When you travel (and even when you don’t), everyone loves to throw the rules at us. Yes, the advice is well-intended and sometimes makes sense. However, in a city like San Francisco, adhering to all the travel rules can actually mean missing out on some its best sights.
Who cares if Fisherman’s Wharf is touristy? The Dungeness crab is fresh. And why not ride a cable car? They’re fun, historic, and clang adorable!
So go ahead and break a few of these so-called travel commandments when you visit San Francisco.
Rule #1: Don’t Visit “ Touristy” Sites
Somehow, the travel industry has turned the T-word (touristy) into a dirty one. Yes, there are ways to be a good and a bad tourist. And yes, I understand that some cities are fed up with the influx of people who arrive for a few hours, leave their trash, and don’t help local businesses.
However, touristy places aren’t all taboo, especially in San Francisco, where these hotspots are also rich in history, culture, and insights into the city’s storied past.
We’re at the age where we’re allowed to enjoy San Francisco, or anywhere, without guilt. Go for it!
Rule # 2: Make No Plans and Go With The Flow
I like spontaneity as much as the next gal, and have spent time meandering rudderless through cities and countries. However, I’ve also been disappointed when I couldn’t get into a restaurant I really wanted to try, see an exhibit I had my heart set on, or participate in an activity or event because I hadn’t planned ahead.
I encourage you to pick a few things you’d be disappointed to miss and book tickets and reservations for them. This will make spontaneous moments of discovery feel like a first choice rather than sloppy seconds.
Tip: In San Francisco, restaurant reservations book up quickly, sometimes a month or two ahead, and tickets to popular attractions like Alcatraz sell out far in advance.
Rule #3: Never Eat Near Tourist Attractions
Eating near a tourist attraction often gets a bad rap, but in San Francisco, these restaurants and cafés aren’t always the traps people make them out to be. Yes, prices can be higher, but that doesn’t mean the food is automatically awful. Many of these spots, such as Scoma’s, are family-run and have been around for decades, serving traditional dishes to locals long before the crowds arrived.
In some cases, such as The Ferry Building, the location itself is the dining experience.
There are many amazing things to do in San Francisco and good restaurants near them.
Rule #4: You Have to do EVERYTHING
I know! I know! You’ve spent good money to get here, and hotels aren’t cheap, so you want to pack it all in. I hear you and appreciate that sentiment.
But do you really have to check every box? I’m declaring right here and now that you might enjoy yourself more if you leave yourself a little room for spontaneous discoveries. But see rule #2 too so you don’t miss the things you really want to do.
Tip: In San Francisco, one activity can do a lot of heavy lifting. For example, when you ride the Powell-Hyde Cable Car, you’ll not only get to zip up the hilly streets of San Francisco on a moveable historical landmark, but this Cable Car also stops at the top of Lombard Street, offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and Coit Tower.
It turns around near Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can eat Dungeness Crab, shop for souvenirs, and walk along San Francisco’s waterfront.
Rule #5: Don’t Rent a Car
While I agree with this ‘rule’ if you’re planning to stick to the city, as parking is expensive and traffic can slow you down, discovering some of California’s best scenery and must-see destinations are best done by car, including places like Napa Valley, Santa Cruz, Carmel, Petaluma, and Stinson Beach.
If you do want to rent a car, consider maneuvering around the city via bus, foot, and ferry, then renting a car elsewhere.
Tip: To avoid driving in the city altogether, there are rental car agencies north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Mill Valley and San Rafael, and South in San Carlos, Burlingame, and Redwood City.
Rent a car and plan some amazing day trips from San Francisco
