Hotels · Area guide
Where to stay in San Francisco
A neighborhood-by-neighborhood look at where to base yourself in San Francisco, with the pros and cons of each area and tips for booking a hotel.
Where to stay at a glance
- First visit Union Square or the Financial District
- Families Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square
- Local feel North Beach, Hayes Valley, the Mission
- Quiet and green The Marina, Pacific Heights, the Presidio
- Near SFO and BART Downtown hotels near Powell or Embarcadero stations
- Watch out for The Tenderloin and the blocks around Sixth and Market
In this guide
San Francisco is small, but where you stay still shapes your trip. Some areas are close to transit and restaurants, some are quiet at night and a few blocks can feel rough after dark. This guide compares the main areas so you can pick one that fits your plans.
If you are still deciding when to come and how long to stay, start with the San Francisco visitors guide. For a deeper look at each part of the city, see the neighborhood guide.
The best areas at a glance
| Area | Good for | Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| Union Square | First visits, shopping, transit | Busy, some rough blocks nearby |
| Financial District and Embarcadero | Business, ferries, Ferry Building | Quiet at night and on weekends |
| Fisherman’s Wharf | Families, Alcatraz, the waterfront | Touristy, fewer good restaurants |
| North Beach | Restaurants, cafes, walking | Older hotels, can be noisy |
| Nob Hill | Views, classic hotels, cable cars | Very steep walks |
| SoMa | Museums, Moscone Center, Oracle Park | Uneven streets, quiet at night |
| Marina and Cow Hollow | Bars, the bay, Crissy Field | Far from downtown transit |
| Hayes Valley and Civic Center | Opera, symphony, shops | Some blocks near Civic Center feel rough |
Union Square
Union Square is the most central place to stay and has the biggest choice of hotels, from large chains to small boutique places. The Powell Street cable cars start a few blocks away, and Powell Street BART station connects to SFO. Chinatown and North Beach are within walking distance.
The trade-off is the area to the southwest. The Tenderloin begins only a few blocks from the square, and some streets there have open drug use and feel unsafe at night. Hotels on the north and east sides of the square are a better pick.
Fisherman’s Wharf
The wharf is popular with families. You can walk to Pier 39, the Alcatraz ferry at Pier 33, Ghirardelli Square and the cable car turnarounds. Hotels here often have more space and parking than downtown.
It is very touristy, though, and most restaurants are aimed at visitors. The wharf also empties out at night. Read our Fisherman’s Wharf guide for what is worth your time nearby.
Financial District and the Embarcadero
These hotels suit business travelers and anyone who wants easy ferry access. The Ferry Building, the farmers market and the Embarcadero waterfront are close by, and BART stops at Embarcadero and Montgomery. On weekends and evenings the office blocks get very quiet.
North Beach and Nob Hill
North Beach has the best restaurant and cafe scene of any area with hotels, plus easy walks to Coit Tower and Chinatown. Hotels are older and smaller. Nob Hill, up the hill, has some of the city’s classic grand hotels, great views and two cable car lines, but every walk home ends on a steep climb.
SoMa and Mission Bay
SoMa is close to SFMOMA, Yerba Buena Gardens, Moscone Center and Oracle Park. It has many newer hotels and good prices outside convention weeks. Some streets are empty at night, and the blocks around Sixth Street are best avoided after dark.
The Marina and Pacific Heights
These are among the city’s most comfortable residential areas, close to Crissy Field, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Golden Gate Bridge. Hotels are mostly motels and small inns along Lombard Street. Getting downtown means a bus ride.
Hotel booking tips
- Prices jump during big conventions at Moscone Center and on big event weekends such as Pride and Outside Lands. Check the events calendar before you book.
- Check whether the price includes parking. Overnight hotel parking downtown is expensive, which is one more reason to skip the rental car.
- Read recent reviews for street noise. Cable car bells and late buses can be loud in older buildings.
- Ask about the street. Two hotels a block apart can feel very different at night.
If you are on a budget, look at hotels near BART in Oakland or near Millbrae. You can reach downtown San Francisco in under half an hour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in San Francisco for first-time visitors?
Union Square or the Financial District. Both are central and close to BART, Muni and the cable cars.
Where should families stay in San Francisco?
Fisherman’s Wharf is popular with families for its space and nearby sights. Union Square works well if you want more food options and transit.
What areas should I avoid when booking a hotel?
Hotels in or next to the Tenderloin and around Sixth and Market can be cheaper, but the streets can feel unsafe at night.
Is it worth staying near the airport?
Only for a very early flight. Downtown is about 30 minutes from SFO on BART.
More guides
- San Francisco neighborhood guide
- Getting around San Francisco
- San Francisco visitors guide
- Fisherman’s Wharf guide
- Family vacation guide
- San Francisco events
Photo credits
Featured image: Dllu / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.