Event Planning Guide
San Francisco

Flying: The Bay Area is serviced by three international airports: San Francisco, Oakland, and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose, making it a convenient location for both domestic and international attendees.

Train: Passengers arriving via Amtrak come into Emeryville or Oakland's Jack London Square Station and can take an Amtrak California Thruway bus over the Bay Bridge to San Francisco. Depending on the route, some travellers may also be able to transfer to BART trains or Caltrain, which is the regional rail service from San Jose to San Francisco.

Car: You can reach San Francisco via four major highways: US-101 (which takes you over the Golden Gate Bridge) and Interstate 280, both from the south; I-280 (best for those headed to the Civic Center); and Interstate 80, which crosses over the San Francisco Bay Bridge.

In terms of weather, fall is a good time to visit San Francisco since it’s less windy and foggy and the rainy season hasn’t started yet, plus this is when you’ll experience the warmest temperatures. But you’ll still want to pack a jacket for the bay breezes. This is also when you’ll encounter smaller crowds as compared to summer. Some major annual events to keep in mind when planning include Chinese New Year in February, San Francisco Pride in June, Outside Lands Music Festival in August, and San Francisco Fringe Festival in September. Planning tip: The city completely empties out during Burning Man, which takes place in Nevada, since it’s a big draw for many local residents.

Walking: Although you’ll encounter steep hills, San Francisco is one of the country’s top walking cities, thanks to its compact neighborhoods. But be prepared for a bit of a workout. You’ll find hillside stairs along the steeper streets to help you make the climb.

Transit: Muni is the name of San Francisco’s bus and metro system. It runs throughout the city and emcompasses buses, trains, and cable cars. Keep in mind, the city’s trains and buses are known for being extremely crowded at times.

Taxi: The city’s tough-to-find and expensive cabs may be the reason why San Francisco is home to ride-sharing startups including Uber and Lyft. The area taxi companies also have their own ride-hailing apps such as Flywheel and YoTaxi.