San Francisco, California Hotels and City Guide

Welcome to one of the major cities of California, one of the biggest states in the United States: San Francisco. You aren’t likely to get bored easily in this city; with amazing nightlife, shopping, sightseeing, places to go, things to do, and people to meet, every day will become a unique experience and almost an adventure in itself. A diverse city hustling and bustling with regulars, yuppies, Chinese, Japanese, Latin Americans, gays, lesbians, vegans, hippies, businessmen, intellectuals, and more, it’s almost hard to believe that the city ever started out as a small town.

Booming ever since, it has taken on earthquakes and fires only to be rebuilt better, stronger, and bigger than before (and ready to handle more quakes and fires that might sweep through). San Francisco has an abundance of indulgences for every taste and style. Victorian houses sit caddy-corner to shops selling tie-dye shirts. Sushi bars sit on trendy streets where cable cars trundle past. Art deco skyscrapers reach into the sky, sitting in the heart of the city and surrounded by steep hillsides where houses sit on near vertical slants. It is a town that is always shifting and changing, ready for the next big thing, and whose mysteries can never be fully unraveled.

Seated right at the edge of the vast Pacific Ocean, while swimming might not be an option, the views are spectacular and make for stunning pictures later on when you’ve returned home. The city sits on a peninsula, surrounded on three sides by water. Mists roll in over the waves, sneaking into the city and blanketing its inhabitants. Sunshine sparkles on the glimmering surfaces of immaculate buildings, and rain occasionally pitter-patters against old roofs in Chinatown where old women sell their wares to locals and tourists alike.

You can easily run out of time viewing places within San Francisco. Not only are there the must-see sights, but also the Ferry Building, Macondray Lane, Palace of Fine Arts, Telegraph Hill, and more. You can ride the cable cars, buses, and immerse yourself in the life of the San Franciscan people. Watch sea lions lounge on the beach at Pier 39, picnic at Golden Gate Park, and wind and twist your way down Lombard Street.

Considered one of the top tourist destinations in the world, San Francisco will dazzle you and won’t let go until you’re outside of the city (but if you’re smart, you’ll learn how to bring a bit of San Francisco back with you!). As long as you plan ahead – it’s a good idea to organize your trip before going, though it’s easy to get sidetracked – and bring plenty of money and a sweater or jacket, you will be as good as gold. While the city started out Spanish, it has since grown to include people of all types. It’s a tolerant place, open to those of all cultures and beliefs.

Adventurous drivers will brave hills steeper than any they’ve ever encountered before. Art lovers can indulge themselves in the abundance of work at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art as well as the numerous galleries around the city. Book lovers can enjoy high-end bookstores as well as used-book stores. The hip and trendy will love the bargains at the Mission neighborhood. And anyone who doesn’t already own a mansion will goggle at the large Victorian houses, mansions, and homes adorned with baroque structures, all worth millions of dollars.

No matter what your interest, San Francisco will catch your interest. Kids and adults alike will enjoy relaxing at little cafes, walking the Golden Gate Bridge, or simply taking in all the scenery around them. The hardest part will be deciding where to go and how to fit in so many exquisite attractions.

San Francisco Districts

The Castro

The place for gays and lesbians the world over, this is a friendly neighborhood, bright and colorful and ready to welcome everyone with open arms. Whether your straight or not, it doesn’t matter; the trendy shops, unique films, and bright homes are enough to pull in anyone’s interest.

Chinatown

Don’t drive here and don’t even expect to park here. Chinatown is bustling and bursting with people. The energy of the place is electric and is filled with herb shops, Chinese-trinket stores, old-style apartments, bakeries, and more. You’ll hardly know which way to look first as you walk down the streets amidst the hustle and bustle, but it will be well worth the footwork.

Civic Center Area

The Civic Center is a place where few go, but is still filled with things to see. A farmers’ market visits the United Nations Plaza on Wednesdays and Sundays. The main library is restored and full of great literature. The Asian Art Museum brings past Asian culture to life. From here you can head to Hayes Valley for some funky boutiques, clean galleries, and mouth-watering restaurants.

The Haight

A combination of Victorian homes and 1960s tie-dye seems odd, but that’s what you’ll find in this neighborhood. Overall though, it is very low-key and even a little coarse, with kids panhandling and second-hand shops, mildly grungy bars and eateries. But locals still visit for cheap brunches and hip clothes – the decision is yours.

Japantown

Though few outsiders ever make it to Japantown or feel the need to visit, if Japanese culture catches your interest, then visit Japan Center Mall's Kinokuniya Bookstore for a wonderful look at Japanese literature from shelf to shelf. Or try the Kabuki Springs & Spa to unwind and ease that travelling tension.

The Marina

Browse Chesnut Street and peek into the stylish boutiques, modish cafes, chill restaurants, and fine-wine shops. If shopping among the hip and trendy isn’t your style, try the nightlife, or better yet, step into the Palace of Fine Arts for a real treat.

Nob Hill

It almost speaks for itself. This is old-money San Francisco still alive and well, making for an interesting look at some of the older styles of mansions and Gothic Grace Cathedral. Roll along on the cable car for a quick taking in of the sights.

Pacific Heights

If you want to know where the ritz and chic live, drive by Pacific Heights. You’ll see Victorians, mansions, and town houses that will make your jaw drop, and may even make you a little faint when you hear just how high some of them are priced. Well into the millions, don’t be surprised when you see Elizabethian styles, baroque bastions, and other old world famous and well-to-do style at work.

Russian Hill

Decorated with Victorian flats, Edwardian cottages, and little square condos, looking around Russian Hill is like discovering a maze of hidden gardens, fancy stairway walks, and bay views that leap up after you mount some of the steepest streets in San Francisco. Be sure to indulge at local eateries and stop at the little shops along the streets.

SoMa

Described as “still-gritty,” SoMa is filled with high-rise lofts, office buildings, a smattering of restaurants, and clusters of dance clubs. With Yerba Buena Gardens and the SFMOMA right next door, it makes for a unique site. Make sure to keep safety first, especially when visiting at night.

Western Shoreline

Miles upon miles of Pacific shoreline for you to walk along either alone or with a loved one. Take a peek over the waters, visit Lincoln Park, and watch Lands End trail as it winds away. Sit and enjoy a tasty meal at the Cliff House restaurant and then sit at a crackling bonfire when the stars come out.

Hotels in San Francisco, California