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The best San Francisco travel guide, by someone who lives in the heart of the city!
Are you planning to visit San Francisco? Do you wish you could ask a local about what it's really like to visit?
If so, you came to the right place! I'll give you the real San Francisco, from a local who lives it (and loves it!).
I'm Jill, and I'm here to help!
Even though the city is small (only 7 miles by 7 miles!), it's packed full of fun things to do.
With so many options, it can make planning your stay challenging, and at times, exhausting. That's why I'm here to help!
I visited for the first time more than two decades ago and in 2003, it became my home.
I live SF every day, so you know you will always find the most up-to-date information here to help you plan your stay!
So...if you are ready, let's get started!
Plan Your Visit
This is a great place to start planning for your visit. This section is mostly for first-time visitors that haven't been to San Francisco before and are looking for some of the basics to start planning.
You'll find my tips on what to pack, where to stay, how to get around San Francisco, and more!
This guide is excellent for first-time visitors. Find everything you need to know to visit.
Stay along the waterfront and close to many attractions. It's a great option with kids too!
Spend your nights in the heart of the city with great restaurants and nightlife.
Where should you stay? Find my recommendations by location and amenities.
What to See & Do in San Francisco
Festivals, attractions, cruises, shopping, and other fun things to do in San Francisco!
Top places to see including Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge and more must-see attractions.
Itineraries by day and district, to help you fit in as much as possible during your vacation.
May 2025 in San Francisco
Here are some additional guides to help you plan your visit this month:
Popular May Tours
More Big Events and Holidays
My events guide offers details for all of the best San Francisco events throughout the year. It includes calendars for upcoming concerts, performing arts shows, and theater performances.
You can also find top events by month.
Tours & Day Trips
Cruise around the SF Bay, under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz!
Where it stops, how long it takes, and why it's an easy way to get around SF.
Walking, food, city, movie, and other fun tours around San Francisco and beyond.
Want to see our famous, towering coastal redwoods? Muir Woods is your chance!
Swirl and sip Napa and Sonoma Valley wines on these day trips from San Francisco.
Want to head out on a day trip? Find tips to visit Monterey, Sausalito, and beyond!
More Fun Day Trips from San Francisco
Top Districts
More Around Northern California
Want to visit Yosemite? My guide includes the best ways to get here from SF. It also includes fun things to do!
Monterey is a fun place to visit with a world-class aquarium, shopping, and other fun things to do.
Head to wine country, go hiking, see sequoias, and explore the best of Northern California.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I take the day or the night tour of Alcatraz?
- What are some tips to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge?
- Where will I find the Painted Ladies featured in "Full House"?
- What time of year should I visit?
- How should I pack?
- What are some tips for getting around San Francisco?
- Where are some of the best places to go shopping?
- Is San Francisco safe?
Stay in Touch
Want to continue to learn about fun things to do in San Francisco, the Bay Area and Northern California? Here is how to stay in touch:
- Sign up for my free newsletter
- Follow me on Facebook
- Join my Facebook travel planning group
- Follow me on Instagram
I'm hoping you find everything you need for your stay on my site. If not, please reach out to me with questions and let me know how I can help!
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!