The Ultimate Guide to Accessible San Francisco

It’s encouraging to see growing awareness of the needs of travelers with accessibility requirements. Although much work remains to make cities fully accessible, generally things are improving for those with reduced mobility.

However, as many of you will most likely attest to, traveling can be very challenging with accessibility needs. With a paucity of information that should be available to make trips easier, we recognize that finding what you need to know is not so easy. That's why we have put together this guide to help make your trip planning that much easier. So if you happen to be thinking of a trip to The Golden City, enjoy reading our guide to accessible travel there.

About Accessible San Francisco and Why Travel There

You have probably seen iconic movie scenes featuring some of the steep hills of San Francisco. As a city with windy roads and some steep terrain, it may come as a surprise to hear that San Francisco is not off-limits to travelers with reduced mobility. This is thanks to the efforts taken by the city to have ramps and accessible sidewalks. For the most part, sidewalks are even and smooth. In fact, sidewalks in San Francisco are legally required to be ADA-compliant. However, some of the steeper areas are exempt from this requirement.

Nevertheless, it is important to plan your trip ahead of time to familiarize yourself with where you want to go. In parts, some roads will be unsuitable for both manual and electric wheelchairs because of the steep gradients.

There is a long list of reasons why you should visit San Francisco. For one, it’s recognized as one of the most wheelchair-friendly U.S destinations due to its extensive number of accessible pathways and great public transport options. This incredible city offers the opportunity to see some of the nation's most iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, which can be enjoyed and experienced by those with accessibility needs. Golden Gate Park and other areas of the coastline around San Francisco are simply stunning and a must-see.

There is incredible cultural diversity throughout, such as in San Francisco's Chinatown and Mission District which provide an opportunity to enjoy great atmospheres and delicious culinary delights. And for those of you interested in tech, San Francisco is booming in the southern San Francisco Bay area. Here, you'll find some of the mammoth tech companies, including Apple, Google, and Facebook.

Visiting San Francisco: Season Considerations

The weather in San Francisco is generally decent all year round, with neither extreme winters nor summers. However, there are some differences during the seasons which we will go through now.

Spring

March to May is a pleasant time in San Francisco with more sunny and drier days than the preceding winter months. Here, temperatures are between 50°F and 65°F.

Summer

The summer months of June to August are moderately warm with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. As the city is located next to the ocean, you can still expect some fog (especially in June) and the occasional cold day.

Fall

Temperatures start to decrease in fall, from September to November, with temperatures between 55°F and 68°F. During this season, you will find that the afternoons are still nice and warm but the evening temperatures begin to drop.

Winter

The winter months of December through February see temperatures between 45°F and 60°F. Although the weather is relatively mild, there can be rain at times, and winter temperatures in San Francisco are rarely very cold.

If you want to plan your trip to San Francisco in the drier months, then it's best to avoid travel between November and March. The city averages around 20-25 inches of rainfall every year and the climate is considered not consistently wet despite its frequent rain.

When is the Best Time to Travel to San Francisco?

San Francisco is a city that is recommended to visit for people with all mobility and accessibility needs. With a city government that has made substantial improvements to accessibility in recent years, San Francisco is very accommodating to wheelchairs and walkers. The best time to visit San Francisco largely depends on your preferences. And if you're unsure when to travel to the Golden City, consider the following:

• March to May and September to November are spring and fall respectively. Each offers lovely weather, beautiful landscapes with blooming flowers or colorful fall leaves, and fewer crowds. Traveling during off-peak season means reduced hotel rates and other benefits. If you want to spend time outdoors, this is the time. Beach campfires and farmers markets are the main attractions alongside whale watching.
• December to February are the coldest months. Visiting in the winter means encountering even fewer tourists allowing for a more peaceful and intimate experience of the city's charm and sunning light displayed on Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39.
• June and August as the summer, are the busy times in San Francisco, despite it being cooler than other areas within California and with foggy mornings. There are many festivals during this time including Pride Month, Stern Grove Festival, and Fillmore Jazz Festival for music lovers.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

The city has a wealth of different accessible hotels for different budgets. Many of these hotels are properly equipped to host people with accessibility needs and comply with ADA standards. As such, many hotels will offer rooms with entrance ranks, accessible showers, and grab bars in bathrooms. In addition, accessible rooms have wider hallways and sufficient space for people in wheelchairs to comfortably move around the room.

If you want to go and visit Alcatraz, then the Fisherman's Wharf area is very convenient to catch the boat to the prison island. A solid choice would be the Argonaut Hotel, which has a roll-in shower with grab bars and a step-free entrance. Hotel Zetta is a good bet if you want to stay in the Theater District, home to some fabulous shows and musicals.

Other good choices include Pacific Heights, a neighborhood with historic architecture. Here you could choose to stay at the Addison by Kasa hotel, a lovely hotel that is fully accessible. A further option could be to stay near Chinatown and experience the buzzing atmosphere and sample some of the amazing food on offer nearby. The Fairmont San Francisco near Chinatown is definitely worth checking out.

Should you want to indulge yourself in a spot of shopping and dining, then stay near Union Square at the Westin St Francis, a perfect place nearby upscale shops, boutiques and restaurants. Here you'll find great-sized rooms and with many of the necessary accessibility features. The Financial District is suitably situated for access to the waterfront and piers, meaning you can easily get out and about to many of the attractions and great restaurants in this area. A solid choice in this neighborhood is the Hyatt Regency San Francisco.

Accessible Transportation Options

One of the main considerations that people with mobility needs have to consider when planning a trip is transportation. San Francisco caters well to people with accessibility issues and has invested heavily in trying to make the city as accessible as possible. We always suggest that you check how easy it is to get around a place before you book so that you don't have any unpleasant surprises when you arrive.

Moving to/from the Airport

You have many transportation options to get to and from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). As expected, you will find that using a car for airport transfers is the most convenient. Whether you need just a quick transfer or need a vehicle for the duration of your stay, finding an adapted vehicle rental equipped with ramp access and a tie down system is a solid way to go - especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas during your visit.

However, there are other car options available to you. One option is accessible taxis that can be reserved before you arrive and are special vehicles that have ramps and space for wheelchairs. In addition, the drivers are properly trained to assist wheelchair users. One option is Lyft Access Mode, whereby you can request a "wheelchair" ride type. Another company is Uber that have the UberWAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle). These vehicles often have lifts to help passengers get in and out of the vehicle and the ability to securely fasten the wheelchair in place inside the taxi.

If you would like to travel by public transportation, then the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) can get you to the stations in downtown San Francisco. All BART stations have elevators (although do bear in mind that at times these may not work). Additionally, all train cars have designated areas for wheelchairs. Another option is the SamTrans Bus service which also connects passengers to different areas downtown. These buses are also equipped with ramps and designated wheelchair spaces, as well as having staff trained in being able to assist people with reduced mobility.

Getting Around San Francisco

Traveling around the city can be a lot of fun and there are many options available to you on choosing how you get around. These options are generally accessible, but as mentioned earlier, it is always best to double-check and sometimes have a plan B, for instance, in case station elevators are not in use.

Metro

The MUNI Metro system in San Francisco is a surface-level light rail system that operates within the San Francisco city limits. Although there are a small number of stations that are actually situated underground, all stations on the MUNI system are accessible to wheelchair users. There are elevated platforms and ramps that help wheelchair users board and alight the trains without the need for assistance. With stations near many tourist attractions, the MUNI is a popular method of transport.

BART Train

Another option for getting you about is the BART trains (as described above). This is a great service for connecting San Francisco with all the Bay Area. Again, while the stations all have elevators or ramps, and the service is meant to be used without the need for assistance, it is possible that at times elevators are not in use.

Buses

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) operates a wide network of bus routes throughout the city. As such, many of the attractions are reachable by bus, which is both convenient and affordable. A majority of buses are now wheelchair accessible and have staff that can help passengers, should they require assistance. Equipped with wheelchair ramps and securement areas, utilizing the bus can be an easier way to get around.

For more accessibility information on using the bus, click here.

Hop On, Hop Off Buses

A great way to take in the sights of any city, hop on, hop off buses are a convenient and cost-effective way to see San Francisco. The buses are all accessible, with ramps and wheelchair space onboard. The drivers are friendly and will happily assist you during your journey. Worth remembering though, is as hop on, hop off buses are double-decker, you will obviously have to remain on the lower deck, but you can still enjoy the sights.

Taxis

Arguably the most convenient methods of getting about around town are taxis simply because of the convenience of being driven from point A to B. Getting wheelchair taxis in San Francisco is easy; there are ride service providers such as Lyft and Uber that both allow passengers to book wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Booking ahead where possible is preferable to reduce wait times. WAV taxis are great for the lifts and ramps making it much easier for disabled passengers.

Top 10 Things to do and Their Accessibility

Sometimes it's hard to make up your mind about where to visit in a city that you have never explored before. As a city jam-packed with accessible things to do, it has not been easy to compile a list of top 10 attractions, but we've picked what we wouldn't miss on a trip to the city by the bay.

1. Golden Gate Bridge

Probably the most famous landmark of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge stretches a mile wide connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Having opened to the public in 1937, this structure is a must-see for all visitors to the city. The pedestrian walkway is wheelchair accessible at some entry points, so you can enjoy the scenic route to get a marvelous view of the bridge and surroundings.

2. Alcatraz Island

You have all probably heard of the incredible tale of the escape from Alcatraz. This former prison island has a fascinating history and views of San Francisco. You can easily get to the island by boat, which is wheelchair-accessible thanks to the boarding ramps. Do take note though that there is some very steep terrain on the island. As such, electric wheelchairs should be ok but if you have a manual wheelchair then you may have a hard time if you are unassisted.

3. Fisherman's Wharf

This vibrant area situated on the north waterfront is known for its array of fantastic seafood restaurants and shops. In addition, it is home to popular attractions, such as Pier 39, which is famous for the friendly sea lions who frequent the area. Fisherman's Wharf has ramps and access points to help people with reduced mobility comfortably get around the area.

4. The Presidio

A beautiful national park that is located next to the Golden Gate Bridge. This park sits on 1,480 acres and was formerly a U.S. military fort. Today, it has a museum that showcases the site's rich history. This park has accessible natural trails that people with mobility issues can enjoy as well as ramps and accessible bathrooms.

5. Walt Disney Family Museum

A fascinating museum for the young and the young at heart. This museum tells the story of Walt Disney and his early life, plus shows his early drawings and how his eventual empire was created. This is a fully accessible facility, with ramps and accessible bathrooms making it an enjoyable and stress-free attraction.

6. Golden Gate Park

With over 1,000 acres of gardens and lakes, Golden Gate Park is the third most visited urban park in the USA. The park is home to many attractions and museums, such as the De Young Museum, Conservatory of Flowers, and the Japanese Tea Garden. There are areas within the park that make it easy to get around, including adapted pathways and ramps.

7. Lombard Street

This very famous street, also known as the "Crookedest Street in the World" is amazing to see for its eight hairpin curves that cover this very steep hill. This short stretch can be done by car, but reservations are needed. Traversing these curves may be quite challenging, but this attraction can still be enjoyed at either the top or bottom of the street.

8. Palace of Fine Arts

Built in 1915, this incredible structure featuring a Greco-Roman rotunda and colonnades is an architectural wonder. It is set in beautiful grounds with a lagoon and hosts various events, exhibitions, and performances. Areas within this attraction are all accessible, including accessible bathrooms.

9. Mission District

This funky neighborhood offers some eclectic street art, diverse culinary options, and some historic buildings such as the Mission Delores, a historic Catholic Church complex. Also be sure to check out Dolores Park, a nearly 16-acre oasis that provides a nice break from urban exploration. Wheelchair-users can easily spend the day exploring Mission District, made easy because of the ramps and access points, many of which were provided by local businesses. But do bear in mind that as usual, accessibility is never guaranteed for all locales.

10. Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is a fun and interactive science museum founded in 1969 by Frank Oppenheimer and is located at Pier 15. Here, the whole family can enjoy the many science, technology, and arts exhibits throughout the museum. It is easy to get around thanks to the elevators and ramps, with many of the exhibits providing ample space for wheelchairs.

Also consider:

• San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
• Legion of Honor
• Asian Art Museum

Accessible Restaurants Recommended by Our Community

San Francisco is a city with thousands of places to eat that can suit all tastes and all pockets. In fact, the choices are so vast that it makes it difficult to choose. Every cuisine has high quality options. Our recommendation? Try it all!

As a traveler with accessibility requirements, this is an important factor when deciding where to eat out. Our community has stepped forward with some of their favorite accessible restaurants in San Francisco that are ADA compliant (and that includes accessible bathrooms, a must for when choosing a restaurant).

• Foreign Cinema: catch an open-air film and eat delicious food at the same time in this romantic and beautiful restaurant located at 2534 Mission St.
• Lolinda: an Argentinian steakhouse offering juicy steaks with a great ambiance. Find them at 2518 Mission St.
• El techo de Lolinda: the rooftop bar of Lolinda (listed above), this super cute bar offers light food and cocktails with panoramic views with elevator access. It's on 2516 Mission St.
• Pacific Catch: a great place for seafood dishes and poke bowls. As a chain, it's in multiple locations, including 2027 Chestnut St.
• La Mar Cocina Peruana: head here for outstanding Peruvian dishes and ceviche. It's in a great location at Pier 1 1/2 The Embarcadero N.

Also be sure to try a mission-style burrito, known for its size and lots of fillings. This is certainly not everyones thing, but it's quite popular in San Francisco. You can find them in the Mission District at many of the Mexican restaurants, although La Taqueria is highly reviewed.

Tips From Our Community

We are fortunate enough to have some wonderful people within our accessible travel community who enormously help others by collecting data for us. Their tips mean that we can pass on this information to you, to help give you more information that will make your trip better.

Finding bathrooms

It's never a pleasant experience when you feel the call for the bathroom but there isn't one nearby. For people with accessibility needs, this can be both uncomfortable and stressful. In San Francisco, the city does a good job of providing accessible bathrooms in public areas such as museums, parks, restaurants, etc. You can also download an app, such as WheelMate, that provides a map of accessible restroom facilities.

Packing list

Aside from the usual packing, don't forget to bring along these essential items on your San Francisco trip:

• Wheelchair battery charger
• Clothes for rain and shine
• Portable shower footrest
• Medications
• Emergency wheelchair repair kit
• Disability documents
• Service dog essentials (if you're traveling with your canine companion)
• Converter if you're not from the USA

Wheelchair repair shops

Fingers crossed that you don't need a major wheelchair repair that your emergency repair kit can't fix whilst you're on your trip. However, just in case you do, then we have found a couple of repair shops that could help you out. They will fix you up and enable you to resume your travels.

• Allure Mobility & Medical Supply: find them here at 1940 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109.
• City WheelChairs: located at 1485 Bayshore Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94124.

Safety

Although San Francisco is considered a relatively safe place to visit for tourists, as with everywhere you go, it is prudent to exercise common sense. Make sure you know your surroundings, be careful with showing expensive belongings, and watch out for pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas or on public transport. Again, with many cities, it's also best to avoid traveling through poorly lit places at night, especially if you are alone.

If you ever need help on your San Fran trip, get in touch with us here at Wheel the World – we're on hand to help with whatever you need on your trip. We're also happy to help you book and plan it from start to finish.

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