Tour San Francisco & Avoid Mistakes Most Tourists Make

San Francisco is a tourist trap full of busy streets, rude pedestrians and fascinating scenery. San Francisco can also be a vacation nightmare if you don't know how to tour the city like a local. Here are some tips for surviving as a tourist in San Francisco and avoiding common mistakes most tourists make.

How to Ride the Cable Cars.

The cable cars in San Francisco are not just a tourist attraction. They are regularly used as public transportation. Knowing how to get on and off as well as the proper way to ride is imperative to traveling the city.

To avoid standing in long lines don't try to board at Ghirardelli square where all the tourists gather. Instead, walk uphill a few blocks and board at California Street where only a few people are waiting to board. Boarding is allowed at any place you see a brown and white cable car sign which is roughly every few blocks.

When you board the cable car understand that you will be packed into a small space with around 50 other people. Never attempt to get on while it is moving. Stand on the sidewalk and wait for the operator to wave you over.

You won't have room to set your belongings next to you as there is limited space. Know that there will most likely be someone standing between your legs or hindering your view of the street unless you are on one of the outside benches or running boards.

Once seated, never attempt to get up and move around so you can take pictures. If you are in the middle cab section do not try to stand behind the gripman because you will fall into him and he may kick you off the car.

Never, under any circumstances pull the bell rope. This is not how you indicate you want to get off. The bell rope is used by the gripman to communicate with each other. If you pull the rope, the gripman will stop the car and announce your foolish ways to the other passengers. You will most certainly be pegged a tourist.

Buy an all day pass. It's only $11 per person. If you are in the city for a weekend by a 3 day pass for $36 per person. Even if you don't visit for 3 days it's still cheaper than paying $5 per person per trip.

How to Dress in San Francisco.
The weather in San Francisco is nothing like that of SoCal where the temperature stays consistent. It's cold and often foggy.

There is almost always a breeze coming off of the ocean and night time can be especially chilly so pack an extra sweatshirt, sweater or jacket. Unless you are a die-hard short wearer, shorts is not the norm.

Flip-flops and flat sandals are okay, however tennis shoes are recommended for trekking up San Francisco's steep hills. High heels are only appropriate for dinner or theater. You should consider carrying them and putting them on when you arrive.

Seeing Local Attractions.
Since San Francisco is a mecca of tourists the last thing you want to do is just show up at an event with the hopes of getting in. Many places sell out weeks in advance or require reservations. If you can, the best thing to do is purchase tickets online.

Alcatraz cruises are always sold out way in advance. You will not be able to buy tickets at the dock unless you get lucky enough to find someone selling their tickets. Dinner shows require reservations and are sold out in advance.

When planning a trip to San Francisco putting together an itinerary is a must. There are too many things to do and see in a weekend. Flying by the seat of your pants is fun but in the long you'll find that you won't see as much as you would with a plan.

Don't Stare at Gay People.
This is San Francisco we're talking about. Gay people are everywhere. If you haven't been exposed to gay people in public it may come as a surprise to you and that's okay, just don't let it show.

Gay people don't want to be stared at any more than straight people do so if you must stare, plant yourself in an inconspicuous spot and people watch for a while. Without being rude!

Don't Drive.
It's not worth the aggravation. There are modes of public transportation that will serve you better. Parking in a public lot will cost you $7 an hour and trying to park on the streets is an Olympic sport. The best way to see San Francisco is to use the cable cars, city buses or on foot.

Don't give the Homeless Money
Do not, I repeat, do not give money to the homeless. Some of the homeless are there by choice. Meaning that some are professionals who at the end of the day, drive off in their SUVs while others have no desire to do anything else.

The ones who are not professionals are not looking to make a lifestyle change. Giving them money only encourages them to tell their friends to hit you up. Should you be compelled to donate find one of the many local hostels or shelters. They will be all too willing to take your money and put it where it needs to be.

The proper way to handle the situation is to say nothing and keep moving. Don't tell them to get a job because if that's what they were looking for they would have done it already. You may not approve of them but it's their city too so be thankful they aren't trying to mug you.

Be a Considerate Pedestrian.
Foot traffic is extremely high in San Francisco. One of the most annoying things you can do is hog up the sidewalk. If you need to stop and look at a map or console your screaming kid, move to the side so that you aren't blocking anyone.

If you live in another big city and think you know how to cross the street, think again. Although pedestrians have the right of way in California, trying to cross a busy street with no regard to traffic signals can get you hit. Not to mention that cable cars are not expected to stop at traffic lights or stop signs.

When all else fails, don't wear that brand new Alcatraz t-shirt you bought on Fisherman's Wharf and you'll be fine. Have a great trip and enjoy San Francisco.