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Home Schools Learn English in the USA EC San Francisco Travel Guide and Activities

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Welcome to San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most dynamic and culturally diverse cities in the United States, offering countless things to do and see. The city is full of exciting activities that let you practise your English while soaking up the local culture. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, San Francisco offers an adventure around every corner. 

San Francisco 101

Must-See Sights and Travel Essentials 

Located in Northern California, San Francisco is known for its hilly landscape, eclectic architecture, and iconic landmarks. The city is a hub for innovation, creativity, and social change, making it a fantastic place for international students to experience American culture. 

5 Things to Do 

Visit Golden Gate Bridge
Go to Alcatraz
Ride the cable cars
Experience Fisherman’s Wharf
Enjoy the California Academy of Sciences

Useful Information

Climate

San Francisco is characteristic of the cool, dry summer and mild, wet winters. The city experiences mild temperatures, making it comfortable year-round but often unpredictable. Whatever time of the year you visit San Francisco; it is always wise to carry a jacket or sweater with you! 

Money

The currency used in San Francisco is the United States Dollar (USD). ATMs can be found all over the city, and credit or debit cards are widely accepted. 

Telephone Country Code

The telephone country code for the United States is +1, followed by the area code 415. 

Electricity

110 V; 60Hz – 2 flat-pin plugs. You might need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter. 

Tap water

Tap water in San Francisco is safe to drink and of high quality unless there is a sign to the contrary. 

Transport

San Francisco is a very walkable city, but if you prefer not to walk, you will find plenty of transportation options including ridesharing services and taxis. Biking is also a popular option, with many bike rental stations throughout the city. 

Public Transport Info

San Francisco has an extensive public transportation network, which includes buses, streetcars, and cable cars. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system connects San Francisco with nearby cities and suburbs. MUNI, the city’s transportation service, operates buses and light rail trains throughout the city. 

  • Bus: $2.25 or a valid single-ride ticket. 
  • Cable car: $8 each ride (an All-Day Passport is sold for $14 by the conductors on the cable cars). 
  • Muni Passports: 1-day Passport $13; 7-day Passport $41 (Muni Passports are good for unlimited rides on Muni, including cable cars). 
  • Bicycle: Bicycles can be rented for $28 to $50. 
  • Muni Transit 
  • Muni System map 

Public Holidays

Public holidays falling on a weekday

2025: 01 Jan, 20 Jan, 17 Feb, 31 Mar, 26 May, 19 Jun, 04 Jul, 01 Sept, 13 Oct, 11 Nov, 27 Nov, 28 Nov, 25 Dec. 

Visa Requirements

A visa may be required depending on your nationality and length of stay. For Visa information, please visit our Visa Requirements page

Legal Driving Age

The minimum driving age is 16 years, but most rental companies require that you be at least 25 years old, have an international driving license, a second form of identity and a major credit card. 

Alcohol Age

The legal drinking age is 21. You will have to show valid identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, if you wish to purchase alcohol at bars, restaurants, or stores. 

Smoking Laws

Smoking is banned in most indoor public places, including bars, restaurants, and workplaces. Smoking is also prohibited in parks, near playgrounds, and at public transportation stops. 

Insurance

All EC San Francisco students must be covered by health insurance for the entire length of their stay in the U.S. 

Cost of Living

Bottle of water / soda (0.33 litre) 

$1.00-$2.50

Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks) 

$3.50-$5.00

Fast-Food combo meal 

$7.00-$10.00

Meal, inexpensive restaurant 

$12.00-$20.00 

Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult) 

$45.00-$150.00

Public transport (local transport) 

$2.50-$2.75

Public transport (monthly pass) 

$75.00-$90.00

Things to do in San Francisco

Walk or Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge 
Ride the Famous San Francisco Cable Cars 
Explore Alcatraz Island 
Walk Through Golden Gate Park 
Hike the Trails at Lands End 
Take in the Views from Twin Peaks 

Be inspired by the stories of our students

Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.

FAQS about Learning English in San Francisco

If I learn English at EC San Francisco, what English courses I can take?

EC San Francisco offers a wide variety of special English courses to help you improve and succeed. These include English for Work, an intensive English course that helps you develop the skills you need to advance in your career .

General English is our most popular English course. The standard course is General English 20 (20 lessons peer week/ 15 hours).

General English is also available as the following flexible courses:

24 lessons per week (18 hours)
26 lessons (19.5 hours)
30 lessons (22.5 hours)

At our San Francisco language school, if you choose a General English course with more than 20 lessons per week, you’ll have the chance to personalise your learning through Special Focus Classes (SFC). These classes allow you to focus on specific skills or topics, such as pronunciation, conversation, grammar, or English for professional purposes. Here’s how it works:

General English 24: 20 General English lessons + 4 Special Focus Classes
General English 26: 20 General English lessons + 6 Special Focus Classes
General English 30: 20 General English lessons + 10 Special Focus Classes

If you want an intensive English programme, choose General English 30.

EC San Francisco school offers a variety of SFC options, so you can choose the ones that match your interests and goals.

One-to-One lessons are private, 60-minute English classes with your teacher. Your private lessons are tailored specifically for you, allowing you to focus on your personal goals. You can combine One-to-One lessons with any group course at EC San Francisco. Enjoy the social and interactive experience of learning with classmates while also getting individual attention to make even faster progress.

I want to learn English in San Francisco: What are the accommodation options? 

At EC San Francisco, we offer host family or student residence accommodations. If you choose a homestay option, you will live with a family in San Francisco. This is an excellent option if you want to practice your English with a local family and home-cooked meals. If you’re looking for more independence, consider a residence.

What kind of weather should I expect when I study English in San Francisco?  

San Francisco has a mild climate characterised by cool, foggy summers and wet winters, with an average annual temperature of around 16°C. The air comes right off the ocean, so it is often sunny but cool and foggy. It feels like it’s always spring, so you’ll want to dress in layers. 

Will I need a visa to learn English in San Francisco?

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to study in San Francisco. Contact us to learn more.

Why should I learn English in San Francisco?

Learn English in San Francisco for a study abroad experience in a creative and open-minded city with a relaxed California vibe. San Francisco is home to 25 universities, a big arts scene, and many multicultural neighbourhoods that our students love to explore. It is also the heart of global tech, where companies like Google and Apple began. San Francisco is a great place to meet people from around the world and build useful connections while you study English.

There are numerous free activities to enjoy in San Francisco. You can walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, visit the sea lions at Pier 39, or explore Golden Gate Park. There are street performances, public art, and beautiful city views everywhere. You can ride a cable car or visit famous places like Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, or the Painted Ladies.

San Francisco is also full of different foods to try. You can eat tacos in the Mission District, dim sum in Chinatown, or sourdough bread at the waterfront. Every neighbourhood has its unique flavour and history.

There are many festivals throughout the year, including the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Pride Parade, and various music and food events held in the parks. These are great chances to practise your English and have fun with your classmates.

You can also take day or weekend trips to nearby exciting places. Go to Napa Valley for a day, visit the beaches of Santa Cruz, or take a weekend trip to Yosemite National Park. You can even visit Los Angeles or Las Vegas by bus or plane.

San Francisco is more than just a place to study English. San Francisco is a place to explore, learn, and grow. Every day offers something new to see and do.