9 Things to Avoid When Visiting San Francisco
It is a wonderful city, with plans for all tastes. But there are things you shouldn't do if you're traveling to San Francisco to prevent frustration. A guide to avoiding rookie mistakes.
golden gate. Alcatraz. Chinatown. Twin Peaks. Union Square. There are plenty of things to see and enjoy in the city of San Francisco. But there are also some things that you should not do if you want to spend unforgettable days. Things we, as newbies, did and got wrong. That is why we have the intention and the desire to save them for you. Let's see.
9 Things to Avoid When Visiting San Francisco
Here, we put together a short list of mistakes to avoid when visiting San Francisco.
Don't Pack for Los Angeles Weather
If you travel to San Francisco, you must be prepared for all kinds of weather. That's why the key tip is to layer up. It is a place with a great thermal amplitude. It is one of the sunniest places in the United States, but also a very cool place when the sun goes down.
San Francisco has a climate of its own. If you've heard of the famous Golden Gate fog (locally known as Karl), you should know that it's the same phenomenon that can cause temperatures to drop (and sometimes a lot). Therefore, equip your suitcase well. And don't miss a raincoat and a nice sunscreen.
The best time to visit San Francisco is in the fall, when you can enjoy generally mild and clear weather, with fewer crowds in the more touristy spots.
Don't underestimate the hills and steep streets
Pack your best walking shoes and get ready for a leg workout to remember
Calling San Francisco 'hilly' is an understatement. Some of it is seriously ibex territory.
It is the most mountainous city in the United States and the second most mountainous city in the world (after La Paz in Bolivia). The steepest hill, between Leavenworth and Hyde on Filbert Street, has a whopping 31.5% grade. Therefore, wear good shoes and be prepared to sweat and exercise.
Don't panic on a Tuesday at noon
The sirens in San Francisco can scare you a bit if you don't know they're coming. Every Tuesday at noon, emergency sirens sound in San Francisco. The sirens sound for 15 seconds. If you hear them, don't panic - be part of the weekly outdoor warning system test.
This is a drill that has been going on since 1942. Initially, sirens warned people about air raids during the war. Today, they warn of imminent dangers, such as those that could occur after an earthquake, such as a fire, a burst gas main, or even a tsunami.
Don't relax with security
In San Francisco, robberies are very frequent, especially in parked cars. In many points of interest, such as the Painted Ladies, 5 minutes are enough to have your vehicle looted. It is an open secret in car rentals.
Do not leave anything visible on the seats or trust yourself. At any time, anywhere. They know that one moves away from the car for a few minutes to take photos. They break the glass in seconds and whatever you left behind is gone.
Don't try to get the perfect photo from the Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most iconic places in the world, not to mention San Francisco, the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge defines the city. At nearly two miles long, you can cross it and return in just over an hour. But don't try to get the best photo "from" the bridge. The ideal is to go to the good panoramic points.
There are fabulous views from the bridge, but it's not the best place to take your vacation photos. For postcard-perfect views, take your camera to Land's End Trail, Crissy Field, or Baker Beach. The views are well worth it.
Do not try to visit Alcatraz if you have not booked in advance
You will be very surprised at the amount of advance notice you need to guarantee a spot on Alcatraz jail tours. It is one of the most famous places in San Francisco and you must book in advance.
Situated on a small rocky island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz is a former federal prison that houses some of America's most notorious criminals. Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the 'Birdman of Alcatraz') and George 'Machine Gun' Kelly were all inmates there.
To visit it, you must take the ferry from Pier 33 and take the self-guided audio tour at the prison. Narrated by ex-inmates and guards, you'll hear from the story of the jail to the various escape plans.
Tickets sell out weeks in advance. So if you show up expecting to get in, you're going to be sorely disappointed. Book early or risk missing out on the most desired plan in San Francisco.
Do not take a cable car at Powell & Market Turnaround
When San Francisco's cable car network was at its peak, there were 23 routes. These days there are faster and easier ways to get around the city, but riding one of the three remaining lines is a unique experience.
That being said, be warned: you may wait in long lines to get your turn. It could be an hour or more if you plan to board at the Powell/Market change. If you're headed to Fisherman's Wharf, try to grab a car further down the line where wait times are generally much shorter.
You just want to live the cable car experience, take the California line. It runs from the financial district to Chinatown, which is a fascinating place to explore. Stay away from the touristy Gant Avenue.
Don't eat at Fisherman's Wharf
Head to Fisherman's Wharf and watch for sea lions, but avoid the tourist traps. The ocean views are fantastic and you can see sea lions at Pier 39 from late July to mid May. But the food is expensive and not the best quality.
