Solo Travel Tips in San Francisco

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Katie Sagal

Traveling alone can be intimidating for some. You won’t have someone to read you the directions, someone to split that massive ice cream sundae with, or someone to frame that perfect Instagram photo of you by the pier. But relax! It’s easy to enjoy solo travel in a place like San Francisco. You’ll find that this city has everything from convenient public transit to many selfie-worthy spots. To make it even smoother for you, we’ve put together a quick guide to traveling solo in this fantastic American city. Should you be planning any solo travel in San Francisco, read these tips before your trip...

1. Use Public Transit

San Francisco is a compact city, with many of its top attractions grouped together in neighborhoods like Golden Gate Park or Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll still need to get between those neighborhoods, however, and that’s where public transit comes in. Driving by yourself is not only difficult but inadvisable in San Francisco, where parking is at a premium and directions are pretty confusing. Their Muni system, run by the SFMTA, has a trip planning feature that can help you navigate the city and figure out which routes to take. You’ll pay less than you would for repeated Uber rides, too. Image of Cable Car, Vehicle, Streetcar, Car, Lamp, Bus, Traffic Light,

2. Take a Bus Tour of the City

Solo travel in San Francisco could feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the city. The best way to familiarize yourself with the city and learn more about the top neighborhoods and attractions is with a bus tour. We like this hop-on hop-off tour option from Big Bus, which showcases everything from Chinatown to Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square. Included with your ticket is a complimentary city map and a free walking tour of Chinatown. Just be careful when consulting the map in public—it may be better to look discreetly at a map on your phone.

3. Visit the Best Museums

Museums are some of the best attractions for solo travel. You can truly tailor your explorations to your own tastes and no-one else’s—no need to worry about what your wife, your best friend, or your kids would rather be doing. So spend hours roaming the SFMOMA, snap endless selfies in the café at the de Young Museum, or film make short videos of tiny creatures in the indoor rainforest at the California Academy of Sciences. All of these are good options for folks traveling alone, with plenty to do and relaxed atmospheres with no pressure to be social. Image of Arch, House, Housing, Villa, City, Grass,

4. Explore Different Restaurants

We know dining alone can be intimidating, but this is the perfect opportunity to try that new fusion cuisine, or indulge in a little cheat day. Explore different culinary hotspots in San Francisco like the Richmond, the Mission, Hayes Valley, North Beach, SOMA, and Marina/Cow Hill. If you’d prefer to avoid sitting at a table by yourself, opt for a booth or a seat at the bar. Most restaurants these days serve their full menu to patrons at bar seats, and you don’t need to order anything alcoholic to sit there.

5. Allow for a Little Spontaneity

While planning is key to a successful vacation, it’s equally true that a little flexibility can be invaluable. Sometimes plans change, sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate (especially relevant in San Francisco), and sometimes we just change our minds. So leave a little wiggle room in case you want to take in a baseball game after your tour of Oracle Park, do a little shopping in Union Square, or pop into a restaurant in Nob Hill for an afternoon drink and snack. Tip: if you’re looking for a good shopping area, read our guide to San Francisco shopping. Image of City, Outdoors, Building, Cityscape, Urban,

6. Find a Hotel in Union Square

You’ll find hotels all over the city, but there are multiple factors to consider when traveling solo. While you won’t be splitting the cost with someone, it’s still important to think beyond price. Stay within your budget, certainly, but it’s often a better idea to spend a little more for a hotel that’s clean, safe, and convenient. We like Union Square as a place for those traveling alone—there is plenty of shopping, dining, and night life there, as well as easy access to mass transit. And be sure to choose a place with plenty of good reviews!

7. Try Something New

So you’ve never been much of a wildlife person, or really seen a lot of historical pieces of art. Push your boundaries a little when traveling alone! Go see the impressive array of colorful marine life at the Aquarium of the Bay and reflect on the marvels of biodiversity. Stroll through the Asian Art Museum and wonder how such ancient work has been so carefully preserved. Hop on a cruise to see the Golden Gate Bridge, or just snap photos of the sea lions on Pier 39. Whatever you do, try to fit in at least one thing you wouldn’t normally do per day. Image of Animal, Aquarium, Fish, Sea Life, Water, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Female, Woman, Hat, Aquatic,

8. Take Lots of Pictures

Our last tip is a simple one—take plenty of photos! As a solo traveler you won’t have someone with you who can help you remember the things you did and saw. And although programs, maps, and guidebooks can be helpful, they don’t tell the whole story of your amazing adventure. If you’re relying upon a smartphone, turn on your cloud storage. For those with a digital camera, be sure to bring extra memory cards (or one with a lot of storage). Don’t forget any chargers, either!

Save on Things to do in San Francisco While Traveling Solo

Make the most of your solo travel in San Francisco with Go City You can save up to 60% vs buying your tickets individually. Plus, you’ll get included admission to the city’s best museums, tours, cruises, and more.

Share Your Adventure with Us

Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Alcatraz Island in San Francisco
Blog

San Francisco in May

With spring drawing to an end ready to usher in San Francisco’s busy summer season, May is a fine time to visit the Golden City, thanks to its mild climate and the kicking off in earnest of the city’s colorful festival season. If it’s pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and affordable accommodation you’re after, May in the Bay could well be for you. Visiting San Francisco in May Average Temperature: 51–64°F • Average Rainfall: 3 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 10 hours/day Daytime temperatures in May reach average highs in the mid-60s, meaning it's still cool enough to explore the city on foot. So the chances of looking like you’ve just stepped off a treadmill in those essential hilltop selfies are vastly reduced. There’s also little or no need to remember to pack an umbrella. April showers having apparently purged the clouds of their cargo for the foreseeable future, you can expect a mere three days of rain on average in May. Better yet, hotel prices have yet to rise for peak season and it’s another month before the tourist hordes descend, meaning shorter queuing times at the big attractions. What more can we say to convince you to spend May in San Francisco? Read on... Things to do in May Of course no visit to the Golden City would be complete without seeing the bucket-list attractions. The Golden Gate Bridge will be at the top of most itineraries and May is as good a time as any to visit. Better, perhaps, as the summer fogs are yet to roll in and shroud it. Top tip: wrap up warm if you’re planning to stroll out to the middle of the bridge for those picture-perfect Bay views – it can be breezy and teeth-chatteringly chilly up here at the best of times, so stick on your thermals and a fleece. Or two. Bay cruises are another great way to get a different perspective on the famous San Francisco skyline, and May’s clear blue skies will make for some fine photo opportunities. Most cruises will take in the Pier 39 sea lion colony, the historic waterfront, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. You can also just get straight to the notorious island penitentiary, should you so desire, with a cruise and tour of the facility. Those rolling historic landmarks that are San Francisco’s painted wooden cable cars can get really busy, and we mean sardines-in-a-can busy, in summer. You’ll likely still find queues in May, but nothing like during peak season. It’s worth the short wait to travel in style, as the bell rings out and your carriage rattles over the San Francisco hills, affording splendid views of the Bay, loopy Lombard Street and the ultra-luxe hotels in swanky Nob Hill, depending which of the three lines you take. And if the weather gets a little too cool for your liking, duck into any number of world-class museums around the city. Art museums including SFMOMA in the heart of downtown and the striking, copper-clad de Young in Golden Gate Park are among the best in the country. Golden Gate Park is also where you’ll find the California Academy of the Sciences which contains – beneath its living rooftop – a planetarium, an aquarium, a rainforest dome and a huge natural history museum. Embarcadero icon the Exploratorium is the place for interactive art and science exhibits: step into a tornado, get lost in the fog and see the San Francisco skyline modeled from thousands of tiny toothpicks. What’s on in May? Memorial Weekend May sees San Francisco’s festival season crank up a gear as Mother’s Day and Memorial Weekend give locals all the excuse they need to celebrate. Memorial Weekend is the biggie, with a major ceremony at the National Cemetery in the Presidio to honor and remember America’s veterans. Expect a reflective but celebratory tone that includes music, parades, speeches and a 21-gun salute. Down in the trendy Mission district, it’s all kicking off as the two-day Carnaval Festival rolls into town. This riot of color and sound celebrates the arts and traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean through lively street performances, flamboyant costumes and some of the best street food this side of the Mexican border. Beer and cannabis gardens help you stay mellow and there is, of course, a grand parade through the streets. Cinco de Mayo Also held in The Mission (we’re sensing a pattern here), the Cinco de Mayo festival celebrates Mexican and Central American culture and is held annually on – as the name suggests – the 5th of May. Families bring picnics and deckchairs to immerse themselves in the action in and around Valencia Street, where food vendors hawk spicy treats and live bands get the party started with mariachi, salsa, merengue music and more. There are costumed dancers, artists, magicians and street performers galore, and even a petting zoo to keep the kids entertained. Bay to Breakers Bay to Breakers is a 12k fun run that usually takes place on the third Sunday of May. Weaving its way east to west from the Embarcadero to Ocean Beach, it takes in nine of the city’s neighborhoods. Fun-loving San Franciscans have gamely established a tradition for donning fancy dress during the race, which means you can expect to see overgrown chickens, shambling pantomime horses and huge conga-lines in which teams of 13 or more runners tether themselves together for the duration of the race. In other words: it’s great fun. Get involved yourself: it includes many fun sections like Golden Gate Park, where you might even get to spot the resident buffalo. On the other hand, Hayes Street Hill is an absolute beast that rises over 200 feet above sea level and will challenge even the most seasoned runner. If all that sounds a bit much, you can always just find a nice spot on the sidelines and enjoy all of the fun with none of the exertion. Save on attractions in San Francisco Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Blog

Where To Stay in San Francisco

Trying to decide where to stay in San Francisco? Will it be the bustling tourist hotspots of Fisherman’s Wharf and the Marina? Busy downtown or sleepy ‘burbs? The hip and happening Mission and Castro districts or the colorful old-school Victoriana of NoPa and the Hayes Valley? Bay or city views? Top or bottom of the hill? Check out our guide to some of the most desirable addresses in town, with ideas for solo travelers, couples and those with a large family in tow. Downtown Easily one of the best places to stay in San Francisco, the Downtown area has countless benefits. Firstly, it puts you within strolling distance of stacks of the city’s bucket-list attractions. It’s where you’ll find, for example, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and the landmark Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, with its soaring clock tower and cavernous interior that houses a bustling marketplace full of cafes, restaurants, cute boutiques and artisan foodie stores. The Embarcadero is also home to some of the neighborhood’s best luxury hotels and rooms with Bay views. The shopping mecca that is Union Square sits at the heart of Downtown, promising high-end boutiques and big brands that are primed to give your credit card a workout. Think Saks, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Chanel, Apple and the Disney Store.There’s also a huge range of dining and drinking options here, satisfying all appetites from steak to sushi, cakes to cocktails. And if it’s great Asian food you crave, look no further than nearby Chinatown, where authentic prawn gyoza and fluffy BBQ pork dumplings may just change your life. Excellent transport connections to the rest of the city also make Downtown a good choice, especially for first timers looking to tick off as many bucket-list San Francisco experiences as possible. Two of the city’s three remaining cable car lines originate here, meaning you can hop on these historic painted carriages for a rollicking, bell-clanging ride across the city’s hills, taking in views of Lombard Street, Alcatraz Island and the Bay as you weave your way up to Fisherman’s Wharf. Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach Fisherman’s Wharf is – to be blunt about it – a tourist hotspot. But not without good reason: here’s where you’ll find good old-fashioned seaside entertainments by the bucketload. We’re talking everything from arcade games and boat rides in the Bay to Madame Tussauds waxworks, an aquarium and a quite dizzying array of family-friendly dining options. Then, of course, there’s the famous sea lion colony at Pier 39. For those reasons, you’ll find Fisherman’s Wharf to be well-served by the big beasts of the hotel world – Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Fairmont – something to suit most budgets, in other words. If you prefer something a little less hectic, neighboring North Beach is a good choice, providing easy access to the thrills and spills of Fisherman’s Wharf as well as having its own not inconsiderable charm. This buzzing district is full of Italian flavor, with some of the city’s best gelato shops, and bakeries selling sweet and crunchy cannoli on nearly every street corner. Its sloping streets are also great for casual exploring: brave souls with calves of steel can take the (approximately 500) Filbert Street Steps up to the iconic Coit Tower. Trust us: it’s worth it for the awe-inspiring views of the glittering Bay far below. The Mission and The Castro A little way south of Downtown, the Castro and Mission districts are hands-down the hippest ‘hoods in town. The Castro is the heart of the city’s (maybe even the planet’s) LGBTQ+ community and you’ll see beautiful rainbows everywhere here: flags, crosswalks, you name it. The nightlife is unsurprisingly ace and the historic Castro Theatre hosts drag nights as well as regular screenings of classic movies and Disney sing-alongs. Between the Castro and the Mission sits Dolores Park, named for the nearby church which – having stood here for more than 200 years – is San Francisco’s oldest building. The park is a lush verdant space, great for people-watching and taking in views of Downtown and the Bay. The Mission’s Latino roots are reflected in many of the amazing, colorful murals that adorn the streets here, as well as in the cuisine. Don’t miss the famous ‘Mission Burrito’: its soft, stretchy tortilla bursting at the seams with farm-fresh ingredients is in a class all of its own. There’s also some fantastic shopping on Valencia Street, with an eclectic mix of thrift stores, fashion boutiques, book and record shops and even a store hawking supplies for would-be pirates. Yes, really. A fine selection of late-night dive bars and upscale cocktail joints also makes for some great nights out here, with a smattering of decent hotels and B&Bs available to rest your head late into the next morning. Top tip: the microclimate in this part of town means the Mission and Castro neighborhoods largely avoid the fogs that regularly roll in across the Bay, especially in summer. What’s not to like? Nob Hill Strictly for those on an A-list budget, Nob Hill is one of the swankiest districts in San Francisco, wth price tags to match. This historic, hilltop ‘hood is blessed with some of the finest architecture in town, including the grand Gothic confection that is Grace Cathedral, some beautiful old mansions and two of the city’s landmark luxury hotels: the Fairmont and the Mark Hopkins. The views of the San Francisco skyline from the Top of the Mark restaurant on the hotel’s 19th floor will truly set your heart aflutter though, alas, the bill may also trigger a coronary in your astonished bank manager. Huntington Park, by the cathedral, is a pleasant green space for people-watching the neighborhood’s wealthy residents, and Nob Hill’s central location means it’s very well placed for accessing attractions all around the city. Bonus: the California cable car line runs from close to the Embarcadero all the way up Nob Hill (and back down the other side), meaning that steep ascent to one of the city’s best vantage points need not be quite so daunting. Save on attractions in San Francisco Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Golden Gate Bridge viewed from the Bayside
Blog

2 Days in San Francisco

One of the most popular cultural hotspots in the US, San Francisco has a little bit of something for everyone. With its globally-recognized landmarks, stunning waterfront landscape and wealth of charming activities and venues, the Bay Area is a fantastic destination for a short city break. Though two days in San Francisco is more than enough time to enjoy some of the city’s best sights and attractions, you’d be hard pushed to fit in absolutely everything. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve outlined some of the most popular and worthwhile things to do, along with their average visit durations, to help you draw up your ideal two-day itinerary. Top Sights Golden Gate Bridge Recommended Visit: 10 minutes to see, 30 minutes each way to cross Considered the world’s most recognizable bridge, nothing is quite so quintessential to the Bay Area’s brand as the towering crimson beams of the Golden Gate Bridge. Often sporting an impressive scarf of thick fog, the mile-and-a-half-long titan is truly a sight to behold, particularly if you can catch it illuminated against a clear night sky. Alamo Square Park Recommended Visit: 15 - 30 minutes Aside from offering a pleasant space of open greenery on the edge of the city’s Western Addition, Alamo Square Park is most popular as the location of the iconic Painted Ladies. Standing vibrantly against the muted backdrop of the San Francisco skyline, this row of colorful Victorian- and Edwardian-style houses line the eastern side of the park and serve as one of the city’s most popular photo ops. Golden Gate Park Recommended Visit: 30 minutes - 2 hours Should you find yourself with a couple hours to spare and some particularly pleasant weather, the colossal Golden Gate Park to the east of the city serves as a fantastic spot for a leisurely stroll or a lunchtime picnic. Housed within the park grounds are also the gorgeous displays of the San Francisco Botanical Garden and the serene landscape of the Japanese Tea Garden. Alcatraz Island Recommended Visit: 2 - 3 hours History buffs visiting San Francisco will be no stranger to Alcatraz Island, home to the nation’s most infamous former high-security prison. Those with the stomach for it can take a boat tour out into the Bay to explore the hostile grounds and chilling cells that once held some of the most notorious criminals in history. Popular Neighborhoods Fisherman’s Wharf Recommended Visit: 1 - 3 hours Easily one of the most popular areas of San Francisco is the charming Fisherman’s Wharf waterfront complex. Regular haunt to a colony of playful, barking sea lions, you can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours exploring the various quaint stores, engaging activities and bayside eateries on offer here. Take some time to discover the various retailers and restaurants of Pier 39, and awe at the striking wax models housed within Madame Tussauds. Rediscover your inner child among the exhibitions at the Cartoon Art Museum, before playing with the 300-plus coin-operated arcade games and amusements housed within the Musée Mécanique penny arcade. Chinatown Recommended Visit: 1 - 2 hours Just beyond the iconic Dragon’s Gate at its entrance, Chinatown comprises a bustling maze of streets and alleys brimming with quirky stores and traditional Chinese eateries. Among the stunning ornate architecture, you’ll find everything from bakeries to souvenir shops to karaoke bars, alongside the famous Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory where you can catch one of the nation’s favorite after-dinner treats in the making. Japantown Recommended Visit: 30 minutes - 2 hours Also known as Nihonmachi, San Francisco’s Japantown is a compact historic enclave in much the same vein as Chinatown. Built up around a central courtyard plaza housing the striking 5-tiered Peace Pagoda, Japantown comprises various large complexes housing a number of charming Japanese-style stores, restaurants, karaoke bars and day spas. Galleries & Museums California Academy of Sciences Recommended Visit: 2 - 3 hours Found within Golden Gate Park, the multifaceted California Academy of Sciences is a true architectural and cultural marvel. The mighty 400,000-square-foot venue is home to a vast aquarium and a four-story indoor rainforest filled with all manner of exotic flora and fauna, not to mention the incredible natural history museum and digital planetarium to boot. Exploratorium Recommended Visit: 2 - 4 hours Both families and curious adults alike sing the praises of the Exploratorium, whose incredible array of interactive exhibits offer visitors a hands-on learning experience at the intersection of science and art. Dance with your own shadow, touch a tornado, capture a wave and even stop time as you explore the hundreds of wonderful installations spread throughout the museum. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Recommended Visit: 2 - 4 hours With a central focus on 20th and 21st century art in its various forms, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art comprises 10 floors of everchanging and innovative exhibits. Over 30,000 art pieces make up the museum’s permanent collection, covering everything from painting and photography to sculpture and architecture. Asian Art Museum Recommended Visit: 1 - 3 hours Opened in the mid-1960s, the Asian Art Museum is widely considered one of the most important museums in San Francisco. The museum’s extensive collection comprises sculptures, paintings, ceramics, carvings and architectural fragments from various major Asiatic cultures and spanning multiple historical eras, with some pieces dating back over 6,000 years. Walt Disney Family Museum Recommended Visit: 2 - 4 hours Whether you happen to be visiting with kids or not, the delightful exhibits of the Walt Disney Museum are sure to bring a smile to your face. Explore the life and work of history’s most famous cartoonist through over 40,000 square feet of engaging and interactive exhibitions detailing the evolution of the family-favorite media empire we know and love today. Getting Around Big Bus Tour With San Francisco as sprawling as it is and only two days to explore, you’ll likely want to find a comfortable and efficient way to get around. Operating a main route that passes by many of the city’s top sights, a Big Bus Tour offers passengers the chance to hop on and off more or less at their leisure, complemented by optional audio commentary in a number of major languages to boot. Cable Cars Originally introduced in the late 1800s to help locals combat the many challenging hills on which the city stands, San Francisco’s remaining cable cars serve as a great way to explore the city in historic fashion. The Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason routes offer the most scenic journeys and pass by a number of major attractions, with tickets available to buy on-board. Boat Tours If you’re looking for a great way to sit back while admiring the stunning San Francisco landscape, nothing quite compares to a Cruise on the Bay. Most tour operators will have you sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and alongside Alcatraz Island, with a fly-by of the area’s best waterfront sights and landmarks such as Angel Island and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Robert Heaney

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon