San Francisco is one of the most popular tourist destinations not only in the US but across the world. The city is known for its scenic beauty, cultural diversity, and electrifying nightlife. But, is it a safe place for tourists? 

Though San Francisco is relatively a safe place for tourists compared to other popular cities in the US such as Chicago, Washington D.C and Las Vegas, there are still some places that are better avoided. However, potential tourists should understand that the rate of property-related theft such as car-theft, pick-pocketing, etc are higher in San Francisco compared to other cities. Cities outside of San Francisco, like in the East Bay are safe. When I originally started a concrete company, I lived in Danville, California.

If you are planning on a tour to San Francisco, below mentioned information can help you understand which places are to be avoided and what kind of safety measures are to be taken while touring the city.

Places To Avoid/Be Vigilant In San Francisco 

• The Tenderloin

The Tenderloin is a neighborhood in San Francisco known for drug peddlers and property snatchers. Though this long street is located along the border of one of the most important shopping areas of the city, it is recommended that you do not visit this place alone, especially during nights. Even in the mornings, you may find panhandlers chasing you for money, some of whom can be very aggressive and dangerous. So, it’s better to completely avoid this place.

• Union Square

Being located in the city center, though Union Square is not as dangerous The Tenderloin, you still need to be careful with pickpockets. Since the area is often crowded and bustling with tourists, there are so many pickpockets roaming around, so it’s recommended that you keep your valuables under wraps.

• The Mission

Though many tourists consider The Mission as a dangerous neighborhood in San Francisco, it is hard for tourists not to visit this place. Because it is filled with rich arts, diverse cultures and also offers one of the best dining experiences in San Francisco. If you choose to visit this place, do not take any valuables with you and make sure that your car is properly locked.

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How To Tour Safely In San Francisco?

• Know Your Neighborhood

It is advised that you have minimum navigation knowledge of the place you want to visit, especially if you want to visit neighborhoods that are on high-alert such as The Tenderloin, Union Square, and The Mission.

• Take A Bus Or Book A Cab

It is not a great idea for tourists to drive around San Francisco in their own or even rented vehicles. One of the reasons being, finding a parking spot in the city area can be a real challenge. However, the main reason is, the percentage of car-thefts in San Francisco is higher than anywhere else in the US. So, don’t risk losing your vehicle on a holiday. Instead, book a cab or take a bus which is a cheaper option and a convenient and secure mode of transport.

• Be Vigilant With The Homeless

Unlike most of the developed cities in the US, where homeless are confined to a particular area, you can see homeless almost everywhere in San Francisco. Since most of these transient people are either drug or alcohol addicts, the SFPD advises tourists not to make any confrontations and maintain distance. So, just be careful.

In conclusion, except for the above mentioned two or three places, San Francisco is a great place to visit. Just avoid these problematic places and instead, visit fun places like the Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, or The Golden Gate Bridge where the crime rate is almost negligible.