San Francisco ​

San Francisco is a 7x7 mile city that somehow manages to contain more microclimates, world-class restaurants, and steep hills than most metropolitan areas ten times its size. The fog rolls in through the Golden Gate like it's clocking in for its shift, blankets the western half of the city, and leaves the Mission District sunny and confused about why everyone on the other side of town is wearing parkas in July.

Skip Fisherman's Wharf (it's for people who think Olive Garden is Italian food) and instead hit the actual neighborhoods: the Mission for burritos and murals, the Sunset for dim sum and ocean views, North Beach for Italian coffee and City Lights Bookstore, and the Presidio for some of the best urban green space in the country with Golden Gate views you can actually enjoy without being shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists. Lands End is the move everyone should know about — coastal cliffs, cypress trees, and that perfect bridge angle.

Photo Gallery ​

Good to Know ​

Parking: Expensive, confusing, and actively hostile. Take BART or Muni if you value your sanity and your wallet.

The Weather Thing: "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco" — it's a cliché because it's true. Bring layers. Always.

Golden Gate Walk: Walk or bike across the bridge at least once. Touristy? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely. Go early on a weekday to avoid the crowd.