US · city
San Francisco, CA
United States
Golden Gate, Napa wine country day trips, tech hub culture
Sept-Oct warmest and clearest. Mid-summer (Jul-Aug) cold and foggy. Winters rainy.
When to visit
Award flights from the US
Economy
Chase Ultimate Rewards
via Southwest Rapid Rewards
+ $30 taxes
Chase UR → Southwest (via OAK or SJC)
American AAdvantage
+ $20 taxes
AA economy JFK-SFO
Business / First
American AAdvantage
+ $20 taxes
AA business JFK-SFO transcon
United MileagePlus
+ $20 taxes
United Polaris transcon EWR-SFO
Cash equivalent: economy ~$350 · business ~$1,500 roundtrip from NYC
Award hotels
Andaz San Francisco
Hyatt
Cat 5 — Union Square lifestyle.
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Hyatt
Cat 5 — Embarcadero with bay views.
Grand Hyatt San Francisco
Hyatt
Cat 5 — Union Square shopping district.
The St. Regis San Francisco
Marriott Bonvoy
Standard category; off-peak 70K. SOMA luxury.
What to see & do
Golden Gate Bridge
Walk or bike across; best photos from Battery Spencer (Marin side) or Crissy Field.
Alcatraz Island
Ferry from Pier 33 to former federal prison. Audio tour by former inmates.
Mission District
Burritos at La Taqueria, murals in Balmy Alley, Dolores Park people-watching.
Fisherman's Wharf + Pier 39
Sea lions, sourdough bread bowls, Aquarium of the Bay. Touristy but iconic.
Napa Valley
1-hour drive — 400+ wineries, fine dining. Take the wine train or hire a driver.
Tartine Bakery
Cult-status croissants and country bread. Mission location, lines move.
Monthly weather
| Month | Low | High | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46°F | 57°F | |
| Feb | 48°F | 59°F | |
| Mar | 49°F | 62°F | |
| Apr | 50°F | 64°F | |
| May | 52°F | 66°F | |
| Jun | 54°F | 67°F | |
| Jul | 54°F | 67°F | |
| Aug | 55°F | 68°F | |
| Sep | 56°F | 71°F | |
| Oct | 55°F | 70°F | |
| Nov | 50°F | 63°F | |
| Dec | 46°F | 58°F |
Best cards for this trip
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