California Through My Lens in California

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for San Francisco

Must-try foods in San Francisco

• Cioppino
  CioppinoThe quintessential San Francisco fish stew, Cioppino was created by the city's Italian-American fishermen. This rich, tomato-based broth is loaded with a fresh catch of Dungeness crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and white fish, and is traditionally served with a side of San Francisco's famous sourdough bread for dipping.
• Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bowl
  Clam Chowder in a Sourdough BowlAn iconic San Francisco experience, the dish pairs creamy New England-style clam chowder with the city’s unique, tangy sourdough bread, known for its distinct flavor achieved due to the local climate. Serving the chowder inside a hollowed-out sourdough 'bowl' is the classic, beloved preparation.
• Mission-Style Burrito
  Mission-Style BurritoA behemoth of a burrito originating in the Mission District, this San Francisco classic is known for its oversized, foil-wrapped presentation, packed with rice, beans, meat, and a variety of extras, distinguishing it from traditional Mexican burritos.
• Dungeness Crab
  Dungeness CrabFresh, local Dungeness crab is a hallmark of San Francisco's incredible seafood scene, especially when in season. It is often served steamed, cracked, and with drawn butter, or incorporated into other iconic dishes like Cioppino.
• Dim Sum
  Dim SumAn essential culinary experience in San Francisco's Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in North America. The tradition is exemplified by historic establishments like Hang Ah Tea Room, the first dim sum parlor in the United States, offering traditional steamed and fried Cantonese delicacies.
• Regional Mexican Cuisine (Guerrero & Sinaloa Specialties)
  Regional Mexican Cuisine (Guerrero & Sinaloa Specialties)Moving beyond standard taqueria fare, a 2026 trend is a focus on authentic, deeply rooted regional Mexican cuisine, with new restaurants like Maria Isabel bringing the distinctive coastal flavors and traditions of states like Guerrero and Sinaloa to the city.

Trip guide

• About San Francisco
  About San FranciscoSan Francisco's background history begins with its Gold Rush era, which commenced around 1849. The city's traditional culture developed through a range of influences, including Native American customs and the customs of immigrants from Asia and Europe. The Chinese community established Chinatown in the 1850s, a foundational layer of the city's cultural identity.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit San Francisco is during the Fall (September to November), which offers the warmest and clearest weather—the city's "secret summer"—and fewer crowds than the foggy summer peak season. The Spring (March to May) is also a pleasant shoulder season with mild weather and lower prices, while winter is the rainiest and least crowded off-peak period. For pastry enthusiasts.
• Getting around
  Getting around San Francisco

  • BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) The BART train system provides a fast, direct, and cost-effective connection from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to downtown.
  • Rideshare and Taxi App-based rideshare services (like Uber/Lyft) and traditional taxis are available for convenient, door-to-door service from SFO to your accommodation and for quick trips across the city.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Always dress in layers for the microclimates, as the weather can change from foggy and cool to sunny and warm within a few blocks.
  • Do not leave any visible items, even an empty bag, in a parked car, and move valuables to the trunk before arriving at your destination to prevent break-ins.
  • For full-service dining, the social custom is to leave a gratuity of 15% to 20% on the pre-tax and pre-fee subtotal of the bill.
• What’s new
  What’s new in San Francisco

  • Viral $3.50 Fish Filet Bun, drawing long lines at Chinese Bakery & Deli (San Leandro).
  • New bakery opening of Sol Bakery's first brick-and-mortar location, featuring pastries and focaccia.
• San Francisco Travel↗
  San Francisco TravelThe official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco, providing comprehensive visitor guides and travel resources.