For this reason, if you plan to use public transit throughout your trip, we recommend purchasing a Clipper Card. The Clipper Card is a hassle free way to use both BART and Muni. Buses require exact change when you board, and BART ticket machines limit debit card transactions to one per day. Unfortunately, public transportation in the city is in need of some upgrades. Muni’s “Nextbus” app combined with Google Maps will help you get anywhere you need to go. Muni is the nickname for our municipal buses. Follow the signs to the train and purchase a BART ticket at the kiosk. BART, or “Bay Area Rapid Transit” is an easy and inexpensive way to get from the airport into the city center. Want to look like a local? Most women create their outfits around a favorite pair of boots and a scarf, while men can often be found in a simple button up and windbreaker.īoth major airports (OAK and SFO), are located outside of San Francisco proper, to the east and south, respectively. You won’t be out of place walking around in jeans and a sweatshirt. Unlike New York or LA, San Francisco is a casually dressed city. The warmest months are usually September-October, but the fog still rolls through, so a scarf and jacket are necessary any time of the year. The summertime is the foggiest season, but the sun shines through in the afternoon, so it is always best to pack layers that you can add or remove throughout the day. San Francisco has temperate weather, usually ranging between 50 to 60 degrees. The most prevalent crime here is car break ins, so be sure to take everything with you after you park! What to Pack SAFETY TIP: Although there are dangers in any place you visit, San Francisco is a safe city with a lower rate of violent crime than other tourist destinations like Las Vegas or even Orlando. Most importantly, remember that homeless people are citizens of San Francisco. We often box up our leftover food from restaurants and give it to people in place of cash, but if you would rather avoid contact altogether, that is okay too. Others may beg for change but you are not obligated to give anyone anything. This can be very unsettling for visitors.ĭo not take pictures of these people unless they invite you to, (some hold funny signs just for that purpose, but they may ask you for money in return). Combine that with the small size of the city and the result is a staggering number of people on the street. Recent data shows that San Francisco has the second highest homeless population in the nation. Use this guide to navigate your way though the city and enjoy it like a local!ĭisclaimer: The City’s Homeless Population & General Safetyīefore we start, it is necessary to address homelessness in the city. Beyond Alcatraz and Pier 39, San Francisco has wonderful art, culture and cuisine. There is so much to see and do in less than 49 square miles.
And follow me on Twitter at and Instagram.We have lived in San Francisco for over 6 years and we are still enchanted by this city. Thanks for visiting Stuck at the Airport. (Blue Comet engine 1931-39 Lionel Corp., Irvington, New Jersey On those days local model train clubs will set up and run miniature train layouts. If you’re at the airport on November 19th, November 22-23rd, or December 6th and 7th, make an extra effort to seek out the exhibit. Inside Track: Toy Trains is located pre-security in the International Terminal Main Hall and is on view through April 2009. (Mickey Mouse handcar 1934-37 Lionel Corp., Irvington, New Jersey Collection of David & Barbara Dansky) In addition to realistic-looking trains, there are specialty items such as Mickey Mouse handcars from the 1930s and the “Lady Lionel,” which was a pastel train marketed to girls during the 1950s.
Inside Track presents more than 200 vintage toy trains and accessories-including two miniature train layouts. (New York Central Railroad with alphabet blocks (push toy) 1885-95 Collection of Rod Cornell) A new exhibition at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is all about trains.