We love San Francisco, which is where we met, wed, and lived for almost a decade. It’s an incredible combination of neighborhoods, all with their own unique style and vibe.
For example, in the Marina you’ll run into bar-hopping twentysomethings who just relocated out of the fraternity, while the Outer Sunset is basically a seaside town.
There are so many different neighborhoods in San Francisco, it’s difficult to keep track of all of them even as a local resident. How can someone who is visiting for a short weekend be expected to?
When asked for recommendations on where to stay in San Francisco, we have significant expertise to share. We lived in San Francisco for several years before embarking on full-time global travel, providing insider knowledge on the best places to lodge in San Francisco for your visit.
Why listen to our suggestions? We lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for over seven years – Alysha resided there for nearly a decade. Exploring the best neighborhoods on foot in search of new coffee shops, cafes, and things to see and do was among our favorite pastimes. We`d say `let`s check out the Castro neighborhood this Saturday` and head over to discover the locale firsthand. All of the areas reviewed in this guide are places we`ve visited ourselves, so we can offer a realistic perspective on each neighborhood described below.”
AVOID STAYING IN FISHERMAN’S WHARF. That suggestion alone is worth the value of this guidance. Which, of course, is provided free of charge.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Where to Stay in San Francisco: A Guide to The 6 Best Areas to Stay
Where you decide to lodge while you’re in San Francisco will have a fairly sizeable impact on what your trip resembles. In this guide, you’ll find a variety of neighborhoods to choose from based on your style. We want to match you with the perfect home base to explore San Francisco so that you fall head over heels in love with it just like we have.
There are six neighborhoods where we’d recommend staying for the richest San Francisco experience. The criteria we’re using to evaluate them are:
- Location (are they centrally located?)
- Density of things to do and see
- Places to eat and drink in the area
If you don`t have time for the whole guide, here is a brief summary.
- Our general guidance is to locate a charming lodging or bed and breakfast in Nob Hill, which was where we cohabited for our last few years in San Francisco (Alysha inhabits there for years before that, too). It has wonderful perspectives from just about every street in the area owing to its placement perched on top of the hill, and the site where the two famous cable car lines intersect. See Petite Auberge, a pleasant B&B we’ve individually dwelled at and enjoyed, or the Stanford Court for a more contemporary hotel.
- If your goal is hotels rated most highly concentrated, consider . While it may not be the most charming area of town (some argue it’s actually the least charming), there’s no doubt it boasts the best assembled hotels situated in a central locale well-connected by public transit. We greatly favor the CitizenM(we appreciate their Seattle location, discussed here).
- Should you desire a slightly less conventional, more residential experience, explore NOPA or Hayes Valley. The two areas are centrally located, possess a more domestic quality, and comprise charming Victorian homes. Nearby you`ll find excellent bars and eateries, the famed Painted Ladies, and Golden Gate Park. Regrettably, lodging selections are somewhat limited here, but a couple good alternatives exist.
Continue reading for a detailed guide to our selections for the best places to stay in San Francisco.
Nob Hill: Our Old Neighborhood & Top Recommendation
Let us share our perspective on why Nob Hill remains an excellent location to stay despite no longer living there. We had the privilege to call Nob Hill home together, and still feel it provides visitors an advantageous base in San Francisco. Please hear us out on why this area may be the finest option for your stay.
It has picturesque tree-lined streets, a wide variety of excellent restaurants, bars, and things to do, and both iconic cable car lines run directly through it. It’s centrally situated with easy access to all corners of San Francisco, and full of hills with sweeping views towards the Financial District and the rest of the Bay Area.
That stellar combination makes it the optimal place to reside in San Francisco, which is why I opted to live in Nob Hill for a number of years.
Fundamentally, Nob Hill is quintessential San Francisco.
Situated atop an elevation, mobility considerations apply. Transportation via rideshare applications circumvents challenges, whereas vehicle reliance confronts notorious parking limitations, suggesting carlessness optimizes a Nob Hill visit.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Nob Hill
Benefits: You’ll be centrally located and within walking distance to Fisherman’s Wharf (if you must), Lombard Street, North Beach, the Embarcadero, and more. Plus, it’s a lovely neighborhood, with stunning views of San Francisco all around. The stretch along Polk Street is full of great bars, restaurants, shopping, and more.
Cons: The most significant issue with Nob Hill, aside from the steep hill aspect, is that there truly aren’t many lodging options. And numerous ones are expensive regarding what you’re getting. The southern end of the neighborhood, referred to as “Lower Nob Hill,” essentially equals the Tenderloin, which isn’t the best part of the city. Parking is a nightmare – DO NOT STAY HERE IF YOU HAVE A VEHICLE.
Nob Hill Highlights
Here are some attractions to check out in the locality that we called home. For the purposes of this guide, Russian Hill and Nob Hill are combined. Since it`s sufficiently close.
- Explore the roads of Polk Street and Hyde Street: From relaxed pubs, to upscale cocktail bars, dive bars, and eccentric shops, Polk Street and Hyde Street have something for all kind of people.
- Explore: Chinatown, North Beach, and Ghirardelli Square are just a brief walk away, and the walk is second to none. Charming tree-lined streets, with Victorians flanking cable cars that zoom by are what makes Nob Hill unique. Try walking from Grace Cathedral at the top of Nob Hill through Chinatown to the Ferry Building (maybe take the cable car back up the hill, though).
- Travel the Cable Car: But note it costs $7 one way, so it’s not the most affordable way to get around the city. There’s a route that will take you to Fisherman’s Wharf or Powell Street, and a route that will take you down California Street to the Ferry Building.
- Visit Grace Cathedral: If lucky, you can catch yoga on Tuesday evenings!
- Spend an afternoon at Lafayette Park lounging in the sunlight alongside young couples and their canine companions.
- SeeLombard Street, the most winding street in the area (except for one across the city in Potrero Hill, but it’s not nearly as scenic). It gets even better at night.Pro-tip: Walk up to the Alice Marble Tennis Courts for an unbeatable view of the Golden Gate!
- Visit the Tonga Room – the tiki themed cocktail bar located below ground level at the Fairmont Hotel. It’s unconventional yet that is what makes it appealing.
- Take in the sights over a beverage at the Top of the Mark.
- Grab a coffee from some of the finest coffee roasters in San Francisco at Contraband Coffee Bar and Saint Frank Coffee.
The Best Places to Stay in Nob Hill
There are a couple places to lodge in Nob Hill that we think you’ll enjoy, but you’ll need to be prepared for the price tag. This is one of the nicest areas in the city, and the costs here reflect that.
Petite Auberge (Where We Stayed)
Some rooms share bathrooms (limited to one occupant each), lowering the nightly rate slightly if you don`t mind communal facilities.
We selected the Petite Auberge because, along with the neighboring White Swan Inn hotel, it seemed like the most charming accommodation in the area.
In fact, it’s much closer to a bed & breakfast than a hotel. They describe it as part bed & breakfast, part boutique hotel, which appears accurate based on our experience.
The guesthouse sits in a pleasant spot on Bush Street, walkable to Polk Street and many great bars and dining establishments, walkable to the Financial District and Ferry Building, and walkable to BART.
The establishment next door is regarded as one of the top pizza establishments in the city – Del Popolo – which apparently provides room service for Petite Auberge. Up the block on Bush Street is one of our favored cocktail bars in the city, Peacekeeper.
The point is that the location is great.
But what about the lodging? They’re very French-styled, with floral wallpaper and wooden furnishings. Some rooms have a fireplace, which we truly enjoyed. The rooms are quite roomy too, which is unexpected for a city like San Francisco, known for tiny apartments.
Like numerous structures in San Francisco, the building has aged somewhat over time. Neighboring tenants overhead and near walls can be heard during movements, and the pipes sometimes emit loud noises. However, no disturbances were too severe.
There are various amenities included at this location – breakfast with coffee from Equator Coffees and pastries, complimentary wine served during the afternoon happy hour, and tea, coffee, and bottled water available all day. An outdoor patio area permits enjoying the complimentary beverages, though it was shut when we visited and we had to go next door to the White Swan Inn instead.
Parking costs significantly, nevertheless, at $50+ daily (solely valet accessible), hence we’d propose avoiding transporting a automobile here if you`re able to.
The Stanford Court Hotel
Previously we resided around five blocks from Stanford Court, a small hotel in Nob Hill, and I frequently walked past it on California Street on my way to catch public transit to the workplace (or on the cable car!).
This hotel located in San Francisco is considered by some to provide excellent value. It sits prominently on Nob Hill, directly along California Street, one of the primary thoroughfares into downtown. The iconic San Francisco cable car truly sits just outside the front entrance.
They took a break in 2020 and early 2021 to completely renovate the facility. Now it looks fantastic. Guest rooms contain modern conveniences – like USB charging ports! – and all rooms include a mini-fridge. Plus, you can utilize their fitness center (which surprisingly offers high-quality equipment like Peloton bikes). Guests can also borrow real bikes for free (though actual cycling may be limited to just atop Nob Hill).
You`ll have excellent coffee from Equator in your room, and tea from Mighty Leaf tea. Both of which are among the finest coffee/tea options I’ve ever encountered in a hotel room.
Last however not least, they allow pets. However there`s a $50 animal charge, which includes a goodie bag with snacks and toys for the pup.
White Swan Inn
The White Swan Inn is a sister hotel of Petite Auberge mentioned above. This place is right on the boundary of Nob Hill and Union Square on Bush Street, but we’re featuring it here primarily because it is much closer to the Nob Hill aesthetic than what you find in Union Square.
You’ll find amenities here similar to those provided at Petite Auberge, such as free Wi-Fi, breakfast, wines in the evening, and in-room fireplaces. Both places offer quite generous amounts of complimentary food and drink.
The biggest difference between the two is that the White Swan Inn is English-inspired, rather than French.
The Fairmont
If you’re searching for the most renowned luxurious lodging in Nob Hill, remain at the Fairmont Hotel. It’s costly, but it’s spectacular and in an utterly ideal place at the top of the hill. Alysha has encountered various celebrities here – she utilized to coordinate occasions for a neighborhood nonprofit that occurred at the Fairmont.
Additionally, the trendy (and popular with visitors, of course) tiki bar Tonga Room is located downstairs, so you can enjoy seven tiki cocktails and then effortlessly head up to bed!
Union Square: Central, Convenient, and… Boring
We almost hesitate to propose Union Square, because you get none of the charm that makes San Francisco exceptional. However, most of San Francisco’s hotels are located in Union Square, and it’s extremely central to everything in the city such as public transportation, so it makes the list of best areas to lodge in San Francisco nearly by default.
However, if you do reside here, you should intend on expending 99% of your waking hours elsewhere.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Union Square
Benefits: Abundant quality hotel possibilities. Centrally situated near Nob Hill, Embarcadero, and Financial District (if visiting for work purposes). Well-linked to other parts of the city through public transportation.
Cons: NO CHARM. Concrete jungle with very little of what makes SF unique. Parking is a nightmare – you’ll pay $40+ a night to park, so stay elsewhere if you have a vehicle. The western edge of the neighborhood is adjacent to the Tenderloin, which has some great food and drinks, but is not the nicest area in SF.
Union Square Highlights
Honestly, not much. The biggest reason to stay in Union Square is that it has many hotel options, and it’s central and well-connected to the rest of the city. However, we do think that the Ice Cream Museum and SFMOMA are both worth a stop.
Best Places to Stay in Union Square
There are nearly limitless lodging possibilities in Union Square. Some are rather unremarkable while others boast unique conveniences and architectural touches.
Here are five that we appreciate out of the plethora of hotels in the area.
The CitizenM Hotel San Francisco
CitizenM Hotels are among our favorite hotel chains worldwide.
We’ve proposed them in Seattle, among different spots, and would propose the CitizenM in Union Square here in San Francisco. In a city filled with costly, old style, lodgings, this is a pleasing, refreshing, modern modification of pace that we truly appreciate.
They`re a Dutch hotel chain that has essentially made lodging very easy and systematic, with all modern conveniences young travelers seek (USB charging, climate control via iPad, etc.) while also removing unnecessary extras (fluffy robes and slippers or sitting areas, for example) to provide excellent value.
The other aspect they appreciate is that, in the interest of straightforwardness and ease, they’ve reduced all the marginally diverse room types you find in most lodgings (little versus little luxurious versus little luxurious with partial city see), and there’s precisely one room type accessible: a little room with a monarch bed.
Not suitable for groups who aren’t comfortable sleeping in the same bed (though, it’s probably about equivalent price to get one room here as it is to get two rooms at most other SF hotels), but perfect for couples and people who don’t mind sharing a bed.
It’s right in the core of Union Square, a block from the cable car and Powell Street Station (where you can hop on BART to get to/ from the airport or Mission District), and within easy walking distance of the Financial District and Ferry Building.
Palihotel San Francisco
The highly praised Palihotel San Francisco is situated at the intersection of Union Square, Nob Hill, and the Financial District, allowing excellent access to all three locations. Additionally, it is a short distance from Chinatown, an area well worth exploring. I generally would not advise lodging in Union Square if avoidable, but this establishment is an exception to that guidance.
The lodging, situated inside a charming, historic building, has 82 king and queen rooms, a full service restaurant, bar and lounge. Guest spaces feature exposed painted brick walls, Smeg fridges, minibars, 43” HDTVs, custom bath products and work areas. They are comfortable and stylish, offering private facilities and a spacious area in which to unwind in after a day of shopping and fun in San Francisco!
If you’re traveling to San Francisco by vehicle, you can self-park at Palihotel for $39 per night (which is fairly affordable) and bring your dog with you for an additional charge of $75 per pet, per stay!
StayPineapple San Francisco
Staypineapple hotels are always a little…quirky. But they also generally make the list of good value hotels in cities where they’re operating, like Seattle.
This trendy hotel is situated near dozens of shops, bars, restaurants and theatres and is within walking distance of Union Square. In fact, if you’re searching for a hotel with added amenities, Staypineapple meets all criteria.
However, be warned that they charge a $29.95 daily additional fee (undesirable – why not just include it in the price?) which gives you access to WiFi, food and drink credits, unlimited bottled water, streaming, and beach cruiser bikes.
Each room has a double bed with luxurious bedding for extra comfort, as well as walk-in showers, Keurig coffee machines, in-room refrigerators and air conditioning. You can enjoy your favorite tunes courtesy of the Bluetooth-enabled iHome docking station or stream shows on the generous 50-inch HDTV.
Hotel Nikko
Accommodations at Hotel Nikko are decorated with cool tones, wall murals, pillow-top beds, flat screen TV’s and iPod/iPhone docking stations. If you’re traveling to San Francisco for a special event, upgrade to an Imperial Club room or suite to get the best views and benefit from Subarashii Ame rain showers!
You should be aware: there’s a daily amenities fee of $34 (again, WHY?!), but this includes access to the fitness center, indoor swimming pool and WiFi, plus it provides food and beverage credits.
The Found Hotel
We think the stylishly designed Found Hotel provides one of the best value stays in San Francisco. Just five minutes from Union Square, its shops, bars and restaurants, and close to the Powell Cable Car Line, it’s a great place for friends and couples to use as a base to explore the city.
They offer a choice of Superior Queen Rooms with cable TV, AC, WiFi and bathroom with shower, double rooms and shared dorm choices, plus there are accommodations available for those with limited mobility.
Female-only dorm rooms accommodating up to four guests are also available, excellent for groups exploring the city. There’s a trendy lobby lounge where you can sit and map out your day, and work space if you need to check in at work or home.
Hotel Zeppelin
Showcasing San Francisco’s bohemian past in all its splendor, is the 196 room Hotel Zeppelin, a block from the bustle of Union Square. With designer shopping, theaters and dozens of cafes, bars and restaurants nearby, you’ll never be at a loss for places to shop, drink, eat, or be entertained.
Each room at the Zeppelin honors the city`s bold and inventive local figures – authors, poets and musicians. Larger suites also include classic turntables, artworks, desks and bathroom amenities by the brand ROIL.
Amenities include a fitness center, 24 hour valet parking for $58 per day plus tax (YIKES), pets are welcome, and bikes and scooters can be rented to explore the city without a car.
Hotel Emblem
We appreciate the imaginative atmosphere of this 96 room trendy hotel, from the writer’s corner brimming with books in the lobby, to exceptional guest quarters featuring distinct artwork and unusual details.
You’ll have free WiFi in the rooms, a 55” flat screen television, book butler, Bluetooth audio system, luxury bath goods by ROIL and a Nespresso coffee and tea maker!
Some rooms have additional accessibility for those with limited mobility, plus the hotel allows you to bring your pet with you for an additional charge. If you plan to drive in San Francisco, valet parking is also available at a cost of $58 per night. So likely don’t stay here if you plan on having a car, or arrange for alternate parking at a nearby garage for your trip.
North Beach: Amazing Views from Little Italy
North Beach, which is at the northeastern corner of the city, west of Nob Hill and Chinatown, and south of Fisherman’s Wharf, is a cool neighborhood. Traditionally Italian, this remains where the Italian-American community in San Francisco ended up, which is not difficult to see as you walk the streets. If you’re seeking good pasta and pizza, chances are it’s in North Beach.
It’s a charming neighborhood during the day, and the area around Washington Square Park is one of the most pleasant places to be on a weekend morning. Coit Tower, just up the hill, is worth stopping at for the views over the Bay all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge.
The neighborhood also possesses a somewhat seedier facet. After nightfall, the bright neon signs will be advertising everything from bars and eateries to strip clubs. It’s also a superb nightlife spot, which might mean varying things to you relying on what phase of life you’re in.
Pros and Cons of Staying in North Beach
Advantages: Lovely, charming neighborhood. Great Italian food. Easy access to the Financial District and the Embarcadero, as well as Fisherman’s Wharf.
Disadvantages: Parking will be difficult. At night, it’s not quite as charming, and it can be loud depending on where you’re staying. It will take you AN ETERNITY to reach places like the Mission and Golden Gate Park, so it`s best if you’re planning to spend most of your time on the eastern half of the city (likely shorter trips).
North Beach Highlights
- Tony’s Pizzeria: The best pizza in SF, and acclaimed internationally as well.
- City Lights Books: Charming little independent bookseller – one of the best in the city.
- 15 Romolo: One of the best drinking establishments in the city.
- Coit Tower: It’s worth ascending the hill for the views of the Bay.
- Cafe Reveille: The top coffee shop in the neighborhood.
Best Places to Stay in North Beach
There are only a couple places that can be stayed at in North Beach itself, and only two of them are truly worthwhile in our assessment.
There are many lodging options at the northern edge of the neighborhood, which is Fisherman’s Wharf. STAY ELSEWHERE. It’s persistently full of individuals, and is the most touristy part of the city. Worth around two hours, but not a good place to base yourself.
Columbus Inn
Printshop Northwest: I’m enamored with this concept! Basically, they collaborate with local artists to put together a variety of pieces of art that they then screen print, upon request, onto a shirt of your choosing in about ten minutes flat. For example, you can receive an orca whale on a blue long sleeve tee. Or a topographical map of Orcas Island on a grey hoodie. The art varies, and they also have some pre-printed options available for purchase.
Parking is free here! That’s a huge bonus if you’re traveling with a car, and will likely save you ~$100 over the course of your trip vs. paying for parking at a different hotel, or paying for the parking ticket you got for not paying attention to the confusing signage (we’re not bitter or anything).
Hotel Boheme
Situated directly on the prominent Columbus Avenue in North Beach, Hotel Boheme is a small boutique lodging with only 15 rooms. Constructed in the 1800s by Italian immigrants, it has since been redesigned to emulate the atmosphere of 1950s San Francisco after suffering major damage in the 1906 earthquake.”
Some rooms are on Columbus, while some rooms are at the back of the hotel, which are quieter, so make certain to ask if you have a preference. The staff and the afternoon serving of sherry are among the highlights here.
The Haight / NOPA: Residential + Charming Victorians
Situated along the busy Divisadero Street and the renowned hippie haven known as Haight Street, NOPA was our usual stomping grounds (Matt lived nearby for four years). If you’re wondering where to lodge if you want something charming and walkable, but relatively tranquil, this neighborhood is for you.
First, let’s discuss NOPA. To be completely honest, I had to use Google to determine what NOPA actually represents (it’s “north of the panhandle”) – that’s just what we’ve always called it. It’s nicely situated between Alamo Square to the east and Golden Gate Park to the west, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee along Divisadero Street, which is one of the best streets in San Francisco.
The Haight is the famous Haight Ashbury, home of the hippie movement in San Francisco. It’s at the southern end of Divis (how locals refer to Divisadero, said “Diviz”) just south of Alamo Square, and has a great variety of things to eat and drink along Haight Street.
Both areas are fairly residential, and are very charming and walkable. You’ll find yourself among tree lined streets with the famous Victorians on either side. It’s a very pleasant place to stay, and it’s fairly central to most places you’re going to be visiting on your San Francisco itinerary.
Regrettably, there is precisely one hotel here, so selections are restricted (to put it mildly).
Pros and Cons of Staying in the Haight / NOPA
Benefits: If you wanted to spend your entire weekend here and never leave, you would certainly not run out of things to do. You’ll have Golden Gate Park, the Haight Ashbury, and the Inner Sunset basically outside your front door. Plus, parking is relatively convenient out here, so if you have a car, you can avoid the extra $30+ a day for parking.
Disadvantages: Not the most central neighborhood on this list – plan on a 20+ minute ride to get to the Embarcadero and North Beach. Likewise, not a lot of lodging options in the area.
The Haight / NOPA Highlights
- While you’re in the area, don’t miss Matching Half and Sightglass Coffee for a stimulating drink. If you find yourself at Alamo Square, look for Lady Falcon Coffee Club at the top of the hill overlooking the Painted Ladies – it’s a women-owned coffee truck that has great coffee and an even better story.
- Brunch at Zazie is essential – it’s one of our favorite eateries in the city, and their backyard garden is a very pleasant place to enjoy brunch on a sunny San Francisco day. No reservations, arrive VERY EARLY to avoid a two hour wait on weekends.
- Nopalito is one of our favorite eateries in San Francisco, serving modern Mexican cuisine alongside killer cocktails, and Souvla is a decent fast-casual choice where you can get a Greek-inspired bowl and frozen Greek yogurt (yum).
- Emporium is a cool bar along Divis featuring a full arcade, while Toronado on Haight Street is one of the best beer bars in the city.
- Oh, and while it’s not suitable for people like me who avoid gluten, Brenda’s Meat & Three at the northern end of Divis is a must-eat brunch spot for their southern US inspired menu selections.
Best Places to Stay in the Haight
With the colleges in Oakland, this is a good place to stay if you’re a parent visiting a student. However, be cautioned that the area can be particularly busy during move-in weekends, homecoming events, and graduations. Hotel Indigo and Hampton Inn are two suitably positioned hotels.
Accommodations come with breakfast and evening tea service (FANCY), and are decorated in charming Victorian style. They have rooms ranging from standard doubles, perfect for a pair on a budget, to suites that have a kitchen, which are great if you’re traveling with a group or need access to a kitchen.
Hayes Valley: Central, Charming, and Well Connected
Hayes Valley, with its charming tree-lined streets, classic Victorian houses, and distinctly-SF charm, is absolutely one of the best areas to lodge in San Francisco. In terms of thickness of things to see and do, and central location, you really can’t beat it.
Though it had not always been this way, Hayes Valley has experienced a revitalization in recent years transforming it into one of the coolest neighborhoods in all of San Francisco.
It is the most walkable neighborhood in San Francisco (completely flat!), lined with boutiques, trendy restaurants and coffee shops, and art galleries. It’s a one-stop-shop whether you’re looking to do some shopping or seeking a glass of wine or cocktail in the sunshine.
If you stay here, you’ll find yourself a few blocks from Market Street and all the public transportation in SF, the Painted Ladies (of “Full House” fame), and some of the best food and drink in San Francisco.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Hayes Valley
Benefits: It’s about as central a location as you can obtain, and it’s directly on both BART and the MUNI Underground lines, which offers amazing access to the remainder of the city. The neighborhood itself is charming, with tree-lined roads and outdoor spaces to eat and drink. Abundant great food, coffee, and drinking opportunities exist here!
Downsides: Not many lodging options in the neighborhood. It’s congested, which means it’s usually boisterous, thanks to the outdoor bars and eateries.
Hayes Valley Highlights
- Hayes Valley highlights some of the finest outdoor dining and drinking spots in San Francisco. Grab a beverage at Biergarten or a coffee at the Ritual Coffee stand and appreciate it in the perpetual Hayes Valley sunshine.
- Two of the finest cocktail lounges in San Francisco are in Hayes Valley and positioned side by side! Anina has a tropical motif (though they also serve beer) with a pleasant outdoor patio, while Brass Tacks offers more of a hidden atmosphere. Both are excellent and quite popular.
- Check out the originally established third wave coffee roaster, Blue Bottle Coffee, at their San Francisco location.
- Grab some island (or pirate? I’m not sure) themed drinks at Smuggler’s Cove, a famous cocktail bar in Hayes Valley that features lots of rum mixtures.
- Souvla is a well-liked Mediterranean quick-serve eatery where customers choose between flatbread and salad, then select their meat item, and it is brought to them in a modern yet casual setting. The salads, including all meat selections, are gluten-free according to the restaurant, as are the fries and frozen Greek yogurt. Be sure to request that staff change gloves and utensils to prevent cross-contamination. Pro tip: Ask to have your frozen Greek yogurt topped half with olive oil and half with honey.
Here’s .
Best Places to Stay in Hayes Valley
You’re not going to believe this – Hayes Valley is ANOTHER neighborhood with very few options in terms of places to lodge. There are essentially two hotels here.
The Grove Inn
The , situated literally one block from the Painted Ladies, is one of two hotels here worth considering. It provides a quiet, clean, and central location.
You’ll be ideally located in the midst of Hayes Valley, the Fillmore District, and NOPA, an ideal setting. Rooms are uncomplicated and spacious, with an assortment of configurations and measurements relying on your group`s needs.
Some rooms take in more natural light thanks to bay windows.
Hayes Valley Inn
The Hayes Valley Inn is a excellent value, particularly for San Francisco, which usually is an expensive city to be in.
As long as you understand what you’re accepting – some of the rooms have a shared single-occupancy lavatory down the hall – you’ll be content staying here.
While rooms lack expansive space and modern design trends, these traits contribute to the hotel`s charm. The affordable cost, central location and comfortable facilities make it a quality temporary home during exploration of San Francisco sights.
The Castro: Fun and Charming (& LBGTQ+ Friendly)
The Castro, which is one of the most famous LBGTQ+ neighborhoods in the country, if not the world, is a lovely place to both visit and stay.
However, we must note before exploring further that if being at the heart of the LGBTQ+ community in San Francisco makes you uncomfortable, you should consider other great neighborhoods included in this guide.
The Castro neighborhood is pleasant. It`s next to the Mission and Hayes Valley areas, which are both walkable, and just a few blocks from Dolores Park, a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. And in this part of San Francisco, the sun is nearly always shining when fog takes up residence in the rest of the city.
It’s also right along Market Street, the main thoroughfare to downtown, which means you’re well-connected to the Financial District and Ferry Building thanks to the metro lines.
Pros and Cons of Staying in the Castro
Advantages: This area represents the heart of the LGBTQ+ community in SF, which should not be missed. Rainbow crosswalks, rainbow flags flying from nearly every building, and more. Drinks are inexpensive and plentiful in the Castro, and there`s a variety of quality food and shopping too. Additionally, the historic Castro Theater offers an entertaining night out. It`s also adjacent to the Mission, placing you within walking distance of another favorite region in the city.
Cons: The nightlife is legendary, which means it’s not the quietest neighborhood in the city. Which is putting it mildly. There are only a few hotels and B&Bs to choose from.
Neighborhood Highlights
- Attend a Disney sing-along event at the Castro Theater if possible. They’re incredibly fun.
- For those without Celiac disease (you lucky individuals) Kitchen Story is one of the premier brunch destinations in SF. And Starbelly Pizza is purportedly superb, also definitely not being gluten free.
- At the northeast section of Market Street is Verve Coffee, which tops my list of the finest coffee in SF.
- The nightlife in the Castro is legendary, and is second to none in San Francisco. Spend an evening bar-hopping in the area that you probably won’t forget for a while.
Here’s a guide to what to do, eat, and drink in the Castro.
Best Places to Stay in the Castro
There are essentially two accommodations in the Castro that are worth your time. Again, like many of the neighborhoods on this list, there typically aren’t very many beds here for visitors, so be sure to book well ahead if you want to stay here.
Beck’s Motor Lodge
The first location that should be on your radar if you want to remain in the Castro is Beck’s Motor Lodge. It’s a renovated motel that still has the external look and feel of a motel next to a strip mall, but has been renovated to be modern and sleek on the inside.
Beck’s is located along the Market Street corridor, which is perfect for accessing downtown, and just a few blocks from the trendy stretch of Valencia Street in the Mission.
Parker Guest House
Parker Guest House is part boutique lodging, part bed & breakfast. Regardless, it`s in one of our favored areas of the city, serving as an excellent home base for a trip to San Francisco.
It’s inside an ornate mansion that was constructed in 1909 (after the earthquake). You’ll have your choice between rooms with private bathrooms and rooms that share a washroom down the hall, the latter of which will save you a bit of money if you don’t mind communal use of a single-occupancy bathroom with other guests.
The beds are comfortable, the rooms are somewhat spacious, and the location is great. Plus, free continental breakfast and free wine in the afternoons!
The Mission District: Best For Foodies
The Mission has the finest food and drinks in San Francisco. If you’re a foodie, stay in the Mission. You won’t regret it. It’s the best area to stay in San Francisco for the cuisine and refreshments alone.
Around the clock, the Mission is bustling, and there is always something to do, see, eat, or drink. It is one of the most vibrant, diverse, and lively neighborhoods in the city. When individuals discuss the cool neighborhoods in San Francisco, the Mission consistently seems to be a part of the dialogue.
It offers some of the best cuisine in the city – you’ll find everything from locally owned and run taco shops to some of the most upscale, world-renowned restaurants in California. It also is home to some of the top gluten free eateries in San Francisco, and many of the best bars in San Francisco.
It has been feeling the impacts of gentrification as lease climb and the Silicon Valley innovation business shows no signs of easing back down. That’s why you observe posh craftsmanship eateries and little batch espresso roaster opening as of late close to authentic taco shops that have been around since the 60’s.
That urban advancement is additionally a disadvantage to remaining here – expanding rents have constrained out working class families who have lived there for decades – despite the fact that if you’re worried about urban advancement, San Francisco is by and large one huge urban advancement hotspot.
One aspect that deserves acknowledgement at the start is the sizable homeless population in parts of San Francisco. While the Mission is enjoyed, there are certainly sections where that group is apparent. Those who feel uneasy about it may want to reside elsewhere in the city (Nob Hill comes recommended).
As you walk the streets of the Mission, you’ll see some of the street art that makes the area unique. Every wall or building serves as a canvas for local artists to express themselves.
Pros and Cons of Staying in the Mission
Benefits: It’s vibrant, energetic, and full of amazing bars, restaurants, shopping, and more.
Disadvantages: High rents have increasingly caused lifelong inhabitants to relocate from their houses, making room for new luxury condominiums and trendy brunch spots. This is a reality in practically every neighborhood in San Francisco, but it has been a big problem in the Mission as it has become the “place to be” area for individuals working in technology. There is also a sizable homeless populace in certain parts of the Mission, which might make you uncomfortable.
Mission District Highlights
- Admire the colorful wall paintings in the Mission, particularly in Clarion Alley.
- Take a guided tour of theDandelion Chocolate factory to learn about the process from bean to bar. And of course, sample some delicious single-origin chocolate.
- If you’re a coffee lover, go to Fellow`s Coffee Playground to experiment with their creatively designed kettles and discover new coffee varieties. Hint: they provide free public coffee tastings every Saturday at 1pm!
- Ramble Valencia Street and do some shopping at Therapy,Mission Workshop,Unionmade, or Everlane.
- Take in the sights and sounds at Dolores Park. Bring a picnic from BiRite Market just down the street.
- Engage in a round of miniature golf at Urban Putt. Beverages are optional but recommended. Children not permitted at night.
- If strongly climbing rocks is your thing, visit Mission Cliffs to get a session in.
- Catch a movie at Alamo Drafthouse.
- Visit the Heath CeramicsFactory and Showroom.
- Purchase a coffee at some of the top coffee roasters in San Francisco, such as Ritual,Sightglass, and Verve. You can choose from their selections.
The Best Places to Stay in the Mission
There are only a handful of places to lodge in the Mission, and they are both more B&B’s than hotels. Book ahead of time, because there’s a very confined sum of beds for tourists here.
1906 Mission
The first is Nineteen 06 Mission, which is in a charming place in the Mission a few blocks from BART for convenient access to the rest of the city, a block away from lively Valencia Street, and a couple of blocks from some of the finest cuisine in San Francisco.
One thing worth noting, the location itself isn’t the best, but it’s nice and central, and the place itself is gorgeous.
Noe’s Nest
Noe’s Nestis a charming bed & breakfast situated at the south end of the Mission where it meets Noe Valley. It`s within a charming Victorian residence (of course), and they have done some cool things with the property making it a more distinctive place to stay than some of the larger hotels in the city.
They have a breakfast buffet, a lovely outdoor garden area where you can enjoy the perpetual sun in this part of the city, and thoughtfully designed rooms that match the charm of the surrounding area.
Parking is difficult in this area – it’s restricted to two hours on weekdays – but there’s a parking garage nearby that will cost you $27 a day (which isn’t terrible in this city).
Preparing a Trip to San Francisco? We’re Here to Assist!
Heading to San Francisco? Do not miss our other SF travel guides as well. They are written by us, two SF locals who have lived there for approximately the past decade or so.
- ITINERARY – How to Spend one outstanding Day in San Francisco
- ITINERARY – 4 Days in San Francisco: A Perfect Itinerary for San Francisco
- WHERE TO STAY – Where to Stay in San Francisco: A thorough Guide to the ideal Neighborhoods
- DAY TRIPS – The 12 Best Day Trips from San Francisco
- WEEEND TRIPS – 10 stunning Weekend Getaways from San Francisco
- GLUTEN FREE GUIDE – Gluten Free San Francisco: A comprehensive Guide for Celiacs
Hotels vs. Vacation Rentals in SF: Which to Choose?
One thing I do want to touch on is vacation rentals in San Francisco. San Francisco is in the midst of a full-fledged housing crisis, and while I wouldn’t point to vacation rentals as the primary cause, they’re almost certainly a contributing factor.
I have mixed views about temporarily living in vacation rentals located in urban areas.
On one hand, as a traveler living with Celiac Disease who typically relies on kitchen access, campervans offer an accommodation that has enabled visiting locations not as easily experienced staying in hotels, where use of a small refrigerator might be uncertain.
On the other hand, in cities where a lack of housing supply coupled with surging demand has created a crisis (which essentially describes every major West Coast city at this point), vacation rentals contribute to the problem by removing long term rental units from the market, since the landlord can usually earn more money by renting it out on a weekend basis.
Vacation rentals can also contribute to gentrification in developing neighborhoods, pushing out long-time residents who have lived there for decades in favor of brand new luxury condominiums as well as new dining and shopping options.
I used to recommend exploring an Airbnb in the Mission, which is one of our favorite neighborhoods in San Francisco but lacks hotels, but I would no longer advise that given the effect it has had on the local community.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to staying in vacation rentals. To act as a conscientious traveler, our guidance would be to avoid vacation rentals altogether in San Francisco.
There are plentiful great hotels in San Francisco, so if you want to avoid that choice altogether, you’ll easily find an amazing place to stay. Generally, lodgings in San Francisco are expensive, and the vast majority are in Union Square, which isn’t the BEST place to stay in my view, but there are some cool hotels worth considering.
More to Explore All Over California
Travelling to the great state of California? Here are some other posts you may appreciate.
- Spending a Day in San Francisco: Tips for Seeing the Top Attractions of San Francisco in a Single Day
- Planning an Amazing San Francisco Vacation Over 4 Days: An Insightful Itinerary
- Deciding Where to Stay in San Francisco: A Local’s Guide to the Best Lodging Options
- Traveling Gluten Free in San Francisco: A Thorough Guide for Celiacs
- The Most Amazing Day Excursions from San Francisco: 10 Memorable Trips Outside the City
- Planning 5 Wonderful Days in Los Angeles: Creating an Ideal Itinerary
- Selecting Accommodations in Los Angeles: A Complete Guide to the Best Lodging Options
- Dining Out Gluten Free in Los Angeles: A Thorough Resource for Celiacs
- Spending 3 Memorable Days in San Diego: Crafting a Perfect Itinerary
- Deciding Where to Lodge in San Diego: A Complete Guide to Amazing Accommodation Choices
- Eating Out Gluten Free in San Diego: A Comprehensive Guide for Celiacs
- Planning a Memorable Road Journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles
- Driving the Best of Northern California`s Coast: An Insightful Itinerary
