San Francisco, California
Seven square miles of hills, fog and reinvention
San Francisco has been a gold-rush port, a bohemian refuge, the capital of the counterculture and the engine room of the internet — always on the same forty-seven square miles at the tip of a peninsula.
A Spanish mission and a fort in 1776, a village of a few hundred in 1847, and then the gold rush: by 1850 it was a city of 25,000 and the port of the American West. The 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed most of it, and the rebuilt city — the Victorian houses that survived, the downtown that did not — is the one you see. The Golden Gate and Bay bridges came in the 1930s, the Beats to North Beach in the 1950s, the hippies to the Haight in 1967, the gay community to the Castro in the 1970s, and the tech industry, in waves, from the 1990s on.
It is a small city, and that is its charm and its problem. The peninsula holds about 800,000 people in neighbourhoods separated by hills steep enough to have their own microclimates — the Mission can be sunny while the Sunset is fogged in, which is why locals carry a layer in August. The walkable core runs from the Ferry Building through downtown, Chinatown and North Beach to the waterfront; the Mission, the Castro and the Haight are a bus or a bike away; and the ocean side, the Richmond and the Sunset, is the quieter, foggier, more residential half that tourists rarely see.
The last decade has been hard on the place in ways that are honestly reported and often exaggerated. The tech boom made it the most expensive city in the country and pushed out much of what made it interesting; the pandemic emptied downtown, and the homelessness and open drug use in the Tenderloin and around Civic Center are real and confronting. But the neighbourhoods are as alive as ever, the food — from the Mission's taquerias to Chinatown's dim sum to the farm-to-table restaurants that invented the genre — is superb, and the natural setting remains the most beautiful of any American city.
Living here is a bargain only in the sense that nothing else offers the same combination: a genuinely urban, walkable, transit-served city with the Pacific at the end of the street and Marin's headlands, Napa's vineyards and the Sierra a drive away. The fog is real, the summer is cold, the rents are savage, and the city is in the middle of deciding what it wants to be next. It has done this before.
Where People Live
North Beach & Chinatown
Side by side below Telegraph Hill: the Italian cafés and Beat bookshops of North Beach, and the oldest and densest Chinatown in America, with the dim sum to prove it.
The Mission
The Latino heart of the city and its best eating — the taquerias, Dolores Park, the murals of Balmy and Clarion alleys, Valencia Street's shops and bars. Sunny when the rest is fogged.
The Castro
The gay capital of the world, with the Castro Theatre, the rainbow crossings and a genuinely neighbourly main street. Twin Peaks' view is a walk uphill.
Haight-Ashbury & Golden Gate Park
The 1967 corner, now vintage shops and Victorians, and the park beyond — the de Young, the Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the bison, all the way to the ocean.
Hayes Valley & Civic Center
The opera, the symphony and City Hall's dome; Hayes Valley's boutiques and restaurants rebuilt where a freeway once stood. Beside the Tenderloin, which is the city's hardest edge.
The Marina, Presidio & Golden Gate
The waterfront walk from Fisherman's Wharf past Crissy Field to the bridge, and the Presidio's forest, museums and views. Where the postcards are taken.
Richmond & Sunset
The western, residential, foggy half — Clement Street's Asian restaurants, Ocean Beach, Lands End's trail. Where San Franciscans live and where rents are almost survivable.
Must-see attractions
Alcatraz Island
Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, San Francisco, California · nps.gov
Lake Merced Park
Skyline Blvd & Harding Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132 · sfparksalliance.org
California Golf Club of San Francisco
844 W Orange Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080 · calclub.org
Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point Street, San Francisco, CA · ghirardellisq.com
Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA 94129 · goldengatebridgestore.org
The Painted Ladies
Steiner St &, Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94117 · sftravel.com
Cataract Falls Trail
Cataract Trail, Stinson Beach, CA 94970 · alltrails.com
Where to stay
HI San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf
hostel · Funston Road · sfhostels.org
The Fairmont San Francisco Hotel
hotel · 950 Mason Street, San Francisco, 94108 · fairmont.com
The St. Regis San Francisco
hotel · wi-fi · 125 3rd Street, San Francisco, 94103 · marriott.com
Four Seasons
hotel · non-smoking · 757 Market Street, San Francisco, 94103 · fourseasons.com
InterContinental Mark Hopkins
hotel · step-free access · 999 California Street, San Francisco, 94108 · ihg.com
Intercontinental San Francisco
hotel · wi-fi · 888 Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103 · intercontinentalsanfrancisco.com
Grand Hyatt San Francisco
hotel · 345 Stockton Street, San Francisco, 94108 · sanfrancisco.grand.hyatt.com
The Ritz-Carlton
hotel · 600 Stockton Street, San Francisco, 94108 · ritzcarlton.com
JW Marriott
hotel · 515 Mason Street, San Francisco, 94102
Taj Campton Place Hotel
hotel · 340 Stockton Street
Hilton
hotel · 333 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, 94102 · www3.hilton.com
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
hotel · 750 Kearny Street, San Francisco, 94108 · www3.hilton.com
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
hotel · 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, 94111 · sanfrancisco.regency.hyatt.com
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
hotel · wi-fi · 780 Mission Street, San Francisco, 94103 · marriott.com
W San Francisco
hotel · step-free access · 181 3rd Street, San Francisco, 94103 · marriott.com
The Huntington Hotel
hotel · step-free access · 1075 California Street, San Francisco, 94108 · thehuntingtonhotel.com
The Westin St. Francis
hotel · air conditioning · 335 Powell Street, San Francisco, 94102 · marriott.com
Stanford Court San Francisco Hotel
hotel · 901;905 California Street · stanfordcourt.com
The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco
hotel · wi-fi · 495 Geary Street, San Francisco, 94102 · sonesta.com
San Francisco Proper Hotel
hotel · step-free access · 1100 Market Street · properhotel.com
Hotel Emblem San Francisco
hotel · wi-fi · 562 Sutter Street, San Francisco, 94102 · viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
hotel · wi-fi · 250 Beach Street, San Francisco, 94133 · hotelzephyrsf.com
Hotel Griffon
hotel · step-free access · 155 Steuart Street, San Francisco, 94105 · hotelgriffon.com
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman´s Wharf
hotel · wi-fi · 2500 Mason Street, San Francisco, 94133 · riu.com
Marriott Vacation Club
hotel · 2620 Jones Street · marriott.com
Inn at the Presidio
hotel · 42 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco, 94129 · presidiolodging.com
Luz Hotel
hotel · 725 Geary Street · luzhotelsf.com
San Francisco Marriott Union Square
hotel · step-free access · 480 Sutter Street, San Francisco, 94108 · marriott.com
Hotel Carlton
hotel · wi-fi · 1075 Sutter Street, San Francisco, 94109 · jdvhotels.com
Hotel G
hotel · step-free access · 386 Geary Street, San Francisco, 94102 · hotelgsanfrancisco.com
Hotel Triton
hotel · step-free access · 342 Grant Avenue, San Francisco, 94108 · hoteltriton.com
Hotel Zetta San Francisco
hotel · wi-fi · 55 5th Street, San Francisco, 94103 · zhotelssf.com
Music City
hotel · wi-fi · 1353;1355 Bush Street · musiccitysf.org
Omni San Francisco Hotel
hotel · step-free access · 500 California Street, San Francisco, 94104 · omnihotels.com
Orchard Garden Hotel
hotel · step-free access · 466 Bush Street, San Francisco, 94108 · theorchardgardenhotel.com
Orchard Hotel
hotel · non-smoking · 665 Bush Street, San Francisco, 94108 · theorchardhotel.com
Found
hostel · step-free access · 140 Mason Street, 94102 · foundhotels.com
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport North
hotel · step-free access · 5000 Sierra Point Parkway, Brisbane, 94005 · hilton.com
Super 8
motel · 415 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, 94102 · wyndhamhotels.com
Gaylord Suites
hotel · 620 Jones Street
Hotel Adagio
hotel · 550 Geary Street, San Francisco, 94102 · marriott.com
San Francisco Marriott Fisherman's Wharf
hotel · 1250 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 94133 · marriott.com
Argonaut Hotel
hotel · 495 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, 94109 · argonauthotel.com
Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa
hotel · 801 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 94965 · casamadrona.com
Cavallo Point - the Lodge at the Golden Gate
hotel · 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, 94965 · cavallopoint.com
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
hotel · 222 Mason Street, San Francisco, 94102 · hotelnikkosf.com
Hotel Diva
hotel · 436;438;440;442 Geary Street
The Touchstone Hotel
hotel · 480 Geary Street · thetouchstone.com
White Swan Inn
hotel · 845 Bush Street · whiteswaninnsf.com
Hotel Majestic
hotel · 1500 Sutter Street, 94109 · thehotelmajestic.com
Queen Anne Hotel
hotel · 1590 Sutter Street, San Francisco, 94109 · queenanne.com
AC Hotel
hotel · wi-fi · 1333 Veterans Boulevard · marriott.com
Hotel Union Square
hotel · step-free access
The Donatello
hotel · 501 Post Street, San Francisco, 94102
Hyatt Place San Francisco/Downtown
hotel · wi-fi · 701 3rd Street, San Francisco, 94107 · hyatt.com
Sonesta Select San Francisco Airport Oyster Point Waterfront
hotel · wi-fi · 1300 Veterans Boulevard, South San Francisco, 94080 · sonesta.com
The Jay, Autograph Collection
hotel · wi-fi · 433 Clay Street, San Francisco, 94111 · marriott.com
The Line
hotel · wi-fi
Beacon Grand
hotel · 450 Powell Street, San Francisco, 94102
Galleria Park Hotel
hotel · 191 Sutter Street, San Francisco, 94104
Hotel Des Arts
hotel · 447 Bush Street, San Francisco, 94108
Hotel VIA
hotel · 138 King Street, San Francisco, 94107
Hotel Zoe
hotel · 425 North Point Street, 94133
Hotel Julian
hotel · step-free access · 940 Sutter Street, San Francisco, 94109 · hoteljuliansf.com
Palace Hotel
hotel · 2 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco
BEI Hotel San Francisco
hotel · wi-fi · 50 8th Street, San Francisco, 94103 · beihotelsf.com
Chancellor Hotel
hotel · 433 Powell Street, San Francisco, 94102 · chancellorhotel.com
Courtyard San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf
hotel · wi-fi · 580 Beach Street, San Francisco, 94133 · marriott.com
Hampton
hotel · wi-fi · 2700 Junipero Serra Boulevard, Daly City, 94015 · hilton.com
Handlery Union Square Hotel
hotel · wi-fi · 351 Geary Street, San Francisco, 94102 · sf.handlery.com
Hotel Abri
hotel · wi-fi · 127 Ellis Street, San Francisco, 94102 · hotelabrisf.com
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
hotel · wi-fi · 1300 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 94133 · hotelcaza.com
Hotel Zelos San Francisco
hotel · wi-fi · 12 4th Street, San Francisco, 94103 · hotelzelos.com
Lodge at the Presidio
hotel · 105 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, 94129 · presidiolodging.com
The Bartlett Hotel and Guesthouse
hotel · 238;240;242 O'Farrell Street
The Marker Union Square San Francisco
hotel · wi-fi · 501 Geary Street, San Francisco, 94102 · themarkersanfrancisco.com
The Pickwick Hotel
hotel · non-smoking · 85 5th Street, San Francisco, 94103 · pickwickhotel.com
Aida Hotel
hotel · 1083;1087 Market Street
Canopy by Hilton San Francisco SoMa
hotel · 250 4th Street, 94103 · hilton.com
Comfort Inn By the Bay
hotel · 2775 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, 94109-1497 · choicehotels.com
Courtyard
hotel · 1050 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, 94109 · marriott.com
Courtyard San Francisco Union Square
hotel · 761 Post Street, San Francisco, 94109 · marriott.com
Days Inn by Wyndham San Francisco S/Oyster Point Airport
hotel · 1113 Airport Boulevard, South San Francisco, 94080 · wyndhamhotels.com
Alkain Hotel
hotel · 948 Mission Street, San Francisco, 94103
Holiday Inn Express
hotel · 235 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, 94102 · ihg.com
Ramada Limited San Francisco Airport North
hotel · 721 Airport Boulevard, South San Francisco, 94080 · wyndhamhotels.com
The Clancy, Autograph Collection
hotel · 299 2nd Street, San Francisco, 94105 · marriott.com
Travelodge by Fishermans Wharf
hotel · 1201 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 94133 · wyndhamhotels.com
Club Quarters Hotel, San Francisco, Embarcadero
hotel · wi-fi · 424 Clay Street, San Francisco, 94111 · clubquarters.com
COVA Hotel
hotel · non-smoking · 655 Ellis Street, San Francisco, 94109 · covahotel.com
Executive Hotel Vintage Court
hotel · non-smoking · 650 Bush Street, San Francisco, 94108 · reservations.com
Hotel 32one
hotel · step-free access · 321;323 Grant Avenue · hotel32one.com
Hotel Kabuki
hotel · wi-fi · 1625 Post Street, San Francisco, 94115 · jdvhotels.com
Inn at Gough
hotel · wi-fi · 135 Gough Street, San Francisco, 94102 · innatgough.com
Nob Hill Inn
hotel · non-smoking · 1000 Pine Street, San Francisco, 94108 · nobhillinn.com
Worth Hotel
hotel · 639;641;643 Post Street, San Francisco
The Mosser
hotel · wi-fi · 54 4th Street, 94103 · themosser.com
Sonesta ES Suites
hotel · 1350 Veterans Boulevard, South San Francisco, 94080 · sonesta.com
Foundry Coliving
guest house · wi-fi · 550 Guerrero Street, San Francisco, 94110 · foundry.today
Adante Hotel San Francisco
hotel · 610 Geary Street, San Francisco, 94102 · adantehotel.com
Cornell Hotel de France
hotel · 715 Bush Street · cornellhotel.com
Edwardian Hotel
hotel · 1668 Market Street, San Francisco, 94102 · edwardiansf.com
Emperor Norton Inn
hotel · 615 Post Street, San Francisco · emperornortoninn.com
Hayes Valley Inn
hotel · 417 Gough Street · hayesvalleyinn.com
Hotel Bijou San Francisco
hotel · 111 Mason Street, San Francisco, 94102 · hotelbijou.com
Hotel Del Sol
hotel · 3100 Webster Street, San Francisco, 94123 · jdvhotels.com
Hotel Sausalito & Suites
hotel · 16 El Portal Street, Sausalito, 94965 · hotelsausalito.com
Hotel Sunrise
hotel · 447 Valencia Street · hotelsunrisesfca.com
Hotel Tropica
hotel · 663 Valencia Street · hoteltropica.com
The Broadmoor
hotel · 1499 Sutter Street, San Francisco, 94109 · broadmoorsf.com
The Gables Inn
hotel · 62 Princess Street, Sausalito, 94965 · gablesinnsausalito.com
The Inn Above Tide
hotel · 30 El Portal Street, Sausalito, 94965 · innabovetide.com
The Monarch Hotel
hotel · 1015 Geary Street, San Francisco, 94109 · themonarchhotel.com
The Utah Inn
hotel · 504 4th Street · theutahinn.com
Travelodge
hotel · wyndhamhotels.com
Aldrich
hotel · 431;439 Jones Street
WorldMark San Francisco
hotel · step-free access · 590 Bush Street, San Francisco, 94108
1 Hotel San Francisco
hotel · step-free access · 8 Mission Street, San Francisco · 1hotels.com
Calista Organic Hotel
hotel · wi-fi · 1485 Bush Street, San Francisco, 94109 · calistasf.com
Hotel Stratford
hotel · wi-fi · 236;240;242 Powell Street · hotelstratford.com
Inn at Market
hotel · step-free access · 1412 Market Street · innatmarket.com
Signature Hotel S.F.
hotel · wi-fi · 259 7th Street · signaturehotelsf.com
Sunset Edwardian Bed and Breakfast at Golden Gate Park San Francisco
1471 18th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122 · via.eviivo.com
Hotel Castro
hotel · 4230 18th Street
Metro Hotel
hotel · 319 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, 94117 · metrohotelsf.com
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
100 Channel St, San Francisco, CA 94158 · lumahotels.com
Travelodge San Francisco Bay
hotel · 1450 Lombard Street, San Francisco, 94123
Stanyan Park Hotel San Francisco
750 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117 · stanyanpark.com
24 Henry
hotel · 24 Henry Street · 24henry.com
Chateau Tivoli Bed and Breakfeast
hotel · 1057 Steiner Street, San Francisco, 94115;94115-4620 · chateautivoli.com
City Center Inn & Suites
hotel · 240 7th Street, 94103 · sfcitycenterinnandsuites.com
Hotel Boheme
hotel · 444 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 94133 · hotelboheme.com
Hotel North Beach
hotel · 935 Kearny Street, San Francisco, 94133 · hotelnorthbeach.com
Inn on Folsom
hotel · 1188 Folsom Street · innonfolsom.com
Holiday Inn San Francisco Golden Gateway
hotel · wi-fi · 1500 Van Ness Avenue
Perramont Hotel
hotel · 2162 Market Street
1906 Mission San Francisco
1906 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States · 1906mission.com
Best Western Americana Hotel
hotel · 121 7th Street
Club Wyndham Canterbury
hotel · 750 Sutter Street, San Francisco, 94109
Courtyard On Nob Hill
hotel · 1255 California Street
Days Inn by Wyndham San Francisco - Lombard
hotel · 2358 Lombard Street, San Francisco, 94123
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport-North
hotel · 2000 Shoreline Court, Brisbane, 94005
Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
hotel · 1800 Sutter Street, San Francisco, 94115
The Grove Inn
hotel · 890 Grove Street, San Francisco, 94117
Cable Car Hotel
hotel · wi-fi · 1388 California Street, San Francisco, 94109
Nob Hill Motor Inn
hotel · wi-fi · 1630 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, 90214
Casa Loma Hotel San Francisco
610 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94117 · casalomahotelsf.com
SureStay
hotel
El Capitan Hotel
hotel · 2361 Mission Street
The Regency Inn
hotel
Infinity Hotel Sf, Ascend Hotel Collection
hotel · 2322 Lombard Street, San Francisco, 94123
Mirage Inn & Suites
hotel · 2600 Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco, 94166
Nob Hill Hotel
hotel · 835 Hyde Street
San Francisco Inn
hotel · 385 9th Street, San Francisco, 94103
Noe's Nest
guest house · 1257 Guerrero Street · noesnest.com
Good Hotel
hotel
Krishna Hotel
hotel
Parker Guest House
guest house · parkerguesthouse.com
Carriage Inn
hotel · step-free access · 140 7th Street, San Francisco, 94103
Castle Inn
hotel · wi-fi · 1565 Broadway, San Francisco, 94109
Hotel Cartwright
hotel · wi-fi · 524 Sutter Street, San Francisco
The Rose
hotel · 125 6th Street, San Francisco, 94103
Post Hotel
hotel · step-free access · 589 Post Street, San Francisco
Da Vinci Hotel
hotel · wi-fi
Abigail Hotel
hotel · 246 McAllister Street, San Francisco, 94102
Allen Hotel
hotel · 401;403;405;409;411 Eddy Street
Artmar Hotel
hotel · 433 Ellis Street, San Francisco, 94102
Ascot Hotel
hotel · 1657 Market Street, San Francisco
Balmoral Hotel North # 3
hotel · 640 Clay Street, San Francisco, 94111
Bel Air Hotel
hotel · 344 Jones Street
Ansonia Hotel
hostel · 711 Post Street
Beresford Hotel
hotel · 635 Sutter Street
Budget Inn
hotel · 1139 Market Street, 94103
Buena Vista Motor Inn
hotel · 1599 Lombard Street, San Francisco
Castro Hotel
hotel · 723;725;731 Vallejo Street, San Francisco, 94133
Chase Hotel
hotel · 1278 Market Street
Crystal Hotel
hotel · 2766 Mission Street
CW Hotel
hotel · 917 Folsom Street
Dalt Hotel
hotel · 34;36;38;40;42;44;46;48 Turk Street
Eddy Hotel
hotel · 640 Eddy Street, San Francisco, 94109
Edward II Inn
hotel · 3155 Scott Street, San Francisco
Elk Hotel
hotel · 670;678 Eddy Street, San Francisco, 94109
Europa Hotel
hotel · 320 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 94133
Frances Hotel
hotel · 2084 Mission Street, San Francisco, 94110
Franklin Bay Inn
hotel
The Grant Hotel
hotel · 753 Bush Street, San Francisco, 94108
Hamlin Hotel
hotel · 385;387 Eddy Street
Helen Hotel
hotel · 162;166 Turk Street
Herbert Hotel
hotel · 161 Powell Street
Hotel 964
hotel · 952 Howard Street
Hotel Alder
hotel · 175 6th Street, San Francisco, 94103
Hotel Embassy
hotel · 610 Polk Street, San Francisco
Hotel Ikon
hotel · 323;325;333 Sutter Street
Hotel Layne
hotel · 545 Jones Street
Hotel Le Nain
hotel · 730 Eddy Street, San Francisco, 94109
Hotel Madrid
hotel · 22 South Park
Hotel Whitcomb
hotel · 1231 Market Street, San Francisco, 94103
Il Triangolo Hotel
hotel · 524 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 94133
Inn at the Opera
hotel · 333 Fulton Street, San Francisco, 94102
Inn on Broadway
hotel · 2201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, 94109
Kean Hotel
hotel · 1018 Mission Street
Kensington Park Hotel
hotel · 450;452;454;456;460 Post Street
King George Hotel
hotel · 334 Mason Street
Krupa Hotel
hotel · 700 Jones Street, San Francisco, 94109
Lombard Motor Inn
hotel · 1475 Lombard Street, San Francisco
Marina Inn
hotel · 1688 Lombard Street, San Francisco
Mayflower Hotel
hotel · 975 Bush Street
Mystic Hotel
hotel · 417 Stockton Street, San Francisco, 94108
Oasis Inn
hotel · 900 Franklin Street, San Francisco, 94109
Pacific Heights Inn
hotel · Union Street, San Francisco
Page Hotel
hotel · 161 Leavenworth Street, San Francisco, 94102
Palo Alto Hotel
hotel · 1661 Sacramento Street
Phoenix Hotel
hotel · 601;605 Eddy Street, San Francisco, 94109
Prita Hotel
hotel · 2284 Mission Street, San Francisco, 94110
Ram’s Hotel
hotel · 80 9th Street, San Francisco, 94103
Raman Hotel
hotel · 1011 Howard Street
Redwood Inn
hotel · 1530 Lombard Street
Riviera Hotel
hotel · 420 Jones Street, San Francisco, 94102
San Remo Hotel
hotel · 2237;2239 Mason Street, San Francisco, 94133
Seneca Hotel
hotel · 36 6th Street
Star Hotel
hotel · 2176;2180;2186 Mission Street
Suites at Fisherman's Wharf
hotel · 2655 Hyde Street
Susie Hotel
hotel · 237 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 94133
SW Hotel
hotel · 615 Broadway, San Francisco, 94133
Tang Fat Hotel
hotel
The Laurel Inn
hotel · 444 Presidio Avenue, San Francisco, 94115
Bay Hotel
hotel
The Stanley Hotel
hotel · 1544 California Street, San Francisco, 94109
The Winton Hotel
hotel · 433;439;441;443;445 O'Farrell Street
Town House
hotel · 1650 Lombard Street, San Francisco
Vincent Hotel
hotel · 459 Turk Street, San Francisco, 94102
West Hotel
hotel · 141;143;145 Eddy Street
Civic Center Hotel
hotel
Clayton
hotel
Columbia Hotel
hotel
El Camino Inn
motel · 7525 Mission Street, Daly City, 94014 · elcaminoinn.com
Entella Hotel
hotel
Essex
hotel
Golden Eagle Hotel
hotel
Grant Plaza
hotel
Hotel Astoria
hotel
Hotel Fusion
hotel
Hotel Hurley
hotel
Hotel Isabel
hotel
Merit
hotel
Mylo Hotel
hotel
Poter Hotel
hotel
San Francisco Suites
hotel
Washington Square Inn
hotel
1770 Pine Grove Apts
guest house · 1770 Pine Street, 94109
Cow Hollow Motor Inn and Suites
motel · step-free access · 2190 Lombard Street, San Francisco · cowhollowmotorinn.com
Inn on Grove
motel · wi-fi · 465 Grove Street, San Francisco, 94102 · innongrove.com
Seal Rock Inn
motel · step-free access · 545 Point Lobos Avenue, San Francisco, 94121 · sealrockinn.com
Alpine Inn
motel · 560 Carter Street, Daly City · alpineinnsuites.com
Civic Center Motor Inn
motel · 364 9th Street, San Francisco, 94103 · civiccenterinnsf.com
Greenwich Inn
motel · 3201 Steiner Street · greenwichinn.com
La Luna Inn
motel · 2599 Lombard Street, San Francisco, 94123 · lalunainn.com
Rob airbnb
apartment · wi-fi · 56 Badger Street
Geary Parkway Motel
motel · step-free access · 4750 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, 94118 · gearyparkwaymotel.com
Pacific Tradewinds Hostel
hostel · wi-fi · 680 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, 94111 · san-francisco-hostel.com
Ocean Park Motel
2690 46th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94116 · oceanparkmotel.com
Motel 6
motel · 1234 Great Highway, San Francisco, 94122
Country Hearth Inn San Francisco
motel · 2707 Lombard Street, 94123 · countryhearthsanfrancisco.com
Travelers Inn
motel · 100 Hickey Boulevard, South San Francisco, 94080 · travelersinnonline.com
Amsterdam Hostel
hostel · wi-fi · 749 Taylor Street, San Francisco, 94108 · hostelsf.com
Green Tortoise Hostel
hostel · wi-fi · 494 Broadway, San Francisco, 94133 · greentortoisesf.com
Casa SF
apartment
Chelsea Park
apartment
Surf Motel
motel · surfmotelsanfrancisco.com
PodShare
hostel · airbnb.com
European Hostel
hostel · wi-fi · 761 Minna Street
Marin Headlands Hostel
hostel · wi-fi · 941 Rosenstock Road, 94965 · hiusa.org
Beck's Motor Lodge
motel · wi-fi · 2222 Market Street
Royal Pacific Motor Inn
motel · wi-fi · 661 Broadway, San Francisco, 94133
Alexis Park Tenderloin
motel · 825 Polk Street
Alpha Inn & Suites
motel · 2505 Lombard Street, San Francisco
Beach Motel
motel · 4211 Judah Street
Capri Motel
motel · 2015 Greenwich Street
Chelsea Motor Inn
motel · 2095 Lombard Street, San Francisco
Civic Center Inn
motel · 790 Ellis Street
Columbus Inn
motel · 1075 Columbus Avenue
Coventry Inn
motel · 1901 Lombard Street, San Francisco
Economy Inn
motel · 1 Richardson Avenue, San Francisco, 94123
Presidio Inn & Suites
motel · 2361 Lombard Street, San Francisco
Seascape Inn
motel · 4340 Judah Street
Seaside Inn
motel · 1750 Lombard Street, San Francisco
SoMa Park Inn Civic Center
motel · 101 9th Street, San Francisco
Star Motel
motel · 1727 Lombard Street, San Francisco
The Wharf Inn
motel · 2601 Mason Street, 94133
Travel Inn
motel · 2230 Lombard Street, San Francisco
Lombard Plaza Motel
motel
Marina Motel
motel
Royal Palace Inn Motel
motel
Dana & Dennis
hostel · 2251 27th Avenue
The Herb Inn
hostel · 525 Ashbury Street
Eat & drink
Restaurants & places to go
Black Cat San Francisco
live jazz clubs, jazz restauarants, live jazz music, jazz lounges, craft cocktails, cocktail lounges · 400 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA, 94109 · blackcatsf.com
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (Pier 39)
Pier 39 seafood restaurants, Pier 39 restaurants, Pier 39 shrimp restaurants, shrimps · bubbagump.com
LUV San Francisco
nightclubs, lounges, VIP bottle service · luv-sf.com
Core Club San Francisco
private social clubs, private clubs · thecoreclub.com
Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA · tartinebakery.com
Weinstein Gallery
art gallery, art galleries · weinstein.com
Maruya
fine dining restaurants
Adult Condor Club
san francisco stripclubs · condorsf.com
Adult Gold Club San Francisco
san francisco stripclubs · goldclubsf.com
Adult Mitchell Brothers O'Farrell Theatre
san francisco stripclubs · ofarrell.com
Adult Penthouse Club SF
san francisco stripclubs · penthousesf.com
Airports
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) 10 mi to the centre
San Francisco, CA 94128 — You board from the indoor waiting area — no need to plan for the weather. ✈ 42 airlines (United Airlines, Virgin America, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines…) · direct flights to 104 destinations incl. Atlanta, London, Los Angeles, New York, Seoul… (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 42 airlines, 104 direct destinations
- United Airlines UA (737-800, A319, A320, 737-900, CRJ, EM2…) · 88 routes: Albuquerque*, Arcata CA*, Atlanta, Auckland*, Austin, Bakersfield*, Baltimore, Beijing, Boise*, Boston, Burbank*, Calgary*, Cancun, Chicago, Chico*, Cleveland, Colorado Springs*, Crescent City*, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Edmonton*, Eugene*, Fort Lauderdale, Frankfurt, Fresno*, Guadalajara, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Houston, Indianapolis, Kahului, Kansas City*, Klamath Falls*, Kona, Las Vegas, Lihue, London, Los Angeles, Medford*, Mexico City … +48 more
- Virgin America VX (A320, A319) · 19 routes: Austin, Boston, Cancun, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Portland, Puerto Vallarta, San Diego, San Jose Del Cabo, Seattle, Washington, Washington
- Delta Air Lines DL (A320, 734, 737-900, 747-400, 757-300, 757…) · 17 routes: Amsterdam*, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Honolulu, London*, Los Angeles*, Mexico City, Minneapolis, New York, Palm Springs*, Paris*, Salt Lake City, Seattle*, Seoul*, Shanghai, Taipei*
- American Airlines AA (737, 737-800, A321, 767-300, A320, 747-400…) · 15 routes: Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Hong Kong*, London*, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Palm Springs*, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland*, Puerto Vallarta*, Seattle*, Tokyo
- US Airways US (737-800, A320, A321, 767-300, 777-300ER, 757…) · 14 routes: Auckland*, Beijing*, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Salvador, Seoul, Taipei
- Alaska Airlines AS (734, 737-800, 767-300, 737-900, 757, 737-800…) · 10 routes: Chicago*, Dallas-Fort Worth*, Los Angeles*, Miami*, New York*, Palm Springs, Portland, Puerto Vallarta, San Jose Del Cabo, Seattle
- Southwest Airlines WN (737-700, 73C, 737-300, 737-800) · 9 routes: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Phoenix, San Diego, Santa Ana
- AeroMéxico AM (737-800, 734, 737, 737-900, 767-300, 73J) · 7 routes: Atlanta*, Del Bajio, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Morelia, Puerto Vallarta*, San Jose Del Cabo*
- Air New Zealand NZ (737-800, 747-400, 777, A319, A320, 777-200) · 7 routes: Atlanta*, Auckland, Frankfurt*, Guadalajara*, London*, Mexico City*, Sydney*
- Air Canada AC (A319, A320, CRJ-700, Embraer 190, CRJ) · 6 routes: Calgary*, Edmonton*, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria*
- JetBlue Airways B6 (A320, 777-300ER) · 6 routes: Austin, Boston, Dubai, Fort Lauderdale, Long Beach, New York
- AirTran Airways FL (737-700, 737-700) · 5 routes: Atlanta, Chicago*, Denver*, Milwaukee*, Norfolk*
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KL (734, 747, 757-300, 757, 767-300) · 4 routes: Amsterdam, Atlanta*, Honolulu*, Seattle*
- Air France AF (A380, 737-900, 757-300, 757, 767-300) · 3 routes: Atlanta*, Honolulu*, Paris
- Lufthansa Cargo LH (A340-600, A380, 747-400, 777) · 3 routes: Frankfurt, London*, Munich
- Air China CA (747-400, 777-300) · 2 routes: Beijing, Shanghai*
- Air India Limited AI (777-300ER) · 2 routes: Hong Kong*, Seoul*
- Alitalia AZ (A380, 767-300) · 2 routes: Atlanta*, Paris*
- All Nippon Airways NH (777, 787-8, 777-300ER) · 2 routes: Osaka*, Tokyo
- China Airlines CI (737-900, 747-400, 757) · 2 routes: Atlanta*, Taipei
- Hawaiian Airlines HA (A320, A330-200) · 2 routes: Honolulu, Las Vegas*
- Singapore Airlines Cargo SQ (777-300ER) · 2 routes: Hong Kong, Seoul
- Virgin Atlantic Airways VS (737-900, 747-400, 757, 767-300) · 2 routes: Atlanta*, London
- WestJet WS (737-700) · 2 routes: Calgary, Vancouver
- Aer Lingus EI (A330-200) · 1 route: Dublin
- Asiana Airlines OZ (777-200LR) · 1 route: Seoul
- Avianca - Aerovias Nacionales de Colombia AV (A319, A320) · 1 route: San Salvador
- British Airways BA (747-400) · 1 route: London
- Cathay Pacific CX (747-400, 777-300ER) · 1 route: Hong Kong
- China Eastern Airlines MU (A330-200) · 1 route: Shanghai
- Emirates EK (777-300ER) · 1 route: Dubai
- EVA Air BR (777-300ER) · 1 route: Taipei
- Finnair AY (747-400) · 1 route: London
- Frontier Airlines F9 (A319, A320) · 1 route: Denver
- Iberia Airlines IB (747-400) · 1 route: London*
- Japan Airlines Domestic JL (787-8) · 1 route: Tokyo
- Korean Air KE (777-200, 777-300ER) · 1 route: Seoul
- Philippine Airlines PR (747-400) · 1 route: Manila
- Scandinavian Airlines System SK (A340-300) · 1 route: Copenhagen
- Sun Country Airlines SY (737-800, 737-700) · 1 route: Minneapolis
- Swiss International Air Lines LX (A340-300) · 1 route: Zurich
- Transaero Airlines UN (747-400) · 1 route: London*
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) 12 mi to the centre
Oakland, CA, US — You board from the indoor waiting area — no need to plan for the weather. ✈ 12 airlines (Southwest Airlines, AirTran Airways, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines…) · direct flights to 34 destinations incl. Honolulu, Kahului, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix… (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 12 airlines, 34 direct destinations
- Southwest Airlines WN (737-700, 73C, 737-300, 737-800, 737-800) · 18 routes: Albuquerque, Austin, Boise, Burbank, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Ontario, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Santa Ana, Seattle, Spokane
- AirTran Airways FL (737-700, 737-800, 73C) · 7 routes: Chicago*, Columbus*, Denver, Las Vegas*, Los Angeles*, Oklahoma City*, Santa Ana*
- American Airlines AA (737, A319, CRJ-900, Dash 8-400) · 7 routes: Honolulu*, Kahului*, Kona*, Lihue*, Phoenix, Portland*, Seattle*
- Alaska Airlines AS (737-800, 734, Dash 8-400, 737-700) · 6 routes: Honolulu, Kahului, Kona, Lihue, Portland*, Seattle
- Allegiant Air G4 (MD-80, A319) · 4 routes: Bellingham, Eugene, Mesa, Provo
- Spirit Airlines NK (A319, A320) · 3 routes: Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Las Vegas
- Delta Air Lines DL (A319, A320, CRJ-700) · 2 routes: Los Angeles*, Salt Lake City
- Hawaiian Airlines HA (767-300) · 2 routes: Honolulu, Kahului
- JetBlue Airways B6 (A320) · 2 routes: Long Beach, New York
- Norwegian Air Shuttle DY (787-8) · 1 route: Stockholm*
- US Airways US (A319) · 1 route: Phoenix
- Volaris Y4 (A319, A320) · 1 route: Guadalajara
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
San Carlos Airport (SQL) 20 mi to the centre
San Carlos, CA, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Half Moon Bay Airport (HAF) 18 mi to the centre
Half Moon Bay, CA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Hayward Executive Airport (HWD) 19 mi to the centre
Hayward, CA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Regional airports
Further out, but often the cheapest way in — the airports the low-cost carriers use. Each links to its own town's guide for getting from there into the city.
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) 39 mi to the centre
San Jose, CA, US — You board from the indoor waiting area — no need to plan for the weather. ✈ 15 airlines (Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, AirTran Airways…) · direct flights to 29 destinations incl. Los Angeles, Guadalajara, Denver, Kahului, Phoenix… (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Feeder airport · 39 mi from San Francisco · Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines · Getting around San Jose, California →
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 15 airlines, 29 direct destinations
- Southwest Airlines WN (737-700, 737-300, 73C, 737-800, 737-800) · 12 routes: Austin, Burbank, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Ontario, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, Santa Ana, Seattle
- Alaska Airlines AS (737-800, 734, Dash 8-400, 737-900, CRJ, 737-700…) · 11 routes: Boise*, Guadalajara, Honolulu, Kahului, Kona, Lihue, Los Angeles*, Portland, Reno*, San Jose Del Cabo, Seattle
- American Airlines AA (737, A319, A320, 737-800, M83, CRJ…) · 11 routes: Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Guadalajara*, Honolulu*, Kahului*, Kona*, Lihue*, Los Angeles*, Phoenix, Portland*, Seattle*
- AirTran Airways FL (737-700, 73C) · 4 routes: Denver*, Las Vegas*, Los Angeles*, San Diego*
- Delta Air Lines DL (737-800, A320, CRJ-900, CRJ-700) · 4 routes: Atlanta, Los Angeles*, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City
- United Airlines UA (A319, 737-800, A320, 737-900, 757-200, 787-8…) · 4 routes: Denver, Houston, Los Angeles*, Tokyo*
- US Airways US (A319, A320, 737-800, M83, CRJ-700) · 4 routes: Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Phoenix
- AeroMéxico AM (734, 737-800) · 2 routes: Guadalajara*, San Jose Del Cabo*
- JetBlue Airways B6 (A320) · 2 routes: Boston, New York
- All Nippon Airways NH (787-8) · 1 route: Tokyo
- Hawaiian Airlines HA (767-300) · 1 route: Kahului
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KL (737-800) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- Singapore Airlines Cargo SQ (A320) · 1 route: Los Angeles*
- Virgin America VX (A320) · 1 route: Los Angeles
- Volaris Y4 (A320) · 1 route: Guadalajara
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Getting there by ferry
San Francisco Pier 48.5 (Chase Center Ferry Terminal)
Ferry terminal · 2.9 mi from the centre
Oracle Park Ferry Terminal
Ferry terminal · 3 mi from the centre
San Francisco Ferry Building
Ferry terminal · 3.4 mi from the centre
Red & White Fleet
Ferry terminal · 3.5 mi from the centre
Pier 41 Gate 2
Ferry terminal · 3.5 mi from the centre
Pier 41 Gate 1
Ferry terminal · 3.5 mi from the centre
San Francisco Pier 41 - San Francisco Ferry Building
Ferry route · Water Emergency Transportation Authority
San Francisco Bay Ferry: San Francisco Pier 41 => San Francisco Ferry Building
Ferry route · Water Emergency Transportation Authority
San Francisco Bay Ferry: San Francisco Ferry Building => San Francisco Pier 41
Ferry route · Water Emergency Transportation Authority
Alcatraz - Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing
Ferry route · Alcatraz Cruises, LLC
Treasure Island - San Francisco Ferry Building
Ferry route · PROP SF
Treasure Island Ferry: Treasure Island Ferry Terminal => San Francisco Ferry Building
Ferry route · PROP SF
Treasure Island Ferry: San Francisco Ferry Building => Treasure Island Ferry Terminal
Ferry route · PROP SF
Sausalito - San Francisco Ferry Building
Ferry route · Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District
Local transit
Muni
Metro, bus, cable car · Muni Metro light rail, buses, streetcars and the cable cars. · Fares: Clipper card or contactless · Airport: BART from SFO to downtown in 30 min
Sonoma County Airport Express
Bus · San Mateo, California · Schedules & GTFS data
Trains & rail
Coaches & shuttles
FlixBus → Los Angeles, California
Seven to eight hours down I-5; the overnight is popular. · Los Angeles, California guide →
Greyhound
Intercity coach
Jefferson Lines
Intercity coach
MegaBus
Intercity coach
Trailways
Intercity coach
Private aviation
On-demand charter, jet cards and the semi-private scheduled carriers that serve this city.
Jet Linx
Jet card, management · Managed fleet across US bases · Locally based jet card and aircraft management with private terminals in ~20 US cities.
Blade
Helicopter, by-the-seat · Helicopters, seaplanes, jets via partners · By-the-seat helicopters Manhattan–JFK/Newark and the Hamptons; jet charter through partners.
Wheels Up
Membership charter · King Air 350i, Citation, Hawker, Global · US membership and on-demand charter; Delta Air Lines is a major shareholder.
Aero
Semi-private scheduled · Embraer 135 (16 seats) · First-class-only scheduled flights from Van Nuys to Aspen, Sun Valley, Cabo and Europe in summer.
Clay Lacy Aviation
Charter, management, FBO · Managed fleet, light to ultra-long-range · Charter, management and FBOs at Van Nuys and Orange County; the original Hollywood jet operator.
Living Here
Getting about
- Muni runs the buses, the light-rail Metro and the historic streetcars and cable cars; a Clipper card or contactless works on all of it, and on BART, the regional metro to the airport, Oakland and Berkeley.
- The city is walkable but hilly — twenty-minute walks can climb three hundred feet. Cycling is good on the flat, better with an electric assist. Rideshare was invented here and is everywhere.
- SFO is 30 minutes by BART; Oakland's airport is an alternative across the Bay. Caltrain runs down the peninsula to Silicon Valley; the ferries to Sausalito, Oakland and Larkspur are transport and sightseeing at once.
- A car is a burden in the city — parking is scarce, break-ins common — but essential for wine country, the coast and Yosemite.
Health
- UCSF is one of the world's leading medical centres; Zuckerberg San Francisco General is the public hospital and trauma centre; Kaiser, Sutter and Stanford (down the peninsula) are the other big systems.
- Dial 911. Pharmacies and urgent care are plentiful. The city pioneered public health responses to HIV and to the fentanyl crisis, and its street services are visible.
- Bring a layer: summer days at 15°C in fog are normal, and the sun comes out in September and October, the real summer.
Work & study
- UCSF (medicine), the University of San Francisco, SF State and the Academy of Art are in the city; Berkeley and Stanford bracket the Bay and define its intellectual life.
- Technology dominates — the city is the northern end of Silicon Valley, with the AI boom of the 2020s concentrated here — alongside finance, biotech in Mission Bay, tourism and a large public sector.
- Salaries are the highest in the country and so is the cost of living; remote work has loosened the grip of the office but not of the rent.
Money & manners
- US dollars; cards everywhere, and the city is close to cashless. Tip 20%, and expect a 'SF mandate' or health surcharge on some restaurant bills — it is legal and disclosed.
- Progressive, informal and outdoorsy; the dress code is a fleece. The sourdough, the Dungeness crab and the burrito are civic property and argued over accordingly.
- Do not leave anything visible in a parked car. Do not call it 'Frisco'. The cable car is a ride, not a commute.