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Picture of San Francisco, CA, USA

Travel Guide for
San Francisco

United States

Mediterranean; cool, foggy summers, mild winters

Introduction

San Francisco, set along the scenic Northern California coast, is known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, and hilly streets. This vibrant city blends a rich Gold Rush history with a thriving tech scene, attracting a cosmopolitan crowd.

In late September, expect pleasant, breezy weather with highs around 70°F (21°C), perfect for working at sunlit cafés in neighborhoods like SoMa or the Mission. Enjoy luxury coworking spaces, gourmet dining, and after-work outings to world-class museums or wine bars. San Francisco’s creative energy and natural beauty make it ideal for high-budget digital nomads seeking both productivity and play.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleDigital nomad

Dates19-22 September 2025

BudgetHigh budget

AccommodationHotel, villa

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturefestivals and eventsgastronomysightseeing and toursoutdoor adventuresnightlife and entertainmentvolunteering

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Picture of San Francisco, CA, USA

Key Facts

Location

California, USA

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Religion

Christianity (various), Non-religious

Population

808,437

Language

English, Spanish, Chinese

Electricity

120V, 60Hz, Type A/B plugs

Time zone

UTCPST (Pacific Standard Time) (UTC-8)

Country code

+1

Internet access

Widely available, high-speed, affordable

Climate

Mediterranean; cool, foggy summers, mild winters

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Map

Logistics

San Francisco is easily accessible by air via San Francisco International Airport (SFO), offering premium lounges and direct global flights—ideal for digital nomads on a high budget. Oakland and San Jose airports provide additional options nearby. Private transfers, luxury ride-shares, and chauffeured cars make seamless airport-city travel possible.

For those preferring trains, Amtrak’s California Zephyr and Coast Starlight routes arrive at Emeryville Station with quick motorcoach transfers into the city. Long-distance buses like Greyhound serve downtown, though private charters offer more comfort. Ferries from Sausalito or Oakland provide scenic boat arrivals.

Mid-September is typically mild, but occasional coastal fog and cooler evenings may affect flights or ferry schedules, so allow some flexibility in your plans. Urban mobility is excellent with luxury car rentals, executive car services, and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the city.

Weather

San Francisco has a mild Mediterranean climate with cool summers, foggy mornings, and gentle winters. Temperatures rarely fluctuate much—expect highs between 55°F and 70°F year-round. Summer tends to be cooler because of persistent coastal fog, especially in June, July, and August.

September is one of the city’s warmest, sunniest months, making it a great time to visit. From September 19 to 22, typical weather features pleasant afternoons around 70°F, cool nights, and mostly clear skies. Extreme weather is rare during this period, so it’s ideal for enjoying San Francisco’s arts, culture, outdoor adventures, and vibrant dining scene.

Food & Drink

San Francisco’s cuisine is diverse and innovative, reflecting its multicultural heritage. Enjoy iconic foods like sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission-style burritos. Seafood lovers flock to Swan Oyster Depot and Hog Island Oyster Co., while fine dining highlights include Atelier Crenn and Quince for exquisite tasting menus.

Trendy cafes like Blue Bottle Coffee and Ritual Coffee Roasters are perfect for digital nomads needing Wi-Fi and great brews. For cocktails, check out Trick Dog or Bourbon & Branch. Vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary options are widely available, especially in neighborhoods like the Mission and SoMa. Tipping is customary; 18–22% is standard for good service. Reservations are advisable at popular spots, especially during festival seasons.

A picture of Hamburger

Hamburger

The classic American hamburger is a grilled beef patty served in a soft bun, often topped with lettuce,...

A picture of Barbecue Ribs

Barbecue Ribs

Barbecue ribs are slow-cooked, tender cuts of pork or beef that are generously seasoned with a flavorful dry...

A picture of Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a creamy, indulgent dish made with elbow macaroni pasta and a rich, cheesy sauce....

A picture of New York-style Pizza

New York-style Pizza

New York-style pizza is characterized by its thin, hand-tossed crust, generous cheese topping, and a variety of classic...

A picture of Southern Fried Chicken

Southern Fried Chicken

Southern fried chicken consists of juicy, tender pieces of chicken that are coated in a seasoned batter and...

Accommodation

For a digital nomad on a high budget, top hotels like the Fairmont San Francisco, Four Seasons, and Hotel Nikko offer luxury amenities, central locations, and excellent business facilities. Stylish boutique spots like Hotel Zetta and the Proper Hotel in SoMa are popular among tech-savvy travelers, providing coworking spaces and fast Wi-Fi.

Nob Hill and Union Square are central, safe neighborhoods with easy access to cafes and transit. Book villas or boutique hotels through platforms like Booking.com or Luxury Retreats for elevated comfort. September 19-22 can coincide with large conferences or events, so it’s wise to reserve early, as availability may become limited and rates can rise.

Itinerary

Experience the vibrant arts and culture scene of San Francisco by exploring world-class museums and creative neighborhoods, indulging in the city’s culinary hotspots, and connecting with the local creative community.

Morning at SFMOMA: Art & Coffee

Begin your trip at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, a centerpiece of the city’s art scene. Don’t miss temporary exhibitions by world-renowned artists. Enjoy a specialty coffee at Sightglass Café on-site while soaking in the museum’s lively creative atmosphere.

Afternoon Stroll through Mission Murals

Spend your afternoon walking along the Mission District’s famed Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley, where vibrant murals tell stories of San Francisco’s diverse communities. Meet local artists or book a guided mural walk for insights.

San Francisco Love Tour

San Francisco Love Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

For an unforgettable City Sightseeing tour, hitch a ride in a 1970's VW Hippie bus. This is an authentic and unique way to experience San Francisco. This tour is packed with with facts and fun about San Francisco!

4.9 (2696 reviews)

From $85 USD

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Attractions

4.8 (800 reviews)
Mission District or North Beach & Chinatown Authentic Food Tours

Mission District or North Beach & Chinatown Authentic Food Tours

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

On our Secret Food Tour: San Francisco, the Mission District, you'll see how immigrants shaped the neighborhood by creating brilliant artwork, beautiful architecture and sharing their fantastic food! Originally home to Irish, German, and Italian immigrants, it is now the epicenter of San Francisco's Latino culture. The Mission District is full of vibrant murals that offer a visual history lesson featuring themes ranging from cultural heritage to social-political statements. We will take a stroll through the neighborhood to get an up-close experience. Our tours are more than just the food. Our local guides connect the dots between history, culture, and cuisine to provide you with a deep understanding of the Mission District's thriving culinary scene!

From $85 USD

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4.9 (131 reviews)
San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour

San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

On this guided food tour of San Francisco’s Chinatown, you will taste five different mouthwatering delights. Three of the tastings (enough for lunch) will be done seated inside the restaurants and two tastings will be done on the street in front of the establishment. In between delectable food tastings, your guide will tell fun and interesting stories about the history and culture of the neighborhood. It's a food, and culture walking tour with 5 tastings in 3 hours. Come eat with us!

From $99 USD

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4.1 (28 reviews)
San Francisco City Tour: Must-See Sights in Half a Day

San Francisco City Tour: Must-See Sights in Half a Day

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This half-day tour is designed to show you the very best of San Francisco in just a few hours—without feeling rushed. You'll stop at iconic landmarks like the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, and Twin Peaks for stunning views and unforgettable photos. Along the way, drive through the historic Presidio, explore the lush beauty of Golden Gate Park, and take in the charm and culture of neighborhoods like the Haight-Ashbury, Castro, Chinatown, and North Beach (Little Italy). With thoughtful stops, scenic routes, and local insights, it’s a well-rounded introduction to the city’s highlights.

From $69 USD

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4.8 (66 reviews)
North Beach Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour

North Beach Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

On this three hour guided food tour of North Beach, we'll visit 5 uniquely different mom-and-pop shops, ethnic eateries and restaurants and experience the history, architecture and culture of North Beach and the Barbary Coast.

From $99 USD

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4.9 (41 reviews)
San Francisco Small Group Customizable Tour

San Francisco Small Group Customizable Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

I craft one four-hour adventure each morning just for the small group and unique goings on in the City that day. The itinerary is open - we will always stop at San Francisco’s classic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks and typically roll through neighborhoods like North Beach, Pacific Heights, Haight-Ashbury, Castro, and the Embarcadero. We will also leave big buses behind and may explore street-art alleys in the Mission, mosaic stairways in the Sunset, the laid-back vibe of the Presidio, our Beaux-Arts City Hall, famous “Painted Ladies” at Alamo Square, or go down the real crookedest street in San Francisco (not Lombard). It all depends on what's best just that day. It's a long morning, so mid way through we will stop at a local market where the group can get a quick lunch and do some local people watching. We will finish in the Fisherman's Wharf area in the early afternoon. If your afternoon plans take you elsewhere, we can find a mutually convenient end point.

From $139 USD

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5.0 (4 reviews)
San Francisco Private Car Tour: Instagram's Most Famous Spots

San Francisco Private Car Tour: Instagram's Most Famous Spots

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

If you are looking for some culture, delicious food and a ton of great photos, then this is the tour for you! The morning will start with a private pickup from your hotel by one of our friendly, local guides. From there your tour will begin as you start your drive in one of our comfortable and spacious vehicles. This full-day tour will be fully packed with famous landmarks, vintage architecture, secretly located spots and much much more! ==== Full schedule 10:00 AM – Pick up from Hotel 10:30 AM – Check out the legendary Painted Ladies 11:00 AM – Explore Union Square 11:45 AM – Catch of view of Alcatraz from Pier 39 12:00 PM – Walk around Fisherman’s Wharf 12:30 PM – Lunch time 1:00 PM – Explore Ghirardelli Square 2:00 PM – Awe at the view from the Golden Gate Bridge 2:40 PM – Stop by Golden Gate Park 3:10 PM – Get a picture at one of SF’s Hidden Gems (16th Avenue Tiled Steps) 3:30 PM – Overlook the whole city at Twin Peaks Viewpoint 3:45 PM – Return to hotel 4:00 PM – Arrive at hotel

From $583 USD

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5.0 (5 reviews)
San Francisco Instagram Walking Private Tour: Most Iconic Spots

San Francisco Instagram Walking Private Tour: Most Iconic Spots

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Our San Francisco Walking Instagram Tour will take you to some of the most famous spots in San Francisco in one day by foot! If you are looking for some culture, delicious food and a ton of photos, then this is the tour for you! The morning will start with meeting your friendly guide at the Embarcadero BART Station. From there your tour will begin as you start your walk through San Francisco’s beautiful streets. This half-day tour will be packed with famous landmarks, architecture, secretly located spots and much more! ==== Full schedule 10:00 AM - Meet your guide at the Embarcadaro BART Station 10:20 AM - Get a view of Alcatraz Island from Pier 39 10:50 AM - Explore Fishermans Wharf 11:35 AM - Catch a view of the Golden Gate Bridge 12:20 PM - Explore a secret street in Mission District (Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley) 1:20 PM - Walk around Dolores Park 2:00 PM - Say bye to your guide & get dropped off at the 16th St Mission BART Station

From $223 USD

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4.9 (1962 reviews)
Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Come jump on a city tour with us to cruise through some of the 15 top city highlights including Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Hayes Valley, Golden Gate Park, the Haight/Ashbury, Western Addition, Civic Center and The Marina. Also, you get 3 stops for photo ops at landmarks such as The Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies and Palace Of Fine Arts (shhhh ...on occasion you might see us driving down that crooked Lombard Street if traffic permits). Fun fun fun! Bonus is you will be transported in one of our vintage VW buses while rocking out to classic hit songs of the 60's-70's (Pearl, Poppy, Skye and Rosie). Please arrive at the pick up location 10 min prior so we can depart on time as we have lots to cover in the city. Thank you!

From $82 USD

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4.6 (254 reviews)
San Francisco Excursion: Guided Tour to Muir Woods and Sausalito

San Francisco Excursion: Guided Tour to Muir Woods and Sausalito

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Experience the awe and wonder of one of California's  oldest redwood groves as you stroll through dedicated paths of 1000-year-old redwood trees. With limited reserved parking on-site, traveling with Big Bus Tours to Muir Woods makes it an easy and stress-free experience to visit an area must-see.

From $79 USD

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4.4 (679 reviews)
Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco

Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Yosemite National Park is a must-visit California gem, and this day trip from San Francisco makes it easy. Leave the urban hustle-bustle behind and journey through Central Valley, Gold Country and the Sierra Nevada foothills to UNESCO World Heritage–listed Yosemite National Park. Take a 1.5-hour narrated van tour of Yosemite Valley, including Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls and El Capitan, and then set off on your own for three hours to explore independently. Numbers are limited to 23 on this small-group tour, ensuring a more personalized wilderness experience.

From $209 USD

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4.2 (48 reviews)
City Cruises San Francisco: Signature Dinner Cruise

City Cruises San Francisco: Signature Dinner Cruise

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a fun evening on the San Francisco Bay with our Signature Dinner Cruise! Enjoy front-row seats to the best sights in the city or take a spin on the dance floor with local DJs playing top-40 hits. City Cruises' Signature Dinner Cruise features a delicious buffet with a variety of food options created by local chefs.

From $126 USD

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4.5 (732 reviews)
San Francisco Golden Gate To Sausalito Bike Tour

San Francisco Golden Gate To Sausalito Bike Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Starting in one of the only true Fisherman’s Wharfs left in America you will be lead on a journey along the coast to see sea lions, dolphins, military forts, & more.  As you cycle your way over The Golden Gate Bridge, take in the unique topography and skylines that will lead you from one waterfront to the next.  Once over the “International Orange” Golden Gate Bridge, coast downhill into sunny Sausalito where this tour concludes. Riders can enjoy the town of Sausalito. Post tour, folks can return back to San Francisco by riding the bike back at your own pace. Also, you can optionally take a ferry back to the city (Ferry ticket not included), and in high season we offer a Sausalito bike drop for those who wish to leave their bike in Sausalito for an extra fee.

From $75 USD

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4.5 (365 reviews)
San Francisco CityPASS®

San Francisco CityPASS®

INSTANT

Experience 4 must-see attractions and save up to 46% with San Francisco CityPASS® tickets. One simple purchase removes the stress of planning, so you can relax and enjoy your memories in the making. With 9 days to use your tickets, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the top sights. San Francisco CityPASS® tickets include one-time admission to 4 attractions. Includes: • California Academy of Sciences • Blue & Gold Fleet’s San Francisco Bay Cruise Plus choose 2 of the following: • Aquarium of The Bay • Exploratorium • San Francisco Zoo & Gardens • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) • The Walt Disney Family Museum Download the My CityPASS® app or visit my.citypass.com to access your tickets, make reservations (if required), and view attraction details.

From $89 USD

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4.8 (43 reviews)
Airplane Elite San Francisco Flight Tour

Airplane Elite San Francisco Flight Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Fly over San Francisco on board of a Cessna and get fantastic aerial views of the City of San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate. Panoramic views of Sausalito, Tiburon, Angel Island and stunning views of San Francisco International Airport.

From $309 USD

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4.7 (87 reviews)
San Francisco E-bike Tour: Discover San Francisco’s Hidden Gems

San Francisco E-bike Tour: Discover San Francisco’s Hidden Gems

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Bike like a local through the Streets of San Francisco! Ride Beyond the hills on this all electric bike tour! Explore the back alleys of North Beach’s “Little Italy” and pedal through Downtown – the beating heart of the city – on this quintessential San Francisco neighborhoods bike tour. Loop around the Giant’s Oracle Ballpark and houseboats. Pedal into the culturally rich Mission District to visit the Mural Alleys. Ride through the colorful Castro to trendy Nopa, where you can snap a photo in front of the iconic Painted Ladies of Alamo Square. Visit the Civic Center & Polk Gulch. By the time we park our bikes back at Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll know the city like the back of your hand. Includes post- tour bonus bike rental so folks can head out & visit the Golden Gate Bridge!

From $115 USD

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4.3 (12 reviews)
San Francisco Highlights Electric Bike Tour

San Francisco Highlights Electric Bike Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

San Francisco is famous for its scenic beauty and cultural attractions, with iconic landmarks all throughout. This guided bike tour is your introduction to the city’s colorful history and cultures, with routes through its most vibrant neighborhoods! You’ll surely come away with new perspectives on the city, and you’ll have plenty more ideas about where to go next. This guided tour takes about 4 hours, including various stops near essential attractions while our guides provide in-depth narration and stop for photo opportunities at famous sights and hidden gems throughout the tour. Riders must be at least 13 years old for this eBike tour.

From $103 USD

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4.4 (15 reviews)
San Francisco Highlights Private 3-Hour Driving Tour

San Francisco Highlights Private 3-Hour Driving Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

World class private tour, completely controlled by you! Come see the best sights in San Francisco, at your leisure! Commentary by Gwen Mehta, a local legend! Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the Pintours App! With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.

From $58 USD

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