Neighborhoods

Chinatown
San Francisco Chinatown is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest Chinatown in North America. Enjoy bustling markets, pastry shops, specialty delis on Stockton Street, “live” meat markets, artifacts of San Francisco Chinatown on Grant Street, and much more in this culturally rich area. Be sure to check out the Heroes Mural, a compelling artwork that tells the story of 12 AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) community members, on the corner of Jackson Street and Grant Avenue.

 

North Beach
Nestled between Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown is North Beach, a neighborhood steeped in Italian heritage. Enjoy legendary pizzerias, cafes, and gelato shops. Picnic at Washington Square Park—one of the oldest Parks in the city—or stop by the famous XOX Truffles for a delicious treat. Feeling adventurous? Venture up Telegraph Hill to see the 210-foot Coit Tower up close. On your way down, pop into Stella Pastry for a cannoli or the Liguria bakery for delicious focaccia.

 

Ferry Building/Embarcadero
No visit in San Francisco is complete without a leisurely morning stroll (or run) down the Embarcadero, followed by a visit to the farmer’s market at the Ferry Building. Expect a wide array of fresh California produce and prepared foods by a plethora of vendors. You might even spot San Francisco 49er legend Joe Montana in the crowd of shoppers!

 

Castro
Located in Eureka Valley is the vibrant and historic Castro district. Known for its large LGBTQIA+ community and lively atmosphere, the neighborhood has a thriving nightlife scene, Instagram-worthy murals, and San Francisco’s historic movie palace, the Castro Theatre. The neighborhood is also home to several parks and green spaces, including Harvey Milk Plaza, named after the first openly-gay elected official in California.

 

Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a San Francisco treasure—a place where the city’s maritime activities overlap with history and culture. Located along the city’s northern waterfront, Fisherman’s Wharf is the most visited area in San Francisco, with its numerous indoor and outdoor restaurants (make sure to try a sourdough bowl of clam chowder), markets, museums (the area is home to USS Pampanito, a World War II Balao-class fleet submarine), and bay cruises. From the famous Ghirardelli Square to the beautiful Pier 39, where herds of sea lions commonly hang, to the views of the Bay Bridge and Alcatraz Island, there is much to do and see in Fisherman’s Wharf.

 

The Mission
The Mission District of San Francisco, commonly referred to as The Mission, is the oldest neighborhood in the city. Known for its colorful murals, tasty Mexican food, microclimate (meaning it’s usually warmer here than in other parts of the city) and lively nightlife, there is much to see in the neighborhood. Founded in 1776 and home to Mission Dolores, the oldest intact building in the city, the neighborhood is steeped in Mexican culture. Explore all the neighborhood has to offer, and be sure to taste a Mission-style burrito!

 

The Haight
Every visit to The Haight, also known as The Haight District, should begin at the intersection of Haight and Ashbury, the area from which the district earned its name. One Summer in 1967, thousands of young people came together in true late 60s (and 70s) bohemian fashion, protesting war and advocating free love (known today as the Summer of Love). Take in the area’s music-rich history, from long-standing record stores to visiting the homes of popular bands (like the Grateful Dead), or take a break from the excitement of the city with a stroll through Buena Vista Park.

 

Berkeley
Visit the Neoclassical buildings of University of Berkeley or stroll through the university’s 34-acre botanical garden. Grab a coffee at any of the surrounding (or campus) cafes or test your rock climbing skills at Indian Rock. Mosey down Telegraph Ave, the largest non-chain retail shopping area on the West Coast, and grab some food from any of Berkeley’s farm-to-table restaurants. Check out this restaurant guide to scout Berkeley’s restaurants by borough.

 

Silicon Valley
Welcome to the center of American technological innovation! Located south of the city, Silicon Valley is home to the headquarters of some of the most innovative tech companies—Google, Meta, Tesla, and Hewlett Packard to name a few. Visit the Google campus, tour tech-centric (and interactive) museums, stroll past Netflix headquarters, or visit the beautiful campus of Stanford University.

 

Yountville
Home of Chef Thomas Keller’s famous restaurant The French Laundry, Yountville is an area you have to see. Known as the Heart of Napa Valley, Yountville is overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants, picture-perfect scenery, and wineries. Stop by Stags Leap Wine Cellar or Miner Family Wines, or rent a bike and venture to some of the more discrete wineries off the Silverado Trail, like the Caymus Vineyards.

 

Sonoma
Home to over 60,000 acres of vineyards and more than 400 wineries, Sonoma has wine running through its veins. Whether you prefer your wineries to have a “hipster aesthetic,” a cute backstory, be environmentally conscious, or make you stomp the grapes yourself, there is something for every wine connoisseur. As you walk (or ride) through the valley and taste the pleasures these California grapes have to offer, do your body a favor and grab a meal (and some water) at one of the best Portuguese-inspired restaurants on the West Coast, La Salette. Sonoma also has a cheese trail just waiting to be explored. There is much to do (drink) in Sonoma at any point in the day you visit, and don’t worry—it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!

 

Healdsburg
Located in the middle of three prime winegrowing regions and recognized for its delectable Zinfandels, Healdsburg is known as the wine and culinary epicenter. Coined one of the country’s six “Most Romantic Small Towns” by CNN Travel, this beautiful area offers the perfect balance of wine tasting, sight-seeing, and shopping. Take an afternoon walk through the 19th century plaza, shop at one of many its jazzy boutiques, meander through a quaint bookstore, or challenge a friend to a public game of bocce ball. Nestled next to the town’s Russian River are must-visit wineries, like Dry Creek and the Ferrari-Carano Vineyard.

 

Japantown
Known for its Peace Pagoda, San Francisco’s Japantown (also known as Nihonmachi) is one of only four Japantowns left in the U.S. Enjoy this six-block area of great restaurants and plentiful shopping. Be sure to stop by the Japan Center and stroll through the pedestrian only block of Buchanan Avenue.

 

St. Ignatius Church and USF
Nearby the Golden Gate Park and the Haight is the University of San Francisco, a Jesuit institution that sits on a sprawling green campus. In close proximity to the university is St. Ignatius Church. The Jesuit presence thrives in the heart of San Francisco, and the church has daily services.