Is San Francisco safe? What you should know
SF is an incredible city in the San Francisco Bay area, where tech meets tradition and all kinds of cultures come to life! With its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, eclectic neighborhoods, and delicious food scene, there’s no shortage of things to see and do! Whether you’re riding a cable car up the steep hills or grabbing some sourdough bread from Fisherman’s Wharf, this city promises something for everyone!
But let’s talk safety. After all, you want to enjoy the sights without worrying too much! Here you’ll find everything from how to navigate the city without a hitch to what to expect from the locals and cultural etiquette. Want to stay safe while hiking, biking, or driving? Need a backup for emergency scenarios in a city where the fog keeps you guessing about the weather? No worries!
While San Francisco is a safe place overall, there are a few things to keep in mind, like being aware of your surroundings when strolling through some neighborhoods like Mission District or watching out for those famous hills. And hey, make sure you packed your sunscreen. It’s the Bay Area, and that sun can sneak up on you! From cultural tips to exploring nature, we’ve got you covered with some essential safety know-how! Happy exploring!
Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in San Francisco
Have you heard that SF is a dangerous city? That it's full of property crime, drug addiction, and petty theft? Let’s be real: that happens in every major city! And the chances of it happening to you during your short visit are slim to none! So, pack your bags and read some tips on how to make sure you have the safest trip possible!
Getting from the airport to the city center
Landed to San Francisco Airport? The best way to get to the city center is by taking the 397 bus. Just hop on, take the scenic route, and you'll be there in just an hour. You'll even end up near downtown San Francisco and the central station so you can take the train wherever!
Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in San Francisco
This scam is hard to fall for unless you’ve been living under a rock. But, if you decide to visit San Francisco with your grandparents or send your ‘know-it-all’ teens there, give them a heads-up!
Scammers hang around gas stations and act all fancy but claim they don't have cash for gas on hand. So, they offer you a super expensive watch (spoiler, it's a cheap knockoff) in exchange for cash. You end up giving them money for a refill and they give you a watch worth a couple of bucks. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Is tap water in San Francisco safe to drink?
Yes! There's no need to spend money on water bottles! The US in general has pretty safe tap water and it meets regulations in all major cities! SF gets its tap from mountain reservoirs, which is always a plus! So don't worry about chugging it, especially if its taste is different, you'll get used to it!
Safe accommodation options in San Francisco
Want to be extra safe and stick to calm and quiet San Francisco neighborhoods? No worries! Here are some of the safest areas and places where you can stay in San Francisco:
- If you're looking for something a bit more upscale, Pacific Heights is the place to be! You'll find mansions, clean streets, and little-to-no property crimes. Hotel Drisco is pricey (at about $500 a night), but it makes up for it with luxurious and elegant rooms, breakfast, and great room service! Make sure to leave a tip and you might get a little something extra!
- Nob Hill is a more historic area and also on the pricier side. But just like Pacific Heights, you don't have to worry about street parking because there aren't any car break-ins here! For about $400 per night, you can stay at the Fairmont San Francisco Hotel that's got panoramic views of the city and some plush rooms!
- Looking for something with a tranquil vibe? Outer Sunset is a residential area near Golden Gate Park where the violent crime rate is way down. There are some more budget-friendly options like SeaScape Inn at just $150 per person. It's not as high-end, but it's cozy and close to the beach!
Pro tip: If you have a hankering to explore the San Francisco mix of cultures and communities, why not leave anything you don't need with Bounce? We've got a lot of storage space! All of our spots are at trusted local businesses and you get a $10.000 protection amount if anything happens to your luggage!
Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for
Not sure what to make of all the cultures in San Francisco? Here are some tips to get you ready for what to expect:
- The people of SF are generally friendly, but they have busy lives. It may seem like they don't have the time or energy to talk to you, but that's mostly because of the tough daily grind! Don't let it get to you and they'll warm up to you eventually!
- Smoking is banned in public spots like parks, bars, and restaurants. When you eat there, make sure to leave a tip! 15-20% of the meal cost is standard, and the servers definitely expect you to leave one!
- If you hear people talking about "Karl the Fog," it's not a celebrity. It's just a fun name they use for the common SF fog. If they start talking about it, you know it's time to put on a jacket because it might get chilly!
Keeping safe when navigating the city
Want to know how to navigate hellish big-city traffic? We've got your back!
- SF public transportation is a great option, you can use cable cars and trams. Muni and BART run all night in most spots, so you can get around the city safe and cheap! Most public transport has ramps for wheelchairs, so the city is pretty accessible overall!
- If you do want to drive, try to avoid crowded tourist areas and tricky streets like Market Street, Powell Street, and the ("crookedest") Lombard Street! Traffic can be dense during rush hours and parking is hard to find, so keep that in mind.
- Most of the city has sidewalks and bike lanes so walking and biking can be fun! Just watch out for hilly areas and slippery streets! Plus, make sure to grab some comfy shoes and a water bottle for those hot days!
Nature and San Francisco: Safety tips to keep in mind
SF has some great spots to enjoy a breath of fresh air and get away from it all! Here they are and how you can enjoy them safely:
- Looking for beaches near San Francisco? Crissy Field, Baker Beach, and Ocean Beach are some of the best SF has to offer! The city looks right onto the Pacific Ocean, so the water can be cold, the current rough, and the waves intense! They're lookers and hangout spots, especially thanks to the Golden Gate Bridge. But if you really want a dip, make sure you're confident in your swimming skills and maybe invest in a wet suit!
- Do you want the best hikes in San Francisco? Here they are! Golden Gate Park has a bunch of activities and things to check out. Lands End Trail has incredible ocean views and Muir Woods National Monument is the most serene spot here!
- The famous Karl the Fog can roll in unexpectedly in summer and cool down the city. Wind from the Pacific also makes the city feel much colder, and rain is pretty common, so bring a jacket wherever you go!
Last tips in the case of an emergency
Preparing for an emergency? Better safe than sorry! Here's everything you need to know:
- Healthcare in the US is very expensive if you don't have health insurance. Make sure to grab travel insurance before you pack your bags. There are a lot of healthcare spots around the city for serious emergencies, but you can also use Zocdoc to find a doctor near you.
- If you're looking for what to eat in San Francisco, it has a mix of authentic Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and other foods. Street food is also very safe here, but keep your allergies in mind and ask if the food has them.
- 911 is for all emergencies, so dial them if you need anything! Their response time is incredible, but ambulance fees can be high. If your life isn't in danger, maybe grab an Uber instead.
So, is San Francisco safe?
According to crime statistics, SF is pretty safe! Just make sure to keep all the usual safety precautions in mind and all the tips you got here! And if you need to leave your streaming laptop in a safe spot while you take a break from the internet, leave it with Bounce and get it back any time with our 24/7 customer support!