The breakdown of social order in San Francisco has been well documented in the news. Many would be concerned about their personal safety. For the most part, there are no major safety concerns for people traveling in the San Francisco area during the daytime hours, and it is a relatively small area. However, there are some common sense safety measures that should be taken:
Public transportation or rideshares such as Uber are better options than driving yourself for almost all situations. If you do drive, make sure you don't park on the street and try to use a hotel garage as much as possible because there tends to be a lot of thieves breaking windows and stealing things out of cars.
If you are planning on carrying valuables or expensive bags, or if you will be using your phone on the street, it's best that you do not walk alone during the night. In fact, it's better to get back to your hotel by 8 p.m. to avoid the chance of robbery.
Make sure to avoid booking hotels around the Tenderloin area as well as parts of Market street where there are many un-housed people.
Watch out for people who try to get you to take their picture and then demand money. This can happen even around Union Square, so be careful.
On the map, a darker color means there is more crime. For travelers with cars, Fisherman's Wharf is the most suitable choice here. It has relatively cheap parking, and is easier to walk around in, plus it gives good access to Palace of Fine Arts and Lombard Street and Alcatraz. Another good choice is Union Square, especially for travelers using public transport. They can enjoy nearby attractions and restaurants, as well as close proximity to Powell Street Station and cable cars. There is one main issue: avoid the Tenderloin district.
Fisherman’s Wharf Area
Fisherman's Wharf is a great place for independent travelers because of its location and easy navigation. Though there are indications of homelessness (which is not uncommon throughout the city), and vehicle break-ins are still possible, the frequency is lower than in other parts of the city. There is also noise from the tourist spots, bars, and restaurants, and the selection of hotels is limited and prices are higher.
San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf
As a well-known brand hotel, it is a reliable and safe option in the area. Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39 are also nearby.
Name: San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf
Low season price range: 1,755 RMB/day
Parking rate: 73.08 USD/day
Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf
This hotel works well for family stays. Given its location, it offers all the basic requirements at a good price.
Name: Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf
Low season price range: 900+ RMB/day
Parking rate: 60 USD/day
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
The location is excellent as Fisherman’s Wharf is only a 5-minute walk and Lombard Street is a 3-minute walk.
Boasting a nautical theme, positive online reviews, and a charming environment, this hotel is a good choice for both kids and adults.
Name: Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
Seasonal price: 1400+ RMB per person per day
Driving info: Parking is 74 USD per day
Cow Hollow Inn and Suites
This chain hotel near Fisherman's Wharf provides great value. The free parking is a big draw for self-drive travelers.
Name: Cow Hollow Inn and Suites Seasonal price: 1100+ RMB per person per day
If you like this, you will also like Chelsea Inn which provides free parking as well.
Union Square Area
Union Square is the other go-to option for most travelers. They have a wide range of hotels, good restaurants, and great transport links. Hotels of a similar standard tend to be a little cheaper than those around Fisherman's Wharf. The downside is the street environment, which is less pleasant as there are more unhoused people in that area. Other than the Tenderloin area, you can avoid night walks and the street environment is much better.
Tips: Drivers will find parking to be a significant cost. Ellis-O'Farrell Garage offers 2 to 6 USD per hour with a maximum of 42 USD per day. Mason O'Farrell Garage has an 8 USD charge for the first hour and a maximum of 36 USD per day. Union Square Garage charges up to 6 USD per hour with a 36 USD maximum.
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
This is a long-established family hotel that has been in operation since the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Situated directly across from Union Square, it boasts an excellent location surrounded by shopping and dining and is a short walk to the cable car stop and Macy’s. It’s hard to find a better spot for shopping, eating, and easy transport!
Hotel name: Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Low season starting price: US$1,400+/night
Driving: Parking at the hotel is US$35/day, good value by SF standards.
citizenM San Francisco Union Square
Opened in 2021, this hotel offers a playful and vibrant design aesthetic and brings an exciting new option to the market. Enjoy the 24-hour restaurant and bar, and relax in comfortable guest rooms with tablet controls for all your needs.
Hotel name: citizenM San Francisco Union Square
Low season starting price: RMB 1,100+/night
Driving: No parking available at the hotel; a block away is US$44/day.
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
This historic hotel opened in 1904 and was renovated in 2014. It occupies a prime position directly in front of the Union Square cable car stop. The property features an authentic vintage magenta grandfather clock for old-world charm, and the Westin Heavenly Bed offers modern comfort along with other contemporary amenities. Don’t miss the tasting room from Chateau Montelena.
Hotel name: The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
Low season starting price: RMB 1,400+/night
Driving: Parking is US$75/day
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
Located on Market Street in the SoMa arts district, this hotel requires caution and consideration from those who are concerned about the immediate surroundings. The area has a variety of restaurants and cafes, as well as being close to SFMOMA, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
Address: Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
Low-season reference rate: RMB 1,800+/night
Driving info: Parking is US$85.50/day
San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco has a well-developed public transport system. Uber or Lyft to downtown usually takes less than 30 minutes and costs about US$35 one way. This is cheaper than a night of hotel parking for most people. From the airport, a BART ticket to downtown is about US$9. For travelers with a car, airport hotels can be the better option as they are usually less than half the price of downtown hotels and include free parking and airport shuttles.
The Dylan Hotel at SFO
This hotel has good proximity to a supermarket, several restaurants, and the BART station, allowing for easy onward travel.
Address: The Dylan Hotel at SFO
Low-season reference rate: RMB 720+/night
Perks: Free parking; Shuttle service to the airport
Bay Landing Hotel
This hotel is only a six-minute drive from the airport and has restaurants nearby, making it easy for dining. It offers excellent value for the airport proximity.
Address: Bay Landing Hotel
Low-season reference rate: RMB 720+/night
Perks: Free parking; Shuttle service to the airport
