One of things I enjoy in being a travel blogger is sharing travel tips. Spontaneity is fun but it’s also good to be prepared! Avoid the “I wish I’ve known sooner…”moments and read the following tips for tourists visiting San Francisco. Know how to prepare for your trip, where to go, what to eat and more. *Disclosure: Business Traveler’s Wife receives compensation for purchases made using some of the links below.
10 Tips for Visiting San Francisco:
1. Buy the Muni Passport at the airport
Once you’ve arrived, buy the Muni Passport at the airport so that you’re good to go! Take note, if you arrive at night, do not use it until the next morning because it would already count as Day 1. A Muni Passport is highly recommended for tourists because it provides unlimited rides on streetcars, cable cars and other Muni Transit. Plus, it’s very convenient!
A Muni Passport is available in 1-Day ($20), 3-Day ($31), and 7-Day ($40).
If you plan on spending 7 days in San Francisco AND visiting 4 other major attractions, Official San Francisco CityPASS would be a better option since it is offering more than 40% discount on its pass. This City Pass includes admission to the following:
- 7-day Cable Car and Muni Passport
- California Academy of Sciences
- Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure or Alcatraz Island Day Tour
- Exploratorium OR de Young Museum
- Aquarium of the Bay or Monterey Bay Aquarium
2. Getting to the city from the airport
You have to ride the BART to get to the city. You can buy the ticket at the self-service machines when you exit the airport. BART fares are based on how far you travel. From SFO airport, fares start at $7.65.
3. Sights to See in San Francisco
San Francisco has many breathtaking sights but there are 7 that are on the top of my list. You should definitely include these in your itinerary!
4. Buy Alcatraz tickets in advance
Don’t miss your chance to go to Alcatraz. It is one of the most interesting tours I have ever experienced. I highly recommend it. Alcatraz tickets ($33/adult) can sell out several weeks in advance. As of today, the next earliest available ticket is for the next month already. Check the schedule and buy tickets from the official website of Alcatraz Cruises.
5. Always bring a hoodie/windbreaker when you’re going near the bay
We didn’t expect our morning trips to the Golden Gate Bridge to be very cold. The breeze coming from the bay could be chilly. Come prepared and bring a hoodie or a windbreaker.
6. Know where to eat and be prepared to spend on food
I was thrilled to indulge in my seafood cravings. The amount of restaurants and food carts in Fisherman’s Wharf can be overwhelming. Try not to settle. If you really need to try eating at Fisherman’s Wharf, visit The Codmother Fish & Chips.
If you want excellent clam chowder and fresh oysters, go outside Fisherman’s Wharf and eat at Hog Island Oyster Co! ♥ Definitely worth it!
To give you more idea on where to eat, check out my San Francisco food post.
7. Ghirardelli Square has 2 dine-in restaurants in the Fisherman’s Wharf
The first shop (Original Chocolate Factory) is always crowded. If you are pressed for time or if you want to enjoy your sundae in peace, try visiting the second shop (Ghirardelli Chocolate Marketplace). It’s just a few steps away. Both locations sell the assorted premium chocolates and have a Sundae Bar.
Before you buy from Ghirardelli Square, check your Muni Passport for any promos. Our 3-day Muni Passport has a 10% discount in Ghirardelli Square and we forgot to redeem it when we purchased twice from the store!
8. Ride the cable car from Fisherman’s Wharf to Downtown
Do you want a brief tour of San Francisco? Riding the cable car from one end to another is a fun way of doing it! The cable car is already included in the Muni Passport. You just have to present the Muni Passport to the conductor. If you don’t have a Muni Passport, you can purchase a one-way cable car ride for $7.
We rode the cable car from Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square. The whole ride (end-to-end) is 15 mins. but you need to allot an additional 20-30 mins. of waiting time. There is a long line on the turn table or at the end (Fisherman’s Wharf).
9. Enjoy the cable car ride with best view (side that faces the bay or the side of the conductor)
If you’re in for a thrill ride, you could hang at the side of the cable car or stand at the end while riding the steep slopes of the city. If you want the best view, choose the latter or the side of the conductor which faces the bay.
10. Planning the itinerary
Allot extra time if you’re going to commute. Traveling within the city is around 20 mins., but if you’re going on a tour outside San Francisco, the commute will take 1-2 hours. It’s easier to plan the itinerary once you have chosen your destinations and places to eat. Lay them out in Google Maps and check in advance the time needed to commute from one place to another.
Here’s our 3-day itinerary for San Francisco:
Day 1
Fisherman’s Wharf
In n Out
Lombard Street
Alcatraz (Ferry at Pier 33)
Dinner at Tadich Grill
Snacks at Ghirardelli Square
Day 2
Muir Woods
Ferry from Sausalito to San Francisco
Lunch at Hog Island Oyster Co
Pier 39
Dinner at Taqueria Cancun
Day 3
Fort Point
Golden Gate Bridge
Lunch at Basa Seafood Express
Ferry Building Marketplace
The Codmother Fish & Chips
Cable Car Ride from Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square
Tips for Tourists Visiting San Francisco | Tips for Tourists Visiting San Francisco | Tips for Tourists Visiting San Francisco | Tips for Tourists Visiting San Francisco
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The Muni Passport looks like such a great idea and such good value!
It was worth it! 🙂
Nice tips! A windbreaker is definitely needed by the water, especially on the ride to Alcatraz! 🙂
Thank you! 🙂 Yes, it gets very cold. I’m glad I brought one even though it was sunny outdoors.
I love that you put your hourly itinerary. I’m very much a planner when I travel so I’ll definitely be bookmarking this when I go to SF!
http://www.pumpsandpineapples.com/
Thank you!! I also like itineraries from previous travelers because it helps me plan. You have a beautiful blog. 🙂
Excellent tips and ideas. Thanks, I hope I get there one day… I’ll pin it for my bucket list!