which neighborhoods should we avoid?

Question

We are holidaying in SF with a hire car, both in terms of us walking the streets and parking the car, which neighborhoods should we avoid?

We have seen all these videos of people breaking into cars etc ..

Answer

San Francisco is a beautiful city with many safe and enjoyable neighborhoods, but like any major city, there are areas where visitors should exercise extra caution, especially if you are walking or parking a hire car. Car break-ins and petty theft are unfortunately common, so knowing which areas to avoid or be vigilant in can make your trip much smoother.

Some neighborhoods to be cautious about or avoid for walking and leaving valuables in your car include:

Tenderloin: This area has high rates of property and petty crime. Walking around during the day is possible, but it’s best to avoid it after dark.
Bayview-Hunters Point: Certain parts have higher crime rates. Daytime visits with a specific purpose are generally safe, but casual strolling is not recommended.
South of Market (SoMa) at night: While parts of SoMa are lively and popular during the day, some blocks are less safe after dark, and car break-ins are more common.
Western Addition / Fillmore District: Some blocks can be sketchy, so stick to well-populated areas and main streets.
Areas around major transit hubs late at night: Civic Center and some streets near BART stations may have higher incidents of theft and panhandling.

For parking safety:

Never leave valuables visible in your car. Store bags and electronics in the trunk or take them with you.
Use paid parking lots or garages in commercial areas rather than street parking in less busy neighborhoods.
Look for areas with good lighting and frequent foot traffic when parking.

Neighborhoods that are generally safe and enjoyable for visitors include Fisherman’s Wharf, Marina District, Pacific Heights, Nob Hill, Union Square, Mission Bay, and the Embarcadero area. While no area is completely free of crime, these neighborhoods have more security, frequent foot traffic, and are more tourist-friendly.

In summary, use common sense: avoid walking alone at night in higher-risk neighborhoods, park in well-lit areas or garages, and never leave valuables in plain sight in your car. Following these precautions will allow you to enjoy San Francisco safely while minimizing the risk of theft.

which neighborhoods should we avoid?

More San Francisco Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions