Best San Francisco California Travel Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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San Francisco, California is a city that has something for everyone. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the bustling Fisherman's Wharf, there is no shortage of sights to see and experiences to be had. For those planning a trip to this vibrant city, San Francisco California Travel Books are a must-have resource. These books offer a wealth of information on the city's top attractions, restaurants, and accommodations, as well as tips and tricks for getting around and making the most of your stay. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, San Francisco California Travel Books are an essential tool for experiencing all that this amazing city has to offer.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

StreetSmart San Francisco Map by VanDam - Laminated pocket size City Street map to SF, CA with all attractions, sights, museums, hotels, beaches & BART, MUNI, CalTrain Transit Info, 2018 Edition Cover #TOP 1
StreetSmart San Francisco Map by VanDam - Laminated pocket size City Street map to SF, CA with all attractions, sights, museums, hotels, beaches & BART, MUNI, CalTrain Transit Info, 2018 Edition
ftb score rating icon 9.8
California Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal: Explore 50 Natural Wonders You Must See & Log Your Experience! Cover #TOP 2
California Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal: Explore 50 Natural Wonders You Must See & Log Your Experience!
ftb score rating icon 9.7
The Ultimate Oakland Athletics Trivia Book: A Collection of Amazing Trivia Quizzes and Fun Facts for Die-Hard A's Fans! Cover #TOP 3
The Ultimate Oakland Athletics Trivia Book: A Collection of Amazing Trivia Quizzes and Fun Facts for Die-Hard A's Fans!
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 San Francisco California Travel Books

#TOP 1

StreetSmart San Francisco Map by VanDam - Laminated pocket size City Street map to SF, CA with all attractions, sights, museums, hotels, beaches & BART, MUNI, CalTrain Transit Info, 2018 Edition

Stephan Van Dam
Stephan Van Dam
Stephan Van Dam
VanDam, Inc.
Apr 15, 2019
StreetSmart San Francisco Map by VanDam - Laminated pocket size City Street map to SF, CA with all attractions, sights, museums, hotels, beaches & BART, MUNI, CalTrain Transit Info, 2018 Edition Cover
StreetSmart San Francisco Map by VanDam – Laminated pocket size City Street map to SF, CA with all attractions, sights, museums, hotels, beaches & BART, MUNI, CalTrain Transit Info, 2018 Edition

The StreetSmart San Francisco Map by VanDam is a laminated pocket-sized city street map that covers all the attractions, museums, hotels, beaches, and transit information in San Francisco. The map boasts a clear information design that allows for easy reading from three feet away and even features 3-D building illustrations. This 2018 edition will be a treasured companion for anyone visiting San Francisco, from the Presidio trails to the SFMOMA in SOMA, and the grand marketplace at the SF Ferry Building. The StreetSmart San Francisco Map by VanDam is a must-have for anyone exploring the city.

California Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal: Explore 50 Natural Wonders You Must See & Log Your Experience!

Bridge Press
May 15, 2021
California Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal: Explore 50 Natural Wonders You Must See & Log Your Experience! Cover
California Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal: Explore 50 Natural Wonders You Must See & Log Your Experience!

The California Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal is a comprehensive travel guide that features over 50 must-see destinations in California. The guide provides detailed information about each location, including how to get there, what to look for, and what to bring along. It also includes GPS coordinates, maps, and information about the best time to visit and average expenses. This guide is perfect for anyone looking to explore California's natural wonders and immerse themselves in its beauty. The book is well-written and informative, making it an essential guide for anyone planning a trip to California.

#TOP 3

The Ultimate Oakland Athletics Trivia Book: A Collection of Amazing Trivia Quizzes and Fun Facts for Die-Hard A's Fans!

Walker, Ray
Oct 20, 2021
The Ultimate Oakland Athletics Trivia Book: A Collection of Amazing Trivia Quizzes and Fun Facts for Die-Hard A's Fans! Cover
The Ultimate Oakland Athletics Trivia Book: A Collection of Amazing Trivia Quizzes and Fun Facts for Die-Hard A's Fans!

The Ultimate Oakland Athletics Trivia Book is a must-have for die-hard A's fans and sports trivia enthusiasts. With over 350 trivia questions and hundreds of fun facts, this book covers the early days of the franchise to the current era led by players like Matt Olson and Matt Chapman. From the team's Triple-A team name to their first-ever manager, this book has it all. Its unique content and comprehensive coverage make it a grand slam for anyone looking to test their knowledge of Oakland baseball history.

111 Places in San Francisco That You Must Not Miss

Petersen, Floriana
Emons Publishers
Jul 1, 2015
111 Places in San Francisco That You Must Not Miss Cover
111 Places in San Francisco That You Must Not Miss

"111 Places in San Francisco That You Must Not Miss" is a book that captures the essence of San Francisco. The author, Floriana Petersen, has curated a list of 111 unique places that scream "San Francisco." This book is perfect for both tourists and locals looking to discover hidden gems within the city. The book is fully illustrated with 111 full-page color photographs. Overall, this book is an entertaining read that showcases the city's diverse and eclectic culture. It's a must-have for anyone who loves San Francisco and wants to explore it beyond the usual tourist spots.

Kids' Travel Guide - San Francisco: The fun way to discover San Francisco—especially for kids

Fox, Kelsey
Leon, Shiela H.
FlyingKids
FlyingKids
Feb 3, 2016
Kids' Travel Guide - San Francisco: The fun way to discover San Francisco—especially for kids Cover
Kids' Travel Guide - San Francisco: The fun way to discover San Francisco—especially for kids

The Kids' Travel Guide – San Francisco is an excellent educational and fun book for kids who are travelling to San Francisco or just curious about the city. The book takes kids on a journey through San Francisco's most famous attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39, while also teaching them about the city's history, transportation system, and other fun facts. This book is full of challenging tasks, exciting quizzes, coloring pages, and useful tips, making it a perfect companion for any young traveller. The FlyingKids brand also offers similar guides for other cities and countries, making it an excellent educational series for kids.

#TOP 6

Duty to Deliberate: Justice by Chance or by Design?

Hegde, Kausalya
Apr 29, 2023
Duty to Deliberate: Justice by Chance or by Design? Cover
Duty to Deliberate: Justice by Chance or by Design?

This legal drama, "Duty to Deliberate: Justice by Chance or by Design?" explores the differences between the American and Indian judiciary systems. A young lawyer from India moves to California and meets Mia, a young attorney from Florida. They become embroiled in a criminal trial and face an ambitious prosecutor who tries to exploit the loopholes in the American legal system. If you enjoy stories based on the law and constitutional rights, this book is for you. It presents valid concerns about the legal system and offers potential solutions. Overall, it is a captivating read that sheds light on the complexities of the legal profession.

#TOP 7

Hey Kids! Let's Visit San Francisco: Fun Facts and Amazing Discoveries for Kids

Mills, Teresa
Life Experiences Publishing
Nov 26, 2016
Hey Kids! Let's Visit San Francisco: Fun Facts and Amazing Discoveries for Kids Cover
Hey Kids! Let's Visit San Francisco: Fun Facts and Amazing Discoveries for Kids

Hey Kids! Let's Visit San Francisco is an engaging and informative travel guide for children visiting San Francisco. Written by Teresa Mills, this book is full of fun facts and photos that will keep kids excited and interested in the city's attractions. The book covers major tourist spots, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, as well as some lesser-known places. It's a great way for kids to learn about the city while planning a trip with their family or simply to learn more about San Francisco. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for families traveling to San Francisco and a unique addition to the Hey Kids! Let's Visit series.

#TOP 8

Secret San Francisco: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

Ruth Carlson
Reedy Press
May 15, 2019
Secret San Francisco: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure Cover
Secret San Francisco: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

Secret San Francisco: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure is an exciting book that takes readers on a journey to discover the hidden gems of San Francisco. From a redwood forest in the middle of the city to underground sewer tours, this guidebook is not your typical tourist guide. International travel writer Ruth Wertzberger Carlson has done an excellent job of uncovering the city's little-known stories and bizarre history. Anyone who wants to explore San Francisco beyond the usual tourist spots will appreciate this book. Secret San Francisco is a must-read for both visitors and residents of the city.

#TOP 9

San Francisco on Instagram

Kurtzman, Dan
Welcome Books
Sep 17, 2019
San Francisco on Instagram Cover
San Francisco on Instagram

San Francisco on Instagram is a visually stunning book that features over 300 photos of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area. The collection is curated by more than fifty photographers from the Instagram community, capturing the city's iconic landmarks and natural beauty. The book also includes a list of "Most Instagram-Worthy Spots" for adventurers and photo enthusiasts. Dan Kurtzman, a San Francisco-based travel and landscape photographer, is the author of this amazing book. Overall, San Francisco on Instagram is a must-have keepsake for anyone who loves the city and its breathtaking landscapes.

Across the Continent by the Lincoln Highway

Gladding, Effie Price
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Mar 12, 2015
Across the Continent by the Lincoln Highway Cover
Across the Continent by the Lincoln Highway

Across the Continent by the Lincoln Highway is a classic American travelogue by Effie Price Gladding that takes readers on a journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic, with stops in California and the Virginias, among others. The book provides vivid descriptions of the landscapes, orchards, and valleys along the way, as well as the history of the Lincoln Highway itself. This memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in American travel, history, and culture.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the cheapest month to visit San Francisco?

Go When Prices are Lowest The high season for airfares is from June through August. The cheapest month to fly to San Francisco is January. For the best combination of low prices and good weather, plan your visit in the spring.

2. What should you not miss when visiting San Francisco?

155721288. View of Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach.Visit the Musee Mecanique.Eat at Spark Social Food Trucks.Have Tea at the Japanese Tea Garden.Soak Up the sun at Dolores Park.See the Mission Murals.Visit Haight Ashbury.Eat Italian at North Beach.

3. What is the best way for tourists to see San Francisco?

The best ways to get around San Francisco are on foot and by using public transportation. Most of the popular attractions are within walking distance of the city center, and the large municipal transportation system (called the Muni) operates bus and streetcar lines, leaving little need for your own set of wheels.

4. How many days spend in San Francisco?

Most visitors find three days in San Francisco is a good amount of time to get a solid introduction to the city. However, if you have a week it's highly recommended you take a few San Francisco day trips. For example, to the Wine Country or vibrant cities like Oakland and Berkeley, which are across the Bay.

Editor's Notes

During our san francisco california travel book research, we found 144 san francisco california travel book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,004 customer reviews through our big data system to write the san francisco california travel books list. We found that most customers choose san francisco california travel books with an average price of $13.99.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.