The Open Road Travel

While San Francisco has a reputation for being friendlier and more welcoming than most major cities in America, that doesn’t mean every area is created equally.

As such, finding the best areas to stay in San Francisco is still important, to ensure you have the type of vacation you are planning. From trips to some of the nation’s most popular and iconic attractions, to diverse neighbourhoods, full of history and culture, San Fran has it all.

That’s why, in today’s article, I am going to help you narrow things down and pinpoint your dream destination. So, if you’re heading to San Francisco but aren’t sure where to stay, I highly recommend reading on.

First settled in 1776 and incorporated as a city in 1850, San Francisco is the 4th most populous city in California and 17th most in the country. Originally founded around a Christian mission, the area's population exploded with the California Gold Rush of 1849.

As the population blossomed, so did the reputation of the city. People travelled from all over the world to make San Francisco their new home, with particularly large influxes from Italy and Asia.

This has helped San Francisco develop a notoriety as an incredibly diverse and friendly city, with many nicknaming it the LGBT Capital Of The World. Now a popular tourist city, it features some of the most recognisable locations and attractions in the country.

From iconic offerings like Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island to lesser-known hotspots like Lombard Street and The Painted Ladies, people often feel at home as soon as they arrive in the city.

San Francisco has even been used as a backdrop for numerous movies and TV shows over the years, due to features like its rolling hills and extensive tram system.

When it comes to deciding on the best time to visit San Francisco, your best bet is to plan your trip between the start of June and the middle of August.

As a part of California that is known to be foggy, rainy, and feature cooler temperatures than most of the state at times, you are going to want to pick a period when the weather is at its peak.

In San Francisco, the warmest, driest months are June through September. However, this part of California is often affected by the wildfires that can rip through the state at a moment’s notice.

With late August through to October the prime wildfire danger zone, that makes June to mid-August the prime time for a warm, dry, risk-free trip to the city.

As we move on to our list of the best areas to stay in San Francisco, I am now going to suggest a few options. Each will be ideal for some of the most common needs people have when travelling.

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most popular and famous areas in all of San Francisco.

Named after the Italian fishermen who settled it in the 1800s, the San Francisco council have spent over $15 million restoring the area, in an effort to bring back both tourists and locals, who were beginning to head elsewhere.

Its waterfront location allows it to offer a number of the attractions that the city is best known for.

For starters, as it remains an active fishing port, it makes for a great place to sample some of San Francisco’s famous seafood. Fabled menu items like Dungeness Crab and clam dishes will help you get to grips with some of the best examples of San Fran’s cuisine.

You then have the specific attractions associated with the individual piers in and around Fisherman’s Wharf. Pier 39 is one of the best known in the area.

With its fabulous collection of bars, restaurants, rides, shops, street performers, and even attractions like its famous carousel and the Aquarium Of The Bay, anywhere near Pier 39 is undoubtedly the best place to stay in San Francisco for tourists.

On top of the man-made attractions, Pier 39 is also the place to go for anyone hoping to spot the city’s famous collection of California sea lions.

Ever since the 1980s the creatures have happily slept on the pier and played in the surrounding waters, creating a wonderful site for animal lovers to witness.

To the west of Pier 39 you have the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Home to the San Francisco Maritime Museum, you can explore a library and research centre, as well as a fleet of historic vessels, to learn more about the city’s maritime history.

The park is also the home of both Pier 45 and the Hyde Street Pier. While the former features more historic vessels, as well as some ships that have been converted into museums, the latter boasts a collection of considerably newer vessels.

This allows you to not only see the complete history of the boats of the bay, but you can also book tours out on the water to explore the region in greater depth.

To the rear of the park, you will also find Ghirardelli Square, a city block that has been listed on the National Register Of Historic Places since 1982.

With incredible architecture and historic buildings like a hotel and clock tower, visitors can explore shops ranging from modern outlets to those that have been there since the square was founded, to further your historical experience of the area.

Now moving in the opposite direction, a short way east of Pier 39, you then have Pier 33. What makes this pier so special is that it is the only place to board the boats that dock on Alcatraz Island.

Located just offshore, in the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island covers 22 acres and features some of the most iconic landmarks associated with the city, including a lighthouse and a military fortification and prison.

The best known of the island’s attractions though, is a prison called the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. Active between 1934 and 1963, it has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in America since its closure.

It attained notoriety thanks to its numerous escape attempts, which were considered futile due to the powerful currents and freezing waters surrounding the island. As a result, many infamous, high-risk inmates were housed on Alcatraz Island.

Of the 36 listed escape attempts, all but 5 were either recaptured or died. While those 5 were presumed to have drowned, there is no conclusive evidence, with people telling tales of how they freely live among society today.

The facility was eventually closed due to ballooning expenses, poor living conditions, and rapidly deteriorating buildings. Having since been converted into a museum, visitors come in their droves to enjoy guided tours around the facility, learning about its past.

While the island is also a beautiful location to take in views of San Francisco, tours often sell out months in advance.

I personally missed out on tickets despite trying to book over six weeks before my first visit to San Francisco. So, if you have your heart set on visiting the island, make sure to book as soon as you possibly can.

Beyond the piers themselves, Fisherman’s Wharf also has a fabulous collection of art galleries, attractions, and museums.

With choices like the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, and the Wax Museum At Fisherman’s Wharf, you will never be short of things to do.

While not located within Fisherman’s Wharf itself, the district is also perhaps the best place to stay in San Francisco near Golden Gate Bridge.

Built over a period of 5 years in the mid-1930s, Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge that was once the longest and tallest on Earth. In fact, the bridge is so long that as soon as it is finished being painted, with its own shade of red, the workers return to the other end and begin again.

One of the most photographed bridges on the planet, visitors come from around the world to walk across it, taking in the views and reading the plaques and memorials along the way.

Just a 15-minute drive from Fisherman’s Wharf, the district gives you easy access to the bridge, as well as being able to witness some of the best views of it from across the bay.

Stay In Fisherman’s Wharf If:

• You want to visit Alcatraz Island
• You want to try San Francisco’s best seafood
• You want to photograph and walk across Golden Gate Bridge
• You want to learn about the maritime history of the city
• You want everything within walking distance
• You want to see the San Francisco California sea lions
• You want a great range of attractions, bars, hotels, restaurants, and shops
  

Located in one of the most historic buildings in Ghirardelli Square, The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square is a stunning, 5-star hotel, featuring luxurious, fully kitted out apartments.

The spacious apartments all boast stylish décor and comfortable furniture, and offer amenities like high-end entertainment systems, Wi-Fi, a full kitchen, and a washer and dryer.

Guests will particularly enjoy a traditional fireplace in their apartment, as well as a private terrace, offering views of Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

Around the property you will see preserved elements of the Ghirardelli Square façade and find a choice of gourmet restaurants to either dine in or order room service from, via the concierge.

The property opens out right onto Ghirardelli Square, giving you access to all the attractions of Fisherman’s Wharf, just a short walk from the accommodation.

Located around a mile to the south of Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco’s Chinatown district is the largest Chinese enclave outside of Asia. It is also the oldest and most famous Chinatown anywhere in America.

While there is a collection of other Chinese and Asian enclaves around the city, Chinatown is the epicentre of the Chinese population of San Francisco.

As a result, it is an area that is alive with the distinctive cuisines, cultures, customs, languages, and places of religious worship of the Chinese people. The iconic locations begin as soon as you enter the district, with the Dragon Gate archway.

Once you pass through the famous pillars, you will encounter an incredible collection of bars, restaurants, shops, and more, selling everything from Chinese foods and wares to cultural experiences.

The bars and nightclubs are a particularly interesting place to stop of an evening, as they offer a different type of nightlife to anywhere else in San Francisco. This allows you to mix things up a little and fully immerse yourself in the culture that surrounds you.

Throughout the year, you will also find numerous parades and festivals being held, making Chinatown a destination that can offer something new and exciting even for those who have visited before.

The San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival And Parade is held for two weeks each January and February and is by far the most famous event in Chinatown.

Acrobats, dancers, floats, marching bands, martial artists, musicians, school children and more put on parades and performances throughout the district.

Then, to top it all off, more than 100 performers don a 268 foot long Golden Dragon costume and dance through the heart of Chinatown, to signify the end of the celebrations.

Another popular event is the Autumn Moon Festival each September. Residents give thanks for a bountiful harvest by hosting bazaars and putting on entertainment, while also cooking a delicacy known as a mooncake.

You will even periodically see traditional Chinese funeral processions which, with their marching bands and motorcades, are quite the sight to behold.

Despite being located in the very heart of the city, Chinatown features prices that are notably lower than most of the surrounding areas. This is a big part of the reason why Asian immigrants continue to flock here, as well as the obvious culture connection on offer.

However, for tourists it also makes it perhaps the best place to stay in San Francisco for the first time.

You will be conveniently positioned to explore most of the city’s famous attractions, while not having to pay the sky-high prices for accommodation that San Francisco is often known for.

It is also the best place to stay in San Francisco with family.

The prices and sense of community both lend themselves to a relaxing family vacation, while the wonderful collection of parks provide plenty of places for families with children to let the kids run around and burn off some energy.

You have Portsmouth Square, which features playgrounds, historical markers and statues. Woh Hei Yuen offers traditional Chinese features, like a tai chi court, pagoda, and works of art, as well as a rec centre and play area.

You also have St. Mary’s Square and the Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground. Both of these boast athletic courts, benches, memorials, playgrounds, outdoor gyms, and statues, making them equally suitable for adults and children alike.

Stay In Chinatown If:

• You want to explore the largest, oldest Chinese enclave outside of Asia
• You are travelling with family
• You are travelling on a budget
• You enjoy Chinese culture
• You are coming to attend one of the festivals
• You want to be centrally located
• You want a good choice of parks
  

Located on the outskirts of the district, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, An IHG Hotel is set in a historic landmark building.

Everything from the rooms to the communal areas feature luxurious, stylish décor fit for a king. The modern rooms all boast amenities like a mini bar, cable TV, coffee maker, bathrobes, and ironing facilities.

The top floor restaurant offers gourmet cuisine, which you can enjoy while taking in views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Meanwhile, the Top Of The Mark sky lounge has a menu featuring more than 100 different types of martinis for you to try.

Business and fitness centres are on offer for all guests to use, while valet parking and babysitting services are also available upon request. Cable car stops are also located immediately outside the property, to connect you to the rest of the city.

Just half a mile south of Chinatown you will find the district known as South Of Market. Often referred to simply as SoMa, it is named due to the fact it is located to the south of Market Street, at the foot of the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge.

Being a little further out from the main hub of the city, prices will start to drop a little in SoMa, although there are plenty of higher end options available as well.

As it is still only a short trip back into Downtown San Francisco, this makes it the best place to stay in San Francisco on a budget.

One of the main draws of the SoMa district is the incredible collection of museums dotted around.

You have the San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art, with over 33,000 exhibits, including paintings, photographs, and sculptures, as well as examples of architecture, design, and media.

The Asian Art Museum features similar exhibits, which are considered one of the finest collections of Asian art in the world.

There is also the Contemporary Jewish Museum. First opened in 1984, the museum hosts a continuously changing collection of exhibits, which aim to educate visitors on the history and culture of the Jewish people in America.

Museums aren’t the only entertainment venues in SoMa either. For starters, you have Oracle Park and the Chase Center. The former is home to the MLB’s San Francisco Giants, while the latter is where you will find the Golden State Warriors of the NBA.

This makes SoMa the perfect place to stay for anyone wanting to watch a baseball or basketball game during their visit.

The district is even the home of the Moscone Convention Center, which is where you will find most of the biggest and best exhibitions and conventions in San Francisco.

While perhaps not as famous in this regard as The Castro district, SoMa is also the best place to stay in San Francisco for LGBT community members. That is because this is where you will find the Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District.

San Francisco in general is recognised as an LGBT friendly destination, with some even calling it the “LGBT Capital Of The World”.

That said, SoMa takes things one step further, with a number of establishments and attractions to make members of the community feel right at home.

The bars and restaurants provide places for those from the community to relax with others with similar interests, while establishments like the National LGBTQ Center For The Arts teach people about the culture and history of the community.

There are even a number of events and festivals that take place in SoMa to celebrate its LGBT standing.

Options like the Folsom Street Fair, How Weird Street Faire, and Up Your Alley Fair provide a party atmosphere for people from all communities to come a celebrate diversity together.

Speaking of which, you will also find a number of cultural events hosted by the city’s Filipino population, demonstrating just how diverse the area truly is.

Stay In SoMa/South Of Market If:

• You are travelling on a budget but don’t want to be too far from the city centre
• You want to watch a baseball or basketball game
• You are attending an event at Chase Center, Moscone Convention Centre, or Oracle      Park
• You are a part of or are interested in the culture of the Filipino, Jewish, or LGBT      communities
• You are a fan of museums
• You are entering or leaving the city via the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge
  

The Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco is a 5-star hotel located on Market Street itself. The hotel offers luxuries like a full-service spa, indoor pool, and gourmet restaurant, as well as access to the adjacent sports club and fitness centre.

The rooms are all chic and stylish, kitted out with amenities like flat screen TVs, iPod docking stations, bathrobes, slippers, and safety deposit boxes. Select rooms even feature stunning views of San Francisco.

With many of the districts best attractions located within walking distance, it is the perfect combination of both quality and convenience.

Immediately to the south of SoMa you will find The Mission District or simply “The Mission”. This is, without question, the best place to stay in San Francisco for culture.

The location of San Francisco’s oldest building, the Mission San Francisco De Asis, which was erected in 1776, the area is one filled with history.

The mission itself, which is also referred to as Mission Delores, is a California Historical Landmark and has been transformed into a museum, with exhibits dating back to the settling of the city.

Beside it also stands a basilica from 1918, which remains an active part of the church.

The Mission District’s largest park, Mission Delores Park, features plenty of places to relax and take in the surrounding beauty, looking out over buildings boasting a Mediterranean Revival style. It is also a great place to take kids, as is the nearby Mission Pool & Playground.

The Mission District also boasts one of the largest communities of Mexicans and Spanish speaking people in San Francisco. As a result, there are countless restaurants and taquerias dotted around, where you can indulge in some fabulous Mexican cuisine.

Other examples of the culture’s prominence here include a range of art galleries, live music, murals, and street art.

Exhibitions and performances let you watch some of the most prominent artists, while you can even just take a stroll through the streets to learn more about the culture on your own.

Beyond the history and culture of The Mission District, it is also well-known as the best place to stay in San Francisco for nightlife.

Countless bars and clubs litter the neighbourhood, featuring a wide variety of different styles and cultures. Whether you want to have a quiet drink or dance the night away until the early hours, you are guaranteed to find somewhere to meet your needs here.

Stay In The Mission District If:

• You want to visit the first building erected in San Francisco
• You are a fan of Mexican art, cuisine, and culture
• You are travelling on a budget
• Nightlife is a priority during your stay
  

Best Hotel To Stay In The Mission District – Inn San Francisco

The Inn San Francisco is a beautiful B&B, located in a traditionally styled house. Guests will be greeted by a property decorated with stylish, antique furniture, providing an authentic experience.

Rooms feature comfortable furnishings and boast modern amenities like flat screen cable TV, Wi-Fi, and a refrigerator, as well as an en suite bathroom with bathrobes and free toiletries.

A buffet breakfast is served each morning, while refreshments are available around the clock. The communal areas also feature a games room, garden, hot tub, lounge, and laundry facilities, to ensure you are entertained and taken care of throughout your stay.

San Francisco is a truly wonderful city, that more than earns its reputation as one of the friendliest big cities in America.

You should now have a much better understanding of the best areas to stay in San Francisco, to ensure you have everything you need for your dream vacation.

So, all that is left is to go and start booking everything from your flights and hotels to your Alcatraz tickets, to guarantee you don’t miss out on anything during your trip.