🧭 3 Best Ways to Explore San Francisco (And Which One’s Right for You)

San Francisco is one of the most iconic and visually stunning cities in the United States—but thanks to its steep hills, micro-neighborhoods, and scenic vistas, how you explore the city can make or break your trip.

Whether you're a first-time visitor, a budget traveler, or someone looking for a quirky way to see the sights, this guide breaks down the 3 best ways to explore San Francisco:

• 🚇 Public transport,
• 🚌 Hop-on/Hop-off buses, and
• 🏎️ Yellow GoCars.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each option, who they’re best for, what they cost, and what I personally think about each one.

 

🚇 1. Exploring San Francisco by Public Transport

What’s Included?

San Francisco has a unique public transport system that includes:

• Muni buses
• Muni Metro light rail
• Historic streetcars
• Famous cable cars
• BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) for airport access and nearby cities

You can easily get around most neighborhoods using a Clipper Card or Visitor Passport.

👉 Get a Visitor Passport or Clipper Card here

✅ Pros of Public Transport

• Budget-friendly: Single rides are cheap, and multi-day passes save even more.
• Eco-conscious: Lower your carbon footprint.
• Access to local gems: Explore areas like the Mission, Haight-Ashbury, and Outer Sunset.
• Ride the cable cars: An absolute must-do experience!

❌ Cons of Public Transport

• Can be confusing for first-timers.
• Some buses run infrequently or off-schedule.
• Doesn’t cover every tourist attraction conveniently.

💡 Best For:

• Budget-conscious travelers
• Visitors staying for 3+ days
• Adventurers who don’t mind a little walking or app-checking

💰 Cost Breakdown

• Muni single ride: ~$2.50–$3.00
• Cable car ride: $8 one way
• Visitor Passport: $13 (1-day), $31 (3-day), $41 (7-day)

👉 Buy a Muni Visitor Passport here

🌟 What Makes It Special?

Riding the Powell-Hyde cable car up Nob Hill with views of Alcatraz and the bay is peak San Francisco. It’s both a ride and a historic experience in one.

📝 My Personal Take

“I love taking Muni to explore less-touristy areas like the Outer Sunset or Inner Richmond. It’s not always the most reliable, but with a little planning, it gives you that real local vibe.”

 

🚌 2. Hop-On/Hop-Off Buses: Easy and Scenic

What’s Included?

Hop-on/hop-off bus tours cover all major sights and neighborhoods. They often include:

• Open-top double-decker buses
• Pre-recorded audio commentary
• 1 or 2-day flexible passes

You can get off at landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Alamo Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more.

👉 Book a Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour here

✅ Pros of Hop-On/Hop-Off Buses

• Stress-free: No need to navigate or plan.
• Great for first-timers: See all the major attractions in one loop.
• Informative: Learn about the city while you ride.
• Great for families or travelers with mobility limitations.

❌ Cons of Hop-On/Hop-Off Buses

• Higher cost compared to Muni
• Stays on touristy routes only
• Can get crowded during peak travel seasons

💡 Best For:

• First-time visitors
• Families with kids or older travelers
• Short stays (1–2 days)

💰 Cost Breakdown

• 1-day pass: ~$55 adults / ~$45 children
• 2-day pass: ~$70+ (often includes extras like Alcatraz ferry or night tour)
• If you buy a city pass for San Francisco, it might be cheaper to include the bus passes in your city pass.

👉 Reserve your 1-day or 2-day bus tour here

🌟 What Makes It Special?

The open-top deck is unbeatable for snapping panoramic photos of the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Painted Ladies—all without leaving your seat.

📝 My Personal Take

“It’s touristy—but in the good way. If you’re overwhelmed by planning or only have a weekend, this tour makes life so much easier. And I still learn something new every time I hop on one!”

 

🏎️ 3. Yellow GoCars: The Fun, Quirky Way to See SF

What’s Included?

GoCars are small, two-seater yellow vehicles equipped with a GPS-guided audio tour that tells you where to go and shares fun facts along the way.

You can explore areas like:

• Golden Gate Park
• Ocean Beach
• Presidio
• Marina District
• Lombard Street
• The Mission District

👉 Book your GoCar adventure here

✅ Pros of GoCars

• Totally unique experience—feels like a real-life video game
• Self-paced with customizable routes
• The narrated GPS tour adds humor and hidden stories

❌ Cons of GoCars

• Expensive, especially for full-day rentals
• Not ideal in fog or rain
• Only fits two people and no large bags

💡 Best For:

• Adventurous couples or friends
• Repeat visitors looking for a twist
• Creators and influencers who want awesome content

💰 Cost Breakdown

• 1-hour rental: ~$75
• Half-day (3 hrs): ~$120
• Full-day: ~$160–$200+

👉 Reserve your Yellow GoCar tour here

🌟 What Makes It Special?

You’ll get so many waves and smiles from pedestrians and other drivers. Plus, it’s genuinely educational—the GPS tour isn’t just gimmicky; it’s informative and well-done.

📝 My Personal Take

“I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did. I laughed the whole way through. It’s pricey, but 100% worth doing at least once—especially if you’ve already hit the big tourist spots.”

 

🧩 Final Comparison Table