By Expedia Local Expert, on May 15, 2015

6 San Francisco neighborhoods every visitor needs to see

Clustered on the 7-mile-by-7-mile tip of its eponymous peninsula, San Francisco manages to pack a whole lot of character into its relatively compact urban footprint. From the foggy ocean beaches of the Sunset to the upbeat industrial vibe of SoMa, the sunny boutiques of the Marina to the iconic Victorians of Pacific Heights, the incense-scented head shops of the Haight-Ashbury to the line-out-the-door taquerias of the Mission—this is a city with something for everyone. Here’s our breakdown of San Francisco’s top neighborhoods for visitors looking to see the major landmarks and get a taste of that only-by-the-bay atmosphere.

Union Square: This centerpiece of San Francisco’s downtown shopping district was built in 1850. It’s named for pro-Union rallies that took place there around the time of the American Civil War. Union Square is sandwiched between some of the most high-end shopping in the city (think Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus). It’s always bustling, but in the winter Union Square is especially enchanting with its outdoor ice-skating rink, 80-foot Christmas tree, and large menorah.

North Beach: The North Beach district is SF’s Little Italy, and has historically been home to a large community of Italian immigrants and Italian-Americans. In the 1950s and 60s, North Beach was also a hub of Beatnik and bohemian culture, home to poets, writers, and artists like Jack Kerouac and Allan Ginsberg. Poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s famous Beatnik hangout, City Lights Bookstore, is also located in North Beach. Packed with Italian restaurants and coffee shops, North Beach’s popular bars are also a draw for nightlife-loving revelers. By day, notable attractions include Saints Peter and Paul Church, the Shrine of Francis of Assisi, and Washington Square Park.

Fisherman’s Wharf: Fringing the bay on San Fran’s northern waterfront, Fisherman’s Wharf’s tourist-friendly attractions include the sea lion colony that lounges along Pier 39, a wax museum, and Maritime National Historical Park. For a nostalgic look at turn-of-the-century amusement, check out the more than 300 penny arcade games from the early 20th century at the Musee Mecanique. Fisherman’s Wharf is still—as its name suggests—used as a port for fishermen hauling in the bounty of the Pacific Ocean. Treat yourself to a bowl of the city’s famed clam chowder or tomato-based cioppino in a classic sourdough bread bowl at one of the waterfront food stands or restaurants.

Chinatown

Chinatown: First established in 1848, San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in the United States and the largest Chinese enclave outside of Asia. Chinatown is overflowing with shops peddling traditional Chinese silk clothing, herbs, kitschy souvenirs, and antiques. Stop for a meal of authentic Chinese cuisine like dim dum, or tuck into the more familiar Americanized versions of Chinese dishes, such as chop suey, many of which originated right here in this area. Visit the neighborhood’s regal pagodas and quiet squares, where locals gather to practice tai chi. The ornate entry gate on Grant Street is a main attraction.

Castro District: More commonly referred to as simply “The Castro,” this area around Castro Street has been a center and symbol of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community since the late 1960s and 70s. The neighborhood is a popular nightlife destination, and the Castro functions as the headquarters of festivities during San Francisco’s world-renowned LGBT Pride celebrations every June. Check out show times at the historic Castro Theatre for screenings of classic and cult films and musical sing-along events. You can also visit other attractions like the GLBT Museum, the F Market historic streetcar turnaround, and Pink Triangle Park. 

Golden Gate Park: While not exactly a neighborhood per se, this park, created in the 1870s, sprawls over 1,017 acres in an area of the city that was previously known as the “outside lands” (now the moniker of a popular music festival that takes place here each year). In addition to plenty of walking trails and prime picnicking sites, the park is home to world-class museums like the California Academy of Sciences—which features a planetarium, an indoor rainforest dome, and an aquarium—and the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum, whose collection of traditional and fine arts from around the globe is only rivaled by its patinated copper exterior and city views. For more flora and greenery, head to the lovely botanical garden at the historic Conservatory of Flowers or make your way to the Japanese Garden. The oldest in the country, this zen retreat features 5 acres of Japanese landscaping, pagodas, sculptures, a moon bridge, and koi pond. Head to the tea house for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, or just sip a cup while you admire the scenery.

                What’s your favorite San Francisco neighborhood?