Vacation rentals in San Francisco
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Where to stay in San Francisco
Locals share their top neighborhood recommendations to help you find the one to call home for your vacation
Stay near San Francisco’s top sights
“The bridge never gets old, even for longtime residents. It is spectacular, and is best experienced by bike. It’s two miles long and takes 20 minutes to cross. For a great ride, rent a Mission Bicycle, take the Wiggle to Golden Gate Park, and then cross the Presidio to the bridge and ride into Sausalito. From Sausalito, catch the ferry back to SF. The western walkway is open to cyclists only, so you get across more quickly. Tourists tend to mob the eastern, pedestrian side. At night, the bridge is closed to pedestrians but not to cyclists. You push a button and an unseen guard buzzes you in.”
“What to say? One of the great parks of the United States. Just head down the hill to Kezar Stadium (at the very bottom of Willard Street) and you'll see the GGP right beyond it (walk around Kezar to the west to enter the park). You can also enter on Stanyan and Haight (and at many other points). Enjoy the Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, Stow Lake, the Conservatory of Flowers (great night time light shows in the summer and winter) and many, many other features of the park.”
Tips from San Francisco locals
Get advice about the city from the people who know it best. Local hosts share their tips and recommendations for travelers like you.
What should I pack
What should I pack
“Bring a jacket & layers San francisco is cold especially in june/july. please be prepared by bringing the layers. water & fog keeps san francisco cool most of the year.”
“Always have some extra layers as sf can go from a sunny summer to a foggy winter in minutes. Wind breakers and scarfs sell well here...”
What's the best way to get around
What's the best way to get around
“Getting around takes time Even though sf is a small city, it takes time to get around. going 2 miles can take upto 40 minutes especially if you are taking the muni - budget that into your day plans for moving between places.”
What's the local culture like
What's the local culture like
“Don't leave luggage in your car (especially rental cars) when parking in sf. Car break-ins are a big problem in sf and tourists who leave their luggage in their cars are a prime target.”
More local recommendations
All about San Francisco
The “City by the Bay” has a little something for everyone. It has a colorful history and world-famous landmarks you’ll definitely want to check off your must-see list. It’s considered one of the foodie capitals of the nation, with excellent cuisine from all over the world. There are massive parks for hiking within city limits and more than a few beaches, and every neighborhood is distinct. Stay in a Victorian full of character or a modern condo to get the true San Francisco experience.
Getting there
The easiest way to get to San Francisco is to fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO). It’s about twelve miles from the city center, and depending on where you’re staying, you can easily hop on a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train to get downtown in 40 minutes. Order a taxi (or rideshare) and you’ll be at your destination in about 25 minutes.
It’s also easy to fly into Oakland International Airport (OAK), which is just on the other side of the bay. BART, taxis, and rideshares are all available there as well. The driving time might be a bit longer since you’ll have to cross the Bay Bridge. Keep in mind that Bay Area traffic can be quite congested, especially during rush hour (which usually lasts longer than just one hour) on weekdays.
Weather
Year-round, the temperature in San Francisco generally stays between 60 and 70 degrees (Fahrenheit). However, there’s a natural phenomenon in this city that can change the weather in just a few hours: the coastal fog. September and October are when “San Francisco summer” finally rolls in. The fog burns off, the temperatures reach the 70s (and sometimes the 80s), and the most epic sunsets appear this time of year.
Annual events
A parade that’s been working its way through Chinatown since the 1860s. Look out for the dragon float.
A race across the city’s seven miles, which most runners do in costume.
A weekend full of fun activities throughout the city celebrating the LBGTQIA community.
This three-day music festival takes place in Golden Gate Park and hosts some of the hottest headliners of today.
The annual air show featuring jets from the United States Armed Forces over a weekend in early fall.