We've lived here/nearby pretty much all our lives. These are things you should probably know or at least consider before visiting the City by the Bay.
It can be pretty chilly and foggy in San Francisco. As Mark Twain once said, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” Definitely think about layering to stay comfortable! Once the fog breaks and the sun shines through, it can get a bit toasty. Did you know the fog has a name? Locals refer to it as Karl the Fog.
Know that microclimates are a thing! It might be warm and sunny on one side of the city, but gloomy and freezing on the other side. This is due to the geography of SF and the proximity to the water. Again, be sure to layer up if you want to feel comfortable.
San Francisco is actually quite small. It's only 7 miles x 7 miles. It's a very walkable city. You can actually walk around the whole city and get from one end to the other.
The beaches are actually not great for swimming. The water is insanely cold and some beaches have rip currents/large waves that make it very dangerous to swim in. Baker Beach and Marshall's Beach are lovely to visit on a warm day for the views. However, they are nude beaches, so be wary if you don't want to see people in their birthday suits!
Seasons don't really exist in San Francisco. The weather is generally mild year-round. The best months to visit are September and October. It's usually warmer this time of year, but nights still get chilly!
Traffic can be horrendous. Plan ahead and allow extra time for parking. Also beware of break-ins. They're on the rise, so be sure to not leave anything in sight in your vehicle to minimize the risk of theft. Place items in your trunk before you arrive at your destination (as you never know who might be watching) Park in garages if you can. They might be pricey, but it's worth it for your peace of mind.
There's quite a bit of homeless people in the street. We have a huge homeless problem that the city is trying to address. A lot of these people don't have access to the medications or treatments they need, so please be empathetic.
The city has a reputation for being expensive, but not all things cost money. Golden Gate Park offers a lot of free sights! On certain days/times, some of the attractions are free to the public. You can even spot bison in the park! The park is also 20% bigger than NYC's Central Park.
We welcome everyone. The general population has a very open and liberal mindset. The Castro district is perfect for those who identify as LGBTQ as it's a traditionally gay neighborhood. Nudity was prevalent there prior to a ban enacted in 2012. Today, you need a permit to be fully nude in public.
There is so much good food! San Francisco is a huge melting pot of cultures and there is a lot of diversity. With that said, the city is a foodie mecca. You don't even need to break the bank. Cheap eats and hole-in-the wall eateries are plentiful, and there are several Michelin-star options as well. It just depends on your budget. Be sure to try different cuisines.
Did any of these tips help? Let us know in the comments if anything surprised you!
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