San Francisco Travel Guide
 |
A San Francisco vacation is ideal for people who are looking to spend each day doing something distinctly different from what they did the day before. A quirky place with funky charm, San Francisco offers the best of both the city and the sea. Visitors can easily spend one day (or more) on the water whale watching, taking a dinner cruise or traveling back and forth from Alcatraz—the former prison turned tourist attraction. Depending on the season you visit, you can also take in various sporting events as San Francisco is home of the Giants (baseball) and the 49ers (football). You can also take a stroll through famed Chinatown or spend some time in the Hippie community Haight-Ashbury.
Travel to and Around San Francisco: Flying into San Francisco is easy from almost anywhere as San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located just outside of the city and is serviced by multiple forms of public transportation that can take you right into the city in a matter of minutes. The BART (public metro rail system) and the Caltrain (commuter train between San Jose and San Francisco) are both viable forms of transportation to and from SFO. Once inside the city, trolleys also run to many of the main attractions and provide a festive way to travel around the city. Taxis aren’t recommended unless necessary, as they tend to be more expensive than most other options. Rental cars might not be a top choice either, since parking is at a premium in the city and the abundance of one-way streets can make getting around difficult for drivers who are unfamiliar with the area.
Discount airfare to San Francisco is available from many destinations. Cheap flights to San Francisco from LAX begin at $145 roundtrip. However, discount airfare to San Francisco from ORD and JFK is a little more expensive with roundtrip prices beginning at $409 and $495 respectively.
Peak Seasons and Ideal Travel Times: San Francisco tends to be crowded in the summers as many families find it to be an ideal vacation spot. The summer fog also tends to make San Francisco cool in the summer, and the winter is typically rainy although the exact amount of rain varies from year to year. The best times of year to visit are April and October. The weather is moderate and consistent during these months and makes walking or taking the trolley ideal options for getting around.
Things to Do in San Francisco: A San Francisco vacation can be an action packed trip whether you are in town for two days or two weeks. Many people enjoy spending time right along the water at Fisherman’s Wharf. Whether you want to pass the time at the awe inspiring Aquarium of the Bay and famed Pier 39 where the dining and shopping options are limitless, or you would prefer to visit Madame Tussauds’s Wax Museum or enjoy a clam chowder bread bowl at Boudin at the Wharf, there is plenty to do right on the water. Alcatraz is just a short ferry ride away and everyone should visit “The Rock” at least once. Guided audio tours are available or you can roam the prison grounds at your own pace.
China Town offers many shopping options along with countless restaurants that offer authentic Chinese food much like you would find in China. If you want to get a tattoo or a body piercing then Haight-Ashbury is your place. It’s also home to many funky coffee shops, and it’s not unusual to find film crews shooting scenes from upcoming movies in the streets. San Francisco is a colorful city with plenty to do at all times.
Hotels and Lodging in San Francisco: San Francisco is known for offering several luxury hotels complete with day spas. But there are also plenty of budget hotel options. Families might find it more economical to opt for a vacation rental for their San Francisco vacation, especially if they plan to stay more than a few days. Couples might prefer to stay in a boutique hotel or opt for a bed and breakfast right in the heart of the city. And those on road trips will find that San Francisco also offers multiple RV friendly campsites. A San Francisco vacation is easily customizable so you can make sure you get what you want out of the experience.