San Francisco is a bustling, interesting and fun place to visit all year long. Home to some of the best restaurants in California, and shopping at such high end stores as found in Union Square within the San Francisco shopping district. From the moment you view the world famous Golden Gate Bridge, bringing millions of visitors into the city, you know you have arrived somewhere special.
When to Visit Based on Price
The winter months, although usually with mild temperatures, bring the best hotel rates because of the cloudy and rainy days, and offer fewer crowds.
• Low Season: January through March is less busy. Average Daily Rates of:
- 2 Star: $49-$225
- 3 Star: $99-$290
- 4 Star: $146-$549
• High Season: June through September offers the best weather, and destination for families. Average Daily Rates of:
- 2 Star: $59-$230
- 3 Star: $134-$399
- 4 Star: $180-$557
Public transportation within the city is excellent, and traffic usually extremely busy. It really isn’t necessary to rent a car, and probably will reduce anxiety and money spent if you use public transportation.
Sights you mustn’t miss
Take a stroll down the Embarcadero to the famous marketplace within the Ferry Building, and taste your way through its local artisan delights. Spend some time on Fisherman’s Warf, experiencing the sights and sounds of the waterfront. There’s no place better to enjoy a casual seafood lunch or dinner, with such a scenic environment to walk it off afterwards. And what visit to this historic city is complete without taking the historic voyage on the ferry out to Alcatraz Island, and a tour of the prison. You can experience the living quarters and grounds of this historic prison that housed some of the worst criminals of days gone by. The added attraction of viewing the city and Golden Gate Bridge from out on the water is a great photo op.
Fun things to do
Spend a day strolling the shops and restaurants of Pier 39, a 45-acre waterfront shoppers haven. If you happen to get hungry, fear not, there are fourteen restaurants to choose from. Relax along he decks to the sights and sounds of a major clan of sea lions below. Another fun downtown adventure is taking the historic cable car journey to the top of the hill, and down, also a nice photo op. Another fun thing is to take a tour of a fortune cookie manufacturing facility while visiting Chinatown.
Wine and Dine Tips
San Francisco is heavily Asian populated, so take advantage of the restaurants here, especially within Chinatown. Asking your hotel staff for recommendations, or someone you might meet out and about.
Day Trips
The most popular and rewarding day trip from San Diego is a day trip to Napa/Sonoma Wine Country. Just an hour’s drive puts you into a beautiful green countryside, with relaxed casual downtowns, and wineries that not only make you smile, but happy.
It is suggested that you take one of the tours there on a bus, van or Limo Service, because there’s always the chance of too much “happy”?
Where to Stay
If you want to stay in the trendy downtown area, book into The Orchard Hotel, one of the 'greenest' hotels in the city. If you choose to stay at its sister property, The Orchard Garden Hotel, you'll be at the gates of Chinatown where you can buy authentic Asian wares and souvenirs. For a unique experience in the area, take a tour of a working fortune cookie factory.
The Hotel Vitale offers modern and luxurious accommodation to visitors wanting to stay in this prime location. The boutique hotel also provides incredible views of the Bay Bridge from its guestrooms.
After a day of sightseeing, head back to your room in the Palomar Hotel, an eco-friendly hotel close to the busy Market Street and some of the city's best galleries.
Staying in the W Hotel San Francisco will put you in the center of the South Market District where you have easy access to popular tourist stops.
Our recommendations in San Francisco
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
In the city center, The Park Central San Francisco is in San Francisco's Downtown San Francisco neighborhood, an area with great shopping. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Exploratorium are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Ferry Building and Berkeley Marina. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Oracle Park or Cow Palace.
Orchard Hotel
Located in San Francisco's Downtown San Francisco neighborhood, Orchard Hotel is in the city center and near a metro station. Ferry Building and Berkeley Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Oracle Park, or consider The Regency Ballroom for a night out.
Hotel Carlton, a Joie de Vivre Boutique Hotel
In the city center, Hotel Carlton, a Joie de Vivre Boutique Hotel is in San Francisco's Downtown San Francisco neighborhood, an area with good shopping. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Golden Gate Park and Aquatic Park, while San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Exploratorium are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Oracle Park, or consider The Regency Ballroom for a night out.
Hotel Union Square
In the city center, Hotel Union Square is in San Francisco's Downtown San Francisco neighborhood, an area with good shopping. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Golden Gate Park and Aquatic Park, while San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Exploratorium are cultural highlights. Check out an event or a game at Oracle Park, and consider making time for Pier 39, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Powell St & O'Farrell St Stop and Powell St & Market St Stop are just steps away.
Handlery Union Square Hotel
In the city center, Handlery Union Square Hotel is in San Francisco's Downtown San Francisco neighborhood, an area with good shopping. Lombard Street and Pier 39 are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Golden Gate Park and Aquatic Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Oracle Park or Cow Palace. Our guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop and Powell St & Post St Stop are just steps away.
Hotel Diva
In the city center, Hotel Diva is in San Francisco's Downtown San Francisco neighborhood, an area with great shopping. Lombard Street and Pier 39 are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Ghirardelli Square and Westfield San Francisco Centre. Check out an event or a game at Oracle Park, and consider making time for San Francisco Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.
Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Downtown/Van Ness Ave.
In the city center, Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Downtown/Van Ness Ave. is in San Francisco's Downtown San Francisco neighborhood, an area with good shopping. Lombard Street and Pier 39 are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Van Ness Avenue and Ghirardelli Square. Check out an event or a game at Oracle Park, and consider making time for San Francisco Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: California St & Van Ness Ave Stop is 7 minutes by foot and California St & Polk St Stop is 8 minutes.
Hotel Zelos San Francisco
Located in San Francisco's Downtown San Francisco neighborhood, Hotel Zelos San Francisco is in the city center and near a metro station. Pier 39 and Lombard Street are notable landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Ferry Building and Berkeley Marina. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Oracle Park, or consider The Regency Ballroom for a night out. Our guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Market St & Stockton St Stop and Market St & 4th St Stop are just steps away.
Adante Hotel
Located in San Francisco's Downtown San Francisco neighborhood, Adante Hotel is in the city center and near a metro station. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Exploratorium are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39. Consider The Regency Ballroom for a night out, and don't miss San Francisco Zoo, a top local attraction. Our guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop is 6 minutes by foot and California St & Jones St Stop is 7 minutes.
The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco
Near a metro station, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel is in San Francisco's Downtown San Francisco neighborhood, an area with good shopping. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Exploratorium are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Pier 39 and San Francisco Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Oracle Park or Cow Palace.
Hotel Majestic
Located in San Francisco's Western Addition neighborhood, Hotel Majestic is in the business district and near a metro station. Van Ness Avenue and Ghirardelli Square are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Pier 39 and San Francisco Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Oracle Park, or consider The Regency Ballroom for a night out.
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
In the city center, Hotel Nikko San Francisco is in San Francisco's Downtown San Francisco neighborhood, an area with good shopping. Lombard Street and Pier 39 are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Westfield San Francisco Centre and Ghirardelli Square. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Oracle Park, or consider The Regency Ballroom for a night out.
Hotel Bijou, WorldHotels Crafted
In the city center, Hotel Bijou is in San Francisco's Downtown San Francisco neighborhood, an area with good shopping. Westfield San Francisco Centre and Ghirardelli Square are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Golden Gate Park and Mission Dolores Park. Consider The Regency Ballroom for a night out, and don't miss Pier 39, a top local attraction. Our guests appreciate the hotel's location for the sightseeing. It's also convenient to public transportation: Market St & 5th St Stop and Powell St & Market St Stop are just steps away.
Hotel Whitcomb
In the city center, Hotel Whitcomb is in San Francisco's Downtown San Francisco neighborhood, an area with good airport proximity. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Exploratorium are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Pier 39 and San Francisco Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Oracle Park or Cow Palace. Our guests appreciate the hotel's location for the sightseeing. It's also convenient to public transportation: Market St & 8th St Stop and Market St & Hyde St Stop are just steps away.
Civic Center Inn
Located in San Francisco's Downtown San Francisco neighborhood, Civic Center Inn is in the city center and near a metro station. Lombard Street and Pier 39 are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Van Ness Avenue and Ghirardelli Square. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Oracle Park or Cow Palace. Our guests appreciate the hotel's location for the sightseeing.