Exploring San Francisco

Progressive values, outstanding restaurants, and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge are just a handful of reasons why San Francisco ranks among California's top tourist destinations. One thing which seems to be in short supply in Northern California's largest city is affordable accommodation. However, Travelodge by Fishermans Wharf - San Francisco is a good quality, budget option within walking distance of Lombard Street and its namesake popular tourist attraction. Advance booking and avoiding the peak summer tourist season are other ways tourists can save money in San Francisco.

The majority of San Francisco places to stay are in the city's northeast portion, but several smaller bed and breakfasts are situated in the western residential districts. Grant Hotel and Nob Hill Motor Inn are two more affordable options just steps from Union Square, both of which include the rarest of San Francisco hotel amenities, complimentary breakfast. O'Farrell Street, Sacramento Street, and Isadora Duncan Lane contain the majority of youth hostels. Visitors can save even more money by purchasing a Go San Francisco card, a Wharf Pass, or a San Francisc

Sights nearby

Stunning scenery, breathtaking water bodies, and a number of other fascinating Bay Area communities surround San Francisco at every corner. South of the city lie the Silicon Valley cities of Mountain View and San Jose, while seaside Sausalito is one of the nearest northern neighbors. Oakland and Berkeley are both located directly across the San Francisco Bay from San Francisco proper.

Berkeley
More than four decades after the Free Speech Movement of the 1960s, Berkeley remains one of the most liberal cities in the United States. Apart from its namesake University of California campus, this East Bay city's main attractions are its lengthy marina and pier, its art museum, and the Lawrence Hall of Science. The Berkeley Rose Garden's 3,000 rose bushes contain about 250 different rose varieties, as well as outstanding bay and bridge views. The sunsets around Indian Rock Park's giant rock outcropping are especially spectacular.

Muir Woods National Monument
San Francisco's famous fog may sometimes obscure the view of the centuries-old redwood trees which tower over the Muir Woods National Monument, but the fog also creates additional humidity which helps the trees grow even taller. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area was named for the founder of the Sierra Club and is located near the Pacific Ocean.

Angel Island State Park
About 10,000 years ago, this San Francisco Bay island was part of the mainland. Today, the immigration station which stands above Angel Island State Park is a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can take guided tours or explore the island on their own by cycling, jogging, or walking. Nearly all corners of the bay can be seen from Mount Caroline Livermore.

Eating and drinking and shopping nearby

The nearly 4,500 restaurants in San Francisco break down into one place to eat for every 250 residents. Whether diners crave rare steaks, meat-free meals, or virtually anything else in between, they can easily find it in this foodie haven. Most of the Cantonese food served in Chinatown is Americanised, but still tasty, while the Financial and Sunset districts have become famous for their Mediterranean cuisine. Richmond is the district believed to serve the best sushi.

Notable nightlife spots include the gay-friendly Castro and the sophisticated Marina. The familiar chains in Union Square are far outnumbered by the more intimate and independent shops which dominate most other corners of the city. However, nowhere offers a greater variety of souvenirs than Fisherman's Wharf.

Public transport

MUNI, as most locals call the San Francisco Municipal Railway network, is the most extensive of San Francisco's three major public transit networks. Buses, the Metro light rail line, and the city's world famous streetcars and cable cars are all part of MUNI. The Caltrain rail network is the easiest way to travel south to San Jose, while the BART network is the main link between the city and neighbouring East Bay communities, like Berkeley and Oakland.