 San Francisco At a Glance
Best Time to Go
With such a moderate climate, San Francisco can be visited any time of year. Keep in mind
that some days may be foggier than others, and some parts of town, such as the Richmond,
Sunset, or the Upper Haight, are much foggier year-round, and can often be colder than the
nearby Mission or Downtown areas. It's never usually colder than 40 degrees in SF, though
it can be during the winter rainy season from November to February or so. In San
Francisco, the winters are mild, and even the summers can be chilly. In the city itself,
it’s rarely warm enough for shorts and t-shirts only. It rarely tops 80 degrees and
there's always a breeze, with areas near the beach and near the bridge being quite windy.
We suggest a visit to this city by the bay anytime, but the best weather is in September
and October.
Average Weather/What to Pack
The highs from November-April typically stay in the high fifties and the low sixties, with
the evening temps hovering in the low- to mid-forties. From May to October, temperatures
top out at 70 and kick back to a low- to mid-fifties at night. You'll suffer some pretty
chilly days during the winter season. With winds whipping off the ocean, you might want to
bundle up. North, east, and south of the city, summers are warmer. Thin cottons are
usually fine for the Wine Country (Sonoma), but in the city, it’s always a good idea
to wear many different layers and a backpack to carry them in when visiting warmer
neighborhoods.
Transportation
Oh, those hills. If you're driving in San Francisco, remember a couple of things. When
parking on an incline, make sure your tires are turned toward the curb. Also, there are a
lot of one-way streets in SF. Keep an eye on the signs. We suggest using public
transportation at all costs. Remember, trolleys abound. Using your feet might prove a wise
idea, especially since you won't have to trouble yourself with parking--not very fun
around here--you'll be towed for sure if illegally parked. This is a great city for
walking.
Cable cars are definitely hip. But with the hipness comes crowdedness. If you've yet to
venture out on a cable car, remember to move toward one quickly as it pauses, find the
first available space, and hang on! Riding in an open-air cable car is definitely a thrill
for first-timers. The fare (for one direction) is $2. Exact change is preferred, but
operators will make change up to $20.
San Francisco Municipal Railway System, or Muni, includes buses, light-rail vehicles,
and antique trolleys. Some lines offer 24-hour service, and the fare is $1. The exact fare
is always required; dollar bills or change are accepted. Transfers are issued free upon
request at the time the fare is paid. Weekly and monthly passes and bus tokens that offer
reduced rates are available for purchase in some drug stores and book shops. Discounted
rates of $.35 always apply to seniors, children, and people with disabilities.
And, for folks who want to travel a bit further, there's the Bay Area Rapid Transit
(BART) trains that travel to Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Colma, Martinez, Fremont and
Concord. Fares run from $1.10 to $4.70, and a $3 excursion ticket buys a three-county
tour. BART only has a few stations in SF, including two in the Mission, three downtown,
and a couple servicing some of the more suburban areas of the City.
In-Season Costs
You can bank on San Francisco being pretty costly year round. Since it's a major tourist
hub, prices are often escalated. However, keep your eyes peeled for package deals.
Sometimes you can score big.
Day Trips
Across the Bay Bridge, Berkeley is a university town great for exploring. This
town boasts a bohemian spirit. Mingle with liberal college students and throw-backs from
the 60s. Berkeley's Telegraph Avenue is filled with funky coffee shops and is great for
shopping.
Also East of SF is Oakland, once considered a brash, rough-and-tumble spot. Now the
city's historical sites and diverse neighborhoods have taken over.
Let's not forget Wine Country, north of San Francisco. Napa and Sonoma counties are,
undisputedly, the capitals of wine production in the United States. In this neck of the
rolling hills, you'll also find fabulous restaurants and resorts, day spas and hot
springs.
Of course, if time allows, you can drive up the coast to Mendocino, south to the
stunning natural beauty of Big Sur, or take a lengthier southward journey to Los Angeles
or San Diego.
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