The Best Places To Stay In San Francisco For Safety
Safety in San Francisco has become the hot topic of post pandemic travel. Hence, choosing where to stay in San Francisco is an important decision that really makes a difference in your experience travelling here.
Our first time in San Francisco was a bit scary because we chose a cheap hotel and had no idea what to expect. Now, we know that hotel location matters a lot and will research more whenever we go to a big city like San Francisco.
Since we’ve hung out in San Francisco a few times after moving to the Bay Area, we know there are places worth visiting here. If my family and friends were coming to visit San Francisco, here’s where I would recommend them to stay.
This article uses affiliate links where I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick safety picks: Where to stay in San Francisco
Short on time? These are the hotels I’d confidently recommend to friends and family visiting San Francisco for the first time.
| Best for | Hotel | Neighborhood | Why it feels safer | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-timers | Infinity Hotel | Marina District | Quiet residential streets, controlled access, away from downtown chaos | $$–$$$ |
| Families | Hotel Zephyr | Fisherman’s Wharf | Busy tourist area, lots of foot traffic, 24-hour front desk | $$ |
| Modern & calm | LUMA Hotel | Mission Bay | New neighborhood, well-lit streets, modern buildings | $$$ |
| Luxury & peace of mind | Ritz-Carlton San Francisco | Nob Hill | Affluent area, full concierge, excellent security | $$$$ |
| Best value near attractions | Marriott Vacation Club | Fisherman’s Wharf | Walkable, close to attractions, reliable hotel brand | $$ |
👉 Tip: These areas are popular for a reason and rooms sell out quickly during peak travel seasons.
💡 If this is your first time visiting San Francisco, I strongly recommend staying in the Marina District or Fisherman’s Wharf as they’re the easiest areas to navigate and tend to feel the safest for tourists.
Disclaimer: Do take the usual precautions required in a city – this is not a guarantee!
1. Marina District
On the North side of San Francisco we have the Marina District that offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and the bay. This also makes it a convenient location to access San Francisco’s best attractions. This neighborhood also has some of the best boutique hotels in the city.
Attractions near Marina District:
- Palace of Fine Arts
- Crissy Field
- Walt Disney Family Museum
- Presidio of San Francisco
Infinity Hotel
Best for: First-time visitors who want a quieter, residential-feeling area
This hotel is ideal for you if you like having large desks, for example if you’ll need to do some work. The interior decor is very modern, with premium finishings to help you feel at home.
Infinity Hotel San Francisco, Tapestry Collection by Hilton ($$ – $$$)
2322 Lombard Street, Marina District, San Francisco, CA 94123
Why this hotel feels safer than average in San Francisco:
- Located in the Marina District, a quieter and more residential neighborhood
- Away from downtown crowds and late-night street activity
- 24-hour staffed front desk
- Controlled key-card access for guests only
- Well-lit streets with consistent foot traffic
What you’ll love:
- Modern rooms
- Large work desks
Amenities:
- Key Card Access: Yes
- Safe box in room: Yes
- 24-hour service desk: Yes
- Parking: No
2. Fisherman’s Wharf
One of the most popular places for San Francisco tourists to visit is the Fisherman’s Wharf area in the north-east part. Though it can be touristy, there is a lot to do. For example you can enjoy a seafood meal and explore the nearby attractions. You can also book a tour to Alcatraz Island.
Attractions near Fisherman’s Wharf:
- Pier 39
- Ghirardelli Square
- Aquarium of the Bay
- San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
- Alcatraz Island tour
- San Francisco cable cars
Alcatraz tickets often sell out days in advance, especially in peak season.
👉 Skip-the-line Alcatraz Island tour (most popular option)
The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square
Best for: Families or groups wanting luxury space in a busy, tourist-friendly area
For the ultimate luxurious stay right on top of Ghirardelli Square, book a stay at The Fairmont Heritage Place. Aside from the beautifully furnished rooms, you can also enjoy the fire pits on the terrace, and enjoy the view of the San Francisco Bay.
The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square ($$$)
900 North Point Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94109
Why this hotel feels safer than average in San Francisco:
- Located directly above Ghirardelli Square with limited public access
- 24-hour staffed front desk and concierge
- High-end security standards typical of luxury properties
- Well-lit surroundings and strong presence of visitors throughout the day
What you’ll love:
- Luxury apartments
- Bay views
Amenities:
- Key Card Access: Yes
- Safe box in room: Yes
- 24-hour service desk: Yes
- Parking: Yes (Free for 2 vehicles)
Marriott Vacation Club
Best for: Families and first-time visitors who prefer a reliable hotel brand
Located just 4 minutes away from Fisherman’s Wharf, this mid-range hotel makes a great base to explore the area. With an in-house fitness center, you’ll also be able to keep fit while on vacation.
Marriott Vacation Club, San Francisco ($$)
2620 Jones Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133
Why this hotel feels safer than average in San Francisco:
- Trusted Marriott brand with standardized security procedures
- 24-hour staffed front desk
- Key-card access to rooms and elevators
- Busy, walkable area with lots of daytime activity
What you’ll love:
- Contemporary hotel
- Near many attractions along Fisherman’s Wharf
Amenities:
- Key Card Access: Yes
- Safe box in room: Yes
- 24-hour service desk: Yes
- Parking: Yes ($75 per day)
Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf
Best for: Short stays near major attractions with on-site amenities
Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf ($$)
2500 Mason Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133
Why this hotel feels safer than average in San Francisco:
- Large hotel with controlled guest access
- 24-hour staffed front desk
- Well-lit streets nearby with frequent patrols
- Constant presence of travelers reduces isolation
What you’ll love:
- Outdoor pool and fire pits
- In-house restaurant and bar
Amenities:
- Key Card Access: Yes
- Safe box in room: Yes
- 24-hour service desk: Yes
- Parking: No (Public parking nearby at $60 per day)
Hotel Zephyr
Best for: First-time visitors who want a lively and well-lit area close to everything
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco ($$)
250 Beach Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133
Why this hotel feels safer than average in San Francisco:
- Very high foot traffic throughout the day and evening
- 24-hour staffed front desk and on-site security
- Controlled key-card access to guest rooms
- Lively, well-lit surroundings reduce the feeling of isolation
What you’ll love:
- Nautical theme to suit its location near FIsherman’s Wharf
- Mini-market, games room, and shared lounge available in the hotel
Amenities:
- Key Card Access: Yes
- Safe box in room: Yes
- 24-hour service desk: Yes
- Parking: Yes ($74 per day)
3. Nob Hill
Nob Hill is situated on a steep hill, providing panoramic views of the city. In terms of location, this neighborhood is just north of Union Square and south of Fisherman’s Wharf. It is also an affluent neighbourhood with good restaurants and green spaces nearby.
Attrations near Nob Hill:
- Grace Cathedral
- Huntington Park
- San Francisco cable cars
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Best for: Travelers prioritizing luxury, service, and peace of mind
When you stay at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, you’ll have access to not only luxurious amenities, but also a full service concierge. If you’re coming back late, you can also opt for in-room dining, and The Lounge also serves cocktails.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco ($$$)
600 Stockton at California Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA 94108
Why this hotel feels safer than average in San Francisco:
- Full-service luxury hotel with concierge and security staff
- Controlled access points and key-card entry
- Quiet, upscale streets with limited loitering
- Staff readily available to advise on safe routes and transport
What you’ll love:
- Spacious and luxurious rooms
- Grand architecture
Amenities:
- Key Card Access: Yes
- Safe box in room: Yes
- 24-hour service desk: Yes
- Parking: Yes ($77 per day)
Stanford Court San Francisco
Best for: Visitors wanting a central location without staying downtown
Stanford Court San Francisco ($ – $$)
905 California Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA 94108
Why this hotel feels safer than average in San Francisco:
- Close to cable car lines with regular tourist presence
- 24-hour staffed front desk
- Controlled key-card room access
- Streets are generally quieter and well-lit compared to downtown
What you’ll love:
- Convenient location with cable car access
Amenities:
- Key Card Access: Yes
- Safe box in room: Yes
- 24-hour service desk: Yes
- Parking: Yes ($75 per day)
4. Financial District
As the name suggests, this is San Francisco’s financial district which is busy mostly durng the weekdays. There are also lots of skyscrapers in this east side othe city if you enjoy this type of scenery. The south-west section of it is bordering South of Market, so just make sure to venture northwards rather than south.
Attractions near Financial District:
- Ferry Building
- Embarcadero Center
🧳 If you’re arriving before hotel check-in or leaving late, luggage storage lets you explore without carrying valuables around.
👉 Find secure luggage storage locations in San Francisco
Four Seasons Hotel at Embarcadero
Best for: Business travelers or couples looking for quiet, modern luxury
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero ($$$)
222 Sansome Street, Financial District, San Francisco, CA 94104
Why this hotel feels safer than average in San Francisco:
- Located in the Financial District, which is quieter at night but well-monitored
- Luxury brand with high security standards
- 24-hour staffed front desk and concierge
- Secure building access and controlled elevators
- Business-focused area with consistent weekday patrols
What you’ll love:
- Panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline
Amenities:
- Key Card Access: Yes
- Safe box in room: Yes
- 24-hour service desk: Yes
- Parking: Yes ($79 per day)
Omni San Francisco
Best for: Visitors who want classic hotel charm
Omni San Francisco ($$ – $$$)
500 California Street, Financial District, San Francisco, CA 94104
Why this hotel feels safer than average in San Francisco:
- Historic hotel with controlled entry points
- 24-hour staffed front desk
- Well-lit streets during business hours and early evenings
- Popular with business travelers, reducing unpredictability
What you’ll love:
- Elegant and charming 1920s-style decor
Amenities:
- Key Card Access: Yes
- Safe box in room: Yes
- 24-hour service desk: Yes
- Parking: Yes ($72 per day)
5. Japantown
As a hub of Japanese culture, there are many options for shopping and dining in Japantown. There are also cultural events organized from time to time, including the Cherry Blossom Festival in April. Overall, Japantown is visited by many people everyday, and is a great stopover for tourists too.
Attractions near Japantown:
- Peace Plaza
- Japan Center Malls
Hotel Kabuki
Best for: Travelers who want culture, walkability, and a less touristy stay
Hotel Kabuki, part of JdV by Hyatt ($$)
1625 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
Why this hotel feels safer than average in San Francisco:
- Located in Japantown, a lively cultural hub with regular foot traffic
- Surrounded by shopping centers and restaurants
- 24-hour staffed front desk
- Controlled guest access
What you’ll love:
- Perfect blend of traditional Japanese and Western design
Amenities:
- Key Card Access: Yes
- Safe box in room: Yes
- 24-hour service desk: Yes
- Parking: Yes ($45 per day)
6. Pacific Heights
You can find some of the best views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge from the elevated streets of Pacific Heights. This residential neighbourhood also features Victorian architecture, including the famous “Painted Ladies” along Alamo Square. In addition, you can stroll along the commercial area of Filmore Street to visit cafes, boutique shops, and restaurants.
Attractions near Pacific Heights:
- Painted Ladies
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Lyon Street Steps
Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast
Best for: Couples who want a quiet, residential, boutique-style stay
Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast ($$ – $$$)
600 Presidio Avenue, Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
Why this hotel feels safer than average in San Francisco:
- Residential setting with very low crime compared to downtown
- Quiet, well-maintained streets
- Limited guest capacity reduces unfamiliar foot traffic
- Feels more like staying in a private home than a hotel
What you’ll love:
- Unique guest room designs
- Located on a charming residential street
- Adult only
Amenities:
- Key Card Access: NA
- Safe box in room: No
- 24-hour service desk: NA
- Parking: No
7. Haight-Ashbury
“The Haight” is a neighbourhood that is rich in creativity, culture and music history. It is also often associated with the hippie movement originating from the 1960s. You can also find colourful Victorian homes here as well as vintage stores and thrift shops. It is a popular hangout for locals and tourists, with festivals like Haight-Ashbury Street Fair held here annually.
Attractions near Haight-Ashbury:
- Golden Gate Park
- de Young Museum
- California Academy of Sciences
- Panhandle
Stanyan Park Hotel
Best for: Travelers interested in music history and Golden Gate Park access
Stanyan Park Hotel ($$$)
750 Stanyan Street, Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, CA 94117
Why this hotel feels safer than average in San Francisco:
- Located directly next to Golden Gate Park, a popular daytime area
- Historic hotel with controlled interior access
- 24-hour staffed front desk
- Well-known tourist area with frequent visitors
What you’ll love:
- Historic building architecture
- Victorian-style rooms
Amenities:
- Key Card Access: Yes
- Safe box in room: No
- 24-hour service desk: Yes
- Parking: No
8. Mission Bay
Mission Bay is a relatively new neighbourhood and is located on the east side of San Francisco. This is a popular area for young profession because of its modern buildings and proximity to the sea. You can also find spaces for recreation including the Mission Bay Park.
Attractions near Mission Bay:
- Warriors’ Chase Center
- Oracle Park
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
Best for: Event-goers and travelers who prefer modern, newly established neighborhoods
LUMA Hotel San Francisco ($$$)
100 Channel Street, San Francisco, CA 94158
Why this hotel feels safer than average in San Francisco:
- Modern infrastructure with wide, well-lit streets
- 24-hour staffed front desk
- Controlled key-card access
- High concentration of professionals, event-goers, and residents
What you’ll love:
- Modern upscale hotel
- Access to hotel’s rooftop bar
Amenities:
- Key Card Access: Yes
- Safe box in room: Yes
- 24-hour service desk: Yes
- Parking: Yes ($80 per day)
Why Hotel Location Matters In San Francisco For Safety
It’s no secret that San Francisco has pockets of bad streets where you need to be extra vigilant or avoid altogether. In addition, if you are visiting with young children or as a family, it makes sense to pick location that feel safe even if they cost more.
That said, if you’re interested to learn more about the issues in San Francisco, seeing the streets for yourself is truly humbling. It really is a very unfortunate crisis that has blown up in recent years.
Our experience with San Francisco safety during our first visit
We spent $100 per night on a small hotel near Powell Station in Union Square as we were taking the train up from San Francisco Airport. It didn’t feel like a nice experience staying there as the check-in counter was in another building one block away.
First-timer tip: If you’re arriving late at night or with luggage, pre-booking an airport transfer can feel far less stressful than navigating public transport in a new city.
👉 Book a private airport transfer from SFO here
Our building also did not have a reception counter, just a hotline for you to call for general enquiries.There were often people loitering outside the building entrance, which made it mentally tiring as a first-time visitor.
Although we tried to use common sense during our trip, it’s not a nice feeling to be constantly on your guard. To be honest, growing up in Singapore all our lives doesn’t prepare us for the real world as crime rate back home is very low.
I hope this article helps you if you’re in a similar situation, and I’ll try to address a few common concerns regarding safety in San Francisco.
What Makes A Hotel In San Francisco Feel Safe
Here are some things to look out for when it comes to choosing a place to stay in San Francisco where you may feel safer.
Proximity to tourist attractions
Tourist attractions are usually crowded and there may be a higher frequency of police surveillance. Although the presence of tourists may tempt thieves to pickpocket, it’s not anything out of the ordinary compared to other cities around the world.
There are so many tourists that visit these locations everyday, so in a way there’s safety in numbers. Local authorities also try to make these places more attractive to tourists, so there may be more measures in place to help monitor or discourage crime.
Neighborhood with lower crime rate
Crime in San Francisco include the usual petty crime and car break-ins. Despite that, you can still find districts that have a lower crime to residents ratio. As long as you avoid hotels in dodgy neighborhoods, your hotel can help you feel safe by implementing security measures.
Security measures at the hotel
It’s aways good for a hotel to offer a 24-hour front desk service, security personnel, key card access, and security cameras. Some of these are not available for more budget-friendly accommodations, so this is something you may have to bite the bullet on.
Having a well-lit and welcoming lobby also helps you feel relaxed when you enter the building. As a tourist in San Francisco, it helps when the hotel staff are able to advise you on safer routes, areas to avoid, and general safety tips for the city.
How To Find Districts in San Francisco Where You May Feel Safer
Safety is something subjective, so it’s good to have your own way of deciding if a location feels safe enough for you. Before we move on to the location and hotel recommendations that are best for safety, here are some tips for how to do your research for a San Francisco trip.
Read forums and ask locals
I realized that blogs may shy away from this topic because it’s not a pleasant thing to bring up, especially when you’re trying to promote San Francisco tourism. Instead, forums like Reddit and Quora, tend to give you a better picture as they have honest input from a group of people.
However, do take note that the safety issues in San Francisco have been made worse after the pandemic years. An observation made pre-pandemic may not be reliable anymore.
Hotel availability
Although there are more decent neighbourhoods than the ones listed in this blog post, not all districts have hotel availability. Many of them are relatively affluent residential districts that are nice to walk around, but we won’t be talking about them much here. Airbnbs are also an option in these places but they may not havet he safety and security features we’re looking for.
Hotels are mostly located in downtown San Francisco, and near tourist attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf. However, some 4 or 5 star hotels on the fringe of the Tenderloin district have faced challenges in maintaining their appeal.
We’ll narrow down our search based on hotel availability and look at each district to learn more about what to expect.
San Francisco Crime Data
Here are some useful tools that are backed by data, to help you decide after hearing opinions from people like me.
The crime statistics show that Larceny Theft is the largest category of crime reported in San Francisco. This generally includes property theft as well as pickpocketing.
On the other hand, robbery involves the use of force or fear to get you to hand over your belongings. It’s more often associated with violence, so thankfully San Francisco has a much lower number of such cases.
A reasonable representation of dangerous crime would be assault and robbery. You can see from the interactive map that most of that is concentrated in the Tenderloin, Mission, and South of Market Districts.
So… Is San Francisco Safe To Visit For Tourists?
For peace of mind, especially if you’re visiting a major city for the first time, travel insurance can help cover theft, trip disruptions, or medical issues.
👉 Compare travel insurance options here
To be honest, some of our anxiety about San Francisco is due to our lack of understanding. Although it’s normal to be wary of people loitering on the streets, we have to recognise that they are also struggling. This helps us to be less fearful, though we should still exercise caution.
Despite all the negative press, the risk of violent crime is low in San Francisco compared to other big cities in USA. There are times where someone under the influence may try to interact with you, but they usually don’t do anything do you.
Some places in San Francisco are more seedy than unsafe, though all types of crime can take place in any part of the city. Most violent crimes are not involving tourists, but more related to drug activities.
If you’re looking for more perspectives, you can also check out this blog post written by a San Francisco local about safety for tourists.
Beware of car break-ins if you’re driving
One word of caution though – car break-ins are quite common so don’t risk leaving any belongings in your car. Thieves like to target touristy areas and cars, hence it’s better to use other modes of transportation instead of a car when you’re spending time in San Francisco.
In terms of getting around, Uber is readily available in all parts of the city, and touristy areas are also quite walkable. Renting an e-bike or joining a guided bike tour is a great way to explore San Francisco during the day without worrying about parking or car break-ins.
Where not to stay in San Francisco for safety
Based on the crime data published by the San Francisco police, we do see a higher occurrence of crime in certain districts. In particular, we would avoid staying at these places with more cases of violent crime:
- Tenderloin
- Mission
- South of Market
Accommodations in these areas might be cheaper than expected, perhaps because they are not very desirable to visitors. Many locals actually say that these places are not really unsafe during the day, it’s just the grit and roughness of the streets that makes people want to avoid it.
In spite of that, I retain some hope because there are still residents and businesses located there. Besides, you can actually find some good food in these areas.
Where to stay for first-timers visiting San Francisco to feel safe
The Marina District and Fisherman’s Wharf seem to be the best choices for a tourist to feel safe in San Francisco. These places are located near the main tourist attractions, so you will find a lot to do nearby. It will also be easy to walk around. Alternatively, if you want to avoid touristy areas at all costs, consider staying at Nob Hill.
Nonetheless, if this is your first time, you may be nervous or unprepared to come face to face with the homelessness and drug crisis. No matter what, remember these safety tips when you’re visiting San Francisco:
- Don’t leave any valuables inside cars
- Conceal your valuables and be mindful of crowded areas
- Refrain from walking around at night, especially not alone
Is Fisherman’s Wharf Safe?
With higher foot traffic and more tourist attractions, it generally feels way more lively and exciting than downtown SF. For example, Pier 39 has lots of businesses and restaurants in close proximity, and lots of things to see as you walk here.
One note of caution – just take note of your belongings when out and about. Touristy areas like this tend to be more common hotspots for car break-ins, so I don’t recommend driving. Parking is quite expensive anyway, so either Uber or take public transportation.
🔐 Quick recap: safest stays for first-time visitors
Want quiet & residential → Infinity Hotel (Marina)
Want lively & walkable → Hotel Zephyr (Fisherman’s Wharf)
Want modern & calm → LUMA Hotel (Mission Bay)
Want luxury & service → Ritz-Carlton (Nob Hill)
Final Thoughts About Where To Stay In San Francisco For Safety
If you have the budget and want to make the most of the quintessential San Francisco experience, I hope the hotels recommended above suit your needs. Alternatively you could consider staying outside San Francisco to explore other parts of the bay, such as in Palo Alto where you’ll also find fun things to do.
On the other hand, those who come to San Francisco for a gateway to the outdoors may enjoy spending more time outside the city. However, I do still recommend spending a day or two in San Francisco as there are also several nice parks and hikes here.
To continue your trip beyond San Francisco, you can consider taking day trips and longer road trips out to see the outdoors. Here are some other resources on my blog that can help you plan them.
More of my travel guides to help you plan your classic California experience
Lassen Volcanic | Lake Tahoe | Yosemite | Point Reyes | San Francisco Day Trips | Half Moon Bay | Pescadero | Big Sur | Santa Cruz | Monterey | Carmel-by-the-Sea | Catalina Island | Death Valley | 10-day California Road Trip | Rental car tips | Bay Area Must-Visit Places
Not sure where to start? I have some ideas for your California trip!
Best stops along California’s coast | Must-go for outdoor lovers | Best winter camping | Bucket-list backpacking trips | Best SF Bay Area hikes | Best California Glamping | Best beach towns
You may also find these guides useful:
