San Francisco, CA

San Francisco has a cool, coastal climate year-round, but some seasons offer better conditions:

• March–May (Spring): Best for mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds.
• June–August (Summer): Ideal for festivals and outdoor activities, but expect cool foggy mornings.
• September–November (Fall): Great for warmest weather, fewer tourists, and wine country trips.
• December–February (Winter): Perfect for holiday lights, lower hotel prices, and cultural experiences.

• Golden Gate Bridge – One of the most famous bridges in the world, offering scenic views and walking paths.
• Alcatraz Island – Visit the legendary former prison and learn about its infamous inmates.
• Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39 – A popular waterfront area with sea lions, seafood restaurants, and shops.
• Lombard Street – The famous “crookedest street in the world” with sharp, winding turns.
• Chinatown – The oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in the U.S., filled with shops, temples, and dim sum restaurants.
• Golden Gate Park – A massive urban park with gardens, museums, and scenic trails.
• Painted Ladies & Alamo Square – Iconic Victorian homes with a picturesque city backdrop.
• San Francisco Cable Cars – Ride the historic cable cars up and down the city’s steep hills.
• Muir Woods National Monument – Home to towering redwood trees just outside the city.
• Exploratorium – A hands-on science museum that’s fun for all ages.

• Sourdough Bread – A San Francisco specialty, best enjoyed at Boudin Bakery.
• Dungeness Crab – A local seafood delicacy, often served in Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl – A warm, creamy chowder served in a sourdough bowl.
• Mission-Style Burritos – Extra-large burritos stuffed with rice, beans, meat, and salsa.
• Cioppino – A hearty seafood stew created by Italian fishermen in San Francisco.
• Dim Sum – San Francisco’s Chinatown offers some of the best dim sum outside of Asia.
• It’s-It Ice Cream Sandwich – A San Francisco-born treat featuring ice cream between two oatmeal cookies.
• Ghirardelli Chocolate – Famous handmade chocolates from the iconic Ghirardelli Square.
• Fortune Cookies – Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to see them made fresh.

• Flights: Arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK).
• BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): A fast train connecting the airport, downtown, and the Bay Area.
• Muni Buses & Streetcars: Affordable public transportation covering most of the city.
• Cable Cars: A fun and historic way to travel up and down San Francisco’s steep hills.
• Ferries: The San Francisco Bay Ferry connects the city with Sausalito, Alcatraz, and Oakland.
• Bikes & Scooters: Popular for crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and exploring neighborhoods.
• Rideshares & Taxis: Uber and Lyft are widely available, but traffic can be heavy.
• Car Rentals: Not recommended for downtown due to expensive parking and traffic congestion.

• For U.S. travelers: No passport or visa required.
• For international travelers: A valid passport is required, and a visa may be necessary depending on your country.
• Visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries: May need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, even in small businesses.
• ATMs are available throughout San Francisco, including at the airport and shopping centers.
• Currency exchange services are available at SFO Airport and major banks.

• English is the primary language spoken.
• Spanish and Chinese are widely spoken in certain neighborhoods.
• Most tourist attractions and restaurants have English-speaking staff.

• San Francisco is casual but fashion-forward—layers are recommended due to changing weather.
• Tipping is expected (15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and for taxi/rideshare drivers).
• Public transportation is common—locals often use BART, Muni, and cable cars instead of driving.
• Be mindful of homeless populations—San Francisco has many social services but also visible homelessness.
• Be prepared for fog—the famous “Karl the Fog” can roll in unexpectedly, especially in summer.

• Restaurants: 18–20% tip is standard for good service.
• Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the total bill.
• Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis & Rideshares: 10–15% tip is appreciated.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: $10–20 per person for great service.

• For summer travel (June–August): Book 3–6 months in advance for hotels and attractions.
• For major festivals (Fleet Week, Outside Lands, Chinese New Year Parade): Book at least 6 months ahead.
• For last-minute trips: San Francisco has many hotels, but booking at least a few weeks ahead is recommended.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but check for any updates before traveling.
• Parking is expensive—use public transportation or rideshares whenever possible.
• Some attractions require advance reservations—Alcatraz tours can sell out weeks ahead.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com