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Our visit to San Francisco in late October was a surreal experience. We had always heard about its beauty and charm, but we were not prepared for the challenges the city is facing.
When we arrived from the airport in the evening, the first thing that hit us was the poor street lighting. Many of the lampposts were out, and there weren’t many people around. It felt like we had driven into a ghost town, almost a zombie town.
The next day, we went down to Bloomingdale’s for some shopping. We could count three or four other shoppers there. The emptiness felt surreal.
Transamerica Pyramid
While exploring the area, we couldn’t ignore the overpowering smell of cannabis smoke that hung in the air like an inescapable blanket. We also encountered numerous homeless individuals, some visibly struggling with addiction. It made us feel deeply uneasy.
By midday, we realized that strolling through the city after dark wasn’t a viable option. Undoubtedly, San Francisco has its fair share of issues, but beneath it all lies a city of unparalleled beauty. The term “street smart,” mentioned in guidebooks for cities worldwide, takes on new significance in San Francisco.
We’ve visited places that, on paper, may seem more dangerous, but here, we felt the need to stay vigilant. However, this doesn’t mean you should avoid San Francisco altogether; it simply requires you to be aware and plan your stay wisely.
During our stay, we gained insights into the numerous challenges San Francisco currently confronts—stories of rampant car break-ins, restaurant closures, and a decline in tourism painted a picture of a city in transition.
Leaving SF, we departed with mixed emotions. We cherished the city’s natural beauty and captivating charm, yet we couldn’t ignore the formidable challenges it faces. We genuinely hope that San Francisco can find solutions to these problems and return to its former glory.
The Painted Ladies
Do not rent a car for driving around in SF. Download the Uber app; there is always one 2-3 minutes away. We rented a car and drove out to Napa Valley, but we did not stop anywhere in SF on our way out.
Read more here:
“Nine and a half months into 2023, and San Francisco police say there have been more than 15,000 car break-ins reported this year.” According to abc 7NEWS.
Car Break-in Tracker: A map you can use to track incidents in close to real-time.