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How to Pack for a Trip to San Francisco

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(6 Ratings)

The sun may shine on the city by the bay, but remember to keep a sweater handy. The wind and fog can creep up and leave you chilly any time of year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Carry-on Bags
  • Garment Bags
  • Luggage Sets
  • Travel Clothes
  • Backpacks
  • Duffel Bags
  1. Step 1

    Prepare for cool temperatures year-round. Although this is California, San Francisco's mercury may only shoot up during limited periods in late spring, late summer and early fall.

  2. Step 2

    Pack business attire that is appropriate to your line of work. Business casual is accepted in most offices.

  3. Step 3

    Pack a leather jacket or wool coat, sweaters and long-sleeve shirts if you plan to be in San Francisco during the fall through spring months. Jeans or khakis are acceptable just about anywhere.

  4. Step 4

    Bring lightweight wool, cotton and fleece garments for easy layering during the summer months. Shorts are a must, but leave other traditional summer items at home.

  5. Step 5

    Bring very comfortable shoes to wear while taking in the sights. Remember, this town has a lot of hills.

  6. Step 6

    Take nice slacks and a blazer (men) if you intend to catch a show, the ballet or opera. Women, opt for a simple dress or skirted outfit. Formal attire is rarely expected.

Tips & Warnings
  • Bring a carry-on bag that includes all necessities you might need in case your luggage goes astray: change of clothes, all medications, spare contact lenses or glasses, all forms of money and any important documents.
  • Pack to accommodate your needs. Leave superfluous items at home.

Comments  

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/26/2006 I have lived in the Bay Area my whole life (except a brief escape to college for a few years) and the city is pretty cold. It is the last week of August (for example, as I write this) and the weather is predicted to be in the mid to high 60's all week long. Sometimes in September or May it gets warm, but nix the shorts. If it does get hot when you are visiting the city, you will never be that hot that you wish you had shorts--pants and tees/tanks are always OK. I rarely have had a time where I was in the city and wished I had shorts on. It never gets hot like that in the city; surrounding suburbs and areas, yes, it can get hot, but not in the city itself.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 San Francisco, like most cities, is large. Often when traveling with small children or other family members, it is easy to get lost among the various sounds, sights, and smells of San Francisco. A set of walkie talkies, with extra batteries, is a wise investment for the travel-savvy. Roaming charges of cell phones will not apply and you will not need to search for a phone. \\The streets of San Francisco are more confusing than other cities, so getting lost is easier. A walkie-talkie will prevent a catastrophic outing.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I have lived in San Francisco almost 50 years and my wardrobe is the same all year long. From shorts, tank top and Birkenstock's, to long pants, long sleeved shirts, windbreaker type jacket with hood (water resistant, a plus for those foggy nights or early mornings) all in one day. If you are going to be going out to eat in the higher priced range, bring a jacket and a tie. The ones they hand out at the restaurants (that require them) are not the best. Women - nice slacks (or even better) a skirt and blouse, even with sandals, are usually fine.
This is the best place to just walk and look. I am still amazed at how often I turn a corner and my breath is taken away by the beauty of a new view of the city by the bay. And, this is very important, never call it 'Frisco!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I've lived here for half of my life and trust me.. the weather in the bay area/San Francisco can be very drastic. It can be warm in one area and then very cold and foggy a few miles down the road. The BEST advice is to always bring a light jacket with you when you go out.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 The article is true; However, if you plan to travel anywhere (particularly north to the Napa Valley) during your stay, and it's summer, be sure to bring a very cool clothing option along. Longer shorts and a t-shirt or a short-sleeved button-down shirt are appropriate for Valley wine tasting on a sunny day.

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