South Beach Travel Guide
San Francisco
Visit South Beach
Popular places to visit
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Golden Gate Bridge
Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.
Pier 39
This waterfront attraction offers thrilling rides, innovative street performers and colorful souvenir shops, but it’s the sea lions that win the day.
Golden Gate Park
This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.
Moscone Convention Center
During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Lombard Street
Often incorrectly called the world’s crookedest street, this San Francisco roadway is an iconic spot to see, photograph and drive down.
Things to do
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
San Francisco City Lights Cruise (2-hours)
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
Top hotels in South Beach
Hotel VIA
The most uncomfortable bed and namely the sheets that we’ve ever slept in in our lives. Otherwise, the room was cramped, but the rest of the hotel was fine. Not worth the money and for the location, it should be way nicer.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Air conditioning is great,Good size smart tv. GREAT WINDOW VIEW!
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Stayed in one of the premier rooms. It was older and needed updating. Beds were comfy tho. Walking distance to Union Square lots of places to eat nearby.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Clean, modern and comfortable room. Amazing breakfast buffet. Steps away from piers and Muni buses/trolley stops. Make sure you buy Muni day pass, no rental car is needed if you stay at Riu.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Room was tiny. Nice to have a towel warmer, but accessible from shower so towel got cold before it could be used.
Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026
Hotel Julian
Clean room & staff was okay. Had 24 hour security which was nice. No valet parking like the website states, breakfast was not available & the restaurant was not open at all like it was advertised on the website either anytime i had a question in regards to either , staff had no answer.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around South Beach
South Park
Oracle Park and Brannan Street Wharf are a few top attractions in South Park. Hop around the city on the metro at 2nd & King Station or Fourth-Brannan Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.
South of Market
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to SOMA Pilipinas – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Financial District
Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Embarcadero Center to Market Street Railway Museum – discover Financial District, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Union Square
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.
Downtown San Francisco
Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Warfield Theatre are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.
Chinatown
Enjoy the popular shops in Chinatown. St. Mary Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Chinatown-Rose Pak Stop or Powell St & Clay St Stop to see more of San Francisco.
