Getting Around in San Francisco (without a car)

Walking

* Google maps offers walking directions that include information on street inclines. Unless you are game for walking up hills with (up to) a 40 degree incline, always check google maps for alternative routes or take public transit over steep hills.

* One tip to see if there are any hills in between – compare the walking time in the other direction. If it is considerably lower, then your route will have some hills to climb

Bike Share

* San Francisco has a fairly decent city bike share program (run by Lyft). Download the “Bay Wheels” app to use the service. There are 3 bike share locations within a block of our home in the Castro.

Public Transit

* MUNI includes buses, a light rail (partially underground), and streetcars (F Line). Cash fare is $3 per ride. Day passes are available for $5. 1-, 3-, and 7-day Passports are also available and include access to the cable cars downtown.

* Complete details at www.sfmta.com/muni-transit

* Note that Inbound MUNI trains are generally headed towards downtown San Francisco and Embarcadero, while outbound trains are generally headed away from downtown and Embarcadero. If you are taking a MUNI train from the union square or downtown area, Castro will be in the Outbound direction.

Rideshare

* Uber and Lyft are the most widely used rideshare services. Flywheel is also reliable and often cheaper. If you’ve been waiting to experience a self-driving car, Waymo and Cruise are everywhere. All of these services have their own app.

Things to do in SF

Neighborhoods

The Castro District: A historic LGBTQ+ hub, known for its rainbow flags, vibrant nightlife, independent shops, and the beautiful Castro Theatre.

Japantown: The oldest and largest Japantown in the US! Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with authentic shops, restaurants, serene gardens, and the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

Chinatown: One of the largest Chinatowns outside of Asia. Bustling streets filled with dim sum restaurants, herbal shops, colorful temples, and the iconic Dragon Gate.

Haight-Ashbury: The birthplace of 1960s counterculture. Browse vintage clothing shops, record stores, and head shops while admiring the colorful Victorian houses.

The Mission: San Francisco's Latino heartland. Famous for its street murals, delicious taquerias, lively bars, and the beautiful Mission Dolores (the city's oldest building).

Bridges

The Bay Bridge: The less-famous but equally impressive sibling of the Golden Gate Bridge. Provides stunning views of San Francisco's skyline, especially when lit up at night.

Golden Gate Bridge: The iconic symbol of San Francisco. Walk or bike across for breathtaking views, or admire it from multiple vantage points within the city.

* 15 minutes by car from the Castro

* We recommend driving over the bridge and into Sausalito for shopping and/or a bite along the water (with amazing views of San Francisco).

* Crossing the bridge on foot takes 90 - 120 minutes (round trip).

Landmarks

San Francisco City Hall: A magnificent Beaux-Arts building with a grand dome. A popular spot for weddings and photoshoots.

The Painted Ladies: A row of colorful Victorian houses made famous by pop culture, located at Alamo Square with gorgeous city views.

1709 Broderick St - Full House house: Instantly recognizable to fans of the classic sitcom, a prime photo opportunity for nostalgia-seekers.

Lombard Street: The "crookedest street in the world." Zigzag your way down this flower-lined, one-way street for a unique driving or walking experience.

SFMoMA: A world-class modern and contemporary art museum, housing an impressive collection of works by renowned artists.

Stores

Amoeba Records: A massive music store, especially known for its incredible selection of vinyl records, CDs, and music memorabilia.

Along the Water

The Embarcadero: A scenic waterfront promenade. Stroll along the piers, visit the historic Ferry Building Marketplace, and catch ferries to Sausalito and Alcatraz.

Exploratorium: A hands-on science museum with mind-bending exhibits, perfect for adults and kids alike.

Fisherman's Wharf: A classic tourist destination. Enjoy fresh seafood, sourdough bread bowls, street performers, and views of the bay (and maybe some sea lions!).

Nature & Parks

Dolores Park: A popular gathering spot with sweeping views of the city – perfect for picnics and people-watching.

Golden Gate Park: A massive urban park, bigger than Central Park. Explore museums, gardens, lakes, and hidden trails. Notable attractions include:

California Academy of Sciences: A world-class natural history museum with an aquarium, planetarium, living rainforest, and a stunning living roof.

de Young Museum: A fine arts museum showcasing American, African, Oceanic, and contemporary art, with a rooftop observation deck for panoramic views.

Japanese Tea Garden: The oldest public Japanese garden in the US, a peaceful space with a tea house, koi ponds, and beautiful landscaping.

San Francisco Botanical Garden: Home to over 9,000 varieties of plants from around the world, with themed gardens like a Redwood Grove and a Garden of Fragrance.

Bison Paddock: Spot a small herd of American bison grazing.

The Presidio National Park: A historic former military post, now a beautiful park with hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and Crissy Field beach.

Twin Peaks: Hike to the top for some of the best panoramic views of San Francisco and the bay.

Muir Woods: Home to a majestic redwood forest just north of the city - escape into the tranquility of these towering giants.

* Open 8:00 AM to sunset

* 45 minutes by car from the Castro

* $15 admission per person, 16+; free for 15 and younger

Shorter loop trails are 30, 60, 90 minutes. There are longer trails as well.

* Beautiful views of the ocean and the cliffs

* Cash or card at entrance.

Alcatraz Island: The infamous former prison. Take the ferry out for a chilling and informative tour of its history.

* Open 8:40 AM to 3:50 PM

* 20 minutes by car to ferry at Pier 33 from the Castro; 15 minute ferry ride

* Plan to spend 3 hours on the island.

* $45.25 admission per person, 12+; $27.55 for 5-11

* Reserve tickets in advance at www.cityexperiences.com/san-francisco/city-cruises/alcatraz/

* Tickets anywhere else will be more expensive

What to Eat in San Francisco

Lots of great places to eat, but here are some iconic things to try:

Mission-style Burrito: A San Francisco original – rice, beans, meat, and all the fixings wrapped in a giant flour tortilla.

Cioppino: A tomato-based seafood stew with Italian-American roots, brimming with fresh catches of the day.

Ghirardelli Chocolate: Taste the creations of the famous chocolate factory at Ghirardelli Square.

Ferry Building Farmers Market: The Ferry Building Marketplace for artisan foods and gourmet treats. https://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/farmers-market/

Safety in San Francisco

* Always remain alert and be careful about flashing valuables on the street.

* If you rent a car while in San Francisco, never leave anything in it — even if you will only be away for a moment, and even if it is in the middle of the day.

* Avoid walking in or around the Tenderloin neighborhood, especially at night.

* San Francisco has a large homeless population. You will see them on the streets in most places and more densely in Union Square and the Civic Center. If you encounter homeless people on the street, they may ask for money or food (it’s up to you if you want to give them either) but are rarely aggressive. They will leave you alone/ignore you if you keep your distance, don’t stare, and remain polite.