Flights To San Francisco Guide

Most flights from the UK to San Francisco depart from London Heathrow or London Gatwick airports, but occasionally, they may also leave from Manchester Airport. The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the primary airport in the city and presents four terminals with a variety of amenities, including eateries, shopping, and lounges. Alternative airports in SF include the Oakland International Airport (OAK) offering convenient access to the East Bay Area, and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), particularly facilitating passengers heading toward Silicon Valley.  British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and United fly direct and indirect routes into SFO (San Francisco International Airport). Direct flights will take between 10 and 11 hours, depending on which airline you choose to travel with from London and what route they decide upon flying over at any given time. 

When looking to find the best flights for your journey to San Francisco, please refer to the Woking Travel flight schedules for your chosen dates. Woking Travel also offers convenient transportation from the airport to your hotel, ensuring a hassle-free journey. Please check out Transfers – Woking Travel for more information. 

Woking Travel has everything that you need for your trip to San Francisco. If you are looking for hotels or vacation packages, check out Woking Travel Hotels and Woking Travel Packages. Here is a selection of the best hotels in the city, from luxurious five-star resorts to affordable yet comfortable retreats, sorted according to affordability and star rating to suit every traveller’s needs.

1. Fairmont San Francisco: Situated atop Nob Hill, this iconic 5-star hotel offers deluxe rooms with fantastic city and bay views. This prestigious accommodation is famous for its high-end amenities, chic interiors, good restaurants, and a globally recognized spa, aligning with its price tag.
   
   
2.  The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco: This 5-star hotel is a short walk from Union Square. On-site facilities include dining spaces, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a gym. Each opulent room has flat-screen TVs and marble bathtubs, making the hotel fall on the pricier side.
   
   
3.  Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco: Situated close to Union Square, this 5-star establishment boasts spa services, including an indoor pool, a gym, and direct entrance to the Yerba Buena Gardens. Furthermore, the restaurant serves local food and drinks, with exceptional services. This boutique-style hotel comes with a pricier cost, as well.
   
   
4. Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco: This hotel combines elegance from another era with modern luxury designs, including marvellous beds and marble bathrooms. It is located close to Market Street, near the Financial District. While not as costly as the 5-star alternatives, this 4-star hotel ensures you receive a premium experience.
   
   
5. Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights: This 4-star, boutique-style hotel is in a quaint neighbourhood – Pacific Heights –  and combines vintage style with contemporary comforts. This hotel offers up-to-date luxury amenities such as personalised staff services and a cosy charm complemented by typical American breakfasts at a moderate cost.
   
   
6. InterContinental San Francisco: Located in South of Market (SoMa), this 4-star contemporary hotel offers a magnificent city view from its high-rise floors. With a competitive price tag, it provides a premium experience with commendable services.
   
   
7. Taj Campton Place: Being a quintessential landmark of San Francisco near Union Square, this 4-star hotel offers top-tier services and appetising delicacies at its Michelin-starred restaurant at a fair price. 
   
   
8. Hotel Nikko San Francisco: Located downtown next to Union Square, this hotel has been awarded five stars for its stunning views over the city and its unique Japanese design philosophy. It also features refined accommodation, a lovely terrace, a glass-enclosed pool, a bar, and spacious parking.
   
   
9. Argonaut Hotel: Located in the archival Cannery building, this 3-star hotel presents a unique nautical interior, with a maritime-inspired ornamentation and suites overlooking the Bay, Alcatraz, and Fisherman’s Wharf. This hotel provides a worthwhile experience to its guests at a considerable cost, combining affordability and allure.
   
   
10. W San Francisco: Centrally located in SoMa, this contemporary 3-star hotel has modern rooms, a bustling bar, and direct access to the Moscone Centre and Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Along with being reasonably priced, this hotel ensures a memorable stay for its guests.
    

1. Underground BART System: The BART subway system is the fastest transit option around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It links the city’s airport (SFO) with Oakland, Berkeley, and other nearby areas.
   
   
2. MUNI System: San Francisco’s MUNI (Municipal Transportation Agency) system consists of buses and the Muni Metro light rail. It has many stops, most of which are wheelchair-accessible, making it affordable to get around town.
   
   
3. Cable Cars: Cable cars are a fun mode of transportation from downtown to Union Square and beyond. You can find route maps online or pick one up at any cable car turntable. You can pay per ride or buy a pass for unlimited rides for 1, 3, or 7 days.
   
   
4. Streetcars: The “F Market & Wharves” streetcar runs along the Embarcadero from Fisherman’s Wharf to Castro Street Station. Download a route map or use Google Maps for real-time streetcar arrival information.
   
   
5. Bike Share: If you want to explore solo, consider renting a bike using the Bay Area Bike Share system. Bicycles can be rented by the day or hour from stations all over town (and returned to any station).
   
   
6. Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis are easy to find in major tourist areas like downtown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Union Square. Uber and Lyft also operate in San Francisco; download their apps for service.
   
   
7. CalTrain: Caltrain is a commuter railway service between San Francisco and San Jose, with stops at several Peninsula towns. The last train back to San Jose leaves SF around midnight. This transport facility is used by travellers who intend to head toward Silicon Valley.
   
   
8. Ferry: Take a ferry for a scenic trip across the bay—either to Marin County or Alameda (Oakland Airport)! Ferry terminals are near Fisherman’s Wharf (to/from Sausalito) and at the Ferry Building (to/from Alameda).

Here’s a list of the top 10 tourist attractions in San Francisco, along with information on the destination to make your trip worthwhile.

1. The Golden Bridge: This famed bridge, coated in the international orange shade, is an engineering wonder and a landmark of San Francisco. It offers incredible views of the bay and the city skyline, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon, with ideal lighting. 
   
   
2. Alcatraz Island: Once an infamous federal prison, Alcatraz now offers enthralling tours that delve into its grim past. Consider booking a night-time tour for an exciting experience that might include an adrenaline rush.
   
   
3. Fisherman’s Wharf: This waterfront area’s main charms include energetic street performances and seafood, particularly clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls. A trip down memory lane at the antique arcade museum, Musee Mecanique, is not to be missed.
   
   
4. Chinatown: Nestled in a busy neighbourhood with temples, teahouses, and the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, lies the largest Chinatown outside Asia. Enriched with history and culture, this diverse place holds significant value.
   
   
5. Union Square: A thriving hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment, Union Square is flanked by department shops, movie theatres, and boutiques. Its allure is enhanced by the historic cable cars that run through Union Square.
   
   
6. Golden Gate Park: Golden Gate Park is a vast urban park with various attractions, including the Japanese Tea Garden, California Academy of Sciences, and de Young Museum, as well as lovely outdoor spaces ideal for picnics.
   
   
7. The Painted Ladies: The vivid Victorian and Edwardian houses, known as “Postcard Row,” shine bright against the San Francisco cityscape. Moreover, Alamo Square Park offers the most spectacular views.
   
   
8. Lombard Street: Lombard Street, called the “most crooked street in the world”, has eight narrow hairpin turns and intricately landscaped gardens. It is an iconic picture spot known for its exciting driving experience.
   
   
9. Twin Peaks: Twin Peaks are two hills, offering one of the best viewpoints in the city, with expansive views of San Francisco and the Bay. This location is a prime choice for photographers, especially at sundown.
   
   
10. Exploratorium: This interactive scientific museum, situated at Pier 15, offers practical displays that address science, artistry, and human comprehension. It’s an enjoyable site for tourists of all age groups, making it an ideal hangout spot for families.

San Francisco boasts a diverse range of delectable cuisines and pleasant ambiences. Here are the top 10 restaurants in San Francisco offering a top-tier dining experience for their customers:

1. Nisei: This exquisite Japanese-American restaurant offers a contemporary take on traditional dishes by fusing Northern Californian ingredients with rich Japanese flavours. Acclaimed for its refined cooking methods and distinct experiences, this restaurant provides a lovely experience.
   
   
2. Sorrel: Featuring a prix fixe menu, this restaurant based in Pacific Heights offers unique American and Italian delicacies. For seekers of sophistication, this place falls perfectly into that category.
   
   
3. Sweet Maple: Savoured by locals and visitors, this restaurant is a favourite, especially for its infamous Millionaire’s Bacon. Endless mimosas, a wide selection of breakfast dishes, and a lively ambience come in the menu, altogether.
   
   
4. La Taqueria: This Mexican restaurant offers a great menu with award-winning burritos, tacos, and nachos. With food that testifies for itself, this simple eatery is a Mission District mainstay.
   
   
5. Scoma’s Restaurant: Located by the Fisherman’s Wharf on the waterfront, Scoma’s is famous for its fresh seafood, such as Dungeness crab, clam chowder, and various fish dishes. This eatery has been serving delicious seafood since 1965, with a beautiful view of SF Bay.
   
   
6. City View: This bustling dim sum place can be found right within San Francisco’s Chinatown, where people can take advantage of steamed or fried dumplings and other Chinese delicacies in a lively banquet-style setup.
   
   
7. Liholiho Yacht Club: This Hawaiian twist to food is offered on the Liholiho Yacht, where global flavours mix with traditional Hawaiian palate such as spam musubi, poke bowls or kalua pork sliders to name but a few, which are served under a lively tropical theme.
   
   
8. Empress by Boon: Empress by Boon blends Californian ingredients with Asian flavours from China, Japan and Southeast Asia in dishes like miso-glazed black cod, shrimp wonton soup or pork belly bao bun. 
   
   
9. Mister Jiu’s:  Modern Cantonese cuisine uses seasonal products from local manufacturers, which has earned the restaurant a Michelin star. The menu includes innovative dishes like tea-smoked duck, salt and pepper crab, and black sesame tofu.
   
   
10. Copra: It is a Mediterranean-influenced restaurant famous for its creative small plates, delicious salads, and wood-fired pizzas. Their primary delicacies include grilled octopus, lamb meatballs, and roasted vegetable plates at the vibrant eatery with a pleasant ambience.

Catering to an extensive range of interests, here is a list of activities to do in San Francisco, curated particularly for tourists.

1. Walk or Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge: Walking or biking across the Bridge allows you to get close to the magnificent building while taking in the breathtaking spectacle of the bay and the city skyline.
   
   
2. Wander through Chinatown: Stride across the vibrant alleys of the oldest Chinatown in North America, home to several eateries, shops, and archival sites.
   
   
3. Cable Cars: Step into San Francisco’s famous car cables for a quintessential experience and a unique ride of the city’s rutted streets and neighbouring vicinities.
   
   
4. Explore Golden Gate Park: Spend a day travelling through the park’s gardens, recreational spaces, and museums, including the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences.
   
   
5. Haight-Ashbury: Explore Haight-Ashbury, the nexus of the 1960s counterculture movement, packed with unique cafes, antique shops, and eye-catching murals.
   
   
6. Stroll around the Ocean Beach: Ocean Beach, a vast, windswept beach on San Francisco’s western tip, is a great place to loosen up or go for a long walk while taking in the sundown.
   
   
7. Enjoy a Baseball Game at AT&T Park: Entertain yourself with a San Francisco Giants baseball game at AT&T Park, featuring stunning views of the bay from its higher deck seating.
   
   
8. Drive across Lombard Street: Drive across the crooked Lombard Street, and with every peak and valley, experience an exciting journey.
   
   
9. Hike to Twin Peaks: Hike across the mountainous terrain of the Twin Peaks and prepare yourself for a breathtaking view overlooking the city.
   
   
10. Museum Hopping: Explore the multitude of cultural offerings that SF has by visiting the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the Asian Art Museum, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Depending on the season, San Francisco’s weather offers many distinctive experiences all year round. Generally, the weather in San Francisco is temperate, with pleasant summers and warm winters. It rains prevalently throughout the winter. Although the overall climate throughout the year is generally mild, the weather is categorised into two main periods.

• Dry Summer Season ( March-August): San Francisco experiences cool summers with average highs ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit(18°C to 23°C). Morning fog along the coast, clean midday weather, and bright sunshine are what the summer normally looks like, in San Francisco. Driving, Hiking, Strolling around the beaches, and exploring city parks are ideal activities for the summer.

• Wet Winter Season (December-February): San Francisco has warm winters with highs often in the upper 50s to mid 60s Fahrenheit(15°C to 18°C). Rainfall is commonly seen in winter, particularly, especially from December to February. The city rarely experiences snow. However, heavy storms and showers are not unusual in winters. This season is the perfect time to explore indoor attractions.
  
  

Please refer to the Weather Forecast for San Francisco, CA to monitor the weather and plan the perfect San Francisco itinerary.

Here’s the time difference between UK and San Francisco

• GMT: San Francisco is 8 hours behind GMT during standard time.

• BST: San Francisco is 7 hours behind, when the UK is on BST.

Currency:

• The official currency used in San Francisco is the United States Dollar (USD). Transactions such as purchases, hotel reservations, and dining are all conducted in USD. Cash is extensively accepted for all amenities. Moreover, debit and credit cards are commonly used for these all transactions, accepting most major international cards.
  
  

Language:

• Primarily, English is the language spoken in San Francisco and is used for all modes of communication. However, because of the diversity in population, various languages are also encountered in different areas of the city. These can include Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Japanese, and more.

Local Customs:

San Francisco is an inclusive city and embraces diversity. In places of worship, dress modestly, and give servers a tip of between 15% -20%. Being mindful of the different cultures is the way to go about it, in SF.

Local Laws:

Visit the UK Government’s website below for travel advice. Website visitors can get local laws and tourism information from the City of San Francisco.

1. Entry requirements – USA travel advice – GOV.UK
2. General Information for Travelers-California 

Explore the lavish tapestry of culture, ancient history, and picturesque beauty that San Francisco has to offer. The City by the Bay provides lots for all age groups, from famous sights like the Golden Gate Bridge to various vicinities and mouth-watering cuisine. Tourists may spend most of their time in San Francisco by adopting local practices, embracing diversity, and keeping up with local rules. Whether you’re taking in the incredible views from Twin Peaks, dining at top-notch restaurants, or meandering through the vibrant streets of Chinatown, San Francisco will surely leave you with lasting memories. Make wise travel plans, enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer, and prepare for an enthralling journey full of joy and exploration in San Francisco.