Hotels in San Francisco, CA

Getting around San Francisco

San Francisco is a walking city. Even the locals skip their vehicles to walk, jog, and ride their bike. For you, that means plentiful public transportation throughout the bay and inland. Attractions are strategically placed together, so do not waste your money or time with a cab. Instead, take a double-decker bus sightseeing tour. The city bus system, Muni Transit, takes you to Golden Gate Park, all the beaches, and Golden Gate Bridge for $2.50 USD as an adult and $1.00 USD for seniors and youth. Lastly, the Market Street Railway runs from Market Street to Fisherman’s Wharf and into The Embarcadero. These are historic trolley cars restored from around the world and a classic way to explore the city.

Bring Sweaters and Light Jackets

While the area is always sunny, the temperatures fluctuate greatly from the Hills to the Wharf. The sea breeze makes for chilly afternoons and mornings, and even summer has its cooler days.

Use the San Francisco City Pass

Become a city VIP with the City Pass. You save 50 percent off admission to the biggest attractions, plus a 7-day Muni and trolley pass. The pass is $89 USD per person and includes attractions like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, and Aquarium of the Bay.

Best places to stay in San Francisco

San Francisco is by far one of the most iconic cities in the U.S. Sitting along the coast and offering you 47-square miles of distinct neighborhoods and unique culture, there is little to dislike here. The city has many hidden gems, quaint locations, and hip trendy blocks to explore. When looking for hotels in San Francisco, the neighborhood you choose determines plenty about your experience here:

Downtown San Francisco

Downtown is where you go to soak up the history, waterfront, and endless hills. Union Square is the center of downtown, and it is a hip, lively urban neighborhood. If you find yourself drawn into the arts, stay at Hotel des Arts, a hybrid art gallery and hotel. If you prefer the extravagance of silk sheets and a more luxurious setting, head over to Hotel Union Square instead.

North Beach and Hill Central

North Beach is the original waterfront area of San Francisco and home to the Italian community. It is also home to the sloping residential streets you see in movies. Russian Hill and Telegraph Hill are residential areas, but have quaint gardens hidden between the historic townhomes. The Fairmont San Francisco is a landmark of the Hills and offers amazing views thanks to its perched location atop the hillside. Washington Square Inn overlooks Washington Square and offers a European-style design with a bed and breakfast-like stay.

Northern Waterfront

Northern Waterfront is a mash-up of a variety of cultures and people. You venture through the wealthiest neighborhoods, then into the business sector, until you finally arrive at the stunning vistas and the must-see Fisherman’s Wharf that offers trips over to Angel Island and Alcatraz. When staying here, try The Queen Anne Hotel, which is a breathtakingly restored Victorian building or the Hotel del Sol for an upbeat, chic stay.

Civic Center

The Civic Center is the perfect place if you want the classic San Francisco experience, including the Symphony, Opera, Ballet, and the SFJAZZ Center. Hotels in this area include the Travelodge San Francisco Central, Axiom Hotel, and The Pickwick Hotel.

Embarcadero

If you are a fitness enthusiast, Embarcadero offers you views of Bay Bridge, workout locations nearby, and running along Pier 39. Stay at the classic Argonaut Hotel or Hotel Zephyr to stay close to the walking routes and clean, healthy eating restaurants.

Cheap hotels in San Francisco

The best area to stay for a budget-friendly hotel is the South of Market (SoMa) district. You do not have to stay in a hostel, but you can still get a cheap room in the heart of downtown. Stay away from the Tenderloin and Civic Center districts, because while they offer hostels, they generally tend to have higher crime rates and are not very tourist-friendly. The Travelodge By the Bay in the Marina District offers a budget-friendly stay, and so does The Wharf Inn (which is actually a motel).

Attractions in San Francisco can be overwhelming. You have numerous museums, walking tours, and historic sites to explore throughout the city. Regardless of how much time you have, be sure to squeeze in some of the classics, like:

• Take a drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, which is not only a symbol of the city, but one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.
• Take a ferry ride over to Alcatraz, the infamous prison and a must-see if you are in San Francisco. The prison cells are open for tours, and you can also explore the island.
• Go for a quick drive along Lombard Street, a street you have most likely seen in the movies, but did not know it. It is, after all, a very famous street in the city.
• Take a boat tour while in the harbor and see the USS Pampanito, the Second World submarine or the SS Jeremiah O’Brien, a ship that was part of the assault team on Normandy Landings.