San Francisco is a diverse city bustling with dozens of neighborhoods that highlight the city’s unique culture. There are abundant activities in each neighborhood that all offer a different vacation experience for travelers. Whether you want to be within walking distance to world-class museums or stay in a historic part of the city, we will help you find the perfect neighborhood to match your interests! Incredible Adventures is a small family-owned and operated tour company based in San Francisco, and we are excited to share our local knowledge of this incredible city! Here are the five best neighborhoods to stay in San Francisco as a tourist:
1. Sunset District
For those who have experienced San Francisco previously and are looking for a more local feel, we recommend staying in the Sunset District. This San Francisco neighborhood is home to incredible attractions such as the 16th Ave Tiled Stairs, Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Gardens, and the Hidden Garden Steps. Be sure to visit Judah St. for a variety of restaurants, bars, and fantastic sunsets at Ocean Beach!
2. The Mission District
Stay in the oldest neighborhood in San Francisco during vacation. Walk the streets of the Mission District and enjoy an afternoon coffee with a view from Dolores Park. Dive into the Latin-X, Hispanic and Asian cultures with some of the best bars and restaurants in San Francisco. We recommend checking out Bao on Valencia St for tasty dumplings and pork buns. Stop at Tartine Bakery for out-of-this-world fresh baked bread and pastries. Finally, El Techo is an excellent option for tacos, margaritas, and an incredible view of the city skyline.
3. Nob Hill
Nob Hill offers the perfect mix of luxury and history in the city. Staying in this neighborhood offers some of the best views of the San Francisco Bay and the city skyline. There is something for everyone in this neighborhood, from buildings full of rich histories such as the Grace Cathedral, the Stanford Court, and Fairmont to the weird and wonderful places such as the Antique Vibrator Museum! Don’t forget to catch a show or live music performance at the Nob Hill Masonic Center.
4. Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a classic in the San Francisco scene! Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and of course, the famous view of Alcatraz Island. Don’t forget to stop and say hello to Pier 39’s residents, the sea lions, while you’re here! Afterward, sit down with a steaming sourdough bread bowl of clam chowder, immerse yourself in the weird oddities at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium, and stroll among the celebrities at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Staying in Fisherman’s Wharf is the best neighborhood to stay in San Francisco for those who want to see the traditional SF sights and experience the bustling pedestrian life of the Wharf!
5. Union Square
If you want to stay in the heart of the city, then Union Square is the place for you. Union Square has it all, with tons of high-end shops, various museums, and theaters. Visit the historic Geary Theater for entertaining plays and musicals or brush up on the history of San Francisco’s cable cars at the Cable Car Museum. Afterward, have dinner and drinks at The Rotunda and celebrate a memorable day in San Francisco!
Save Big with Incredible Adventures!
Now that you have more information about the best neighborhoods to stay in San Francisco, you can start planning your vacation. Incredible Adventures offers fantastic San Francisco tours and experiences. We are currently offering discounts on all of our tours when you book your trip in advance.
- Book 90 days prior to the departure date and SAVE 20% with the code EARLY90.
- Book 60 days prior to the departure date and SAVE 15% with the code EARLY60.
- Book 30 days prior to the departure date and SAVE 10% with the code EARLY30.
Feel free to call us at 415-642-7378 if you have any questions about our discounts or tours.
