San Francisco

United States

San Francisco offers iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, vibrant neighborhoods, world-class dining, and a rich cultural scene. Its unique blend of historic charm and modern innovation makes it a captivating destination.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days
Budget$100/day
Mid-range$300/day
Luxury$1000/day

Known For

FriscoSFBay AreaGolden Gate CityNorthern California

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington
CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)
LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian
Phone Code+1
Electricity120V (Type A, B)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
  • )
  • Restaurant waitstaff: 15
  • 20% of the bill
  • Bar staff: $1
  • 2 per drink or 15
  • 20% of the bill
  • Taxi drivers: 15
  • 20% of the fare
  • Hotel housekeepers: $2
  • 5 per day

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available
  • Credit cards are widely accepted
  • Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
  • No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
  • Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
  • Punctuality for appointments is expected
  • Personal space is generally respected
  • Shaking hands is a common greeting
  • Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
  • It is common to make small talk with strangers
  • "Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 21
  • Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
  • Federal law prohibits marijuana use
  • Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
  • Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
  • Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)
YesYes (YES)
HelloHello (huh-LOH)
PleasePlease (PLEEZ)
Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)
Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

San Francisco's climate is primarily influenced by its coastal location and topography, creating distinct microclimates within the city.

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Mission Burrito regional_speciality

A style of burrito originating in the Mission District, this is characterized by its large size and inclusion of extra ingredients like rice, sour cre

Sourdough Bread regional_speciality

San Francisco's chilly, foggy climate creates ideal conditions for the unique strain of wild yeast and bacteria that gives this bread its distinct tan

Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl must_try

Thick, creamy New England-style clam chowder served hot inside a hollowed-out, tangy San Francisco sourdough bread bowl. This iconic dish is a must-tr

Irish Coffee alcohol

This drink consists of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a layer of thick cream floated on top. While not invented in San Francisco, the local ver

Dungeness Crab seasonal

A highly prized Pacific crab known for its sweet, mild, and tender meat. It is a seasonal delicacy typically harvested from mid-November through June,

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Alcatraz Island Tickets Attraction
Book 1–3 months in advance

Alcatraz tours are highly popular and tickets, especially for the official ferry, often sell out weeks or months ahead of time due to limited capacity.

Hard-to-Reserve Dining (e.g., State Bird Provisions, House of Prime Rib) Dining
Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

San Francisco is home to many acclaimed restaurants with limited seating and high demand; reservations are often released 30-60 days out and sell out immediately.

Muir Woods National Monument Parking/Shuttle permit_or_pass
Book 1 week to 6 weeks in advance

A reservation is required for all visitors, either for a parking space or a seat on the shuttle, to limit traffic and protect the environment.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Day trip tours to Yosemite National Park tour_or_activity
Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Yosemite day trips are long and operate with limited vehicle capacity. They fill up quickly, especially during peak summer and fall color seasons.

Fun Facts

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