San Francisco, United States
California
San Francisco is built on ridiculous hills that will leave you winded, but the views make up for it. The city has amazing food and each neighborhood feels completely different from the next. As a solo female traveler, you really need to pick your areas carefully - this isn't a city where you can wander anywhere safely. Neighborhoods like Nob Hill, the Marina, and Fisherman's Wharf are generally fine, but the Tenderloin is genuinely dangerous and parts of SOMA can get sketchy fast. The homelessness and open drug use in certain areas can be pretty shocking and unpredictable, even during the day. Definitely use Uber or Lyft at night instead of walking or taking public transit. The good news is that solo dining is totally normal here - people eat alone all the time and nobody thinks twice about it. Just dress in layers because the weather changes completely from neighborhood to neighborhood, and that famous fog can roll in out of nowhere.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowTransportation
GoodPickpocketing Safety
GoodScam Safety
GoodPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
High- Nob Hill
- Union Square
- Marina District
- Pacific Heights
- North Beach
- Richmond District
- Sunset District
- Castro District
- Tenderloin (especially at night)
- SoMa (4th-8th Streets, Mission & Minna Streets)
- Parts of Mission District (16th Street between Mission and S Van Ness)
- Eastern parts of Mission District
English is the main language. SF has large Spanish and Chinese-speaking communities, especially in certain neighborhoods like the Mission and Chinatown. Most tourist areas operate in English, though you'll encounter other languages in local neighborhoods.
- Dress in layers - the weather changes drastically between neighborhoods and throughout the day. What feels warm in the Mission can be freezing and foggy in the Sunset. Casual dress is fine almost everywhere.
- Don't call it 'San Fran' or 'Frisco' - locals hate that. Bring reusable bags since plastic bags are banned citywide. Expect to pay $0.10 for paper bags at stores.
- The city is expensive and locals are often stressed about housing costs and commutes. Tipping is expected - 20% at restaurants is standard, $1-2 per drink at bars. Many places are cashless now.
- Muni buses and trains connect most areas but can be slow and crowded. Cable cars are fun but mainly for tourists. Get a Clipper Card for all public transit - fares are around $3 per ride.
- Uber and Lyft work well but are expensive - expect $15-25 for cross-town trips. They're often the safest option at night. Always check the license plate and driver photo.
- The city has steep hills that can be exhausting - some are seriously challenging. The weather can change completely within a few blocks due to microclimates. Wear good walking shoes and always bring layers.
September through November is your best bet - warmest weather around 71°F and way less fog. Don't come expecting hot summer weather because summer here is actually cold and foggy. Locals joke about 'June gloom' and 'Fogust' for a reason. Spring can be nice but windy, and winter gets rainy though it never really gets that cold (rarely below 45°F). Seriously, pack layers no matter when you visit. You'll start the day freezing in the Richmond, be warm in the Mission by afternoon, then need a jacket again in the Marina by evening. The fog situation is real and it can completely change your plans.
Help other women explore San Francisco safely
Safe Accommodations in San Francisco
Carefully vetted accommodations trusted by solo female travelers, with female-friendly features and safety amenities.
Safety Features
- Female-only dormitory options
- 24-hour front desk
- Secure keycard access
- Safe Union Square location
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Hostelling International property with female-only dorms
- Updated bunks with privacy screens and USB charging
- Prime location near Union Square and Chinatown
- Secure storage lockers and common kitchen
Social Atmosphere
High - international travelers and backpackers
Safety Features
- 24-hour concierge and security
- Valet parking available
- Safe, upscale neighborhood
- Well-lit entrance and surroundings
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Famous luxury hotel with high service standards
- Historic building from 1907, rebuilt after 1906 earthquake
- Very safe location with 24/7 security
- Prime Nob Hill location near attractions
Social Atmosphere
Low - luxury hotel atmosphere
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Neighborhoods in San Francisco
Explore the different areas of San Francisco and find the perfect neighborhood for your stay.
Nob Hill
Nob Hill is the old-money luxury district with grand hotels and low crime rates. It's very safe but also very expensive - expect to pay premium prices for everything. Good location if budget isn't an issue and you want maximum security.
Union Square
Union Square is the main tourist and shopping hub - safe, central, but quite commercial. Good for first-time visitors who want easy access to everything and don't mind paying tourist prices for the convenience.
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is the classic SF tourist trap - crowded, overpriced, but safe from serious crime. Fun for the sea lions and Alcatraz tours, but don't drive here due to car break-ins and watch your belongings in crowds.
Marina District
Marina District has good waterfront views and a young professional crowd, but the nightlife can feel like a college town. Safe area with decent restaurants, though the weekend bar scene isn't for everyone.
Pacific Heights
Pacific Heights is where SF's wealthy live in huge Victorian houses. Very safe and quiet, but also expensive and residential. Good for sightseeing the architecture, less good if you want nightlife or budget options.
North Beach
North Beach has good Italian food and Beat history in a walkable, safe area. Less touristy than Fisherman's Wharf but still gets crowded on weekends. Good mix of cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Richmond District
Richmond District is very safe and has great Asian food, but it's foggy, quiet, and far from the action. Good if you want to live like a local, not great if you want to be in the middle of SF's attractions.
Sunset District
Sunset District is safe and quiet with good local restaurants and beach access, but it's foggy and far from downtown. Best for people who want a residential feel and don't mind commuting to other neighborhoods for nightlife.
Haight-Ashbury
Haight-Ashbury has hippie history and vintage shopping but also drug problems and safety concerns, especially at night. Interesting to visit during the day for the culture, but most people don't stay here.
Castro District
Castro District is the heart of SF's LGBTQ+ community - very welcoming and safe, especially for LGBTQ+ travelers. Good restaurants and nightlife with a strong community feel.
Mission District
Mission District has SF's best food scene and cool street art, but safety is inconsistent. Valencia Street corridor is generally safer, while areas further east can be sketchy. Great for food and culture during the day, but be careful at night.
Chinatown
Chinatown has authentic Chinese food and culture in a crowded, touristy area. Safe during busy daytime hours but watch for pickpockets and be prepared for language barriers. Gets quiet after dark.
SoMa (South of Market)
SoMa has good museums and restaurants near the waterfront but serious crime problems inland. Stick to the area near the bay between Embarcadero and 3rd Street. Avoid the 4th-8th Street area entirely, especially at night.
Tenderloin
The Tenderloin should be avoided completely. It has SF's highest crime rates, open drug markets, and dangerous conditions day and night. Even locals avoid this area - tourists definitely should.