Where is the best area to stay in San Francisco?
By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023
Perched on a peninsula in San Francisco Bay, this iconic city is home to the elegant figure of the Golden Gate Bridge. The city is famous for its year-round fog, which envelopes the bridge on cloudy days. It’s also a melting pot between east and west, with bustling Chinatown and plenty of Eastern cuisine. Take a cable car up one of the city’s 43 hills, and you’ll find sweeping views over pretty Victorian rooftops to the bay beyond. Or, hop on a ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf to Alcatraz, an island with a fascinating history. Elsewhere in the city, enjoy farmer’s markets and vintage saloons.
If you want to be in the heart of things, the best area to stay in San Francisco is in the streets surrounding Union Square. This area offers some excellent shopping with the Westfield San Francisco Center nearby. It’s also known as the theater district and you’ll find the American Conservatory Theatre, San Francisco’s largest theater company, here. You’ll be within walking distance of attractions like the Cable Car Museum at Nob Hill, Chinatown, and the Embarcadero walkway with its boats and cafes. This area is also a major transport hub with the MUNI metro service as well as lots of buses, trains and heritage street cars to get you around town.If you are interested in where to stay in San Francisco, you may also be interested in where to stay in Napa Valley, where to stay in Yosemite, where to stay in Los Angeles and where to stay in Seattle.
Other areas to stay in San Francisco
San Francisco has hotels and well known standard issue hotel chains all across the city and the surrounding area. If you can’t stay near Union Street, there are plenty of other options available. Public transport makes San Francisco a well-connected city, so all surrounding areas have access to the best sights of San Francisco. Each area of San Francisco has activities and sights to please all sorts of circumstances. Whether on a vacation with friends, family holiday or traveling for business or pleasure, all areas of San Francisco will be able to cater for you. Staying as close to the city and to Union Street is recommended, but these following areas may also appeal.
Fisherman’s Wharf
This is an excellent tourist area where there are an abundance of souvenirs and gift shops. For this reason there are many hotels available and other styles of accommodation to suit all needs. Hotels are generally reasonably prices because of the high competition. Most rooms will have spectacular views of the waterfront. There are many options for restaurants and places to eat that are generally tourist oriented. Entertainment includes a wax museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, as well as close proximity to the cable cars and within walking distance to the North Beach.
The Embarcadero
Directly on the waterfront, here is perfect access to the cable cars and public transport to get into the city center. Very close to the bay and the Ferry building, it is recommended to take a ferry ride around the harbor while staying in this area. Hotels are within walking distance to the main sights of the Embarcadero and within walking access to public transport. Paved pathways along the waterfront make for perfect walking, jogging or cycling tracks. This is a very family friendly area and there is plenty to see and do.
Nob Hill
Nob Hill, an upscale neighborhood in San Francisco, offers a luxurious and refined stay for discerning travelers. Known for its iconic historic hotels, elegant architecture, and panoramic views of the city, staying in Nob Hill provides a sophisticated and classic San Francisco experience. Enjoy strolling through tree-lined streets, visiting historic landmarks like Grace Cathedral, and savoring upscale dining options, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a lavish and unforgettable stay in the City by the Bay.
The Mission District
The Mission District in San Francisco is a trendy and culturally diverse neighborhood that offers an exciting stay for visitors. Known for its vibrant street art, Latin-inspired eateries, and hipster vibe, staying in the Mission provides an authentic and dynamic experience. Enjoy colorful murals, explore the bustling 24th Street, and savor a diverse culinary scene, making it a delightful base for discovering the city’s artistic and culinary delights.
Hotels in The Mission District
Japantown
A bit further out of the main tourist sights of San Francisco, this is a historic neighborhood with well-connected public transport. Accommodation and hotels tend to be a bit cheap in this area. There are many undiscovered delights along the streets of Japantown and can be a great place to stay for quite a unique experience.
Castro
This lively neighborhood is located away from the main tourist sights but has plenty to see and do in the area. There is also excellent public transport meaning you can get the best of both worlds. The Mission and Hayes Valley are local favorite hot spots for Castro. Accommodation is reasonably priced and there are many hotels available.
Civic Center
That area offers hotels which are excellent value for money. It is also a thriving cultural scene with multiculturalism adding lots of character to it. The Museum, Asian Art Gallery, the opera and ballet, symphony performances and multiple jazz venues make it a very interesting and exciting place to stay.
Pacific Heights
Another spectacular spot to stay for scenic water front harbor views, Pacific Heights is located near the Marina. There are many old-money mansions that have been converted into luxury hotels and comfortable accommodation options. It is a little more expensive for this reason, but would make for a fantastic experience of San Francisco.
SoMa
Rather close and central to Union Square, this area has an eclectic mix of vibrant hotels and accommodation options to choose from. There is something to cater for all budgets, from upmarket hotels to budget style hostels. There are many things to see and do here, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Yerba Bueno Centre for the Arts and the AT&T Park.
Haight-Ashbury
Haight-Ashbury, a historic neighborhood in San Francisco, is a bohemian enclave that offers a unique and eclectic experience for travelers. Known for its counterculture heritage, vibrant street art, and vintage shops, staying in Haight-Ashbury provides an immersive journey into the city’s hippie past and a lively atmosphere to explore.
North Beach
This area is filled with multiculturalism and a vibrant atmosphere as it where Little Italy meets Chinatown. There are many boutique hotels and family-run restaurants which creates a neighborhood and local vibe. There is also a lively nightlife scene at the many bars and clubs. Hotels in this area offer scenic water front views and unbeatable scenes of the harbour.
Marina
This area offers cheaper and simpler hotels, but is still close to the city center and Union Street via public transport. A good benefit of accommodation in this area is that there is free car parking at most motels. There is a fantastic café culture and outdoor eating scene along the main street. It is about a half an hour walk to the Wharf and the cable car can be easily accessed.
Our recommended hotels in San Francisco
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in San FranciscoNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
