Travel to San Francisco: Save More on Your Bay Area Trip Using Points And Miles

Dreaming of the Golden Gate Bridge shrouded in morning fog, the clang of a cable car echoing through the hills, or a sourdough bread bowl of clam chowder on a sunny patio? Now might be the best time in years to make your San Francisco travel dreams a reality — especially if you're savvy with points and miles.

Despite inflation raising travel prices nationwide, San Francisco remains uniquely positioned as a value destination in 2025. According to the San Francisco Travel Association, the city anticipates 23.33 million visitors this year — only modest growth over 2024. Hotel occupancy sits at a manageable 64.4%, well below tourism powerhouses like New York (85%) and Los Angeles (73%). That means more availability, more promotions, and more value — particularly when you're booking with points.

Even better, this quirky, coastal city is built for visitors. With a compact footprint, walkable neighborhoods, and a vibrant culture layered over Gold Rush-era charm, San Francisco makes a perfect long weekend or a jumping-off point for Northern California road trips. Add in a generous public transportation system, world-class dining and two accessible airports, and you’ve got a high-end trip at low out-of-pocket cost — if you know where to look.

Here's what you need to know about planning a trip to San Francisco:

Most travelers flying to San Francisco will fly to and from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is about 14 miles away from the city center.

But, don't overlook San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport. Though it's about 20 miles away from the city center, it can sometimes be a faster journey — particularly if you're driving via car and there's traffic heading south.

San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco International Airport is by far the bigger of the two airports, and it's also the more modern of the two. In fact, it's California's second-busiest airport behind Los Angeles International Airport.

A hub for both United and Alaska Airlines, SFO served over 52 million passengers last year and offers nonstop routes to everywhere from Barcelona to Belize City. Harvey Milk Terminal 1 is now fully operational, featuring a futuristic bag drop system and sleek art-filled interiors.

While waiting for your flight, explore the airport’s public art installations and rotating exhibits via the SFO Museum (yes, it’s a real, accredited museum inside the airport). Foodies can dig into a sourdough sandwich at Boudin Bakery, vegans will appreciate Amy’s Drive Thru, and caffeine seekers can sip Ritual Coffee — all local staples.

If you're a fan of airport lounges, SFO has no shortage of them. Though not a complete list of all the SFO airport lounges, here are some of the best:

• Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge at SFO.

• Air France Lounge at SFO.

• Alaska Lounge at SFO.

• AmEx Centurion Lounge at SFO.

• Delta Sky Club SFO.

• Emirates Lounge at SFO.

• Priority Pass lounges at SFO.

San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport

Oakland International Airport (OAK) offers a chill, no-frills alternative across the Bay. With a heavy Southwest presence and growing West Coast routes, it’s often the faster airport to navigate — especially if you're headed to the East Bay, Berkeley, or wine country.

That said, don't expect the extensive shopping, dining and lounge options found at SFO. There's only one Oakland airport lounge, which is an outpost of the Escape Lounge.

Getting from the airport into San Francisco

There are all sorts of was to get from either airport to your final destination.

BART (public transit): Take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) from either airport for a budget-friendly and traffic-proof ride into downtown. It’s especially handy during rush hour.

BART stations are located directly within both San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK). Trains run frequently (about every 10 minutes, though it can be more or less depending on time of date), whisking you to downtown San Francisco from either airport in about 30 minutes.

Simply follow signs for BART at the airport, purchase a ticket from a machine, and hop on a train bound for any of the downtown San Francisco stations.

Though, there are some drawbacks. Tickets aren't cheap (expect to pay more than $10, though exact prices vary depending on your final destination). In fact, it can be cheaper to go the rideshare route if traveling with a group given the high BART fares.

And, BART trains don't run 24/7, instead taking a hiatus from about midnight until early morning — so don't count on BART if you have a super late or super early flight.

Ride shares: Both Uber and Lyft operate out of both airports. You can also hail a taxi.

Follow the designated ride share pickup areas at the airports, then request a ride through the Lyft or Uber app, and your driver will meet you at the designated zone.

Fares can fluctuate depending on demand, so checking pricing estimates beforehand is recommended. And note that Bay Area traffic is very real. If traveling during peak commuting hours, BART might actually be faster given it's a train on a designated track — and isn't subject to road traffic.

Rental cars: Both airports also have rental car facilities with the major rental car companies. But, think twice before renting a car for your San Francisco vacation. The city itself is ultra-walkable and public transit-friendly.

For spots that aren't walkable, it's easy to hail a Lyft or Uber. Those who prefer to ride in a car without a driver could even hail a Waymo, which is the driverless car company formerly known as the Google Self-Driving Car Project.

Another reason to ditch the rental car in San Francisco? The city is notorious for car break-ins, and leaving any valuables in sight, even in seemingly safe areas, can lead to a shattered window and a stolen bag.

Parking is another challenge. Spaces are scarce and expensive, and navigating San Francisco's steep hills and one-way streets can be tricky.

If you do need a rental car (let's say you want to take a day trip to north to Napa or south to Monterey), you might be better off renting one by the hour or day. Services like Kyte will even deliver a rental car directly to you, which you can use on an hourly basis. Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental service (sort of like Airbnb for cars) and has massive availability in San Francisco.

» Learn more: The beginner's guide to points and miles

Best points and miles for cheap flights to San Francisco

SFO is United Airlines' fifth-largest hub and its primary transpacific gateway. It's the second-largest hub for Alaska Airlines. Given that, expect to find high availability for both airlines.

Southwest Airlines travelers are more likely to find availability at Oakland International Airport, where it has a hub. In fact, Terminal 2 at OAK is dedicated to Southwest. There, expect affordable flights to Hawaii from the Bay Area.

From gilded luxury to offbeat charm, San Francisco’s hotels are as diverse as the neighborhoods they call home.

The best San Francisco Hyatt hotels

Booking a Hyatt hotel with points is a popular choice among award travelers because the chain has no blackout dates and waives resort fees on award bookings. There’s a good selection of Hyatt hotels in different parts of San Francisco, including near the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Union Square and the Financial District.

Here are some standout Hyatt hotels in San Francisco:

For a memorable property in a great location: Hyatt Regency San Francisco

The Hyatt Regency San Francisco originally opened in 1973, though it underwent a massive rennovation to celebrate its 50th anniversary, which was completed in May 2024.

The property, which was designed by brutalist architect John Portman, is considered an architectural marvel. Its 42,000 square-foot lobby holds the Guinness World Record for largest hotel lobby in the world.

If you hold the highest tier World of Hyatt elite status, Globalist, then don't miss the San Francisco Hyatt Regency Club. This club is one of the most unique in the world, in that it sits at the top floor of the building, which actually rotates periodically throughout the day. Beyond the trippy rotating experience, the club stands out for fresh, locally-sourced complimentary food and unparalleled panoramic views of the city and San Francisco Bay. Even without elite status, hotel guests can access the must-visit club for an additional fee.

For business travelers: Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA

That's not the only hotel in the Hyatt Regency brand to have an outpost in San Francisco. Less than a mile away, you'll find the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA.

While both Hyatt Regency properties are located in downtown San Francisco, they serve different clientele. The Downtown SOMA one is ideal for business travelers given that it's just steps away from The Moscone Center convention complex. Plus, being it in SOMA — which is a key neighborhood for the city's myriad tech startups — adds to the prime location.

For a charming boutique: The Laurel Inn

If you like boutique-style properties, redeem your World of Hyatt points for a stay at the Laurel Inn, which is located within San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood. Though it's pretty far out from key tourist attractions including Pier 39, Union Square and downtown, it's a short walk from Golden Gate Park.

This hotel is best for travelers seeking a quieter atmosphere outside of the standard tourist areas.

It's also one of the best hotels for pets in San Francisco. Pups are offered complimentary dog bowls and beds. And, its hotel pet fee is relatively low at just $25 per stay (assuming a 1-3 night stay).

Cost to book in points: Off-peak rooms start at 17,000 points per night at this Category 5 World of Hyatt hotel. Standard rooms on a standard award night run 20,000 points. NerdWallet values Hyatt points at 2.2 cents per point.

How to earn Hyatt points: You can earn Hyatt points for free stays with the World of Hyatt Credit Card or by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards® points.

The best San Francisco Marriott hotels

There are more than 100 Marriott hotels within the greater San Francisco area, so using Marriott points gives myriad most options for booking an award stay.

For peak luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco occupies a neoclassical building from 1909, perched atop one of the city's many hills — this one Nob Hill (which is one of the city's most prestigious neighborhoods).

Guest rooms boast luxurious comfort — and most entail prime city views.

While the hotel itself exudes a sense of sophisticated charm, its location places you near the action, with just steps away. And though it's high up a hill, the location is actually ideal for most travelers. It borders a cable car line, which takes you to Union Square's bustling shops and world-class restaurants on one side, and the iconic Fisherman's Wharf on the other side.

And if you'd rather just hole up in the hotel, you can do that too. The 336-room hotel houses its signature restaurant, The Lounge.

In summer, the hotel's outdoor patio is just as popular with locals as it is with tourists, thanks to the annual Solaire Terrasse pop-up. Held in collaboration with Veuve Clicquot, diners bask on plush chairs under yellow and white umbrellas to sip on champagne, or nosh on fancy eats like lobster and caviar. The real treat, though, is the first-of-its-kind Veuve Clicquot-inspired zero proof sorbet which was created exclusively for The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco.

For an iconic (and historical) experience: Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco

The Palace Hotel, a property that originally opened in 1875 as the largest luxury hotel in the world, is a landmark historic hotel in downtown San Francisco. It's gorgeous, and — perhaps unsurprising given its age — the hotel is full of history. Today, you can see a pair of throne chairs in the lobby. Those thrones belonged to King David Kalākaua, the last king of Hawaii. In fact, he visited the Palace Hotel often — and he died at the hotel on January 20, 1891.

And even though the property is old, it won't feel outdated. It underwent a significant restoration in 1989, and yet another major renovation in 2015.

It’s also practical for tourists, given its prime location. The Palace Hotel is located on the city's main thoroughfare, Market Street. And it's walking distance to Union Square and the Ferry Building Market on the Embarcadero.

Even if you're not actually staying at the hotel, it's worth popping in for a visit. Even locals love visiting the Garden Court on Saturday for a traditional high tea or on Sunday for an elegant brunch.

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy® points: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card comes with an attractive welcome bonus (see rates and fees): Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

If you want Gold elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program but don’t want to commit to a Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit card, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express, which comes with automatic Marriott Gold Status (enrollment required, see rates and fees). Plus, the card is currently offering the following welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply. These points can transfer to the Marriott Bonvoy program at a 1:1 ratio.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Free and cheap museums in San Francisco

San Francisco has no shortage of spectacular museums. Though pricey, many offer free admission days (typically one dedicated day per month). Check with the website before arriving, but here are the usual free days for some major museums.

• Asian Art Museum: Free first Sundays.

• Conservatory of Flowers: Free first Tuesdays.

• de Young & Legion of Honor Museums: Free first Tuesdays.

• Japanese Tea Garden: Free Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9–10 a.m.

• MoAD (Museum of the African Diaspora): Free second Saturdays.

• San Francisco Botanical Garden: Free every morning until 9 a.m.

Some museums also have free areas, which are good to get a taste without paying for a full ticket. The Walt Disney Family Museum's first exhibit, which includes Walt Disney's collection of Academy Awards, is free to view (though the rest of the museum costs money).

Certain areas of the DeYoung are free to visit too, including the sculpture garden and tower — which offers impressive views of San Francisco.

Free and cheap ways to be a sports fan in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the country’s best sports cities—and you don’t need pricey tickets to get in on the action.

Start with the San Francisco Giants, whose ballpark is one of the most scenic in baseball. You don’t need a ticket to see the game—head to the free viewing area behind right field on the Portwalk along McCovey Cove. Through a set of ground-level fences, fans can stand behind the bases and watch up to three innings before rotating out, completely free.

Basketball fans can soak up the atmosphere outside Chase Center, where Warriors and WNBA Valkyries games are shown live on a massive screen in Thrive City plaza. It’s completely free to enter, and you’re surrounded by food options, music and fan energy that rivals the action inside.

For big games and big screens, settle in at one of San Francisco’s standout sports bars. Splash in San Francisco's Mission Bay is a hidden gem—not just for its wall-to-wall TVs, but also for its surprisingly upscale food menu and cocktails crafted by Kevin Diedrich, the award-winning mixologist behind Pacific Cocktail Haven. Think wagyu sliders and Old Fashioneds with flair.

Other wallet-friendly favorites include Golden Gate Tap Room near Union Square, which has arcade games and a beer list as long as a Steph Curry three-pointer. Or head to Kezar Pub, a cozy Haight-Ashbury haunt where Niners fans gather and the fish and chips never disappoint.

Free and cheap outdoor activities in San Francisco

• Walk the Embarcadero: Sunrise is best, with ferry horns in the background and fresh-baked pastries from Acme Bread in your hand.

• Get lost in Chinatown: Chinatown is adjacent to Embarcadero, so combine stops. There are shops to browse, and it's not uncommon to stumble upon a free street fair with live entertainment such as Lion Dancers.

• Be a tourist in Pier 39, where it's easy to fall for the usual tourist traps — but also easy to uncover San Francisco gems. Don't miss the sea lions, which frequent the northwest side of Pier 39. And make time to stop just a bit onward to Pier 45 for Musée Mécanique, which is a vintage arcade museum.

• Window-shop Hayes Valley, then trek up to Alamo Square Park to see the Painted Ladies and soak in the skyline.

• Picnic in Dolores Park: Buy a Mission burrito, bring a blanket, and join the drum circles, slackliners and sunbathers.

• Stroll along the beach, where the waters are chilly but many surfers and swimmers brave the waves anyway.

Ticketed events and rentals in San Francisco that can be worth it

Then there are some experiences that require an extra fee, but can be worth it. Those include:

• Dear San Francisco: A Cirque-style acrobatic show with heart, humor, and a narrative that honors the city’s eccentric past.

• Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge: Start at Crissy Field, pedal into the fog, then descend into charming Sausalito. Return by ferry with your bike and sea breeze in tow.

• City Cruises Live: A new series of intimate concert cruises with big-name acts like Joey Fatone and Lee Brice. Expect champagne, skyline selfies and music in a venue that offers one of world's best views. In San Francisco, these are typically held aboard the San Francisco Belle.

• DO: Catch the California Street Cable Car at the edge of the Financial District.

• NOT THAT: Avoid the jam-packed Powell Street terminal, where waits can stretch past an hour. The California line climbs Nob Hill past luxe hotels and historic mansions, and it’s almost always crowd-free.

• DO: Ride the F-Market streetcar, a rainbow-colored fleet of historic trolleys from Milan, Philly, and beyond.

• NOT THAT: Don’t treat cable cars as your main transit method — they’re scenic but slow and pricey.

• DO: Take a commuter ferry from the Ferry Building to Sausalito or Oakland.

• NOT THAT: Skip the overpriced sightseeing cruises. The views — and fresh air — are the same on the $9 commuter boat.

• DO: Wander Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park in Oakland for lush trails through towering redwoods.

• NOT THAT: Avoid Muir Woods, which now requires timed reservations and often feels like a redwood-themed amusement park.

• DO: Shop the Heart of the City Farmers Market near Civic Center on Sundays. Expect lower prices and more locals.

• NOT THAT: The Ferry Building Saturday market is picturesque but pricey and packed with out-of-towners.

San Francisco’s dining scene thrives on reinvention. In 2025, new arrivals are adding spice to an already rich culinary map:

• Modí: Mexican-Italian mashup that shouldn’t work — but does. Expect mole ravioli and mezcal limoncello. Yes, it’s a vibe.

• Outta Sight Pizza II: Chinatown’s new late-night darling with slices topped in Peking duck and tandoori butter masala.

• Wayfare Tavern 2.0: Now in a swanky two-story space in the Financial District. The fried chicken’s still excellent.

• Saluhall: A Scandinavian-style food hall downtown, where Cheezy’s Artisan Pizza serves Grandma-style pies and Smish Smash offers crave-worthy burgers.

• Turtle Tower: The city’s favorite pho joint has returned downtown with its Northern Vietnamese-style broth and no-nonsense service.

At Mission Rock, a new 28-acre waterfront development near Oracle Park, you’ll find:

• Flour + Water Pizza Shop: Big slices and housemade ranch.

• Arsicault Bakery: Still selling out of their cult croissants by 10 a.m.

• Ike’s, Quik Dog, Fikscue, and GluGlu: Casual, creative eats near the water.

Over at Thrive City, the entertainment district around Chase Center:

• Señor Sisig: Filipino-Mexican fusion burritos.

• Kayah by Burma Love: Tea leaf salad and coconut noodles.

• Splash: A 30,000-square-foot mega sports bar with 75+ TVs.

San Francisco is a year-round destination, but timing your visit right can make a big difference in both your experience and your wallet.

First, a word of warning: summer in San Francisco is famously not warm. Thanks to the city’s signature fog — nicknamed Karl — it can sometimes be chillier in July than in November. Expect 60s and wind, and you’ll easily spot the tourists in newly purchased San Francisco sweatshirts, caught off guard by the unexpected cold.

Top times to avoid (if you want to save money)

Avoid visiting during major tech conferences like Dreamforce (typically held in September), when hotel prices skyrocket and restaurants are packed with name-badged attendees. Other large conferences like Google Cloud Next and RSA can have a similar effect.

Best times to visit (to maximize your dollar)

Instead, time your visit with one of the city’s many vibrant festivals, which can entail many free and cheap festivities to partake in.

Pride Month in June brings one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the world, with a lively, free-to-watch parade and events throughout the city.

Fleet Week in October is a must for aviation fans, with thrilling Blue Angels air shows over the San Francisco Bay (also free to watch).

Spring’s Bay to Breakers is a delightfully weird footrace-meets-costume-party that showcases the city’s quirky spirit. Though there is technically an entry fee to race, the people-watching from the sidelines is more fun (and a lot less work than running).

Foodies might love visiting during AAPI Cocktail Week (usually in May), which highlights Asian American mixologists and innovative drinks across top bars. And Lunar New Year, centered in Chinatown, is one of the city’s most festive cultural celebrations, with lion dances, fireworks, and family-friendly events.

With two airports in the area, there are many options for cheap flights to San Francisco with miles. If you prefer United Airlines, look for ways to save miles flying to San Francisco by booking through Star Alliance partner Singapore Airlines.

The major hotel chains, including Hyatt and Marriott, offer lots of choices for travelers looking to use points to save on hotel stays. Hyatt is always a popular choice with award travelers because it has no blackout dates and doesn't charge resort fees when you book with points.

San Francisco in 2025 is a city in transition — and opportunity. The tourism economy is rebounding, the streets feel more vibrant and a crop of new restaurants and venues are breathing life into historic neighborhoods. Whether you're here for the views, the flavors, or the frequent flyer perks, San Francisco is ready to reward you — especially if you plan smart.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page.