Free Travel Guides for San Francisco

Why Use Self Travel?

San Francisco is known for its great tours, providing curious visitors with knowledgeable guides on both land and sea. However, these specialized tours and fact-filled hosts can drain the wallet quickly, especially when you are traveling with a family or large group that requires multiple admissions.

Free printed travel guides for San Francisco can help you navigate through town on your own, not only saving cash but giving your group a unique experience at the same time. A quick pow wow over breakfast can help you to plan your day, as these guides often advertise all sorts of attractions. Each family member can choose a destination, giving you a customized itinerary you couldn’t have with a structured tour.

Where to Find Free Travel Guides for San Francisco

Much like the “Maps of the Stars” available on Hollywood street corners, some San Francisco vendors make a living selling guides and attraction pamphlets, but free guide information is available.

You will find many of your best resources are on the Internet and at the Visitor Information Center on Market Street next to the cable car turntable at Powell Street.

Here at LoveToKnow San Francisco there is an ever-growing selection of articles on great things to do and see in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. You can easily make your own travel guide by printing the articles of destinations that particularly interest you. For example, check out the article on touring with kids for fun ideas for a day in The City with your kids or consider the ideas in one of the articles on a specific area of The City like the Mission District. Or, if it's time to eat, take advantage of some of the restaurants featured -- they even give you ideas on what to order!

There are other great websites for informative, free travel information and tips for San Francisco before you journey to the city by the bay.

Schmap

Schmap is a creative site, perfectly-suited for both the first time and seasoned traveler to the Bay Area. Full of restaurant reviews, photos of countless destinations, and interactive mapping features, Schmap has everything you need to get around San Francisco without the help of a professional tour guide.

Check out their “Suggested Tours” section, which will give you recommendations for guided tours if you want a fall back plan, while also offering further suggestions on places to see on your own. Schmap allows you to download the guides to store on your own PC – making them perfectly printable and packable.

Only in San Francisco

Touted as the Official Visitors Site for San Francisco, this interactive tour guide site will give you a great background on all available adventures in the San Francisco Bay Area. OISF is known for its unique sections, such as "Gay Travel" and "Insider’s Guide", providing a personalized experience for each and every visitor. Many free travel guides for San Francisco cater to the general demographic, giving OISF a leg up on the competition.

You can also use OISF to make online reservations at various hotels and car rental companies, as well as check out various vacation packages if you want to try to do it all without spending all your savings.

MyTravelGuide.com

MyTravelGuide.com works like a travel agent, booking all of your travel details while providing advice on what to see and do while visiting your destination.

The site is also interactive with a diverse community of online posters. After your trip to San Francisco, you can create your own itinerary for future trips, or inspire others who will be visiting for the first time. You can also save favorite destinations into your "Favorites Folder", giving you a quick online reference guide when you need to find a phone number for a dinner reservation or an address to meet friends.

Summary

Using a free travel guide for San Francisco can really enhance your experience and provide for smoother travel. Even better, you may discover some little known treasures of this waterfront city that you would have otherwise never visited.