San Francisco On the Fly

Adventures in the City by the Bay

What not to miss

What to do

What to eat

Where to stay

Know before you go: San Francisco

  • Time zone: US Pacific Standard Time (PST), GMT -8 hours
  • Language: English
  • Climate: Mediterranean-type climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers
  • Currency:  US Dollar
  • Electricity: The United States operates on a 120V supply voltage and 60Hz. You will need a Type A or Type B travel adapter in San Francisco.
San Francisco Painted Ladies

What NOT to miss in San Francisco:

San Francisco, the City by the Bay, beckons with its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and undeniable charm. Experience the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge and hop on a cable car to help you to navigate the city’s steep hills and deliver you to Fisherman’s Wharf for a sourdough bread bowl of clam chowder.

San Francisco Bay from Coit Tower

What TO DO in San Francisco:

  • No visit is complete without witnessing the engineering marvel of the Golden Gate Bridge. Take a walk or a bike across the bridge, or rent a kayak for a unique perspective from the water.
  • Step back in time and explore Alcatraz Island, the notorious former prison. Book your ferry tickets well in advance, as tours sell out quickly.
  • Escape the urban jungle and visit Golden Gate Park. This sprawling oasis offers gardens, museums, and even a Japanese tea garden.
  • Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of one of the largest Chinatowns outside of Asia. Sample dim sum, discover how fortune cookies are made, or explore the vibrant shops.
Embarcadero harbor San Francisco

Places TO EAT in San Francisco:

A few of our favorites:

  • Hog Island Oyster Company inside the historic Ferry Building, #11. Incredible seafood including platters of fresh oysters served over ice pulled from waters up and down the coast.
  • City View, a fan favorite spot for dim sum. 33 Walter U. Lum Place in Chinatown
  • Cha Cha Cha is a boisterous dining room with Santeria-related decor serving Caribbean small plates & pitchers of sangria.1801 Haight Street.
  • Follow your nose to The Stinking Rose, a unique dining experience located in San Francisco’s renowned Little Italy and features all things garlic.
Stinking Rose San Francisco

Where TO STAY in San Francisco:

  • Courtyard San Francisco Downtown/Van Ness Ave. is a boutique Marriott property centrally located with easy access to public transport, yet far enough away from the touristy chaos of Union Square. 1050 Van Ness Ave
  • The Hotel Castro presents thoughtfully designed mini suites with modern amenities and central location. Each room showcases a unique mural of a historic LGBTQ+ hero. 4230 18th Street.
Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco

Off the beaten path San Francisco

  • Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Chinatown. Since 1962, this tiny, legendary factory has been making custom fortune cookies by hand. 56 Ross Alley
  • Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill has been an iconic part of San Francisco’s skyline since its completion in 1933. Stroll the grounds and take the elevator to the observation deck for 360-degree views of the City and the bay. The murals inside the tower’s base were painted in 1934 by a group of artists employed by the Public Works of Art Project and depict life in California during the Depression
  • Take a walk down the historic district of Haight-Ashbury, once the epicenter of the 1960s counterculture movement that was a catalyst for social and cultural change, ushering in Bands like the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Janis Joplin. Browse vintage clothing stores and soak up the bohemian vibes.
Kim on the Fly
Haight Ashbury San Francisco