San Francisco On a Budget
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
San Francisco's climate is notoriously cool and foggy. The winters are damp while the summers are dryer but surprisingly chilly. Throughout the course of one day you can expect a variety of weather changes. Summer mornings often start with fog. Afternoons are warmer, but the chill and fog return again by the late afternoon. Winter is the rainy season, but temperatures are milder and sunny days may even have a warmer temperature than during the summer. Fall is a great time to visit because the fog is not a frequent and the rains have not yet arrived. San Francisco also has many microclimates that are created by the city's hills and coastal setting. It is not uncommon for one neighborhood to be experiencing dramatically different weather than another.
Be warned, summer days in San Francisco can get cold! (May to September) Pants and a light jacket are often required. While it doesn't actually rain very much, the fog affects the weather and brings in cold air from the sea, and you will get cold whether you believe it or not. The locals will be dressed for it, but you'll be chilly!
Sights
Sights throughout San Francisco are plentiful. Some of the most famous places to visit in the city include the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, Coit Tower, the Transamerica Pyramid, the Piers along the water, and Lombard Street. In fact, all of these places are also fun things to do in San Francisco with kids, too.The Painted Ladies are a famous and beautiful series of Victorian Row houses made popular by the San Francisco based sitcom, Full House. You can see them at Alamo Square along with a nice view of the city's skyline.
Furthermore, visitors can find plenty of hidden gems in San Francisco that can be found in local neighborhoods, and they make nice spots for picnics, a walk, shopping, or history buffs.
Some of the best parks in the city include Golden Gate Park, Lincoln Park, Mission Dolores Park, Baker Beach and China Beach. Several of the parks are also great spots for hikes in San Francisco where you can see amazing views over the ocean and of the skyline from a distance.
Neighborhoods
San Francisco is a city of neighborhoods. Each has its own character and personality.Union Square and the Financial Districts are notable with tourists as this is where you'll find many hotels, shopping areas, and some entertainment. Fisherman's Wharf is also a popular area with tourists. It sits on the waterfront and has many famous sights such as Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square. Nob Hill is a notoriously upscale neighborhood, and from the top of the hill you can get great views of the bay and the financial district. Haight Ashbury is the crux of the "hippie" movement, although today it is little more than a tourist attraction along as well as a nice spot to grab some food and drinks. Golden Gate Park is also a wonderful place to explore, and Chinatown is a fun place to walk around and try dim sum dumplings.
Other neighborhoods that tourists frequent include North Beach, Castro, and Twin Peaks.
Activities
San Francisco is a large and vibrant city. It has no shortage of activities and events. There are boat tours of the bay, as well as concerts, shows and festivals throughout the year. For more information, read this article for a listing of some terrific and budget-friendly tours in San Francisco.Popular festivals include the Haight Ashbury Street Fair, Chinese New Year, San Francisco Blues Festival, the International Film Festival and Bay to Breakers. With plenty of fun and unusual activities to do in San Francisco, you'll quickly learn why this city on the bay has earned its quirky reputation.
With so many things to do, it's really suggested that you spend at least a few days here. In fact, a 3-day itinerary of San Francisco is recommended so that you can see most of it.
Food and Dining
Food in San Francisco is wonderful, and you'll have any number of international options throughout the city. There is no shortage of Asian restaurants. Specifically, Thai, Chinese, and Japanese are quite abundant. If you're looking for some great meals at a reasonable price then avoid eating in the Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf neighborhoods. These restaurants are overpriced and cater almost exclusively to tourists. Instead, head into some residential neighborhoods and you'll find some wonderful local restaurant options. If you're looking for good Mexican food, go to the Mission neighborhood which has some wonderful taquerias.Transportation
San Francisco is a compact city so walking around is very appealing. Many people are surprised at the steepness of the hills, so if you hope to cover any significant distance, plan your routes around hills wisely.Public transportation is readily available in San Francisco, although it can be somewhat inefficient and frustrating. The system tends to be overcrowded, particularly if you're traveling during peak hours. There are several different modes of transport including the subway, streetcars, buses, trolley buses and cable cars. The Muni system includes the Metro subway, the buses, trolley buses and cable cars. The BART and Caltrain systems are regional and are not included in the Muni System.
Taxis in the city can be expensive and inefficient. In general, it is best to plan your day around public transit. This will save you both time and money. Driving is also not recommended. Traffic can be frustrating and parking is expensive and difficult to find. There is really no reason to have a car in the city.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.