Located in Northern California, the weather in San Francisco isn’t what you may typically think of when you think of California. It’s never *too* hot, and sometimes the city can be quite chilly. The most bizarre part about the weather in San Francisco is that the weather is flipped – summers are foggy and fall is nice and sunny, typically the best time of the year. This is a phenomenon referred to as “Indian summer”; when San Francisco experiences a heatwave in October after the summer fog has subsided. Aside from that, you can also expect many different microclimates throughout the city. Some neighborhoods can get chilly, while others are nice and warm. In my opinion, it’s the most ideal to visit in the fall or spring.
Neighborhoods in San Francisco – Where Should You Live?
Although San Francisco is only 7 x 7 (seriously, the city is only seven miles wide and seven miles long) there are 36 different neighborhoods to choose from. I highly recommend choosing your living arrangements based on what hospital you’re working at. My favorite neighborhoods in San Francisco are Cow Hollow, Russian Hill, Presidio, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, Financial District, and certain areas in the Mission. The only neighborhood I would avoid at all costs is the Tenderloin.
Transportation in San Francisco
CAR
San Francisco is congested and you don’t need a car if you plan to live in the city. Parking can oftentimes be a nightmare and you might end up paying a hefty fee for a parking space at your apartment (pst… make sure to ask about this before signing a lease!). The only reason I see needing a car is if you are going to commute in (or out) for work; or if you are big on day trips/weekend trips.
TRAIN
There is a train that operates around San Francisco, connecting the city to the rest of the Bay area called Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). If you plan on using BART, I highly recommend downloading the BART app. You’ll be able to see departure/arrival times, a fare calculator, and more.
To access BART you’ll need a Clipper card. To obtain a Clipper card, you’ll pay a one-time $3 fee from a BART station vending machine. You can purchase Clipper cards from SFO at the airport information booth, some Walgreens in the city, BART station vending machines, and here
BUS
To get around the city taking the Muni bus is an affordable option.For Muni routes and stops, check out this website.
RIDESHARE
Ridesharing in the city is quite popular. Both Uber and Lyft operate in San Francisco and can be requested at all hours of the day/night.
The Best Things to See & do in San Francisco
Baker Beach – One of the most famous beaches in San Francisco, Baker Beach is the place to be for incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge. There is a parking lot at Baker Beach and parking is free.
Battery Spencer – Another place to head for incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Battery Spencer is on the north side of San Francisco so not only will you have views of the bridge, but you’ll also have views of the city as well. Street parking is available and free to use, however, please note that car break-ins are frequent in the area.
Golden Gate Bridge – While you can view the Golden Gate Bridge from several places in San Francisco, while you’re in town for 13-weeks you should also walk/bike/drive across it! One of my favorite activities is to rent electric bikes from SF Wheels and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito.
Golden Gate Park – The Golden Gate Park is the largest park in San Francisco (fun fact, it’s even larger than Central Park) and is located on the west side of the city. There are a lot of activities you can do in the park – take a ride on the Ferris Wheel, visit the Conservatory of Flowers, visit the Japanese Tea Garden, or head to the end of the park to eat and drink at Beach Chalet.
Lombard Street – Lombard Street is a famous street in San Francisco for being steep and having hairpin turns. The houses in the area are beautiful so I think it’s worth checking out.
Painted Ladies – The Painted Ladies are famous because they were the opening shot of Full House. And while Full House wasn’t filmed inside of the Painted Ladies they still have garnered a lot of attention. Pack a picnic and sit and have wine at Alamo Square Park, across the street from the Painted Ladies.
Pier 39 – Pier 39 is an incredibly touristy thing to do in the city, but if that’s okay with you then don’t miss popping down to the pier for some food and fun. I like to get clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery before visiting the California sea lions on the docks.
The Palace of Fine Arts – Personally, my favorite park to hang out in is The Palace of Fine Arts. It’s a little bit quieter than the rest of the parks but the scenery is beautiful.
Twin Peaks – One of my favorite “hikes” (walk up a hill) in the city is the Twin Peaks hike. It’s a 922-foot-high summit in a residential neighborhood in the heart of the city. It offers incredible views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
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