San Francisco has a way of stealing your heart from the moment you arrive. Breathtaking landscapes, quirky and vibrant architecture, and hilly neighborhoods – the city is full of things to do for wanderers. However, we see so much controversy surrounding San Francisco – is it safe? Is it worth a visit in 2025?
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING
- Pack Layers
Even a nice summer day can turn into a chilly evening.
- Public Transit is the way to go.
Car break-ins, unfortunately, remain a common issue in San Francisco. If you choose to drive, clean out your car thoroughly. Do not leave anything in sight otherwise you risk getting your window broken. Thieves often break in even for small items. I would use public transit if visiting. It is easy to figure out and gets you to any part of the city you need to go to.
- Be mindful of Homelessness.
Unfortunately, just like anywhere in the US these days (so it seems), the homeless population is on the rise. San Francisco is no exception. Avoid the area of Tenderloin, exercise empathy, and be aware of your surroundings! I haven’t felt unsafe in SF any more than in any other city I’ve visited.
Now that we’ve covered that – what is there to see in San Francisco?
Golden Gate Bridge
Duh, it is the first thing that comes to mind when considering San Francisco! You can walk, bike, or drive over it! Either one is a fun experience. However, I highly suggest walking it if you are a first-time visitor! Pack a jacket and protect your ears – it gets Windy!
Alcatraz Island
Tour the infamous prison. + You get to take in the views of the city from the ferry going to/from the island, so that is a bonus!
Lombard Street
Known as the “crookedest street”, this is a must visit!
Fisherman’s Wharf (Pier 39)
Walk around the pier, visit little shops, and grab a bowl of chowder! Head to Pier 39 to see the sea lions.
Visit several vibrant neighborhoods.
San Francisco is full of colorful, vibrant neighborhoods – Chinatown, Mission District, The Castro, and Haight-Ashbury, just to name a few.
San Francisco is a city of contrasts – where artsy neighborhoods meet the tech giants. So whether you are here on a work trip or leisure, you will leave wanting more!
Final Note
So, is San Francisco worth visiting? In my opinion, YES! While the city might face some struggles, the character of San Francisco is still shining through.
