Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to San Francisco (SFO)

About San Francisco

Discover San Francisco

Why visit San Francisco?
San Francisco is a harbourside city known for its dramatic hills, iconic bridges, and creative energy. You will find neighbourhoods with distinct character, waterfront views at every turn, and an easy blend of history, innovation, and outdoor living.

What to expect
From the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf to the tech-friendly streets of SoMa, San Francisco offers a mix of classic sights and modern culture. Vintage trams share the road with cyclists, while Victorian houses, bayside parks, and contemporary museums shape the cityscape.

Plan your trip
San Francisco is an ideal first stop for exploring Northern California, wine country, and the Pacific coast. With efficient connections, you can use the city as a base to discover nearby national parks and coastal towns, then return each evening to a compact, walkable urban centre.

Top sights in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge

Walk, cycle, or simply admire this world-famous red span from viewpoints such as Crissy Field and Battery Spencer.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Stroll the busy waterfront, watch sea lions near Pier 39, and explore historic ships moored along the pier.

Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry ride to the former island prison, with audio-guided tours and panoramic views back to the city skyline.

Chinatown

Enter through the Dragon Gate and wander narrow streets filled with shops, bakeries, and colourful architecture.

Lombard Street

See one of the world’s most recognisable streets, with a steep, winding block lined by manicured gardens and classic homes.

Golden Gate Park

Spend time in a vast urban park with lakes, gardens, museums, and wide lawns perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Embarcadero & Ferry Building

Walk the bayside promenade and visit the historic Ferry Building for food stalls and views of the Bay Bridge.

Twin Peaks

Head up to this pair of hills for sweeping views over the city, the bay, and the Pacific coastline on clear days.

Experience San Francisco’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
San Francisco’s compact size makes its buses, streetcars, and metro lines practical for most journeys across the city. The historic cable cars offer a scenic way to climb steep hills, while walking or cycling is ideal for exploring neighbourhoods and waterfront areas.

Local life & culture
The city’s character is shaped by its creative communities, independent galleries, and small performance venues. Each district, from the Mission to North Beach, has its own identity, where street art, bookshops, and music venues sit alongside everyday cafés and small parks.

Where to unwind
You can unwind in bayside spaces like the Marina Green or in the open lawns of Golden Gate Park. For quieter moments, head to neighbourhood parks with hilltop views, then stay to watch the soft evening light over the bay and city skyline.

A taste of San Francisco

Street food & local specialties
San Francisco is known for sourdough bread, fresh seafood, and creative casual bites served from food trucks and small counters. Neighbourhoods such as the Mission, Chinatown, and the Richmond offer a wide mix of flavours from around the world.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find relaxed eateries, food halls, and cafés throughout the city, especially in SoMa, the Ferry Building, and around the Embarcadero. Many spots focus on seasonal produce and shareable plates, making it easy to sample different dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for dining rooms with views of the bay, skyline, or bridges, especially along the waterfront and in high-rise hotels. Booking a table at a restaurant with large windows or a rooftop bar turns dinner into a chance to appreciate the city’s evening atmosphere.

Retail therapy in San Francisco

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Union Square is the city’s best-known shopping area, with department stores, flagship boutiques, and nearby lifestyle centres. Around Market Street and Westfield San Francisco Centre, you will also find fashion, tech, and lifestyle brands in one convenient district.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller labels and handcrafted goods, explore neighbourhood streets in Hayes Valley, the Mission, and the Ferry Building. Galleries, design shops, and weekend markets are good places to find prints, ceramics, and other items that capture the city’s creative side.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets around Union Square and the Embarcadero stay active with illuminated storefronts and late-opening cafés. Some neighbourhoods host evening events or markets at certain times of year, and public transport makes it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit San Francisco

Summer fog season (June to August, peak season)
Summer brings average temperatures of about 15–20°C (59–68°F), often wrapped in the city’s signature morning and evening fog. It is a lively time with outdoor events by the bay, so packing layers helps you enjoy cool breezes and bright afternoons.

Mild spring and autumn (March to May, September to October, shoulder season)
During spring and autumn, temperatures usually sit between 13–21°C (55–70°F), with a mix of clear and breezy days. These months are popular for walking tours and exploring neighbourhoods, as you can enjoy comfortable conditions and shifting light over the hills and water.

Calm winter months (November to February, low season)
Winters are generally mild, with temperatures around 9–15°C (48–59°F) and occasional rain bringing clear, crisp days. This quieter period is ideal for museum visits, leisurely meals, and scenic drives along the coast, with fewer crowds at many of the major viewpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions