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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of year to visit San Francisco?
San Francisco has a warm and fairly predictable Mediterranean climate, typical of California’s coast. Winters are mild but can be rainy and often misty, while summers are dry and hot.
Spring is a great season to visit, as the temperatures are usually warm and the city can get hot and busier in the height of summer. In addition, September through to November is also good, since rain and fog are quite rare and days are sunny and warm.
What is San Francisco known for?
San Francisco is a popular tourist destination, with an eclectic combination of culture and architecture from pretty candy-coloured Victorian houses to modern glass and steel constructions. Landmarks include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alamo Square Park, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown district, the Palace of the Legion Honor, and Pier 39, which offers dining, shopping, entertainment and views over the ocean.
What food is San Francisco known for?
San Francisco is a foodie’s dream, with numerous fantastic restaurants to choose from. The city is traditionally known for fresh seafood – take your pick from cioppino (seafood stew with tomato and wine broth), Dungeness crab and sand dabs to oysters, bay shrimp and creamy clam chowder in a crusty sourdough bread bowl. If you’re still hungry, finish off with a Ghiradelli hot fudge sundae with a cherry on top. Thirsty? Order up one of America’s first craft beers, Anchor Steam Beer, which is brewed here.
San Francisco is one of the delights of a visit to California, and a tour here will expand your every horizon. There’s plenty to like: fascinating museums and galleries, fresh seafood, unique transportation, familiar film locations and, of course, the famous Golden Gate Bridge.
Why you’ll love San Francisco…
- Cycling the length of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge
- Smelling the aromas and seeing the colours of the farmers’ markets in Ferry Building
- Walking along beaches in the sun, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge
- Taking in panoramic views of San Francisco and East Bay from unspoilt Quarry Beach on Angel Island
- Riding one of the cable cars and taking in amazing views of the city
- Driving the hilly San Francisco roads
- Tasting fresh fish in San Francisco’s many seafood restaurants
- Absorbing the easy-living lifestyle
- Observing the sunbathing sea lions from Pier 39
- Watching for whales breaching in the Pacific Ocean
Did you know?
- There’s been an annual Muni Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest in San Francisco since the 1960s.
- The Golden Gate Bridge is actually a red/orange colour.
- San Francisco’s China Town is the largest in the world, outside of China, with 100,000 people living in its one-and-a-half square miles.
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