EC San Francisco Travel Guide and Activities

San Francisco is a colourful, creative city, revelling in freedom and openness. Often eccentric, always charming, this vibrant destination has much to offer, from its eclectic neighbourhoods and stunning surroundings to its wonderful seafood and architecture.

Climate

San Francisco is characteristic of the cool, dry summer and mild, wet winters. Temperatures exceed 75 °F (24 °C) on average only 28 days a year. Whatever time of the year you visit San Francisco; it is always wise to carry a jacket or sweater with you!

Money

Currency: $ (US Dollars)

2024 Public holidays on a weekday
2 Sept, 14 Oct, 11 Nov, 27 Nov, 28 Nov, 25 Dec

2025 Public holidays on a weekday
01 Jan, 20 Jan, 17 Feb, 31 Mar, 26 May, 19 Jun, 04 Jul, 01 Sept, 13 Oct, 11 Nov, 27 Nov, 28 Nov, 25 Dec

Monthly Activities

Check out the Monthly Activities Calendar

5 things to see

Golden Gate Bridge
Chinatown
Alcatraz Island
Fisherman’s Wharf
See the city from Coit Tower

5 things to do

Ride a cable car
Explore the districts
Shop at Union Square
Walk along Ocean Beach
Catch a professional baseball or basketball game right downtown

Telephone Country Code
+1 – 415

Electricity
110 V; 60Hz – 2 flat-pin plug

Tap water
Tap water is safe unless there’s a sign to the contrary.

Public transport Info

Bus: $2.25 or a valid single-ride ticket
Cable car: $8 each ride (An All-Day Passport is sold for $14 by the conductors on the cable cars)
Muni Passports: 1-day Passport $13; 7-day Passport $41 (Muni Passports are good for unlimited rides on Muni, including cable cars)
Bicycle: Bicycles can be rented for $28 to $50
Muni Transit
Muni System map

Useful Information

Driving Age

The minimum driving age is 16 years but most rental companies require that you be at least 25 years old, have an international driving license, a second form of identity and a major credit card.

Alcohol and Tobacco Age

Legal age for drinking in the US is 21 and many places will ask for identification.

Insurance

All EC San Francisco students must be covered by health insurance for the entire length of their stay in the U.S.

Useful Links

Visa

For Visa information please read Applying for a Visa in USA

Cost of Living

Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks)

$3.50-$5.00

Bottle of water / soda (0.33 litre)

$1.00-$2.50

Fast-Food combo meal

$7.00-$10.00

Meal, inexpensive restaurant

$12.00-$20.00

Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult)

$45.00-$150.00

Public transport (local transport)

$2.50-$2.75

Public transport (monthly pass)

$75.00-$90.00

EC Partners