Photo by Chris Brignola on Unsplash
San Francisco is ready for its comeback, with the Golden Gate Bridge turning 90 in 2027, a food scene worth travelling for and plenty of reasons to look beyond the usual landmarks. Here’s what to see and where to stay.
San Francisco has had a rough few years in the headlines, but the City by the Bay is ready for its close-up again. From Alcatraz and secret slides to singing sea walls and a family-owned Union Square hotel that’s been welcoming guests since 1948, there are plenty of reasons to give the city more than a quick stop on your California road trip in 2027. And with the Golden Gate Bridge turning 90, there’s a rather big birthday to help blow out the candles for.
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Why Visit San Francisco in 2027? The City Is Back on the Map
San Francisco has had a rough run in the press. Since the pandemic, a handful of viral videos and gloomy headlines painted a picture of a city in freefall, and plenty of travellers took it at face value and started flying straight past. The reality was always far less dramatic. Like every big city, San Francisco had its challenges, but the cable cars kept clanging up the hills, the sourdough kept coming out of the ovens and the fog kept rolling in over the Golden Gate.
And today? The city is firmly on the up. Crime has fallen to levels not seen in decades, visitors are pouring back in and Union Square is finding its feet again. Better still, 2027 brings a couple of very good excuses to visit. On 27 May, the Golden Gate Bridge turns 90, and San Francisco is getting ready to celebrate. It’s also 60 years since the 1967 Summer of Love, and the city is marking the milestone with a flower-filled float at the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day, the kick-off to a year celebrating the counterculture that still colours its art, music and neighbourhoods. Consider this your invitation to help blow out the candles.
So here’s your nudge to give San Francisco another look. From its famous landmarks and lesser-known corners to a hotel that’s been welcoming travellers for generations, there’s plenty of reason to stay a little longer.
Is San Francisco Safe to Visit in 2027?
Photo by Gantavya Bhatt on Unsplash
There’s no denying COVID hit San Francisco hard. Empty streets and gloomy headlines made international news, and the city acquired a reputation that proved difficult to shake.
Things started to shift when Daniel Lurie became mayor in January 2025. A native San Franciscan who founded an anti-poverty charity before entering politics, Lurie has made public safety a priority and pushed to bring visitors back to the city.
The numbers offer reasons for optimism. According to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, homicides in San Francisco fell to a 70-year low in 2025, car break-ins dropped to their lowest level in 22 years and overall reported crime fell by nearly 30%. Visitors are returning, too. The city welcomed 23.7 million visitors in 2025, and official forecasts put 2026 at 24.2 million.
Of course, no big city is without its challenges, and some neighbourhoods call for more awareness than others. But for visitors spending their days exploring the waterfront, riding cable cars, wandering Chinatown and discovering the city’s famous landmarks, San Francisco has plenty to offer.
Jack Handlery has watched the city weather the downturn and begin to recover. His family’s Union Square hotel has welcomed travellers since 1948, giving him a front-row seat to the changing fortunes of one of the city’s key visitor districts.
“San Francisco faces many of the same issues as other major cities, but I think the perception from COVID has been difficult to shake,” Jack says. “From a visitor’s perspective, the city and our main tourism areas are safe, vibrant and there is still so much that makes San Francisco worth visiting.”
Best things to do in San Francisco
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Plenty of travellers treat San Francisco as a quick stop on the way to the Pacific Coast Highway or Yosemite. They’re missing out. This hilly, fog-prone city has iconic landmarks, excellent food and plenty of odd little surprises, and it’s easy to explore on foot, by cable car or by ferry.
Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco’s famous orange icon
Yes, it’s the obvious one, but nothing quite prepares you for that International Orange span rising out of the fog. Walk or cycle across it (the main span alone is almost 2.7 kilometres), then head to Battery Spencer on the Marin side for the classic view, or picnic on the lawns at Crissy Field. With the bridge celebrating its 90th birthday on 27 May 2027, there’s never been a better year to help blow out the candles.
Alcatraz Island: Inside the infamous island prison
The ferry ride across the bay is part of the experience, but the audio tour of the old cell house is what stays with you. Narrated by former inmates and guards, it’s a gripping account of life behind bars for adults and older kids alike. Tickets can sell out weeks ahead during peak periods, so book through Alcatraz City Cruises as soon as your dates are locked in. The night tour adds an extra dose of atmosphere.
San Francisco cable cars: The ride is the attraction
There’s a reason people still queue for these things. San Francisco’s cable cars are the world’s last manually operated cable car system, and grabbing a spot on the running board is a thrill in itself. Join the Powell Street line at the Powell and Market turnaround to watch the operators swing the cars around by hand, then hang on for the ride towards the waterfront.
Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39: Sea lions and sourdough bowls
Fisherman’s Wharf is unapologetically touristy, but there’s a reason people come. At Pier 39, the sea lions bark, shove each other around on the floating platforms and generally make a racket. When you’ve had your fill of the show, grab a clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. It’s a tourist staple, sure, but it’s worth trying.
Golden Gate Park: Museums, gardens and room to roam
Bigger than New York’s Central Park, Golden Gate Park could easily fill a day. The California Academy of Sciences packs a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium and four-storey rainforest dome under one roof, while the Japanese Tea Garden offers a quieter change of pace. There’s also the de Young Museum for art lovers, plus plenty of paths and lawns if you’d rather take things slowly.
San Francisco Chinatown: Bakeries, dim sum and side streets
The oldest Chinatown in North America is worth exploring beyond its famous entrance gates. Wander beneath the lanterns of Grant Avenue, duck into bakeries for egg tarts and pork buns, and make time for dim sum. The best approach is to arrive hungry and follow your nose down the side streets.
Lombard Street and the Painted Ladies: Two San Francisco classics
Lombard Street’s steep, twisting block is best tackled on foot, where you can appreciate the gardens and hairpin bends without worrying about the traffic. Then head to Alamo Square for the familiar view of the Painted Ladies, the row of pastel Victorian houses with the city skyline behind them.
The Exploratorium: Science you can actually play with
On Pier 15 along the Embarcadero, the Exploratorium makes science, art and human perception seriously hands-on. With hundreds of interactive exhibits, it’s the kind of place where adults can lose an hour playing with things they initially promised to help the kids understand. The waterfront setting is another reason to linger.
Coit Tower: Murals and views from Telegraph Hill
Coit Tower has been part of the San Francisco skyline since 1933. Inside, its Depression-era murals depict scenes of life in California, while the tower offers sweeping views across the city and bay. For a more interesting approach, walk up via the Filbert Steps, where steep staircases wind past gardens and houses tucked into the hillside.
Hidden gems in San Francisco
Once you’ve ticked off the big names, it’s time to dig a little deeper. These are the spots that give San Francisco its character, from a vintage arcade crammed with mechanical oddities to a staircase covered in colourful mosaics and a stretch of coastline that feels a world away from the city streets.
Lands End and the Sutro Baths: Coastal walks and swimming-pool ruins
At San Francisco’s western edge, the Lands End trail winds through cypress trees above the Pacific, with views across the water and back towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, you can detour to the ruins of the Sutro Baths, once a vast public swimming complex built in the late 19th century. Today, its crumbling walls and concrete foundations make a striking place to explore, especially when the waves are crashing against the rocks below. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to wander rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.
Musée Mécanique: An old-school arcade full of oddities
Down at Pier 45 at Fisherman’s Wharf, Musée Mécanique is packed with antique arcade games, mechanical fortune tellers and coin-operated curiosities. Entry is free, so bring a pocketful of quarters and see how long you can resist the temptation to try everything. Some machines date back more than a century, and watching them clatter into action is part of the fun. It’s a wonderfully eccentric stop for kids and grown-ups, particularly anyone who remembers when entertainment didn’t require a screen.
Seward Street Slides: Two concrete slides and a lot of speed
Hidden in a small park in the Castro, these steep concrete slides are a San Francisco institution. Bring a piece of cardboard to sit on, then launch yourself down the slopes and try to look dignified at the bottom. The slides are free to use, although opening arrangements can vary, so check access before making a special trip. It’s a brief, gloriously silly diversion that makes a nice change from museums and sightseeing.
16th Avenue Tiled Steps: A colourful climb with a view
What began as a neighbourhood art project has turned an ordinary staircase in the Inner Sunset into a 163-step mosaic of sea creatures, birds, flowers and stars. The tiles form a sweeping design that becomes clearer as you climb, making the staircase as much about the journey as the view from the top. If you have the energy, continue to nearby Grand View Park for a panorama across the city, the bay and the surrounding hills. It’s a lovely detour for anyone who enjoys discovering the details that make a neighbourhood special.
Fort Point: Get right underneath the Golden Gate Bridge
Most visitors admire the Golden Gate Bridge from a distance, but Fort Point lets you see the enormous structure from directly below. This brick fort dates to the 1850s and was built to defend San Francisco’s harbour. Inside, you can explore its historic rooms and learn about its military past, while outside the bridge’s steelwork looms overhead in a way that’s difficult to appreciate from the usual viewpoints. Film buffs may also recognise the location from Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Check the fort’s opening hours before visiting, as it isn’t open every day.
Wave Organ: Listen to the bay make its own music
At the end of a jetty in the Marina, the Wave Organ is an unusual acoustic sculpture that uses pipes positioned at different heights to capture the movement of the water. As the waves move in and out, the pipes produce a series of gurgles, groans and watery notes. The sounds are subtle rather than concert-hall material, but that’s part of the appeal. Visit around high tide for the best chance of hearing it, and enjoy the views across the bay while you’re there.
Walt Disney Family Museum: Meet the man behind the mouse
Tucked inside a converted army barracks in the Presidio, the Walt Disney Family Museum tells the story of Walt himself rather than his characters. Founded by his daughter Diane Disney Miller, it traces his journey from a Missouri farm boy to Hollywood and the creation of Disneyland through early sketches, animation art, family photos and a gleaming collection of Oscars. Until 18 April 2027, the Awaking Beauty exhibition celebrates Eyvind Earle, the artist behind the distinctive look of Sleeping Beauty. The museum is open Thursday to Sunday, so plan your visit accordingly.
Balmy Alley: Murals with something to say
The Mission District is known for its street art, but Balmy Alley is one of the best places to see it concentrated in a single stretch. Its walls are covered in colourful murals addressing everything from community life and cultural identity to politics and social justice. The artwork has a long history of reflecting the concerns of local residents, so there’s more to it than a photogenic backdrop. Take your time looking at the details, then explore the surrounding neighbourhood for taquerias, cafés and more murals.
Presidio Tunnel Tops: A park above the traffic
Built over the highway tunnels leading towards the Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio Tunnel Tops turned a stretch of infrastructure into open parkland with sweeping views across the bay. There are lawns for picnics, paths for wandering and a nature play area designed for children to explore. It’s also a useful place to take a break between sightseeing stops, particularly if you’re visiting the Presidio or heading towards the bridge. Pack something to eat, find a spot with a view and give yourself permission to sit still for a while.
The parrots of Telegraph Hill: Look up for the feathered locals
Telegraph Hill is best known for Coit Tower and its views, but keep your ears open as you climb the Filbert Steps and you may hear the squawks of the wild cherry-headed conures that live in the area. The flock became famous through the documentary The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, and spotting the birds among the trees and rooftops adds an unexpected twist to the walk. They’re wild animals, so sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the leafy stairways and gardens make the climb worthwhile regardless. Bring your camera, keep an eye on the branches and don’t forget to look back at the views.
Where to eat in San Francisco: Sourdough, burritos and more
San Francisco takes its food seriously, and eating your way around the city is part of the experience.From hefty Mission-style burritos and Italian-American classics in North Beach to Chinatown bakeries and the city’s famous sourdough, there’s plenty to seek out between sightseeing stops. You don’t need to book every meal, either. Some of the best discoveries happen when you spot a busy bakery or follow the smell of something good down a side street.
Try a Mission-style burrito in the Mission District
These hefty, foil-wrapped burritos are a San Francisco original, typically packed with rice, beans, meat or vegetables, salsa and other fillings. The Mission District is the place to try one, with long-standing taquerias serving burritos substantial enough to qualify as a second carry-on bag. While you’re there, explore the neighbourhood’s colourful murals and stop for a coffee along Valencia Street. Come hungry, because these aren’t the sort of burritos you finish in three polite bites.
Eat your way around Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown is a brilliant place to graze, whether you’re after a quick snack or a full meal. Look for dim sum, roast meats, steamed buns, egg tarts and bakeries turning out sweet treats throughout the day. Grant Avenue is a good starting point, but wander into the smaller side streets to find more modest eateries and shops serving the local community. It’s worth taking your time and ordering a few different things rather than committing to just one dish.
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory: See how the fortunes get folded
Down the narrow Ross Alley in Chinatown, the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory offers a glimpse of fortune cookies being made by hand. Watch the warm, flat cookies being folded around their little paper messages before they cool and crisp up, then buy a bag to take away. The factory is small and the visit doesn’t take long, but it’s an entertaining stop while exploring Chinatown’s backstreets. Just be prepared to squeeze past other curious visitors if it’s busy.
Discover Italian food in North Beach
North Beach has long been San Francisco’s Italian-American heartland, with old-school cafés, bakeries, pizzerias and trattorias lining its streets. Order a plate of pasta, try a slice of pizza or pick up focaccia for a picnic in Washington Square Park. The neighbourhood is also a good place to linger over coffee or finish a meal with a pastry. Save room for cannoli, because arriving in an Italian neighbourhood and skipping dessert would be a rookie mistake.
Taste San Francisco at the Ferry Building
The Ferry Building Marketplace is a handy introduction to the city’s food scene, with artisan producers, bakeries, cafés and restaurants gathered under one historic roof. Visit on a Saturday for the farmers market, when local produce and prepared food spill out along the waterfront. It’s a good place to sample something as you browse, pick up picnic supplies or put together an easy lunch without committing to a sit-down meal. The bay views are a bonus.
Follow the sourdough trail
San Francisco’s tangy sourdough bread is practically a local celebrity, thanks in part to the region’s distinctive fermentation culture. Try it fresh from a bakery, order clam chowder in a bread bowl at the waterfront or bring home a loaf if your luggage allows. Boudin Bakery is one of the best-known names associated with the city’s sourdough tradition, and its Fisherman’s Wharf location makes it easy to combine a taste with a wander around the waterfront.
Seek out seafood by the bay
San Francisco’s waterfront is a natural place to look for seafood, from Dungeness crab when it’s in season to cioppino, the Italian-American seafood stew associated with the city’s fishing heritage. Fisherman’s Wharf is the obvious starting point, but the Ferry Building and neighbourhood restaurants offer other options if you’d prefer to escape the busiest tourist spots. Menus and prices vary, so check what’s in season and choose somewhere that suits your appetite and budget.
Leave room for a little spontaneity
San Francisco also has a strong café culture, creative cocktail bars and restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re after a quick lunch between attractions or a memorable dinner, leave some room in your itinerary for an unplanned stop. Some of the best travel memories begin with being hungry in the right neighbourhood.
Where to Stay in San Francisco: Handlery Union Square Hotel
© Handlery Union Square Hotel
A heated outdoor pool in downtown San Francisco? Yep, they have one. The Handlery Union Square Hotel has been welcoming guests for generations, and the same family is still at the helm as the business nears its 100th anniversary in 2028. It’s just steps from Union Square, close to the Powell Street cable cars and BART, which runs straight to the airport.
The pool stays at a toasty 27°C year-round, which is a fairly persuasive argument for booking a hotel in a city better known for its fog than its sunshine. There’s also a free sauna open to all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult.
With room options for couples, families and solo travellers, plus a central location that works well for business trips, the Handlery has broad appeal. The heated pool is a welcome bonus after a day of sightseeing or meetings, there’s private valet parking for anybody wanting to leave a car, and that long family history adds a personal touch.
→ Read the full story of the Handlery family and its San Francisco hotel
Ready to make San Francisco your next stop? Check rates and availability at the Handlery Union Square Hotel.
→ Check rates and availability at Handlery Union Square Hotel
San Francisco Travel Tips: Need to know
© Handlery Union Square Hotel
US Entry Requirements for International Visitors
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and circumstances. Eligible travellers from countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program generally need an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before travelling. Other visitors may need a visa. Check the official US Customs and Border Protection website before booking, and apply through the official government service rather than a third-party website charging additional fees.
Getting to San Francisco
San Francisco International Airport receives flights from major cities across North America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. Depending on where you’re travelling from, you may be able to fly nonstop or connect through another major hub. Compare routes and fares before booking, and allow extra time for immigration and customs on arrival.
Getting Around San Francisco
Leave the hire car until you head out of the city, because parking is pricey. Between walking, the cable cars, Muni buses and trams and BART trains, you’ll cover everything you need, and comfortable shoes are a must on those hills.
When Is the Best Time to Visit San Francisco?
San Francisco’s weather famously does its own thing. Summer is often cool and foggy, while September and October tend to bring the warmest, sunniest days of the year. Whenever you visit, pack layers, because the temperature can swing wildly from one neighbourhood to the next.
Booking San Francisco Attractions and Hotels
Alcatraz tickets regularly sell out weeks in advance, so lock yours in as soon as your dates are confirmed. If you’re planning around the Golden Gate Bridge’s 90th birthday on 27 May 2027, book your accommodation early.
→ Check out tours and availabilties
Tipping in San Francisco
Tipping is customary in the US. At sit-down restaurants, around 18 to 20% is a useful guide, while a dollar or two per drink is common at bars. Check your bill for any service charge already included.
For more California inspiration, tips and travel guides, try these…
Handlery Union Square Hotel, San Francisco: A Downtown Hotel with a Heated Pool
30 reasons why California is America’s ultimate family playground
Why the Getty Center is an essential stop on your LA itinerary
52 reasons to spend seven days in Anaheim with kids
48 hours in Joshua Tree, California
United Economy Plus Sydney to Los Angeles Review
Aleney de Winter is one of Australia’s most influential family travel journalists. She has been writing about travel and food for almost 20 years and is the long-standing editor of Holidays with Kids and its sibling titles, Caravan & Camping with Kids and Ski & Snowboard witk Kids. Her travel stories also appear in Signature Luxury Travel & Style, Escape, 9Travel, Vacations & Travel, Mindfood and Concierge, among others. Her work has earned a PATA Gold Award for Travel Journalism and eleven Australian Society of Travel Writers awards, and she served seven terms as the society’s Vice President. This website, which she started in 2011, has been named ASTW Best Travel Website three times. 