Book the best 5 Star Luxury Hotels in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. From its iconic Golden Gate Bridge to its vibrant nightlife, it offers something for everyone. So whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled weekend, this city is the perfect destination. With its unique culture, stunning views, and world-class attractions, it's no wonder why people flock to San Francisco. To help you make the most out of your trip, here is our ultimate San Francisco travel guide. So get ready to explore the city by the bay!

History 

San Francisco is a major city in California. It is also one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It is situated midway up California's Pacific coast. This city sits on 40 small hills that surround San Francisco Bay. Different incomes and origins can lead to other neighborhoods. Many wealthy people live in old Victorian homes that overlook the bay. Families of immigrants like Germans, Russians, and Japanese also live here.

San Francisco is also blessed with a mild climate. Even September, the hottest month, sees temperatures stay below 22°C. In winter, they rarely dip below freezing point. As a result, mornings can often be foggy. However, afternoons are usually clear.

The city was established in 1776 by the Spanish, who set up a Franciscan Mission there. Later, it was named after Francis de Assisi. After gold was discovered in California in the late 1840s, thousands of miners moved to the area. San Francisco soon became a bustling community. However, a powerful earthquake destroyed the city on April 18, 1906. Because most homes were built of wood, a fire broke out. The fire department took three days to put it out. A lot of people died. But it took only a few days to rebuild the city.

San Francisco was a major shipbuilding center during World War II. They handled many cargoes by the port. Shipbuilding moved to other areas along California's coast as the years passed. 1989 also saw another major earthquake in the city. San Francisco is today a major financial and trade center. It produces electronic goods, clothing, and food products which are grown in the nearby region.

Best Time to Visit 

You can visit San Francisco throughout the year because of its moderate climate. Its warmest months are June through October. However, there is also a high season in July/August, so you should visit the city in May, June, and September. Moreover, autumn is usually quieter than spring or summer, but temperatures remain in the 70s.

Places to Go and Things to Do  

These are some of the best things to do and places to visit in San Francisco. 

Golden Gate Bridge 

The bridge that is most photographed around the globe (and with good reason). Since 1937, the 746-foot tower orange of the Golden Gate Bridge has been guarding San Francisco Bay. Moreover, the bridge still impresses even in bad weather. It is a stunning view when you cross this bridge, with the beautiful blue sky below, nature and cityscapes to one side, and the ocean to the other. But, prepare to wear extra layers when you visit the Golden Gate.

Chinatown 

Nearly all San Francisco city tours include a visit to Chinatown. For more history, visit the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum or Portsmouth Square. Or, you can book a Segway walking tour of Chinatown to understand better the neighborhood's food, culture, and history. An area stop often includes a visit to North Beach. Chinatown food tours are also trendy.

Golden Gate Park 

This park sits located between the Sunset and Richmond districts. It covers approximately 50 blocks of San Francisco. You can stop by the de Young Museum or the California Academy of Sciences at the Music Concourse. Or, you can visit the Conservatory of Flowers, the Botanical Garden, and the Shakespeare Garden.

Further west, the park has more trails, a nine-hole golf course, and meadows that hold annual music festivals. You will also find Windmills here. The best ways to explore are by bike rental or park Segway tours.

Pier 39 

You can also shop and eat at Pier 39's popular restaurants. Children love the glassed-in San Francisco Carousel and Musical Stairs. Pier 39 is also a popular starting point for boat tours to Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. Bay cruises can focus on any one or more of these attractions. Some even go as far as the Farallon Islands to search for whales.

A typical San Francisco city tour includes visiting Pier 39's historic waterfront. You can also hop on, hop off on a double-decker bus tour and see the arcades, restaurants, and shops in your own time.

North Beach 

Because of its closeness to major attractions such as Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Coit Tower, North Beach is often included in sightseeing tours. However, a more in-depth experience will give you a better understanding of the area. For example, you might choose a food tour to sample your favorite foods or a nighttime tour to see the vibrant bar and club scene. A history tour will also tell you about Jack Kerouac, the Beat Generation, and others.

Union Square 

Many sightseeing tours include hop-on, hop-off bus tours and walking tours. There are also many options for shopping at Union Square, such as guided tours or individual shopping. Bloomingdale's Nordstrom, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton are all nearby. You can also visit the square's center for cafes. Union Square is also a great place to meet up and stay. Close by, you also find the Museum of Modern Art. 

Culture and Customs 

San Francisco is one of the most progressive American cities. There are historical ties to the gay rights movement and the hippie movement. This city is also one of the most diverse in America, with distinctive Hispanic and Chinese traditions represented in numerous festivals.

San Francisco also prides itself in its environmental sustainability efforts. For example, every resident must compost, and the Bay Area remains home to many nonprofit ecological groups. San Franciscans are also passionate about the outdoors. The parks make the city an ideal city for adventure travelers.

What to Eat

These are some of the must-try foods and treats.

Xiao long bao 

The xiao long bao is a Chinese soup dumpling. These steaming hot dumplings come in bamboo baskets and are cooked in an oven. However, Yank Sing, the Embarcadero's resident chef, is the only one who can get these delicately-skinned delights perfectly cooked. You can't make it to Shanghai without trying this dim sum dish.

Sticky Chewy Chocolate Ice Cream 

San Francisco is rapidly becoming one of the world's most popular ice cream cities. Swensen's Ice Cream, which is famous for its sticky chocolate ice cream, is reviving the tradition. This rich and delicious treat is a must-try.

Swedish pancakes 

Swedish pancakes are also a favorite breakfast dish in this city. They're delicious and fluffy. Sears Fine Food is a San Francisco restaurant that serves it for breakfast.

Indian Curry 

This city is one of the best places to eat Indian food in America. You will also find many Indian restaurants throughout the city with various cuisines. Creamy curry is a popular Indian dish to heat you and fill your stomach. You can also make a perfect cold-weather meal with white rice and chai.

Burritos 

Mission district in San Francisco is famous for its Mexican food and burritos. You'll come across groups of people at scenic spots such as Bernal Heights or Dolores Park (pictured) with takeout burritos on hand.

El Pastor and carnitas burritos rank high among city residents, but beans, rice, cheese, and other ingredients are also popular. As a result, these burritos rank highly as the top food choices in San Francisco.

Russian Pierogies 

You have the chance to try Russian food on your vacation! San Francisco is home to a large Russian community. As a result, there are numerous Russian restaurants, cafes, and markets all over the city.

Pierogies are a favorite Russian dish and one of the top foods to try here. They are small dumplings stuffed with meat, cheese, or potatoes. Some people also enjoy them with sour cream. Pushkin is also a favorite among many. 

Seaside Oysters 

San Francisco is known for having some of the finest oysters in America. This city is also home to the most delicious, creamy, and salty seafood favorites. Although oysters are available all over the city, some favorite spots for oysters are Fisherman's Wharf in the Financial District. The Olympia oyster is San Francisco's only native oyster. However, you will find oysters of all types throughout the city by the bay.

Where to Stay 

These are some calm areas to stay in San Francisco hotels. Many boutique hotels in SF also offer afternoon tea service and world-class luxury service. 

SoMa 

SoMa means "South of Market," meaning the area below Market Street. It runs from the Embarcadero to the northeast and the Mission to the southwest. Once home to factories and warehouses, it is now a neighborhood of condos and skyscrapers. It is also home to the Salesforce Transit Center, Cesar Pielli's Salesforce Tower, and other attractions.

Visitors will find the city's best restaurants (such as Benu) and a collection of museums near Yerba Buena Gardens. A few museums are also within walking distance. This is where the Mexican Museum will open. A brand new Mexican Museum will also be opening here.

Fisherman's Wharf 

This touristy area of San Francisco is great for families. You'll find sea lions relaxing on the piers and many themed stores and restaurants. There are also plenty of attractions. Moreover, San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park oversees historic boats on Hyde Street Pier. In addition, the WWII submarine USS Pampanito serves as a museum.

The Boudin Bakery Museum teaches you about sourdough, while Ghirardelli Square sells chocolate. You can also get fresh seafood from the Taylor Street crab shacks. Here, you can also find boat trips to the harbor and the ferry from Alcatraz.

Berkeley 

Berkeley is north of Oakland. It is just across the harbor from San Francisco. This campus of the University of California Berkeley dominates Berkeley. The campus' tree-lined paths are pleasant to stroll along. Also, Telegraph Avenue is close by. It is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and stores. You will also find the Berkeley Natural History Museums just outside the campus.

Haight-Ashbury 

Haight-Ashbury is two miles west of Downtown. It is known as "Upper Haight," or simply "the Haight," and was the ground zero of the 1960s hippie movement. In 1967, the vast "Human Be-in," held near Golden Gate Park, took place there. Soon after, the "Summer of Love" took place here. Haight Street is also a popular place to shop and a great place to walk. It offers vintage fashion and hippie-themed souvenirs. 

Presidio & Richmond 

The Presidio is in the northwest corner of San Francisco and dominates the area. It was once a military base and has been transformed into a park. Its red-brick former army buildings are now home to the Walt Disney Family Museum and Society of California Pioneers Museum. Moreover, Richmond is to the north. It is a residential neighborhood known for its diverse cuisine, especially Asian food. Lincoln Park dominates Richmond's western end.

Oakland 

Oakland was once one of the biggest ports in the country. However, blue-collar Oakland has seen its waterfront transformed into Jack London Square over the past decade. Heinhold's First- and Last Chance Saloon is located at the eastern tip. This saloon was established in 1883 and was a favorite watering hole for Jack London. Downtown Oakland is a tranquil place to stay. It also has the Oakland Museum of California. This museum features exhibits on California history and ecology.

How to Get Around 

Public transportation and walking are the best ways of getting around the city. Many of the most popular attractions are located within a short distance from the city center. The Muni transportation system operates streetcar lines and buses, so you don't need to have your vehicle. Muni also runs cable cars and bus tours that provide a fun but slower way to explore the city. You can also take a taxi.

How to Stay Safe 

Like any major city, San Francisco has its fair share of rough spots. Due to the city's progressive reputation and lax drug laws, many homeless have flocked to San Francisco's common tourist areas. While violent crime against tourists is not common, out-of-towners can become theft victims. Therefore, keep your belongings secure when you ride on public transportation. Also, avoid walking alone at night. Don't take large sums of money with you when you travel. Furthermore, avoid Tenderloin or SoMa areas at night. They are both known for having high levels of crime.