Do you get anxious when you have to get around San Francisco? We do too! Driving in San Francisco isn’t easy.
We live in the South Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area but even for us, San Francisco driving is so different than driving anywhere else in California.
But it is possible and with good practice, you can be a pro in driving through San Francisco. In this post, we’ll cover tips and local info on getting around this city.
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Planning your trip to San Francisco? Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals:
📸 Best Tours In San Francisco:
- Private Sailboat Charter In San Francisco Bay (customizable route)
- Best Alcatraz & San Francisco Combo Tour (private + Alcatraz audio guide)
- Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip From San Francisco (small group)
- San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country (2 tours for 1 price!)
- San Francisco Love Tour (ride in a ’70s Volkswagen bus)
😴 Best Hotels In San Francisco:
- citizenM San Francisco Union Square (💲) (1.9 miles from Coit Tower)
- LUMA Hotel San Francisco (💲💲) (less than a mile from SFMOMA)
- The Fairmont Heritage Place (💲💲💲) (be treated like a celebrity!)
🚘 Best Car Rental In San Francisco: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)
Driving In San Francisco: What’s It Like?
Driving in San Francisco isn’t for the faint of heart. Driving up and down the steep hills, I realized that driving in San Francisco required a different set of skills than driving in other cities.
We had to be constantly aware of our surroundings, especially when navigating narrow streets with parked cars on both sides.
And parking is hard too; finding a parking spot or garage is one thing. And then actually parking is another challenge.
But as we drove more in the city, we began to appreciate its unique charm and character.
From the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge to the vibrant neighborhoods, driving in San Francisco allowed us to explore the city in a way that we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. And you can explore it at your own pace.
Is It Hard To Drive In San Francisco
Driving in San Francisco can be challenging due to its steep hills, narrow streets, complex parking rules, and heavy traffic. To add to this, the city has cable cars and buses that share the roads with you.
The city’s unique geography and layout can also make navigation difficult if you aren’t familiar with the area.
Luckily, it doesn’t snow in San Francisco in the winter. The city has mild winters with rain and fog. But streets can also get slick and slippery, especially on steep hills, which requires you to be extra cautious while driving.
Tips For Your First Time Driving In San Francisco
If you’re planning to drive in San Francisco for the first time, here are some tips to help you navigate the city:
➡️ Familiarize yourself with the streets: San Francisco has a unique street grid that can be confusing for first-time visitors. Take some time to study a map of the city and familiarize yourself with the main streets and landmarks.
➡️ Watch for street signs: San Francisco has a number of one-way streets and parking restrictions that are strictly enforced. Be sure to pay attention to street signs to avoid getting a ticket or towed.
➡️ Take it slow: Take your time and be careful when navigating narrow streets or hills, especially when driving downhill.
➡️ Be aware of pedestrians: San Francisco is a pedestrian-friendly city, and there are many crosswalks and intersections where pedestrians have the right of way. Always be on the lookout for pedestrians and be prepared to stop.
➡️ Park carefully: Parking can be a challenge, especially downtown. Be prepared to parallel park on steep hills and make sure to read parking signs carefully to avoid getting a ticket. Keep reading for more info on parking.
➡️ Rent a smaller car: Consider renting a smaller car to make it easier to navigate narrow streets and tight parking spaces.
💡 Tip: Need a rental car? Save up to 70% when renting with DiscoverCars!
Best Places To Learn To Drive In San Francisco
1️⃣ Driving Schools
The best place to learn driving in San Francisco is at a driving school that offers driving lessons and practice sessions for new drivers.
These schools provide a safe, structured place to learn to drive. It’s a good option if you’re nervous about driving in the city.
Here are the best-rated driving schools in the area:
2️⃣ Alemany Farmers Market
The Alemany Farmer’s Market is a popular spot for local teens to practice driving during weekdays and evenings.
This location provides ample space for beginners to learn, with clearly marked lanes for practicing steering and parallel parking.
Since there aren’t any hills, once you’re comfortable on flat surfaces, you can start driving around residential neighborhoods with hilly streets.
3️⃣ Treasure Island
Treasure Island is a man-made island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay that offers wide, open roads and very low traffic, making it an ideal spot for you to hone your skills.
The island has several straight roads and roundabouts, which are great for practicing steering, acceleration, and braking. The roads are also relatively flat, which is helpful for those who are still learning to navigate hills.
Treasure Island also has large parking lots, which are perfect for practicing parking and maneuvering skills.
Parking In San Francisco
Parking can also be a challenge in San Francisco, as the city has limited space and high demand for parking spots. Sometimes you’ll need to navigate tight spaces and parallel park on inclined streets.
Things You Need To Know About Parking In San Francisco
🚗 Street parking: San Francisco has many residential and metered parking spaces on its streets.
However, finding an available space can be difficult, especially in popular neighborhoods or during peak hours. Look for posted parking signs to avoid getting a ticket or worse, having your car towed.
🚗 Parking garages: There are parking garages located throughout San Francisco that offer hourly or daily rates. These can be a good option if you’re planning to park for an extended period or need to park in a high-traffic area.
🚗 Parking regulations: San Francisco has strict parking regulations, and it’s best to pay attention to posted signs and regulations.
For example, street sweeping occurs in most neighborhoods at least once a week, and you need to move your car to avoid a ticket.
🚗 Parking meters: San Francisco has parking meters located on its streets. These meters accept coins, and credit or debit cards. The rates vary depending on the location and time of day.
🚗 Residential parking permits: Some San Francisco neighborhoods offer residential parking permits that allow residents to park on the street without time limits or meter fees.
If you live in one of these neighborhoods, you can apply for a residential parking permit to avoid the hassle of finding street parking.
Parking Garages In San Francisco
➡️ Portsmouth Square Plaza Garage
Best Streets To Drive In San Francisco
🛣️ Lombard Street
Lombard Street is the most famous street in San Francisco, known for its winding, steep road and beautiful houses on either side.
Driving down Lombard Street is an experience unlike any other, with hairpin turns and breathtaking views of the city.
🛣️ The Embarcadero
The Embarcadero is a waterfront road that runs along the eastern edge of San Francisco, offering views of the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco Bay.
The road is wide and well-maintained, with several lanes for driving and designated bike lanes.
🛣️ Market Street
Market Street is the busiest street in San Francisco, running through the heart of the city from the waterfront to Twin Peaks.
Being the busiest, it’s also one of the most challenging streets to drive in because there is so much going on! It’s known to have around 500,000 people walking on Market Street daily.
Driving down Market Street offers a glimpse of the city’s bustling energy, with towering buildings and historic landmarks along the way.
🛣️ Great Highway
Great Highway is a scenic road that runs along the western edge of San Francisco, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and access to many popular beaches.
The road is wide and relatively flat, making it a great spot for cruising and enjoying the ocean breeze.
🛣️ Presidio Boulevard
Presidio Boulevard runs through the Presidio of San Francisco, offering beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay.
The road is well-maintained and has relatively low traffic, making it a great spot for practicing driving skills.
Traffic Tips When Driving In San Francisco
🚦 Plan ahead: It’s best to plan your route ahead of time and allow extra time for traffic. Use Google Maps to check real-time traffic conditions and find alternate routes if necessary.
🚦 Avoid peak hours: Try to avoid driving during peak hours, which is during weekday mornings and evenings. Traffic can be particularly heavy in downtown and financial district areas during these times.
🚦 Be patient and cautious: San Francisco’s hills and narrow streets can make driving more challenging, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with the city.
Be patient and cautious when navigating through traffic and pay close attention to other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
🚦 Or take public transportation: San Francisco has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and streetcars. Consider taking public transportation instead of driving to avoid traffic and parking headaches.
San Francisco Driving Laws
🚘 Seat Belt Laws: California state law requires all passengers to wear a seatbelt while in a moving vehicle, regardless of age or position in the vehicle.
🚘 Speed Limits: Speed limits in San Francisco vary depending on the location and type of road. But if it isn’t stated, the speed limit on city streets is 25 miles per hour.
🚘 Stop Signs and Traffic Signals: Come to a complete stop at all stop signs and red traffic signals. You can turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic.
🚘 Cell Phone Use: California state law prohibits you from using handheld devices while driving, including texting and making phone calls. You can use hands-free devices and voice-activated functions.
🚘 Parking Laws: San Francisco has strict parking laws, including time limits and street cleaning schedules. Be on the lookout for posted parking signs and regulations to avoid tickets and towing.
🚘 Bicycle Laws: San Francisco is known for its active cycling community, so be aware of the laws regarding sharing the road with bicycles. Give cyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing, and make sure to not park in bike lanes.
Car Crime Rates In San Francisco
San Francisco has higher-than-average rates of car-related crimes, including theft, break-ins, and vandalism. Here are some statistics and tips to help protect your car in San Francisco:
❌ Auto theft: San Francisco has one of the highest rates of auto theft in the country. The city had more than 1,800 auto thefts this year.
To protect your car from theft, always lock your car doors and windows, park in well-lit areas, and consider using a steering wheel lock or another anti-theft device.
❌ Car break-ins: San Francisco also has a high rate of car break-ins, which often involve thieves smashing windows to steal valuables left inside. On average, there are 20 car break-ins per 1000 residents.
To avoid becoming a victim of a car break-in, never leave valuables in plain sight in your car, park in well-lit areas, and consider using a car alarm.
❌ Vandalism: Unfortunately, car vandalism is also common in San Francisco. This can include broken windows, slashed tires, and scratched or dented paint.
To protect your car from vandalism, park in well-lit areas, consider using a car cover and report any suspicious activity to the police.
Should I Rent A Car In San Francisco
Whether or not to rent a car in San Francisco depends on your travel plans and preferences. But here are some factors to consider:
🔑 Budget: Renting a car in San Francisco can be expensive, especially if you include the cost of parking and gas. If you’re on a tight budget, then using public transportation or ride-sharing services may be a more affordable option.
Looking for an affordable car rental? Check out DiscoverCars and save 70%!
🔑 Parking: San Francisco has limited parking, and parking spots can be expensive and hard to find, especially in popular areas like downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf.
If you plan to stay in a hotel or Airbnb with parking included or are okay with paying for parking or using public transportation, renting a car may not be necessary.
🔑 Traffic: San Francisco is a busy and congested city, and traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
If you don’t feel comfortable navigating through busy city streets, or if you’re not used to driving in hilly terrain, then you may want to consider using public transportation or Ubering instead.
🔑 Itinerary: If you plan to stay within San Francisco and explore the city’s neighborhoods, attractions, and restaurants, then renting a car may not be necessary, as many areas are easily accessible by public transportation or walking.
However, if you plan to explore areas outside of the city, such as Napa Valley or the surrounding National Parks, then renting a car can be a good idea.
💡 Tip: Go to Yosemite! San Francisco to Yosemite is just a 3.5-hour road trip!
Getting Around San Francisco Without A Car
Getting around San Francisco without a car is fairly easy, as the city has a comprehensive public transportation system and many areas are walkable. Here are some options:
▶️ Muni: San Francisco’s Municipal Railway, known as Muni, provides bus, trolley, and light rail service throughout the city.
▶️ BART: Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) provides train service to and from San Francisco, connecting the city with other areas in the Bay Area.
▶️ Cable Cars: San Francisco’s iconic cable cars are a fun and historic way to travel through the city. There are 3 cable car lines that run through the city, and you can purchase tickets at cable car turnarounds or Muni stations.
▶️ Bike Sharing: San Francisco has bike-sharing programs, including Bay Wheels and Lime. You can rent a bike from a station and return it to another station, making it easy to explore the city on two wheels.
▶️ Ride-Sharing: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in San Francisco, and can be a convenient way to get around the city without a car.
▶️ Walking: San Francisco is a compact city, and many areas are easily walkable. Walking is a great way to explore the city’s neighborhoods, parks, and attractions while getting those steps in!
Map Of San Francisco
Where to Stay In San Francisco
San Francisco has a variety of accommodations: hotels, resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options:
Budget-Friendly Option: citizenM San Francisco Union Square
Mid-Priced Option: LUMA Hotel San Francisco
Lux Option: The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square
Frequently Asked Questions
Driving in San Francisco can be difficult due to the city’s hilly terrain, narrow streets, heavy traffic, and complex parking rules. But with practice and preparation, it’s possible to navigate the city safely and confidently.
That depends on your comfort level with navigating a busy, hilly city with complex driving rules. If you’re an experienced driver and feel confident driving in challenging environments, then go for it. Otherwise, you can take public transit or Uber/Lyft.
If you plan to frequently travel outside of San Francisco or need a car for your daily commute or errands, then having a car is worth it. But if you mostly use public transit and only need a car rarely, then it’s not worth the expense and hassle of owning a car in the city.
The cost can vary depending on the type of car, parking costs, insurance rates, and maintenance expenses. On average, owning and driving a car in San Francisco can cost around $9,000-$10,000 per year.
While there aren’t toll roads in San Francisco, there are toll roads if you are driving through any of the 7 toll bridges: Golden Gate Bridge, Oakland Bay Bridge, Dumbarton Bridge, San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, Benicia-Martinez Bridge, Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, Carquinez Bridge, and Antioch Bridge.
Driving in Los Angeles and San Francisco both have their own challenges but, San Francisco’s hilly terrain and narrow streets make it harder, while Los Angeles’ large size can be scary for those unfamiliar with the city.
Final Thoughts
Driving in San Francisco can be challenging due to its hilly terrain, narrow streets, heavy traffic, and complex parking rules.
But you can navigate the city safely after familiarizing yourself with driving laws, and parking options.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
Don’t Miss These 50 Top Things To Do in San Francisco
Why Is San Francisco So Expensive? Here are 14 Eye-opening Reasons
Renting A Car In San Francisco: Travel Tips and Info
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