This historic city lacks the typical tourist images associated with California; it has a look and feel all of its own. San Francisco is a manicured, cosmopolitan city with excellent attractions for visitors. The hilly geography combined with the beautiful bay, makes for stunning views on clear days. Weather is unpredictable, and often cloudy, cool, and rainy, when nearby San Jose is suffering under blistering dry heat. The result is a green city, more reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest. The famous cable cars are still running, carrying tourists and locals up and down the hilly streets otherwise a bit challenging to walk. You'll be singing the Rice a Roni song in your mind. The interesting architecture of city houses and low rise commercial buildings lies in stark contrast to modern skyscrapers and office towers. Downtown area hotels are massive high rises, designed more for convention and business visitors. Many good tourist hotel values are found in the area of Union Square, a popular tourist spot, but the hotel stock is much older and smaller not unlike smaller versions of New York hotels built in the 1940s. Other popular tourist spots are the scenic Fisherman's Wharf, home to many fine seafood restaurants and little shops, and Ghiradelly Square - dedicated to the famous chocolate company of the same name. Visitors can't miss the Golden Gate Bridge, and its park of the same name. No visit would be complete without a Boat cruise, and tours of Alcatraz are extremely popular with tourists, as the curiosity about this infamous place is part of the North American pop-culture garnered from movies and TV shows. Restaurants and nightlife are top notch, as is to be expected in this world class city.

San Francisco is not "car friendly" because of its tight one way streets and difficult parking. Clean, frequent, and efficient public transportation is readily available and taxis are abundant for those who prefer. Shuttles are frequent to and from the airport. A car is handy if you want to explore the sights outside the city, including Pacifica, and the beach areas reachable within an hour or two depending upon traffic. Santa Cruz is the busiest and most popular area, where arcades, shops, and eateries line the boardwalk and beach area. Weekends are packed with locals and tourists alike, mostly young people, in an almost Carnival-like meat market. Weekdays are sleepier, with many retired people and tourists walking the pier while listening to the barking seals.

San Francisco is a diverse holiday spot, great for long weekend stays, or in combination with another California destination.