San Francisco - how bad is it really?

[MadFairlane]

So, with our upcoming USA trip we've recently booked our accomodation in San Francisco... at the Clift Hotel.

Apparently this is at the start of the "tenderloin" area which is supposedly a bit sketchy??

How bad is San Fran really? Is it as dangerous as everyone makes out?

 

[markis10]

You should be fine, I have stayed at the Hilton which is one block closer, and apart from being told dont turn left when leaving the hotel there was no issues at all!

 

[blackcat20]

A female friend and myself walked straight down through the Tenderloin one night on the way home from a bar; it was a direct line to the hotel and we didn't realise. We did wonder why the people looked so dodgy, but we didn't have any trouble. There are quite a lot of homeless people in San Fran but they are usually pretty polite when you turn them down.

 

[reductionist]

I've been to SFO a number of times now and have spent quite a bit of time in the tenderloin area. It's been totally fine. There are a few hip bars around there too.

If you're extra concerned about your safety I'd just recommend avoiding walking through the area alone late at night.

Otherwise, have a great time.

 

[dfcatch]

The bums look dodgy and give the area a dodgy look, but mostly are more benign than the kids hassling you in SYD or MEL.

 

[TimB]

I wish I'd known to avoid the area before stumbling into it with a friend a couple of years ago. It was the afternoon, and we'd both been out photographing, so we had our DSLRs slung around our necks. I suddenly realised that the feeling on the street had changed, but we kept going, and didn't even stop to put our cameras away.

We made it out okay, but must say I've never seen jeans worn that low before -- just above the knees!

Incidentally, my hotel was the Abri on Ellis St, which is just inside the Tenderloin region, and it was fine.

 

[oz74]

My wife and I were there in August and there really was no problem, My only advice would be stay aware if it looks dodgy get out of there.





Happy Travels!

 

[harvyk]

Do what I did, get taxi's to and from the hotel to nearby safer streets.

When I stayed around that area, I walked down the streets once, and the whole way my "spidey senses" was telling me it was not the area to simply walk around in.

I was ok probably because I knew where I was going (I always try to memorise some maps of the area prior to going anywhere) and thus didn't stop or hesitate when I realised it was not such a good area.

As for how safe is it, well it's like most cities, it has both good and bad area's. When in a bad area simply use your common sense and you'll prob be ok.

 

[lovestotravel]

I'm more worried walking around Melbourne or Sydney at night than in San Fran

 

[dfcatch]

I'm more worried walking around Melbourne or Sydney at night than in San Fran

I agree with this 10 times over.

 

[blackcat20]

I was ok probably because I knew where I was going (I always try to memorise some maps of the area prior to going anywhere) and thus didn't stop or hesitate when I realised it was not such a good area.

I agree with this; a big part of being safe is looking confident/like you know where youre going. Youre less vulnerable that way.

 

[lovestotravel]

I agree with this; a big part of being safe is looking confident/like you know where youre going. Youre less vulnerable that way.

Exactly right!

Walk like you are on a mission and know what/where you are going!

If you need to stop for directions, head into a hotel lobby, but make sure you know exact directions before hand.

A tip - Instead of using a map, recording directions onto your phone via a memo/voice recorder function and then play it back while you are walking

Looks like you are on a phone call instead!

 

[Fantic125]

I've stayed at the Holiday Inn on 8th & Market and walked around the area both night and day without any hassles. As noted above, walk with purpose and don't look like a tourist.

 

[MadFairlane]

Thanks for all the advice, I sorta guessed that it wasn't going to be as bad as most make it out to be.

We'll be doing tours while we are there, so hopefully won't be needing to "wander" around as much.

Its the last stop on our way out of the USA, so fingers crossed all goes well.

 

[straitman]

So, with our upcoming USA trip we've recently booked our accomodation in San Francisco... at the Clift Hotel.

Apparently this is at the start of the "tenderloin" area which is supposedly a bit sketchy??

How bad is San Fran really? Is it as dangerous as everyone makes out?

If after considering all else and you are still concerned you could always get a hotel in a different area.

 

[mikal1988]

i found san fran visually amazing however....

first night car was broken into all for a GPS charger, which left me the next day with smashed windows and now GPS to find the rental centre. drove around with glass falling out the window sections of the car

tried public transport to find people smoking drugs and injecting in plain sight

couldnt handle that so rented another car and the lady said break ins happen very often in san fran :shock:

found that we spent most or time around pier 39 but san fran is now ticked off the list and sadly never again

alcatraz is amazing though

 

[dfcatch]

Unfortunately this kind of crime happens in all major cities.

Downtown SF is no exception.

However in terms of personal safety - the advice in this thread is, IMHO, very valid.

I am always quite conscious of the bums and druggies and deros around SF, particularly when walking at night - but sensible precautions ensure personal safety.

I still feel much more comfortable in SF than LA or NYC.

 

[rechoboam]

Exactly right!

Walk like you are on a mission and know what/where you are going!

If you need to stop for directions, head into a hotel lobby, but make sure you know exact directions before hand.

A tip - Instead of using a map, recording directions onto your phone via a memo/voice recorder function and then play it back while you are walking

Looks like you are on a phone call instead!

Personally I keep maps phones etc well hidden in these circumstances, having equipment against your ear reduces audible and visual danger signs.

 

[JohnM]

I've been to SFO, NYC and heaps of other places in the US numerous times. Never any problems.

If you easily feel intimidated, probably don't try the Atlanta Greyhound bus station as a nice spot for a two-hour bus layover :shock:. In fact, don't try Greyhound in the Deep South - or anywhere - but then you won't have any dinner conversation when you get back here :mrgreen:.

Love SFO. Never had a problem. I guess it's just bad luck that can happen anywhere for those who have had troubles.

Just jump back on the horse .