San Francisco welcomes millions of visitors each year with its famous hills, cable cars, and stunning bay views. However, this unique city has some quirks that can surprise first-time visitors. From unusual weather patterns to special transportation tricks, knowing these insider tips will help you make the most of your Golden Gate adventure.
1. Expect microclimates—pack layers and know the best months
San Francisco’s weather will surprise you if you expect typical California sunshine. The city sits on a peninsula surrounded by water, creating dozens of mini weather zones called microclimates.
You might start your morning in sunny Mission District wearing shorts, then find yourself shivering in foggy Fisherman’s Wharf an hour later. September and October offer the warmest temperatures, making fall the city’s real summer season.
Smart travelers pack a light jacket year-round and dress in removable layers. This way, you can adjust your outfit as you move between neighborhoods and weather changes throughout the day.
2. Getting around is easy with Clipper—and you can put it on your phone
Forget fumbling for exact change or buying multiple tickets for different transportation systems. Clipper serves as your all-in-one transit card throughout the entire Bay Area region.
The best part? You can add Clipper directly to your smartphone’s digital wallet using Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Simply tap your phone on any reader to board Muni buses, historic streetcars, BART trains, ferries, and other transit systems.
This contactless payment method saves time and eliminates the hassle of carrying physical cards. Plus, you can easily reload your balance online or through the mobile app whenever needed.
3. Visitor transit passes can save money—including cable cars
Cable car rides cost $9 per person for a single trip, but the Muni Visitor Passport unlocks unlimited rides on all city transportation, including those iconic cable cars.
Available in one-day ($15), three-day ($35), or seven-day ($47) options as of July 2025, these passes quickly pay for themselves. If you plan to ride cable cars twice and take a few bus trips, you’re already saving money.
Purchase your passport through the MuniMobile app or load it onto your Clipper card. The pass covers every Muni service: buses, Metro trains, historic streetcars, and all three cable car lines throughout the city.
4. From SFO, BART gets you downtown in about 30 minutes
Skip the traffic jams and surge pricing of rideshare apps by taking BART directly from San Francisco International Airport to downtown. Trains depart regularly from SFO’s International Terminal throughout the day.
The journey to popular downtown stations like Powell Street takes approximately 30 minutes with no delays from traffic congestion. You’ll travel underground for most of the trip, arriving right in the heart of the city.
Use BART’s online fare calculator to check current pricing before you travel. The train system accepts Clipper cards, making your airport-to-city transfer seamless and predictable compared to other transportation options.
5. Alcatraz tickets are limited—book well ahead
Alcatraz Island ranks among America’s most popular tourist destinations, and tickets disappear fast. The former federal prison releases new tickets approximately 90 days in advance, and peak season dates sell out within hours.
Only purchase from Alcatraz City Cruises, the official concessioner authorized by the National Park Service. Third-party sellers charge hefty markups for the same experience you can book directly.
Your ticket includes round-trip ferry transportation and the award-winning cellhouse audio tour featuring actual former inmates and guards. Book early morning or late afternoon tours for smaller crowds and better photo opportunities around the island.
6. Driving the Golden Gate? Tolls are cashless and southbound only
The Golden Gate Bridge operates entirely without toll booths, using cameras to photograph license plates for billing purposes. Tolls apply only when driving southbound into San Francisco, not when leaving the city.
If you don’t have a FasTrak account, the system will mail a bill to your vehicle’s registered address. However, this method includes additional processing fees that make each crossing more expensive.
Check current toll rates and payment options on the Golden Gate Bridge website before your trip. You can pay online, set up a one-time payment, or open a FasTrak account for automatic billing at discounted rates.
7. Don’t leave anything in your car—seriously
Auto burglaries happen frequently at popular San Francisco tourist spots, especially near scenic viewpoints and attractions. Thieves work quickly, smashing windows to grab visible items within seconds.
San Francisco Police Department strongly recommends keeping nothing visible inside your vehicle. Even items that seem worthless to you might attract criminals looking for quick opportunities.
If you must store belongings in your car, place everything in the trunk before you reach your parking destination. Criminals often watch tourists loading trunks at popular spots, so make these preparations away from your final parking location for maximum security.
8. Golden Gate Park has a car-free promenade—plan to walk or bike
A significant stretch of JFK Drive through Golden Gate Park now operates as a permanent car-free promenade, transforming the roadway into a pedestrian and cyclist paradise.
Families stroll freely down the middle of what used to be busy streets, while cyclists cruise without worrying about traffic. The promenade connects major park attractions and provides easy access to museums, gardens, and recreational areas.
Plan several hours to fully enjoy this unique urban space. Rent bikes nearby, bring walking shoes, or even rollerblade along the smooth pavement. The car-free zone creates a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing between other sightseeing activities throughout the city.
