The Best Transportation, Food, and Hotels in the Bay City

San Francisco is one of America’s most vibrant cultural hearths. It’s full of beautiful sites, great food and an unmistakable personality. With so many things to do there, you’re probably wondering where in the world to start if you’re planning your first trip to San Francisco for the spring or summer. Finding the best restaurants, the finest hotels, and of course, choosing the best ways to get around can help make your trip worthwhile.  

To help you get started on your Bay City trip itinerary, we’ve compiled a list of great places to eat and hotels to stay in. We’ve even included a section on the best ways to get around while you’re in town. So you can rest assured that you’ll be getting off your plane in old San Francisco with some great ideas for making the most of a great American city.

How Should I Get Around?

Well, we won’t lie to you: San Francisco traffic is a nightmare. The city is built with narrow streets, and the buildings are laid out very close together, so it’s really a dream for pedestrians, but a terror for drivers. Especially drivers who are unfamiliar with the city. Not only is it a headache to try and navigate a new city as large and complex as San Francisco, but the rental cars in San Francisco are eye-poppingly expensive. And you still have to deal with the headache of traffic, so renting a car doesn’t serve you well in either respect.

The best ways to solve transportation problems while you’re in San Francisco? Rent a chauffeured vehicle or walk. Renting a cab is never a guarantee, especially if you’re trying to go somewhere during peak hours of the day. And if you’re staying and visiting a concentrated place in San Francisco, walking is the absolute ideal. You don’t have to worry about parking, you don’t have to worry about sitting in traffic, and you get to experience some of San Francisco’s beauty up close and personal.

There are some places that you simply can’t get to without a vehicle, though, and for those moments, it’s best to have a chauffeured vehicle ready and waiting. A Chauffeur relieves you of the responsibility of driving. Having a driver will also let relax, spend time with your guests, or simply take in the sights. It’s really a win-win.

Where Should I Eat?

No matter where you go to eat in San Francisco, you’re likely to hit the jackpot. San Francisco has some of the best locally run restaurants that use only the freshest ingredients. Visitors to the Bay City should never leave without visiting the Restaurant Gary Danko; this 75-seat upscale eatery is one of the pinnacles of fine dining that San Francisco has to offer. From the elegant décor to the appetizing cheese case and generous selection of wines, Gary Danko is a can’t-miss for sure.

If French cuisine in a fun and inviting atmosphere is your bag, you must stop by Chapeau! (French for “wow”) on Clement Street. From the delicious traditional French fare found on its menu to the delectable desserts, you won’t regret making reservations at Chapeau!

Where Should I Stay?

Another of San Francisco’s big pluses? The sheer number of amazing hotels that the Bay City offers is enough to make a first time visitor’s head spin. With all of the luxury, location, and amenities you could need, it’s hard to go wrong. And that’s a good problem to have.

One of our forever favorites when it comes to San Francisco hotel is the Sir Francis Drake, located in the heart of downtown on Union Square, with all things San Francisco just a short walk or car ride away. A jolly man in a beefeater outfit will greet you on the curb and give you any information you  need about getting checked in. During your stay, you can have drinks at the opulent lobby bar or go to the top floor and enjoy Harry Denton’s Starlight Bar, with its amazing cocktails and legendary views of the city.

Another favorite San Francisco hotel is the Mandarin Oriental, located on Sansome Street. It offers visitors some of the most breathtaking views, service, and luxury that can be had in the Bay City.

Planning your trip to San Francisco really depends on knowing how to get around, where to eat, and where to stay. Once you get those three things squared away, the rest of your trip is yours to fill; from meeting locals, seeing the sights, and experiencing San Francisco’s culture, it’s sure to be the trip of a lifetime. 

Image credit: freedigitalphotos.net/porbital