What is the best time to visit San Francisco?

The best times are September-November (warmest weather 65-75°F, clear skies, fall colors) and April-May (spring blooms, fewer tourists). Summer (June-August) is surprisingly COLD and foggy (55-65°F) - 'June Gloom' and 'Fogust' blanket the city. Winter (December-March) is mild but rainier. Mark Twain allegedly said 'the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.' Always bring layers! September-October has best weather with least fog.

How do I get from San Francisco Airport to downtown?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to downtown (14 miles): BART train ($10.15, 30 minutes to Powell Street, runs 4am-midnight), Uber/Lyft ($35-55, 25-40 minutes depending on traffic), hotel shuttles, or rental cars. BART is most reliable - traffic on 101/280 can be terrible during rush hour (7-10am, 4-7pm). Oakland Airport (OAK) is alternative with BART connection. Get Clipper Card for all Bay Area transit (BART, Muni, Caltrain, ferries).

Is San Francisco safe for tourists?

San Francisco has both very safe and challenging areas. Tourist areas like Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, Golden Gate Park, and Chinatown are generally safe. Tenderloin (near Union Square) and parts of SoMa have visible homelessness and drug use - avoid at night. Car break-ins are extremely common - never leave ANYTHING visible in cars. Use common sense: secure valuables, be aware of surroundings, avoid isolated areas at night, use rideshare after dark. BART can be sketchy late night.

Do I need to book Alcatraz tickets in advance?

Absolutely YES! Alcatraz tickets sell out 2-4 weeks in advance, especially summer weekends. Book at alcatrazcruises.com as soon as your dates are set. Day tour ($41, includes ferry and audio tour) sells out first. Night tour ($50) offers unique atmosphere with fewer crowds. Allow 2.5-3 hours total. No same-day tickets. The audio tour featuring former guards and inmates is excellent. Dress in layers - island is windy and cold even when SF is warm.

Why is San Francisco so hilly and do I really need good shoes?

San Francisco sits on 43 hills, with some streets at 30%+ grades! Yes, comfortable walking shoes are ESSENTIAL. You'll climb steep hills to reach cable cars, Coit Tower, Lombard Street, and many neighborhoods. Calves will burn! Tips: take cable cars uphill, walk downhill, use rideshare for steep climbs, wear broken-in shoes with good traction. Don't attempt heels! The hills are part of SF's charm but exhausting - pace yourself and enjoy the views from the top.

How much money do I need per day in San Francisco?

Budget travelers: $120-180/day (hostels, food trucks/cheap eats, free attractions like Golden Gate Bridge, Muni/BART). Mid-range: $250-400/day (3-star hotels, mix of casual and sit-down restaurants, paid attractions, cable cars, occasional Uber). Luxury: $500+/day (boutique hotels, fine dining, wine country tours, premium experiences). Key costs: hotels $150-500/night, meals $15-100 per person, Alcatraz $41, cable cars $8 per ride, Muni day pass $5. SF is expensive - among most costly US cities!