Plan & Book Your Trip to San Francisco

I highly recommend exploring the city car-free, and only renting a vehicle when you're ready to take a trip outside of San Francisco.

Airport BART
Take the train from SFO straight downtown. (If flying into OAK, you'll need to transfer at the Coliseum station).

Muni & Cable Cars
Great for local transit, and riding a cable car over Nob Hill is a must-do classic.

Neighborhood Walks
Many neighborhoods are best seen on foot, especially the flatter stretches along the waterfront.

Open-Top Buses
My personal favorite way to cross the Golden Gate Bridge - it feels like flying.

Rental Cars
Hold off on renting until you're heading to the mountains, the coast, or wine country.

Because San Francisco packs dramatic hills, diverse microclimates, and very distinct pocket neighborhoods into just seven square miles, your visit will be defined by the booked hotels, boutique inns, or vacation rentals.

Nob Hill Historic Hotels
Known for historic architecture, sweeping hilltop bay views, and immediate access to the iconic cable car lines.

Financial District & Embarcadero Stays
Perfect for morning waterfront strolls, artisan food shopping at the Ferry Building, and soaking up the downtown vibe.

SoMa & Yerba Buena Hotels
The best spot if you want to be steps from SFMOMA, conventions at the Moscone Center, and green park plazas.

Union Square Central Hotels
A lively downtown hub offering premier shopping, theater options, and straightforward BART or Muni transit connections.

Fisherman’s Wharf Waterfront Stays
The most convenient neighborhood for catching bay cruises and ferries, family attractions, and visiting Pier 39.

After 25 years of sightseeing here, my top tip is to experience the city from the water.

San Francisco Bay Cruises
My absolute favorite route is the Bridge to Bridge Cruise under the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge.

Alcatraz Island
Take the Cellhouse audio tour, but be sure to book your ride through the authorized island ferry.

The Exploratorium
A massive, hands-on science museum where you can easily spend hours.

California Academy of Sciences
A fantastic all-in-one stop featuring a rainforest, aquarium, and planetarium.

de Young Museum
My favorite local art museum, which also features an observation tower with incredible city views.

If you have the time, venture out to see Northern California’s famous redwoods, coastlines, and mountains. Just take your time to savor the stunning scenery along the way.

Marin, Sonoma & Mendocino (5-7 nights)
Explore the rugged Northern coast and world-famous wine country.

Yosemite (2-3 nights)
Experience the breathtaking granite cliffs and iconic waterfalls.

Santa Cruz & the Redwoods (1 night)
Enjoy the classic beach boardwalk and peaceful forest trails.

Monterey & Carmel (1-2 nights)
Visit the world-class aquarium and take in the stunning coastal scenery.

Lake Tahoe & Reno (3-4 nights)
Perfect for clear lake views and outdoor mountain adventures.