San Francisco Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, and local tips in San Francisco, Mexico.


Introduction to San Francisco

San Francisco is a small town located on the Pacific Coast of Nayarit, a state in Mexico. Despite its size, it offers a diverse range of activities for visitors, including cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, San Francisco has something for everyone to enjoy.

List of Places to Visit in San Francisco

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, here are some of the top destinations you won’t want to miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

San Francisco is renowned for its rich history and culture, as evidenced by the numerous museums and historical sites available for exploration. Some of the must-visit places in this category include:

  • Museo La Casa de los Dos Pisos – This museum contains exhibits on the history of San Francisco, including its indigenous peoples, colonial era, and modern-day culture.
  • Templo de San Francisco de Asís – This historic Catholic church dates back to the seventeenth century and features a stunning baroque altar.
  • Centro de Arte Contemporáneo – This contemporary art museum showcases both local and international artists and is a must-visit for any art enthusiast.

Natural Attractions of San Francisco: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re an adventure seeker or nature lover, San Francisco has plenty of outdoor activities and scenic views to offer. Some of the top natural attractions include:

  • Islas Marietas – This group of tiny volcanic islands is home to diverse marine life, including dolphins and humpback whales. Visitors can take a boat tour or snorkeling excursion to experience the natural beauty up close.
  • San Francisco Beach – This pristine beach is known for its turquoise waters and fine sand, making it the perfect destination for sunbathing and swimming.
  • El Monteón Ecological Reserve – This ecological reserve features dense forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Francisco

San Francisco is an excellent destination for active travelers, with numerous hiking and biking trails available for exploration. Some of the most notable routes include:

  • El Faro de San Francisco Hike – This moderate hike offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and takes visitors to a historic lighthouse.
  • Sayulita to San Francisco Bike Route – This scenic bike route takes visitors through lush forests, past stunning beaches, and offers spectacular coastal views along the way.
  • Bird Watching Tour – This activity is perfect for bird lovers who want to explore the diverse birdlife of San Francisco’s natural habitats.

Best Things to Do in San Francisco: Activities and Tours

In addition to the previously mentioned activities, San Francisco offers several other fantastic experiences that visitors won’t want to miss, including:

  • Tequila and Raicilla Tasting Tours – This tour allows visitors to taste some of San Francisco’s most famous alcoholic beverages while learning about the distillation process and history behind each.
  • Whale Watching Tours – Visitors can embark on a whale watching tour to experience the wonder of humpback whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
  • Market Tours – This tour takes visitors through the bustling outdoor markets of San Francisco, allowing them to taste local cuisine and purchase souvenirs for their loved ones back home.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Francisco

To get the most out of your trip to San Francisco, consider following this week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore downtown San Francisco and visit the famous Templo de San Francisco de Asís.
Day 2 Take a boat tour to the Islas Marietas and snorkel in the stunning turquoise waters.
Day 3 Embark on a birdwatching tour in the El Monteón Ecological Reserve.
Day 4 Take a scenic bike ride from Sayulita to San Francisco.
Day 5 Visit the Museo La Casa de los Dos Pisos and Centro de Arte Contemporáneo.
Day 6 Taste some of San Francisco’s most famous alcoholic beverages on a Tequila and Raicilla Tasting Tour.
Day 7 Relax on the white sandy beaches of San Francisco and take in the beautiful views.

Food and Drink Scene of San Francisco

San Francisco offers a diverse range of culinary experiences for visitors to enjoy. Local cuisine is characterized by fresh seafood, traditional Mexican dishes, and unique alcoholic beverages. Here are some of the top dishes and drinks to try during your visit:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tacos de Pescado – These grilled fish tacos are a staple of San Francisco cuisine.
  • Ceviche – This dish is made with fresh fish marinated in lime juice, peppers, and onions.
  • Tamales – These traditional Mexican dishes are a must-try, particularly the Sweet Tamales.

Local Beverages

  • Tequila – San Francisco is well-known for producing some of the world’s finest Tequila, which is made from the native Agave plant.
  • Raicilla – This local liquor is similar to Tequila but is distilled from a different type of Agave plant.
  • Michelada – This unique beverage is a mix of beer, lime juice, and tomato juice served over ice.

Where to Stay in San Francisco: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

San Francisco offers a variety of accommodation options to suit any budget. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • San Pancho Surf Hotel – This hotel is popular among surfers and offers comfortable rooms and stunning ocean views.
  • Posada San Francisco – This guesthouse is located in the heart of San Francisco’s downtown and offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
  • Refugio de Sol – This hostel is known for its laid-back atmosphere and serene garden setting.

What to Buy in San Francisco: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

San Francisco is home to several local markets and shops selling unique souvenirs and locally made products. Here are some of the best places to shop:

  • Artesanias San Pancho – This market features handmade arts and crafts made by local artisans, including hand-woven textiles and pottery.
  • La Comer – This supermarket sells local food products, including honey, coffee, and spices, perfect for bringing home as gifts.
  • San Francisco Farmers’ Market – This year-round market features fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal foods to sample and bring back home.

Local Culture and Customs of San Francisco

San Francisco has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by the indigenous peoples who lived here, the Spanish colonizers, and the many immigrants who have settled here over the years. The local population is welcoming and friendly, and visitors should try to follow local customs and etiquette to make the most of their trip. Some essential cultural customs to keep in mind include:

  • Greeting Locals – San Francisco locals are known for their warm hospitality, so be sure to greet them with a smile and say “Hola”.
  • Leave No Trace – The natural habitats of San Francisco are beautiful but fragile, so visitors should take care to leave no trace when exploring.
  • Respectful Attire – While San Francisco has a relaxed dress code, visitors should be mindful of dressing respectfully when visiting religious sites and cultural events.

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

The best time to visit San Francisco is between November and May when the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists. June to October is the peak season, with higher temperatures, more crowded beaches, and a livelier social scene.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Francisco

Here are some essential Do’s and Don’ts to follow during your visit to San Francisco:

Do:

  • Explore San Francisco’s natural beauty – Whether through hiking, biking, or boat tours, be sure to take time to enjoy the stunning natural scenery.
  • Try Local Cuisine – San Francisco has a fantastic culinary scene, with many unique local dishes and beverages worth trying.
  • Be Respectful – Follow local customs and etiquette and be respectful of the local people and culture.

Don’t:

  • Leave Litter – San Francisco’s natural habitats are beautiful and fragile, so visitors should take care to leave no trace when exploring.
  • Forget Sun Protection – The sun can be strong in San Francisco, so always wear sunscreen and bring a hat or shades to protect yourself.
  • Be Inconsiderate – Follow local laws and customs and be considerate when interacting with locals, other tourists, and the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in San Francisco

San Francisco is a relatively safe destination but, as with any city, visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety. Here are some safety tips to follow:

  • Avoid Walking Alone at Night – Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone after dark.
  • Be Careful with Valuables – Keep your valuables close and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
  • Use Licensed Taxis – Only use licensed taxis or transportation services, and avoid taking unofficial taxis or hitchhiking.

Health in San Francisco

While San Francisco has excellent healthcare facilities, visitors should still take precautions to stay healthy during their trip. Here are some health tips to keep in mind:

  • Stay Hydrated – Bring plenty of water and drink frequently, especially in hot weather.
  • Use Sunscreen – The sun can be strong in San Francisco, so be sure to wear sunscreen with a high SPF.
  • Beware of Street Food – While San Francisco’s street food scene is vibrant, visitors should take care to eat only at reputable vendors to avoid food poisoning.

Getting to San Francisco: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near San Francisco

The nearest airports to San Francisco are:

  • Puerto Vallarta International Airport – located approximately an hour away from San Francisco.
  • Tepic International Airport – located approximately two hours by car from San Francisco.

Bus Stations Near San Francisco

San Francisco is serviced by several bus companies, including:

  • ETN – Which provides luxury bus services to various destinations in Mexico.
  • Futura – Which offers affordable bus services to Nayarit and surrounding states.

Other Options

Travelers can also reach San Francisco via private vehicle or taxi services.

How to Get Around in San Francisco

San Francisco is a small town, and most attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, visitors can also take taxis, buses, or rent bicycles to get around town. Some guided tours also offer transportation services to guests.

Where to Go Next from San Francisco: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

San Francisco is a fantastic destination on its own, but visitors may also want to explore nearby destinations, including:

  • Sayulita – This picturesque town is located just a few minutes north of San Francisco and is known for its laid-back surfer vibe.
  • Puerto Vallarta – This popular resort town is located approximately an hour south of San Francisco and offers a lively nightlife scene, luxury hotels, and restaurants.
  • Marietas Islands – A group of uninhabited islands located just off the coast of San Francisco, which can be visited on a day trip or extended tour.

Conclusion

San Francisco is a beautiful and welcoming town with something to offer every visitor. From its vibrant cultural attractions, outdoor activities, culinary delights, and friendly people, San Francisco is a destination worth adding to your travel list. Follow our guide to make the most of your trip!

San Pancho Beach, Nayarit San Pancho Beach, Nayarit