Some of San Francisco’s best-known sights come with long lines, high prices or bad timing. Below are the common letdowns and how to get more out of each one.
In this guide
This guide is part of our San Francisco visitors guide. For less crowded places, see hidden gems in San Francisco.
Waiting at the cable car turntable
The line at the Powell and Market turntable can take an hour or more on busy days. Board a few stops up the line when there is room, ride the less crowded California line, or go early in the morning. Our cable car guide covers fares and passes.
Eating every meal at Fisherman’s Wharf
The Wharf is fun for the sea lions, the Musée Mécanique and the views, but restaurants aimed at visitors are often expensive for what you get. Eat in North Beach, Chinatown or the Ferry Building instead, all a short ride or walk away. See our best restaurants in San Francisco guide.
Driving down Lombard Street
On busy days the queue of cars waiting to drive the crooked block stretches back for blocks. Walk down the stairs beside the road instead, or ride the Powell-Hyde cable car to the top. See our Lombard Street guide.
Expecting summer sunshine
June, July and August are often foggy, windy and cool near the ocean and the bridge. Many visitors end up buying sweatshirts at the Wharf. Pack layers, and if you want warm weather, plan around September and October. Our weather by month guide has more.
Leaving things in your car
Car break-ins are a common problem in San Francisco, especially at viewpoints and popular parking areas. Leave nothing visible in a parked car, not even a bag or charging cable. Better still, use transit, since parking downtown is expensive and hard to find.
Missing the bridge toll
The Golden Gate Bridge has no toll booths. The toll is charged electronically when you drive south into the city. If you are in a rental car, ask the rental company how it handles tolls so you are not surprised by extra fees. See our Golden Gate Bridge guide.
Not booking Alcatraz early
Alcatraz tours often sell out, especially in summer and on weekends. Book on the official site as soon as your dates are set, and be wary of resellers. See our Alcatraz tour guide.
Shopping only at Union Square
Union Square has big department stores and chains you can find anywhere. For local shops, try Hayes Valley, Valencia Street in the Mission or Japantown.
Official resources: Alcatraz Island, National Park Service, SFMTA cable cars, Golden Gate Bridge tolls.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fisherman’s Wharf a tourist trap?
Parts of it are, especially the restaurants and souvenir shops. Pier 39’s sea lions, the Musée Mécanique and the historic ships make it worth a short visit.
Is Pier 39 worth visiting?
Yes, for the sea lions and the views, and it is free to walk around. See our Pier 39 guide.
What should I not do in San Francisco?
Do not leave belongings in a parked car, do not underestimate the cold and fog, and do not wait until the last minute to book Alcatraz.
Photo credits
Featured image: Oren Rozen / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Waiting at the cable car turntable: Christian Mehlführer, User:Chmehl / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0; Expecting summer sunshine: Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.