As a San Franciscan, it's great to hear a positive point of view on San Francisco these days, for a change. I like the tourist places because they are full of happy people on vacation and having fun.
and dont forget so many stores in San Francisco including the mall is closing down for good the last time i drove to San Francisco from stockton San Francisco still look the same same homeless and drug addicted still roaming near or around tenderloin
@@chrisbrown-lx7qz Yeah, the Tenderloin! It's always been a rough place. And dude, you're from Stockton with some of the highest crime rates in the state, so you know "glass houses."
My fiance and I visited SF four months ago and we loved it. It was my first time in nearly 30 years. To all the haters who make fun of the city, they have either never been there or they have no idea how to have a good time.
I just came back from San Francisco a week ago to the UK. Had an amazing time, so much to see and do. Highly recommend it. Read a lot into the news, with all the problems going on there, put me off slightly. How wrong I was. Had no issues at all. A beautiful city, certainly gets a thumbs up for me
@@mr.foxwiz1653 didn’t feel unsafe at all. Stay clear of the Tenderloin and you’ll b fine. Media hype these things up. Had an amazing time. Definitely worth a visit
@@ME-ot2ce In the area of Stonestown. We lived in Park Merced and then Ashton Ave with my grandmother. My grandmother would take me all over the city on the streetcar. My dad worked in the Ferry Building. It was such a beautiful city!
Our family visited SF a couple years ago and we absolutely loved it. Just like NYC, it feels like one of those places where no matter how much time you spend there, you come away feeling like there's still ore to see
yes, come back and see what failed leadership has done to this city! Come see the Fentynal users slumped over, and come see all the beautifully shiny broken glass of all the cars that get broken in to. Yes, plenty to see! SF is nothing like NYC, New York Tumps SF by far.
I was born in SF in 1950 and moved out in 1975 (to Santa Cruz) and have not been to all the places in the City. It's very dense. I go back every once in a while to visit tourist things I never did back then.
A few tips from a local: -For transportation don't use Uber/Lyft unless absolutely necessary. SF and much of the Bay Area in general has a good transit network (especially SF's buses) by American standards, with transit lanes across the city that bypass traffic. -Get the Clipper Card on your phone so you don't have to pay the $3 fee and so you don't have to reload it at a machine (but you need physical cards for youth/senior discounts, which you can transfer to your phone after 24 hours). Transit workers/drivers are very nice and often are happy to help out tourists with transit. -If you're going to Muir Woods, don't drive there and instead take the shuttle from either Sausalito or Larkspur ferry terminal (depending on the date/season). Parking is almost always full and it saves you the stress and cost of a rental car/rideshare. -Echoing the point to not miss Sausalito, though the small sidewalks get very crowded! Be aware that the road from the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito has unsafe cycling conditions, with high speed cars and no bike lane or anything, so be very careful (changes are planned within the next few years though). The 130 bus goes from SF to Sausalito hourly until midnight and is an alternative to the sometimes infrequent ferry one way. -If you want to see some more of the North Bay while you're in the area, use the SMART train from Larkspur Ferry Terminal to access the quaint downtowns in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, San Rafael, and more. You can also explore the East Bay with BART (also nowhere near as unsafe as portrayed in the news) and the Peninsula with Caltrain, which both go right to nice downtown areas.
I actually visited SF to ride all the transit because I'm a carless transit nerd and it did not disappoint! I rode BART, Muni Metro, several buses, the Sausalito ferry, and, of course, all three cable car routes end to end. Of course I had to get a physical Clipper card as a souvenir. Actually, my one transit disappointment was that Golden Gate 130 bus that only runs every hour during the day! I tried to catch it to go from the North end of the GG bridge, but just barely missed it. I ended up hiking the whole way to Sausalito and the road there is rather unsafe for hiking along, but I survived.
i was in san francisco in 2019,im scottish, stayed there 5 days, really enjoyed the city,i dropped my wallet in an irish bar off grant avenue,and a kindly person handed it back to me,i highly recommend it.felt very safe,stayed at the hotel Triton
As a native San Franciscan, here is another very important don't. Simply, don't go to or through Tenderloin and parts of Civic Center if not necessary. At this point, everyone knows about the Tenderloin, but regarding Civic Center, City Hall and the other buildings in Civic Center (basically around Civic Center Plaza) are definitely beautiful and worth checking out. However, be wary that the surrounding area can be offputting at times and may not be for everyone. That area is right next to the Tenderloin so griminess may often spill over. The Tenderloin and parts of Civic Center, in my opinion, are by all means not necessarily dangerous but they can be dirty and gross. Sad but true. Other than that, the rest of the city is amazing!
Good point the majority of the blight,filth Riff Raff etc is centered around that area of tenderloin and Civic Center Plaza. Just a lot of vagrants and sketchy people but it’s not necessarily so bad where you can’t check it out.
@@dkpqzm What about the people who drive around and break into parked vehicles in broad daylight, in all neighborhoods so nothing and no one is safe unless you're behind gates?
@@richardlo4867 where there is poverty there will be crime. Vote for policies which lift people up with counseling, job training, education, if applicable addiction treatment etc. As we reduce poverty, crime will decrease.
0@@wcoasttigger While I certainly agree with that logic, while we strive to reach nirvana criminals should still be actively pursued and punished severely so the people who choose not to commit crimes and harm others, including lots of poor people, don't have to live with this b.s.
As a resident of SF, his video has a lot of great advice. Special tip for riding the cable cars: begin your cable car ride at California and Van Ness streets. Nobody there. Grab the seats at the front of the cable car. After you crest the top of Nob hill, the view is spectacular.
Better yet, do your cable car riding in the morning or later at night to avoid the lines. Most people ride from one end of the line to the other so even if you try to board along the route, their may not be room. Also, a cable ride at night is an amazing experience.
Another hint. Take the California St Cable car. It's not as long but it is less crowded. It will take you to Nob Hill and past Grace Cathedral. On second thought, get off and tour around the cathedral. It's quite a magnificent building.
There's another line further along the coast that's a few streets in and it's normally really quiet, most people wouldn't know unless they check a map or are in a nearby hotel.
Add on to the tips, if you want to sit on the outside of the cable car(everybody does) better off waiting in line at the starting point. But if you don't care to be seated in the cabin area then the op advice is spot on and just walk a block up and wait for the cable car.
I was born and raised as a 3rd generation San Franciscan. My grandfather told me the legend of Angel Island. Sir Francis Drake supposedly buried treasure on the highest hill on Angel Island in 1579. Many years ago so many people were digging up the top of Angel Island, that they installed a large, thick concrete slab on top of the spot. You can go up there today and still see the concrete slab resting on top of Drake's treasure.
60yo Australian lady here. First visit to SF, alone for 3 days, July 2023. (We now have direct United flights BNE-SFO, yay - great entry point to the US, and avoids LAX.) Stayed at Hotel Kabuki in Japantown. Never once felt unsafe - it's light in summer until 8:30 or something. Walked everywhere, except for a few Ubers, eg to the Presidio - which any tourist should not miss! Such an amazing place, views, history, and it's a public asset. What a magical city - I cannot wait to go back. I picked up some good tips from this vid, tyvm!
I'm a third generation San Franciscan. I appreciate all the bad press the City is getting. It cuts down on the horde of tourists that descend on the City every summer. The best weather in San Francisco happens after Labor Day. My grandmother used to say that was God's way of thanking San Franciscans for putting up with the crowds of tourists all summer.
Great advice. Our son lives there and loves it. He and his girlfriend tell their worried mom (me) that it’s not getting as bad as the news makes it out to be. When we last visited he took us to all the local restaurants and the food was incredible. And yes, it is $$$.
I’m an SF local and really appreciate you addressing the negative media coverage that SF has been getting. Yes, SF has a very bad homeless problem but most of it is in the Tenderloin neighborhood. Like all cities we have big city problems but for the most part SF is safe and absolutely beautiful.
@@mluu510 "The criminals have cars, bro" People in the tenderloin don't lmao. You have no idea what you're talking about. The "bad neighborhood" in SF is the Tenderloin and it has HOMELESS PEOPLE, not organized criminals. There's very little crime in SF. Speaking as someone who grew up in the Bay Area and still lives there (I'm typing from there).
@@ME-ot2ce "how long have you lived in that city" I have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1984 when I was 6. My dad made a lot of money in Silicon Valley when I was growing up. His name is on a couple patents for hard disk drives (magnetic storage devices). He has a BSEE and an MBA. The house I grew up in is worth over one million dollars now. I go to SF on a regular basis and it is NOT dangerous or "falling apart".
@@neutrino78x oh wow sounds like an amazing childhood and yeah prices have went up especially in places like San Francisco and others that's crazy still go I only lived in San Francisco for five years and this was in the early 2000s what a time it was... I lived three years in Bayview Hunters Point right down the street from Double Rock housing projects....in the last two years I moved out to the West End of the city in the Avenues Sunset District.
I love the "don't drive in San Francisco." I was born and raised in SF. I learned to drive in SF! I went to SF State U. I got skills driving there that allowed me to have no fear driving in Paris.
Great video. As a SF Bay resident of almost 25 years, I really appreciate you recommending people not get caught up in preconceived ideas from the news. SF and the rest of the Bay, for that matter, is amazing.
Wolter, great job! I'm a big fan of yours and happy to see you here in my city. I'm a former tour guide here, too. So I can honestly say all of your advice is spot on! I would like to add something minor though. Yes, don't say "Frisco" when you are here. However, do know that mostly applies to the older generation locals that drive us crazy. Some of the "younger" started calling our city "Frisco" for a short time. But that's also related to hip-hop culture. What you don't want to say is "San Fran." That drives us absolutely bonkers no matter what generation of SF local you talk to. We hear people on the other side of the bay saying "San Fran" and that's how we know you're not from here or from our side of the Bay. Oh and to add to your advice on not leaving things in the car. Don't leave one item in your car! Dont leave your purses, laptop, expensive stuff. That's obvious. But don't even leave your jacket in the car. Homeless will steal that for obvious reasons. Yes, we have that problem with homeless but not everywhere. Lastly, thank you for defending us in spite of what the media says about our situation with the homeless and apocalypse being here. It's just not true. Great job, though!
Just went to San Francisco for the first time this summer-what an incredible city! Definitely very expensive, but in terms of attractions and food, it's one of the best cities I've ever visited. Every attraction was excellent, and every meal was fantastic. Definitely agree about dressing for the weather-I was there in July, and most days topped out temperature-wise at 65 degrees, and it would go from needing a jacket to it being too warm for a jacket without warning.
Thanks so much for this video! My husband and I have a trip planned to San Francisco in October, and he was almost wanting to cancel because of all the bad news. Homelessness! Needles! etc. Luckily, I--along with friends who live there--convinced him to go. I think a bit of common sense will go a long way toward a very enjoyable trip. And, hey, dim sum at Yank Sing and coffee at Caffe Trieste will help.
@@BATOOLESK We had a wonderful time. I think it's fine to go with your child. Just stay out of the Tenderloin area. And there's some wonderful places to go with a young one, like the Steinhart Aquarium in Golden Gate Park. Or Pier 39, where you can watch the sea lions. There have, apparently, been a lot of car thefts. So we kept our car in the parking garage of the hotel where we stayed, and walked or Uber'd it everywhere. Have fun!
San Franciscan here. Go to the Golden Gate Park! Valencia St, Hayes Valley. Take a hike over the Presidio Park! Avoid the Tenderloin and Market st. Don't leave stuff in your car! People come from other areas to steal. --I am so happy you've got a great experience Wolters! Thank you for sharing it!!
Thank you for making a video that shows SF is still a great City for residents and visitors. Especially the months of September and October have the best weather. Walk around and you will see parks filled with people and neighborhoods with character and great food. The City is very much alive. Your assessment of the bad side of the City is accurate. You did a great job explaining this.
My grandson & I visited San Francisco last year & had a wonderful time. We did all the touristy things, we enjoyed it all but the ferry ride around & under the Golden Gate Bridge was the highlight! We used the Clipper card & went on the BART trains every day. Yes there were areas of homeless but never felt unsafe. We found the locals were, as well as The Americans on holiday from other states, very friendly. Would definitely recommend the city. Best wishes from Sydney Australia
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and laughed when I was in San Fransisco and saw the tourists buying hoodies and sweat pants at high prices in Fisherman's Wharf during the summer because they didn't check what the weather was going to be like lol.
Me from the UK 🇬🇧 I did my research on the weather. I went out in September last yr, took my Hoodies. San Francisco weather very similar to UK weather, not too hot, not too cold. Pretty good
I was advised to bring at least one sweater and one warm jacket, even in August. Having attended a Giants' night game at Oracle Park, I'm glad that I did.
Walter, I met you a few years ago at Vidcon London 2019. Earlier this year you did a video about my home city of Liverpool and in a few weeks in going on holiday to San Fran. This video came out at the perfect time for me!!!!!
Long-time subscriber. I love the positivity you have for my hometown of SF! Though I haven't lived there for +10 years, I do try to visit every year and consider it my home. Even I was starting to develop a negative mindset about things (crime, homelessness, drug use, and rising costs of everything), but you reminded me that most of the city is still great!
The locals also don't like the name "San Fran". I have lived in Northern California for 15 years and I still get amazed at the micro-climates. It can be 102 degrees, no clouds, and no wind in Concord but 59 degrees, completely overcast with fog, and windy in the city just 30 miles away. 95% of the homeless issues are in Tenderloin (and certain parts of SOMA). Outside of those areas, not many homeless to see.
I'm a lifelong LA resident, if you think "San Fran" is cringy, you haven't heard tourist call LA "Los Ang" or "L Ang" 🙄🙄🙄 OMG I'm like "get back under the bridge!!"
San Francisco was named in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Native San Franciscans see calling the City 'frisco' or 'San Fran' as an insult to San Francisco's patron saint.
This was the best SF tourism video - as a native and resident, so many influencers want to turn their noses up and act like SF is so destitute it’s worth skipping over. It’s not and everything you said was absolutely correct. Every single point. Thank you for this wake up call for tourists. The standard tips you’d expect when visiting everywhere still apply: keep your belongings close, don’t leave valuables in your car (which you really shouldn’t need to use unless you are cross country driving or coming from very far), respect the community and the environment and be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine. I will say that you really should expect the sticker shock of food, drink, accommodations that you would if visiting, say, New York, because it is expensive even for us locals. But we live here because it’s worth every penny.
Just got back from SF last week! We stayed in the Financial District over the weekend and we got a good room at a great price. I felt safe in the city (we have a huge homeless problem in Colorado and it didn’t seem as bad). I agree about Union Square, it seemed like it was just stores. Also, we didn’t take a car, and I’m thankful I didn’t. We saw at least 6 smashed windows at the Botanical Gardens.
Union Square is just stores, yes- do people think it's going to be something else? It's a shopping center. Don't know why people go over there thinking it's supposed to be a nice place to spend an afternoon or something
SF is great! A lot of good tips outside of cautioning everyone from exercising more. Walking SF is a lot of fun and the hills are just part of what makes SF special. You can find lots of artistic hidden staircases all around the city. And yes, always bring a jacket!
Mark is spot on once again. I’ve seen more homeless people in Philly than in San Francisco. He’s right, stick to the touristy areas like the Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square areas. Definitely don’t leave valuable items in your car!
Sticking to Fishmernas Warf and Union Square = having a fake ass and boring experience. Ask locals where to go, those spots probably won't crack the top 10
Thanks for not jumping on the exaggerated band wagon of bashing SF. I've regularly visited family living there for years. And yes, like most big cities, they have crime and a homeless population. But it's far from what's depicted in the media and from the many CA haters out there. Just be smart like you would visiting other big cities throughout the world. Go to SF and enjoy, it's a great city.
You realize it’s the locals that moved out and have fled that are speaking up why SF has deteriorated. The media are reporting people’s stories who have come victimized from crime, theft and physical assaults. Your living in denial if you think SF today is the same conditions as it was just 20 years ago.
It surely is a great city. Even if it is way past its Golden Age. Nonetheless, I would rather live in the City with all its problems than live in the Eastern so called cities that are actual hell holes.
Visited SF over 40 years ago when I was a teenager. Did a lot of the same things you talked about in this video. So glad to see a positive video about San Francisco!
I went to school at SFSU, and I wish I had done more touristy stuff. One of the favorite things I did, was go in with a group to take ferrys out around Alcatraz on the 4th of July and watch the fireworks, it was $30 per person and worth every cent imo. We would also go to Ocean beach and use the fire pits they had there, it made for a nice chill evening. I really do miss living there sometimes, so much to do and see!
@@jlawrence0181 Ha!! This just reminded me that they used to give out "awards" to anyone who stayed into extra innings of a Giants night game at Candlestick. It was called the "Croix de Candlestick" and was a button with the SF logo and a Middle Ages style cross with icicles hanging from it!! I have a couple of them :)
Bay Area native and lived in SF for 5 years. Yup! Wolter is right about his "Don'ts". A friend of mine said the coldest he's ever been was on a ferry ride on the San Francisco Bay. The guy's from Montana so he's got street cred on what is considered "cold". He said his "test" to find out if someone's from the Bay Area is to tell them this story: "I was on a ferry on the San Francisco Bay wearing a tank top, shorts and flip flops on deck..." if at that point the person gives a gasp of horror and figuratively clutches their pearls, he knows they're from the Bay Area. 😁
One thing you should mention is that before you go out for the day you need to check the weather report on the news. It gives you the forecast by region of the city which can vary by 20+ degrees or more at times. So watching that first is probably the best way to dress appropriately for weather in whatever part(s) of the city you're planning to visit.
The Walt Disney Family Museum is a must do! Give yourself most of the day and book an early entry. Then take a break and picnic or hit the food trucks in the Presidio before going back into museum. The museum and the current special exhibit will take 4 to 5 hours.
All good tips. The best advice I can give is DON'T LEAVE ANYTHING IN YOUR RENTAL CAR THAT YOU WANT TO LOSE. Criminals target the rental cars at the touristy areas. I've seen it happen. If you must leave your suitcases in the car, please take your cash, passports, cameras, iPads , etc. with you. The clothes can easily be replaced.
You don't need a car here. I never once rented a car when I visited, and I got rid of my car completely when I moved here 12 years ago. The city is very walkable, and we have decent public transit. I can walk out my door and get right on a Muni train that will get me downtown or to ocean beach.
I moved there in 87 with a full size pickup and 3 motorcycles. Within 2 months I was down to one motorcycle which I rode every where for years. I guess these days maybe a motorcycle isn't practical?
Thank you. As a San Franciscan and never having seen your videos, the "don'ts" title had me ready to blast you out of the water. Thank you for supporrting us with your very true take on SF. You're better than our horrible mayor, who seems to be letting every laerge retail store leave, every large business take a hike and can't do anything postive to save her life. And generally, the unhoused are harmless and often nice. Many of them just want to be treated with dignity. Many wil say, "have a good day" or "good morning". There's nothing wrong with responding as you walk by and returning the kind words. Thanks again.
Our family lived in the Bay Area for 20+ years and we still live near there. And NO ONE believed us when we said to bring a jacket in the summer. Also, yes, beaches are not like Hawaii. There are places you can swim but think more wetsuit/surfing and looking at. Great video! Hopefully we'll run into you as you're passing through Northern California!
The afternoon sun fools tourists into wearing shorts and light clothing. Then they find themselves caught in the freezing fog when it rolls in on the evening.
Thanks for the reasonable and balanced review. I was in SF 5 times in the last 20 years and always enjoyed it. Santa Rosa, Berkeley, San Rafael, Petaluma and Santa Cruz are also nice to visit.
I agree, I live in a small town in NH and we have a drug and homeless problem unfortunately. Go out and explore the world and don’t be scared! Just be aware!
Just booked a solo trip to SF in April. Was starting to doubt my decision, after seeing all the news. Watching this has turned that around for me, can’t wait to go now!! Thanks!
I’m doing a solo trip next weekend. The prices for the hotels in the city were super expensive so I had to book outside the city. I also will rent a car. How did your trip go?
@@Goldengirl88 Honestly, I wouldn’t rent a car if I were you. Parking space is very limited and expensive. The public transport system is very good too.
@@tarasmyth9985My hotel is in San Mateo which is 30 mins away from all the tourist things, ugh I don’t know which option is better. I couldn’t afford the hotels closer to the city
Great video! I just forwarded it to my son. We went in 2018 at stayed at The Palace Hotel, just for one day and night. He loved it, though he was a little freaked out that first evening, because of the homeless, but was over it by the next day, when we rode a cable car, went to Ghirardelli, and explored the wharf area. Walked those hills too!
I lived in SF for most of the '90s, worked there for decades, and still live about 20 minutes from there and visit often. 1) the "SF is hell" message is BS messaging from the far right who hate SF because it's a liberal city. Don't go to the Tenderloin; it is indeed disgusting. But the rest of the city is amazing. 2) Sadly, it is true that many locals don't like "Frisco" and "San Fran." For some reason they make way more a deal of it than warranted. 3) Like Mark said, you likely won't find any hippies in the Haight but if you go there expecting hippies you are ill-informed; that movement was nearly 60 years ago. But the Haight is still a fun and funky neighborhood and absolutely worth a visit.
Thanks for another great video! I appreciate you setting the record straight about certain medias’ fear-mongering about SF. From what I’ve read the only rates of crime that is higher than other major cities is car break ins, so it is true to take everything out of you car if you’re driving!
I grew up in the east bay and moved to SF about a year ago. Your video was excellent, highlighting the best tourist parts of SF. I would also include Golden Gate Park and the tea garden for a first trip visit. If tourists have more time, they might have lunch or dinner in the local neighborhoods to see where SF locals like to hang out. The neighborhoods would include; Chestnut St, Fillmore St, Clement St., Inner Sunset, Noe valley and Broadway in North Beach. Also, I don't believe the SF locals are snobs to tourists (not like in Paris), although I have not been to Michelin starred restaurants in the last few years.
Great suggestion about Golden Gate Park! Just a heads up: The park and the bridge are NOT in the same location but ARE served by the same bus route (the 28), which also goes to the Marina (gorgeous waterfront) and Fisherman’s Wharf. And I second the motion to forget about driving. I live here and seldom drive because parking and traffic are awful and transit is amazing.
Paris is nice. Just like SF you have to watch out where you go and eat and shop. The restaurants around the Eiffel tower know you are a tourist and not a customer that will return, so they are going for the money. Get out into the residential areas and you get a better meal at 1/2 the price.
@Wolters World On behalf of all San Franciscans We thank you! Our City is Amazingly Beautiful. We know what we have. All Tourists are welcome here! and it shall be so forever ! As someone who has traveled extensively while living here all our lives ( raised a family here ) we can definitely say a More beautiful City to live and start a family ? this One is second to none. Thank you! and be well in your own Travels.
Also some people don't know you can tour one of the Painted Ladies, it is the blue and there is a sign out front. The owners name is George and he is a very nice and knowledgeable guide. He has some great stories with how well connected his family was
There are many other beautiful homes besides the Painted Ladies. My favorite are the Four Seasons, on Waller (one block south of Haight) between Masonic & Ashbury. You'll also find many other beauties around Haight Ashbury & Cole Valley.
Thank you for your positive and unbiased description of our beautiful city. I grew up here and agree with you 100% about big city "norms/common sense". We appreciate you!!!
So right about the weather: I was there November 2015 for a conference and it was beautiful 73° everyday. I took the family back the following July and there were some days it was barely 62! Total opposite of what I'm used to here in the Midwest. And unfortunately I brought mostly shorts and wore them on the night boat to Alcatraz when it got down to 45, that was fun!
My parents visited on Fourth of July and it was 40, raining, and windy for the fireworks. I tried to warn them. The best season for SF (imo) is last Summer-Fall (Sept-Nov). I’ve jokingly always say their season are Winter, Spring, Fall, then Summer.
As a local I thought this was good advice. And no we're not all snobs -- unless you get us talking about food, coffee, etc! Part of living in a city that's a tourist destination means that tourists will come up to you and ask questions sometimes, and I do my best to help. We've all been somewhere new and felt a bit lost, it's cool.
Most beautiful building is City Hall. Inside and out. The architecture is amazing. Yes, the ppl are wonderful. The history is amazing. Thanks for this video. SF is my favorite place...Ever! Much Love.
I just saw a video of a guy walking through SF, Fisherman's Wharf showing that almost all the big restaurants were shuttered with plywood all over the windows.
It's funny how you mentioned the weather. Both our daughters go to college in Northern California, one in SF and one in San Jose, and the difference in weather when we visit them is about 30 degrees cooler in SF than San Jose
Very true especially during the summer. I lived in the Bay Area before in 2014-2015 and there are weather differences in different parts of the Bay Area
We were in San Francisco and other than wandering a few blocks to the west from our hotel into the Tenderloin, we encountered very few homeless people. Those we did see didn't hassle us.
I live outside San Fran, south of Oakland. Love getting into the city and wondering around, always so much to see, even for someone who has lived near the city my whole life.
We absolutely loved our trip to San Francisco a couple of years back. Always dreamed of going there and in fact made an attempt to run away there in the late sixties when I was a teenager, but that was halted LOL and it took me fifty years later to make it happen. I'm so glad you pointed out that much of what we hear on the news is an exaggeration. When Ron DeSantis the governor of Florida, where I have lived for 35 years, came back from his trip to San Francisco not long ago, he made it sound like the pits of Hell. Greatly exaggerated for political purposes. When we were in San Francisco we had no negative occurrences at all. One very elderly homeless lady DID say "baby let me grab your arm" while I was crossing the street LOL and she did and was very sweet when we got to the other side and thanked me and I was no worse off for it. But we love this city and the food was amazing and the people friendly. Does it have its problems? Of course. What city or town doesn't? One thing I would add is do not miss the tour of San Francisco's historic City Hall. Not only is it incredibly beautiful architecturally, but there's a lot of history there. Anyway, very nicely done.
For the adventurous types, consider a bicycle ride. Start at the Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street. Rent a bicycle from one of the vendors there. Ride North along the waterfront, across the Golden Gate Bridge, then to Sausalito. Have lunch, then take the ferry back to your starting point and return the bicycle. Not a difficult ride, and a variety of great views.
Let me guess, the majority of people didn’t watch the video and went straight to write hateful comments about SF because it’s the trend right now. Pathetic. For the people that actually watched the video, these tips are pretty accurate especially what was said at the end. Great video Mark.
Sadly, it’s something that’s more and more common to do. It’s obviously so politically motivated as well. It works both ways, a few months ago I was visiting southern & midwestern states & my Reddit question about visiting them was filled with everyone is a hateful hillbilly nonsense
If you are ever in SF in June one thing to check out is Bouquets to Art exhibit at the DeYoung Museum, it is a charity fund raiser but what in unique about its that they get the top florists from across California an they get assigned pieces of art that they will make a floral display that either mimics or compliments that art. It is a neat experience.
A great video about a great city. Non-americans don't realize that water is too cold for beach bumming. Warm current does the opposite in Japan: when Tokyo is freezing cold, 1-2 km from the sea will feel like spring.
THIS. A good idea for any major attraction anywhere but we see so many people leave disappointed because there aren't any tours left. Our thinking is if WE want to see it, so do a hundred other people.
I used to live in San Francisco. I live not far away and go into the city all the time. I love occasionally doing the touristy stuff in San Francisco. heck, I try to do that around where I live north of San Francisco. I said all that to say that your video is awesome. It hits all the stuff I try to tell people who ask me about what to do when they are going to San Francisco for the first time. Oh! Ghiradelli pronunciation - the G is like the G in Guitar. And YES! Absolutely, you hit it when it comes to how we address the name of the magnificent city on the tip of the peninsula in the SF Bay area. Here are the 3 appropriate ways to say it: San Francisco The City - Everyone in northern California knows "The City" refers to San Francisco. SF If anyone uses any other way to refer to San Francisco, you are immediately tagged as a visitor to the area.
Don’t limit yourself to just San Francisco. Marin County, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, and Santa Cruz are all readily accessible by public transportation and have great restaurants and plenty of stuff worth seeing. And all the cities on the Peninsula have historic downtown cores that are surprisingly nice.
And if you take a BART train to Richmond Station it's easy to connect with a Capitol Corridor train going to Sacramento. Looks like you get off the BART train & cross over to another platform via elevator or stairs.
Such a cool video. I visited the city in 2016 and I had a great time. I was a bit afraid of coming back now with my family because of all the things I read on the news. But after watching your video I feel much more comfortable! Thanks a lot ❤
if you go to Sausilito, don't forget to go to the Army Corps of Engineers Bay Area model. It's a massive model of how flooding would work in the Bay Area made way before computer simulations were an option. Super cool If you do drive into SF, and are parked on a hill, DO curb your wheels, it's been found that because locals know to turn their wheels so that they wouldn't run out of control if the parking brake gave out and out of towners do not know that they should be curbing their wheels when parked on hills, and tourists are more likely to have valuables in their cars, that you are twice as likely to have a car break-in overnight if you don't have curbed wheels.
I'm from the Bay and am so amazed how well you got it correct. Most do not. It definitely solidifies why I continue to enjoy your content. Another don't: Don't stand in the middle of the street at the bottom of Lombard to take pictures.
I was in the City last spring and am going again in November. It has changed to those of us who know it well, but it's not the hell hole the media tries to paint it. I will miss Union Square shopping.
One safety thing id add is do not stand right at the edge of the sidewalk when waiting for the crosswalk. People make right turns on red and end up sometimes taking some of the sidewalk. so stand back a little.
As a native of northern California, take a ferry, not to Alcatraz, but to Angel Island. A lot of history there, great skyline view of SF. Ellis Island of the West.
Don’t expect to do a day trip to Yosemite. California is a huge state, so that’s going to be at least 3-4 hours one way to get to the park entrance, then potentially much more traffic within the park. Plan it as its own separate trip where you stay somewhere close to or within the park. Same deal with combining SF with SoCal destinations- plan for a whole day just to drive from the Bay Area to LA.
Nice travel tips. I'm from germany and i'm going to visit SF, LA and Vegas next year. I was there 12 years ago. Let's see the difference between now and then. You give me very helpfull suggestions. Nice to hear you life in germany a little and speak some words ;-)
LA has better public transportation now. It’s still not going to get you everywhere, but I wouldn’t sleep on it. Also downtown is more trendy now. It still has its bad parts, but DTLA arts district is a pretty trendy neighborhood these days.
Mark, How on earth did you know we were on our way there next month? If all goes well, we’ll see part of the Pacific Coast Highway, Sequoia national Park, Yosemite, national Park and Napa Valley.
As a San Franciscan, it's great to hear a positive point of view on San Francisco these days, for a change. I like the tourist places because they are full of happy people on vacation and having fun.
did you grow up in san francisco and if so how was it
and dont forget so many stores in San Francisco including the mall is closing down for good the last time i drove to San Francisco from stockton San Francisco still look the same same homeless and drug addicted still roaming near or around tenderloin
@@chrisbrown-lx7qz Yeah, the Tenderloin! It's always been a rough place. And dude, you're from Stockton with some of the highest crime rates in the state, so you know "glass houses."
How safe is it for me to visit with my child ?
My fiance and I visited SF four months ago and we loved it. It was my first time in nearly 30 years. To all the haters who make fun of the city, they have either never been there or they have no idea how to have a good time.
I just came back from San Francisco a week ago to the UK. Had an amazing time, so much to see and do. Highly recommend it. Read a lot into the news, with all the problems going on there, put me off slightly. How wrong I was. Had no issues at all. A beautiful city, certainly gets a thumbs up for me
You are lucky you didn’t get robbed
@@mr.foxwiz1653 didn’t feel unsafe at all. Stay clear of the Tenderloin and you’ll b fine. Media hype these things up. Had an amazing time. Definitely worth a visit
@@ForzaMilan-di2zd Thanks for that. I appreciate it
This is great news for me.
We Still have the filth in the streets and homelessness...thanks to the mayor and governor 😢
I was born in San Francisco and I’m proud to tell anyone!
what part
@@ME-ot2ce In the area of Stonestown. We lived in Park Merced and then Ashton Ave with my grandmother. My grandmother would take me all over the city on the streetcar. My dad worked in the Ferry Building. It was such a beautiful city!
Nice, I know those areas, thanks for sharing. Did you or your family move away ?@@corvettedm1
@@ME-ot2ce Yes, to Mountain View. It was the style then to move out of the city to the suburbs! My poor dad had to commute BACK to the city to work!
@@corvettedm1 yeah I Hear you ☝🙏
Our family visited SF a couple years ago and we absolutely loved it. Just like NYC, it feels like one of those places where no matter how much time you spend there, you come away feeling like there's still ore to see
yes, come back and see what failed leadership has done to this city! Come see the Fentynal users slumped over, and come see all the beautifully shiny broken glass of all the cars that get broken in to. Yes, plenty to see! SF is nothing like NYC, New York Tumps SF by far.
Must be a miner. (...there is still ore to...)
steve
I was born in SF in 1950 and moved out in 1975 (to Santa Cruz) and have not been to all the places in the City. It's very dense. I go back every once in a while to visit tourist things I never did back then.
@@danieltrickey9285 santa cruz "8-DIRTY-1"
A few tips from a local:
-For transportation don't use Uber/Lyft unless absolutely necessary. SF and much of the Bay Area in general has a good transit network (especially SF's buses) by American standards, with transit lanes across the city that bypass traffic.
-Get the Clipper Card on your phone so you don't have to pay the $3 fee and so you don't have to reload it at a machine (but you need physical cards for youth/senior discounts, which you can transfer to your phone after 24 hours). Transit workers/drivers are very nice and often are happy to help out tourists with transit.
-If you're going to Muir Woods, don't drive there and instead take the shuttle from either Sausalito or Larkspur ferry terminal (depending on the date/season). Parking is almost always full and it saves you the stress and cost of a rental car/rideshare.
-Echoing the point to not miss Sausalito, though the small sidewalks get very crowded! Be aware that the road from the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito has unsafe cycling conditions, with high speed cars and no bike lane or anything, so be very careful (changes are planned within the next few years though). The 130 bus goes from SF to Sausalito hourly until midnight and is an alternative to the sometimes infrequent ferry one way.
-If you want to see some more of the North Bay while you're in the area, use the SMART train from Larkspur Ferry Terminal to access the quaint downtowns in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, San Rafael, and more. You can also explore the East Bay with BART (also nowhere near as unsafe as portrayed in the news) and the Peninsula with Caltrain, which both go right to nice downtown areas.
Great tips, thanks.
@U2_U Ubers definitely have their place for some trips, though transit is very accessible for seniors in SF.
Ubers and Lyft are very expensive. Avoid using them if you can from SFO. we were charged double what Google maps quoted when we opened the lyft app.
Native..I wouldn't use ANY public transportation int the Bay Area...period
I actually visited SF to ride all the transit because I'm a carless transit nerd and it did not disappoint! I rode BART, Muni Metro, several buses, the Sausalito ferry, and, of course, all three cable car routes end to end. Of course I had to get a physical Clipper card as a souvenir. Actually, my one transit disappointment was that Golden Gate 130 bus that only runs every hour during the day! I tried to catch it to go from the North end of the GG bridge, but just barely missed it. I ended up hiking the whole way to Sausalito and the road there is rather unsafe for hiking along, but I survived.
i was in san francisco in 2019,im scottish, stayed there 5 days, really enjoyed the city,i dropped my wallet in an irish bar off grant avenue,and a kindly person handed it back to me,i highly recommend it.felt very safe,stayed at the hotel Triton
You were Lucky Scot 😊
As a native San Franciscan, here is another very important don't. Simply, don't go to or through Tenderloin and parts of Civic Center if not necessary. At this point, everyone knows about the Tenderloin, but regarding Civic Center, City Hall and the other buildings in Civic Center (basically around Civic Center Plaza) are definitely beautiful and worth checking out. However, be wary that the surrounding area can be offputting at times and may not be for everyone. That area is right next to the Tenderloin so griminess may often spill over. The Tenderloin and parts of Civic Center, in my opinion, are by all means not necessarily dangerous but they can be dirty and gross. Sad but true. Other than that, the rest of the city is amazing!
Good point the majority of the blight,filth Riff Raff etc is centered around that area of tenderloin and Civic Center Plaza. Just a lot of vagrants and sketchy people but it’s not necessarily so bad where you can’t check it out.
Thank you for responding positively. I'm sick of people trashing SF because of the tenderloin. It's one area in a sea of beauty.
@@dkpqzm What about the people who drive around and break into parked vehicles in broad daylight, in all neighborhoods so nothing and no one is safe unless you're behind gates?
@@richardlo4867 where there is poverty there will be crime. Vote for policies which lift people up with counseling, job training, education, if applicable addiction treatment etc. As we reduce poverty, crime will decrease.
0@@wcoasttigger While I certainly agree with that logic, while we strive to reach nirvana criminals should still be actively pursued and punished severely so the people who choose not to commit crimes and harm others, including lots of poor people, don't have to live with this b.s.
As a resident of SF, his video has a lot of great advice.
Special tip for riding the cable cars: begin your cable car ride at California and Van Ness streets. Nobody there. Grab the seats at the front of the cable car. After you crest the top of Nob hill, the view is spectacular.
DON’T wait on that long line in Fisherman’s Wharf for the cable car. Instead, get on the cable car at a stop somewhere along the route.
Better yet, do your cable car riding in the morning or later at night to avoid the lines. Most people ride from one end of the line to the other so even if you try to board along the route, their may not be room. Also, a cable ride at night is an amazing experience.
Another hint. Take the California St Cable car. It's not as long but it is less crowded. It will take you to Nob Hill and past Grace Cathedral. On second thought, get off and tour around the cathedral. It's quite a magnificent building.
There's another line further along the coast that's a few streets in and it's normally really quiet, most people wouldn't know unless they check a map or are in a nearby hotel.
Hop on around 500 California street
Add on to the tips, if you want to sit on the outside of the cable car(everybody does) better off waiting in line at the starting point. But if you don't care to be seated in the cabin area then the op advice is spot on and just walk a block up and wait for the cable car.
Don’t miss Angel Island. There’s great history there, and stunning views of the SF skyline and Golden Gate Bridge.
I was born and raised as a 3rd generation San Franciscan. My grandfather told me the legend of Angel Island. Sir Francis Drake supposedly buried treasure on the highest hill on Angel Island in 1579. Many years ago so many people were digging up the top of Angel Island, that they installed a large, thick concrete slab on top of the spot. You can go up there today and still see the concrete slab resting on top of Drake's treasure.
60yo Australian lady here. First visit to SF, alone for 3 days, July 2023. (We now have direct United flights BNE-SFO, yay - great entry point to the US, and avoids LAX.) Stayed at Hotel Kabuki in Japantown. Never once felt unsafe - it's light in summer until 8:30 or something. Walked everywhere, except for a few Ubers, eg to the Presidio - which any tourist should not miss! Such an amazing place, views, history, and it's a public asset.
What a magical city - I cannot wait to go back. I picked up some good tips from this vid, tyvm!
I’m a San Francisco resident and I appreciate your video to show that media is misleading information about
Our beautiful city. Than you
Your city is amazing, been to san francisco a few times and I love it
I'm a third generation San Franciscan. I appreciate all the bad press the City is getting. It cuts down on the horde of tourists that descend on the City every summer.
The best weather in San Francisco happens after Labor Day. My grandmother used to say that was God's way of thanking San Franciscans for putting up with the crowds of tourists all summer.
I love SF. ❤️
What planet do You live on 😫
Great advice. Our son lives there and loves it. He and his girlfriend tell their worried mom (me) that it’s not getting as bad as the news makes it out to be. When we last visited he took us to all the local restaurants and the food was incredible. And yes, it is $$$.
I’m an SF local and really appreciate you addressing the negative media coverage that SF has been getting. Yes, SF has a very bad homeless problem but most of it is in the Tenderloin neighborhood. Like all cities we have big city problems but for the most part SF is safe and absolutely beautiful.
The criminals have cars, bro
@@mluu510
"The criminals have cars, bro"
People in the tenderloin don't lmao. You have no idea what you're talking about.
The "bad neighborhood" in SF is the Tenderloin and it has HOMELESS PEOPLE, not organized criminals. There's very little crime in SF. Speaking as someone who grew up in the Bay Area and still lives there (I'm typing from there).
how long have you lived in that city
@@ME-ot2ce
"how long have you lived in that city"
I have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1984 when I was 6. My dad made a lot of money in Silicon Valley when I was growing up. His name is on a couple patents for hard disk drives (magnetic storage devices). He has a BSEE and an MBA. The house I grew up in is worth over one million dollars now.
I go to SF on a regular basis and it is NOT dangerous or "falling apart".
@@neutrino78x oh wow sounds like an amazing childhood and yeah prices have went up especially in places like San Francisco and others that's crazy still go I only lived in San Francisco for five years and this was in the early 2000s what a time it was... I lived three years in Bayview Hunters Point right down the street from Double Rock housing projects....in the last two years I moved out to the West End of the city in the Avenues Sunset District.
Walking the GG Bridge to the other side and feeling the wind and the bridge shaking IS the coolest!
I saw what I'm pretty sure a huge white shark off the Golden gate Bridge. I was in the back of a pickup going to the beach..
I love the "don't drive in San Francisco." I was born and raised in SF. I learned to drive in SF! I went to SF State U. I got skills driving there that allowed me to have no fear driving in Paris.
Great video. As a SF Bay resident of almost 25 years, I really appreciate you recommending people not get caught up in preconceived ideas from the news. SF and the rest of the Bay, for that matter, is amazing.
As a San Francisco resident for over 25 years - Thank you for your positive attitude and delivering a great video.
You are very welcome. i really had a good time in SF
Wolter, great job! I'm a big fan of yours and happy to see you here in my city. I'm a former tour guide here, too. So I can honestly say all of your advice is spot on! I would like to add something minor though.
Yes, don't say "Frisco" when you are here. However, do know that mostly applies to the older generation locals that drive us crazy. Some of the "younger" started calling our city "Frisco" for a short time. But that's also related to hip-hop culture. What you don't want to say is "San Fran." That drives us absolutely bonkers no matter what generation of SF local you talk to. We hear people on the other side of the bay saying "San Fran" and that's how we know you're not from here or from our side of the Bay.
Oh and to add to your advice on not leaving things in the car. Don't leave one item in your car! Dont leave your purses, laptop, expensive stuff. That's obvious. But don't even leave your jacket in the car. Homeless will steal that for obvious reasons. Yes, we have that problem with homeless but not everywhere.
Lastly, thank you for defending us in spite of what the media says about our situation with the homeless and apocalypse being here. It's just not true. Great job, though!
Just went to San Francisco for the first time this summer-what an incredible city! Definitely very expensive, but in terms of attractions and food, it's one of the best cities I've ever visited. Every attraction was excellent, and every meal was fantastic. Definitely agree about dressing for the weather-I was there in July, and most days topped out temperature-wise at 65 degrees, and it would go from needing a jacket to it being too warm for a jacket without warning.
I reside in sf since 1979. thank you for your honest comments.
Thanks so much for this video! My husband and I have a trip planned to San Francisco in October, and he was almost wanting to cancel because of all the bad news. Homelessness! Needles! etc. Luckily, I--along with friends who live there--convinced him to go. I think a bit of common sense will go a long way toward a very enjoyable trip. And, hey, dim sum at Yank Sing and coffee at Caffe Trieste will help.
How did it turn our for u ? Would u recommend me going with my child
@@BATOOLESK We had a wonderful time. I think it's fine to go with your child. Just stay out of the Tenderloin area. And there's some wonderful places to go with a young one, like the Steinhart Aquarium in Golden Gate Park. Or Pier 39, where you can watch the sea lions. There have, apparently, been a lot of car thefts. So we kept our car in the parking garage of the hotel where we stayed, and walked or Uber'd it everywhere. Have fun!
San Franciscan here. Go to the Golden Gate Park! Valencia St, Hayes Valley. Take a hike over the Presidio Park! Avoid the Tenderloin and Market st. Don't leave stuff in your car! People come from other areas to steal. --I am so happy you've got a great experience Wolters! Thank you for sharing it!!
Thank you for making a video that shows SF is still a great City for residents and visitors. Especially the months of September and October have the best weather. Walk around and you will see parks filled with people and neighborhoods with character and great food. The City is very much alive. Your assessment of the bad side of the City is accurate. You did a great job explaining this.
But it’s not. Best don’t is simply don’t go. It’s trash
The Exploratorium and The Conservatory of Flowers are amazing!
My grandson & I visited San Francisco last year & had a wonderful time. We did all the touristy things, we enjoyed it all but the ferry ride around & under the Golden Gate Bridge was the highlight! We used the Clipper card & went on the BART trains every day. Yes there were areas of homeless but never felt unsafe. We found the locals were, as well as The Americans on holiday from other states, very friendly. Would definitely recommend the city. Best wishes from Sydney Australia
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and laughed when I was in San Fransisco and saw the tourists buying hoodies and sweat pants at high prices in Fisherman's Wharf during the summer because they didn't check what the weather was going to be like lol.
A person wearing shorts and a hoodie with "San Francisco" printed across it is 100% indication of a tourist.
Me from the UK 🇬🇧 I did my research on the weather. I went out in September last yr, took my Hoodies. San Francisco weather very similar to UK weather, not too hot, not too cold. Pretty good
I was advised to bring at least one sweater and one warm jacket, even in August. Having attended a Giants' night game at Oracle Park, I'm glad that I did.
Walter, I met you a few years ago at Vidcon London 2019. Earlier this year you did a video about my home city of Liverpool and in a few weeks in going on holiday to San Fran. This video came out at the perfect time for me!!!!!
Long-time subscriber. I love the positivity you have for my hometown of SF!
Though I haven't lived there for +10 years, I do try to visit every year and consider it my home. Even I was starting to develop a negative mindset about things (crime, homelessness, drug use, and rising costs of everything), but you reminded me that most of the city is still great!
Being a San Francisco Bay Area resident, this is very spot on. Driving in the city sucks. Take BART.
The locals also don't like the name "San Fran". I have lived in Northern California for 15 years and I still get amazed at the micro-climates. It can be 102 degrees, no clouds, and no wind in Concord but 59 degrees, completely overcast with fog, and windy in the city just 30 miles away. 95% of the homeless issues are in Tenderloin (and certain parts of SOMA). Outside of those areas, not many homeless to see.
I'm a lifelong LA resident, if you think "San Fran" is cringy, you haven't heard tourist call LA "Los Ang" or "L Ang" 🙄🙄🙄 OMG I'm like "get back under the bridge!!"
@@dobees8183 I've never heard those, they're awful 💀
You could not possibly be more wrong about the homeless just being in the tenderloin
Right, as a bay area local, most everyone simply refers to it as "the city".
San Francisco was named in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Native San Franciscans see calling the City 'frisco' or 'San Fran' as an insult to San Francisco's patron saint.
It's worth going at least once, Muir Woods is a must see.
This was the best SF tourism video - as a native and resident, so many influencers want to turn their noses up and act like SF is so destitute it’s worth skipping over. It’s not and everything you said was absolutely correct. Every single point. Thank you for this wake up call for tourists. The standard tips you’d expect when visiting everywhere still apply: keep your belongings close, don’t leave valuables in your car (which you really shouldn’t need to use unless you are cross country driving or coming from very far), respect the community and the environment and be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine. I will say that you really should expect the sticker shock of food, drink, accommodations that you would if visiting, say, New York, because it is expensive even for us locals. But we live here because it’s worth every penny.
“respect the community and the environment “?!
Why? Y’all obviously don’t, so how can you say that?!
Just got back from SF last week! We stayed in the Financial District over the weekend and we got a good room at a great price. I felt safe in the city (we have a huge homeless problem in Colorado and it didn’t seem as bad). I agree about Union Square, it seemed like it was just stores. Also, we didn’t take a car, and I’m thankful I didn’t. We saw at least 6 smashed windows at the Botanical Gardens.
Union Square is just stores, yes- do people think it's going to be something else? It's a shopping center. Don't know why people go over there thinking it's supposed to be a nice place to spend an afternoon or something
SF is great! A lot of good tips outside of cautioning everyone from exercising more. Walking SF is a lot of fun and the hills are just part of what makes SF special. You can find lots of artistic hidden staircases all around the city. And yes, always bring a jacket!
Locals know, never leave the house without a jacket or sweater, even if it starts out warm.
Mark is spot on once again. I’ve seen more homeless people in Philly than in San Francisco. He’s right, stick to the touristy areas like the Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square areas. Definitely don’t leave valuable items in your car!
If you stick to the wharf and union square, you cannot say you've been to SF.
Don't leave ANYTHING visible in your car.
Sticking to Fishmernas Warf and Union Square = having a fake ass and boring experience. Ask locals where to go, those spots probably won't crack the top 10
Anyone who has really been to SF, would not want to tell people they've been to SF. Disgusting @@beecat4183
@@andrewk666 I’d recommend the Presidio and Golden Gate Park areas for visitors.
Thanks for not jumping on the exaggerated band wagon of bashing SF. I've regularly visited family living there for years. And yes, like most big cities, they have crime and a homeless population. But it's far from what's depicted in the media and from the many CA haters out there. Just be smart like you would visiting other big cities throughout the world. Go to SF and enjoy, it's a great city.
You realize it’s the locals that moved out and have fled that are speaking up why SF has deteriorated. The media are reporting people’s stories who have come victimized from crime, theft and physical assaults. Your living in denial if you think SF today is the same conditions as it was just 20 years ago.
It surely is a great city. Even if it is way past its Golden Age. Nonetheless, I would rather live in the City with all its problems than live in the Eastern so called cities that are actual hell holes.
didn't used to be that way, but continue on with your gaslighting.
Visited SF over 40 years ago when I was a teenager. Did a lot of the same things you talked about in this video. So glad to see a positive video about San Francisco!
I went to school at SFSU, and I wish I had done more touristy stuff. One of the favorite things I did, was go in with a group to take ferrys out around Alcatraz on the 4th of July and watch the fireworks, it was $30 per person and worth every cent imo. We would also go to Ocean beach and use the fire pits they had there, it made for a nice chill evening. I really do miss living there sometimes, so much to do and see!
Mark Twain said, “The coldest winter of my life was the summer I spent in San Francisco.”
You should try Aberdeen in Scotland. Can be like winter here even in summer!
@gereikat 👍 so many think they are being smart by saying this and they are so wrong!
Or a night game in Candlestick in August ...
Brrrrr....
@@jlawrence0181 Ha!! This just reminded me that they used to give out "awards" to anyone who stayed into extra innings of a Giants night game at Candlestick. It was called the "Croix de Candlestick" and was a button with the SF logo and a Middle Ages style cross with icicles hanging from it!! I have a couple of them :)
Bay Area native and lived in SF for 5 years. Yup! Wolter is right about his "Don'ts". A friend of mine said the coldest he's ever been was on a ferry ride on the San Francisco Bay. The guy's from Montana so he's got street cred on what is considered "cold". He said his "test" to find out if someone's from the Bay Area is to tell them this story: "I was on a ferry on the San Francisco Bay wearing a tank top, shorts and flip flops on deck..." if at that point the person gives a gasp of horror and figuratively clutches their pearls, he knows they're from the Bay Area. 😁
I'm surprised you didn't mention the Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill! One of SF's most charming anomalies.
One thing you should mention is that before you go out for the day you need to check the weather report on the news. It gives you the forecast by region of the city which can vary by 20+ degrees or more at times. So watching that first is probably the best way to dress appropriately for weather in whatever part(s) of the city you're planning to visit.
Yes! Microclimates are real
East of twin peaks can be 20 degrees warmer than west of twin peaks!
Looking forward to my trip to SF soon!! Thanks for all the interesting info, also in the comments ❤
The Walt Disney Family Museum is a must do! Give yourself most of the day and book an early entry. Then take a break and picnic or hit the food trucks in the Presidio before going back into museum. The museum and the current special exhibit will take 4 to 5 hours.
That is a great museum!
It looks like such a cool place to visit ☀️✨😊. I love the hills creating great views, at different levels. Good advice 💫
All good tips. The best advice I can give is DON'T LEAVE ANYTHING IN YOUR RENTAL CAR THAT YOU WANT TO LOSE. Criminals target the rental cars at the touristy areas. I've seen it happen. If you must leave your suitcases in the car, please take your cash, passports, cameras, iPads , etc. with you. The clothes can easily be replaced.
You don't need a car here. I never once rented a car when I visited, and I got rid of my car completely when I moved here 12 years ago. The city is very walkable, and we have decent public transit. I can walk out my door and get right on a Muni train that will get me downtown or to ocean beach.
I moved there in 87 with a full size pickup and 3 motorcycles. Within 2 months I was down to one motorcycle which I rode every where for years. I guess these days maybe a motorcycle isn't practical?
best advice is don't go to California
Wow...an HONEST review right out of a tourists mouth...!
Liberals live in dream land...!
Thank you. As a San Franciscan and never having seen your videos, the "don'ts" title had me ready to blast you out of the water. Thank you for supporrting us with your very true take on SF. You're better than our horrible mayor, who seems to be letting every laerge retail store leave, every large business take a hike and can't do anything postive to save her life. And generally, the unhoused are harmless and often nice. Many of them just want to be treated with dignity. Many wil say, "have a good day" or "good morning". There's nothing wrong with responding as you walk by and returning the kind words. Thanks again.
Our family lived in the Bay Area for 20+ years and we still live near there. And NO ONE believed us when we said to bring a jacket in the summer. Also, yes, beaches are not like Hawaii. There are places you can swim but think more wetsuit/surfing and looking at. Great video! Hopefully we'll run into you as you're passing through Northern California!
The afternoon sun fools tourists into wearing shorts and light clothing. Then they find themselves caught in the freezing fog when it rolls in on the evening.
the bay water's temperature is 52F +/-1 year round you need a wetsuit if you plan on being in the water for more than a few moments
Thanks for the reasonable and balanced review. I was in SF 5 times in the last 20 years and always enjoyed it. Santa Rosa, Berkeley, San Rafael, Petaluma and Santa Cruz are also nice to visit.
Thanks for the shoutout! (Santa Rosa)
We visited SF and it was beautiful, locals are friendly and helpful, great place 😊
SFMOMA is a museum I love! I grew up in the area, and would go there all the time! Saw the andy warhol
Exhibit twice 😊
#1 city on my list that I haven't been to yet! Hopefully going in October
In my opinion, September and October are the best months to visit, summer family crowds are gone, and statistically, the best weather of the year.
We have some of our warmest weather in October!
I live in the Bay Area and let me tell you we are some of the nicest talkative people! 😂 We’re happy to talk to people!
I’ve experienced mostly stuck up people. But I’m sure I just meet the wrong ones.
@@milesmayhem5440 90% of people here are soo stuck up
I agree, I live in a small town in NH and we have a drug and homeless problem unfortunately. Go out and explore the world and don’t be scared! Just be aware!
Such a perfect timing video. Going to TechCrunch Disrupt next week and this video is incredibly helpful!
Just booked a solo trip to SF in April. Was starting to doubt my decision, after seeing all the news. Watching this has turned that around for me, can’t wait to go now!! Thanks!
I’m doing a solo trip in 14 days ! This video is so helpful - as are the comments - enjoy your trip!
@@shirleykates8259 How was your trip?
I’m doing a solo trip next weekend. The prices for the hotels in the city were super expensive so I had to book outside the city. I also will rent a car. How did your trip go?
@@Goldengirl88 Honestly, I wouldn’t rent a car if I were you. Parking space is very limited and expensive. The public transport system is very good too.
@@tarasmyth9985My hotel is in San Mateo which is 30 mins away from all the tourist things, ugh I don’t know which option is better. I couldn’t afford the hotels closer to the city
San Francisco is a fantastic city
Great video! I just forwarded it to my son. We went in 2018 at stayed at The Palace Hotel, just for one day and night. He loved it, though he was a little freaked out that first evening, because of the homeless, but was over it by the next day, when we rode a cable car, went to Ghirardelli, and explored the wharf area. Walked those hills too!
A time traveller reveals that homelessness is still a problem in SF in 2028!
Oops! 2018...@@gunn1ng
Great video Mark, I can't wait to visit SF! Almost at 1million now buddy!
I lived in SF for most of the '90s, worked there for decades, and still live about 20 minutes from there and visit often. 1) the "SF is hell" message is BS messaging from the far right who hate SF because it's a liberal city. Don't go to the Tenderloin; it is indeed disgusting. But the rest of the city is amazing. 2) Sadly, it is true that many locals don't like "Frisco" and "San Fran." For some reason they make way more a deal of it than warranted. 3) Like Mark said, you likely won't find any hippies in the Haight but if you go there expecting hippies you are ill-informed; that movement was nearly 60 years ago. But the Haight is still a fun and funky neighborhood and absolutely worth a visit.
Thanks for another great video! I appreciate you setting the record straight about certain medias’ fear-mongering about SF. From what I’ve read the only rates of crime that is higher than other major cities is car break ins, so it is true to take everything out of you car if you’re driving!
I used to live in oakland for like a decade so i went to san francisco pretty frequently. These are accurate for the most part
I grew up in the east bay and moved to SF about a year ago. Your video was excellent, highlighting the best tourist parts of SF. I would also include Golden Gate Park and the tea garden for a first trip visit. If tourists have more time, they might have lunch or dinner in the local neighborhoods to see where SF locals like to hang out. The neighborhoods would include; Chestnut St, Fillmore St, Clement St., Inner Sunset, Noe valley and Broadway in North Beach. Also, I don't believe the SF locals are snobs to tourists (not like in Paris), although I have not been to Michelin starred restaurants in the last few years.
Great suggestion about Golden Gate Park! Just a heads up: The park and the bridge are NOT in the same location but ARE served by the same bus route (the 28), which also goes to the Marina (gorgeous waterfront) and Fisherman’s Wharf. And I second the motion to forget about driving. I live here and seldom drive because parking and traffic are awful and transit is amazing.
Paris is nice. Just like SF you have to watch out where you go and eat and shop. The restaurants around the Eiffel tower know you are a tourist and not a customer that will return, so they are going for the money. Get out into the residential areas and you get a better meal at 1/2 the price.
@Wolters World On behalf of all San Franciscans We thank you! Our City is Amazingly Beautiful. We know what we have. All Tourists are welcome here! and it shall be so forever ! As someone who has traveled extensively while living here all our lives ( raised a family here ) we can definitely say a More beautiful City to live and start a family ? this One is second to none. Thank you! and be well in your own Travels.
Also some people don't know you can tour one of the Painted Ladies, it is the blue and there is a sign out front. The owners name is George and he is a very nice and knowledgeable guide. He has some great stories with how well connected his family was
cool to know! thanks for the tip!
There are many other beautiful homes besides the Painted Ladies. My favorite are the Four Seasons, on Waller (one block south of Haight) between Masonic & Ashbury. You'll also find many other beauties around Haight Ashbury & Cole Valley.
@@MikeCohenSF Agreed, I am partial to the Painted Ladies
Thank you for your positive and unbiased description of our beautiful city. I grew up here and agree with you 100% about big city "norms/common sense". We appreciate you!!!
So right about the weather: I was there November 2015 for a conference and it was beautiful 73° everyday. I took the family back the following July and there were some days it was barely 62! Total opposite of what I'm used to here in the Midwest. And unfortunately I brought mostly shorts and wore them on the night boat to Alcatraz when it got down to 45, that was fun!
My parents visited on Fourth of July and it was 40, raining, and windy for the fireworks. I tried to warn them. The best season for SF (imo) is last Summer-Fall (Sept-Nov). I’ve jokingly always say their season are Winter, Spring, Fall, then Summer.
Great job! I’m a San Francisco native, and really appreciate your giving it a fair shake.
As a local I thought this was good advice. And no we're not all snobs -- unless you get us talking about food, coffee, etc! Part of living in a city that's a tourist destination means that tourists will come up to you and ask questions sometimes, and I do my best to help. We've all been somewhere new and felt a bit lost, it's cool.
Most beautiful building is City Hall. Inside and out. The architecture is amazing. Yes, the ppl are wonderful. The history is amazing. Thanks for this video. SF is my favorite place...Ever! Much Love.
Awesome thanks for this one! I’ve been looking at planning a trip to SF and the redwoods national park!
I just saw a video of a guy walking through SF, Fisherman's Wharf showing that almost all the big restaurants were shuttered with plywood all over the windows.
It's funny how you mentioned the weather. Both our daughters go to college in Northern California, one in SF and one in San Jose, and the difference in weather when we visit them is about 30 degrees cooler in SF than San Jose
Probably because SF is on the ocean and San Jose is more inland. And SF is further north as well.
Very true especially during the summer. I lived in the Bay Area before in 2014-2015 and there are weather differences in different parts of the Bay Area
I've lived in SF for the past decade and this is by far the best travel advice I've seen! A+
We were in San Francisco and other than wandering a few blocks to the west from our hotel into the Tenderloin, we encountered very few homeless people. Those we did see didn't hassle us.
I live outside San Fran, south of Oakland. Love getting into the city and wondering around, always so much to see, even for someone who has lived near the city my whole life.
We absolutely loved our trip to San Francisco a couple of years back. Always dreamed of going there and in fact made an attempt to run away there in the late sixties when I was a teenager, but that was halted LOL and it took me fifty years later to make it happen. I'm so glad you pointed out that much of what we hear on the news is an exaggeration. When Ron DeSantis the governor of Florida, where I have lived for 35 years, came back from his trip to San Francisco not long ago, he made it sound like the pits of Hell. Greatly exaggerated for political purposes. When we were in San Francisco we had no negative occurrences at all. One very elderly homeless lady DID say "baby let me grab your arm" while I was crossing the street LOL and she did and was very sweet when we got to the other side and thanked me and I was no worse off for it. But we love this city and the food was amazing and the people friendly. Does it have its problems? Of course. What city or town doesn't? One thing I would add is do not miss the tour of San Francisco's historic City Hall. Not only is it incredibly beautiful architecturally, but there's a lot of history there. Anyway, very nicely done.
For the adventurous types, consider a bicycle ride. Start at the Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street. Rent a bicycle from one of the vendors there. Ride North along the waterfront, across the Golden Gate Bridge, then to Sausalito. Have lunch, then take the ferry back to your starting point and return the bicycle. Not a difficult ride, and a variety of great views.
Great review. One of my favorite cities.
Thank you very much! I'm planning on visiting SF this september, and your video helped me out a ton in looking out where to visit
Let me guess, the majority of people didn’t watch the video and went straight to write hateful comments about SF because it’s the trend right now. Pathetic. For the people that actually watched the video, these tips are pretty accurate especially what was said at the end. Great video Mark.
Sadly, it’s something that’s more and more common to do. It’s obviously so politically motivated as well. It works both ways, a few months ago I was visiting southern & midwestern states & my Reddit question about visiting them was filled with everyone is a hateful hillbilly nonsense
If you are ever in SF in June one thing to check out is Bouquets to Art exhibit at the DeYoung Museum, it is a charity fund raiser but what in unique about its that they get the top florists from across California an they get assigned pieces of art that they will make a floral display that either mimics or compliments that art. It is a neat experience.
A great video about a great city. Non-americans don't realize that water is too cold for beach bumming. Warm current does the opposite in Japan: when Tokyo is freezing cold, 1-2 km from the sea will feel like spring.
I like anywhere near Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach. Haight Street is okay every so often, the Embarcadero is cool sometimes. Thanks for sharing.
Yes! I love Golden Gate Park. I walk there all the time.
Don't wait until you get to SF before booking your tour of Alcatraz. You may need to book several months in advance.
THIS. A good idea for any major attraction anywhere but we see so many people leave disappointed because there aren't any tours left. Our thinking is if WE want to see it, so do a hundred other people.
Great point!
I used to live in San Francisco. I live not far away and go into the city all the time. I love occasionally doing the touristy stuff in San Francisco. heck, I try to do that around where I live north of San Francisco.
I said all that to say that your video is awesome. It hits all the stuff I try to tell people who ask me about what to do when they are going to San Francisco for the first time.
Oh! Ghiradelli pronunciation - the G is like the G in Guitar.
And YES! Absolutely, you hit it when it comes to how we address the name of the magnificent city on the tip of the peninsula in the SF Bay area. Here are the 3 appropriate ways to say it:
San Francisco
The City - Everyone in northern California knows "The City" refers to San Francisco.
SF
If anyone uses any other way to refer to San Francisco, you are immediately tagged as a visitor to the area.
Don’t limit yourself to just San Francisco. Marin County, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, and Santa Cruz are all readily accessible by public transportation and have great restaurants and plenty of stuff worth seeing. And all the cities on the Peninsula have historic downtown cores that are surprisingly nice.
Oakland? wtf dude.
And if you take a BART train to Richmond Station it's easy to connect with a Capitol Corridor train going to Sacramento. Looks like you get off the BART train & cross over to another platform via elevator or stairs.
Marin is nice still
bru wat is there in san jose except suburbia
Very true. I used to live in San Mateo and ever suburban towns from Daly City to Santa Clara have nice small downtowns.
Such a cool video. I visited the city in 2016 and I had a great time. I was a bit afraid of coming back now with my family because of all the things I read on the news. But after watching your video I feel much more comfortable! Thanks a lot ❤
if you go to Sausilito, don't forget to go to the Army Corps of Engineers Bay Area model. It's a massive model of how flooding would work in the Bay Area made way before computer simulations were an option. Super cool
If you do drive into SF, and are parked on a hill, DO curb your wheels, it's been found that because locals know to turn their wheels so that they wouldn't run out of control if the parking brake gave out and out of towners do not know that they should be curbing their wheels when parked on hills, and tourists are more likely to have valuables in their cars, that you are twice as likely to have a car break-in overnight if you don't have curbed wheels.
The one big thing that most people miss…. When you cross the bridge, there is a way to get up:into the hills towering over the bridge… spectacular
Your footage is getting a lot better Mark! Nice video!
I'm from the Bay and am so amazed how well you got it correct. Most do not. It definitely solidifies why I continue to enjoy your content. Another don't: Don't stand in the middle of the street at the bottom of Lombard to take pictures.
I was in the City last spring and am going again in November. It has changed to those of us who know it well, but it's not the hell hole the media tries to paint it. I will miss Union Square shopping.
One safety thing id add is do not stand right at the edge of the sidewalk when waiting for the crosswalk. People make right turns on red and end up sometimes taking some of the sidewalk. so stand back a little.
As a native of northern California, take a ferry, not to Alcatraz, but to Angel Island. A lot of history there, great skyline view of SF. Ellis Island of the West.
Don’t expect to do a day trip to Yosemite. California is a huge state, so that’s going to be at least 3-4 hours one way to get to the park entrance, then potentially much more traffic within the park. Plan it as its own separate trip where you stay somewhere close to or within the park. Same deal with combining SF with SoCal destinations- plan for a whole day just to drive from the Bay Area to LA.
Nice travel tips. I'm from germany and i'm going to visit SF, LA and Vegas next year. I was there 12 years ago. Let's see the difference between now and then. You give me very helpfull suggestions. Nice to hear you life in germany a little and speak some words ;-)
LA has better public transportation now. It’s still not going to get you everywhere, but I wouldn’t sleep on it. Also downtown is more trendy now. It still has its bad parts, but DTLA arts district is a pretty trendy neighborhood these days.
Mark, How on earth did you know we were on our way there next month? If all goes well, we’ll see part of the Pacific Coast Highway, Sequoia national Park, Yosemite, national Park and Napa Valley.
idk why i love watching videos about how to tour california when i live in it