San Francisco Travel Planner's Guide - 2025/2026 TPG
Where to Stay by Neighborhood
2025-05-14 10:50:13
While it’s easy to travel from one neighborhood to another in San Francisco, the ability to step outside of your hotel and be right where you want to be saves precious time for more priceless experiences. Here are hotel recommendations for some of San Francisco's most notable neighborhoods, as well as a few top choices for a trip just beyond the city.
CIVIC CENTER/HAYES VALLEY
The Civic Center and Hayes Valley neighborhoods offer a combination of classic and cutting-edge, complete with architectural gems, historical landmarks and top-notch dining and shopping. Centrally located on Market St. is the stylish Proper Hotel, boasting a gorgeous rooftop bar, Charmaine's. The BEI San Francisco offers beds that tuck away to transform living space into working space.
EMBARCADERO
If you want waterfront views, the Embarcadero is the place to stay. The 1 Hotel San Francisco is a short walk to some of the best restaurants in San Francisco. The Hyatt Regency San Francisco offers stunning views both inside and out; its lobby is the largest of any hotel in the world!
FISHERMAN’S WHARF
One of San Francisco's most popular and iconic neighborhoods, Fisherman's Wharf is located along the northern waterfront and is home to a wide variety of shops, as well as the popular Anchorage Square and PIER 39. The Argonaut Hotel, Hotel Zoe and San Francisco Marriott Fisherman's Wharf are comfortable options close to all of the action.
NOB HILL
A classy neighborhood right in the heart of the city, Nob Hill offers excellent luxury hotels. One of the most popular is The InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, which features the legendary Top of the Mark sky lounge with its scenic panorama of the city and bay. The city's only AAA Five-Diamond hotel, The Ritz- Carlton, San Francisco is located in a stately building on Stockton St. and is home to globally inspired restaurant Parallel 37.
NORTH BEACH
If you're looking for a more casual neighborhood, North Beach is a strong option. Within walking distance of both Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf, North Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere, as well as a thriving "Little Italy." For an affordable place to stay with boutique charm, try Hotel Bohème’s centrally located accommodations with retro ’50s décor.
SOMA
The SoMa neighborhood is located South of Market (hence the name) and is arguably the cultural hub of San Francisco. Many of San Francisco's popular museums are located in SoMa, along with restaurants and chic nightclubs. There are numerous boutique hotel options, including the hip and modern Hotel VIA and fashion-forward Hotel Zelos. The Clancy, with its Seven Square Taproom and Lounge, received AAA's Four-Diamond Rating.
UNION SQUARE
From the public plaza that gave the neighborhood its name to the countless theaters, restaurants and shops radiating outward, Union Square is the place to go if you want to quite literally be in the middle of it all. There are dozens of excellent hotels to choose from in Union Square; a couple of great options are Hotel Nikko and Grand Hyatt San Francisco.
Hotels Beyond San Francisco
There are many excellent accommodations within just a short drive of the city.
If you’re headed north to wine country, the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa is centrally located and features a resortstyle swimming pool and full-service spa. The nearby Napa River Inn is an upscale boutique hotel overlooking the scenic Napa River.
Head farther north to Fort Bragg in Mendocino County for a stay at the Inn at Newport Ranch and enjoy oceanfront accommodations with proximity to sandy beaches, redwood forests and 20 miles of private trails.
If you’re traveling south, the retro-chic Dream Inn is located on Santa Cruz’s historic boardwalk within walking distance to surfing, beach sunsets and restaurants with fresh seafood.
Visit San Francisco’s Must-See Museums
SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
Founded in 1935 and extensively renovated and expanded in 2016, SFMOMA counts 33,000 modern and contemporary artworks among its incredible collection, with an entire floor dedicated solely to photography. Get free access to 45,000 square feet of ground-floor galleries for visitors 18 and younger.
151 Third St.
CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
Home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and world-class research and educational programs, the California Academy of Sciences is bursting with life. A four-story rainforest and awe-inspiring coral reef ecosystem delight visitors of all ages, while immersive planetarium shows transport you through space and time for a new perspective on our planet.
55 Music Concourse Dr., Golden Gate Park
DE YOUNG MUSEUM
The de Young’s centuries-spanning and diverse collection includes everything from American art to international textiles to photography. Be sure to visit the ninth-floor Observation Level of the Hamon Tower and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean.
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., Golden Gate Park
LEGION OF HONOR
Celebrating its centennial in 2025, the Legion of Honor houses European painting, sculpture, and decorative arts, as well as graphic and contemporary arts. Perched on an overlook at the mouth of the Golden Gate, the views outside are as breathtaking as the art within.
100 34th Ave.
THE WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM
Dedicated to the life and work of Walt Disney, creator of some of America’s most beloved animation including Mickey Mouse, this museum features early drawings, cartoons, movies, music, listening stations, and a spectacular model of Disneyland.
104 Montgomery St., Presidio
For more must-see museums, visit sftravel.com/things-to-do/arts-culture/museums-galleries
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