A First-Timer’s Guide to Seeing San Francisco in Style

Whatever brings your group to San Francisco, maximize your experience with some pre-trip research. Knowing exactly how you’ll get there, where you’ll stay, and the places you absolutely can’t leave without visiting allows you to enjoy a worry-free trip. But don’t forget to set aside some time for spontaneity so you can discover even more fun destinations, like wineries and sunny beaches.

Group Transportation

How will you and your group get around town? If you’re traveling with a small group of fewer than 15 members, you can take advantage of San Francisco’s trolleys, rideshare services, or car rentals.

But if you want to keep everyone together in the same place, a bus rental is more than likely the best option for you. The only way to know for sure is to call our reservation specialists who can help you choose the right bus size for your group, whether it’s an 18-passenger minibus, a 56-passenger bus, or a size in between.

As soon as you touch down at San Francisco International Airport, you’re going to need a ride that can accommodate your group and their luggage. Book a private bus to transport you to your hotel, restaurants, and anywhere else on your itinerary. The beauty of a bus rental is that your transportation operates on your schedule, so you’re never without a dedicated ride that keeps everyone safe, comfortable, and ready to explore the city.

Accommodations

Where you stay in San Francisco is an important decision to make. At the end of a day of sightseeing, you’ll need a place to rest that’s in your budget, has excellent reviews, and is located near the sites you want to see.

Pro tips:

• San Francisco is an extremely popular tourist destination, so book your hotel as soon as you know how many group members you’ll have.
• The same goes for your bus rental. Make your reservation as soon as possible so your reservation specialists can pair you with a bus that fits your needs.
• If your trip spans several days, don’t forget to book your bus driver’s hotel room! You’re responsible for their accommodations if they will be with you for the duration of your trip.

Top-rated hotels in San Francisco:

 

Phoenix Hotel

Address: 601 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Phone: (415) 776-1380

 

Hotel Zephyr

Address: 250 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Phone: (415) 617-6565

 

Palace Hotel

Address: 2 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Phone: (415) 512-1111

 

Axiom Hotel

Address: 28 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Phone: (415) 392-9466

 

Hotel G

Address: 386 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Phone: (877) 828-4478

 

Proper Hotel

Address: 1100 Market Street & 45 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Phone: (415) 735-7777

Food and Drink

Chefs and mixologists from around the world come to San Francisco to experiment with new flavors and styles, leaving visitors with dining experiences they won’t find anywhere else. While you’re in the area, be sure to try:

 

A mission-style burrito

What it is: A combination of rice, beans, and meat swaddled in a soft tortilla that originated in the Mission district in the 1960s.

Where to try it:

 

Taqueria Los Coyotes

Address: 3036 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone: (415) 861-3708

 

El Farolito

Address: 2779 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Phone: (415) 824-7877

 

Taqueria La Cumbre

Address: 515 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Phone: (415) 863-8205

 

Sourdough bread

What it is: A bread made with fermented dough from naturally-occuring bacteria and yeast. During the California Gold Rush, miners discovered that their bread tasted sour (in a delicious way), and it became a Bay Area staple.

Where to try it:

 

Boudin Bakery Cafe

Address: 5-Q, Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133

Phone: (415) 421-0185

 

Acme Bread Company

Address: Ferry Building, San Francisco Bay Trail #15, San Francisco, CA 94111

Phone: (415) 288-2978

 

Josey Baker Bread

Address: 736 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Phone: (415) 345-1953

 

Irish coffee

What it is: A cocktail of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, a sweetener, and cream. According to local legend, the Buena Vista cafe brought the drink to the U.S. in 1952.

Where to try it:

 

Buena Vista

Address: 2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Phone: (415) 474-5044

 

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

Address: 198 5th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone: (415) 625-0436

 

Irish Times

Address: 500 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Phone: (415) 217-5060

Things to Do and See

Not sure which attractions and activities to add to your itinerary? There is so much to do and see in San Francisco, but most travel enthusiasts agree on the destinations below for first-timers.

Landmarks

The Golden Gate Bridge

Welcome Center Address: Golden Gate Bridge, Coastal Trail, San Francisco, CA 94129

 

Coit Tower

Address: 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133

 

Alcatraz Island

Address: San Francisco, CA 94133 (accessible only by ferry at Pier 33)

 

Nature Centers

Japanese Tea Garden

Address: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

 

Conservatory of Flowers

Address: 100 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

Phone: (415) 831-2090

 

Museums

California Academy of Sciences

Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

(415) 379-8000

 

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Address: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone: (415) 357-4000

 

de Young Museum

Address: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

Phone: (415) 750-3600

 

Shopping

Ferry Building

Address: One Ferry Building, San Francisco, California 94111

 

PIER 39

Address: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133

 

Union Square

Address: 333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108

 

Westfield San Francisco Centre

Address: 865 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone: (415) 512-6776

 

Sports

Oracle Park (home of the San Francisco Giants)

Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107

 

Chase Center (home of the Golden State Warriors)

Address: 1 Warriors Way, San Francisco, CA 94158

Day Trips

You’ll want to spend as much time in the city as you can, but you’ll be too close to other fun destinations not to venture out. For groups of wine lovers, we recommend a trip to Napa Valley where you can tour renowned wineries. Just under an hour away, Muir Woods National Monument offers nature enthusiasts the chance to hike among redwood trees. If you’re not rushed for time, you can ride down to Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Monica, or even Los Angeles.

Upgrade Your Group Transportation Experience with Champion Charter Bus

No matter what you decide to do in San Francisco, Champion Charter Bus is available 24/7 to help you plan the perfect trip. Because of our vast experience in group transportation, we’ll show you how simple, affordable, and enjoyable charter bus travel can be. Call us today at 415-226-7968 to learn more about our services and to receive your free quote.