Compiled by FatPassport's travel experts

Depending on your viewpoint, San Francisco conjures up images ranging from famous sights, to picturesque beauty, to fine wine and dining, to the land of the freaks. None would be wrong.

Travelers come to San Francisco to see famous attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the former federal prison of Alcatraz, Chinatown, and the Cable Cars, and these sights do not disappoint. San Francisco also offers beautiful scenery, fantastic dining, good nightlife, great shopping, and a happening scene for theater and the arts. If that’s not enough, about an hour north is the wine country of Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

If you are traveling with kids, then San Francisco is a fine place to bring them. Kids will enjoy seeing the above sights, and will also love touristy Pier 39 with it's slumbering sea lions and family-oriented shows and games; and the Discovery Museum across the Bay in Sausalito.

Just about anyone will enjoy San Francisco, though it’s relatively expensive such that low budget travelers may not want to linger.

Mark Twain apparently said something along the lines of “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco,” and travelers should be aware that the weather is unpredictable and often surprisingly cool. During the summer months of June-August, it’s common for the fog to roll-in and for temperatures to plummet, giving locals a reason to giggle as tourists in shorts shiver with cold. Interestingly though, the local micro-climates are such that it may be freezing in San Francisco, but balmy or even hot just a half-hour drive away. If possible, shoot for visiting in spring (April/May), or better yet, come in the fall (September/October), as weather is better and crowds are more limited.

The areas of interest to travelers are safe, but there are some rough areas nearby so it’s best not to wander aimlessly at night. Many are surprised to find that the city is a little dirty, and that there are lots of homeless that pester visitors for money. This is not a good place to bring a car; parking is very expensive and can be hard to find.

A stay of three or four days should allow you to see the main sights of interest and experience the city, though it’s a captivating place and merits longer if you have the time and money.