A few neighborhoods in San Francisco are unsafe and best avoided. This includes areas such as the Tenderloin, Western Addition, the Civic Center and a few parts of Mission District and Golden Gate Park. It is dangerous to walk in these areas after dark because of the prevalent gang activity, drug dealing and hustlers. Purchase a map of the city and ask hotel staff to mark out these areas for you, so you know which places to avoid.
The central areas of San Francisco are frequented by homeless people. Although many of them are harmless, some of them may be aggressive. Walk with a group as much as possible. If you are approached by someone who makes you uncomfortable, move away without engaging him in any way. Don't show your nervousness or behave aggressively. Maintain a low profile, remain alert and silently move away.
If you visit Ocean Beach or other area beaches, be aware of the potential for rip currents. Rip currents flow away from the shore, into the water and are strong enough to carry even experienced swimmers into the sea. Rather than fighting the current, try to swim at a 90-degree angle to the current until you find yourself out of it. Then swim to shore maintaining a 45-degree angle away from the current. If you find yourself unable to do this, just let the current carry you out until it loses steam. Swim parallel to the beach for a short while, and then cut a 45-degree angle away from the current to the shore.
Fort Funston is known for hand gliding and for cliffs that drop to a beach below, making for a breathtaking view. Although it is possible to hike down to the beach, the journey is steep and strenuous. It is best to avoid taking young kids along this path. Even with older kids, it is important to remain alert due to the dangerous surf and undertow on the beach.
