re: San Francisco travel advice

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Thanks for all the warnings and suggestions guys. I bought tickets to Alcatraz but may just eat that $300 and forget SF. It’s not worth the hassle and worry. I used to love going there. What a shame they have let it become so crime infested.

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Nah you don't have to do this. You can definitely still have a good time.

A rec I would make is it maybe park in Sausalito instead? Then make your way into the city via ferry? That could be a more safer option to avoid any worries.

We rented a vehicle from SFO and spent 1 night in the city. Did not have any problems parking. I've seen and researched plenty before I went and they do target the obvious tourists areas. So at the painted ladies I did not get out, my wife actually did. I parked actually right in front of the houses along the street so I got to see as much as I wanted. We parked in Sausalito when we did the day wondering out there. Then parked again over night in our hotel (no issues). Ubered to dinner. The next day we caught a day game for the Giants then drove down to Carmel after so chose to park near the stadium to be able to shoot out after. Had no issues and was safe parking.

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I am on my way home from SF right now. Definitely recommend Uber or Lyft instead of driving. FYI, Muir Woods requires a reservation for parking.

By the way, the horror stories of SF are waaaaaay overblown. Keep your arse away from the areas you have no business and there are rarely any issues. We had a great visit!

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This is 100% true. Of coarse like every major city Chicago, NY, etc. you will hear horror stories and have your problem areas. Its your job to be aware and not get stuck in those types of areas or situations. As long as you have your guard up and aware you will have no issues.

You'll be fine



Side note, I understand you'll prob travel north. I would 100% enjoy Sausalito. Also, if you are wanting to possibly go south from Carmel.... Paso is great.

Check HWY 1 closings as they always have problem areas due to mudslides, road closings.

Enjoy!

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Completely disagree. It was worse than I expected and I saw multiple breakins and crimes in broad daylight in heavy tourist areas

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Which part of the city? We were only there for a day and mostly stayed in the Marina district, but I didn't see anything that made me think that where I was was unsafe. We parked on the street on two separate occasions and encountered zero issues.

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We are planning on going to Mama’s for brunch in North Beach, Muir Woods, Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz

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It'll be very difficult to do all of that in one day. Alcatraz and Muir Woods will take a lot of your time.

As already noted, SF horror stories are way overblown, but why risk a car smash and grab? There definitely is targeting of rental cars probably by spotters who then message a cruising theft team. They want an easy-access target, not something in a monitored garage. Use SFO Park & Fly then BART to downtown, Lyft/Uber/Flywheel to North Beach. Alternately, contact North Beach hotels and inquire about indoor parking.

Carmel to Muir Woods should be about 6+hrs round trip. You may want to reconsider how many things you will be doing

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As already noted, SF horror stories are way overblown

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Again, disagree.

Thanks for the info guys. I like the ideas of parking at SFO and taking BART or Sausalito and the ferry.