My sister recently returned from a trip to SF. She said it was like a ghost town. Not much going on, no one in the airport, run down and shabby. Is this true? I was planning a trip there and am now thinking of changing my plans. What do you fodorites think?

I would love it if I had that wonderful city all to myself! Even if there are fewer tourists, there are still plenty of people living there.
I can't wait until we go this summer.

Sorry, I mean Franscico!

I'm sorry to hear that your sister didn't have a great experience when visiting San Francisco.

As of late, there have been fewer tourists and a whole lotta dot commers have become unemployed and left the city. If these were the things that made San Francisco a great place in the past, I'm glad that we can keep all the great local stuff so secret!

San Francisco is wonderful if you know where to go and what to do. YOu need to capture a bit of the local flavor. If you just stay in a hotel downtown (yes, sometimes shabby areas) and ride a cable car (yes, boring)I can see how someone might not recommend SF.

Instead, stay in a Bed and Breakfast away from downtown, or even in Sausalito. Enjoy weekend street fairs, events in Golden Gate Park, theater, art exhibits, SFMOMA and other museums, a Giants game at the new ball park. And eat and eat and eat at wonderful restaurants!

I would also recommend visiting in the fall, September and October are beautiful. Other times of the year are less predictable and are often cold and foggy.

If you do decide to make the trip, I'll be happy to give you more info, let me know what kind of stuff you are interested in.

My sister and I went there two years ago and had a fantastic time. Yes, we rode the cable cars for "the experience", walked many miles around downtown SF and along the water, & the Piers. Beautiful parks, excellent food! Also went up to wine country and south along coast then over to Sausalito. Beautiful country everywhere!

Yeah, everyone went to Branson, Mo. You should too!

SF is my favorite place in the world!!! (I am from Boston). If it is a ghost town, that is even better for you - no lines and. easier access to attractions.

The ONLY thing I didn't like about my trip to SF was that it was crowded, so if there are less people there you will love it even more!!! We were there for only 4 or 5 days and really wished we had more time to explore. Have fun!

I hate to say it but San Francisco has really gone downhill. I used to go quite often, but the last time (about 2 yrs ago)...I told myself it is not worth it. They have not dealt with the homeless problem, they are everywhere and they aren't even nice homeless people like the New York ones. There is trash everywhere. It is sad because San Francisco truly is a lovely town underneath the filth.

Just got back from a week in Wine Country followed by 2 days in SF. Yes, there were homeless, but only was asked for "spare change" once with a polite "thank you".There is so much to see and do- we walked at least 10 miles safely.Great workout, those hills!Chinatown is a blast. Union Street is a yuppie heaven, LOL. I loved the city and can't wait to get back- however, I agree that the airport is extremely disorganized and the shuttle bus to the rental cars was a white-knuckle ride.However, SF airport was rated #1 in Cooking Light Magazine's survey of airports with healthy food. We had a great lunch there!

Thanks to all. I think that I will still take my trip there. Maybe for the Fancy Food show this winter. I appreciate your help.

We were there for a long weekend in December (have been there numerous times before) and had a great time once again. The downtown shopping is second to none in the country including NYC, IMO. The Macy's is fabulous. Don't know if that interests you at all, but it's another, although minor, reason why I love San Francisco.

Did the person who asked you for spare change have a cell phone to his ear while he was doing so? This happened to us in Denver, no kidding.