Is San Francisco Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

San Francisco is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. It boasts of diversity, a friendly community, and ample public transportation options which make traveling across the city easier and safe. However, like any other city, it carries certain risks and has areas like the Tenderloin District where it's advisable to be extra cautious, especially at night. It is recommended to keep an eye on your personal belongings due to occasional pickpocketing in crowded areas.

Safety rating

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How safe is San Francisco?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

San Francisco is relatively safe compared to other US cities of its size. However, like any big city, it has areas that are more crime-prone than others. Late evenings can see an increase in crime, especially in less populated districts. It's recommended to be cautious when walking alone at night, make sure to stick to well-lit, populated areas, and always stay aware of your surroundings.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

San Francisco's public transportation is generally safe, especially during daylight hours. The city's transport network, including buses and the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system, is used daily by a diverse crowd of commuters, tourists, and locals. However, like any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially during off-peak times or in less crowded areas. Avoid displaying expensive belongings openly, and preferably, travel light.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

San Francisco is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. Tourist areas and business districts are well-policed and incidents of street harassment are relatively few. However, it's important to mention some areas of the city with higher rates of homelessness may present instances of unsolicited comments or behaviors. Always be aware of your surroundings, and if possible, avoid walking late at night in less crowded or unfamiliar areas. Remember that while San Francisco is a beautiful and mostly welcoming city, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

San Francisco is a large urban city and, as such, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, theft, or scams can occur, especially in crowded areas or popular tourist spots. It is advisable to remain vigilant, secure your belongings, and avoid flashing expensive items in public. However, these incidents should not deter you from enjoying what the city has to offer. Care and caution can considerably reduce the risk.

Is San Francisco worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 12 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.9/5

Safety

3.4/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

2.7/5

Solo travel

It was pretty safe and convenient in San Francisco. Fisherman’s wharf and beaches were pretty nice. Sunsets were my favorite. Food, transportation and Uber, and accommodation were quite expensive though.

Posted: September 25, 2024
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Couple travel

I visited San Francisco in December 2023 and stayed with my husband. It was a great trip, the weather was great. We went on long drives along the coast and we saw migratory butterflies, seals, and sea lions. There are many good hikes around the area and beaches as well.

Posted: May 15, 2024Experienced: November, 2023
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Solo travel

For my first solo trip, I went to San Francisco. Of course, with any city, there are sketchy areas to avoid, but generally, I felt really safe. The city is very easy to navigate and I was able to get around quite easily.

Posted: February 8, 2024
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Diana

Diana

United States

Solo travel

It was fairly safe! Although, I went back to my hostel when it got dark and I used Uber half the time for transportation. If you love seafood, I highly recommend Swan Osyter Depot (get there as early as you can because the wait can take long)! For dim sum, I recommend Good Mong Kok Bakery! If you like relaxing and sightseeing, just walking through Crissy Field East Beach is calm ans scenic. stayed at Green Tortoise hostel. 🐢 The staff and people there were friendly! The hostel was calm and cozy even though it was next to bars and nightclubs. Absolutely enjoyed my time there overall!

Posted: January 23, 2024Experienced: November, 2023
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Shynar

Shynar

Spain

Group travel

After my Work and Travel program in USA I have saved some money to travel to other states and big metropolitans. San Francisco was one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities i’ve ever seen! Me and my friend were staying in the city for 3 days but I recommend staying more if you have time. They have one of the most beautiful ChinaTown in the States because it’s the oldest one. I recommend taking more time to explore ChinaTown, vintage shops and authentic asian restaurants! I would also recommend visiting JapanTown and Golden Gate Park! The safety is moderate, and I would not recommend traveling at night alone.

Posted: December 20, 2023
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Couple travel

I spent two days in San Francisco in August. I must mention that the weather was surprisingly cool, so you should take long clothes even in August. We slept in the Zeppelin Hotel, cute and pleasant. A beautiful and interesting city, I enjoyed the walk along the boardwalk, lots of shops and restaurants. I highly recommend going up for an amazing view of the whole city from the Coit tower, it was amazing!

Posted: November 24, 2023Experienced: July, 2023
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Solo travel

I was in San Francisco alone and mainly traveled by buses and walked on foot. I found this place to be very safe, although of course there are many homeless people with mental health problems there, but none of them approached me.

Posted: July 8, 2023
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Solo travel

I definitely advise against going to the Tenderloin area alone. I felt safe everywhere else, but after just a few blocks in the wrong direction, I was followed and accosted several times. I highly recommend visiting Alcatraz, but make sure to buy tickets in advance as they always sell out quickly.

Posted: May 19, 2023
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Solo travel

When I went alone to San Francisco, I rented a car and drove along the coast on route number 1. It was stunning. But most importantly, I spent the night in Half Moon Bay, and it was absolutely the best decision I made during my entire trip. It's a small seaside town south of San Francisco, with amazing seafood and beautiful views of cliffs and beaches. I definitely recommend stopping in this town.

Posted: April 9, 2023
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Is San Francisco safe for women?

Safety index

2.6 /5

Based on 14 local experiences

Crime index

2.5 /5

Based on 14 local experiences

San Francisco is a city like many others but there’s lot of drug users, poverty & gun violence to be aware of & robberies are not unusual. Definitely stay aware of your surroundings because lots of people also have guns.

Posted: December 1, 2024
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It really depends on the neighborhoods. some that you probably should be more careful are the Tenderloins and downtown after dark. but the rest is decently safe. there are many city and nature activities to do here.

Posted: September 16, 2024
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Meet locals in San Francisco

Jesse

Jesse

About Me

Hello everyone, my name is Jesse, I'm from El Salvador, living in California. Currently working as a babysitter and as a kindergarten teacher assistant. One of my favorite things to do while visiting different countries is to try the different kinds of snacks and traditional foods. I also love to learn new languages, I'm fluent in español, english and portugues. Another thing I enjoy while traveling is making new friends, it is so nice to meet like-minded people on the road that they become little treasures. 💖

Speaking

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Magaly

Magaly

About Me

In Paris for a month immersing myself in the culture and taking French lessons in Paris. I am looking to do weekend trips around Paris and also considering trips to London, Belgium, and/or Amsterdam. I enjoy fun conversations and getting to know people while exploring the wonders of Europe.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in San Francisco

Kari

Kari

San Francisco

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Born in Mexico, but live out in California. I considered myself to be friendly, outgoing-introvert (am shy but willing to go out of my comfort zone), easy-going, respectful and direct. I enjoy sarcasm and don't' get offended easily (doesn't mean you should disrespect me) and am easily amused. I enjoy meeting new people and creating new friendships and believe that adding something new to one's life is rewarding. I enjoy being around positive and intellectual people who I can have a interesting conversation and laugh with them. CHECK OUT my Instagram @mexicanawithwings

Speaking

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Safety in United States