Where to Stay in San Francisco: Best Areas & Hotels

Compact and hilly, San Francisco sits at the northern tip of a peninsula bordered by the Pacific Ocean. Known for its steep streets, foggy mornings, and the Golden Gate Bridge, “San Fran” has long stood out as one of California’s most recognizable and photographed cities. This guide to the best areas to stay in San Francisco breaks down the city’s best neighborhoods—whether you’re here for sightseeing, food, or nightlife.

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Accommodation Options in San Francisco

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As one of the most visited places in the U.S., San Francisco is full of instantly recognizable landmarks. It’s also a major economic and tech hub. Here, you’ll find everything from luxury hotels in the central neighborhoods to budget B&Bs and hostels.

Founded by Spanish missionaries in 1776, San Francisco blends history, activism, and innovation in a way few American cities do. It’s a world-famous LGBTQ+ destination, with the Castro as its epicenter. At the same time, it’s a global tech hub anchored by nearby Silicon Valley, making it one of the most influential cities in the country.

Many of San Francisco’s best-known landmarks are clustered in the northeastern part of the city. Union Square anchors the area with its department stores and theaters. Just east, the Embarcadero stretches along the waterfront, leading to ferry piers and departures to Alcatraz. A short walk away, neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach, and Nob Hill offer a mix of restaurants, historic architecture, and small parks. Getting around is relatively simple with buses, cable cars, and BART trains. Furthermore, many neighborhoods are compact enough to explore on foot—if you don’t mind a few steep climbs.

This guide covers the best areas to stay in San Francisco, helping you find the right base for your trip you’re planning.

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What’s the best area to stay in San Francisco?

The best area to stay in San Francisco is the City Center, often referred to as Downtown. This is where you’ll find most of the city’s big-name hotels and top attractions—Union Square, the Embarcadero, theaters, shopping, and transit connections to everywhere else. Downtown includes smaller neighborhoods like Union Square, the Financial District, and the Theater District, each with a slightly different vibe.

Find accommodation in the City Center here.

Best Hotels in Downtown San Francisco

• Best five-star hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
• Best four-star hotel: Galleria Park Hotel
• Best three-star hotel: Kensington Park Hotel
• Best budget hotel: Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
• Best B&B: Nob Hill Charm
• Best hostel: HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel

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The Coolest Neighborhoods to Stay in San Francisco

While it’s true that the City Center is the best location for most first-time visitors, it’s far from the only option. San Francisco is full of vibrant, distinct neighborhoods—some with big views, others with big personality. These are some of the coolest areas to stay in San Francisco:

• Union Square: Central, upscale, and full of shopping, theaters, and hotels.
• Theater District: Neon-lit at night and walkable to downtown’s stages and restaurants.
• Embarcadero & Financial District: Scenic waterfront walks and weekday energy.
• Nob Hill & Russian Hill: Historic hotels, panoramic views, and elegant streets.
• Fisherman’s Wharf & North Beach: Tourist favorites with waterfront charm and old-school Italian vibes.
• SoMa: Museums, nightlife, and sports stadiums.
• Tenderloin: Gritty but historically vital to the city’s LGBTQ+ and activist scene.
• The Castro: LGBTQ+ heart of SF, historic, bold, and community-driven.
• Mission District: Murals, Latinx culture, and some of the city’s best food.
• Haight-Ashbury: Flower Power history and vintage shops.
• Pacific Heights: Grand homes and sweeping views.
• Richmond District: Great for food and park access with fewer crowds.
• Chinatown: Bustling, historic, and packed with shops and dim sum.
• Japantown: Small, quiet, and full of cultural charm.
• Oakland: Affordable, creative, and a quick BART ride across the Bay.
• South San Francisco & SFO Airport: Best for early flights and business stays.

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Where to Stay in San Francisco: Accommodation Map

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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in San Francisco, CA

Union Square is a shopper’s paradise, packed with luxury boutiques, department stores, and art galleries.

Why is this the best area to stay in SF:
• Central location
• Cable car access
• Luxury hotels
• Union Square Plaza
• Designer shopping
• Art galleries
• Chinatown nearby
• Rooftop bars
• Holiday ice rink
• Powell cable car turnaround
• Diverse dining
• Street performances

Located in the heart of San Francisco’s City Center, Union Square is one of the most visited parts of the city. It’s best known as a shopping and hotel hub, anchored by its namesake plaza and surrounded by department stores, luxury boutiques, galleries, and big-brand flagships. You’ll find high-end names like Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry right next to Nike, Apple, and Uniqlo, all within a few blocks. It’s the kind of place where you can pick up a designer scarf and a pair of Converse without changing streets.

The square was named in the 1860s after pro-Union rallies held during the Civil War and has since grown into the city’s retail and cultural core. Over the decades, it became the go-to destination for department store shopping and theater nights, and that mix still defines the area today.

Surrounding the plaza are several landmarks worth noting. Just a few minutes away is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, which houses one of the most important contemporary collections in the country. Nearby, the Contemporary Jewish Museum and Yerba Buena Gardens offer cultural spaces and green corners in the middle of the city. The neighborhood is also home to theaters like the Curran and ACT’s Geary Theater, known for staging touring Broadway shows and original productions.

This central part of the city is also one of the easiest to get around. Powell Street Station sits just a block away and connects multiple Muni Metro lines with BART, the regional train system that links the city to Oakland, Berkeley, and the airport. Additionally, the F-Market historic streetcar and the Powell-Hyde cable car both pass through here, offering scenic rides to Fisherman’s Wharf, Market Street, and the Embarcadero.

Accommodations in Union Square are upscale, with many big-name hotels and historic landmarks. You can expect higher rates here than in other parts of the city, but the location and easy transit connections often make it worth the extra bucks.

Best Hotels in Union Square

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Centered around Market Street, San Francisco’s Theater District offers culture, entertainment, shopping, and museums.

Why is this the best area to stay in SF:
• Broadway-style shows
• Historic Orpheum Theatre
• Golden Gate Theatre performances
• Central Market Street location
• Easy BART and Muni access
• Vibrant nightlife

Nestled between Civic Center and Union Square, San Francisco’s Theater District centers on Market Street and nearby blocks, making it a natural walking extension of the downtown hotel zone. As a cultural hub, it hosts some of the West Coast’s most prestigious performance venues and arts institutions.

The crown jewel is the War Memorial Opera House, home to the San Francisco Opera and Ballet, which hosts dozens of major productions annually. Along Market Street, you’ll find the historic Golden Gate Theatre and the Orpheum Theatre, known for big-name Broadway tours. Nearby on Geary, the A.C.T. Geary Theater produces award-winning drama, while The Warfield on 6th Street hosts concerts and comedy nights in a 2,300-seat space.

The neighborhood also includes key public landmarks like San Francisco City Hall, the Asian Art Museum, and the International Art Museum of America. Film fans can visit AMC Metreon 16 for IMAX screenings or catch a movie at one of several smaller cinemas nearby.

Most performances begin between 7 and 8 PM, with weekend matinees starting around 2 PM. Many restaurants along Sutter, Geary, and Market offer pre-show menus between 5 and 7 PM, and the area stays active before and after showtime.

Transportation is easy: Civic Center/UN Plaza Station and Powell Street Station serve BART and Muni Metro, and the area’s street grid makes it highly walkable.

Hotels here are mostly mid-range or business-oriented, with several boutique options close to the action. Rates are often slightly lower than those in Union Square, making it a solid choice for theatergoers who want to stay nearby.

Best Hotels in San Francisco’s Theater District

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The Embarcadero area offers waterfront vibe, ferry connections, and the Financial District’s impressive skyline.

Why is this the best area to stay in SF:
• Ferry Building Marketplace
• Exploratorium science museum
• Pier 7 Bay views
• Alcatraz ferry access
• Embarcadero Center shopping
• Waterfront walking paths
• Transamerica Pyramid skyline icon

Stretching along the northeastern edge of the city, the Embarcadero follows the waterfront from the Bay Bridge to Pier 39. Once lined with shipping piers (“embarcadero” is Spanish for pier or jetty), it’s now one of San Francisco’s most scenic walking areas, with palm trees, wide sidewalks, and views across the bay.

At its heart is the Ferry Building, a 19th-century terminal turned gourmet food hall, known for its marketplace and popular farmers market. Just across the street, the F-Market streetcar begins its route along the waterfront using restored vintage trams.

Directly behind the Embarcadero rises the Financial District, home to San Francisco’s tallest buildings and busiest office blocks. It’s where you’ll find the iconic Transamerica Pyramid, major bank headquarters, and corporate towers. While quiet on weekends, the area is packed during weekday lunch hours and offers easy access to public transit.

Attractions like the Exploratorium, Sue Bierman Park, and the ferry piers are all within walking distance. The Embarcadero Station sits beneath the Ferry Building and connects both BART and Muni Metro lines, with direct service to downtown, Oakland, and the airport. The neighborhood is flat and bike-friendly, ideal for walking to nearby areas like North Beach or Fisherman’s Wharf.

The hotels here are upscale, and while much of the vibe is business-focused, the bay views and quiet evenings make it a great base close to the action.

Best Hotels in Embarcadero & the Financial District

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Nob Hill and Russian Hill are rich with history and elegance, boasting classic architecture, cable cars, and sweeping views.

Why is this the best area to stay in SF:
• Grace Cathedral architecture
• Historic Fairmont Hotel
• Cable Car Museum
• California Street cable car line
• Top of the Mark rooftop views
• Nob Hill Masonic Center events
• Quiet upscale atmosphere
• Lombard Street switchbacks
• Hyde Street cable car route
• Francisco Park Bay views

Set on two of San Francisco’s steepest ridges, Nob Hill and Russian Hill offer sweeping views, historic landmarks, and a quieter, upscale feel north of Union Square.

Nob Hill is known for its early 20th-century grandeur, anchored by the elegant Fairmont Hotel and Grace Cathedral, a French Gothic landmark with stained-glass windows and a walkable labyrinth. A few blocks away, the Cable Car Museum offers a look inside the machinery that still powers the city’s most iconic transit system.

To the north, Russian Hill draws visitors to the famously winding block of Lombard Street, lined with landscaped switchbacks and Victorian homes. Beyond the crowds, the neighborhood offers steep stairways, quiet parks, and some of the best panoramic views of Alcatraz and the bay.

Both neighborhoods are served by cable car lines and several Muni buses, though walking involves serious climbs. Accommodation leans upscale, with classic hotels in Nob Hill and smaller inns or rentals in Russian Hill.

Best Hotels in Nob Hill & Russian Hill

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Fisherman’s Wharf & North Beach offer vibrant waterfront views, rich history, and delicious eats from seafood stalls to Italian cafés.

Why is this the best area to stay in SF:
• Sea lions at Pier 39
• Alcatraz ferry departures
• Historic ships at Maritime Park
• Sourdough bread bowls
• Ghirardelli Square chocolate shops
• Musée Mécanique arcade museum
• Italian cafés on Columbus Avenue
• Washington Square Park
• Saints Peter and Paul Church

Located north of the city center, Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach sit side by side along the waterfront and hillside, forming one of San Francisco’s most visited areas.

Fisherman’s Wharf is home to Pier 39, sea lions, Alcatraz ferry docks, Ghirardelli Square, and family-friendly spots like the Aquarium of the Bay. It’s touristy but walkable, with bay views, sourdough stands, and street performers along every block.

Just inland, North Beach brings a very different energy—once the city’s Italian enclave, it’s known for old-school cafés, pasta joints, and its role in Beat Generation history. You’ll find City Lights Bookstore, Washington Square Park, and sweeping views from Coit Tower on nearby Telegraph Hill.

The area is served by the F-Market streetcar, Powell-Hyde cable car, and several bus lines. You can also walk here from the Embarcadero or Union Square if you’re up for a few hills.

Hotels around the Wharf tend to be mid-range to tourist-focused. North Beach has fewer options, but staying nearby gives you easy access to some of the city’s top sights and restaurants.

Best Hotels in North Beach & Fisherman’s Wharf

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South of Market (SoMa) is a trendy mix of tech and culture, home to contemporary museums, upscale dining, and a thriving LGBTQ+ community.

Why is this the best area to stay in SF:
• SF Museum of Modern Art
• Chase Center events
• Yerba Buena Gardens
• Contemporary architecture
• Easy BART and Muni access
• Moscone Center conventions
• Trendy rooftop bars

Just south of downtown and stretching west from the bay, SoMa—short for South of Market—covers a large, varied section of central San Francisco. Depending on where you are in the neighborhood, you might find office towers, warehouses turned art spaces, tech headquarters, museums, or nightclubs. It’s one of the fastest-changing parts of the city and sits just 0.5 miles (800 meters) south of Union Square.

SoMa is home to some of San Francisco’s most important cultural institutions. The standout is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), known for its extensive collection of postwar and contemporary art and striking Mario Botta and Snøhetta-designed building. Nearby, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts hosts exhibitions, performances, and film screenings, while MoAD (Museum of the African Diaspora) focuses on global Black art and history.

For sports fans, SoMa is where you’ll find Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. The waterfront stadium is one of the most scenic in Major League Baseball and a short walk from the main part of the neighborhood. On game days, the streets nearby fill with fans heading to the park or watching from nearby bars and restaurants.

SoMa is also known for its nightlife. While the club scene isn’t as intense as it once was, you’ll still find electronic music venues, LGBTQ+ bars, and late-night spots tucked between warehouses. Folsom Street, in particular, has long been the center of the city’s leather subculture and hosts the annual Folsom Street Fair, one of the largest alternative lifestyle festivals in the world.

Public transportation is reliable, with Montgomery Street Station and Powell Street Station nearby for both Muni Metro and BART. Several surface-level Muni lines also cross SoMa, and walking to Union Square or the waterfront is manageable from most of the neighborhood.

Hotel options in SoMa range from high-rise business hotels to design-forward boutiques. Prices vary widely depending on location—closer to Market Street or the ballpark typically means more foot traffic and better access to sights.

Best Hotels in SoMa San Francisco

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Bursting with color and pride, the Castro is one of the world’s most iconic LGBTQ+ neighborhoods.

Why is this the best area to stay in San Francisco:
• Castro Theatre
• Rainbow crosswalks
• LGBTQ+ history landmarks
• Harvey Milk Plaza
• Colorful murals and street art

Few neighborhoods in the United States—if not the world—carry as much cultural weight as The Castro. Located about 2 miles (3.2 km) southwest of Union Square, this district has long been considered the symbolic heart of the LGBTQ+ movement in America. Its history is intertwined with activism, visibility, and resilience, and many travelers come here specifically to understand that legacy.

Originally a working-class neighborhood in the late 19th century, the area was known as Eureka Valley before taking on the name of Castro Street, its main commercial strip. The shift began in the 1960s and ’70s, as LGBTQ+ people began settling in the area—attracted by San Francisco’s climate of tolerance and the city’s relatively affordable Victorian housing stock at the time. Following the 1967 Summer of Love in nearby Haight-Ashbury, the Castro became a hub for LGBTQ+ life and political organizing.

By the mid-1970s, Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, had opened a camera shop here and launched his political career from the neighborhood. The intersection of Castro and 18th Street, where Harvey Milk Plaza now stands, remains one of the most photographed LGBTQ+ landmarks in the world. The nearby Castro Theatre, with its neon marquee and 1920s Spanish-Baroque interior, continues to host film festivals, drag shows, and live events.

Walking through the Castro today, the neighborhood’s identity is proudly on display. Rainbow flags hang from nearly every pole, sidewalks are embedded with plaques commemorating LGBTQ+ pioneers, and storefronts range from bookstores and sex shops to cafes, bars, and clothing boutiques. The vibe is lively but welcoming, with most activity concentrated around Castro Street between Market and 19th.

Although it’s no longer the only LGBTQ+ district in the city, the Castro remains its most famous—and for many, still its most meaningful. Annual events like San Francisco Pride, Pink Saturday, and the Castro Street Fair draw thousands of attendees, both local and international.

Transportation is straightforward, with the Castro Muni Metro Station located right in the middle of the district. It’s served by underground K, L, and M lines that connect to downtown and the rest of the city.

Read more about SF’s Castro neighborhood.

Best Hotels in the Castro

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The upscale Marina District features waterfront parks, the Palace of Fine Arts, and postcard views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Set along San Francisco’s northern waterfront, just west of Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina District is known for its postcard views, laid-back feel, and proximity to some of the city’s most scenic spots. It was built on reclaimed land after the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, and its wide streets, low-rise buildings, and waterfront parks still reflect that era’s planned design.

The area’s biggest draw is the Palace of Fine Arts, a monumental rotunda originally constructed for the 1915 expo and now a favorite photo and picnic spot. Just north, Marina Green stretches along the bay, with walking paths and uninterrupted views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The district is also within walking distance of Crissy Field, part of the Presidio, offering one of the best waterfront promenades in the city.

Chestnut Street serves as the Marina’s commercial strip, with boutique shops, cafes, juice bars, and brunch spots popular with locals and visitors alike. The neighborhood skews upscale and residential, and while nightlife is more subdued than in areas like SoMa or the Mission, it’s lively on weekends thanks to its bar and restaurant scene.

There’s no direct BART or Muni Metro service to the Marina, but several bus routes link the area to downtown and the Presidio. It’s also a walkable district, especially for reaching the waterfront and nearby green spaces.

Best Hotels in the Marina District

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San Francisco’s Chinatown blends vibrant culture, historic temples, and bustling markets into a colorful urban experience.

Just a few blocks north of Union Square, San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America and one of the largest outside Asia. Established in the 1850s, it remains a dense and lively neighborhood packed with herbal shops, dim sum restaurants, markets, and family-owned bakeries.

The main entrance is the Dragon Gate at Bush and Grant, but the busiest stretches are along Stockton Street (for locals) and Grant Avenue (for visitors). Highlights include the Tin How Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in the U.S., and the Chinese Historical Society Museum, located in a former YWCA designed by Julia Morgan.

The neighborhood is walkable but hilly in parts. It borders North Beach and the Financial District, making it easy to explore multiple areas in one outing. There’s no BART stop in Chinatown, but it’s well served by Muni buses and nearby cable cars.

Best Hotels in Chinatown

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Pacific Heights is known for its grand mansions, upscale boutiques and panoramic views of the Bay.

Set on one of San Francisco’s highest residential ridges, Pacific Heights is known for its grand mansions, quiet streets, and some of the best views in the city. Located about 1.8 miles (2.9 km) northwest of Union Square, the neighborhood feels far removed from the bustle of downtown, yet it’s still within reach by bus or a brisk walk.

Historically home to old money and well-connected locals, the area showcases early 20th-century architecture—from ornate Victorians to stately Beaux-Arts homes. One of its most famous properties is the Spreckels Mansion, a former sugar baron’s estate that now belongs to author Danielle Steel.

The highlight for many is the view. You’ll get panoramic vistas over the bay, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Golden Gate Bridge along Lyon Street, especially near the Lyon Street Steps. Nearby, Lafayette Park and Alta Plaza Park offer green space, skyline views, and popular picnic spots.

Pacific Heights doesn’t have major attractions in the traditional sense, but it’s a great area for quiet walks past well-kept homes, tree-lined streets, and boutique shopping on nearby Fillmore Street. You’ll find designer stores, bookstores, bakeries, and wine shops without the crowds of the city center.

The area isn’t served directly by BART or Muni Metro, but several bus lines run through it and connect with central districts. Streets are steep in parts, but walkable, and the peaceful setting makes it a good option for travelers looking to escape the city’s denser, louder neighborhoods.

Best Hotels in Pacific Heights

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The Mission District pulses with Latinx culture, street art, and culinary hotspots.

Located south of Union Square, the Mission District is one of San Francisco’s oldest neighborhoods and a major hub for Latinx culture, public art, and nightlife. It takes its name from Mission Dolores, built in 1776 and still standing today as the city’s oldest surviving structure.

The area is known for its colorful murals, especially along Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley, which depict themes ranging from cultural pride to political protest. Its mix of taquerías, bakeries, dive bars, and experimental galleries keeps the vibe lively and local.

For food, it’s hard to beat the Mission. It is home to iconic spots like La Taqueria, along with trendier restaurants and natural wine bars popping up along Valencia Street. Weekends bring parkgoers to Dolores Park, one of the city’s best places for people-watching with skyline views.

To move around, 16th St. and 24th St. Mission stations are a short walk away, with Muni buses covering the rest. The neighborhood is flat and easy to explore on foot.

Best Hotels in the Mission

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Located between Golden Gate Park and the Presidio, Richmond offers peaceful stays with easy access to nature.

Stretching west from Presidio to the Pacific Ocean, the Richmond District is a quiet, residential neighborhood. It’s known for its laid-back vibe, foggy mornings, and excellent food—especially Chinese, Russian, and Vietnamese.

Its location between Golden Gate Park and the Presidio makes it a good base for outdoor lovers. Key spots include the Legion of Honor, Baker Beach, and Lands End.

Clement Street anchors local life with great dumplings, bakeries, and markets. The district isn’t served by BART or Metro, but Muni buses offer regular connections.

Best Hotels in Richmond

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Known for its counterculture roots, Haight-Ashbury is a bohemian enclave with vintage shops, psychedelic murals, and ties to the Summer of Love.

Best known as the birthplace of the 1967 Summer of Love, Haight-Ashbury is one of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods. It’s located between Golden Gate Park and the Lower Haight, and it’s iconic for its countercultural roots and colorful streets.

The neighborhood rose to international fame in the 1960s as a center of hippie culture, attracting musicians, artists, and activists. Figures like Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane once lived in its Victorian homes. Today, that legacy is still felt in its vintage stores, record shops, and psychedelic murals—offering strong Flower Power vibes at every corner.

The main drag, Haight Street, is lined with retro clothing shops, smoke stores, bookstores, and independent cafes. Though tourism has brought change, the area retains a laid-back, eccentric energy that sets it apart from more polished parts of the city.

Just a few blocks away, Golden Gate Park provides a huge green space for biking, walking, or visiting attractions like the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences. This proximity adds another layer of appeal for travelers wanting both cultural history and nature in one place.

There’s no direct BART or Muni Metro service, but several Muni bus lines connect Haight-Ashbury to downtown. The neighborhood is walkable, especially along Haight Street and into the adjacent park.

Best Hotels in Haight-Ashbury

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Gritty and eclectic, the Tenderloin is known for its vibrant arts scene, dive bars, and local theaters.

Bordering Union Square to the west, the Tenderloin offers a different, less polished side to San Francisco, especially compared to the more affluent districts that surround it. That said, the area has played a vital role in the city’s cultural history, especially for the queer and trans communities.

The Tenderloin has long served as a haven for marginalized groups, including sex workers, trans people, drag performers, and other queer individuals who weren’t always welcomed in places like the Castro. In fact, the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot of 1966—widely considered one of the first acts of organized trans resistance in the U.S.—took place here, three years before Stonewall. Today, the Tenderloin Museum helps document this legacy, offering exhibits on the district’s immigrant history, nightlife, and queer activism.

The neighborhood is also part of the city’s underground arts and nightlife scenes. Small theaters, jazz lounges, and drag cabarets still operate here. The area’s gritty character isn’t for everyone, but it’s an important part of the puzzle in San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ history.

Accommodation here tends to be on the budget end, though it comes with trade-offs. Some older buildings house basic hotels or hostels, but experiences vary widely.

Transit connections are solid. The Powell Street, Civic Center, and Van Ness stations all sit along the neighborhood’s southern edge, and several Muni bus and streetcar lines cross the area. The Tenderloin is compact and walkable, but visitors should stay aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

Best Hotels in the Tenderloin

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Across the Bay, Oakland offers a vibrant arts scene, Lake Merritt’s urban nature, and historic neighborhoods.

Located just across the bay, Oakland is San Francisco’s largest East Bay neighbor and a good base for travelers seeking more space or lower prices. It’s about 10 miles (16 km) from downtown SF and takes roughly 15–20 minutes by BART, which runs frequently.

Uptown offers art galleries, bars, and live music. Lake Merritt is popular for walking and relaxing. The 19th Street BART Station is the most central and connects directly to San Francisco.

Oakland works well for longer trips, budget-conscious travelers, or anyone curious to explore the Bay Area beyond SF’s tourist core.

Read more about the best areas to stay in Oakland.

Best Hotels in Oakland, CA

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Home to the University of California, Berkeley is a vibrant college town offering scenic hikes in the nearby hills.

Home to UC Berkeley, this city sits about 13 miles (21 km) northeast of San Francisco. It takes about 30–35 minutes by BART from downtown SF to Downtown Berkeley Station.

Expect bookstores, cafes, and politically active energy near Telegraph Avenue, as well as excellent dining around the Gourmet Ghetto. It’s quieter than Oakland but still vibrant.

Hotels are limited but decent, and Berkeley works well for campus visits or low-key stays with reliable transit into San Francisco.

Best Hotels in Berkeley, CA

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South San Francisco offers budget accommodation and easy access to SFO International Airport.

Despite its name, South San Francisco is a separate city, located about 14 miles (22 km) south of downtown. It’s mostly suburban and industrial, with few attractions but decent access to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

SFO is among the busiest airports in the U.S., handling over 40 million passengers annually. It’s a major hub for United and Alaska Airlines, with nonstop flights to Europe, Asia, Oceania, and across the Americas. The airport has four terminals connected by a free AirTrain system.

Downtown San Francisco is reachable in about 30 minutes via BART. SamTrans buses, taxis, ride-shares, and rental cars are also available. Hotels near the airport line El Camino Real and Bayshore Highway, often with free shuttles.

Best Hotels near San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

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