San Francisco, city of hills and fog
Walk the Golden Gate, tour the old Alcatraz prison, ride cable cars up the hills and eat a Mission burrito beneath its murals.
Search flights to San Francisco
Find low fares and travel to your ideal destination.
San Francisco hotels
Live prices for 3 nights and 2 adults in the most convenient neighborhoods for getting around.
San Francisco icons
From California's most photographed bridge to the prison island in the middle of the bay.
- Sep–OctWarmest, clearest months
- ≈4.5 hNonstop flight from Mexico City
- ≈1.7 miLength of the Golden Gate Bridge
- ≈30 minBy BART from SFO to downtown
San Francisco in photos
The Golden Gate from every angle, the bay and the fishermen's harbor.
- The Golden Gate above Fort Point · Frank Schulenburg (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- The bridge in black and white · Almonroth (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- Sunset from the rocky shore · Frank Schulenburg (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- The Golden Gate from Marin · Choinowski (CC0)
- Alcatraz in the bay · Frank Schulenburg (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Fishing boats at the Wharf · King of Hearts (CC BY-SA 4.0)
San Francisco travel FAQ
Weather, transit, neighborhoods and the bookings to make before your San Francisco trip.
When is the best time to visit San Francisco?
September and October are usually the warmest, clearest months. In summer, fog blankets the city many mornings and evenings and it is colder than you might expect. Winter is mild but rainier. Whatever the season, pack layers: the weather changes a lot from one neighborhood to the next.
How do I visit Alcatraz, and how far ahead should I book?
Ferries leave from Pier 33 on the Embarcadero and are run by a concessioner authorized by the National Park Service. Tickets often sell out, especially in summer and on weekends, so book several weeks ahead. The visit includes an audio tour inside the former prison.
Which airport do I fly into, and how do I get downtown?
San Francisco International (SFO) has nonstop flights from Mexico. From there, BART takes you downtown in about 30 minutes with no traffic to worry about. Oakland (OAK) across the bay is an alternative, also connected by BART.
What documents do I need when traveling from Mexico?
A valid passport and a valid U.S. visa. You will clear immigration at the airport when you land. If you plan to rent a car for Napa or the coast, bring your valid driver's license and a credit card.
How many days do I need in San Francisco?
Three days covers the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown and the Mission. With four or five you can add Golden Gate Park, Sausalito by ferry, the redwoods of Muir Woods or a wine day in Napa or Sonoma.
Which neighborhood should I stay in?
Union Square is central and well connected by cable car, BART and shopping. Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach are convenient for families and close to the piers. Nob Hill has classic hotels with views. SoMa has modern hotels near the convention center.
How do I get around the city?
Cable cars, Muni buses and streetcars, and BART cover most of the city, and you can load a Clipper card on your phone. Downtown is compact, but the hills are steep, so wear comfortable shoes. You do not need a car in the city, and parking is expensive.
What food should I try?
Clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at the Wharf, Dungeness crab in season, a Mission-style burrito and dim sum in Chinatown, one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America. The Ferry Building gathers local producers under one roof.
What is there to see in the Mission District?
The city's most historically Latino neighborhood has murals in Balmy and Clarion alleys, Mission Dolores, founded in 1776, Dolores Park with downtown views and plenty of taquerias, bakeries and cafes along 24th Street and Valencia Street.
What precautions should I take?
As in any big city, watch your belongings in crowded areas. If you rent a car, leave nothing visible inside, since break-ins at parked cars are common in tourist areas. Do not swim at Baker Beach or other city beaches: the water is cold and the currents are strong.
Keep your San Francisco flight and hotel at hand, alongside your plans for Alcatraz and the Golden Gate.
