Walking in San Francisco
The best way to explore San Francisco is on foot. The main tourist areas are within 15 to 20 minutes of each other if you walk at average speed.
The hills, particularly Nob Hill and Telegraph Hill, can be a struggle, but the views from the top over the city and the bay make them well worth the strenuous climb.
Most road intersections are marked with a green and white sign bearing the name of the cross street. These signs are posted high on utility poles. This can be especially confusing along Market Street where the street names are different on each side of the thoroughfare. Street names are often imprinted in the concrete pavement at corners.
Traffic lights signal red (stop), green (go) and yellow (prepare to stop or caution) for vehicles. For pedestrians, electronic “Walk” signs show an illuminated white human figure. Orange lights flash the words for a few seconds. This is a warning for pedestrians to get out of the street before the signs change to a solid “Don’t Walk” signal.
Vehicles are driven on the right-hand side of the road in the US, except on the many one-way streets. Make sure you look both ways before you cross. Vehicles are allowed to turn right on a red light if the way is clear, so be careful when crossing at traffic lights.
Never rely solely on a pedestrian signal to protect you from oncoming traffic or those who drive through red lights. Jaywalking is common but illegal. Crossing in the middle of a block or using a crosswalk when the “Don’t Walk” signal is showing can result in a minimum $50 fine.
Tags: San Francisco on foot, walking in San Francisco