1. Everyone Loves The 49ers
Buy a hat, shirt and sweatshirt as soon as you arrive. Seriously.
2. And No One Can Deny The Giants Rule
That thing called the World Series? They’ve won three in five years. No big.
3. Don’t Be Afraid, San Franciscans Really Are Friendly
San Franciscans may be a bit eccentric (understatement?), but they’re also laid back and friendly. If you need directions, have a question or just need some help, they’ll be the first to lend a hand.
4. Just Embrace The Windblown Look
Let go of your stress about having perfect hair while you’re here. The windblown look is totally acceptable. There’s not enough hairspray in the world to keep your hair perfect. Everyone gets it.
5. It Is Not Called “San Fran”
Well, it is if you actually want to be mercilessly mocked or called out for being a tourist. It’s mostly “The City” or just “SF.” Some long-time locals do call it Frisco, but there’s a lot of debate around it.
6. Don’t Complain About Karl
Yeah, yeah… you came here to walk across the Golden Gate, but then couldn’t even see it because of the fog. This is SF and it is foggy. Don’t bitch about it. The fog is just part of the scenery. He even has a name (and an Instagram and Twitter account) - his name is Karl. He is a big part of the community.
7. Welcome To The World Of Micro-Climes
Don’t assume that because it’s 70 degrees and sunny in the Mission that it’ll be the same in the Sunset. Microclimates exist due to the steep hills and pockets of wind and fog make every neighborhood into its own climate. So if you don’t like the weather, just walk a few blocks.
8. Keep Your Muni Ticket
That little slip of paper that you’re going to get when you get on the bus is your muni ticket. You have to board at the front bus door to get one. Don’t wad it up and misplace it. It’s your proof of payment for your return ride. You can enter the back door of the bus on your return ride as long as you hold up your ticket for the driver to see.
9. Folks Are Not Fancy Here
It’s probably going to be tempting to wear your fancy clothes and high heels, but here’s a tip: don’t. We’re pretty casual here. You’re likely to find yourself sitting on the ground somewhere or being incredibly over dressed. Everyone will know you’re a tourist. Keep it casual and you’ll be way more comfortable - both physically and socially.
10. Apple Picking Isn’t Done In An Orchard
In San Francisco apple picking is just a little different than in other places. It’s when someone steals your iPhone and iPad. Get it? So keep them close and safe. You’ve been warned.
11. Don’t Even Try To Count All The Hybrid Cars
They’re everywhere. San Francisco is the most densely populated electric car area there is. If you rent one while you’re here, be prepared to lose track of where you parked it.
12. Your New Best Friends Are Uber, Lyft and Sidecar
You probably rent a car everywhere you travel, but you might want to rethink that strategy here. Not only is it hard to find parking and expensive once you do, but you’re going to have to set your alarm for an ungodly hour to get up and move your car for street cleaning. There are options: Uber, Lyft and Sidecar are the popular rideshare companies. Summon a car to pick you up only when you need one and let a friendly local drive you around.
13. Mission Burritos Are The Size Of A Small Child
The only place to get a proper mission-style burrito (which means freaking HUGE, fresh and tasty) is in the Mission District itself. That’s it. A burrito from anywhere else is an impostor. Try out El Farolito, La Taqueria, Gracias Madre, or Taqueria Cancun.
14. The Real Chinatown Is Clement Street
It may seem logical to head to Chinatown if you’re looking for the best Chinese shops and food, but the real one is on Clement Street. It’s the ‘New Chinatown’, full of businesses, cafes, restaurants and produce shops. It has more of a cultural mix with an Asian flavor. You’ll find Burmese, Persian, French and Thai food here, too. The parking is also much easier than in Chinatown and the food is the best.
15. The First Sunday Of Every Month Is Pugapalooza
Whether you have a pug or not, Pug Sunday is not to be missed. It would melt just about anyone’s heart. And you’ll have plenty of time for brunch first, since it doesn’t start until 2:30. Speaking of brunch….
16. SF Is Better At Brunch Than You
Forget breakfast. San Franciscans know what the real most important meal of the day is. Mimosas, bloody Marys, French toast, eggs, hot beignets and benedicts of every kind. They love them all. Don’t miss Brenda’s, Dottie’s, Mama’s and the Foreign Cinema. Yes, you’ll wait in a very long line. Yes, it is totally worth it.
17. “Cabrillo” Is Not Spanish
It’s not pronounced “Cah-bree-yo.” It’s English. Like a taxi “cab” and a “brillo” pad.
18. Tony’s Makes Pizza An Art Form
This is completely debatable, but you must try the pizza at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in North Beach. Over 2,200 Yelpers agree. In fact, try all the pizza in North Beach. You may find your own favorite pizza joint, but it’s going to be located in North Beach.
19. Layering Is The San Franciscan Fashion
No matter what season or how beautiful the weather in the morning - layer your clothing. Skirts over pants, jackets, hoodies, sweatshirts, hats, gloves, scarves… these are all the things you want to have with you. The weather can change quickly and drastically in a matter of minutes. Always be prepared.
20. Watch Out For All The Bikers
If you’re going to be driving a car here, pay close attention to where you’re going and all the bikes around you. SF is one of the top 10 bike friendly cities in the U.S. and they are everywhere. The best motto is ‘If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em’. It really is the best way to get around the city.
21. You’re Going To Want To Use Your Parking Brake ALWAYS
It seems obvious, but if you’re not used to pulling your parking brake up every time you park, it’s easy to forget. Parking brakes are a necessity. Use them.
22. You Can Go Fly Fishing In Golden Gate Park
You wouldn’t think you could go fly fishing in the city, but… this is San Francisco and you can do just about anything here. Right in the Golden Gate Park are casting pools and an angler’s lodge. It’s not easy to find, but it’s there. You can learn fly tying, rod building, and even use free loaner fly rods.
23. The Rents Are Seriously Crazy
If you’re visiting friends here, you may hear them talking about their $1600 bedroom. That’s not a one-bedroom apartment, that’s a bedroom in an apartment that is shared with 3 other people paying $1600 for their bedrooms, too. Yep. It’s not even in the best part of the city. Rent is outrageous, but look around… it’s obviously worth it.
24. Climbing The Mosaic Steps Is A Rite Of Passage
You’ve seen pictures and heard about the beautiful mosaic steps, but where are they? They can be found at Moraga Street and 16th Avenue. They are called the ‘Moraga Steps’ by locals and they are worth the climb. Not only is the mosaic artwork gorgeous, but the view at the top is a treat, too.
25. An Irish Coffee At The Buena Vista Cafe Is A Must
They perfected their Irish Coffee recipe in 1952 and it’s still being used today. This is the absolute best Irish Coffee in the city and it has a great atmosphere to boot. While you’re there, try their Irish whiskey and bread pudding, eggs blackstone or their delicious cable car meatloaf.
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about San Francisco? Tell us in the comments below!
