San Francisco in 360º

San Francisco in 360º Guide

Enjoy a 360 virtual tour of San Francisco, known for its culture, music, diversity, and picturesque views throughout the city. It is also one of the most expensive cities to live in the US, so here are a few tips to help you see the sights without denting that wallet to much!

Location/Facts History Accommodation Food Things To Do Where To Eat & Drink Where To Find Them Events Getting Around Getting There Helpful Tips Weather Sunrise & Sunset Nearby Destinations

Update: 16th January 2024

adding more 360, standard, drone images and new places I found from a recent visit.

I’ve visited San Francisco twice and it’s a great vibrant city with so much to see and do. San Francisco has a little bit of everything and is known for the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, colourful Victorian houses and is famous for its microclimates. If you want to get the most out of your visit, you’re going to want a jacket. Most days the wind and or the fog always makes an appearance and it can get cold quick.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Both times we’ve walked down to fisherman’s wharf and gone straight to Boudins Bakery, it’s a must visit. The clam chowder bread bowl is a must try, the first time I came in 2017 I loved it, so I had to go back when I returned 2022 and it did not disappoint. It was as good as I remembered. Although it isn’t a local dish. For that try Cioppino created by Italian immigrants on the North Beaches, this tomato-based seafood stew uses up leftovers from the days catch and often includes crab, mussels, fish and shrimp along with garlic, onions, fresh herbs and wine. Check out the wharf sign while your there and get yourself a selfie.

Pier 39

While down the wharf walk down Pier 39 and check out the seal colony, honestly they are so funny I could watch them for hours. Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf have a lot of negative tourist trappings. It’s crowded, kind of dirty, with overpriced food and lots of t-shirt shops. There are a few things worth doing I’ve mentioned, do them and leave, don’t spend all day there.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations, so tickets and tours get sold out super quick. Be on your toes and make sure that you book online like we did or get yourself down to the tickets counter quick to avoid being disappointed due to tickets selling out.

Lombard Street

Lombard Street is another popular tourist destination and gets busy, the first time we came we drove and then walked down. If you’re fit you could probably walk up it in 5 minutes, but I’d recommend walking down, your legs will thankyou. The flowers do make it look pretty and mansions are very nice. It was fun to do once, doesn’t take much time out of your day. I didn’t realise at the time but it isn’t even the most crooked street in SF, that goes to Vermont Street between 20th & 22nd.

Coit Tower

Definitely make the climb up to Coit Tower, we decided to walk there up the hills and steps, only to arrive and sods law the lift wasn’t working, so we then had to climb all the spiral stairs to get to the top. That was knackering, we were both hanging out our arse by the time we finally reached the top. However it was worth it as the views are fantastic and worth the effort.

Golden Gate Bridge

One place everyone has on top of there SF bucket list is of course the Golden Gate Bridge. In 2017 not wanting to drive and it was a fair old walk from the city centre, we used an Uber to drop us as close as possible to the visitor centre, inside is all about the history of the park and the building of the bridge. wander around the back just behind the visitors centre known as Battery Lancaster here is a magnificent view of the bridge.

Once your on the bridge the walkway is shared and pedestrians stick to one side, cyclists on the other. When you reach the other side carry on to Vista Point for even more views. If you have time, then cross the road and make your way up the hill to Golden Gate View Point for an even better view.

Palace of Fine Arts

After walking around the Golden Gate Bridge, we decided to check out Palace of Fine Arts as it’s one of the city’s most photographed sights featured in numerous film and TV productions and as soon as you get near it you can see why. Once you’re inside, the huge tall walls swamp you into another world, the stunning architecture creating an amazing backdrop.

The beautiful architecture and reflective lagoon, made it to be a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. It’s worth the stop off just to take a leisurely stroll around, relax under the rotunda or even enjoy a picnic on the grass and watch the swans drift across the peaceful lagoon. I would of liked to have seen it lit up at night, but unfortunately we didn’t have the time to return.

Muir Woods

If you’re looking to get in a bit of nature on your first trip to SF, Muir Woods is a great option. We arranged a bus tour to get us there, but having experienced that I perhaps would suggest to skip the bus tours. Bus tours are quite stringent when it comes to the places that they take you and the time you’re given. We only just had enough time to do the medium walk and there were so many other walks you can do. A better idea maybe would be to hire a guide from a local travel company. You can personalise the trip according to your wants and needs or hire your own car for a day to get yourself there and spend as much time as you like.

Sausalito

On the way back from Muir Woods we stopped off for a bite to eat in Sausalito. It had a small town charm about it great for scenic photographs. We were only here for an hour eating at the Sausalito fish & chips, then a quick wander around the marina and spinnaker. It was a nice stop off with a different view of SF.

Cityscape, Hilton

On my return in 2022 I read about Cityscape, Hilton and the 360 views. I suggested we wait until the end of the day and watch the sunset from the top and I’m so glad we did. The sunset was stunning and somewhere I will definitely recommend everyone go. You don’t need to be staying at the hotel, just walk in go to the lift and straight up to the cityscape restaurant.

Golden Gate Park

The park is massive at over 1000 acres. Two museums, a flower conservatory, Japanese garden, arboretum, small lake, walking trails, windmills and even some bison! Look out for free events, we were casually walking through Golden Gate Park and we stumbled upon a festival, to our surprise it was free entry to the Hardly Strictly Blue Grass festival. The atmosphere was electric with so many people around and 5 or 6 different stages scattered around the park. The music wasn’t really my cup of tea, but it was fun nonetheless. We stayed wandering for a few hours then left.

If like me you like your F1 then the Kezar pub near Golden Gate Park shows it. We got up early and caught an uber straight there and met up with other like minded F1 enthusiasts and all sat together to watch the race.

Cable Cars

Ride the cable cars, though do it once it’s not the most efficient way to get from a to b as, especially in the summer they are very busy and you will queue for a long time. I think we queued longer to get on the car than it took us to ride the length to the end. Make that choice before getting on if you want to be at the front or the back, you don’t really want to be in the centre of the cable car.

Having been here a couple times now I have tried each of the big food chains, by far the best was Shack Shack, that burger was melt in your mouth and Denny’s Grandslamwich were my favourites.

It’s worth the trip to Mission District to try La Taqueria burritos, labelled as the best in the world, I couldn’t disagree the burrito I had was delicious. While your there check out all the street art and murals.

Both times in San Francisco I stayed at the Green Tortoise hostel, renowned as being the best hostel in SF. I did enjoy it and it’s great for meeting new people and there’s always fun and games to be had. Every night their is something different organised. Last time we did the curry night, this time we did the rock, paper scissors, went to different places and we had to find a match to our piece of paper. To be honest most people got bored and just followed the crowd for the cheap beer. Which for me was a problem, It’s not that I have expensive taste, I just have taste. That cheap beer was terrible, it was basically carbonated yellow water with next to no flavour. I did enjoy the wizard staff night, you can buy your own beer and then stick the cans together as you drink, that was good fun and a game I will take back home with me to play with friends. The only negative is that the rooms are now looking a little tired and dated and are in need of updating. They have updated security with keyless entry, you can download and use the Goki app or remember the current 4 digit code that changes weekly.

Location/Facts

San Francisco is located in California, USA.

San Francisco was founded on June 29, 1776.
The locals are known as San Franciscan.
There are more than 50 hills within city limits.
Three quarters of the city was destroyed in 1906 by earthquake and fire.
Although Lombard Street is known as the Crookedest Street in the World, it’s not even the crookedest street in San Francisco. That title technically belongs to Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd streets on Potrero Hill.
Coit Tower column was built in 1933, the legacy of Lillian Hitchcock Coit, an eccentric “mascot” fire-fighter who adored San Francisco and at her death in 1929, left one-third of her estate to the city “…for the purpose of adding to the beauty of the city which I have always loved.”
Burning Man originated on June 22, 1986, on Baker Beach in San Francisco as a small function organized by Larry Harvey and Jerry James, the builders of the first Man.
SF Chinatown has been around since the 1840s and is the oldest in the Unites States.
Both Uber & Lyft headquarters are in San Francisco.
There are 131 hearts placed throughout the city. The Hearts of San Francisco are inspired by the Tony Bennet song “I left my Heart in San Francisco.”
The fog has a name – Karl. It all started on Twitter, when the account @KarlTheFog popped into existence in August 2010. The author of the tweets is determined to remain anonymous.
It is legal to be naked, you’ll find naked people in the parks, casually shopping in the Haight and naked people basking in the sun at Baker Beach.
Bay to Breakers is the oldest consecutively run annual footrace in the world.

History

Accommodation

Both times here I stayed at the Green Tortoise hostel, renowned as being the best hostel in SF. I did enjoy it and it’s great for meeting new people and there’s always fun and games to be had. Every night their is something different organised. Last time we did the curry night, this time we did the rock, paper scissors, went to different places and we had to find a match to our piece of paper. To be honest most people got bored and just followed the crowd for the cheap beer. Which for me was a problem, It’s not that I have expensive taste, I just have taste. That cheap beer was terrible, it was basically carbonated yellow water with next to no flavour. I did enjoy the wizard staff night, you can buy your own beer and then stick the cans together as you drink, that was good fun and a game I will take back home with me to play with friends. The only negative is that the rooms are now looking a little tired and dated and are in need of updating. They have updated security with keyless entry, you can download and use the Goki app or remember the current 4 digit code that changes weekly.

Airbnb, an entire flat starts from $90 a night. Get $30 (£25) off your first trip of $70 (£55) or more click here.
Hostel. There are lots to choose from, I stayed at the Green Turtle Hostel and is renowned as the best hostel in the city. With free Wi-Fi, breakfast every morning, even a free diner 3 times a week. Fully equipped kitchen, laundry room, computer lounge, there’s even a sauna and it’s located centrally between Chinatown and Little Italy. Most attractions are within walking distance. The only negative for me was the dorms were a little tired and dated.
Camping, There are a few places starting from $25 a night.
B&B & Guest Houses, There are loads to choose from, probably best to look at the reviews on TripAdvisor. Prices start from $60 a night.
Hotel, Again there are many from budget to the luxury hotels like the Palace. Prices start from $65 – $1000 a night.

Food

Much of the food easily available is typically fast food, all deep fried and beige, unless you go to a proper sit down restaurant. Of coarse you’ll be paying a lot more doing this, not something everyone can afford everyday. We had to go looking for fresh fruit and veg. I even ordered a veggie omelette just because I was missing veg. If you have the facilities to cook yourself where you’re staying then go to the supermarkets and buy in your own fresh produce.

Boudins Bakery is a must visit, I had the clam chowder in the bread bowl the first time I came and loved it, so I had to go back when I returned and it did not disappoint. It was as good as I remembered, but isn’t local and originally from New England. For something local try Cioppino.

Having been here a couple times now I have tried each of the bigger chains, by far the best was Shack Shack, that burger was melt in your mouth and Denny’s Grandslamwich were my favourites. It’s worth the trip to Mission District to try La Taqueria burritos, labelled as the best in the world, I couldn’t disagree the burrito I had was delicious. You have to try white cheddar popcorn, we need this in the UK, it’s delicious.

As for the beer choice, in 2017 it was just lager and no IPA or ales and I hated it, only finding one place that sold Guinness. This time in 2022 hazy IPA is everywhere, and there were some great flavours to choose from to, still not much choice for a normal ale though.

Try Cioppino created by Italian immigrants on the North Beaches, this tomato-based seafood stew uses up leftovers from the days catch and often includes crab, mussels, fish and shrimp along with garlic, onions, fresh herbs and wine.
The Ferry Building is a foodie paradise, offering gourmet food at a variety of price-points. They also have a farmer’s market and food trucks on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday.
The average price of a pint $9-$14 (2022).
So much food is served I usually only ate twice a day.

Events

San Francisco Fringe Festival
Treasure Island Music Festival
Castro Street Fair
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Things To Do

16th Avenue Tiled Steps
Tour Alcatraz day or night
Ride the Cable Cars
Cityscape, Hilton for amazing views of the city and sunset.
Chinatown and Dragon’s Gate
Go up Coit Tower
Crissy Field
Dolores Park
Fisherman’s Wharf Sign
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Park
The 131 Hearts of San Francisco
Lombard Street Walk and drive the most crooked street.
Muir Woods and the giant red woods
Palace of Fine Arts
Painted Ladies
Pier 39 and the sea lion colony
Sausalito
Sutro Baths
Twin Peaks, offering gorgeous panoramic views of the city

Where To Eat & Drink

Boudin Bakery at Fisherman’s Wharf, they do the most amazing clam chowder in a bread bowl.
Comstock Saloon, this one is a San Francisco classic. Though now more a cocktail bar with a good selection. After having a few you’ll be needing the restroom, but even though the original under-bar spittoon troughs are still there, I think it would be frowned upon if you used them.
Cityscape, Hilton
Golden Gate Tap Room has a great selection of beers and the place to be if you want to watch sports.
Good Mong Kok Bakery, the best Chinese in the city. You will have to queue a little as it’s very popular.
House Of Xian Dumpling, great service and will even serve you when they’re about to close up and lock the doors
If clubbing is your thing then head to Infusion Lounge, this is one of the best in the city. Very strict on the door though, so don’t turn up in trainers.
Inter Continental Hotel (Top of the Mark), Cocktails on the top floor with night time views of downtown.
Johnny Foley’s Irish House for that Guinness. Known as the piano bar, there are two battling it out for your entertainment.
If you like your burgers then Mo’s Grill is one of the best, they also do a good breakfast to.
Naked Lunch is open late, has 3 good beers on tap, a full bar and a menu with roughly 5 to 6 items including the best darn fried chicken sandwich in town.
Old Ship Saloon 1851, we tried to go here twice, but both times they were closed. From the outside looking in, It looks to have been modernised.
Visit The Saloon, 1861 it’s the oldest pub in San Francisco and the best for some real authentic live blues music.
SoMa, wander the Embarcadero, maybe go to a baseball game, visit one of the breweries and the many craft beer bars.
Tacolicious, It says it in the name. The tacos here were delicious. Great staff that joined in with our banter and great beer. We stayed longer than planned because they made it fun.
La Taqueria, best burritos in the world
Vesuvio Cafe

Where To Find Them

Getting Around

A square of 7 miles by 7 miles, the city is relatively easy to navigate, so you have little need for a hire car here. Parking isn’t easy with every street metered, If you need somewhere to park then ask at your hostel or hotel, some offer a deal with a nearby car park if you’re staying with them. Expect to spend at least $20 for 24 hours though. Using your own legs is always the cheapest way to get around, if you don’t want to drive or walk then there’s always Uber or Lyft and don’t forget to jump on the famous cable cars.

Bike, there are lots of dedicated cycle paths you can use.
Cable Car, It’s easy to find and board a cable car. Choose from three cable car lines – two start at Powell and Market and continue to the Fisherman’s Wharf area; one starts at California and Market and continues to Van Ness Avenue. Board at the cable car turntables (the beginning or end of each route) or look for the brown-and-white cable car sign post.
Clipper card/app download the clipper app from Goole Play or App Store and top it up with cash to use as contactless payments allowing you access to BART, Muni buses, Metro, and cable cars. Don’t top up too much though, find out how much the trip costs and top up the exact amount you need, that way you wont be left with money on the card when you leave as you can’t get a refund.
Go Car, a glorified three wheel motorcycle with a GPS navigation system connected to an audio tour program.
Scooter, I saw lots of LIME scooters around. Just download the app.
Uber/Lyft
Walk, the steepness of streets can vary dramatically from block to block.

Getting There

I’ve driven, flown and travelled by train into and out of San Francisco. To be honest I didn’t have any trouble with any, all were very easy. I will say you don’t really need a car if you plan to stay in the city. It is useful if you want to drive to Yosemite or a drive to Big Sur and the amazing coastal road. Parking in the city is a nightmare though with every street metered or you have to pay for expensive secure parking.

Car, driving into San Francisco was easy, just a little slow coming over the Bay Bridge. Finding somewhere to park was harder. It’s best to find secure parking as like with any city there are issues with vandalism and theft.
Fly, land in SFO or Oakland then just head to the BART and jump on the train. SFO is about 14 miles south of San Francisco and the main international airport. Oak is 19 miles southeast of San Francisco mostly internal flights.
Train, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit’s) or Amtrak, all-electric trains are a fast, inexpensive, and dependable way to get in & out of San Francisco.

Helpful Tips

Usually on the first Sunday or Tuesday, museums open their doors to the public for free.
There are 2 acceptable affectionate nicknames for San Francisco: “SF” and “The City.” If you use San Fran or Frisco, the locals will get very irritable and might glare at you.
San Francisco is famous for its microclimates, and if you want to get the most out of your visit, you’re going to want a jacket. Most days the wind and or the fog always makes an appearance and it can get cold quick. Take a jacket with you. It may be sunny in the morning, but the weather changes fast and frequently.
The Ferry Building is a foodie paradise, offering gourmet food at a variety of price-points. They also have a farmer’s market and food trucks on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Clipper card/app download the clipper app and top it up with cash to use as contactless payments allowing you access to BART, Muni buses, Metro, and cable cars. Don’t top up too much though, find out how much the trip costs and top up the exact amount you need, that way you wont be left with money on the card when you leave as you can’t get a refund.
When riding the cable cars decide before getting on if you want to be at the front or the back, you don’t really want to be in the centre of the cable car.
Check out the free walking tours
In some of the smaller restaurants and shops, only cash is accepted. It’s good to keep some cash on you just in case.
Use the public transport.