Cheap Flights to San Francisco

San Francisco Travel Information

Occupying a dream location at the tip of a peninsula amidst the Californian hills and overlooking a spectacular bay on the Pacific shore, the city of San Francisco offers its visitors an eclectic mix of natural beauty, buzzing neighbourhoods and high-octane lifestyle choices. Once just a small Spanish mission town, the city became part of the United States, via Mexico, in 1846, along with the rest of California. The 'Frisco gold rush brought the world stampeding to this 'city by the bay' in 1849, and for its bustling Chinatown, feisty Castro and similar districts that frenetic cosmopolitan energy never went away.

Walking is a great way to see this dynamic city, enjoy panoramic views across the sparkling bay from the Embarcadero, and experience the splendour of the natural landscapes and trails close by. To cover more ground in the metropolis, the S.F. Muni, a 'streetcar' transit system, will take you past graceful Victorian town houses, boutiques and bars, to exotic locations such as the waterfront, the world-class museums of Golden Gate Park, or the awesome Golden Gate Bridge.

As the Mission District murals testify, San Francisco's street art, like most of its palette of art and cultural attractions, is of international significance. This vibrant urban environment inspired the Beat Generation, the hippie movement and 'flower-power', gay rights, and many other bohemian counter-cultures as well as radical activist movements in support of feminism and worker's rights.

The city is also a renowned as a food and wine capital with élite restaurants, cocktail bars, trendy ethnic cuisine, local organic farmer's markets, and every variety of food trucks at street level. Those in the know can enjoy unique fine dining accompanied by exquisite vintage Californian wines which never reach the export markets.

Don't get caught out by the bay climate! Like everything else in the city, San Francisco's weather patterns are distinctive. The June – August 'summer' months can bring fog, chill winds, and temperatures of 18° C at best. The optimum outdoor months are September and October when the thermometer moves up to the low/mid 20s, and winters can be almost as warm but with more rain.