Flights from Hangzhou (HGH) to San Francisco (SFO)

About San Francisco

Discover San Francisco

Why visit San Francisco?
San Francisco combines dramatic bay views, iconic bridges, and a compact cityscape filled with character. You can explore steep streets lined with painted houses, waterfront promenades, and creative districts that make the city feel welcoming and easy to discover.

What to expect
You will find distinct neighbourhoods, from the historic waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf to the boutiques of Union Square and the relaxed atmosphere of the Marina. A mild climate, walkable areas, and an efficient public transport network make it simple to move between the city’s hills, piers, and parks.

Plan your trip
San Francisco is an ideal starting point for exploring wider Northern California, including wine regions, coastal drives, and national parks. Whether you stay in the city or use it as a gateway, you can combine urban experiences with nature, all within easy reach of the Bay Area’s major transport links.

Top sights in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge

Walk or cycle across this world-famous bridge for sweeping views of the bay, the city skyline, and the Pacific Ocean.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Stroll along the lively waterfront, visit the resident sea lions at Pier 39, and enjoy fresh seafood with harbour views.

Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to this historic island for an audio-guided tour and striking perspectives back towards the San Francisco skyline.

Chinatown

Explore one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in North America, with colourful streets, shops, and traditional architecture.

Union Square

Browse department stores, galleries, and cafes in this central plaza, a convenient base for shopping and sightseeing.

Lombard Street

See the famously winding, flower-lined block of Lombard Street, and enjoy the views from the top of the hill.

Golden Gate Park

Relax in expansive green spaces, with lakes, gardens, and museums spread across this large urban park.

Twin Peaks

Head up to this pair of hills for one of the best panoramic viewpoints over San Francisco and the bay.

Experience San Francisco’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
San Francisco’s Muni system of buses, trams, and light rail, along with the regional BART trains, connects major districts and nearby cities. Historic cable cars add a scenic way to climb the hills, while walking or using app-based ride services helps with shorter, last-mile journeys.

Local life & culture
Neighbourhoods each have a distinct feel, from creative murals and indie shops in the Mission District to refined streets and bay views in Pacific Heights. You will notice a relaxed but energetic pace, with residents enjoying parks, waterfront paths, and a rich calendar of cultural events and performances.

Where to unwind
Along the northern waterfront, you can follow pathways with open bay views and fresh breezes. Golden Gate Park and the Presidio offer trails, lawns, and lookout points that are ideal for a morning jog or a calm afternoon stroll, especially as the light softens towards evening.

A taste of San Francisco

Street food & local specialties
You can sample clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls at the waterfront and try fresh seafood along the piers. Food trucks and casual counters across the city serve everything from tacos to noodles, reflecting San Francisco’s diverse communities and tastes.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhood streets and urban food halls offer an easy mix of cafes, bistros, and fast-casual spots. Menus often highlight seasonal ingredients and sharing plates, so you can try several small dishes in one meal and experience a range of flavours and cooking styles.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, look for restaurants with views of the Bay Bridge lights, the skyline, or the hills. Waterfront venues and higher-floor dining rooms combine carefully prepared menus with impressive outlooks, making them ideal for special occasions or a relaxed, lingering dinner.

Retail therapy in San Francisco

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Around Union Square you will find major department stores, flagship boutiques, and mixed-use centres that combine shopping with dining and entertainment. These areas are compact and walkable, making it easy to explore multiple blocks in a single outing.

Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhood districts such as Hayes Valley, the Mission, and the Ferry Building area offer smaller shops and regular markets. Here you can browse local designers, artisanal goods, and speciality food items, often in historic buildings or along lively streets.

Evening retail scene
As night falls, central shopping streets remain active with illuminated storefronts and late-opening shops, especially near Union Square and the waterfront. Some markets and districts host evening events or extended hours, and public transport and ride services make these areas straightforward to reach after dark.

Best time to visit San Francisco

Summer fog season (June to August, peak season)
During summer, temperatures typically range from 13°C to 21°C (55°F to 70°F). Coastal fog often rolls in during mornings and evenings, giving the city its signature soft, misty views while afternoons can be pleasantly bright, ideal for sightseeing and harbour walks.

Mild spring and autumn (March to May, September to October, shoulder season)
In these months, temperatures hover around 11°C to 22°C (52°F to 72°F). Days are often clear and comfortable, with fewer crowds than midsummer. This is an inviting time for walking neighbourhoods, exploring parks, and taking day trips around the wider Bay Area.

Cooler winter months (November to February, low season)
Winters are generally cool and damp, with temperatures around 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F). Periodic rain showers bring fresh, crisp air and quieter attractions, creating a relaxed atmosphere for museum visits, cosy cafes, and scenic drives when the skies clear.

Frequently Asked Questions