14 San Francisco Tips for First Visit to Help You Explore Without Missing a Thing

San Francisco is an amazing city, but if it’s your first time here, it can be a little tricky to navigate. The hills are steeper than you expect, the weather changes constantly, and there’s way more to see than you can fit into one trip.

Figuring out how to get around, what’s actually worth visiting, and how to avoid tourist traps can be stressful. That’s why we put together these San Francisco tips for first visit—to help you make the most of your time, skip the hassle, and see the best of San Francisco without feeling overwhelmed.

San Francisco is located in Northern California, tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay.

By Car:

If you’re driving in, the journey to San Francisco can be just as exciting as the city itself. Here’s what you need to know:

• From the South: If you’re coming from the Monterey Bay area or Silicon Valley, you’ll take Highway 101 or Interstate 280. Highway 1 is a beautiful coastal route with views of the Pacific Ocean that’s perfect if you want a scenic drive into the city.
• From the East Bay (Oakland area): The Bay Bridge is your gateway. It’s the main route connecting Oakland to San Francisco. Depending on the time of day, the bridge can get pretty busy, but it’s a quick drive into the heart of the city.
• From the North (Wine Country or Marin): If you’re heading from Marin County or Sonoma, you’ll cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which is an experience in itself. It’s a short but spectacular ride that’s hard to beat.

San Francisco Skyline / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

San Francisco Skyline / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

By Air:

Flying into San Francisco is definitely the easiest way to get to the city if you’re coming from out of state or abroad. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the busiest and most well-connected airports in the United States, offering flights from almost every corner of the globe. Whether you’re flying in from another U.S. city or overseas, you’ll find plenty of options.

Once you land at SFO, you’re about a 30-minute drive from downtown San Francisco, depending on traffic. You have a few options to get from the airport to the city:

• Taxi, Uber, or Lyft: These are convenient if you want a direct ride to your hotel or a specific spot. The drive is fairly straightforward, but keep in mind that traffic can be heavy during rush hours.
• Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART): For a quicker and more budget-friendly option, BART is a great choice.

The BART station is located right inside the airport, and you can hop on the train for a smooth 30-minute ride into downtown San Francisco. It’s an affordable way to get around and also a great option if you’re staying near the city’s main transit lines.

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

PRO TIP: Another option for flying into the area is Oakland International Airport (OAK), which is about 30 minutes away from San Francisco by car. Although it’s a smaller airport, it’s still well-connected and often has cheaper flights. From OAK, you can take a direct BART train to San Francisco or grab a quick ride-share.

Golden Gate Bridge / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

Once you’re in San Francisco, getting around the city is pretty easy. Whether you prefer public transport, walking, or taking a ride-share, you’ve got plenty of options to explore this iconic city.

• By Car

If you’re not a fan of public transport and you’ve got a rental car, driving is an option, but it’s not always the easiest.

San Francisco’s famous hills, narrow streets, and traffic can make driving a bit of a challenge. The good news? If you’re driving, you’ll be able to visit neighborhoods and spots that might be harder to get to otherwise, like Golden Gate Park or Twin Peaks.

Keep in mind that parking can be tough. It’s often hard to find street parking, and if you do, expect to pay around $2–$4 per hour in many areas, with parking meters running until 6 p.m.

There are parking garages throughout the city, but they can cost anywhere from $20 to $50 for a day. If you’re planning on staying in one place for a while, it might be better to leave the car in a garage and use public transport or ridesharing to get around.

Traffic in San Francisco / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

Traffic in San Francisco / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

• Public Transport (Muni)

San Francisco’s Muni system is a great way to get around. Muni includes buses, trains, and even the famous cable cars. If you’re staying in a central area, you can usually catch a bus or train to most of the city’s top attractions. The best part? Muni is affordable, and you can buy a day pass that gives you unlimited rides.

Public Transport in San Francisco

Public Transport in San Francisco

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

If you’re not in the mood to deal with public transport or want to get somewhere faster, Uber and Lyft are super popular in San Francisco. They’re everywhere and can get you to most spots in just a few minutes.

• Walking

The great thing about San Francisco is that many of its best neighborhoods are walkable. Areas like Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and Union Square are packed with things to see, and the city’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot. Of course, be prepared for those hills—they’re famous for a reason!

PRO TIP: Another way to get around the city without worrying about parking or public transit, is the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. It runs from 10 AM to 5 PM on the Red Loop, stopping at 17 different locations around the city—including top spots like Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, Pier 39, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Buses come every 30 minutes, so you can hop off, explore, and catch the next one when you’re ready. It’s a hassle-free way to see a lot without too much walking!

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

If you’re looking for a place to stay in San Francisco that’s top-notch, here are two places that I can personally recommend:

• The Fairmont San Francisco

The Fairmont San Francisco is one of those iconic hotels that just feels fancy from the moment you walk in. It’s on Nob Hill, so you get amazing views of the city, and the hotel itself is beautiful, with lots of history.

When I stayed here, I loved how grand it felt—like you’re stepping into a piece of San Francisco’s past but with all the modern amenities you need.

It’s close to all the popular spots, like Chinatown and Union Square, and the cable cars are nearby, which makes getting around a breeze. The rooms are spacious, and the service is top-tier. If you’re looking for something that screams “luxury,” The Fairmont is a great choice.

Fairmont Hotel 

Fairmont Hotel 

• Four Seasons San Francisco

The Four Seasons San Francisco is another amazing spot, but with a more contemporary vibe. It’s located in the Yerba Buena area, so it’s a little quieter than some other places, but still super close to places like the Museum of Modern Art and Union Square.

I really enjoyed the service here. The rooms are super comfy, and I loved the little touches, like the cozy bedding and the city views. Plus, they’ve got an amazing restaurant if you want to unwind after a day of exploring. It’s luxury but in a more relaxed, modern way.

Four Seasons Hotel 

Four Seasons Hotel 

One thing you’ll quickly learn about San Francisco is that the weather changes fast. You could be walking in sunshine one minute, and the next, it’s foggy and cold. It’s not unusual to experience three seasons in one day here—warm in the morning, chilly in the afternoon, and then fog rolls in by evening.

• Layering is Key

To survive San Francisco weather, dress in layers. Think t-shirt, sweater, and jacket that you can take off or put back on as the temperature shifts. Mornings and evenings can get surprisingly cold, even if it’s sunny earlier in the day. Bring a light jacket or hoodie, especially if you’re out near the water or on the bridge—it gets windy!

• Don’t Trust the Forecast Completely

If you’re watching the weather forecast, know that it’s not always reliable. The city’s microclimates mean that the temperature can vary a lot from neighborhood to neighborhood.

For example, it could be 80°F (27°C) in Mission District and only 60°F (15°C) in Foggy SF (a.k.a. anywhere near the coast, like the Golden Gate Bridge or Ocean Beach).

If you’re visiting San Francisco, you’ve got to see the Golden Gate Bridge—it’s the iconic landmark you’ve probably seen in all the photos. But here’s the thing: don’t just snap a pic from the lookout point and call it a day. Crossing the bridge is an experience you won’t want to miss!

You can drive across, and the views are amazing, but keep in mind there’s a toll as you head into the city.

If you want a more memorable experience, I recommend walking or biking across. It’s about 1.7 miles (2.7 km) one way, and trust me, the views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the city skyline are totally worth it. Just don’t forget a jacket—it’s pretty windy up there!

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge 

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge 

For some great photos, head over to Battery Spencer on the Marin side. It’s one of the best spots for that classic postcard shot of the bridge with the city behind it. Crissy Field is another great place to snap a pic, where you get a view of the bridge from the water with a beach in front of it.

GOOD TO KNOW: The Golden Gate Bridge can get really foggy, especially in the summer months, so if you’re hoping for that perfect photo with clear skies, it’s better to visit in the morning or early afternoon when the fog is usually lighter.

PRO TIP: If you want incredible views of San Francisco from the water, the Golden Gate Bay Cruise is the way to go. I hopped on and loved sailing past Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Marin Headlands—all while getting up close to the Golden Gate Bridge from below. You can sit inside or out on deck. The best part? The open ticket lets you go whenever it fits your schedule!

If there’s one thing that just so San Francisco, it’s the cable cars!

They’ve been around since 1873 and are the last manually operated cable car system in the world. These aren’t just old-fashioned trolleys—they actually run on underground cables, and the gripman (yes, that’s the official job title) physically controls the car by gripping and releasing the cable. It’s like stepping back in time to old San Francisco.

There are three lines still operating:

• Powell-Hyde Line – The most scenic route, running from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf, passing by Lombard Street and giving you awesome views of Alcatraz and the bay.
• Powell-Mason Line – Also runs between Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, but takes a slightly different route with fewer steep hills.
• California Street Line – Runs east-west through the Financial District, Chinatown, and Nob Hill. Less touristy, so you’ll have an easier time getting a seat.

Cable Car in San Francisco

Each ride costs $8 (yep, pricey), but it’s worth it for the experience. If you plan to ride more than once, get a 1-day Muni Pass for $13 or a 3-day pass for $31, which lets you ride unlimited cable cars, streetcars, and Muni buses. You can pay with exact cash, a Clipper card, or the MuniMobile app.

GOOD TO KNOW: Cable cars don’t stop automatically—you have to signal the gripman when you want to get off. Also, be ready for long lines at the Powell Street turnarounds (especially at Market Street). If you want to avoid the wait, walk up a couple of stops and hop on from there.

PRO TIP: Want the best experience? Stand on the running board on the outside of the car. It’s hands down the most fun way to ride—you’ll feel the breeze, get the best views, and honestly, it just makes the whole thing way more exciting.

Cable Car in San Francisco

Pier 39 is one of the most touristy places in San Francisco—but let’s be honest, sometimes the touristy stuff is fun, and this is one of those places. It’s packed with restaurants, shops, street performers, and waterfront views.

One of the best (and free!) things to do at Pier 39 is watching the dozens of sea lions that hang out on the wooden docks near the pier. They showed up after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and basically never left. They’re loud, smelly, and hilarious to watch as they bark, push each other off the docks, and nap in the sun.

Pier 39 / San Francisco Tips for First Visit

Pier 39 / San Francisco Tips for First Visit

Other Things to Do at Pier 39? Food! Yes, it’s overpriced, but if you want a classic SF treat, grab a sourdough bread bowl with clam chowder from Boudin Bakery or some fresh seafood from Fog Harbor Fish House.

Chowder at Pier 39 / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

Want a cool (and way less touristy) sea lion experience? Walk a few minutes over to Pier 33, where you can catch a ferry to Alcatraz—you’ll often see sea lions hanging out there too but with way fewer people around.

PRO TIP: If you would like to find out more, then take Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour. It will take you beyond the usual spots to uncover hidden gems, like a WWII-era submarine, a historic fruit cannery, and a vintage arcade museum filled with quirky games from the past.

You’ve probably seen the Painted Ladies before—even if you’ve never been to San Francisco. These colorful Victorian houses are in a ton of movies, postcards, and of course, the opening credits of Full House. But they’re even better in person!

These houses were built in the late 1800s, and while there are tons of Victorians in the city, what makes the Painted Ladies special is their colorful paint jobs and the way they line up perfectly against the skyline. They’re sometimes called “Postcard Row” for a reason.

You can’t go inside—the Painted Ladies are private homes. But if you want to see the inside of a classic Victorian, check out the Haas-Lilienthal House, a historic home that’s open for tours.

PRO TIP: The best place to see them is from Alamo Square Park, right across the street. From there, you get that classic shot of the Painted Ladies with the downtown skyline in the background. It’s a great spot to just hang out, have a picnic, or take some photos. If you’re visiting in the afternoon, you’ll get the best lighting for pictures.

View of Painted Ladies from Alamo Square Park at Dusk

If you love food, you’ll want to make a stop at the Ferry Building. It’s not just a ferry terminal—it’s a food hall packed with some of the best local eats in San Francisco. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, this place has you covered!

The Ferry Building / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

Inside, you’ll find everything from fresh oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co. to artisan cheese at Cowgirl Creamery. If you’re a coffee person, grab a cup at Blue Bottle Coffee, and don’t skip the freshly baked bread from Acme Bread Company.

Delicious Breads at the Ferry Building / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

One of the more unique spots is Far West Fungi, a shop dedicated entirely to mushrooms. They sell everything from fresh and dried mushrooms to truffle-infused products and even mushroom-growing kits—perfect if you want to take a little piece of San Francisco’s food scene home with you.

Far West Fungi / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

For a more relaxing stop, visit Imperial Tea Court, a traditional Chinese tea house where you can sample high-quality teas and even enjoy a small dim sum selection. It’s a great place to take a break and experience authentic tea service.

Imperial Tea Court / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

If there’s one spot in Golden Gate Park you shouldn’t skip, it’s the Japanese Tea Garden. It’s the oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S., and it’s a great place to take a break from the busy city.

You can walk across curved bridges, check out koi ponds, and see traditional Japanese architecture, including a five-story pagoda.

Japanese Tea Garden 

Japanese Tea Garden / San Francisco Tips for First Visit

One of the best parts? The tea house inside the garden. Grab a seat and enjoy a cup of matcha with some Japanese sweets while looking out over the garden—definitely a nice way to slow down for a bit.

Japanese Tea Garden / San Francisco Tips for First Visit

GOOD TO KNOW: Golden Gate Park is huge, so if you have time, there’s plenty more to see. The de Young Museum has a free observation tower with awesome city views. The California Academy of Sciences has an aquarium, a planetarium, and even a rainforest under one roof. If you want to be outdoors, Stow Lake is great for a paddle boat ride, and the Conservatory of Flowers has a bunch of cool plants and colorful blooms.

Lombard Street is one of San Francisco’s most famous streets, thanks to its eight tight switchbacks that wind down a steep hill. It’s often called the “crookedest street in the world”, though fun fact—it’s actually not even the most crooked street in SF (that title technically goes to Vermont Street in Potrero Hill). But Lombard is definitely the most famous.

Lombard Street 

If you’re driving, you can drive down the curves, but be ready for a slow ride—there’s often a line of cars waiting at the top, and the speed limit is 5 mph. If you’re on foot, you can walk down the sidewalks on either side and stop for photos (honestly, walking gives you a better experience). From the top, you get a great view of Coit Tower, the Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz.

Lombard Street / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

PRO TIP: For an even better view, head to the bottom of the street at Leavenworth and look up—you’ll get the full effect of the twists and turns with the city in the background.

View of Lombard Street from Leavenworth / San Francisco Tip for First Visit 

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and one of the biggest in North America! And, it is so worth checking out. It’s packed with history, great food, and unique shops. In our opinion, it is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in the city.

Start at the Dragon Gate on Grant Avenue, the main tourist street. You’ll find souvenir shops, bakeries, and restaurants here, but if you want a more local feel, head over to Stockton Street, where residents do their grocery shopping. You’ll see markets selling live seafood, fresh produce, and all kinds of ingredients you won’t find in a regular supermarket.

Dragon Gate / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

Chinatown / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

A fun stop is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where you can see how fortune cookies are made (and grab a fresh one to snack on). If you’re interested in history, check out the Chinese Historical Society Museum, which tells the story of Chinese immigrants in San Francisco.

Giant Fortune Cookies at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

And, of course, food is a huge part of the experience. If you like dim sum, Good Mong Kok Bakery is a popular grab-and-go spot, while City View Restaurant is great if you want to sit down and try a variety of dumplings.

Good Mong Kok Bakery / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

PRO TIP: I need to mention, that the first time I ventured into Chinatown, I decided to join this walking tour: Chinatown Walking Tour. It was really a good introduction to Chinatown and I loved getting an insider’s look at the neighborhood’s history, hidden spots, and local culture.

Our guide took us through secret alleys, a traditional herbal pharmacy, and markets filled with exotic foods. We also got to sample fresh fortune cookies.

Alcatraz / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

Alcatraz / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

Alcatraz / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

North Beach, also known as San Francisco’s Little Italy, is where Italian heritage meets a lively café culture.

This neighborhood is packed with old-school bakeries, espresso bars, and some of the best Italian food in the city. You can sip cappuccino at an authentic Italian café, grab a fresh cannoli, or even watch bread being made in a traditional bakery.

Saints Peter and Paul Church, a historic landmark, sits right in the heart of it all.

North Beach: San Francisco’s Little Italy

My go-to place is Molinari Delicatessen. This spot has been serving up incredible deli sandwiches since 1896, making it one of the oldest Italian delis in San Francisco. Walking inside feels like stepping into a little slice of Italy—cured meats hang from the ceiling, shelves are packed with imported pasta and olive oil, and the smell of fresh-baked bread fills the air.

So, pick your own bread from the basket by the counter, then order a custom-made sandwich piled high with prosciutto, salami, or their famous house-made sausage. The Renzo—stacked with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes—is a local favorite.

Now, expect a line, especially at lunchtime. But trust me, it’s worth the wait. Grab your sandwich, head to nearby Washington Square Park, and enjoy a classic North Beach experience!

Molinari Delicatessen / San Francisco Tips for First Visit 

PRO TIP: My recommendation is to join a North Beach walking tour, ranked one of the 15 best foodie tours in the U.S. by U.S. News! It is the best! Led by a local insider, this tour lets you experience the neighborhood’s best flavors, from fresh-baked bread to Italian sodas, while soaking up the area’s rich history and culture. It’s a perfect way to taste and explore one of San Francisco’s most beloved districts.

This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.