Quick stop in San Fran: Best base if driving

Question

We are driving down the coast in July from Oregon to LA and plan to stop in San Fran for a couple of days. Want to see Alcatraz for sure. Might want a tour of the major sites in the city too. Thinking about staying in Sausalito. It sounds like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square have become run down and unsafe...true? What area would be best for us to stay in if we just plan a quick look at the major attractions? From there, going on to Carmel/Monterey as our next stop.

Answer

If you’re planning a short stop in San Francisco and your main priorities are Alcatraz and a quick tour of the major sites, staying in Sausalito can be a very appealing option, especially if you are driving. Sausalito is scenic, quieter than the city, and offers easy access to the Golden Gate Bridge, with the bonus of beautiful waterfront views and charming cafes. However, keep in mind that from Sausalito you’ll need to either drive or take the ferry to reach Alcatraz and other central attractions, which adds some transit time.

Regarding Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square: both areas have seen an increase in homelessness and petty crime in recent years. While many visitors still enjoy these neighborhoods safely during the day, some people do find them less pleasant, especially at night. Crowds, tourist-focused shops, and high foot traffic help maintain safety during daytime hours, but it may not feel as polished or clean as it once did.

For a quick and convenient base, consider these options:

North Beach / Telegraph Hill: Close to Alcatraz ferries, Coit Tower, and Chinatown. Walkable to many classic attractions, cafes, and Italian restaurants. Safe during the day and lively, with a historic vibe.
Fisherman’s Wharf area: Still very convenient for Alcatraz, pier attractions, and Bay cruises. Daytime is fine for sightseeing, though expect more crowds and tourist-oriented shops.
Union Square / SOMA: Central for hotels and dining. Good for public transport connections if you want to explore the city quickly, but streets can feel busy and less scenic.
Sausalito: Best for scenic, quiet stays and driving access. Lovely for a relaxing evening and breakfast with views, but plan extra time for getting into San Francisco proper.

Given your plan to drive down the coast to Monterey/Carmel afterward, staying somewhere with easy highway access is important. Sausalito and North Beach are both reasonably convenient for getting back on US-101 or I-280 south. If maximizing sightseeing and minimizing city driving stress is a priority, North Beach or even a hotel near the Embarcadero would be the best compromise.

Additional tips:

Book Alcatraz tickets well in advance, especially for summer months.
If staying in Sausalito, consider arriving early to catch the ferry to Alcatraz or plan for a short drive into the city to avoid morning traffic.
Walking around North Beach and Telegraph Hill gives a great feel for San Francisco without the downsides some tourists note in Union Square or parts of Fisherman’s Wharf.

Overall, for a short stop focused on highlights, North Beach or the Embarcadero area provides a balance of convenience, walkability, and safety, while Sausalito offers scenic relaxation if you don’t mind a bit of driving or ferry time.

Quick stop in San Fran: Best base if driving

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