Where to stay and when to come

Question

Greetings

We are planning a nine-day visit to SF this pring. Dates could be either late March (last 9 days) or mid April (for example 16 to 26). This is our first visit ever and we plan to see the city, maybe have a day trip to Berkeley (for my work), stay one or two nights with a relative in Lafayette. We are both academic and no into partying or nightlife. We are mostly looking to see museums, sights, and neighbourhoods, maybe a symphonic concert if there is anything good on.

Questions:

Any preference as to when to come? April dates are after my teaching so I'd be a bit more relaxed. But would hotels get a lot more expensive? The ones I looked at seemed so

Where to Stay? Neighbourhoods and hotels or airbnbs (though they are illegal, right?). Budget is not huge and because Canadian dollar is really weak we find prices much higher than anyone in the US.

With grateful thanks for your advice

Answer

Hello,

San Francisco is a fantastic city for a nine-day visit focused on museums, neighborhoods, and cultural experiences. Both late March and mid-April are good times to visit, but there are subtle differences to consider.

When to come:

Late March: Slightly cooler weather (highs 57–64°F / 14–18°C), fewer tourists, so hotel rates may be a little lower and popular attractions less crowded. You might experience more overcast or occasional rain.
Mid-April (16–26): Warmer, sunnier days (highs 60–68°F / 16–20°C), more pleasant for walking neighborhoods and sightseeing. Hotels may be slightly more expensive, particularly around Easter or spring break, but not drastically so. Crowds start to increase, but it is still manageable for cultural sightseeing.

Given your preference for a relaxed visit, mid-April may be ideal because you will be less rushed and the weather is usually nicer for strolling and outdoor sightseeing.

Where to stay:

Since you are not into nightlife and want to focus on museums, sights, and cultural neighborhoods, consider areas that are central but quieter.

Union Square / Civic Center: Very central, close to major museums (SFMOMA, Asian Art Museum), theaters, and public transport. Hotels range from mid-range to upscale. Convenient for public transit to other neighborhoods.
Marina District / Cow Hollow: Charming residential area, near the Golden Gate Bridge and waterfront. Quieter at night, walkable, with boutique hotels and bed & breakfasts.
Fisherman’s Wharf / North Beach: Tourist-heavy, but convenient for first-time visitors. Can be a bit more expensive and crowded, but very scenic and walkable.
Mission District / SoMa: Artsy neighborhoods, close to museums and cultural sites. Some boutique hotels and rentals available. Mission is vibrant but quieter in the daytime.

Accommodation tips:

Airbnb rentals in San Francisco are technically restricted, but some legally operate in the city. Check “business license” or “hosted by local” labels. Many travelers still use Airbnb for longer stays, but be prepared for limited availability and higher prices.
Budget hotels are limited in central locations. Consider small boutique hotels or chain hotels slightly outside downtown with easy access to public transport.
Booking early is key — rates can rise quickly in spring, especially around mid-April weekends.

Additional tips:

For museums and concerts, check schedules in advance. SFMOMA, de Young Museum, and the Asian Art Museum often have special exhibitions in spring. San Francisco Symphony typically has concerts at Davies Symphony Hall in April.
Public transport (Muni, BART) is efficient for reaching neighborhoods like Berkeley, Lafayette, and downtown SF. Parking in the city can be expensive and limited, so consider staying near transit.
Layered clothing is important; San Francisco weather can be unpredictable with chilly mornings and afternoons even in April.

In summary, mid-April is slightly warmer and more relaxed, hotels may be moderately more expensive than late March, and areas like Union Square, Civic Center, Marina, or Cow Hollow would suit your interests. Early booking is recommended, and use public transport to simplify getting around and visiting your Berkeley / Lafayette stops.

Where to stay and when to come

More San Francisco Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions