SFO Travel Guide: How To See The City Whether You’re A Local Or New To Town

Introduction

San Francisco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and with good reason – its historical landmarks, beautiful landscape, and mixture of old and new make it a fascinating place to visit. In this San Francisco Travel Guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know in order to enjoy your stay – from getting around by public transportation to finding the best restaurants and bars. So whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, this guide is for you!

Where to stay in San Francisco and Oakland

If you’re looking to stay in San Francisco, your options are plentiful. From chic vintage hotels to charming B&Bs, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a little more room and want to be closer to the action, check out the luxury hotels in Nob Hill or the Financial District. Alternatively, if you’re just looking for an affordable place to sleep, head down to North Beach or Chinatown.

If you’re coming from out of town, be sure to book your stay as soon as possible. San Francisco is known for its high demand for accommodation, especially during major events like the World Series or The Super Bowl. If you’re not sure where to stay, head over to TripAdvisor and read some of the reviews left by other visitors. They’ll be able to help you find the perfect spot.

For those of you who are new to the area, consider checking out some of San Francisco’s top attractions on your first day or two. Some great places to start would be Fisherman’s Wharf or Pier 39. Once you’ve seen what’s available in town, take a look at our SFO Travel Guide for more ideas on things to do in San Francisco!

What to do in San Francisco

While San Francisco is known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars, there’s so much more to see and do in this culturally rich city. Whether you’re a local or new to town, here are some of the best things to do in San Francisco:

-Take a walk on the Embarcadero waterfront and admire the views of the Bay Bridge and Oakland skyline.
-Visit Fisherman’s Wharf for fresh seafood, vintage clothing and quirky stores.
-Explore Union Square for shops, cafes and restaurants.
-Stroll through Chinatown, home to some of San Francisco’s most historic sites.
-Visit the Palace of Fine Arts for art exhibits, concerts and more.
-Take a cable car ride up the famous hills of Nob Hill or down to The Marina district for views of the city skyline.
-Check out the free interactive tours offered by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) every day of the week.

What to do in Oakland

Oakland is a city located in the Bay Area of Northern California. With its lively downtown area, eclectic neighborhoods, and popular attractions, Oakland is a great place to visit whether you’re a local or new to town. Here are some of the best things to do in Oakland:

-Visit the Lake Merritt BART station and take a walk around the lake or stop by one of the many restaurants and cafes that line its shores.

-Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in downtown Oakland. Admission is free on Fridays, and it has an impressive collection of art from the 1960s onwards.

-Explore Chinatown for delicious dim sum and delicious Asian food at some of its many restaurants.

-Check out the fantastic architecture at the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Marin County Civic Center or take a ride on Bay Farm Island aboard the maritime museum ship USS Pampanito.

How to get around San Francisco and Oakland

San Francisco is a huge city, and while there are many ways to get around it, some of the most popular include taxis, buses, and trains. Buses run throughout the city and will take you to just about anywhere you want to go. Trains are also a great way to see the city – not only do they take you all around but they’re also really fun to ride! If you’re new to San Francisco, be sure to check out our complete guide on how to see the city: https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/How-to-see-the-city-Whether-youre-a-local-or-new-to-town-3707609.php

Tips for visiting San Francisco and Oakland

Whether you are a local or new to town, there are many ways to see San Francisco and Oakland. Here are some tips to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible:

-Start your visit by taking a walk through Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the most popular tourist destinations in San Francisco. Here you can find souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and waterfront attractions like the Maritime Museum.

-Another great way to get a feel for San Francisco is by exploring its famous neighborhoods. Areas like The Haight-Ashbury and Nob Hill offer a unique experience that’s hard to find anywhere else in the country. If you want to stay close to the city center, try Union Square or Chinatown.

-Oakland is home to some of California’s most iconic landmarks, like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alameda County Coliseum. You can explore these sites on foot or take a taxi or BART from downtown Oakland.

-If you want to see more of Oakland than just its landmarks, consider renting a bike and exploring its neighborhoods on your own. There are plenty of bike routes throughout the city that will let you discover hidden gems like Jack London

Conclusion

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and whether you’re a local or new to town, there’s plenty to see and do. This travel guide will help you get started with some of the best ways to see San Francisco no matter your interests or level of experience. From exploring the vibrant neighborhoods near downtown to visiting iconic landmarks like Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge, this guide has something for everyone. So let’s go explore!