Lonely Planet’s San Francisco is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Catch a ferry to Alcatraz, wander in the Castro, and admire the Mission murals; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of San Francisco and begin your journey now!
Inside Lonely Planet’s San Francisco Travel Guide:
Up-to-date information - all businesses were rechecked before publication to ensure they are still open after 2020’s COVID-19 outbreak
NEW top experiences feature - a visually inspiring collection of San Francisco’s best experiences and where to have them
What's NEW feature taps into cultural trends and helps you find fresh ideas and cool new areas
NEW pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card with wi-fi, ATM, and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel
Planning tools for family travelers - where to go, how to save money, plus fun stuff just for kids
Color maps and images throughout
Highlightsand itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests
Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots
Essential infoat your fingertips - hours of operation, websites, transit tips, prices
Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics
Over 40 maps
Covers The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Piers, Downtown, Civic Center, SoMa, North Beach, Chinatown, Nob Hill, Russian Hill, Japantown, Fillmore, Pacific Heights, The Mission, Dogpatch, Potrero Hill, the Castro, The Haight, Hayes Valley, Golden Gate Park, the Avenues
The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet’s San Francisco, our most comprehensive guide to San Francisco, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled.
Looking for just the highlights? Check out Pocket San Francisco, a handy-sized guide focused on the can't-miss sights for a quick trip.
Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet’s USA for a comprehensive look at all the country has to offer.
About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and phrasebooks for 120 languages, and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travelers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, videos, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day.
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Co-ordinating Author: Ashley Harrell
Top Authors: Greg Benchwick, Alison Bing, Celeste Brash, Adam Karlin
We understood Sri Lanka so much better thanks to this guide. It really made our trip.
Sri Lanka
Ofer Yitzhak
Traveling to Spain
The guidebook “spain” was excellent. I used it for planning the trip to Madrid, Barcelona and Toledo.
Spain
DAVID ESPINOSA
Great tool for travel planning a quick trip to this region of England
I visited Oxford las month and this Pocket Guide was a great value. Sights and pubs reviews were spot on. One thing though: during graduation season, several sights are closed down for private events. Duke Humfrey's library and the Sheldonian Theater were unavailable during my trip. Maybe there's a note in the guide which I might have missed, but a heads-up on this would be nice.
Pocket Oxford & the Cotswolds
Magnus Potter
really helpful
I love the lonely Planet Guides, they are so useful when travelling. It Had all the Importamt information about the regions in Tasmania, so we could plan our Roadtrip without googling for hours. The Cape Raoul Track was beautiful, as Well as many other places recommended Here. The prices of the ferry etc. Are also helpful. Thank you!
Experience Tasmania
Xihan Liu
Detailed Demonstration
Lonely Planet's New Zealand guidebook was an absolute game-changer for my trip. From rugged alpine adventures in the South Island to the vibrant cultural heart of Wellington, this book helped me uncover experiences I would’ve never found on my own. The recommendations felt curated, not generic, and the practical tips—from driving routes to hidden local gems—were spot on. I especially appreciated the cultural insights into Māori traditions, which made the trip feel even more meaningful. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning traveler, this guide is a must-have.