San Francisco

If there's a technology still unimagined, a poem left unspoken or a green scheme untested, chances are it's about to happen here. Goodbye, inhibitions; hello, San Francisco.

San Francisco Municipal Railway, San Francisco, California, USA. 14 August 2024.

Wichakorn Kitrungrot / Shutterstock

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San Francisco & Northern California

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From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days
10 days / 9 nights

From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days

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From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days

10 days / 9 nights

highlights

  1. 1 Scouring for offshore whales at one of the world’s tallest lighthouses
  2. 2 Hiking Monterey Bay’s sprawling coastal trails for dramatic waterfront views
  3. 3 Touring an organic farm with a local farmer specializing in sustainable, small-scale agriculture
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  • 11 Days in the American West: California, Nevada and Utah National Parks
    USA

    11 days / 10 nights

    11 Days in the American West: California, Nevada and Utah National Parks

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Travel Guides

San Francisco travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

From frolicking sea lions to fabulous museums to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, these are our picks for the top experiences in San Francisco.

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Best Time to Visit

San Francisco is full of idyosyncratic quirks and vibrant culture, with a robust festival lineup, some fog and excellent food. Plan with the help of this guide.

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Things to Know

San Francisco has incredible views, delicious food and diverse neighborhoods. Make the most of your visit with these top tips from a local.

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Transportation

With notoriously bad traffic, near-impossible parking and streets as steep as ski jumps, ditch the car in San Francisco. Here's how to get around instead.

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Best Neighborhoods

These are some of the best hidden gems in San Francisco, from secret parks to scenic swings.

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Day Trips

Taking a day trip from San Francisco opens up a world of classic California experiences. Here are the best places to go.

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Traveling with Kids

San Francisco is an exciting place for families, who will undoubtedly enjoy the city's many green spaces, vibrant culture and good weather.

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