San Francisco - General Information
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 At approximately 7 miles by 7 miles, San Francisco is one of the smaller of the major cities but don’t let the size worry you as there’s plenty of charm, tremendous views, wonderful arts, unique attractions and a lively nightlife, all split across very distinct neighbourhoods. Culturally diverse and famously liberal, in San Francisco you fit in no mater what your background.
The downtown area of San Francisco is where you’ll find Union Square. Leading east from there for a couple of blocks is a shopper’s dream and one of the top four shopping districts in the US. Full of boutiques and upmarket department stores there’s everything you could need; Macy’s, Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Niketown, Armani, Louis Vuitton and Burberry, to name only a few!
So, what else is there to do?
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 Alcatraz
Once a military detention hall and then what can only be described as the most secure of the high security prisons, this is now one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions. Tours give you insight into life on the island, not just for the many prisoners held there but also the lives of the prison staff and their families. Tours leave from pier 41 and it’s best to book ahead as tours can sell out upto a week in advance at peak times.
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Lombard Street
“The crookedest street in the world,” Lombard Street was put in place in the 1920’s so that horses could negotiate the steep hill. Surrounded by flowers and seen on lots of movies, go just to say you’ve been there!
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 Golden Gate Bridge
It can be seen from many locations throughout the city but it’s worth the visit just to gaze at the beautiful structure of this 4200 ft single suspension bridge. Can be a bit windy though so wrap up warm!
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 Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill
Commissioned by an admirer of the fire fighters after the 1906 earthquake fire, the 210ft tower, built in 1933, is designed to look like a fireman’s nozzle and views from the tower are amazing. Inside the tower there’s bright murals depicting scenes of San Francisco’s working life.
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 Fisherman’s Wharf
A fun area with street entertainers and over 100 speciality shops and family exhibitions. Sidewalk stands offer fresh seafood and sourdoughs. Worth seeing is the seal colony which live at Pier 39.
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 SFMOMA
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is located on 3rd Street and is renowned for it’s exhibitions. No matter what your interest in art you’ll find something for you amongst the collections of painting, sculptures, photography, architecture and multimedia.
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Climate
San Francisco is known for its microclimates. You can have every type of weather in the same day at different parts of the city!
April and October are good months to visit San Francisco, the weather is usually clear and there are fewer visitors than in the summer months.
Typical weather and temperatures throughout the year are:
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What to expect |
Maximum temp |
Minimum temp |
| January |
Cold rain, a lot of it.
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14°C
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6°C
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| February |
Sometimes the winter rain continues, other times it’s dry. Very difficult to predict.
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16°C
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8°C
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| March |
Sometimes the winter rain continues, other times it’s dry. Very difficult to predict.
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17°C
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8°C
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| April |
Clear days, little fog, good time to visit!
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18°C
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8°C
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| May |
Clear days, little fog, good time to visit!
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18°C
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10°C
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| June |
Warm days but cold fog and nights.
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20°C
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11°C
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| July |
Warm days but cold fog and nights.
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21°C
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12°C
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| August |
Warm days but cold fog and nights.
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21°C
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13°C
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| September |
Clear days, little fog, good time to visit!
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23°C
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12°C
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| October |
Clear days, little fog, good time to visit!
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21°C
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11°C
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| November |
Cold rain, a lot of it.
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17°C
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10°C
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| December |
Cold rain, a lot of it.
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14°C
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7°C
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| Useful Numbers
Emergency Services : 911
Police Dept : 415 553 0123
San Francisco General Hospital (Emergency Room) : 415 206 8111
British Embassy in USA : Washington DC: 202 588 6500
Visitor Information (in English) : 415 391 2001
When dialling internationally from San Francisco, dial 011 followed by the country code (44 for UK)
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