Areas to Avoid, San Francisco

If you’ve got a hostel in the area, the Tenderloin district can be somewhat dodgy after dark so be aware and do what you’d usually do in any big city. Like most places though – if you’re confident and know where you’re going generally you shouldn’t have to worry too much. But just be aware once you’ve peeled off into the smaller streets in the district, it is rather seedy to say the least.

I stayed at Fisherman's Warf which is a lovely place. There is a park nearby and there are always people around ... during the day.

But when the sun sets ... the whole place became so alien. For one thing, the areas are not properly lit. Some places are practically pitch black. If there is no full moon you won't even see the tree in front of you.

Then there are the muggers. Two people got mugged during our 5-day stay.

I was born and raised in San Francisco, I'm in weak LA now, but I want to help you all know exactly where those bad spots are in the city.
First, as you all probably know the Tenderloin and South of Market (SOMA) can be very dangerous at night, but in the day they can be just as bad. Also, be on the look out for the Civic Center (Maket st area). If you haven't been to these three areas, just think of "Skid Row," because that's exactly what they are. Other bad areas are the Fillmore, Chinatown at night, Broadway can be at night, the Mission from SOMA to Daly City and on 24th st. from Mission to Potrero, Excelsior, Lakeview, Hunter's Point, Bayview, Portrero Hill, San Bruno district, Visitacion Valley and the neighborhood I grew up in, Sunnydale (the swamp). I'm not saying you will try to go to these areas in the first place, but I have traveled and I know how easy it is to get stuck in the wrong neighborhood. Also you should probably stay out Golden gate Park at night, because you my get attacked in the dark by some hobo or something. It's pretty close to Haight st. so I felt I had to tell you all that, just in case you wander in there.
Do not come to this city like most other tourist do with a naive attitude, the city can be very dangerous, trust me I know, and I didn't have to act like a tourist to find out. Just be very aware do some researching and you should have a better time than those uninformed tourists. You can email me for any questions.

Tenderloin is triangular area between Market, Van Ness, and stops a couple blocks before Union Square (around HIlton). Some decent hotels are in the Tenderloin, but usually up near Sutter or Post. It's the "lower" Tenderloin (Market between 6th and Van Ness) that gets the seedy reputation. The "upper" part is fine.

Not so nice section of town is around 6th and 9th and Market, as there's some adult theaters and such there. However, it's easy enough to bypass that section of town by hopping onto the various Muni vehicles that travel on (or under) Market St. and pay the $1.25 fare (per person of course).

Should you need help, there's a police station right around 6th and Market (on Eddy actually) and another one around Hotel Renoir (8th and Market) usually with several squad cars around. Or just dial 911 on any public phone.

South of Market is extremely quiet at night except around specific night clubs and such. Definitely take a cab to your destination and a cab going back.

Consider joining one of those "party bus" tours on the weekends, or even hire a limo for pickup and drop-off (it's less expensive than you think though 15-20% tip is expected).

Civic Center (around city hall, 9th and Market) is tolerable, but you may see more homeless people than you're used to in a big city. However, they are generally harmless as long as you don't gawk.

In general, tourists are not bothered unless you're just plainly UNalert for dangers. Don't stray TOO far off the beaten path and you should have a great time in San Francisco.

Strangely, many of the city's most luxurious and most popular tourist hotels are in the worst part of the city...next door to the tenderloin where hordes of prostitutes and drug dealers and junkies walk the streets. I would really recommend finding out exactly where you are staying before booking a hotel. For example the Nikko (and Hyatt or Hilton I believe) are in this area. It's strange because SF is such a beautiful small city that its gritty downtown seems out of place. Like a small studio set in a gorgeous city and that's where they put the hotels?????

Only a few areas warrant particular caution during daylight hours and are of particular concern at night. These include the Tenderloin (east of the Civic Centre); SoMa (near the Mission/Sixth Street corner); Mission Street from 13th to 22nd Streets; and in the Hunter's Point neighbourhood near 3Com Park. Golden Gate Park and the Haight-Ashbury should be avoided at night.

(photo - Russian Hill)
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This part of San Francisco is naturally set up to take advantage of its 'fame' in tourist lore. It was interesting to actually be there and see the area, but it did seem to be very oriented towards milking the tourists for what they are worth. That being said, you do not have to walk very far to return to normality in downtown San Francisco. The hustle and bustle of this area is interesting but you will pay more if you actually stop and shop here!

San Francisco for the most part is a very safe city. I have walked all over this city during the day and at night, with friends and by myself. There are very few areas of this city that make me nervous. Like any big city you will need to be aware of your surroundings and walk with confidence. Don't get yourself into a situation where you get in trouble. OF course bad things can happen anywhere in a big city but in SF there are a few main areas where bad things are more likely to happen. These are the areas that I would avoid especially after dark and especially if you're by yourself. See the following tips for more detail.