A Solo Traveler's Guide To San Francisco

San Francisco is a mixed bag in the best way possible: serene water views from east to west, quirky, inclusive neighborhoods, and refined white-tablecloth restaurants. It’s an Instagrammable smorgasbord, so don’t be surprised if visitors photobomb your selfies with the Golden Gate Bridge or Fisherman’s Wharf.

What’s the vibe for solo San Francisco travelers?

San Francisco draws all kinds, from sports fans and tech geniuses to foodies and LGBTQ travelers. Solo travelers won’t have trouble finding spots to mingle, be it on a whale-watching tour or scoping out the hottest restaurants and bar-hopping the Mission District’s lively artery, Valencia Street.

You might just be lucky enough to spot whales from San Francisco Bay

A San Francisco solo trip overview

With extensive public transport, you could tick off all of your must-dos over a long weekend: a day outdoors with Golden Gate Park, Lands End, the Presidio of San Francisco Park, and a beach; then a day on the eastern shore, exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, the attraction-filled Embarcadero, and SoMa. End with a day exploring Alcatraz Island, catching a Giants game at Oracle Park, or a blowout in Chinatown. Plan an autumn visit for warm temperatures without the rolling fog, professional sports games, and unique outdoor events like Lit Crawl and the Castro Street Fair.

Make time to explore Chinatown on your trip to San Francisco

Where to stay in San Francisco as a solo traveler

Steep streets – with architecture ranging from Queen Annes to modern marvels – typify San Francisco. Artsy neighborhoods abut lush green spaces. Even on the foggiest day, the sound of the streetcars, the salty smell of the waterfront, and the colorful homes remind you why San Francisco has won the hearts of many. We love these neighborhoods…

Nob Hill

With old Victorian residences, upscale cuisine, and swanky neighbors, Nob Hill is a ritzy affair. Unpack your threads for a relaxed wine-bar evening. A cable car ride downtown makes a night on the town effortless. For the best hotels, consult our guide to the best hotels in Nob Hill, San Francisco.

Outer Richmond

Swap city for nature’s embrace in Outer Richmond, a sleepy neighborhood stretched between Golden Gate Park and the Presidio, promising hours of outdoor exploration. The beaches, Lands End, and quiet cafes are all within walking distance.

SoMa

Stay South of Market to explore the city’s modern heart: gay bars, art galleries, museums, and breweries all call the neighborhood home. It’s the best place to catch a ballgame, dance the night away, and mingle with locals without exhausting your energy or budget. We’ve hand-picked the best hotels in SoMa.

Hayes Valley

Hayes Valley is a great hideaway beyond the waterfront. Here, you’re off of the tourist drags yet still close enough to court the gaily colored facades of the Painted Ladies when the mood strikes. Your tastebuds will appreciate the tightly packed restaurant scene, while your wallet will appreciate the manageable room rates.

For more San Francisco hotel information – and inspiration – see our guides to cheap, boutique, and luxury places to stay.

What to do in San Francisco as a solo traveler

Exploring everything within the 7×7 takes more than a long weekend. After you’ve ridden the cable cars, watched drivers navigate the crooked hairpin turns on Lombard Street, and eaten your weight in fresh seafood, add these experiences to your itinerary.

Close down a karaoke bar in Japantown

Architectural Landmark

An aerial view of city buildings lit up at night, including a temple, in Japantown at sunset

Chinatown is rightfully an SF foodie haven, but don’t overlook its neighbor, Japantown. The six-block stretch is home to sushi restaurants, Pika Pika photo booth rooms, and retro karaoke bars – Festa will have you belting tunes loud enough to be heard in Tokyo.

Improve your inner shutterbug

School

This community wet darkroom is one of the largest and oldest in the land: the Harvey Milk Photo Center also has rotating exhibits, and offers classes for all to enroll in. Consider a photography course or editing class – or learn to develop your own film so you can bring home gallery-worthy portraits.

Hike along the Lands End Trail

Hiking Trail

Waves crashing along the shore at Goat Rock Beach, and cliffs in the distance, in Northern California

The looping 3.5mi (5.6km) Lands End Trail rewards with amazing views of the Pacific and the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s wild, windy, unpaved – and popular. Take it slow, admiring historical landmarks such as Sutro Baths, and shipwrecks just beneath the surface.

You’ll hike the Lands End Trail as part of your visit to San Francisco on Culture Trip’s seven-day California Dreamin’ trip.

Eating and drinking in San Francisco

Frequent flyers swear by the one-of-a-kind Mission burrito – swaddled in a tortilla, as it has been since its birth in the Mission District. The more adventurous start the day over a rebel within: a soft-boiled egg oozing from a sausage muffin. The reputations of the Wharf, Japantown, and Chinatown make cioppino, steamed dumplings, and ramen obligatory orders.

The Golden City won’t leave you thirsty, either. Many boozy beverages have official – and unofficial – origins in San Francisco. The house cappuccino, which predates its cousin the Irish coffee, is made without actually using coffee. The pisco punch was a Gold Rush-era favorite born here. Now the cable car (rum, cinnamon, citrus) is becoming a modern icon.

Foodies will find plenty of choices to sate their appetite in San Francisco

Stay safe, stay happy

Traffic is a bit of a dance – it’s wise to not step on the toes of the locals. With many one-way streets, stress may ride shotgun if you’re driving. Be quick on your feet as well; popular throughways like Valencia Street are pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly, yet steady vehicle streams persist.

Getting around San Francisco as a solo traveler

Make your way on foot or by public transport – streetcars and bus routes cover the city. Taxis will do the job if you prefer an expensive transfer. And remember, this is an exceptionally bicycle-friendly city.

Cultural need-to-knows

Fitting in means keeping an open mind, from culinary offerings to lifestyles. This culturally rich city includes diverse Asian populations, a strong LGBTQ community, and a generally liberal perspective.

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Brett Gordon.