San Francisco is now the 13th largest city in the US and the cultural heart of Northern California.
Founded in 1776 by Spanish colonists, its splendorous growth was later spurred by the California Gold Rush of 1849.
Its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, sumptuous green spaces and the Boho vibe of areas like Haight-Ashbury make it one of the world’s most beautiful and interesting cities.
And other attractions include its famous retro cable cars, Alcatraz island and Walt Disney Family Museum – while fans of fine food and wine shouldn’t miss the annual Eat Drink SF celebration each August, which showcases the best of the Bay Area’s culinary treats.
Whether you’re vacationing in San Fran for a couple of weeks or have the luxury of getting to know it over a longer period, there are a few online resources you should check out to make the most of your trip.
With that in mind, here are five apps and sites for San Francisco travelers, all of which are available on Android and iOS.
- Zillow
If you’re staying in SF for a while, you’ll naturally need suitable accommodation – especially if you’re a family group.
And finding San Francisco rentals on Zillow is easy because this awesome app serves up the best deals according to criteria like location, price and amenities, before connecting you directly with the property manager to make your reservation.
- San Francisco City Guide and Offline City Map
This app is a bit of a mouthful, but its fantastic features make it worthwhile downloading.
If you want hot off the press info on the city’s best bars, shops and restaurants, you’ll find it right here. With an integrated list feature for itinerary planning and GPS-based maps you can consult offline, it’s innovative and indispensable.
- AllTrails
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, you’ll be glad to know that the Bay Area is blessed by some terrific hiking trails, including the Devil’s Slide Trail, Panoramic Loop, Tomales Point Trail and Quicksilver History Loop.
Downloading the AllTrails app before heading off keeps you informed and safe with photos, reviews and trail maps.
- Maven
Whether you fancy winding your way around Lombard Street’s eight hairpin bends or heading out into the wide open spaces of the Pacific Coast Highway, San Francisco and its environs have plenty to offer drivers.
And Maven.com is a marvelous site to arrange car hire or car sharing while you’re in the city – cars, SUVs and electric vehicles are available 24/7 and you can rent by the hour or for longer periods.
- Looking4.com
San Francisco International Airport is the perfect launchpad for trips to neighboring states or further afield and getting there by car is often more comfortable and convenient than via public transport.
But don’t forget that you’ll need somewhere safe to stow your ride while you’re off exploring – luckily, finding SFO airport parking on Looking4.com is child’s play and lets you jet off feeling calm and collected.
So ends our list, but please share your own San Francisco best family tracking app tips in the comments section
