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I actually live in SF and was curious to see what you thought about what not to do in the city when visiting. I have to say that I agree with you 100% with all of these points! The way you explained some of them were so funny I was laughing out loud. Well done! 😊
@@YellowProductions I've never been. How, why, did the place go down the pan in this way? why is nothing being done? I guess you don't want to wear a flower in your hair ! as in that 60s song. Maybe that's when the decline began
u mean what not to do in San Francisco if your a tourist do not go to tenderloin bunch of homeless and drug addicted are their and never leave any valuables in your car or else thieves will break into your car and steal your item
I will never drive to San Francisco anymore even tho i live almost 2 hour from San Francisco the city is absolutely trash now so many stores are closing down due too many theft too many homeless and drug addicted
i live in san francisco since october, 1979. i watch what vloggers post about my city. i appreciate this video for the tone and the info presented. i really appreciated your comment that pier 39 is a tourist place and not the city.
Born, raised, graduated high school and college in San Francisco and own a house there. I have to pretty much agree with everything you said. The Richmond District is indeed a great place to get Chinese food. Definitely avoid the Tenderloin, even when I was a kid it was the most dangerous spot in San Francisco. But, there are way less tourists now with the Pandemic, mass homelessness, closed stores, and rising crime. The line for the cable car is normally blocks long at Powell and Market. I hopped on in 5 minutes in the middle of the day, it was great!
@@DuffyGabi In-n-Out or Wharf? I’ve to say, I liked the In n Out in L.A. better (probably the only thing I can say that about), but still: it’s not just an In n Out, I think it’s the only one in SF, so… 🤷🏻♂️
Frisco is undoubtedly a contentious word but it is still used by some natives. In fact walking around San Francisco you might see businesses emblazoned with it. It’s been used in songs throughout the years and has been around since the 1800’s. Generally I find it’s a class issue where the working class use it and the higher class don’t. The history of the word is a good read for those that are curious.
My answer to people who call it The City I always say San Jose?, Oakland? or Frisco. FYI to all the football fans, SF 49er play in Santa Clara 50 miles away.
Hi, I was born and raised in San Francisco. I worked at 490 Post St. Now I see the images of so many closed businesses. That’s sad. Please don’t say Frisco!! Good insight. Thank you margie
Looking this video and seeing the mistakes, we intentionally did everything right, when visiting SF last may. We stayed there for two days and had a really great time. Even though we visited some of the most touristic spots, we didn't regret and enjoyed every minute in this awesome city.
Big fan of your channel, been watching for years, first time leaving a comment. 9:03 this is a big pet peeve for us locals, another good alternative to call it is “The City” Keep up the good work👍🏽
Interesting how real sf/bay OGs called it Frisco. Cellski, RBL Mac Dre and many many more. The only people who seemingly get upset over it are gentrifying white people.
My wife and myself spent the last couple days of our US holiday in SF and our hotel was the Motel 6 in Tenderloin. Yes, the area was shabby there were a lot of homeless and poor people around, but we actually did not feel unsafe there. I have to say that actually all people we encountered were friendly and even though we obviously were better off than most of them nobody approached us or bothered us. And as far as food is concerned - there is an excellent Thai restaurant just across the street from Motel 6.
You actually did very well. Car break-ins tend to happen on the streets, not in hotel parking lots. And, yes there are many poor people in Tenderloin, but they are not thugs. They are poor and often times, high on drugs and mentally unstable. But still, don't test it by walking around in the evenings.
The coolest thing about the bay is sf is just the start of amazing places. There are LIMITLESS places within 30-45 mile radius that are worth seeing even for a day. Palo alto, san Mateo, Burlingame, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Berkeley, parts of Oakland, San Jose, oh yeah Napa and Sonoma are 30-60 minutes away as well. For a relatively small area it has SO much to do. SF is great but the entire bay area is what sets it apart from everywhere else.
Pretty good advice. Born and raised in SF. Mark Twain said the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in SF. He was right on. Go see the WPA murals in CoitTower. Made in the 1930's by some famous artists and worth whatever they charge to see them. You might see the Parrots of Telegraph Hill who nest in the palm trees in that area. This city has riches beyond belief, but you have to spend time to be able to take them all in. Also, the outlying cities of Sausalito, Oakland are well worth some of your time and don't miss our Sequoia Sempervirons. Best place to see them is in Oakland-Roberts Regional Park and Joaquin Miller Park.
@DawnSClark Oakland is a big place. Downtown Oakland, Jack London Square, Lake Merit, Alameda are all ok during the day even into the night. They're not really touristy given the reputation too. Just like the Tenderloin in SF, there are places to avoid, so I wouldn't 'wander' in Oakland, but if you have a destination in mind, and you go to it, you'll be ok.
Rainey! Keep up the great work! As you mentioned in the video, you must worry about your vehicle broken into when in the city. I generally utilize CalTrain, Bart, & the Muni.
@@solo.life.travels7215Yeah Check ✔️ out what MUNI has in the way of Day Passes If you venture into the Hinterlands of the East Bay AC Transit is your best bet! Transfer from BART unless you want the 'Scenic view' of crossing the Bay Bridge 🌉 on an L Express on AC Transit BART will put you in easy access of lots of things: Berkeley Campus Museums in Oakland Oakland's Chinatown to name a few! Good luck!
Great recommendations from a seasoned pro! I am only driving through SF and stopping in Santa Rosa on my way up north this summer. Don’t feel comfortable leaving my car parked with luggage in it
@@YellowProductions i did like your pro tip of parking in the garage that houses the police. My car is a hatchback so i dont have a traditional trunk that can hide luggage/belongings. That has always been a concern of mine on trips regardless where I was going. SF’s current situation just ramped it up a few levels for me
Only 70 car break-ins? It went down, used to be over 80 a day.😁 The worst part is the broken window that you need to replace. Good advice, you're like a local.
As a local.. all the tips in this video still hold up today... Except the bit about Frisco/San Fran 🙂. We don't care what you call it, as long as you bring positive vibes on your trip! Good video!
Its the same rule for any tourist trap, drive a block or so away from Fisherman's warf and find parking for $25 a day. I was just there and found a lot 1/2 the price of a lot ACROSS THE STREET.
Unless I missed the videos while scrolling through your collections -- you should do a video on Monterey/Caramel. Especially Monterey Bay Aquarium. I am hoping for my first trip out that way this summer! 😁
About to take our 3rd trip to San Francisco. Revisiting your series once again. Chris is like the travel Encyclopedia. “Gayborhoood” lol always cracks me up.
@@YellowProductionsi live almost 2 hour from San Francisco the city is goin way down now lots of stores are closing too many drug addicted too many homeless too many robbery
Fantastic Mexican food in the Mission District (daytime) casual eating outdoor tables Big slabs of white meat juicy chicken and it's all about the green sauce in the burritos. 😀
This was very helpful, especially on parking garage. We visited on long weekend and just decided to park to the garage you suggested. I am glad we did that. Most if the garages were full or expensive.
Thanks Chris! We are in San Diego now from Vermont and heading north this week to SF! Your videos have been so helpful! Rewatching them all and taking notes! Btw we are turning in the rental car when we get to SF and spending a few days and flying out of San Francisco.
Before turning it in use it to drive around drive twin peaks.golden gate park fisherman's walk Lombard crooked st drive up great st china Town drive presidio drive to Muir woods but book parking mont before
@@samfish6938 thanks Sam. Actual specific plan is drive to Muir Woods- already have parking reserved. Then drive into SF and return rental. Thanks for the ideas, we’ll look into that!
A statistician did an analysis of Yelp reviews and found that cities like San Francisco tend to give fewer 4.5 star rated reviews (big cities tend to be harsher than medium sized cities for reviews.) So, while number of reviews and a 4 star review should be a good indicator in San Francisco, don't expect to see even the best restaurants having 4.5 or 5 star on Yelp in San Francisco.
I respectfully disagree about the driving and parking thing. I found inexpensive parking all over the city and love having my car with me while driving up from So Cal. Very convenient and never had a problem. Only frustrating thing is potential break ins, but so far haven’t experienced that.
Yeah I agree. My family drives up from SoCal every few summers, and we always manage to find reasonable parking without any car theft. (hopefully i stays that way)
I got rid of my car when I moved here 12 years ago and I don't miss driving one bit. Even before I moved here, I never once rented a car when I visited. It's so easy to get around with public transit or walking. Where I live now, I step out my door and get right on a Muni light rail (N Judah) and I'm downtown in 15 minutes.
Rental companies have a specific mostly white and a little blue rear license plate registration sticker. This sticker is a dead giveaway to car thieves that there's a good chance there backpacks, luggage or electronics in the car. They bypass most cars that have the typical solid color in this case for California the 2024 sticker is solid blue.
Nice video. 4:40 -- you're standing in front of one of my favorite restaurants. As to the name of the place, you forgot to tell viewers they can refer to San Francisco as "The City"
The all electronic road collections system mean you need a fast trac for the express lanes ( NOT toll roads), but the bridges have a toll going in to the city (which is SF direction) , Fast trac only, NO cash accepted but the bridge will also take a payment if you log on to 511 Caltrans and pay with a card.
I really enjoyed your travel guide having lived in the Bay Area for 66 years. Thank you for painting a positive picture of The City, except please don't perpetuate Karl when referring to the fog. Native San Franciscan's cringe when they hear that.
There's more sun in the winter then in the summer. Best time to visit is May, and even better is October. Don't swim at Ocean beach unless your familiar with the rip currents. Tourists get sucked out panic and drown.
Thanks, planning a trip for me and my 13-year-old son this summer. It has been several years since we have been there. Is Golden Gate Park fairly safe for parking these days?
Sometimes car break ins happens in GG Park especially cars with out of state license plates. Better to take Uber or if you choose to drive never leave any valuables in the car ..,have a great safe trip
If you have nothing in your car it will not be broken into there's only 4 hour parking i saw park ranger and sf parking giving tickets thousands of cars park there so its pretty safe the cut most of park in half so its hard to pass as Kennedy drive is pedestrian
I've eaten at China Live before! The food was pretty good there when I went. These are all great tips to keep in mind. One thing I'll add for Fisherman's Wharf is that you should try to go early in the day to avoid all the crowds. Pier 39 was not too crowded in the morning, and I got to watch all the sea lions without having to rub elbows with anybody! I went during April when they were all at the wharf. I also remember lucking out with the weather too on the same trip as it wasn't too cold, and the Golden Gate Bridge was clear of any fog during the trip!
@@YellowProductions I had a sunny, clear sky morning seeing the Golden Gate Bridge on Thanksgiving Day 2021. Def lucked out on the weather in San Francisco! It was sunny everyday during Thanksgiving break too.
@@YellowProductionsu mean what to do when u visiting San Francisco is go to the best neighborhood in San Francisco called the tenderloin and make a whole lot of friends with those homeless people and smoke a lot of fentanyl with your drug addicted buddy and act like a damn zombie and talk a lot of nonsense with them 😃
You hit all the right tips! I used to ride my bike through Golden Gate in the Loinn on my way to my buddies house 🏠 up around McCallister and Steiner in the Western Addition Explore Oakland's Chinatown as well!
with regards to the weather point-- im a san francisco native, and my family like to joke that you can identify who the tourists are by who's wearing shorts during our foggy summers 😂
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.
I grew up in the Monterey Bay area (Monterey, Pacific Grove, & Carmel-By-The -Sea) which is about 2.5 hrs south of S.F. All of us central coast residents always referred to San Francisco as "The City" back before San Jose (& Silicon Valley) became a popular area with all the big tech companies. Back then The City was the place to go for fun daytime activities (Wharf, Golden Gate Park, the zoo, museums) and for nightlife entertainment (concerts, clubs, theater shows, etc). My last visit there was 2019, the summer before the pandemic shut everything down in early 2020. My parents sold their home of 46 years & moved to WA 4 months later.
Hello, a San Francisco native here. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company technically did not invent the fortune cookie, That credit goes to Makoto Hagiwara, a Japanese immigrant landscape designer responsible for the maintenance and expansion of the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park .
Im a SF city Native, and we do call it Frisco...just depends who you're asking, if you ask an old white guy from the Marina district, sure he probably does not like the term Frisco, but if you ask Black, Hispanic and asian youth from The mission District, Fillmore, Hunters point, Potereo hill, Excelsior , Sunnydale, Lakeview, china town, avenues, tenderloin, SOMA etc. we do call it Frisco
It's usually arrogant white liberals who get all in a huff over the word Frisco. Which is why I like to use this word a lot when posting in channels discussing this city.
I def almost made the Alcatraz mistake for my birthday trip, but luckily it was in Feb, so I was able to book a trip to visit the island. I also visited a local crepery near the TL and it was sooo good. Also, TL is bad but as long as you mind your business I think you should be good.
I love how you can just take a crap anywhere in San Francisco and people don't get all weird over it. Everyone knows how difficult it is as a tourist, walking around all day, taking in the sights, and being totally unable to find a toilet when you really need one. Finally, an international gem has embraced the logic of people's reality and struggles.
Made a mistake of booking our hotel in the Tenderloin. Didn't realise how bad the area is until we got there It's a complete mess. Put me off SF completely
Stay at a hotel close to the SF airport, Ride the Bart from the airport, hotels usually have a shuttle to the airport. Get off and walk around you get off closest to the baseball park grab a drink and order an Uber. FyI Uber from down town back to the airport area is $25. Way better than driving in city
I've never considered Pier 39 part of Fisherman's Wharf, but close enough. There are some decent restaurants on Pier 39, along with the tourist stuff. There are places to stay in The Tenderloin. Tourists book them because it's cheap, but then they find out why it's cheap. I think you're OK walking around there during the day, but I wouldn't wander it late at night. I've stayed at The Hilton on O'Farrell Street several times, that's down the street from Union Square. The hotel is quite nice. Just remember when you walk out the front door, walk to your right toward Union Square. Going the other way, and you will be visiting the Tenderloin.
Very accurate! You’re right on every point, from a native of this city. The cable car system was once a wonderful form of transportation, but for at least the last 50 years, it has been purely a tourist attraction, only two lines were saved. Don’t come to San Francisco without the most comfy shoes, long pants and a warm and wind-breaking jacket, you’ll freeze, then overpaying for a souvenir version. San Francisco is nearly surrounded by the cold Pacific and Bay, it’s almost always cool and windy and usually foggy, except for a brief break in the afternoon, and only in some areas. Mark Twain said it best: “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco”).
A native and you dont know that quote it misattributed to Mark Twain? Really? Also its not always foggy. Are you not here in September and October? How about micro climates? Sunny in the Mission, foggy in the Avenues.
One of the best ways to visit San Francisco: take a cruise which stops there for a day. I did that once and somehow managed to get a personal tour driver who took me all over the city at my request, including a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge! Also your ship will likely offer a number of package tours.
Mark Twain stated, "The coldest summer I ever spent was in San Francisco." I live in S.F. Yes, it can get very cold in summer. When the fog (Karl) starts to creep over the Twin Towers, go get your coat! Chinatown has many surprises. The side streets and alleys where you'll find them. I think that Fisherman's wharf is so kitschy. However, it is fun to visit once in a while. And it is NOT the real San Francisco.
I also know Mark Twain's saying. Next year I'll spend a few days in San Francisco again to reminisce about my first visit there. This year in March I saw the Golden Gate Bridge from an airplane for the first time without fog 😊
Hello. Looking for some advice. Never been to San Fran. Mostly there to board the Amtrak California Zephyr to Chicago over by Oakland but spending a half day across the bridge in San Fran. The San Fran plan is short because we dont have a lot of time. Trolley Car, Lombard, Alcatraz. lol The plan is to take Cab to Trolley car, Trolley Car to Lombard. Walk down Lombard. Walk to Pier for Alcatraz tour. Cab back to hotel near Oakland. (Gotta get up early for Amtrak the following morning) I got the walk part down from Lombard, but never done a trolley car. Flying into Oakland, cab to nearby hotel, Cab across the bridge. Would I be correct in that I should have the cab drop off near Union Square to buy a Hyde line ticket to get to the top end of Lombard?
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loved how he got to the point within the first 10 sec or less! no bells and whistles, no intros and the jazz. loved it!
Thanks so much!
SF native. If you do Alcatraz do the self guided audio tour. Otherwise you are just looking at bars and tables. It is very well done.
Thanks for the tip!
Do they have spanish language audio tour ?
I actually live in SF and was curious to see what you thought about what not to do in the city when visiting. I have to say that I agree with you 100% with all of these points! The way you explained some of them were so funny I was laughing out loud. Well done! 😊
Right on Asianfirestar!
@@YellowProductions I've never been. How, why, did the place go down the pan in this way? why is nothing being done? I guess you don't want to wear a flower in your hair ! as in that 60s song. Maybe that's when the decline began
u mean what not to do in San Francisco if your a tourist do not go to tenderloin bunch of homeless and drug addicted are their and never leave any valuables in your car or else thieves will break into your car and steal your item
I will never drive to San Francisco anymore even tho i live almost 2 hour from San Francisco the city is absolutely trash now so many stores are closing down due too many theft too many homeless and drug addicted
@@chrisbrown-lx7qz Yeah he talked about that all that. SF Is still a beautiful city even though Soma and the TL are struggling.
i live in san francisco since october, 1979. i watch what vloggers post about my city. i appreciate this video for the tone and the info presented. i really appreciated your comment that pier 39 is a tourist place and not the city.
Born, raised, graduated high school and college in San Francisco and own a house there. I have to pretty much agree with everything you said. The Richmond District is indeed a great place to get Chinese food. Definitely avoid the Tenderloin, even when I was a kid it was the most dangerous spot in San Francisco. But, there are way less tourists now with the Pandemic, mass homelessness, closed stores, and rising crime. The line for the cable car is normally blocks long at Powell and Market. I hopped on in 5 minutes in the middle of the day, it was great!
@@sidneyaarmstrong What's the name of the restaurant?
That skull on the tenderloin map killed me lol
Chris, you are a force of nature, filled with chutzpah, energy to burn, reaching new heights all the time. The review is so much fun, thanks!
Aww. Thanks Dennis!
Mistake 6b/7b - leaving Fisherman’s Wharf without picking up something from In-n-Out Burger
Definitely!
@@DuffyGabi In-n-Out or Wharf? I’ve to say, I liked the In n Out in L.A. better (probably the only thing I can say that about), but still: it’s not just an In n Out, I think it’s the only one in SF, so… 🤷🏻♂️
Love them.
Only if it is still $3.50 and not increased due to location.
Frisco is undoubtedly a contentious word but it is still used by some natives. In fact walking around San Francisco you might see businesses emblazoned with it. It’s been used in songs throughout the years and has been around since the 1800’s. Generally I find it’s a class issue where the working class use it and the higher class don’t. The history of the word is a good read for those that are curious.
It's definitely contentious. There was even a restaurant on Fillmore Street in the 1980s named "Don't call it Frisco."
I think it's a Valley thing. To say Frisco. I hear a lot in the Fresno region
frisco frisco frisco
exactly. just wondering do you have a link to any good readings about it?
My answer to people who call it The City I always say San Jose?, Oakland? or Frisco. FYI to all the football fans, SF 49er play in Santa Clara 50 miles away.
Hi, I was born and raised in San Francisco. I worked at 490 Post St. Now I see the images of so many closed businesses. That’s sad. Please don’t say Frisco!! Good insight. Thank you margie
Will be there Thursday! Definitely catching the bart and munis bus
You should do more of these videos for other cities you have been in of what NOT to do in this city.
Thanks Twinsen. I'll consider this as a series 😉
Looking this video and seeing the mistakes, we intentionally did everything right, when visiting SF last may.
We stayed there for two days and had a really great time. Even though we visited some of the most touristic spots, we didn't regret and enjoyed every minute in this awesome city.
Awesome!
Big fan of your channel, been watching for years, first time leaving a comment.
9:03 this is a big pet peeve for us locals, another good alternative to call it is “The City”
Keep up the good work👍🏽
Thanks wolf pack!
Interesting how real sf/bay OGs called it Frisco. Cellski, RBL Mac Dre and many many more. The only people who seemingly get upset over it are gentrifying white people.
I love your San Francisco series, especially this video. Thanks for the great tips!
Thanks Roy!
@@YellowProductions 1:12 I have to time stamp this great recommendation!
My wife and myself spent the last couple days of our US holiday in SF and our hotel was the Motel 6 in Tenderloin. Yes, the area was shabby there were a lot of homeless and poor people around, but we actually did not feel unsafe there. I have to say that actually all people we encountered were friendly and even though we obviously were better off than most of them nobody approached us or bothered us. And as far as food is concerned - there is an excellent Thai restaurant just across the street from Motel 6.
Thanks for the report on the Motel 6!
@@YellowProductions The hotel itself was actually ok, fairly priced with free parking in their underground car park included.
The true SF experience...🤣😂
You actually did very well. Car break-ins tend to happen on the streets, not in hotel parking lots. And, yes there are many poor people in Tenderloin, but they are not thugs. They are poor and often times, high on drugs and mentally unstable. But still, don't test it by walking around in the evenings.
@@kabysummit5801I love my city😢
Thanks mate 👍 really appreciate your input. Quite helpful
Another mistake is visiting Baker Beach without realizing it’s clothing-optional 😂. Love your SF videos!
Only the gay part is the rest will get you a ticket from park ranger its about half the beach were you see ugly old naked white wrinkly men
Thanks Andrew for that tip! 😉
Naked just one end of the beach
Just make sure to take them all off when you visit!
The coolest thing about the bay is sf is just the start of amazing places. There are LIMITLESS places within 30-45 mile radius that are worth seeing even for a day. Palo alto, san Mateo, Burlingame, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Berkeley, parts of Oakland, San Jose, oh yeah Napa and Sonoma are 30-60 minutes away as well. For a relatively small area it has SO much to do. SF is great but the entire bay area is what sets it apart from everywhere else.
Pretty good advice. Born and raised in SF. Mark Twain said the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in SF. He was right on. Go see the WPA murals in CoitTower. Made in the 1930's by some famous artists and worth whatever they charge to see them. You might see the Parrots of Telegraph Hill who nest in the palm trees in that area. This city has riches beyond belief, but you have to spend time to be able to take them all in. Also, the outlying cities of Sausalito, Oakland are well worth some of your time and don't miss our Sequoia Sempervirons. Best place to see them is in Oakland-Roberts Regional Park and Joaquin Miller Park.
@DawnSClark Oakland is a big place. Downtown Oakland, Jack London Square, Lake Merit, Alameda are all ok during the day even into the night. They're not really touristy given the reputation too. Just like the Tenderloin in SF, there are places to avoid, so I wouldn't 'wander' in Oakland, but if you have a destination in mind, and you go to it, you'll be ok.
Perfect timing Thanks Chris!
Well done. I have lived in and around S.F. for 33 years and concur with each of your points.
Thanks Robert!
Rainey! Keep up the great work! As you mentioned in the video, you must worry about your vehicle broken into when in the city. I generally utilize CalTrain, Bart, & the Muni.
I'll be in the city next Thursday, should i get the bart and the bus for transportation? I'll be there 4 days
@@solo.life.travels7215Yeah Check ✔️ out what MUNI has in the way of Day Passes If you venture into the Hinterlands of the East Bay AC Transit is your best bet! Transfer from BART unless you want the 'Scenic view' of crossing the Bay Bridge 🌉 on an L Express on AC Transit BART will put you in easy access of lots of things: Berkeley Campus Museums in Oakland Oakland's Chinatown to name a few! Good luck!
After hearing all that, why would I want to go to San Francisco?
VERY impressed with this video, it is DEAD ON, Bang up job! Very enjoyable!
Thanks Micah!
Great recommendations from a seasoned pro! I am only driving through SF and stopping in Santa Rosa on my way up north this summer. Don’t feel comfortable leaving my car parked with luggage in it
Look up storags places
Or you could do what I did. And park at a hotel valet. But then you have to trust the valet with your stuff
@@YellowProductions i did like your pro tip of parking in the garage that houses the police. My car is a hatchback so i dont have a traditional trunk that can hide luggage/belongings. That has always been a concern of mine on trips regardless where I was going. SF’s current situation just ramped it up a few levels for me
Definitely agree on the good footwear!
Only 70 car break-ins? It went down, used to be over 80 a day.😁 The worst part is the broken window that you need to replace.
Good advice, you're like a local.
Thanks Darryl ;)
That's 70 reported break ins, I know of people who stop reporting them. The police do nothing about it.
As a local.. all the tips in this video still hold up today... Except the bit about Frisco/San Fran 🙂. We don't care what you call it, as long as you bring positive vibes on your trip!
Good video!
Thanks BK!
Great stuff Chris!
Thanks Boomer!
Its the same rule for any tourist trap, drive a block or so away from Fisherman's warf and find parking for $25 a day. I was just there and found a lot 1/2 the price of a lot ACROSS THE STREET.
On my Bucket list - thank you for the tips!!
Thanks Marianna!
Thanks for making this video! I'm visiting SF for the first time in a couple weeks and these tips are super helpful.
Very good video and great information, thank you! (from a local resident..)
Thanks blackie!
Thank you! I learned a lot! Im coming to SF! Your video is great!
Glad it was helpful!
My last trip to San Francisco was February 2022. I’ve been there many times. No reason to go back at this point. Simply not what it used to be.
thank you for the nothing sandwich
Unless I missed the videos while scrolling through your collections -- you should do a video on Monterey/Caramel. Especially Monterey Bay Aquarium. I am hoping for my first trip out that way this summer! 😁
Monterey acquirement is expensive and operated i prepare the san francisco one but that is expensive and not worth it
About to take our 3rd trip to San Francisco. Revisiting your series once again. Chris is like the travel Encyclopedia. “Gayborhoood” lol always cracks me up.
Enjoy SF foodies! 😀
@@YellowProductionsi live almost 2 hour from San Francisco the city is goin way down now lots of stores are closing too many drug addicted too many homeless too many robbery
@@YellowProductionshave u ever got your car broken into
Lyft and uber is expensive $20 to $30 for a short trip a muni bus can get you most places you can buy muni $5 day pass
GREAT TIPS THANKS
Fantastic Mexican food in the Mission District (daytime) casual eating outdoor tables Big slabs of white meat juicy chicken and it's all about the green sauce in the burritos. 😀
Mmm
This was very helpful, especially on parking garage. We visited on long weekend and just decided to park to the garage you suggested. I am glad we did that. Most if the garages were full or expensive.
Thanks Chris! We are in San Diego now from Vermont and heading north this week to SF! Your videos have been so helpful! Rewatching them all and taking notes! Btw we are turning in the rental car when we get to SF and spending a few days and flying out of San Francisco.
Before turning it in use it to drive around drive twin peaks.golden gate park fisherman's walk Lombard crooked st drive up great st china Town drive presidio drive to Muir woods but book parking mont before
Thanks Elizabeth! Good plan on returning the rental car before visiting SF!
@@samfish6938 thanks Sam. Actual specific plan is drive to Muir Woods- already have parking reserved. Then drive into SF and return rental. Thanks for the ideas, we’ll look into that!
Awesome job chris
A statistician did an analysis of Yelp reviews and found that cities like San Francisco tend to give fewer 4.5 star rated reviews (big cities tend to be harsher than medium sized cities for reviews.) So, while number of reviews and a 4 star review should be a good indicator in San Francisco, don't expect to see even the best restaurants having 4.5 or 5 star on Yelp in San Francisco.
Interesting report!
Some great information there Yellow. Cheers.
Thank you! Cheers!
I respectfully disagree about the driving and parking thing. I found inexpensive parking all over the city and love having my car with me while driving up from So Cal. Very convenient and never had a problem. Only frustrating thing is potential break ins, but so far haven’t experienced that.
I love driving in san fran. I got to see the whole city for the most part.
Yeah I agree. My family drives up from SoCal every few summers, and we always manage to find reasonable parking without any car theft. (hopefully i stays that way)
I got rid of my car when I moved here 12 years ago and I don't miss driving one bit. Even before I moved here, I never once rented a car when I visited. It's so easy to get around with public transit or walking. Where I live now, I step out my door and get right on a Muni light rail (N Judah) and I'm downtown in 15 minutes.
Rental companies have a specific mostly white and a little blue rear license plate registration sticker. This sticker is a dead giveaway to car thieves that there's a good chance there backpacks, luggage or electronics in the car. They bypass most cars that have the typical solid color in this case for California the 2024 sticker is solid blue.
Nice video. 4:40 -- you're standing in front of one of my favorite restaurants. As to the name of the place, you forgot to tell viewers they can refer to San Francisco as "The City"
He wants to go to SF not Oakland.
SF is the city. Oakland is the town
Thank you for these videos!
I'd say don't avoid walking about and finding places like the tenderloin in the day, you'll find great places to eat and some great local bars.
For #1 . When people are driving around also need to consider tolls
Good point
The all electronic road collections system mean you need a fast trac for the express lanes ( NOT toll roads), but the bridges have a toll going in to the city (which is SF direction) , Fast trac only, NO cash accepted but the bridge will also take a payment if you log on to 511 Caltrans and pay with a card.
Info is much appreciated 👍
I really enjoyed your travel guide having lived in the Bay Area for 66 years. Thank you for painting a positive picture of The City, except please don't perpetuate Karl when referring to the fog. Native San Franciscan's cringe when they hear that.
Hi from France. Thank you for the protips, as I’ll visit SF next summer.
Could you please please do a walking tour through Haight-Ashbury? 🙏🏻
Haight Asbury is full of drug addicts and the stores are expensive
There's more sun in the winter then in the summer. Best time to visit is May, and even better is October. Don't swim at Ocean beach unless your familiar with the rip currents. Tourists get sucked out panic and drown.
Thanks for the tips Ken!
Thanks, planning a trip for me and my 13-year-old son this summer. It has been several years since we have been there. Is Golden Gate Park fairly safe for parking these days?
Sometimes car break ins happens in GG Park especially cars with out of state license plates. Better to take Uber or if you choose to drive never leave any valuables in the car ..,have a great safe trip
If you have nothing in your car it will not be broken into there's only 4 hour parking i saw park ranger and sf parking giving tickets thousands of cars park there so its pretty safe the cut most of park in half so its hard to pass as Kennedy drive is pedestrian
@@psfca thanks for the info. I have California plates.😀
@@samfish6938 Thanks for the warning about the ticketing. I'll keep track of the time!
Cool video and travel tips!
Thanks Jose!
SF IS DOPEEE AND WEATEHR IS AMAZING
Excellent advice. Grew up in SF. ;)
Do a video on the East Bay Regional Park District I think Urban Hikers would love to know about this Crown Jewel of the East Bay!
Great tips, definetely will watch your other videos
All this is so spot on!
In college, my friends and I got tired of waiting in line for the cable car, so we walked to Ghirardelli Square ourselves.
I've eaten at China Live before! The food was pretty good there when I went. These are all great tips to keep in mind. One thing I'll add for Fisherman's Wharf is that you should try to go early in the day to avoid all the crowds. Pier 39 was not too crowded in the morning, and I got to watch all the sea lions without having to rub elbows with anybody! I went during April when they were all at the wharf. I also remember lucking out with the weather too on the same trip as it wasn't too cold, and the Golden Gate Bridge was clear of any fog during the trip!
China Live is pretty good! And glad to hear you got that one clear Golden Gate day! 😉
@@YellowProductions I had a sunny, clear sky morning seeing the Golden Gate Bridge on Thanksgiving Day 2021. Def lucked out on the weather in San Francisco! It was sunny everyday during Thanksgiving break too.
@@YellowProductionsu mean what to do when u visiting San Francisco is go to the best neighborhood in San Francisco called the tenderloin and make a whole lot of friends with those homeless people and smoke a lot of fentanyl with your drug addicted buddy and act like a damn zombie and talk a lot of nonsense with them 😃
The coldest winter I have ever had was a summer in San Francisco. But...I totally love the weather in SF!
Mark Twain beat you the coldest winter meme.
I've only been to SF once, on a 7-hour layover on a flight back from Paris. We didn't see the bridge thanks to Karl.
You hit all the right tips! I used to ride my bike through Golden Gate in the Loinn on my way to my buddies house 🏠 up around McCallister and Steiner in the Western Addition Explore Oakland's Chinatown as well!
Oakland Chinatown is great!
with regards to the weather point-- im a san francisco native, and my family like to joke that you can identify who the tourists are by who's wearing shorts during our foggy summers 😂
Awesome video and thank you!!
Thank you too!
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.
I am amSF resident and I agree 100% with this advise Well done. Except the advice to check Yelp. Yelp is pay to play
I grew up in the Monterey Bay area (Monterey, Pacific Grove, & Carmel-By-The -Sea) which is about 2.5 hrs south of S.F. All of us central coast residents always referred to San Francisco as "The City" back before San Jose (& Silicon Valley) became a popular area with all the big tech companies. Back then The City was the place to go for fun daytime activities (Wharf, Golden Gate Park, the zoo, museums) and for nightlife entertainment (concerts, clubs, theater shows, etc). My last visit there was 2019, the summer before the pandemic shut everything down in early 2020. My parents sold their home of 46 years & moved to WA 4 months later.
Grew up in San Francisco. Didn't even know people called it "The City". Also didnt know the fog had a name.
Yes, EVERYONE (who knows anything) refers to it as “the city”.
@@RedZ1900 Even those of us who live in other parts of the Bay Area refer to San Francisco as "the City".
@@diegoterneus2250sounds pretentious
Hello, a San Francisco native here. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company technically did not invent the fortune cookie, That credit goes to Makoto Hagiwara, a Japanese immigrant landscape designer responsible for the maintenance and expansion of the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park .
Thanks for the correction
Im a SF city Native, and we do call it Frisco...just depends who you're asking, if you ask an old white guy from the Marina district, sure he probably does not like the term Frisco, but if you ask Black, Hispanic and asian youth from The mission District, Fillmore, Hunters point, Potereo hill, Excelsior , Sunnydale, Lakeview, china town, avenues, tenderloin, SOMA etc. we do call it Frisco
It's usually arrogant white liberals who get all in a huff over the word Frisco. Which is why I like to use this word a lot when posting in channels discussing this city.
😂
We also call it “The City”.
……it’s The City.
We all call it "The City".
cool video love your way!
I def almost made the Alcatraz mistake for my birthday trip, but luckily it was in Feb, so I was able to book a trip to visit the island. I also visited a local crepery near the TL and it was sooo good. Also, TL is bad but as long as you mind your business I think you should be good.
I love how you can just take a crap anywhere in San Francisco and people don't get all weird over it. Everyone knows how difficult it is as a tourist, walking around all day, taking in the sights, and being totally unable to find a toilet when you really need one. Finally, an international gem has embraced the logic of people's reality and struggles.
Is the fog called Karl because of the poem by Carl Sandburg about San Francisco fog? It inspired my profile name 😊🇦🇺
The fog in San Francisco is not called karl. Where do get this BS?
Made a mistake of booking our hotel in the Tenderloin. Didn't realise how bad the area is until we got there
It's a complete mess. Put me off SF completely
Great video thank you!
Stay at a hotel close to the SF airport, Ride the Bart from the airport, hotels usually have a shuttle to the airport. Get off and walk around you get off closest to the baseball park grab a drink and order an Uber. FyI Uber from down town back to the airport area is $25. Way better than driving in city
What? Why stay by the airport? You'll be isolated and away from how much fun the city is.
I've never considered Pier 39 part of Fisherman's Wharf, but close enough. There are some decent restaurants on Pier 39, along with the tourist stuff. There are places to stay in The Tenderloin. Tourists book them because it's cheap, but then they find out why it's cheap. I think you're OK walking around there during the day, but I wouldn't wander it late at night. I've stayed at The Hilton on O'Farrell Street several times, that's down the street from Union Square. The hotel is quite nice. Just remember when you walk out the front door, walk to your right toward Union Square. Going the other way, and you will be visiting the Tenderloin.
I'm from the Bay Area. Everything in this video is spot on (I'm glad you mentioned Richmond District)!
Fr, we do not say "San Fran" or "Frisco"
I almost always eat Dim Sum when I go into The City, it’s great there and hard to find anywhere else, even in other parts of the Bay Area.
Very accurate! You’re right on every point, from a native of this city. The cable car system was once a wonderful form of transportation, but for at least the last 50 years, it has been purely a tourist attraction, only two lines were saved. Don’t come to San Francisco without the most comfy shoes, long pants and a warm and wind-breaking jacket, you’ll freeze, then overpaying for a souvenir version. San Francisco is nearly surrounded by the cold Pacific and Bay, it’s almost always cool and windy and usually foggy, except for a brief break in the afternoon, and only in some areas. Mark Twain said it best: “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco”).
Thanks Kimberly!
A native and you dont know that quote it misattributed to Mark Twain? Really? Also its not always foggy. Are you not here in September and October? How about micro climates? Sunny in the Mission, foggy in the Avenues.
3rd street corridor way rougher than the Tenderloin. Lived there 4 yrs and loved calling it Frisco.
Great video and thanks for being fair.
Excited to visit your beautiful state!!! From north Carolina ❤❤
One of the best ways to visit San Francisco: take a cruise which stops there for a day. I did that once and somehow managed to get a personal tour driver who took me all over the city at my request, including a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge! Also your ship will likely offer a number of package tours.
Great tip Richard!
Do you have contact of personal driver
As a Bay Area resident, I can vouch for these tips.
Nice video. As usual 😉
Thanks Vincent!
the alcatraz tours get booked up pretty early. i'd say look 3 months in advance during the summer
Thanks for the tip
Hi Chris. Thanks for the useful tips. Take care.
Thanks James!
Lived there for years. Don’t forget Japan Town. My favorite Chinese restaurant is Kirin on Geary Blv in the Inner Richmond District
There's 3 areas that are known as "Chinatown". He mentioned #1 only. There's Clement Street, and Irving around 24th.
Mark Twain stated, "The coldest summer I ever spent was in San Francisco." I live in S.F. Yes, it can get very cold in summer. When the fog (Karl) starts to creep over the Twin Towers, go get your coat! Chinatown has many surprises. The side streets and alleys where you'll find them. I think that Fisherman's wharf is so kitschy. However, it is fun to visit once in a while. And it is NOT the real San Francisco.
I also know Mark Twain's saying. Next year I'll spend a few days in San Francisco again to reminisce about my first visit there. This year in March I saw the Golden Gate Bridge from an airplane for the first time without fog 😊
Hello. Looking for some advice. Never been to San Fran. Mostly there to board the Amtrak California Zephyr to Chicago over by Oakland but spending a half day across the bridge in San Fran. The San Fran plan is short because we dont have a lot of time. Trolley Car, Lombard, Alcatraz. lol The plan is to take Cab to Trolley car, Trolley Car to Lombard. Walk down Lombard. Walk to Pier for Alcatraz tour. Cab back to hotel near Oakland. (Gotta get up early for Amtrak the following morning) I got the walk part down from Lombard, but never done a trolley car. Flying into Oakland, cab to nearby hotel, Cab across the bridge. Would I be correct in that I should have the cab drop off near Union Square to buy a Hyde line ticket to get to the top end of Lombard?
That last one was a nice Tip. If you have to give SF a nickname go with " The City".