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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Top 10 Attractions ...... 3 Top 10 Tours ...... 7 Top 10 Restaurants ...... 12 Top 10 Nightlife Options ...... 16 Monthly Event Calendars ...... 20 What to Wear ...... 21 About SFTourismTips.com ...... 22

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1. ALAMO SQUARE’S The famous Painted Ladies of Alamo Square are six colorfully painted Victorian houses with the exact same architecture, built side-by-side to each other, near Alamo Square Park. If you climb up to the top of the hill inside the park, you will get an amazing view of downtown right behind them. It’s a classic view of SF and one of the most popular photographs of the city. This cute park is also the perfect place for a picnic lunch or to relax for an hour or two during your vacation.

Admission: Free Address: Steiner Street between Hayes and Grove District: Alamo Square Hours: Open 24 Hours a Day Transit: Muni Bus #5, 21, 22, & 24 More Information: Alamo Square

2. Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison and, from 1933 to 1962, it was home to many of the worst inmates in the US prison system. Some of the most infamous inmates to call Alcatraz home include Al Capone, Robert "The Birdman of Alcatraz" Stroud, and "Machine Gun" Kelly. Today, you can take tours of this island and learn about its history, the prisoners that lived here, and enjoy some fantastic views of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area.

Admission: Starts at $41 for adults Address: Pick up the at Pier 33 to make your way over to the island District: Fisherman’s Wharf Hours: Running only day tours right now, from 10am to 6pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, tours run from 9:30 am to 6 pm on Thursday – Monday Transit: Use the F-Street car to get to the ferry terminal, all entry tickets to Alcatraz include a ferry ride to the island More Information: Alcatraz Island

3. CABLE CARS The historic San Francisco Cable Cars offer a fun, open air cruise around San Francisco. You will find three different cable car lines. Two lines run between Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. The other one runs between the Financial District and Nob Hill. This unique experience is one you will not soon forget. Cost: $8 per person, per ride Address: Pick them up in Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Nob Hill, and the Financial District District: Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Nob Hill, and the Financial District Hours: Start running again in August 2021 with a limited schedule, full schedule starts in September 2021 More Information: Cable Cars

4. ACADEMY OF SCIENCES The California Academy of Sciences is the most visited in San Francisco. Under a single roof, you get the chance to see four in one. Walk inside its four-story rainforest to see butterflies, snakes, and other animals from around the world. The Steinhart Aquarium offers you the chance to see thousands of sea creatures ranging from jellyfish to stingrays. The Planetarium features free shows all day long and the Natural History Museum offers the chance to explore evolution and the future of life.

Admission: They use variable pricing and charge more on their busier days. Prices start at around $45 to $47 per person for adults and will go up (or sometimes down) on certain days and the time you decide to visit. Address: 55 Drive District: Park Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:30am to 5pm; Sunday, 11am to 5pm, now open 365 days a year Transit: Muni Light Rail N, Muni Bus #5 & 44 More Information: California Academy of Sciences

5. The “crown gem” of San Francisco is the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. This gorgeous attraction is free to visit and enjoy. The eastern side of the bridge offers a walking path that crosses the entire way across to the and back to San Francisco. Standing on the bridge you will get a close up of this amazing structure as well as beautiful views of SF Bay, downtown SF, Angel Island, and the infamous Alcatraz Island. Make sure you also spend a little time at the cute museum that was recently built on the San Francisco side of the bridge.

Admission: Free Address: Golden Gate Bridge District: Presidio Hours: Walking paths open from 5am to 6:30pm during PST, open from 5am to 9pm during DST, you can drive over the bridge 24 hours a day Transit: Muni Bus #28 More Information: Golden Gate Bridge

6. Golden Gate Park is a 1,000+ acre park with more than a half dozen attractions. Inside you will find several museums including the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Fine Arts Museum, and the . It’s also home to the Japanese Tea Gardens, the Botanical Gardens, and Stow Lake. The western side of the park borders the Pacific Ocean. This is where you will find the Beach Chalet and Park Chalet restaurants and two historic windmills that were imported from Holland.

Admission: Free Address: Golden Gate Park District: Between the Richmond and Sunset Districts Hours: 24 hours Transit: Muni Light Rail N, Muni Bus #5, 7, 21, 33 & 44 More Information: Golden Gate Park

7. JAPANESE TEA GARDEN This gorgeous garden features several traditional Japanese gardens, temples, and bridges for you to enjoy. It’s a calm and quiet place where you can relax and admire its beauty. It's also close to the de Young Fine Arts Museum and the California Academy of Sciences so you can visit all three in one trip if you plan your time well.

Admission: $10-$12 for adults; $7 seniors (65+) & youth 12 – 17; $3 children (5-11); children 4 & under free; discounts for local residents – you can also get in free on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday if you arrive between 9 am and 10 am. Address: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive District: Golden Gate Park Hours: Winter (11/1/ to 2/28) from 9am to 4:45pm; Summer (3/1 to 10/31) from 9am to 6pm Transit: Muni Light Rail N, Muni Bus #5, 7, 21, 33 & 44 More Information: Japanese Tea Garden

8. LOMBARD STREET Lombard Street is where you will find one of the "crookedest" streets in San Francisco. Even though it’s dubbed the most crooked street in the world, this is no longer true. However, it is one of the most beautiful streets in the world. Its brick lined roadway is magnificent, and you will love the beautiful flowers and trees planted all along its edges. Both add to its elegance. If you want to know an actual "hidden gem" secret about San Francisco, the most crooked street in San Francisco is Vermont Street in which is located just a few miles away.

Admission: Free Address: Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets District: Russian Hill Hours: Open 24 Hours a Day Transit: Powell-Hyde Cable Car, Muni Bus #30 or 91 Learn More: Lombard Street

9. MUSEUM OF MODERN ART The Museum of Modern Art is the top art museum in San Francisco. This beauty houses more than 27,000 pieces of modern art. They include paintings, photography, and . You will also see modern architectural pieces, as well as pieces from artists such as Henri Matisse and Diego Rivera.

Admission: $25 for adults, $22 for seniors (65+), $19 for ages 19-24, free for anyone 18 and under Address: 151 Third Street District: SOMA Hours: Friday – Monday from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 1 pm to 8 pm and closed on Tuesday and Wednesday Transit: Muni Buses #5, 6, 7, 9, 14, 21, 30, 38, 45, 71; Muni Light Rail J, KT, L, M, N, S; F Streetcar Website: www.sfmoma.org

10. Pier 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf is a favorite spot for many tourists. It’s filled with shops, restaurants, and the . One of my favorite free things to do is to spend some time watching the sea lions jockey for position on the platforms near the pier. You can also learn more about these lively animals in the new Pier 39 Sea Lion Center.

Admission: Free Address: Pier 39 District: Fisherman’s Wharf Hours: Open Daily, Weekdays: Stores open from 10am to 8pm; Restaurants from 11:30am to 9pm; Weekends: Stores 10am to 9pm, Restaurants 11:30am to 10pm Transit: F Streetcar, Muni Bus #30 & 47, Powell-Mason Cable Car Learn More: Pier 39

TOP 10 TOURS

1. ALCATRAZ PRISON TOUR By far, the most popular San Francisco Tour is the tour to Alcatraz Island. This former maximum-security prison housed some of the most infamous criminals of the time. Open from 1934 to 1963, Alcatraz was home to prisoners such as “Scarface” Al Capone, Robert “The Birdman” Stroud, and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Today, millions of visitors’ flock to The Rock to learn more about this prison’s history and the inmates who called it home. They offer day tours almost every day of the year. A few days a week, they also offer night tours. Tickets go on sale 90 days in advance and I recommend booking as early as possible as these tickets sell out early.

Admission: Starts at $41 for adults Address: Pick up the ferry at Pier 33 to make your way over to the island District: Fisherman’s Wharf Hours: Running only day tours right now, from 10am to 6pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, tours run from 9:30 am to 6 pm on Thursday – Monday Transit: Use the F-Street car to get to the ferry terminal, all entry tickets to Alcatraz include a ferry ride to the island More Information: Alcatraz Island

2. BIKE TOUR OVER THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE One of the best ways to see the Golden Gate Bridge is by taking a biking tour over it. This tour starts at Fisherman’s Wharf, takes you up and over the Golden Gate Bridge, and ends in the city of Sausalito. On this guided tour, you will learn all about this amazing structure as you cycle over its 1.7-mile (2.7 kilometer) span. Along the way, you will also learn more about the and the gorgeous waterfront city of Sausalito. At the end of your journey, you can hang out in Sausalito before you make the return trip to San Francisco by ferry.

Price: $55 to $60 per person Starting Location: Fisherman’s Wharf Tour Length: 3 to 5 hours (tour is about 3 hours, but you can stay in Sausalito until the final ferry) Days/Times: Several options daily More Information: Tips to Bike the Golden Gate Bridge from SF

3. GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE WALKING TOUR (SF CITY GUIDES) Another way to enjoy the Golden Gate Bridge is on the free walking tour provided by a division of the Public Library, SF City Guides. This wonderful excursion starts at the Strauss Statue near the Golden Gate Bridge Visitors Center. During the journey, you will learn all about the bridge and walk with the group to the southern tower. There is no up- front cost for this tour, but they do request donations at the end. I usually donate about $7 US per person in my group. This tour runs twice a week and does not require advanced registration.

Price: Free Starting Location: Strauss Statue at the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge Tour Length: 2 to 2.5 hours Days/Times: Most Thursdays at 11am, Sundays at 11am Learn More: Schedule of All Free City Guide Walking Tours

4. GOLDEN GATE PARK SEGWAY TOUR The best way to cover a lot of ground in Golden Gate Park is on this fun Segway Tour. Your tour starts with a 45-minute training session on the Segway, so you and your entire group gets comfortable before you head off for your tour. You will then set off on a 2.5- hour journey around the eastern side of the park. Discover details on some of its top attractions including the , the California Academy of Sciences, the Conservatory of Flowers, and the Japanese Tea Garden. You will also learn about this park’s interesting gardens including the National AIDS Memorial Grove and Shakespeare’s Garden. If you haven’t tried a Segway tour before, this is the perfect one to get you started!

Price: $79 per person, must be 16 years old Starting Location: Music Concourse Drive between the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences Tour Length: 3 to 3.5 hours Days/Times: Most days at 10:30am, and 2pm Learn More: Segway Tours of SF

5. HELICOPTER TOUR If you would love to see San Francisco from above, then check out the daily SF Helicopter Tour. This journey takes you over the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and downtown San Francisco. From the windows of the helicopter, you will get the chance to see and take pictures of this gorgeous city from above. It’s an experience like no other and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new adventure.

Price: $215 to $280 per person Starting Location: Shuttle pick up in both Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square Tour Length: Ride length is 15 to 25 minutes based on selected tour, entire tour time including pick up and drop off is around 2 hours Days/Times: Shuttle pick up times, daily at 10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm Learn More: Helicopter Tours

6. HOP ON/HOP OFF: BIG BUS RED ROUTE The Hop On/Hop Off (HOHO) bus tour is the perfect way to get a great feel for San Francisco and to easily get from one top attraction to the next in a short period of time. My favorite of all of the HOHO tours is the Big Bus Red Route. It offers 19 stops including the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf. It also stops in Chinatown, at the , and several locations in Union Square. As you cruise around SF, you can hop off at any of the locations listed on your ride. You can then explore and, when you are ready, hop back on and continue your journey. Along the way, you will also learn more about SF, its history, and its top attractions. It’s a great way to see the city when you have limited time to visit or want to get to know it really well.

Price: Starts at around $55 per person (online price) Starting Location: You can start at any stop, but I recommend starting in Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square Tour Length: The entire loop is around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic; your ticket is valid for either 24 or 48 hours depending on which option you select Days/Times: Daily starting at 9am and the last loop starts at 6 pm Learn More: Best Hop On Hop Off Tours of SF

7. MOVIE TOUR If you are a movie buff, you will LOVE this movie tour around San Francisco. It starts in Fisherman’s Wharf and you are driven past the locations for some of the most famous movie scenes filmed in SF. I love this tour has a video of the scene playing in the van while you are driven past the location where it was filmed! It gives you a great visual experience of how the scene was shot. You will also stop off at a few beautiful locations for short breaks such as Inspiration Point, Fort Point, and City Hall. The guides on this tour are wonderful also. They are knowledgeable and make the entire journey so much fun.

Price: Tickets start at $57 per person Starting Location: Fisherman’s Wharf Tour Length: 3 hours Days/Times: Daily at 10am Learn More: Read About My Experience & What You Can Expect on this Tour

8. SF BAY CRUISE The 60-minute SF Bay Cruise is the most popular ferry cruise around SF Bay. This tour leaves several times a day from Fisherman’s Wharf. From the deck of the boat, you will cruise past the Palace of Fine Arts and around Alcatraz Island. You will also ride under the Golden Gate Bridge twice! This cruise allows you to learn all about San Francisco and its history since it is fully narrated over a loudspeaker during the cruise.

Price: Tickets start at $38 per person Starting Location: Fisherman’s Wharf Tour Length: 60-minutes for the cruise Days/Times: Several times a day, most days of the year Learn More: Find the Best Cruises in SF

9. WHALE WATCHING TOUR Discover everything from Orcas to Gray Whales during this wonderful whale watching tour out of San Francisco. In addition to whales, you also get the chance to see dolphins, large sea turtles, dozens of species of birds, and more. During the week, this is a 5-hour tour, and it leaves at 8 am. On the weekends, the tour cruise is 6 hours long and goes all the way out to the . Just like the weekday tour, this cruise leaves at 8 am. All cruises begin and end at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Price: Starts at $45-$99 per person Starting Location: Fisherman’s Wharf Tour Length: 5 to 6 hours Days/Times: Daily at 8am, except certain National Holidays Learn More: Read More About SF’s Whale Watching Tours

10. WINE TOUR: NAPA & SONOMA IN ONE DAY

If you would love to check out the Wine Country, then I recommend this one-day tour. It stops at wineries in both Napa Valley and Sonoma County. The tour begins with a drive across the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge (so have your camera ready to take pictures as you cross it). You will then continue north about an hour to Sonoma and Napa County. This tour usually stops in Sonoma for the first tasting. You will then head over to Napa for two more tastings. In total, this tour includes three winery tours and tastings, a stop in Yountville for lunch (on your own), and a chance to learn all about winemaking in the Northern California Wine Country.

Price: Starts at $149 Starting Location: From your hotel or at a designated location Tour Length: 8 Hours Days/Times: Daily starting at 9am Learn More: Wine Tours from SF

TOP 10 RESTAURANTS

1. DOTTIE’S TRUE BLUE CAFÉ The thing I love about Dottie’s True Blue Café is they consistently serve up one of the best breakfasts in San Francisco. The problem is, almost everyone knows about them now and the lines can be quite long. However, I still recommend them often because their food is so yummy. Make sure to get there early or you'll have to wait! They serve up traditional American breakfast food, as well as some great vegetarian options.

Average Price: Most dishes are around $12 to $15 Address: 28 6th Street District: South of Market (SOMA) Best For: Brunch, Breakfast Website: Find More Great Brunch Options

2. GARY DANKO My favorite top-of-the-line restaurant in San Francisco is Gary Danko. I’ve only had the chance to eat here a couple of times, yet they do everything they can to make the occasion unforgettable. They use fresh, local ingredients and change their menu frequently. They offer several wonderful fish dishes as well as meat and game birds. They also have an amazing selection of cheeses and some of the best desserts in the city. Make sure to check out their wine list too. The downside to Gary Danko is that you do need to call several weeks in advance to book your table.

Average Price: Usually a minimum of around $75 to $100 per person Address: 800 North Point Street District: Fisherman’s Wharf Best For: Special Occasion Dinners Learn More: Find Additional Fine Dining Options

3. KOKKARI ESTIATORIO Kokkari is a high-end restaurant in San Francisco’s Financial District. This upscale restaurant offers mostly Mediterranean dishes. Their lamb chops are amazing, and I love their Spanakotiropita (filo pie with spinach, feta, leeks, and dill). Other popular main dishes include the Pacific Halibut, the Lamb Burgers, and Moussaka. They also offer a lunch special every weekday.

Average Price: For lunch, it’s around $25 to $30 a person. For dinner, it will be around $35 to $55 per person Address: 200 Jackson Street District: Financial District Best For: Dinner Learn More: Find Other Great Mediterranean Options in SF

4. LITTLE STAR PIZZA If you love pizza, you are going to drool over the pizzas at Little Star. Their menu features both deep dish and thin crust options. You can either order one of their preplanned pizzas or create your own. While their deep dish is AMAZING, I often order their Pesto Chicken or White Pie thin crust pizzas. Unlike most pizza crusts, theirs is made with cornmeal that has a totally different taste and texture, which I love. They have two locations in San Francisco.

Average Price: Pizzas range from around $13 to $26 each Best For: Dinner Learn More: Discover a List of My Favorite Pizza Spots

Western Addition/NOPA Location Address: 846 Divisadero Street

Mission District Address: 400 Valencia

5. ROSAMUNDE SAUSAGE GRILL One of my favorite budget friendly options is Rosamunde Sausage Grill. They offer an interesting selection of sausages, as well as some tasty side dishes. My favs include their chicken habanero and the cheddar brat. In addition to their basic sausages, they also offer specialty options including wild boar, duck, and lamb. They also have a great beer selection and happy hour specials.

Average Price: Sausages start at $7 each Best For: Casual lunch or a late afternoon snack Learn More: Find Other Great Places to Eat in the Mission District: Mission Address: 2832

6. SHIZEN VEGAN SUSHI BAR AND IZAKAYA This fully vegan sushi bar is perfect for those who love the taste of sushi, but don’t want to break their commitment to being vegan. This unique restaurant uses mountain yams, konjac (a root vegetable), soybean curd, and other vegan ingredients to make their vegan sushi delicacies. Some of my top picks for rolls include the Boddy & Soul, the Candlestick, and the Proud Peacock. It’s also fun to order their Surprise Ending dish which includes small servings, and you never know which ones are spicy and which ones are cool and mild.

Average Price: Rolls are around $10 - 12 each Address: 370 14th Street District: Mission District Best For: Dinner Learn More: Find More Vegan Options in SF

7. STATE BIRD PROVISIONS State Bird Provisions opened in 2011, and from the minute they opened their doors, it’s been one of the hottest restaurants in town. Their menu changes constantly, so you can always try something different and exciting. They serve a large variety of small plates as well as their specialty: CA State Bird with Provisions. Some of my favorites include their Hog Island oysters, the pork belly citrus salad, and the grilled beef with maitake. If you plan to eat here, make sure you call well in advance to book your table.

Average Price: Tapas range from $8 to $14, Main dishes are around $20 to $30 Address: 1529 Fillmore Street District: Western Addition Best For: Dinner for two Website: statebirdsf.com

8. THE CODMOTHER FISH & CHIPS The Codmother Fish & Chips is an inexpensive permanent food truck that serves up traditional British Fish and Chips. The fish and chips are tasty, and the prices are very reasonable (especially for San Francisco). I also love their Baja Fish Tacos. They are only around $6 for two hearty tacos. It’s also a great place to take the kids for lunch or an afternoon snack. It’s also nicely located in Fisherman’s Wharf next to many of SF’s top attractions.

Average Price: $9.95 for the fish and chips, $5.95 for the Baja Tacos Address: 2824 Jones Street District: Fisherman’s Wharf Best For: Lunch on a Sunny Afternoon (Outdoor Seating Only) Learn More: Find Other Great Spots to Eat in Fisherman’s Wharf

9. BUENA VISTA CAFE One of my favorites in Fisherman’s Wharf is the Buena Vista Café. They are famous for their Irish Coffee. They have a wonderful space to enjoy lunch and dinner. They are also open early for breakfast on the weekends. Some of my favorites here include their Corned Beef Hash, the Fried Chicken & Waffle, and the Rueben on Rye.

Average Price: Total price per person ends up around $25 to $35 (without drinks) Address: 2765 Hyde Street District: Fisherman’s Wharf Best For: A Taste of SF’s History Learn More: More About What to Expect from the Buena Vista

10. THE ITALIAN HOMEMADE COMPANY This cute place is the perfect spot for casual lunches or early dinners. It’s another one of those real hidden gems in the North Beach District. The pasta here is fresh, since nothing is out of a box from these real Italians, and the service is always wonderful. I dream about their fresh ravioli with Bolognese sauce. I’ve had their lasagna and it’s just as tasty. The only thing I don’t like is they serve their food on paper plates. I would prefer real plates, but I’ll sacrifice that for this authentic Italian cuisine.

Average Price: Dishes are around $12 to $14 each Address: 716 Columbus Avenue District: North Beach Best For: Lunch or an early dinner (they close at 9pm) Learn More: Find a Full List of My Favorite Italian Restaurants All Over SF

TOP 10 NIGHTLIFE OPTIONS

1. BARTLETT HALL Bartlett Hall is a new bar on the scene close to SF’s Union Square. It has a gorgeous dark wood interior, and you can see the brewing kettles for their beers in the back. This brewery and pub offers some great happy hour drink specials as well as deals on their tasting menu. They have their own beers on tap, as well as other local selections. During happy hour, they offer great prices on a couple of their top beers, one white wine, and one red wine. Their food menu also includes just a few items from their larger menu such as a pizza, the wings (which are AMAZING), and a salad. Their happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

Address: 242 O’Farrell Street District: Union Square Hours: Monday – Friday from 11:30am to 1:30am, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am to 1:30am Learn More: Check Out Some Additional Places for Happy Hour in SF

2. COMEDY SHOWS You will find a wonderful variety of comedy performances all around San Francisco. Two of the top venues are the Punchline and Cobb’s. Both attract internationally recognized stars. They also feature popular local comedians as well as some up-and- comers. There are also a few places that focus on improv and other hilarious shows on stage throughout the year.

Address: Varies District: North Beach, Financial District, Other Locations Throughout SF Learn More: Find a Schedule of Upcoming Performances

3. ENO WINE BAR One of the best places to grab a glass of wine in Union Square is the Eno Wine Bar. This welcoming wine bar is intimate and the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing glass of wine. They feature more than 300 wines by the bottle and up to 50 different wines by the glass. They also do a great job of attracting visiting wine makers and other special guests to their wine room to mingle with and educate those enjoying their wine. Make sure to also try a few items from their tasting menu where they serve up everything from wonderful cheese trays and salads to gourmet chocolates.

Address: 320 Geary Street District: Union Square Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 3pm to 12am, Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 12am Learn More: Find Other Fun Bars in Union Square

4. AMELIE Amelie is a local San Francisco wine bar in the Nob Hill district. I used to go here all the time when I was just a block or two away. It's decent sized but has only a little bit of seating. If you arrive early, you will have no problems grabbing a small table or a seat at the bar. However, this place is now so popular that it is tough to grab a seat after 8pm most nights. Their wine menu includes selections from around the world and it changes as they find better options.

I also love their cheese plate. You can select from a variety of cheeses. If you aren't sure which matches best with the wines you are enjoying, then just ask the wait staff. They will help you find some great options.

Address: 1754 District: Nob Hill Hours: Daily from 4 pm to 9 pm Best For: Night on the Town with Friends Learn More: Find Other Top Wine Bars in SF

5. REDWOOD ROOM The Redwood Room is one of the places I always take out of town guests. This classic bar has an old world feel with modern touches. The wooden bar is gorgeous, and they have yummy cocktails. It’s another spot I like to visit earlier in the evening before it gets too crowded. However, if you love mingling with people from all over the world, head over for the late-night fun that usually starts around 10pm.

Address: 495 Geary Street (on the first floor of the Clift Hotel) District: Union Square/Tenderloin Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 5pm to 2am, Friday & Saturday from 4pm to 2am Best For: Early Evening Cocktails, Late Night Partying

6. SMUGGLER’S COVE Smuggler’s Cove is a funky, pirate themed bar with more than 400 rare rums. They turn these into a variety of colorful, tasty cocktails. It does take a little longer to get your drinks here, as their expert bartenders individually craft each one. This three-story bar offers intimate seating areas and a lot of fun décor.

Address: 650 Gough Street District: Hayes Valley Hours: Monday – Sunday from 5pm to 2am Best For: A Night Out on the Town

7. LIZZIE’S STARLIGHT One of my other favorite bars is Lizzie’s Starlight. It mixes old school glamour with beautiful views of the Union Square District. The place fills up early with people who have made reservations, so I try to head over right when it opens to enjoy the view before the crowds arrive. They have tasty appetizers, and the wait staff is very friendly. I personally love all their floor length gowns. They have a dress code, so make sure to wear something a little nicer if you plan to go.

Address: 450 Powell Street (in the Sir Francis Drake Hotel) District: Union Square Hours: Daily starting at 6 p.m. Best For: Early evening cocktails, late night ballroom dancing (with reservations)

8. THE VIEW The View is a gorgeous bar at the top of the Marriott Marquis in SF’s SOMA District. This recently remodeled bar and lounge offers floor to ceiling windows for the ultimate view of downtown SF and the waterfront. They feature more than 20 wines by the glass, as well as some tasty cocktails. You can also enjoy some small bites from their tasting menu such as handmade chips with black truffle , a mezze plate with hummus, olives, and pickled vegetables, and meat & cheese trays.

Address: 780 Mission Street District: SOMA Hours: Daily from 4pm to 1am

9. THEATER San Francisco also offers wonderful theater performances most of the year. Depending on when you visit, you will find premier performances such as The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, and Wicked. They play at some of SF’s most well-known theaters such as The Orpheum, The Golden Gate Theater, and The Curran. In addition, you will find dozens of performances each week in SF’s smaller theaters all around the city. These theaters feature new productions from lesser known writers, as well as popular shows performed by local actors.

Address: Various options throughout SF District: Various districts throughout SF with most in the Civic Center or Union Square areas Learn More: Find Out More on the SF Theater Calendar 10. The Top of the Mark is another bar and lounge on the top of the in Nob Hill. This high-end bar offers 360-degree views of San Francisco. It’s the perfect spot for those looking for a romantic evening out on the town or for those who love martinis, since they have a menu of 100 different types. They also offer a few items on their light dining menu such as quesadilla rolls, flat breads, and bites. It’s pricey (each Martini is $14), but it’s a fun place for a special evening on the town. Make sure you dress up a little too as they request that you do not wear shorts or hats.

Address: 999 California Street District: Nob Hill Hours: Sunday from 5pm to 11:30pm; Monday – Thursday from 4:30pm to 11:30pm; Friday and Saturday from 4:30pm to 12:30am

MONTHLY EVENT CALENDARS

Click the links below for a list of the events coming up soon in San Francisco!

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December WHAT TO WEAR

This is a big one. Many people think San Francisco is sunny and warm all year long. It’s not true.

San Francisco has a mild climate pretty much all year long. It’s usually in the upper 60s (all temperatures are listed in Fahrenheit temperature) and partly cloudy in the summer, a touch warmer in September and October, and in the mid to upper 50s the rest of the year. It’s not cold here, but if you want to wear shorts, I recommend having pants for a backup.

In the summer months, the temperature at night will dip down into the upper 50s. This is also true for September and October. The rest of the year, you will find the temperature at night in the lower 50s to upper 40s.

For women, I recommend bringing along layers for your trip. The temperature can vary by up to 15 degrees in different parts of the city on the same day. You might be cool when you step outside your hotel room and find you are boiling hot by the time you reach Fisherman’s Wharf. You will then need to put back on your jacket or sweater for your SF Bay Cruise as it is cooler on the water.

Bring along light layers you can easily add and remove as needed. I often wear short sleeve shirts with a light sweater or jacket. I rarely wear shorts as it’s often too chilly for me most days. I also stay away from skirts that have too much sway as San Francisco usually gets windy.

For men, I recommend light pants or longer shorts in addition to a light jacket. You will most likely take it on and off several times a day, so it’s nice to have along as the weather cools at certain times.

November through March are typically our rainy months with the rainiest months being January and February. Make sure to plan for rain during any of these months, and don't forget the fog during the rest of the year.

Find details for each month by clicking the links below.

January | February | March | April | May | June

July | August | September | October | November | December

ABOUT SFTOURISMTIPS.COM

Hi, my name is Jill and I’m the owner and founder of SFTourismTips.com. I moved to San Francisco in the summer of 2003 and have called it my home ever since. I love this city and want to help everyone who visits get the most out of their trip.

I started my site, SFTourismTips.com in 2009 and it turned into a full-time project for me in 2011. Every day, the site is growing and changing based on new information and comments from my visitors.

If you enjoyed this book, I invite you to stop back by my site for more helpful tips about visiting San Francisco at SFTourismTips.com.

Also, I’d love to hear from you and find out what you liked or didn’t like about my book. This will help me improve it for future editions. Simply fill out the contact form on my site or email me at [email protected].

Thanks again for downloading my book. I hope it gave you the information you needed for your upcoming visit to the gorgeous city by the bay, San Francisco!