Bring layers.
Visitors often pack for Southern California. SF has other ideas, especially near the water.
Start here
Where would you like to begin?
Choose the kind of visit you're planning. We'll help you avoid the mistakes visitors make, find the experiences worth your time, and come home with better stories.
First Visit
What we'd tell friends seeing SF for the first time.
Photo Guides
The iconic shots, where to stand, and when to go.
Authentic Souvenirs
What to buy, what to skip, and what has a real story.
Neighborhoods
Experience SF one neighborhood at a time.
One Perfect Day
If you only have one day, spend it well.
Before You Go
Weather, packing, traffic, and the things visitors learn too late.
Reality check
Before you learn the hard way.
The small pieces of advice that can save your day in SF.
Distance ≠ time.
Four and a half miles can take twenty minutes or two hours depending on games, concerts, cruise ships, and traffic.
Ride a Waymo.
It may be transportation, but for many visitors it becomes one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Skip the shell game.
If spectators seem to be winning money on the corner, some may be part of the act.
Photo Guides
Want the iconic shot? We'll show you where to stand.
The Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies, cable cars, skyline, Chinatown, and the photos visitors actually came to SF hoping to take.
What visitors ask us
Real questions. Better answers.
Side Street Guide is built around the questions people actually ask when they're trying to make the most of their time in The City.
Every recommendation answers one question.
Would we proudly show this to friends visiting from out of town? If the answer is yes, it belongs here.