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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!

4.8 (2776 reviews)

From $85 USD

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Attractions

4.9 (2024 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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4.4 (698 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 (594 reviews)
San Francisco Grand City Tour

San Francisco Grand City Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a four-hour guided tour of San Francisco. At each stop, you’ll have the chance to get off the bus and see the sights. Tour the city from the Bay to the Pacific Ocean, with photo stops at key locations. Enjoy great views and visit famous attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin peaks, Land's End, and Palace of Fine Arts. Opt to upgrade your tour to include a bay cruise, or 4-hour bike rental, or a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay, to complete your San Francisco experience!

From $69 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 (321 reviews)
San Francisco Fire Engine Tour

San Francisco Fire Engine Tour

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Looking for something different and exciting to do? Ride over the Golden Gate Bridge in a shiny red fire engine! San Francisco's fun and only, spectacular, Big Red Shiny Mack Fire Engine is the red hot way to tour the bay. This open-air tour takes you to the Presidio, over the city's world-famous bridge, and through Sausalito. Fasten your seat belts and firefighter jackets, and book this tour today!

From $68 USD

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4.9 (134 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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4.8 (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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4.8 (104 reviews)
Private City Tour of San Francisco

Private City Tour of San Francisco

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a guided 3 hour city tour which can be customized to suit your preferred locations. Our standard tour includes stops at the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, The Embarcadero, Golden Gate Park and more. If you have a particular route or attractions that you wish to visit, we would be more than happy to help customize your tour to include those or provide suggestions based upon your tastes.

From $305 USD

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4.7 (92 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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5.0 (5 reviews)
Private Tour to Monterey, Carmel, 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach

Private Tour to Monterey, Carmel, 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Enjoy stunning views of the Pacific on your way from San Francisco to Monterey. On the way there, we can pass by the Headquarters of Silicon Valley's most prominent companies: Oracle, Facebook, Google, and Apple. Visit Monterey, the old capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico, where in 1846, the U.S. flag was raised, and California became part of the US. Monterey's present-day attractions include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Fisherman's Wharf Take a scenic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, connecting Monterey with Carmel, much of which hugs the Pacific coastline and passes famous golf courses, mansions, and scenic attractions, including the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, and the 5,300-acre Del Monte Forest of Monterey Cypress trees. Visit Carmel by the Sea, known for its natural scenery and rich artistic history, beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and shopping where the Mission San Carlos Borroméo was founded.

From $1199 USD

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4.7 (9 reviews)
Alcatraz and San Francisco Combo Tour Package

Alcatraz and San Francisco Combo Tour Package

MANUAL

Why should you visit Alcatraz? Visiting Alcatraz Island is one of the most rewarding and fascinating experiences of any trip to San Francisco and California, you will not be disappointed. The mystery of the Alcatraz Great Escape endures 50 years after the event. Visiting Alcatraz Island is one of the most rewarding and fascinating experiences of any trip to San Francisco and California. Alcatraz, the legendary former prison known as “The Rock”, is where some of the United States’ most notorious criminals were incarcerated. Though several inmates tried to escape from this maximum-security federal prison, none were ever successful - until the June 1962 Alcatraz escape. No tour company can offer you this 5-star Alcatraz and San Francisco combo tour like we do. Special terms: -All Alcatraz reservations are subject to availability even when transactions are approved.

From $521 USD

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