My husband and I are leaving for San Francisco on Thursday. I have never been there, so I have no idea what to take in the way of clothing. We live in Houston, Tx, so it is still hot here. I'm assuming it's much cooler in SF. We are planning on doing all the tourist stuff, as well as touring the wine country. We are staying in an area I believe is called Union Square. Any advice on what to wear would be greatly appreciated!
2006-09-19 09:26:35 · 23 answers · asked by Cat 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ San Francisco
San Francisco and the wine country are very cool areas generally. You should definately bring layers, as well as more warm-weather clothes in case there is a heat wave, which can happen this late in the year. Northern California is very casual, so you only need to dress up if you go to a play or an exclusive restaurant.
In SF if you are just doing touristy things like Pier 39, then you needn't worry about dressing like the locals, because 99% of the people there are tourists too. However, the locals tend to have an eclectic range of styles, but it's not as fashionable of a city as LA or NY. You MUST bring good walking shoes, bacause parking is at a premuim in the city, so you are going to want to leave your car in one parking lot all day while you walk around an area.
Napa is even more casual than SF (think Michal Chiarrello) so even at a nice restaurant you only need business casual (no jeans, T-shirts, or trashy clothes).
2006-09-22 20:13:27 · answer #1 · answered by jellybeanchick 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Although it will surely get colder in the evening, September is probably the best weather you'll find here. Bring coats but also bring your shorts. Be sure to visit North Beach which is the Italian section. Best food in the city and home to the original Beat Poets of the 60's. Spend a full day driving through the Napa Valley (wine country) on Hwy.29. Look for V. Sattui Winery on the southern end of St. Helena. Beautiful winery with picnic grounds and a great deli for lunch. Also one of the few that offers free wine tasting. Always our first stop in the wine country. September is crush season and the colors and aroma in the air are unbelievable.
2006-09-19 17:53:38 · answer #2 · answered by james d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always bring a jacket. I live in the Bay Area. It can be real cold at night. I recommend light comfortable layers. During the day, it can be big city hot. Not like Houston or Dallas or San Antonio (I've been around). It not that hot. I usually wear shorts and a crew neck sweater. When it gets too hot, I take off the sweater. At night, I wear a leather jacket and jeans. The leather can really beat off the occassional wind. And you'll love Union Square. I really recommend getting off the beaten path though. And you will be able to within a mile of Union Square.
2006-09-19 16:37:24 · answer #3 · answered by ntoriano 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Union Square is crowded and noisy 24/7. I would request a room away from the street if you're used to quiet. Otherwise, you might find it impossible to sleep with the police sirens, trams, and drunks hanging about all night.
Socially, San Franciscans are very forgiving of any fashion faux pas. Still, smart casual is the norm. Though very few places will require formal "Sunday" or "Business" attire.
In terms of climate, September is usually a great time to visit. There will be no rain, and it will be sunny for the most part. Though you will need to prepare for great variation in temperature.
The City itself will be just right in the day (70s), and cooler at night (50s).
However, the Wine Country valleys are inland, so they might still be quite hot (80s-90s).
I would bring one set of summer clothes for daytrips inland and midday, and a light jacket/sweater for those colder city nights.
2006-09-19 17:31:40 · answer #4 · answered by SFdude 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mark Twain once said, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."
Actually, the San Francisco Bay Area is full of micro-climates. It will be cold and foggy at the Presidio, but warm and sunny in South Beach about six miles away. It's best to have layers of clothing that you can put on and take off. Be prepared for a huge temperature drop after the sun goes down, or if your out near the water.
2006-09-19 23:58:49 · answer #5 · answered by Zim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring layers. It could be hot...but will probably be nice during the day and then cold at night. You definitely need a sweater, sweatshirt, or coat in the evening.
Napa Valley is much warmer than San Francisco. See the link below for info on the Wine Country and access to free wine tasting coupons. Have fun!
2006-09-19 23:21:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just returned from SF. Definitely dress in layers. Usually temps during the day are anywhere from 60-70. If you're near the ocean/bay it can feel colder. the temp at night is usually about 50-55 so if you go out you need to wear a jacket or sweater. The wine country will be warmer since it's inland, probably about 80.
It's a cool city. have fun.
2006-09-19 16:39:25 · answer #7 · answered by foxfire101 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Napa Valley is usually warm... can get hot... but San Francisco is much cooler than TX. Bring layers and a jacket because it can get into the low 50's to the high 80's depending on the for and where you are at.
2006-09-19 16:35:39 · answer #8 · answered by blu_raven_13 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea, it's much cooler than Houston. I would recommend that you guys bring layers. That would be your safest bet. The evenings can get chilly when the fog rolls in but during the day, it's usually in the mid-70's to 80's. You should check accuweather before you leave. A light jacket for the evening would totally suffice. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes too. Have a fantastic time!!
2006-09-19 16:38:39 · answer #9 · answered by natalie k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The temps go from the 40s to the 60s, so I'd bring some sweaters, definitely some jeans and pants, sweats maybe. At night, you'll need jackets, so dress for winter, because the ocean brings a lot of breezes into the bay area.
It's a great city, you'll have fun.
2006-09-19 16:35:41 · answer #10 · answered by Jay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋