Quick stop in San Fran: Best base if driving

Question

We are driving down the coast in July from Oregon to LA and plan to stop in San Fran for a couple of days. Want to see Alcatraz for sure. Might want a tour of the major sites in the city too. Thinking about staying in Sausalito. It sounds like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square have become run down and unsafe...true? What area would be best for us to stay in if we just plan a quick look at the major attractions? From there, going on to Carmel/Monterey as our next stop.

Answer

For a quick 2-day stop in San Francisco while driving down the coast, your priorities of seeing Alcatraz and major city sites can be efficiently accomplished if you choose a central and convenient base. While Sausalito is charming with its waterfront views and boutique hotels, it’s a little removed from public transit options to Alcatraz and downtown San Francisco, which may add extra driving or ferry rides that eat into your sightseeing time.

Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square have experienced some issues with homelessness and petty crime in recent years, but they are still major tourist hubs. With the usual caution—avoiding poorly lit streets at night and securing belongings—these areas are still viable for short stays, especially if your goal is to maximize sightseeing and reduce transit time.

North Beach / Fisherman’s Wharf: Excellent for Alcatraz ferries, easy access to the cable cars, and walking distance to many iconic sights like Pier 39, Coit Tower, and Lombard Street. Consider staying slightly inland from the piers to avoid the busiest tourist crowds.
Union Square / Downtown: Great for shopping, restaurants, and public transit options. Good for short-term visitors who want to see major city highlights with minimal driving inside the city. Cable cars and buses can connect you to waterfront attractions.
Embarcadero / Ferry Building area: Centrally located with a scenic waterfront, good dining, and direct access to Alcatraz ferries. Less crowded overnight than Fisherman’s Wharf hotels, and a walkable area for city views.

If your goal is convenience over charm, staying in the city proper near North Beach or the Embarcadero will allow you to spend less time driving and more time exploring. Renting a hotel in Sausalito could be picturesque, but expect additional driving or ferry travel to reach Alcatraz and downtown highlights. If you do stay in Sausalito, plan at least 30–40 minutes for each ferry or drive into the city center.

Arrive early for Alcatraz tickets—they sell out fast, especially in July.
Consider a hop-on, hop-off bus for a quick overview of major city sites without the hassle of navigating SF streets.
Walk the waterfront from the Ferry Building to Fisherman’s Wharf to experience iconic views, even if staying elsewhere.

For your onward journey to Carmel/Monterey, staying in the city or near the Embarcadero gives you direct access to the 101/1 freeway south without having to backtrack through heavy city traffic, making it a practical choice for a short stop.

Quick stop in San Fran: Best base if driving

More San Francisco Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions