The Unofficial Guide
to San Francisco Tourism
...insider tips from a local

San Francisco has a mystique all its own.

The pretty Victorians climbing its steep hills, the clang of the cable cars, the fresh sea air and the swirling fog...there's magic afoot!

I want you to enjoy it as much as I do, hence this guide. I'll tell you what it's really like, unlike the usual tourist websites.

There's so much to see and do in San Francisco, but where to begin?

Take a look through my site, and see what interests you. There are attractions and things to do for every activity level and budget. 

I even discuss the "unmentionables", like crime and homelessness, which many travel blogs won't.

But never fear, there's lots more to San Francisco than its current problems, which can be avoided to a large extent if you follow my suggestions!

It's still a gorgeous city, in a beautiful natural setting. Enjoy!

• Candid reviews of the popular attractions.
  
• Insider tips on what to see and do (or not do!).
  
• Best areas to stay in SF.
• Best times to visit the city.
• Where the locals go: our favorite haunts.
  
• Where the locals park ;-)

Browse through the site to get some ideas for fun things to do in San Francisco.

First-timers, repeat visitors, and local Bay Area folks, welcome!

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Popular SF Attractions

Check out more San Francisco attractions.

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Things to do in SF

See my list of the best things to do in San Francisco!

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San Francisco Museums

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Fun Day Trips 

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When I travel, I love to get suggestions from the people who have actually lived there. And now you know a San Francisco local!

Take a look and get recommendations for: 

• Fun things to do in the city.
• Attractive (and safe) places to stay.
  
• Tourist attractions that are really worth seeing.
  
• Great restaurants, where the locals eat.
• Ideas for day trips out of SF.
  

Want to read some bad travel tips for San Francisco? I've collected a few groaners I found floating around the web. 

When is the best time to visit San Francisco? Each season has its advantages, but here are my tips on when to visit.

Come and join us...  Sit in a cosy San Francisco cafe, order an Irish coffee, and listen to the foghorns while the mist gathers outside.

Wander the streets where Sam Spade, Janis Joplin and the Beat Generation hung out.

Go off the beaten track... See some sights that most visitors don't see, like the haunting ruins of the Sutro Baths. 

Check out my tips for finding the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, like the one at the top of this page.

Ready to explore San Francisco like a local? Take a look through the site and see what sparks an interest.

Check out some of our local artists who do great impressions of our city scenes.

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Need to rent a car when you're visiting? Check out Discover Cars to compare rates and available cars over a number of rental companies.

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Welcome to San Francisco!

Hi, I'm Karen (please, no jokes about my name!). 

I was born just across the Bay, and spent over 30 years in San Francisco, but the City still casts its spell over me. 

Here's our guide to SF and beyond, with lots of local tips! 

Read more about us...

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Best things to do in San Francisco

Top San Francisco Attractions

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SF Bus, BART & Cable Car Routes

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