Tech money may be gentrifying much of this former nexus of counter-culture, but San Francisco remains an incubator of innovation—and not just in the city's start-up offices. California Cuisine was born in the Bay Area, after all; and the world-class museums and cultural institutions rival any on the planet—remarkable for a city of fewer than a million people. The adventurous spirit that made San Francisco what it is today thrives in the new restaurants, cafes, shops and galleries sprinkled throughout what is, arguably, the most beautiful city in the U.S.
San Francisco Travel Guide
Plan Your San Francisco Trip
A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Napa Valley
Tastings rooms have reopened, and going it alone may be the best way to visit this popular destination.
By Kristin Tice Studeman
9 Best Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area
Where better to experience the Bay Area than these nine areas of natural splendor?
By Carey Jones
Featured
Ancient Redwoods, Empty Beaches, and Foraged Fine Dining on California's Northern Coast
In a wild, misty corner of the Golden State, Marisa Meltzer discovers an alternate version of the California dream, where fierce independence is as prized as ancient redwoods and empty Pacific beaches.
By Marisa Meltzer
Photography by Jake Michaels
What to Know About the San Francisco Airport (SFO) Water Bottle Ban
It's the first major airport to make such a move.
By Louis Cheslaw
California Wine Country Is Jumping on the Loyalty Program Bandwagon
Experiences once reserved for wine club members are opening up to the larger public.
By Paul Rubio
21 Best Hotels in San Francisco
Just as tech money and business travelers have fueled its growth in recent years, San Francisco's hotel scene has boomed right along with it.
By Jenna Scatena and Megan McCrea
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square$$ | United States, San Francisco, 335 Powell StreetRead full reviewIf you’re looking for a stunning property with a fascinating history, the St. Francis is a good bet.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco$$$ | United States, San Francisco, 2 New Montgomery St.Read full reviewThe Palace Hotel perfectly blends history and modernity, and sits in the middle of downtown San Francisco.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Inn at the Presidio$$$ | United States, San Francisco, 42 Moraga Ave.Read full reviewA charming and proper B&B, right in the Presidio.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Presidio Lodging
- The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco$$$ | United States, San Francisco, 600 Stockton St.Read full reviewFor all-out luxury, the Ritz is among the best in the city.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel$$ | United States, San Francisco, 450 Powell StReaders Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Argonaut Hotel$$ | United States, San Francisco, 495 Jefferson St.Read full reviewGuests love the Argonaut for its proximity to attractions and cute, clever nautical decor.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- San Francisco Proper$$ | United States, San Francisco, 1100 Market St.Read full reviewOne of SF's hippest hotels, thanks to Kelly Wearstler-designed spaces and tech-savvy amenities.Readers Choice Awards
Hot ListPowered By: Expedia - InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, an IHG Hotel$$$ | United States, San Francisco, 999 California St.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: IHG
- W San Francisco$$$ | United States, San Francisco, 181 3rd St.Read full reviewYounger guests who like a funky vibe will feel right at home at the W.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- The Phoenix Hotel$ | San Francisco, 601 Eddy StRead full reviewThis 1950s motor lodge once served as a hangout for classic rock bands in town to play at The Fillmore, today it's mid-century hip.Powered By: Expedia
- Hotel Zetta San Francisco$$ | USA, San Francisco, 55 5th StreetRead full reviewThis cheeky hotel often draws travelers in town for business—but those who want to have fun while they're at it.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero$$ | United States, San Francisco, 222 Sansome StRead full reviewLike a modern art museum you can check into.Powered By: Expedia
- The Battery$$$ | United States, San Francisco, 717 Battery StRead full reviewSan Francisco's swank private club (don't worry, you can join).
The Best Things to Do in San Francisco
- 23 Best Things to Do in San FranciscoThe Golden City trademarks that make for one uniquely charming coastal getaway.
By Kimberley Lovato and Carey Jones
- 5 Best Day Trips from San FranciscoThe Bay Area's greatest short escapes.
By Jenna Scatena and Ana Kamin
- 9 Best Hikes in the San Francisco Bay AreaWhere better to experience the Bay Area than these nine areas of natural splendor?
By Carey Jones
Editor Recommendations
- Edible Excursions: Japantown Food TourUnited States, San Francisco,Read full reviewFor curious visitors and backyard tourists alike, this is a great way to learn about Japantown.
- San Francisco Cable CarsUnited States, San Francisco,Read full reviewTip: you can board a cable car at various stops along the route, and they usually have no lines. Tip 2: The California Line is the least busy and still offers a great ride.
- Muir Woods National MonumentUnited States, Mill Valley, 1 Muir Woods RoadRead full reviewEvery step you take here is a do-not-miss wonder.
- Lands End TrailUnited States, San Francisco, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, 680 Point Lobos Ave.Read full reviewJaw dropping views along the coast.
- Angel IslandSan Francisco,Read full reviewA wonderful little state park in the middle of the Bay north of the city.
- Alcatraz IslandSan Francisco, Alcatraz Main Cell House, Pier 39 ConcourseRead full reviewTour one of the world's most famous prisons.
- ChinatownUnited States, San Francisco,Read full reviewThe biggest Chinatown outside of China itself.
- San Francisco ZooUnited States, San Francisco, 1 Zoo RdRead full reviewA manicured wild on the edge of the city.
- Golden Gate Ferry San Francisco-SausalitoUnited States, San Francisco, 1 Ferry Building MarketplaceRead full reviewTake in the city from a totally different vantage point.
- Japanese Tea GardenUnited States, San Francisco, 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden DriveRead full reviewThe park is serene and peaceful, especially when it's misty (and in this part of San Francisco, it often is).
- Asian Art MuseumSan Francisco, 200 Larkin St.Read full reviewAn American institution with works from across the Asian continent.
- Lyon Street StepsUnited States, San Francisco, 2545-2551 Lyon StRead full reviewTo walk the Lyon Street steps is to be transported.
- Palace of Fine ArtsUnited States, San Francisco, 3601 Lyon StreetRead full reviewOne of San Francisco's most famous buildings.
The Best Airbnbs in San Francisco
From stately Victorians to business traveler–friendly apartments.
By Kyler Alvord and Alex Erdekian
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in San Francisco
- 27 Best Restaurants in San FranciscoThis city has one of the best restaurant scenes in the country.
By Kimberley Lovato and Jenna Scatena
- 16 Best Coffee Shops in San FranciscoBeloved European-style cafes, no-nonsense roasteries, and much, much more.
By Lexi Pandell
- 15 Best Places for Chinese Food in San FranciscoWith the oldest Chinatown in North America, SF serves some of the best you'll have.
By Lexi Pandell and Jenna Scatena
- 14 Best Seafood in San FranciscoWe've got where to get the best cioppino—and so much more.
By Jenna Scatena and Elise Craig
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- True LaurelUnited States, San Francisco, 753 Alabama StA perfect introduction to what a first-class gastropub should be.
- Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery$$ | San Francisco , 1398 Haight St.Just a perfect place to relax with a cold beer in the Haight.
- Anina$$ | San Francisco , 482 Hayes St.The punch bowls at this island-inspired bar practically sell themselves.
- Empress by Boon$$$ | United States, San Francisco,, 838 Grant AvenueLike entering a private club that only you (and your fellow diners) know about.
- Delfina$$ | United States, San Francisco, 3621 18th StreetBring anyone else adore—they'll adore you back after dinner at Delfina.
- El Rey Taquiza Artesanal$ | United States, San Francisco, 2491 Mission StAs close to taco heaven as you'll get.
- Copra$$ | United States, San Francisco, 1700 Fillmore StreetThe wow factor is high in this massive corner dining room.
7 Best Weekend Getaways in California
Mountains, ocean, starkly beautiful desert: The Golden State sets the standard for quick road trips.
By Carey Jones
More from San Francisco
Destinations
San Francisco Is Still Great—and a Slew of Cool New Restaurants and Galleries Beg a Visit
It may have its ups and downs, but there's always something new to love in the City by the Bay.
By Rebecca Misner
Destinations
Where to Watch the San Francisco Pride Parade This Year
Since 1970, San Francisco’s queer community has held an annual Pride parade—which now attracts one million attendees with its weekend-long celebration at Civic Center Plaza.
By Joshua Rotter
Air Travel
San Francisco Airport's Revamped Centurion Lounge Has Napa Valley Wines, Hawaiian-Inspired Cuisine, and Plenty of Elbow Room
With double the space, overcrowding will no longer be an issue.
By Chris Dong
Destinations
How to Support Local Business in San Francisco During COVID-19
You can help by keeping your pantry, library, and bar full.
By Carey Jones
News & Advice
Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in San Francisco
The City by the Bay has countless hilltop and waterfront options for viewing parties—as long as the fog stays away.
By Lauren Sloss
News & Advice
Inside the Women Who Travel Meetups: San Francisco
We're visiting cities around the world to celebrate Women Who Travel—here's the scoop from this month's meetup.
By Megan Spurrell
News & Advice
San Francisco's New Transport Hub Is Now Open
Though you'll be coming to Salesforce Transit Center for anything but the transit.
By Erin Florio
Inspiration
The Museum of Ice Cream Is Coming to San Francisco
Here’s the scoop on San Francisco’s Museum of Ice Cream, opening on September 17, 2017.
By Jennifer M. Wood
Inspiration
San Francisco’s Color Factory Is About to Be All Over Your Instagram
Color us excited.
By Chelsea Stone
Destinations
What to Do in San Francisco: The Black Book
How to eat, shop, and hike your way through the quirky, pioneering, and totally navigable West Coast city.
By Andrea Whittle
Food & Drink
Eat Your Way Through America's Original Foodie City
San Francisco is simply one of the best places to eat right now.
By CNT Editors and The Bon Appétit Editors
Shopping
Why You Should Visit San Francisco's Tenderloin District Now
Emily Holt, owner of Hero Shop, shares her favorite spots.
By Andrea Whittle
News & Advice
SFO Airport Introduces LiLou, a Therapy Pig for Stressed Fliers
Well, this just brightened up our Monday.
By Katherine LaGrave
Shopping
Former Vogue Editor Emily Holt Is Helping San Francisco Dress Better Than Ever
Hero Shop is far more than just a clothing store, says Holt.
By Molly Elizalde
Places to Stay
Exclusive: Waldorf Astoria to Open in San Francisco
The brand is looking to grow its presence in California, from the coast to wine country.
By Lilit Marcus
More Destinations
- Phoenix Travel GuideAbundant sunshine, potent summer monsoon storms, and the Suessian cactuses and ancient petroglyphs of the Sonoran Desert.
- Miami Travel GuideWarm temperatures—and hotter beaches
- Chicago Travel GuideSecond City? Not by our count.
- Charleston Travel GuideWhere Lowcountry meets high charm
- Key West Travel GuideWarm temperatures—and hotter beaches
- Los Angeles Travel GuideWelcome to the West Coast's cultural epicenter
- Yellowstone National Park at 150Wonderland: The early nickname of America’s first national park is as apt today as when Yellowstone was founded, in March of 1872. On its sesquicentennial, we celebrate this miraculous place—while exploring a history that has too often excluded its original stewards—and consider how to ensure its survival for generations to come.
- Boston Travel GuideCharming and legitimately historic
- Dallas Travel GuideHard to crack. Easy to love.
- Washington, D.C. Travel GuideIt all starts at the Capitol.
- Seattle Travel GuideOysters and craft beer so good you won’t notice it’s drizzling
- Savannah Travel GuideFamous for its ghosts, but plenty full of life
- Portland, Oregon Travel GuideBeverly Cleary, Matt Groening, and James Beard are all from here. Enough said.
- Portland, Maine Travel GuideCome for the lobster, stay for literally everything else
- Philadelphia Travel GuideIt’s not a city—it’s a fan club