San Francisco Planning & Tips

Getting There and Around
San Francisco is easy to get to. Most major airlines fly into SFO; but the city is just as accessible from Oakland International Airport, where you might find a less expensive flight and avoid the frequent fog delays at SFO. Because of its small size -- just seven by seven miles -- you can get by in San Francisco pretty well on foot or via public transportation, starting with the easy-to-use BART (Bay Area Rapid Transport) ride in from the airport. However, renting a car is not a bad idea if you want to drive across the Golden Gate and explore points north, or if you'd just like a more efficient way of getting around town. If you do decide to rent a car, make sure to splurge on the hotel parking. Accepting attitudes here notwithstanding, San Francisco's ticketing officers are notoriously aggressive, and any car parked on the street overnight, stands a good chance of being ticketed or towed.

The Art of Smart Timing
As for the best times to visit, San Francisco is a year-round delight, which rarely gets too cold or too hot and is often as balmy in February as it is in August. That said,
the seasons here do not exactly correspond to most other parts of the country. Summer can be cold, so pack layers if you're traveling in July or August. Winter is only moderately cold and freezing temperatures are rare, but some years, winter is oppressively rainy. If wet weather gets you down, you should avoid traveling here in January or February just to be safe. It's well known among locals that October is the absolutely best month; and if I had to tell a friend the very best time to come, I'd say October hands down. But anyone who comes any time between March and December is not likely to be disappointed.

Off the Radar
The wonders of this region don't stop where the city borders end so if you have a little extra time, head north across the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy the quaint seaside village of Sausalito which faces San Francisco, or some natural wonders of Marin County like Stinson Beach or Muir Woods about an hour beyond the city.

Visitor Bureau
San Francisco Visitors Bureau