One of the best times to visit San Francisco is between September and November, when the weather is still warm enough that you don’t necessarily need a coat, and likely just a hoodie will do. You’ll also get to dodge the tourist stampede that typically floods the city in the summertime. Spring is also a decent time to visit, especially if you like milder weather and the thrill of not getting drenched, as the chance of rain is less common this time of year in San Francisco. In addition to the good weather, let’s not forget about the endless sights to see in San Fran. And for all of you foodies out there, this city serves up some of the tastiest bites in the US!
Where to Stay
When we visited San Francisco in November 2019, we chose to stay in Tiburon, CA given its proximity to nearby sights and restaurants coupled with it being a very pleasant area to walk around. We stayed at The Lodge at Tiburon which was a very nice hotel. It was impressively affordable for the area at the time we stayed there, though the prices have risen since our pre-Covid stay. There is a grocery store, bakery and several restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. It’s very safe to walk around at nighttime. If you’re considering an evening stroll after dark, you can feel confident knowing that the crime rate in this area is very low. There’s a very pleasant atmosphere with people enjoying their walks or riding bikes nearby, making it an enjoyable experience.
Things to Do
Año Nuevo State Park
Before we finally made it to our hotel on the first day, we thought it would be a neat idea to take a detour from the airport and drive up Pacific Coast Highway 1. We stopped at Año Nuevo State Park and took a self-guided tour to view the elephant seals, which look like cute, oversized, blubbery couch potatoes lounging in the sun. The views are stunning, too! Just a heads-up, though: if you want to get an up close view of those seals, be prepared for a hike that could double as a workout session. The walk from the parking lot starts off easy, but then you have to trek through sand dunes to get to an appropriate viewing area. It is about a 3-4 mile hike. So if you are like us and don’t work out at the gym every day, be prepared for a workout. Although for most people it is worth the hike, you might want to think twice about tackling this sandy expedition if you’re coming straight off the couch!
Golden Gate Bridge
Of course, you can’t visit San Francisco without taking in the many views of the Golden Gate Bridge! We decided versus just driving over it and snagging some quick photos, we would head out one morning and try to be amateur photographers. It was worth the venture! Some of our best pics happened around 8:45 AM (see below). Keep in mind that there are tolls when you go across the bridge. Tolls are collected in one direction only — in the southbound direction into San Francisco. You can visit www.goldengate.org for up to date info on the current tolls and payment.
Alcatraz Island
Another notable destination to visit in San Francisco is Alcatraz Island. The ferry that you take out to the island is almost worth the price of admission on its own. Alcatraz Island has an interesting history, having served as a fort, a military prison, and a maximum-security federal penitentiary, and it has been featured in numerous films. The terrain of the island is hilly in certain areas, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. Fortunately, an accessible shuttle operates twice an hour from the dock to the cellhouse, accommodating those with mobility issues. Tickets for Alcatraz are available through Alcatraz City Cruises, the source from which we obtained our tickets. As of the time of this post, a day tour is priced at $45.25.
Fisherman’s Wharf
If you are looking for a vibrant place to go that offers excellent dining options, shopping and other attractions, then look no further than Fisherman’s Wharf. It is a waterfront destination which offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and views of the city. There are several parking lots and garages available near this attraction. I do want to mention that we did encounter quite a few homeless people in this area. According to their website, Fisherman’s Wharf does encourage you to lock your cars, not park on the street or leave valuables in your car. You can visit www.fishermanswharf.org for more info on parking as well as what to do or where to eat while visiting Fisherman’s Wharf. Don’t forget to stop and see the famous Pier 39 San Francisco sea lions when you are visiting this area. It is a must see while you are there!
Muir Woods
Last but not least, a must-visit site is Muir Woods, located about 16 miles from San Francisco. If you have a rental car, it’s easily accessible. Muir Woods features a stunning redwood forest with some uneven terrain, but it is fairly easy for mild to moderate hiking. If you have time, please include this in your itinerary. It was our favorite site to see while visiting San Francisco! Remember, parking requires reservations for all visitors, which you can book at GoMuirWoods.com before your trip. There is NO cell phone service or WiFi at Muir Woods, so download your parking reservation in advance.
If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, consider staying in Tiburon, CA. It’s a lovely area near all the city’s attractions. Renting a car at the airport lets you explore easily, unless you’re already close to the city.
If you are looking for an exciting 3-4 day trip or an unforgettable week long vacation, then San Francisco should absolutely be on your list! While visiting California can be a bit pricey, you’ll discover plenty of excellent and budget-friendly dining options. There are also several reasonably priced attractions that will enhance your experience!
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