Solo Travel San Francisco: All My Tips for Your Next Amazing Solo Trip 2026

I’ve been traveling solo for pretty much my entire adult life. From solo trips around Europe and the USA to backpacking adventures across Asia and Latin America, I’ve spent years exploring the world on my own. So by now, I’d say I’ve picked up a thing or two about solo travel!

That said, traveling solo in a big city like San Francisco does come with a few things worth keeping in mind. Where should you stay? How do you stay safe while exploring the city on your own? And what are some fun things to do in San Francisco as a solo traveler?

To help you plan your own solo trip, I’ve put together this guide with all my tips and recommendations for solo travel in San Francisco. I’ll cover everything from where to stay and getting around to safety tips and things to do, so you can make the most of your trip!

How to Solo Travel San Francisco – My Quick Answer

Of course, not every solo traveler is the same, and I get that. Personally, I’m someone who likes to be fairly social when I travel. I love meeting new people, which is why I usually stay in hostels for the social aspect. Green Tortoise Hostel is fantastic for that in San Francisco! But I also know that not everyone cares about meeting other travelers, and that’s totally fine.

If you’re booking a hotel or hostel, my biggest recommendation is to make sure you’re staying in a decent, safe location. Personally, I would avoid staying around the Tenderloin or right in the Union Square area, especially if you’re planning on walking around on your own at night. Instead, I’d look at places like Samesun San Francisco or the Stanford Court, both of which are in great locations with plenty to explore nearby.

When it comes to things to do, I know people often ask whether there are special activities for solo travelers. And honestly? I always tell them that the things you do in San Francisco are pretty much the same whether you’re traveling alone or with someone else. Whenever I’m not feeling particularly social, I’ll happily head out and explore the city on my own all day. I’d visit the Golden Gate Bridge, take the ferry to Alcatraz, or check out the sea lions at Pier 39.

The same goes for restaurants. A table for one? Yes, absolutely! No shame in that whatsoever. Make sure you enjoy yourself and treat yourself a little on your solo trip. There’s honestly nothing you can’t do on your own. Want to go out for a glass of wine and a nice Italian dinner? Heck yes! Fancy a solo coffee date in the morning? Absolutely. Go for it and make sure you have a great time!

Where to Stay as a Solo Traveller in San Francisco

Whenever I go on a solo trip, the accommodation I choose definitely plays a big part in my overall experience. If I’m planning on being social, joining group activities, or just meeting other travelers, I’ll almost always stay in a hostel. And no, I don’t think hostels are dangerous or creepy, even when traveling solo as a woman!

On the other hand, if I’m planning on doing my own thing, I’ll usually pick a nice but fairly affordable hotel in a good, ideally walkable area. That way, I can just head out, explore the city, and do my own thing without having to worry too much about getting around.

1. Stanford Court San Francisco: Great Hotel for Solo Travellers

If I were coming to San Francisco on a solo trip and wanted a slightly more upscale experience, I’d definitely consider Stanford Court San Francisco. It’s in a great location, with the typical San Francisco cable cars running right outside the door. From here, you can easily explore a lot of the city on foot, including Chinatown, plenty of restaurants and cafes, and even the waterfront around Pier 39 and the Alcatraz ferry terminal.

Check out prices and availability: Stanford Court San Francisco

2. Samesun San Francisco: Great Budget Hotel in San Francisco

Samesun is one of the best budget-friendly hotel options I’ve found in San Francisco, especially if you’re looking for a private room closer to $100 per night. The rooms are fairly basic, but comfortable, and I actually stayed here myself on my last visit to the city.

I also really liked the area. It’s in the Marina District, which felt a little quieter than some of the busier parts of San Francisco, but there were still plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. Fisherman’s Wharf is also within walking distance, and I felt comfortable walking around the neighborhood.

Check out prices and availability: Samesun San Francisco

3. Green Tortoise Hostel: Best Hostel in San Francisco

And lastly, for all the backpackers and solo travelers out there, there’s Green Tortoise Hostel. Hostel and backpacker life in the USA is definitely not quite like it is in Latin America or Southeast Asia, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun!

Areas I Would Avoid as a Solo Traveller

I personally didn’t think San Francisco was particularly unsafe or dangerous. I’ve visited a couple of times now, once completely on my own as a solo traveler and more recently again as a couple, and for the most part, I’ve never really felt unsafe exploring the city.

That said, there are a couple of areas I’d definitely stay away from, especially when traveling solo. These are the two I’d be most careful around:

The Tenderloin

The Tenderloin is probably the main area I’d avoid in San Francisco. You’ll find a lot of homelessness here, visible open drug use, and tents lining the sidewalks. It’s not exactly somewhere I’d feel comfortable wandering around on my own, especially at night. Personally, I’d just avoid this part of town altogether when planning where to stay or explore.

Union Square

Union Square is right next to the Tenderloin and used to be one of San Francisco’s main shopping districts. However, it has been dealing with many of the same issues in recent years, so it’s not somewhere I’d particularly recommend wandering around on your own, especially at night.

One thing worth mentioning is that quite a few hotels are located around Union Square, so make sure you check the exact location before booking. I wouldn’t necessarily rule out every hotel in the wider area, but I’d definitely avoid the parts closest to the Tenderloin.

How to Stay Safe in San Francisco (Also As a Female Traveler)

Don’t Rent a Car

Personally, I would never rent a car in San Francisco. I actually found having a car more of a hassle than helpful. Public transportation is pretty good, and you can get around the city without needing your own vehicle. I actually walked a lot and rented city bikes while I was here!

There have been soooo many car break-ins in San Francisco recently. And when I say so many, I mean it! Even if you leave something small in your car, you’re potentially making yourself a target. Honestly, I’d just skip the rental car altogether and save myself the headache.

Use Ride Sharing Apps (I Like Waymo)

I know some people might not be the biggest fans of Waymo, the self-driving cars you see all over San Francisco, but I actually really like them. In fact, I sometimes feel even safer in a Waymo than in a regular rideshare.

I like that there isn’t a driver, and while the car drives itself, it actually does a surprisingly good job. I’ve used Waymo several times and never felt uneasy or scared during a ride. So definitely download the Waymo app before your trip. It’s a pretty cool way to get around San Francisco!

Get an Anti-Theft Bag

If you’re worried about pickpocketing, I’d recommend getting yourself an anti-theft bag. It can happen in busy tourist areas like Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, where you’re surrounded by crowds and it’s easy to get distracted.

I personally have a slash-resistant, close-to-body anti-theft bag, and I usually carry all my valuables in it, especially when I’m exploring busy and crowded areas.

Check out here: My Anti-Theft Bag

The Best Things to Do Solo in San Francisco

As I already mentioned at the beginning of this guide, I really don’t think there are any activities in San Francisco that you should only do with someone else. I happily do all the typical tourist activities on my own, and sometimes I actually prefer it that way! I can take as much time as I want, rush through something if I’m not enjoying it, or simply change my plans whenever I feel like it. No waiting around for anyone else!

1. Visit Alcatraz

I absolutely loved visiting Alcatraz, and in my opinion, it’s a must-do when you’re in San Francisco. I’ve actually been twice now because I pretty much do it every single time I visit the city.

The ferry ride over to the island is beautiful in itself, and once you’re there, you explore the former prison using an audio guide and headphones. So you’re not really talking to anyone along the way anyway, which makes it kind of perfect for a solo visit! You can just take your time, listen to the stories, and explore everything at your own pace.

2. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge

Another no-brainer and absolute must-do is, of course, visiting the Golden Gate Bridge. I usually just take an Uber there, which can drop you off right at the Golden Gate Welcome Center. From there, I love walking down the East Battery Trail towards Torpedo Wharf.

There are usually soooo many other tourists around, so if you want someone to take a picture of you with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, I’m sure someone will happily help you out!

3. See the Sea Lions at Pier 39

I absolutely love the sea lions at Pier 39! I do think Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 can be a little over-touristy and cheesy, but the sea lions are just so fun to watch I do it every time I’m in SF.

To find them, just walk all the way to the end of Pier 39 and then head around to the outer side of the pier on your left. That’s where they all hang out, usually in pretty large groups.

4. Visit SFMOMA

One of my absolute go-to activities whenever I’m traveling solo to a new city is visiting museums. I’ve done this all over the world, including New York, Paris, London, and Madrid, and I just love it.

There’s something really calming about wandering around a museum on your own, taking your time, enjoying some art, and just doing your own thing. My favorite museum in San Francisco is SFMOMA, and I can highly recommend checking it out if you’re into art!

5. Explore the Mission District

Definitely check out the Mission District while you’re in San Francisco! I’d recommend exploring during the day, though, rather than wandering around here late at night.

The neighborhood has some incredible burritos (my favorite is at Taqueria El Farolito), but there are also loads of cool little shops, coffee shops, fantastic murals, and street art to discover. It’s for sure one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore in San Francisco, and I think it’s a great place to spend a few hours on your own.

6. Join Hostel Activities

And lastly, if you’re staying in a hostel, I’d definitely recommend joining some of the activities they organize. These can be anything from group trips to the Golden Gate Bridge and evening pub crawls to something as simple as grabbing a free beer at the hostel bar.

I personally love joining these little activities, especially when I’m in the mood to meet other travelers. It’s such an easy way to get chatting with people, make a few friends, and maybe find someone to explore the city with the next day!

My Favorite Cafes, Bars & Restaurants for Solo Travelers

The Mill

One of my favorite cafes in San Francisco that I’ve been to a few times now is The Mill. It has a super cool, casual, and social vibe, and since laptops aren’t allowed, it’s a great place to grab a coffee, enjoy a pastry, and maybe even meet a few people. They also make all their bread in-house, which is seriously delicious!

Taqueria El Farolito

Best burrito in town, hands down. I know everybody says La Taqueria is the best, but I honestly don’t care to wait in line for an hour just to get a burrito. So I always go next door to Taqueria El Farolito, which is just as delicious and about as authentic as it gets.

Bodega North Beach

Bodega North Beach is a super cute little wine bar I visited and absolutely loved. It has a great social vibe, too. I didn’t actually come here by myself, but I noticed plenty of people sitting at the bar on their own, enjoying some cheese, a glass of wine, and a little chat. I’d 100% recommend checking it out!

Vesuvio Cafe

For a slightly busier vibe, I’d definitely head to Vesuvio Cafe. It’s your typical San Francisco dive bar, and especially on weekend nights, it gets pretty busy in here. But that’s also what makes it a fun place to grab a beer, sit at the bar, and meet people.

As you can probably tell by now, I love just going somewhere, sitting at the bar, and chatting with the bartender or whoever happens to be sitting next to me. It’s honestly such a great way to get out of your comfort zone when you’re traveling solo!

ABV

And lastly, ABV is a cool little cocktail bar I visited on my last trip to San Francisco. They actually make a seriously delicious burger with fries, which I can highly recommend. I also had their whiskey sour, which was perfect, along with a couple of beers. It turned into an awesome evening, and I’d easily come back just for the food!

FAQs About a Solo Trip to San Francisco

Is San Francisco safe?

Yes, I definitely think San Francisco is safe, and honestly, I’ve felt much safer here than in places like LA, for example. However, I would stay away from the Tenderloin and be a little more careful around parts of Union Square, especially at night. This goes for everyone, but particularly for solo female travelers.

Is San Francisco expensive to visit?

I mean, it’s still California, so yes, it’s definitely more expensive than many other places. But there are ways to keep your trip a little cheaper. You could stay in a hostel or a budget hotel instead of spending a fortune on accommodation. I always recommend Samesun San Francisco if you’re looking for a more affordable place to stay.

Should I visit San Francisco as a female solo traveler?

Absolutely! I came here completely on my own on my very first visit and had such a fantastic time. Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Alcatraz, and checking out the sea lions at Pier 39 were all things I happily did by myself. So yes, don’t let traveling solo stop you from visiting San Francisco!

What is there to do in San Francisco?

San Francisco has plenty of cool tourist attractions, awesome museums, and some really quirky and diverse neighborhoods to explore.

How many days in San Francisco do I need?

I’d say you need a minimum of two days to see some of the main highlights, but I always recommend spending three days in San Francisco. I think that’s the perfect amount of time to explore the city without having to rush around too much.

Final Thoughts on Solo Travel in San Francisco

All in all, I do think that the backpacker and traveler culture in American cities isn’t quite what it is in Latin America, Southeast Asia, Australia, or Europe. Maybe that has something to do with the higher prices and the lack of public transportation in many US cities, but it’s just a little different.

That being said, I still think San Francisco is absolutely worth visiting, even if you’re traveling on your own. There are just so many cool and iconic things to see and do here, and I had an absolute blast when I first visited the city by myself. So don’t overthink it, book that trip, and go explore San Francisco!

I hope this guide gave you a little idea of what a solo trip to San Francisco can look like. Happy travels, and stay safe!

Check Out My Other San Francisco Guides

Is San Francisco Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

How Many Days in San Francisco? My Itinerary Planner

When is the Best Time to Visit San Francisco? My Season Guide

Is San Francisco Safe to Visit? My Honest Review

Is San Francisco Expensive to Visit? My Budget Breakdown

San Francisco Without a Car: How I Get Around in SF

How I Spend 3 Days in San Francisco: My Perfect Itinerary

Mission District San Francisco: My Full Neighborhood Guide

Is Alcatraz Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion

Best Things to Do in San Francisco: My Favorite Activities & Sights

Solo Travel San Francisco: My Tips For Solo Trips & Backpackers

Best Cafes in San Francisco: My Top Coffee Shops in SF

San Francisco Food Guide: My Favorite Restaurants & Eateries

Where to Stay in San Francisco: The Best Hotels & Areas