Only a few years ago, San Francisco, California sat at the center of the so-called dot com revolution. The area was incredibly popular and was suddenly also incredibly unaffordable.

After the dot com glass ceiling fell through, the city readjusted itself to a more moderate standard of living and the city is once again a wonderful place for tourists and residents to enjoy. With plenty of cultural attractions, parks, and theatres to choose you are guaranteed to have a packed itinerary throughout your stay.

When to Visit San Francisco

San Francisco is a nice place to visit just about any time of year. The nicest weather, where temperatures are actually at their warmest, occurs between September and October. The coldest temperatures are around 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 degrees Celsius). The winter months are usually rainy and the added wind from the nearby ocean can make temperatures seem cooler than anticipated so you should plan accordingly.

Transportation in San Francisco

Despite being one of the most popular and largest tourist destinations in the United States, the city of San Francisco proper is actually pretty small. With that in mind, it’s safe to say that you can reach most tourist attractions from any San Francisco hotel you choose to stay in.

Many San Francisco tourists enjoy walking from attraction to attraction. The most popular destinations, including Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Union Square, are easy to get to from the center of the city. You should be in relatively good shape and wear comfortable walking shoes, though – the steep slopes are more than some people expect them to be.

If walking isn’t your thing you will find a very promising public transportation system. There are streetcars, cablecars, buses, and a large subway system to choose from. The largest transportation system, Muni, is in charge of almost all of these systems and is incredibly reliable.

Taxi cabs and bicycles also provide viable options but we don’t recommend you try to drive in the city unless you are already familiar with its layout. Even if you do find your end destination we’re pretty sure you’ll have a ridiculously rough time finding a place to park.

Health and Safety Considerations in San Francisco

San Francisco is like every other major city around the world. It has a few areas you might want to avoid but is relatively safe for the average tourist.

The city of San Francisco has a high homeless population and you’ll likely see people panhandling almost everywhere you go. It is believed that most of the panhandlers, especially those near the Civic Center, are not dangerous but many have mental illnesses and exhibit unpredictable behavior and should be avoided.

During the evening hours you should stay out of the “Tenderloin” and Mission districts. These are safe areas during the day but they transform into something completely different at night. Ask your hotel concierge to help you mark your map so that you understand exactly where these areas begin and end before going out.

Free and Low Cost Attractions in San Francisco

The cost of living in San Francisco is relatively high. Somehow, though, the city manages to offer quite a variety of free and low-cost attractions to the public. Keep your eyes peeled for special deals during different parts of the week and make sure you explore the city parks, beaches, and public areas for some of the area’s hottest free theater performances.

There are several museums in San Francisco that offer free admission all of the time. These include:

• Chinese Culture Center
• Creativity Explored
• Fort Point Natural Historic Site
• Museo Italo-Americano
• Octagon House
• San Francisco Cable Car Museum
• Tattoo Art Museum
• San Francisco Art Institute

There are several other museums throughout San Francisco that do not offer free admission all of the time but do participate in a free admission program during the first week of every month. Each offers free admission on a different day so you’ll want to check in advance before heading out. These include:

• Asian Art Museum
• Cartoon Art Museum
• Exploratorium
• Museum of Craft and Folk Art
• San Francisco Museum of Craft and Design

Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the city and you’ll be amazed at the incredible attractions, concerts, and even free tours you might stumble upon. San Francisco warmly welcomes visitors from all walks of life. Take your time and explore all that the city has to offer.