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.
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.
Golden Gate Bridge
Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.
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.
Alcatraz Island
Escape to “The Rock,” home of the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned a reputation as a cold and unforgiving place.
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 staff was incredible, and the rooftop bar was picture perfect and so were the views
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Location is excellent! The room is spacious and clean. Water pressure in the shower is very good, however the sink faucet the water is very slow it was a struggle to wash your hands!
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Across the street from union square, this hotel is close to many restaurants and quick dining spots. Definitely an ideal place to stay if you don’t have a car. Super close to Powell BART, you can walk there with your luggage. Short walk to Chinatown. Hotel was very clean and I always wipe down my ...
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Breakfast was great. Erita checked ua in and was great. Gave us wonderful tips of what to see all over the City. She recognized us and made us feel the love!!!
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Inside, the staff is very helpful and accommodating without being invasive. The rooms are peculiarly engineered, so make sure that you know what you are about to spend the night in. I think the room that I rented for two nights is made for single travelers or a close couple because I was in a sky ...
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Hotel Julian
Very clean, all like new.
Reviewed on 11 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.
