Where to Stay in San Francisco (& Where NOT to)

I (Jeremy) first moved to San Francisco in 2009 for faculty, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and proper in the midst of that good time interval between Tech Increase 1.0 and Tech Increase 2.0. The town I moved to was quirky and inexpensive: I used to be in a position to work as a barista and attend artwork faculty whereas nonetheless having the ability to pay for hire and my school social life.

That looks like a very long time in the past now – an inexpensive San Francisco appears like a distant reminiscence. Since then, I’ve modified as a lot as town has. However a number of issues have remained the identical: I’ll all the time get that butterfly-in-my-stomach feeling of pleasure once I cross over the Bay Bridge from our present residence in Oakland and catch glittering daylight reflecting off skyscrapers within the Monetary District and shining on Coit Tower, or once I’m in a position to catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge unobscured by fog.

Another factor has stayed the identical: San Francisco will all the time be a metropolis that modifications. Since San Francisco first started to draw hopeful visionaries within the early days of the Gold Rush, it’s been a lightning rod for no matter’s subsequent, new, and thrilling. San Francisco appears like the long run – however items of town will all the time mirror its previous. The Summer time of Love in 1967 could have felt like the following massive factor for younger People on the time, however as we speak, Haight-Ashbury feels prefer it’s charmingly frozen in time, a dwelling museum to an period lengthy gone.

That is additionally why it might probably really feel extremely complicated to determine the place to remain in San Francisco. For one factor, there are a TON of various neighborhoods, every with a very distinct vibe, historical past, surroundings, and even climate. And regardless of San Francisco’s comparatively tiny measurement, it might probably take hours to get from one aspect of town to a different on public transportation because of ridiculous hills and site visitors.

Basing your self in the fitting spot can imply the distinction between strolling out your entrance door to discover, and spending an hour and a half in a bus or practice or automotive simply to see the sights.

We all know the place you keep could make or break your journey expertise, and we would like you to fall in love with San Francisco – and to get that butterfly feeling while you take heed to San Francisco songs. Oh, by the way, listed below are a number of of our favorites so that you can play when you’re studying this submit:

Now that you simply’ve received your playlist all queued up (and a cup of espresso or tea, maybe – this can be a lengthy submit!) let’s get began.

Psst: Planning to go to the Bay Space? We’ve received a ton of weblog posts about our residence! Listed below are a number of of our favorites that can assist you put together in your journey.

We even have a Podcast episode about San Francisco! Discover out what to eat, the place to drink, & the most effective issues to do, plus solutions to questions you by no means knew you had… like whether or not there’s weed in all places (sure) and when you’ll by accident see nudity (double sure). We’re additionally spilling the fair-trade, natural, ethically sourced tea on our lesser-known lifetime of crime.

San Francisco Journey Ideas

Earlier than we dive into our San Francisco neighborhood information, listed below are a number of fast ideas that you simply’ll must know earlier than you begin planning your journey.

• Don’t rent a car. Don’t do it! You do NOT need the trouble or expense of parking a automotive throughout your journey to San Francisco. It’s terrible. I NEVER drive in San Francisco if I can assist it, and I extremely encourage you to do the identical. Something you wish to entry exterior of town may be organized by way of tour or at most, a one-day car rental.
• Don’t name it “San Fran” or “Frisco.” There are 2 acceptable affectionate nicknames for San Francisco: “SF” and “The Metropolis.” That’s it. These are the two. Permitting “San Fran” or “Frisco” to move your lips is an effective way to out your self as an out-of-towner, which has the additional advantage of inflicting everybody close to you to take a number of steps again and internally seethe.
• Pack good strolling sneakers. San Francisco is a metropolis greatest explored on foot. Sure, you may take transit to get round, however you’ll miss fairly a little bit of the quirks and attraction that make up San Francisco! Spend at the least a day wandering by way of town and stroll as a lot as you may. To assist, we’ve received a self-guided San Francisco walking tour – and we’ve additionally received ideas for the most effective strolling sneakers for journey. Listed below are our favourite journey sneakers for men and for women.
• Convey layers. San Francisco just isn’t a heat metropolis. And it’s particularly not heat in the summertime, which is definitely the coldest season of the yr. Convey a jacket, a shawl, and perhaps even a hat, and pack all of them with you. It is going to be freezing chilly till 10am, you then’ll have a number of wonderful hours of heat and presumably even sunny climate, earlier than 6pm hits and it is going to be instantly freezing once more. Throw your layers in a day bag and also you’ll be good to go!
• San Francisco has a LOT of homeless residents. This could undoubtedly be a little bit of a tradition shock. Please remember the fact that the oldsters experiencing homelessness are our neighbors, and never a blight or an eyesore. Most of the of us that you will note are additionally scuffling with psychological diseases, and you might even see individuals who seem like speaking to themselves or to skinny air. Though this may be startling, keep in mind that these individuals are in much more hazard than you might be, and are unlikely to hurt you in any means. Homelessness is traumatic, notably for the mentally unwell, whose circumstances may be exacerbated by the stress of homelessness. Additionally, as a result of there are too few public restrooms in San Francisco, you’ll odor some disagreeable issues throughout your keep. Maintain your breath and bear in mind: you get to go residence and use a rest room or take a bathe everytime you need. They don’t. Have compassion. There’s a improbable useful resource for a way to answer the homeless in San Francisco on SF Gate.
• You gained’t discover many brief time period rental listings. Regardless of Airbnb being headquartered within the metropolis, brief time period leases in San Francisco have traditionally contributed to the housing disaster, which in flip impacts homelessness. Through the years, strict legal guidelines have been established, limiting the quantity and kind of AirBnBs discovered within the metropolis. When you can nonetheless discover a number of personal rooms for hire in SF, as a way to be a extra accountable traveler, we advocate that you simply select to remain in accommodations as an alternative.

We’ve received some extra useful – and solely mildly useful – ideas for visiting San Francisco in our information to things nobody tells you about San Francisco!

In case your check-in and check-out instances don’t sync up together with your must roam the streets and also you want a spot to retailer your luggage try LuggageHero, a service that helps you discover a protected place to maintain your baggage when you’re operating round! Use the code PRACTICALW for two hours of free baggage storage on us.

Now that we’ve received that out of the way in which, let’s dive into which areas to remain in San Francisco!

The Finest Areas to Keep in San Francisco

Union Sq.

We’ll begin out with probably the most fashionable selections, earlier than supplying you with a bunch of different choices that we extremely encourage you to decide on as an alternative. Union Sq. and the encompassing areas are probably the most fashionable vacationer locations in San Francisco. The sq. itself isn’t a lot to get enthusiastic about (besides throughout Christmas, when it turns into a gorgeous ice skating rink with a large Christmas Tree), however the surrounding streets are full of a few of the greatest purchasing within the metropolis. Each clothes model you may consider has a storefront right here.

Union Sq. is centrally situated, near transit, and the accommodations on this space serve up improbable high-rise views. In case you’re visiting for work, Union Sq. is simply shut sufficient to the Monetary District and the Moscone Conference Middle for a brisk morning stroll, and suffers much less from the FiDi’s “every part closes after 6pm” curse.

That stated, when you’re not visiting for work, there are much more fascinating locations to remain – Union Sq. doesn’t precisely serve up San Francisco attraction. That doesn’t imply it’s not price a go to, although: you may end up passing by way of Union Sq. for a experience on our well-known Cable Car, a day of purchasing, or an outside lunch and an iconic photograph in beautiful Maiden Lane.

• The place to Keep in Union Sq.: A lot of the accommodations on this neighborhood are on the upper finish, just like the Westin St. Francis, which borders one finish of Union Sq. – pop in for a shocking foyer show in the course of the Christmas Season and when you can, experience the glass elevators to the highest of the towers for probably the greatest views within the metropolis. In case you’d want a extra budget-friendly room, attempt Villa Florence as an alternative.

South of Market, aka SoMa

Locals confer with the sweeping space south of market road within the jap half of town as SoMa. It’s VERY massive. So massive, actually, that there are sub-districts inside SoMa like East Lower, South Park, and Rincon Hill. Traditionally, this neighborhood was a warehouse district, however now it’s residence to tech firms and lofts which occupy the roomy outdated warehouse buildings.

SoMa is a improbable place to stick with fairly a bit occurring, however totally different components of SoMa have totally different vibes. For instance, on the eastern-most tip of SoMa, you’ll discover stunning properties surrounding South Park, a quiet inexperienced London-Fashion little park sq..

However head west to Folsom Avenue between seventh and ninth and also you’ll discover the BDSM and leather-based tradition block (as a result of …San Francisco) that homes our infamous Folsom Street Fair each September. In case you’re visiting San Francisco in September, and also you’re NOT into leather-based, kink, or nudity, don’t stay on this space. Contemplate your self duly ready.

In different components of SoMa, you’ll discover a few of the greatest eating places within the metropolis, like Saison, Bar Agricole, and South Park Cafe. There’s additionally glorious nightlife at bars and golf equipment like twenty first Modification, Raven, Bloodhound, Want, Butter, DNA Lounge, Home of Shields, Native Version, and Tempest. And there’s loads of tradition as effectively: the San Francisco MoMA, Yerba Buena Middle, and the Modern Jewish Museum will scratch your artwork itch.

And naturally, you may’t go to San Francisco throughout baseball season with out stopping at Oracle Park (previously AT&T Park) to observe the SF Giants! Certain, we haven’t been in prime type since 2014, but it surely’s nonetheless the most beautiful ballpark in the country. Native’s tip: the fog settles in round 9pm, so carry a rain jacket when you’ll be at a late-night sport. Additionally, order the Garlic Fries.

There are a number of drawbacks to staying in SoMa: being so completely huge, the neighborhood lacks any actual id, making every block really feel form of like its personal factor. In San Francisco, residence of extremely distinctive micro-neighborhoods, that’s fairly uncommon.

SoMa can be not … very fairly. It’s largely a number of lofts, warehouses, and broad streets with large sidewalks – attraction is certainly missing. Additionally, all downtown freeway exits move by way of right here, making site visitors an absolute nightmare.

That stated, SoMa is residence to a number of bus traces, making it pretty transit pleasant even when you’ll have to move as much as Market to catch a BART practice. And since the neighborhood is so HUGE, there are a selection of various vibes to fit your journey type.

• The place to Keep in SoMa: The gorgeous and inexpensive BEI Hotel is situated on the westernmost tip of SoMa, near a number of transit choices and bordering a few of San Francisco’s greatest neighborhoods. We’d fortunately keep right here! Far to the east aspect aspect of SoMa, the extra upscale Hotel Griffon presents Bay Bridge views, walkable Monetary District entry, simple transportation to CalTrain when you’re heading into Silicon Valley for work, and quick access to Oracle Park; this can be a nice choice for enterprise vacationers.

Haight-Ashbury

Haight-Ashbury is one among our absolute favourite neighborhoods, and probably the most iconic and historic in San Francisco! The Summer time of Love days could also be lengthy gone, however the Haight nonetheless preserves a few of the identical emotions. The truth is, I believe a few of the identical individuals from that summer time are nonetheless hanging across the neighborhood…

There are a number of the reason why you may not wish to base your self in Haight-Ashbury. Listed below are a number of that come to thoughts:

1. You continue to hate hippies… and as we speak’s equal counterculture folks, which is form of a gutter-punk crust/grunge mashup
2. You’re allergic to weed smoke
3. Tie-Dye stuff makes you see crimson

If not one of the above apply, enable us to persuade you to base your self on this space. For starters, it’s freakin’ attractive and the structure can’t be crushed: there’s nothing extra iconically San Francisco than the colourful, frilly Victorian properties that line the streets of the Haight.

Along with the attractive historic properties, you’ll discover tons of lovable, distinctive little boutique retailers. With regards to purchasing in San Francisco, we really want Haight-Ashbury to  Union Sq.: the retailers right here have that native aptitude and are expertly curated. In case you’re not into stunning upscale retailers, although, you’ll additionally discover a few of the greatest thrift shops within the metropolis, a bunch of groovy retailers promoting tie-dye and weed equipment, and a plethora of actually glorious costume retailers.

Haight-Ashbury can be centrally situated within the metropolis and borders stunning Golden Gate Park (no relation to the Golden Gate Bridge, and no, it’s not close by). By the way in which, do you know that Golden Gate Park is larger than Central Park?! And that it’s residence to a herd of bison? And redwoods? And hikes? And a botanical garden? And a flower conservatory? And an art museum? And a science museum? And a Japanese Tea Garden?

Look, we’re simply going to say it: Golden Gate Park is the most effective metropolis park within the nation and NYC can stuff it. Don’t @ us.

Whereas there’s no quick access to BART within the Haight, there’s loads of MUNI traces operating out and in of the world, so that you’ll haven’t any hassle getting round inside San Francisco. In case you don’t keep right here, at the least pay the neighborhood a go to – and remember to put on some flowers in your hair. You’d be stunned how small Haight-Ashbury really is: you may see the entire neighborhood in a day.

• The place to Keep in Haight-Ashbury: The Stanyan Park Hotel borders Golden Gate Park, with luxurious old-world Victorian attraction and budget-friendly charges. We expect this is among the greatest locations to remain in San Francisco!

Hayes Valley

Hayes Valley is among the most stunning neighborhoods in San Francisco. We’d LOVE to stay right here, however let’s simply say we … can’t … afford it. However hey, let’s not speak about SF hire – it’s one of many native’s favourite subjects of debate, however as a customer, you don’t have to fret about it (you fortunate duck).

Right here is why you need to stay out our private San Francisco fantasy and base your self in Hayes Valley: it’s freaking lovable. Assume tree-lined streets, eating places spilling out onto shaded sidewalk cafes, and many small boutique retailers (together with a few of our favourite moral/sustainable clothes manufacturers, Alternative Apparel, Outdoor Voices, and locally-based fave Marine Layer). We’d slightly buy groceries right here than in Union Sq. any day!

That stated, Hayes Valley is extra walkable than transit-able, and like the remainder of San Francisco, having a automotive will carry you nothing however hassle.

Additionally, honest warning: when you occur to be staying in Hayes Valley throughout Bay to Breakers in Could, you’re in for a really bizarre, VERY San Francisco expertise. (Truthfully, we’d extremely advocate it, however put together your self: there might be nudity, partying, elaborate costumes, basic ridiculousness, and a LOT of enjoyable. Additionally a historic marathon, however that’s really the least interesting bit.)

We undoubtedly encourage anybody not staying in Hayes Valley to go to, notably when you’re close by at Alamo Sq. to snag a Painted Women photograph for the ‘gram.

• The place to Keep in Hayes Valley: The Hayes Valley Inn is among the most surprisingly high-value accommodations in San Francisco. It’s loopy inexpensive for the costliest metropolis within the nation, particularly contemplating it’s situated proper within the coronary heart of one among its most stunning neighborhoods. In trade for these financial savings, although, you’ll need to share a rest room with the opposite company. Look, there’s all the time a catch. In case you want to bathe within the privateness of your room, keep at The Grove Inn simply off of Alamo Sq. as an alternative.

The Castro

The Castro is among the most iconic neighborhoods in San Francisco, and chances are high you’ve already seen images of its rainbow-flag lined streets. Because the 70’s, the Castro has been probably the most famously LGBTQ+ neighborhoods within the USA. In case you’re a respectful participant in queer tradition or a card-carrying ally, we extremely advocate a go to to the Castro to discover its historic streets and sights, and we’d encourage you to contemplate staying right here, too. Clearly, when you’re homophobic, trans-phobic, or simply not comfy with queer tradition, you need to keep away from the Castro… and presumably think about not visiting San Francisco in any respect.

There are a ton of the reason why we love the Castro, beginning with the climate. I do know it sounds bizarre, however each neighborhood in San Francisco has totally different climate (they’re known as Micro-Climates). It has one thing to do with totally different constructing layouts and the way they have an effect on solar and wind publicity, however I’m no Brick Tamland. What I do know is the Castro nearly all the time looks like one of many warmest locations within the metropolis.

We additionally love that the Castro is close to the long-lasting Seward Slides. And also you’ll have quick access to Dolores Park, a should go to whereas within the metropolis. DoLo is the place everybody comes on heat days to put out with mates and social gathering in no matter means they see match. Some of us drink and dance, some of us drink and nap, some drink and play elaborate video games whereas others watch. Consuming is the official exercise although. There may be additionally some premium canine watching (my favourite), plus some hilariously San Franciscan distributors that stroll round. My private favorites are Michael the Coconut man (he walks round machete-ing coconuts and filling them with rum) and the cereal bars from the girl with the basket and vaguely Swiss maid outfit. Sure, there’s weed in them.

The Castro can be residence to a few of the greatest nightlife within the metropolis – which is nice when you’re spry and with it, and perhaps not so fascinating when you’re outdated at coronary heart and like to go to mattress early.

Earlier than you go to, learn up on LGBTQ+ history and culture in San Francisco so you have got some context for the place you’re staying. Additionally, keep in mind that when you’re right here, you’re a customer within the queer group, so please be respectful.

• The place to Keep within the Castro: Parker Guest House is gorgeous, completely situated, extremely rated, and pretty inexpensive – so just about a house run in terms of locations to remain in San Francisco!

North Seashore (& Chinatown)

Though these two neighborhoods are vastly totally different – actually, the border of the 2 neighborhoods on Kerouac Alley is among the greatest examples of the distinct dichotomy between neighborhoods in San Francisco – we’re together with them collectively as a result of they’re so shut that you simply’ll end up weaving out and in of them incessantly throughout your keep. Additionally, as a result of there actually aren’t any accommodations to talk of in Chinatown, so the closest you may actually get is North Seashore.

We love this space for a number of causes. Initially, the meals. There is no such thing as a scarcity of fine meals right here! Between the biggest Chinatown in America, and San Francisco’s Little Italy, you’ll by no means go hungry.

For Italian meals, we advocate The Italian Home made Firm, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, Baonecci Restaurant, or Il Casaro.

For Chinese language, try Hunan’s Residence, Z & Y Restaurant, Mister Jiu’s, R&G Lounge, Metropolis View, or Sam Wo. Don’t neglect to pop into one among Chinatown’s little bakeries to choose up a scrumptious deal with for dessert, too!

These two neighborhoods are additionally residence to some attractive San Francisco views. North Seashore is tree-lined and inexperienced, dotted with historic sights just like the Sentinel Building whereas the Transamerica Pyramid pops up round each nook.

However Chinatown transports you to a different nation: in the course of the day, its crowded streets fill with grocers and distributors hawking a wide range of bewildering wares, however round twilight everybody mysteriously vanishes, leaving you to discover quiet streets splashed with colourful road artwork and benefit from the vibrant crimson lanterns twinkling overhead nearly fully alone.

The neighborhoods are each completely positioned for guests, with shut proximity to lots of San Francisco’s greatest sights. You’re proper subsequent to Coit Tower, Ghiradelli Sq., Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, Telegraph Hill and the Filbert Steps (residence of a well-known flock of parrots), Kerouac Alley, and Washington Sq. Park. Whew. That’s a LOT of vacationer locations in a single very small space! Which, after all, is why our self-guided San Francisco walking tour goes straight by way of this space *ahem.*

We additionally love the historical past of those two neighborhoods. From escaped slave refugees to immigrants to the good beat writers of the 1950’s, this small pocket of town has wealthy tales to inform. We extremely advocate you learn up on the historical past of Chinatown and North Seashore, and think about reserving a guided tour within the daytime or evening to essentially get to know these two unbelievable neighborhoods.

We do wish to offer you a heads-up, although: whereas these two neighborhoods are a few of the greatest in San Francisco to go to and to remain in, North Seashore can get somewhat bizarre at evening. There are like, a bunch of strip golf equipment. With actually vibrant neon lights that activate after darkish. And between the strip golf equipment, dance golf equipment, and promoters handing out adverts to them, Broadway can begin to really feel a bit like Las Vegas at evening.

But it surely’s a straightforward repair: simply keep away from that stretch of Broadway and ensure you’re staying far sufficient away to not get neon lights lighting up your lodge room at evening.

• The place to Keep in North Seashore & Chinatown: The Washington Square Inn is a stunning, cozy little Victorian-style inn situated on the completely stunning Washington Sq. park in North Seashore. In case you’re on a good price range, the Hotel North Beach sacrifices a number of comforts (assume: shared loos) however presents an insanely good value, and is situated straight alongside the border between these two neighborhoods.

Canine Pleasant Inns in San Francisco

In case you’re like us, touring together with your pup could also be a compulsory requirement. And San Francisco is a uniquely dog-friendly metropolis – actually, there are more dogs here than children! From the dog-friendly beaches to the dog-friendly bars, eating places, and parks, you may just about carry your canine with you in all places you go. (And we completely do.)

So when you’ll be bringing your pup with you in your journey, we’ve discovered some wonderful locations to remain:

• Hotel Argonaut: Positioned on Fisherman’s Wharf, this deliciously good-looking eco-friendly lodge presents stunning views throughout the San Francisco Bay. Watch the boats go by out of your nautical themed room, with its uncovered bricks and ship-themed touches. Take your pup for a stroll by the water; it’s proper there!
• Hotel Nikko: Positioned in Union Sq., Resort Nikko goes a step additional in your canine – they provide pet-friendly rooms on the VIP (Very Necessary Pet) Ground with canine beds, meals and water bowls, and mats! You possibly can even stroll out on their Pet Terrace, which options an off-leash canine run for play time and metropolis views. Moreover pet choices, they lodge is decoarted in trendy blues and whites and has a glass-enclosed pool.

The place To not Keep in San Francisco

Now that we’ve given you our favourite areas to remain in San Francisco, listed below are the neighborhoods we’d advocate you NOT staying in. These are all improbable locations to go to, however not the most effective spots to base your self throughout your go to to San Francisco. Don’t fear, we’ll clarify why!

Fisherman’s Wharf

Arguably the obvious alternative for the place to remain in San Francisco additionally occurs to be the primary one which I’d let you know to take a tough move on. Certain, it’s an iconic location, and clam chowder in a bread bowl is all the time close by, in addition to different San Francisco staples like Buena Vista Cafe, Ghirardelli Sq., Musee Mecanique, Boudin Bakery, and the seals at Pier 39.

But it surely’s additionally insanely crowded, stuffed with vacationers, and lacks any actual essence of San Francisco apart from what you may see on a mug or a magnet. Plus, the accommodations listed below are dear.

We undoubtedly encourage you to go to – actually, our San Francisco Walking Tour takes you up and down the entire Embarcadero to indicate you the way a lot we love this space – however we don’t advocate that you simply keep right here.

The one exception is when you’ll be touring with a canine – the Hotel Argonaut is situated proper off Fisherman’s Wharf and is a improbable dog-friendly lodge!

• The place to Keep As a substitute: We’d advocate staying in North Seashore or Chinatown, each of which provide simple, walkable entry to Fisherman’s Wharf. Check out the Washington Square Inn, a stunning, cozy little Victorian-style inn situated on the completely stunning Washington Sq. park.

Close to Golden Gate Bridge/The Presidio

Various guests to San Francisco assume that the Golden Gate Bridge is near the remainder of town. It’s not. It’s means out of the way in which.

The realm across the Golden Gate Bridge is named the Presidio, and it’s really a large nature park that was once a army base. It’s completely attractive and a beautiful place to go mountaineering (we advocate the Batteries to Bluffs path) or to observe the solar setting at Land’s Finish.

However don’t keep there in case your purpose is to discover San Francisco. It’s fairly out of the way in which and takes a very long time to entry on transit! We’d solely advocate basing your self right here if you’d like peace, quiet, nature, isolation, and quick access to the Marin Headlands.

That stated, there’s one massive plus to the Presidio: this is among the few neighborhoods in San Francisco the place it’s not a serious drawback to have a automotive.

• The place to Keep As a substitute: Truthfully, anyplace else on our neighborhood record could be a better option. In case you’re after Golden Gate Bridge views, you could find them all around the metropolis when you keep in a high-rise building- however anticipate to pay extra for the privilege.

Nob Hill

It’s best to solely keep in Nob Hill when you love extremely steep, near-vertical hills and have some huge cash.

Look, we do like Nob Hill – we really received engaged on the roof of the attractive Fairmont Resort and spent our wedding ceremony evening there – however there’s a motive locals name it Snob Hill. Which is that it’s insanely costly. And on an extremely steep hill.

Spend an evening partying on the Tonga Room and having fun with the sweeping views of the plebs metropolis, however don’t keep right here.

• The place to Keep As a substitute: Chinatown and North Seashore are in the identical space, however on the base of the hills slightly than on prime of them.

The Mission & the Tenderloin

These are two of San Francisco’s hottest and well-known neighborhoods, even exterior of California locals. And whereas we extremely encourage you to go to, we wish to strongly discourage you from basing your self right here. Enable us to elucidate why.

I lived within the Tenderloin for a few years and liked it. It could be the grittiest neighborhood within the metropolis, but it surely has a sure attraction. As you stroll from Union Sq. into the Tenderloin, enormous high-end shops filter into tiny mom-and-pop retailers, chain accommodations turn into seedy motels, gilded bars flip into native dives, sit down eating places flip into taquerias and pizza retailers.

Anybody conversant in genuine inner-city neighborhoods (assume Harlem, not Midtown, as a New York equal) shouldn’t be too shocked by the Tenderloin. It’s conveniently positioned and residential to a number of locations I’d advocate visiting.

But it surely’s uh…received a rep.  Right here’s the factor: The TL, because the locals name it, is the neighborhood the place drug rehabilitation, homeless companies, and needle swap clinics are situated. Because of this, there are fairly a number of homeless residents, drug customers, and different down-on-their-luck of us who spend most of their time on this space.

Put it this manner: San Francisco has a number of issues, and also you’re going to see all of them within the Tenderloin. I’ve by no means felt unsafe there, however I’m a straight white man. I can’t assure you’d really feel the identical.

Most individuals you see on the streets of San Francisco are there as a result of town lacks the infrastructure to assist everybody. Nevertheless, alternative crime is REAL within the Tenderloin. Muggings, telephone snatches, and automotive break-ins are fairly frequent at evening. In case you’re used to massive cities, you’ll know what to anticipate. (For what it’s price, I wouldn’t fear a lot about violent crime within the space – smashed automotive home windows are irritating, however not life-threatening.)

Now to be honest, there was an try in recent times to revamp the neighborhood … but it surely was fairly problematic. To not get too political, however the late Mayor primarily needed to comb out the displaced and mentally unwell of us who name the neighborhood residence to make means for shiny new tech places of work paying excessive rents.

Look, let’s simply say it: we’re speaking about gentrification, and it’s the actual motive we’d discourage you from staying within the Tenderloin. The extra individuals keep right here, the extra change occurs. And positive, that’s good for the CITY, but it surely’s not essentially good for the individuals dwelling within the neighborhood who can’t afford the ballooning hire, small enterprise homeowners who’re being (fairly actually) muscled out of their leases to make means for larger firms or fancy accommodations, and the displaced and unmedicated on the road.

So please, don’t keep right here, and when you go to, achieve this mindfully and respectfully – the homeless are our neighbors, and we urge you to be empathetic to their struggles.

I like The Mission for a similar motive I like the TL, but it surely has very comparable issues. The neighborhood received hit onerous within the tech growth, and generations of households dwelling underneath one roof have been pushed out of the place they’ve often called residence their complete lives. And why? One other third wave espresso store? Extra space for AirBNBs? Gentrification a fancy difficulty and we aren’t going to sort out it right here, however we wish to make you conscious that it’s a pervasive and ever-present actuality for San Franciscans.

Sure, the Mission and the Tenderloin are soiled. Sure, there’s alternative crime. Sure, it’s an amazing market from a enterprise perspective. However considering that means ignores the human aspect. It ignores the lifeblood of town and what makes San Francisco so freakin’ bizarre and funky. And that’s why I say don’t keep there.

Now, all that stated…you need to completely VISIT the Tenderloin and the Mission. Each The Mission and Tenderloin are situated on Bart and bus traces, so you may simply cease by.

Within the Tenderloin, go to Brenda’s for the most effective brunch within the metropolis (however anticipate a loopy lengthy wait). There’s normally a drag and/or comedy present occurring at PianoFight. Bourbon and Department is the native speakeasy you want a password and presumably a 1920’s costume to enter – throughout the road, Custom has simply pretty much as good drinks however with much less of the strict historic speakeasy vibe. In order for you a banh mi that can change your life, go to Saigon Sandwich.

We undoubtedly advocate spending a heat, sunny afternoon (as a result of micro-climates) exploring the street-art splashed streets of the Mission. The very best burrito in San Francisco is commonly contested, however the massive contenders all stay within the Mission: Taqueria Cancun (the nineteenth and Mission location is our fave), La Taqueria, and El Farolito. It’s vital for us to notice that thse have been all finalists within the NATIONAL BURRITO CONTEST. (Sidenote, how do I get on that judging board? I’ve the {qualifications}.)

After you’ve skilled the Mission burrito, take pleasure in some highly effective margaritas and dance salsa at Latin America Membership. Play some pool, pet some doggos, and drink some low cost drinks at Kilowatt. And wander alongside Valencia Avenue for a combination of thrift purchasing, bookstores, and high-end boutiques – don’t miss the Pirate Shop, a pirate provide retailer slash literary group (simply belief us).

• The place to Keep As a substitute: The Castro, Hayes Valley, and SoMa are all glorious locations to remain close by – we’ve received our picks listed up above within the sections for every of these neighborhoods.

Inside or Outer Sundown

The Sundown – together with the Richmond district – are San Francisco’s suburban areas, and numerous San Francisco residents stay right here.  And loads of unsuspecting vacationers are tempted to remain on this space.

Sure, it’s a fairly identify for a neighborhood. Sure, it’s proper subsequent to San Francisco’s coast and Ocean Seashore. Sure, there’s glorious meals (particularly Asian delicacies – the dumplings are subsequent degree) and a cute native aptitude and cultural vibe. And sure, you’ll be bordering stunning Golden Gate Park, one among San Francisco’s greatest points of interest.

However we don’t advocate you keep within the Sundown! Why? As a result of it’s SO. FAR. AWAY.

Look, I do know San Francisco is a teeny tiny metropolis and solely 7×7 sq. miles. However for no matter motive, getting out and in of the Sundown by way of any type of public transit takes HOURS. It is not sensible, however belief us on this one.

Additionally, throughout all however about 2 hours of the day, this complete space is totally coated in a thick, heavy, moist, freezing chilly layer of fog. The locals are used to it; you’re not. In case you don’t wish to be soaked to your pores and skin strolling to your lodging after 6pm, keep someplace hotter as an alternative!

• The place to Keep As a substitute: Haight-Ashbury additionally borders Golden Gate Park, however on the inland aspect, which implies you’ll escape the freezing chilly fog.

The place to Keep in San Francisco: Abstract

That was a number of studying, so we needed to wrap issues up and offer you a fast at-a-glance model of this submit.

• The Finest Areas to Keep in San Francisco: We advocate staying in Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, The Castro, or North Seashore.
• The Finest Inns in San Francisco: Our prime lodge picks are The Stanyan Park Hotel,  The Hayes Valley Inn, and Parker Guest House. Choose any a kind of 3 choices and also you’re golden.
• The Finest Canine-Pleasant Inns in San Francisco: Hotel Argonaut in Fisherman’s Wharf and Hotel Nikko in Union Sq. are the most effective dog-friendly accommodations in San Francisco.
• Why aren’t recommending any AirBnBs? Sadly, AirBnBs in San Francisco have traditionally contributed to the housing disaster, which in flip impacts homelessness. Through the years, strict laws have been established, limiting the quantity and kind of AirBnBs discovered within the metropolis. So when you can nonetheless discover personal rooms in SF, as a way to be a extra responsible traveler, we advocate that you simply select to remain in accommodations as an alternative.

Wow, I can’t imagine we simply managed to condense 5k phrases into one paragraph. Nicely completed, us!

Hey, searching for assist planning your journey to San Francisco? Enroll beneath and we’ll ship you a printable model of our self-guided strolling tour, plus our favourite ideas for visiting!

Psst: Planning to go to the Bay Space? We’ve received a ton of weblog posts about our residence! Listed below are a number of of our favorites that can assist you put together in your journey, or click here to browse all of them.

We even have a Podcast episode about San Francisco! Discover out what to eat, the place to drink, & the most effective issues to do, plus solutions to questions you by no means knew you had… like whether or not there’s weed in all places (sure) and when you’ll by accident see nudity (double sure). We’re additionally spilling the fair-trade, natural, ethically sourced tea on our lesser-known lifetime of crime.

What questions do you have got about the place to remain in San Francisco? Drop us a remark beneath!

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Disclaimer: This submit was created in partnership with Travelocity. All opinions, shade thrown,  and proposals are 100% our personal and completely not their fault.

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