the less pleasant weather, the summer is the high season for tourism in San Francisco, so you’ll also benefit from fewer crowds in the fall. Spring is a bit cooler but also less crowded, so April and May are also good months to visit.

• 3. How can I get around San Francisco?

  Compared to other West Coast cities, San Francisco has a fairly comprehensive public transportation system – which is good news, since the cost and scarcity of parking can make driving a nightmare. The city’s train and subway system, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), has six routes and connects San Francisco with surrounding areas. There’s also a bus system, called the SF Muni, as well as the cable cars, which are a means of transportation as well as an attraction. For getting to places that are beyond public transit, Uber or Lyft will usually be easier and cheaper than a taxi.

• 4. How much does it cost to visit San Francisco?

  As one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., San Francisco isn’t the easiest place to travel on a budget, but if you’re careful, it’s possible to do it on around $80 a day. The accommodation alternatives, an abundance of free things to do, and the availability of cheap dining options can all help to keep costs down. Compared to other cities in the U.S., San Francisco has a large number of hostels, which are among the cheapest places to stay. Couchsurfing is also an option here, with local hosts offering their couches and spare rooms to travelers for free, and Airbnb (which started in San Francisco) is also usually cheaper than hotels.

  San Francisco is known for its dining scene and is home to some world-class restaurants – but there are also some good budget options. The city’s many ethnic restaurants tend to be on the cheaper side, especially in Chinatown, as do the food trucks. Eating during happy hour can also save quite a bit. Lastly, tours of Alcatraz notwithstanding, a lot of the popular things to do in San Francisco are free. Walking across Golden Gate Bridge, hanging out in the eponymous park, taking a free walking tour, and strolling around Fisherman’s Wharf won’t cost you anything.

• 5. What neighborhood should I stay in?

  San Francisco has more well-known neighborhoods than nearly any other city in the U.S. – but that makes it even harder to decide where to stay. Since this city has something for everyone, though, it just depends on what you’re looking for. SoMa is known for its foodie scene, Embarcadero has easy access to great hiking, and Union Square has a huge range of hotels and lots of free things to do. Of course, the city’s famed neighborhoods of Haight-Ashbury, the Mission, and the Castro are all great places to stay as well, depending on your style.

• 6. What are the top things to do in San Francisco?

  Among the most popular attractions in San Francisco are the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Other top spots include the 1,000-acre Golden Gate Park, the huge public food market at Ferry Building Marketplace, and Twin Peaks, which offers the best views of the city. Top museums in the city include the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Exploratorium. Of course, San Francisco’s many fascinating neighborhoods are tourist attractions in themselves, including the Mission, Haight-Ashbury, and the Castro. And don’t forget to ride a cable car!

• 7. Where can I go to get off the beaten path?

  San Francisco is home to a lot of major tourist attractions – and it gets a lot of tourists – but this city also has some amazing places to get off the beaten path. Walk along the coastline at Land’s End, hang out at Dolores Park, or climb the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. For some less-visited museums, try the Cable Car Museum, the Gregangelo Museum, or Musee Mecanique. Just strolling through one of the city’s neighborhoods can be an offbeat adventure in itself, and you never know what you might find.

• 8. What are the best day trips from San Francisco?

  The adjoining cities of Berkeley or Oakland both make for easy day trips from San Francisco, as do the vineyards of Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley. You can also go down to Half Moon Bay or Santa Cruz to surf (or just lie on the beach). Big Sur is a great place for a scenic drive, and the hiking in Lake Tahoe can’t be beaten. Muir Woods National Monument, Angel Island State Park, and Mt. Tamalpais State Park are other great places to enjoy nature.

• 9. What is the best dog park in San Francisco?

  While most people think of tech companies, the Golden Gate Bridge, mild weather, and fog, not as well known is how good the city is for dogs. In fact, dogs outnumber children in San Francisco!

  One of the best dog parks in SF is Fort Funston Beach. If you’re looking for a great park with spectacular views and ample beach time fun, this is a terrific place to explore with your pup. Some cool features of the park include ample hiking trails and even horseback riding! As always a rule of thumb is to have your best buddy covered with pet insurance should they ever get sick or injured and have to see a vet. The good news for those free-loving, free-wheeling pooches and owners alike is it doesn’t cost much compared to the potential savings you can get.

• 10. What are the top festivals in San Francisco?

  San Francisco has so many festivals, there’s almost certain to be at least one going on while you’re there. Outside Lands is one of the city’s biggest music events, though San Francisco is famous for its many jazz festivals (including Fillmore Jazz Festival, North Beach Jazz Festival, and San Francisco Jazz Festival), and there’s also Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and the San Francisco Blues Festival. The city has numerous street fairs as well, including How Weird Street Faire, the Haight-Ashbury Street Fair, the San Francisco Street Food Festival, and the Castro Street Fair. It’s probably no surprise that the city hosts a massive St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, and in December is the Christmas equivalent, SantaCon.

• 11. What vineyards should I visit from San Francisco?

  Wine-loving travelers in San Francisco will be faced with a choice: whether to visit Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley (or both!). As the country’s largest wine-growing region, Napa Valley is home to an astonishing 400 wineries covering 800 square miles. But Sonoma Valley was actually the birthplace of California’s wine industry, and now has about 100 wineries spread out over 1,600 square miles.

  Sonoma is relatively less crowded and has a more laid-back feel than Napa, and the tastings are also cheaper. But Napa offers some of the very best wines in the world, and the smaller area makes it easier to minimize driving time. Visiting both areas in one day will mean a lot of time spent in the car, so avid wine drinkers may want to plan separate trips to each.

• 12. Is San Francisco safe?

  Yes, it generally is. Especially in the touristy areas, the worst you’ll probably have to worry about is pickpockets and overly expensive cab rides. There are certain places it’s not ideal to go without a local to guide you, but for the most part, it’s not an issue! Just take standard precautions: don’t walk alone at night, don’t carry excessive cash, and try not to stand out as a tourist.