Travel Tips FAQs

Hotel fees in San Francisco include 14 percent occupancy tax, 0.195 percent California Tourism fee, and an 1.5 - 2.25 percent Tourism Improvement District assessment dependent upon the location of the hotel property. The Hotel Nikko assessments are an occupancy tax of 14.195% and a business district fee of: 2.25%

San Francisco's beaches tend to have fog covering the ocean, which makes for chilly air even on the warmest days. Those who go swimming usually wear wet suits so they can enjoy the water while staying comfortable. Bring a jacket or cozy up in a blanket to enjoy the beach while keeping warm. Warmer beaches can be found along the San Francisco Bay.

Per the TSA's rules and guidelines, any and all tools should be securely wrapped, if sharp, and stowed away in your checked baggage. Almost all liquids, including gels and aerosols, food, drinks, and personal care items, must be stored in a 3.4-ounce or smaller container and placed in a quart-size clear zippered plastic bag when flying.

According to official guidelines, it is a general rule to arrive at the airport no later than two hours before your domestic flight is scheduled to depart. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive no later than three hours before scheduled departure.

Spring weather is typically cloudless and mild, and contains some of the warmest and driest days of the year. Summers are overcast and cool. Fall offers warm and sunny days, and mild and clear nights. During the winter months, rain and storms are abundant, with crisp and sunny days in between, and the weather is considered mild compared to the rest of the country.

San Francisco local bus fare for the Muni Bus & Rail Single Trip Fare is $2.25 for Adults, $1.00 for Youth ages 5-17 (ID required), $1.00 for Senior, Disabled or Medicare (ID required), and free for Children ages 4 and younger.

Get to wherever you need to go in San Francisco by purchasing a Clipper Card, which gives you access to BART, Muni, buses, and the cable cars. Walk to the Powell St. station, just a few blocks away, to find public transit within easy reach of our location near Union Square. The cable cars are a fun way to explore the city's neighborhoods and stunning scenery. Ford's GoBike and ride sharing apps like Lyft and Uber also make getting around San Francisco easy.

The best times to visit San Francisco are in the spring and fall months of May, June, September and October, when the weather is warm and clear and tourist season isn't at its peak. Traveling to San Francisco in the winter means chilly, damp weather, while in the summer, you'll find hot days, heavier crowds, and higher hotel rates. The best time for outdoor sightseeing and walks around the city is "Indian summer," just after Labor Day weekend through September and into October. After summer, when the skies clear and temperature rises, the beaches are amazing.

One of the most exciting tourist destinations in the world, San Francisco is overall safe, including the walkable neighborhoods of Union Square, Chinatown, Financial District and Fisherman's Wharf. The city also offers safe public transportation, including the nearby cable cars. Tourists should be careful to avoid dark alleyways and rougher downtown districts like the Tenderloin and 6th Street, and always be aware of their surroundings