These are the best places to travel this summer

San Francisco

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Golden Gate Bridge via Presidio. San Francisco, California. May 2025.

Benjamin Heath for Lonely Planet

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in San Francisco

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

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.

Must-see attractions

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your 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.

Read article

Best Time to Visit

Festivals, fog, food and fun times – San Francisco has it all. Depending on what you want, we've got the info on when to go.

Read article

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.

Read article

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.

Read article

Free Things to Do

Get to know San Francisco and its people with this guide to the best free things to do in the city.

Read article

Best Neighborhoods

San Francisco has many different neighborhoods. Here are some of the best for eating, drinking and exploring the city's history.

Read article

Day Trips

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

Read article

Money and Costs

Use these money-saving tips for a cheap trip to San Francisco.

Read article

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.

Read article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in San Francisco