San Francisco Bay
San Francisco Bay
4.5
About
Offers hiking and biking along its shores, paddling and sailing on top of its surface, and bird-watching and exploring among its wetlands.
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We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
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131 within 3 miles
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1,024 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- AMohsenPort Said, Egypt689 contributionsThe underlying charm of San FranciscoSan Francisco Bay is one of the underlying reasons behind the charm of the city. All the beautiful locations of the city are linked to the bay water like the popular bridges, the piers, and Fisherman's Wharf. One of the most exciting experiences is to drive through the Golden Gate and Oakland Bay Bridge.Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 26 March 2024
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia20,006 contributionsOne of top 5 cities in the world in terms of geographic locationThis was my third time in this fab city I rank in US top 3. Concerning its geographical location, I rank it in top 5, but in the whole world. The only cities to match SF are Rio de Janeiro, NYC, Sydney and Istanbul. This outstanding scenery, with its huge bay is best seen from above, so try to have a window seat when flying to/from SF. An amazing city to visit and spend some time there - hopefully I'll come back again.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 June 2024
- Thomas VOakland, California18,422 contributionsCheck Out the Bay TrailThe major gorgeous geographic feature of the area where I live. There are splendid views of the big Bay all around. And the great BayTrail is bit by bit growing to surround the Bay with trails for walking and biking. All around places to eat and view and a real pleasure.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
7,358 reviews
Excellent
5,313
Very good
1,712
Average
246
Poor
45
Terrible
42
Sheree S
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Couples
Both of us are very well travelled however, this is an extremely unsafe place to go.
We found ourselves heading back to the hotel before nightfall.
The homeless / drug problem is enormous and so sad to see, these people have literally given up on life. Human excrement lined the pavements and there is an awful lot of rummaging around in rubbish bins and on the floor. You are forgiven for thinking you are on a real film set of the living zombies.
The piers / fisherman’s wharf is like Blackpool on a good day.
The golden gate bridge was full of cyclist that thought they had to reach the maximum speed limit in their Lycra with very little regard for everyone else’s safety.
However, It’s not all quite doom and gloom, The trams were enjoyable and a good way to get down to Fisherman’s Wharf.
We booked the “ behind the scenes tour” for Alcatraz , our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The narrators that walked you through (via the headphones ) were actual ex guards and ex inmates, you get to see quite a lot, the cells, dungeons, dining room, even the morgue.
Unfortunately, we cut the holiday short to return to the UK as we felt there wasn’t a huge lot to see in San Fran and it was “ off the scale “ expensive” £20 for 2 ice creams ? The most expensive place in the USA.
We found ourselves heading back to the hotel before nightfall.
The homeless / drug problem is enormous and so sad to see, these people have literally given up on life. Human excrement lined the pavements and there is an awful lot of rummaging around in rubbish bins and on the floor. You are forgiven for thinking you are on a real film set of the living zombies.
The piers / fisherman’s wharf is like Blackpool on a good day.
The golden gate bridge was full of cyclist that thought they had to reach the maximum speed limit in their Lycra with very little regard for everyone else’s safety.
However, It’s not all quite doom and gloom, The trams were enjoyable and a good way to get down to Fisherman’s Wharf.
We booked the “ behind the scenes tour” for Alcatraz , our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The narrators that walked you through (via the headphones ) were actual ex guards and ex inmates, you get to see quite a lot, the cells, dungeons, dining room, even the morgue.
Unfortunately, we cut the holiday short to return to the UK as we felt there wasn’t a huge lot to see in San Fran and it was “ off the scale “ expensive” £20 for 2 ice creams ? The most expensive place in the USA.
Written 5 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
philip m
4 contributions
Jun 2022
We are from the UK and we visited in June 2022 for a few days travelling on the California Zephyr from Utah. We booked on the open top bus tours which were very good and informative and was a great way to see San Francisco. Fisherman's Walk area was ok apart from the views of Alcatraz, the bridges and the bay which were stunning. However our trip was marred when we were ripped off at the electrical camera store on Jefferson Street to the tune of $800.00 when we were sold a camera lens that was bought as a gift was the wrong model and is broken. When we arrived back in the UK ten days later we discovered that there was only a five day return policy on items sold at this store. To anyone visiting this ELECTRONIC store, BEWARE as you won't find any PALs there.
Written 26 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JOe
Sabaneta, Colombia2 contributions
Aug 2019
SFO is very nice and amazing pplace to visit. I traveled for bussines and study reasons, but take advantage to know the many atracction that the city has.
There is a great offer of sea food. I recommended "bubba gump shrimp" is nice decoration insperated in movie entretaiment. You can visit golden Gate Bridge, walking for the China Town. The cable car is a way to know the city.
The bay' landscape is very marvelous with or without fog, is possible watch any seals and dolphins.
others atraccions are Alcatraz Prision, Golden Gate national recreation area very natural.
SFO is a wonderful destination.
There is a great offer of sea food. I recommended "bubba gump shrimp" is nice decoration insperated in movie entretaiment. You can visit golden Gate Bridge, walking for the China Town. The cable car is a way to know the city.
The bay' landscape is very marvelous with or without fog, is possible watch any seals and dolphins.
others atraccions are Alcatraz Prision, Golden Gate national recreation area very natural.
SFO is a wonderful destination.
Written 30 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul H
Greater Sydney, Australia13 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Tourist town
Alcatraz and muir Woods was great and the city is nice, alhthoug the money they make off alcatraz you would think they would update the model of the prison where u get on the boat as it is worn down and needs repairs.
The california acadamy of science was really nice.
The zoo is substandard as they have more room for visitors then the animals which looked sad.
For good food look around and avoid pier 39 as basically tourist fast food yuck, had the worst burger and fries (chips) ever, the fries tasted and looked like cooked 5 times and so oily.
Also had pasta at pier 39 which was also very oily.. Why use so much oil.. Is it an American thing?
For nice food have to look around.
I recommend ghirardelli Square as has some restaurants that are better then pier 39.
Palette tea house is nice for tea and food.
McCormick and schmicks is also nice but very very expensive.
We found a nice Thai restaurant after doing a search online.
Where ever we went around fisherman wharf the food had so much oil.. I mean squeeze the food and see the oil dripping out.
Alcatraz and muir Woods was great and the city is nice, alhthoug the money they make off alcatraz you would think they would update the model of the prison where u get on the boat as it is worn down and needs repairs.
The california acadamy of science was really nice.
The zoo is substandard as they have more room for visitors then the animals which looked sad.
For good food look around and avoid pier 39 as basically tourist fast food yuck, had the worst burger and fries (chips) ever, the fries tasted and looked like cooked 5 times and so oily.
Also had pasta at pier 39 which was also very oily.. Why use so much oil.. Is it an American thing?
For nice food have to look around.
I recommend ghirardelli Square as has some restaurants that are better then pier 39.
Palette tea house is nice for tea and food.
McCormick and schmicks is also nice but very very expensive.
We found a nice Thai restaurant after doing a search online.
Where ever we went around fisherman wharf the food had so much oil.. I mean squeeze the food and see the oil dripping out.
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IllinoisTraveler103
2 contributions
Jan 2020
Parking signage is confusing...maybe purposefully so. We ended up getting towed. SF has the most expensive towing system in America: almost $550 plus cost of ticket. The city is no longer hospitable and increasingly dangerous. Wish we hadn't gone.
Written 4 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen
San Diego, CA21 contributions
Aug 2020
As this was a Public space, I was a little nervous, given the recent pandemic. We arrived in the morning, but by lunchtime the area was far too busy for our liking and we deemed it unsafe due to not being able to keep our distance from other members of the public. I feel at the is moment, thee should be a cap on visitors. We were only there on a weekday. I can only imagine how crowded it would get on a hot weekend day.
Written 10 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicko Bondar
17 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
Standing at the edge of the San Francisco Bay, I was captivated by its immense beauty. The shimmering waters stretched out before me, framed by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the city's skyline. The gentle breeze and the sound of seagulls added to the tranquility. It's a serene escape within a bustling city, offering a perfect moment of serenity and awe. A must-visit for anyone in San Francisco.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jugainka T
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Solo
Besides everything being so ridiculously expensive for no reason. You’ll be inundated by all the homeless people that can’t afford to live there. Trash all over the sidewalks. And the pompous attitude of the residence. I have to get this experience a big thumbs down, I’ll never visit San Francisco again.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1212Hammerhead
Sparks, NV71 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
San Francisco is COVID paranoid. Everyone is required to show an ID and proof of covid vaccine to eat at restaurants, go in stores or theaters etc. Homeless people were Everywhere and drug use was out in the open. Perhaps the dirtiest city I've ever seen. Very sad. It wasn't always like this, but for now I would pass unless required for work.
Written 9 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phillip S
7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
August 1, 2023 Visited parts of the seen 3 sites and left. Homeless people are everything around downtown area. Stop at the Golden Gate Bridge. Parked in Battery East parking. Signs said frequent break ins and don’t leave anything valuable in your car. We did not leave anything if value in the car. Was gone 15 minutes. Walked to the Golden Gate for a picture and walked back. Our rental car and two others had their windows smashed. The city knows these issues and do nothing about them. The law abiding citizens are not protected here.
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Advice for a couple of mature travellers please. What is the best, most economical AND hassle free way to travel into our Fishermans Wharf accommodation on arrival at SFO airport after a 12 hour flt? Although we'd be happy to take the train into town and
then a taxi we need to ensure there are
escalators or similar to make it easy
carrying our bags. Would a normal taxi be our best option?
Written 26 March 2018
Uber for sure! Add the app on your phone and use it! Very reasonable.
Written 7 April 2018
Will only have 1 1/2 days to see San Francisco. Any suggestions on well located hotel for 2 nights? Also, what are the must see/do in this limited amount of time. Family of 5 road tripping :). Thanks!
Written 4 September 2017
The Hilton at union square is quite handy and we used the hop on hop off bus to get around. We walked a couple blocks from the hotel to union square and bought tickets for the bus at 40 dollars each. It stops at many stops along the route. You can get off and they tell you where to get back on. We got off at Coit tower to get the best view of San Francisco, then Lombard street, it's a long walk but well worth it when you get to the top and see the beautiful area and winding road. The bus also stops at fisherman s wharf and I would highly recommend the codmother for fish and chips lunch, the bus also goes over the Golden Gate Bridge and stays there 10 minutes for photos or you can wait for the next bus. There are a few stops on the way back to union square but we didn't have time to do them.
If you want to do Alcatraz you need to book tickets in advance or you might not get them on the day as they sell out fast
Enjoy, we loved it and would go back
Written 7 September 2017
I wanting some advise on weather its better to stay down town San Fran or to stay in Oakland area for a family vacation with young children. Travelling from overseas, so don't know the area that well.
Only staying for 3 nights so want to be able to make the most of it.
Thanks in advance.
Written 3 September 2016
I would vote for the East Bay as a base with sojourns into the City, but I would stay more on the Berkeley/Kensington/Solano side of things rather than Oakland. Weatherwise, fall and spring are the sunnier times for SF weather.
Written 4 September 2016
We are going to be renting a car at SFO and going over the Golden Gate. I am all too familiar with getting a large toll fee from the car rental after we have returned from a trip to SF. Is there a online site to pay the toll ahead of time?
Written 30 August 2016
Rental Vehicles Paying Tolls at the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge toll is assessed in the southbound direction, going into San Francisco. Before driving a rental car over the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco, customers are strongly advised to ask the rental car company how tolls are processed. To avoid confusion:
Speak with your rental agent about how tolls are assessed when crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, or or any other Bay Area toll bridge or toll road.
Ask if you have to Opt-In or Opt-Out of the agency's tolling program, if one is offered.
Ask about any associated convenience or service fees that may be assessed after your trip by the rental agency or its affiliates.
Click here for a list of rental agencies in the San Francisco area to learn more about what tolling programs are offered and how to pay your Golden Gate Bridge toll.
If Your Rental Company Does Offer a Tolling Program
Option 1: Agree to Use Rental Car Tolling Program Offered
This is the most seamless and convenient option. Note: most tolling programs have convenience fees associated with them. Be sure to ask the rental agent for more information.
Option 2: Do Not Agree to Use Rental Car Tolling Program Offered
If you prefer not to use the offered tolling program, you must (1) Ask your rental car company if you have to Opt-Out and follow the instructions, and (2) Take action BEFORE you cross or within 2 days AFTER you cross the Golden Gate Bridge (heading south into San Francisco) by making a One-Time Payment. Once you have your rental vehicle, take note of the license plate number and the end date of your rental period.
BEFORE you cross or within 2 days AFTER you cross the Bridge, you can make a One-Time Payment using any of the following methods: More▼
If Your Rental Company Does Not Offer a Tolling Program
Ask the rental agent for specifics about how they assess tolls for the Golden Gate Bridge. You must take action BEFORE or within 2 days AFTER your first crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge (headed southbound into San Francisco) by making a One-Time Payment. Make note of the license plate number and the end date of your rental period. You can make a One-Time Payment using any of the following methods: More▼
Suggestions for Short-Term Visitors
"If you’re a visitor with out-of-state or out-of-country license plates staying in the San Francisco Bay Area and plan on crossing the Golden Gate Bridge (southbound), your best toll payment choice is to use the Pay-By-Plate option and make a One-Time Payment or you may also consider opening a limited duration License Plate Account.
The One-Time Payment option is exactly what it sounds like: make a toll payment, one payment at a time. One-Time Payments can be made up to 30 days before or 48 hours after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. One-Time Payments are valid for 30 days and are non-refundable. They may be made (1) using a credit card (click "Make a One-Time Payment" link below) or (2) using a credit card by calling toll free 1-877-229-8655 or 415-486-8655 (outside California). Also, for a vehicle with an out-of-state license plate, you may pay in person using cash at one of our many Cash Payment Locations or pay in person at the Bay Area FasTrak Customer Service Center, 375 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, (click here for hours of operation). For a vehicle with an out-of-country license plate, you may pay in person at the Bay Area FasTrak Customer Service Center, 375 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, (click here for hours of operation).
NOTE: When you get to the car rental make sure you are not automatically charged a fee as a part of the car rental agreement or you would be paying twice and paying more than you might use in toll fees.
Written 1 September 2016
We were going to make a trip to the aquarium in Monterey the first week in Sept. We were told the air quality is bad because of the fires in the area. Should we go or not.
Written 14 August 2016
The prevailing winds are off the water so it should blow any smoke away from you.Have a good time. Consider giving me a helpful.
Written 14 August 2016
My daughter & I will be in San Francisco next Mon- Wed afternoons. We wanted to take a sunset harbor cruise (preferably would like to eat something while cruising) - can you recommend one? Approx cost and contact info would be awesome - Thanks!
Written 26 May 2016
Hello there! Lucky you, I love SF Bay area; enjoy every moment.
I went on tripadvisor or viator to check out everything to do in the Bay Area. I purchased 4 tickets for us to go on a Sunset Cruise from Pier 39 1/2, Red & White Fleet's tour. Watch your tours though since they offer several; be sure it's the "Sunset Cruise" which is absolutely beautiful traveling up beyond the Bay Bridge and seeing the stunning colors of the sunset over AT&T Field and the city scape. Each purchasing passenger is given tickets for two alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages and about 45 minutes into the cruise, a buffet of delicious sliders, individual salads, various cheeses, crackers, fruit, Crudités and various bitesize desserts. Although everything is beautifully presented and delicious, be sure to be quick because some people stock up like there is no tomorrow. It gets chillly once the sun goes down on the water, so take a wrap in a tote to be prepared and stay out on deck for as much, if not all, of the breathtaking sights of San Francisco you are about to cherish as beautiful memories for years to come.
Hope this helps you; I'm so envious but you've triggered my wonderful memories now.
Written 26 May 2016
garrisongirl
Calgary, Canada
I am researching public parking places to park our car while we stay in San Francisco for three nights. I am hoping to find a better rate than what the hotel will be charging us? We are travelling from Canada and once we convert the dollar the parking rate is very high. I would like to save a few $$$ in this area if possible. Any tips or suggestions would be great. We are staying on Powell Street - Union Square location.
Written 12 March 2016
There is a "reasonably priced" garage at Stockton & O'Farrell.
Written 13 March 2016
Me interesa ir a San Francisco en enero, como es invierno quiero preguntarles si si lo disfrutaría, llueve mucho o es mejor ir en otra época del año?
Written 1 October 2015
Yo estuve la semana pasada y llovió mucho. Aún así, lo disfruté, pero yo elegiría otra época para poder disfrutarlo más.
Written 27 January 2019
Do you have a shuttle to downtown?
Written 8 August 2015
I'm not sure if you're talking about a shuttle from the airport to downtown? You can walk inside the airport to BART, the underground subway system which is actually above ground at that point, which takes you to various points downtown. There are also airport shuttles which costs a bit more (around $20 one way) -some examples, SuperShuttle, Prime Time, numerous others.
The "muni" system also takes you everywhere, but not to the airport- it is cheap and easy.
Be sure to bring WARM jacket(more than a hoodie or light windbreaker) as temperatures drop drastically when the sun goes down and the wind comes up....no matter how warm it gets by day.
Written 10 August 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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