Presidio · Landmark walk
Walk part of the span for changing bay and headland views.
United States · Fog at the headlands, oysters beside the ferries
San Francisco
San Francisco is a city to explore in layers: one neighborhood at a time, and one extra sweater at a time. Ferry Building food counters, Mission murals and the coastal paths of Lands End make very different days within a compact peninsula.
When to go: September and October often bring warmer, clearer afternoons than the foggier summer, making coastal walks particularly appealing.
What to pack for San Francisco
- Any brand
Supportive walking shoes
Mission-to-hilltop routes involve substantial climbing.
- Any brand
Sunscreen
Cool air is not a reliable guide to sun exposure beside the bay.
- Any brand
Battery bank
Save enough charge for evening transit directions.
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Things to do in San Francisco
Richmond/Sunset · Full park day
Choose a garden or museum rather than trying to cover the whole park.
Embarcadero · Food tasting
Browse local food merchants beneath the historic clock tower.
Outer Richmond · Coastal hike
Coastal paths reveal the bridge from the western edge of town.
Chinatown · Neighborhood walk
Explore lanes and food shops beyond the main souvenir corridor.
Mission · Murals and lunch
Street art and a deep restaurant scene reward time away from the waterfront.
Embarcadero · Seafood lunch
Settle in for oysters at the Ferry Building oyster bar.
Golden Gate Park · Quiet wandering
A deliberate garden visit slows down a busy Golden Gate Park day.
What to eat in San Francisco
Sweetwater oysters
Try Hog Island Oyster Co. at the Ferry Building for oysters linked to Tomales Bay.
Where to find itArtisan bread
Acme Bread at the Ferry Building makes a useful stop for picnic supplies.
Where to find itCraft chocolate
Dandelion Chocolate offers a sweet break in the Ferry Building’s food lineup.
Where to find itEmpanadas
El Porteño at the Ferry Building serves handmade Argentine pastries.
Where to find itChinese tea
Imperial Tea Court offers a sit-down tea pause inside the marketplace.
Where to find it
What travelers loved
A park beyond the postcard
AFAR’s longtime resident writer values Golden Gate Park for its range of gardens, museums and small discoveries.
Read the originalNeighborhoods with different personalities
The local itinerary writer recommends mixing Mission food and street art with North Beach and Chinatown rather than only checking landmarks.
Read the originalCoastal walking as a city highlight
The same firsthand guide includes Lands End and Sutro Baths among the city’s most rewarding outdoor stops.
Read the originalParaphrased from public traveler reports; follow each link for the original.
Before you go: health & entry
Health alerts for San Francisco
The CDC United States traveler page points visitors to the US Health Alert Network; consult it for public-health notices before your San Francisco trip. Source
Entry documents for San Francisco
CDC links to Travel.State.gov for visa information for foreign visitors; check those requirements before arranging travel to San Francisco. Source
A summary of public guidance, checked on 2026-10-23. It's not medical advice: see a travel clinic or your doctor 4–6 weeks before you leave.
San Francisco travel questions
Do I need a car in San Francisco?+
Walking and transit are usually easier for the city itself; steep hills make sensible route planning worthwhile.
Is Golden Gate Park next to the bridge?+
No: the park lies farther south, so treat the two as separate stops rather than one compact attraction.
What should I wear in summer?+
Bring layers and a windproof jacket; fog and bay winds can make exposed viewpoints unexpectedly cold.
