Daly City, California Travel Guide

Daly City, California: A scenic gateway with suburban charm, cultural diversity, and easy access to the Bay Area's top attractions.

Daly City, located just south of San Francisco, is often referred to as the Gateway to the Peninsula. This charming city offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and easy access to urban excitement. Daly City's scenic vistas, rolling hills, and coastal proximity make it a picturesque destination for tourists seeking a relaxing yet enriching experience. Visitors will find that Daly City is a great base for exploring the greater Bay Area. With its close proximity to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley, it's ideal for day trips to iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the tech hubs of the South Bay. The city's public transportation options, including BART, make traveling to and from these destinations convenient and stress-free. Daly City is also home to several parks and green spaces, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Thornton State Beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, while San Bruno Mountain State Park provides hiking trails with panoramic views of the entire Bay Area. Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the city's numerous retail centers, including the Serramonte Center, offering a wide range of shopping and dining options. Cultural diversity is a hallmark of Daly City, reflected in its wide array of culinary delights. From authentic Filipino cuisine to fresh seafood, the city's dining scene is a feast for the senses. Daly City's welcoming community and family-friendly atmosphere make it a comfortable and enjoyable destination for visitors of all ages.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Daly City.

Use BART for easy access to San Francisco and other Bay Area destinations.
Visit Thornton State Beach for breathtaking ocean views and serene walks.
Explore the hiking trails at San Bruno Mountain State Park for panoramic views.
Check out the Serramonte Center for a variety of shopping and dining options.
Try the local Filipino restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.

Explore Daly City: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Daly City

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Best Attractions

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PIER 39

Experience the vibrant charm of Pier 39, a premier tourist attraction in San Francisco known for its shopping, dining, and stunning bay views.

4.6

Golden Gate Park

Discover the beauty of Golden Gate Park, an urban paradise in San Francisco filled with gardens, museums, and endless recreational opportunities.

4.7

Alcatraz Island

Discover Alcatraz Island, a historic landmark in San Francisco, where captivating tales of notorious inmates blend with breathtaking bay views.

4.7

Ferry Building

Explore the Ferry Building, a historical landmark in San Francisco, offering gourmet food, vibrant markets, and stunning waterfront views.

4.6

Best landmarks in Daly City

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Golden Gate Bridge

Experience the breathtaking beauty and historical significance of the Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic symbol of San Francisco and a must-see for every traveler.

4.8

Grace Cathedral

Explore the architectural beauty and spiritual serenity of Grace Cathedral, a must-visit landmark in the heart of San Francisco.

4.6

San Francisco City Hall

Discover the architectural beauty and historical significance of San Francisco City Hall, a must-visit landmark in the heart of the Civic Center.

4.5

Cable Car Turnaround Powell St.

Discover the iconic Cable Car Turnaround at Powell Street, a historical landmark that showcases San Francisco's rich transportation heritage and vibrant urban culture.

4.5

Best restaurants in Daly City

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Jollibee

Discover the vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine at Jollibee in Daly City - home of Chickenjoy and joyful moments.

4.2

Chibog

Experience authentic Filipino flavors at Chibog in Daly City - where tradition meets taste in every dish.

4.5

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue - DC

Savor authentic Hawaiian barbecue in Daly City at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue - a must-visit for island flavor enthusiasts!

4.4

Champa Garden Restaurant

Experience authentic Laotian and Thai cuisine at Champa Garden Restaurant in San Francisco - where every dish tells a story.

4.3

Best bars in Daly City

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Chibog

Experience the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine at Chibog, a culinary gem in Daly City, perfect for tourists seeking authentic dishes.

4.5

Ocean Ale House

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Ocean Ale House, a premier bar in San Francisco offering a diverse selection of craft beers and delightful food pairings.

4.7

Molloy's

Experience the lively spirit of an Irish pub at Molloy's, a favorite bar in South San Francisco blending food, drinks, and entertainment.

4.6

Hula Hoops Restaurant & Tiki Bar

Experience the vibrant flavors of Hula Hoops Restaurant & Tiki Bar, your ultimate tropical dining destination in South San Francisco.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Daly City

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Molloy's

Experience the vibrant blend of Irish culture and California nightlife at Molloy's, where great food, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere await.

4.6

El Toro Night Club

Discover the electrifying nightlife at El Toro Night Club, where music, dance, and fun converge in the heart of San Francisco.

4.1

Nick & Nora

Discover the elegance of Nick & Nora, Daly City's premier cocktail bar offering a blend of chic ambiance and crafted beverages perfect for any occasion.

4.7

Lava Hookah Lounge & Grill

Experience the vibrant ambiance and delicious offerings of Lava Hookah Lounge & Grill in Daly City, where relaxation meets flavor.

4.7

Best shops in Daly City

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Macy's

Discover Macy's in San Francisco's Union Square - Your ultimate shopping destination for fashion, beauty, and children's clothing.

4.3

Stonestown Galleria

Explore Stonestown Galleria in San Francisco, a vibrant shopping mall offering diverse retail stores, dining, and entertainment for all visitors.

4.2

Embarcadero Center

Explore the Embarcadero Center, San Francisco's premier shopping mall with stunning views, diverse dining, and vibrant events for every traveler.

4.3

Kohl's

Discover unbeatable deals and a diverse selection of fashion and home goods at Kohl's in Colma, California, your ultimate shopping destination.

4.2

Explore Daly City on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Daly City, mapped for you.

Daly City Essentials

Daly City is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, just south of San Francisco. The nearest major airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is approximately 10 miles away. From SFO, you can reach Daly City by taking a taxi, ride-sharing service, or public transportation, such as BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). Alternatively, Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Jose International Airport (SJC) are also options, though they are farther away. Amtrak and regional bus services also connect Daly City to other parts of California.
Daly City is well-served by public transportation, including BART, which connects the city to San Francisco and other Bay Area locations. SamTrans buses provide local service, while Muni buses extend into San Francisco. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also popular. Renting a car can be convenient for exploring more remote areas, but remember that parking can be challenging in some parts of the city.
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. ATMs are plentiful, and cash is rarely necessary except for small purchases or in some local markets. Be aware that some businesses may have a minimum purchase amount for credit card transactions.
Daly City is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While most neighborhoods are safe, the southern part of the city near Bayshore Boulevard has higher crime rates. Exercise caution and stay aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Daly City has several medical facilities, including Seton Medical Center. It's a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are readily available throughout the city.
Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Avoid overly flashy or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to new foods. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.
To experience Daly City like a local, visit the local farmers' markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Spend some time at Mussel Rock Park for stunning coastal views and hiking trails. For a unique cultural experience, check out the local Filipino and Mexican eateries. Engage with locals, as they are typically friendly and willing to share tips about the best places to visit.

When is the best time to visit Daly City?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Daly City

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Daly City. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey
  [hey]
- GoodbyeLater
  [lay-ter]
- YesYeah
  [yah]
- NoNah
  [nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No worries
  [pleez/no wor-eez]
- Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
- Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [par-dun me/my bad]
- How are you?How's it going?
  [hows it go-in?]
- Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [good. yoo?]
- Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [yoo speak ing-lish?]
- I don't understandI don't get it
  [eye dont get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?
  [can eye see the menu?]
- I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [eye dont eat meet]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseCan I pay, please
  [can eye pay, please]
- Help!Help!
  [help!]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [get lost!]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops!]
- Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
  [get a doctor!]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [eye-m lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [eye-m sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [eye wanna buy...]
- I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [just brows-ing]
- How much is it?How much?
  [how much?]
- That's too expensiveToo pricey
  [too pry-see]
- Can you lower the price?Can you do a deal?
  [can yoo do a deal?]
- What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
- Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [ten thur-tee]
- MorningMorning
  [morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
- EveningEvening
  [ee-ven-ing]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [yes-ter-day]
- TodayToday
  [to-day]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [to-mor-row]
- 1One
  [wun]
- 2Two
  [too]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [seven]
- 8Eight
  [ate]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [whats the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [can yoo show me (on the map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket (to ....)]

History of Daly City

Long before European settlers arrived, the area now known as Daly City was inhabited by the Ohlone people. These indigenous people lived in harmony with the land, utilizing the abundant resources from the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding hills. They developed complex social structures and rich cultural traditions that are still remembered and honored today.
In the late 18th century, Spanish missionaries arrived in California, leading to the establishment of the Mission San Francisco de Asís, also known as Mission Dolores, in 1776. The mission system had a profound impact on the Ohlone people, as they were integrated into the mission's agricultural and religious activities. This era marked the beginning of significant European influence in the region.
Following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, the mission lands were secularized and distributed as land grants. The area that would become Daly City was part of Rancho Buri Buri, granted to José Antonio Sanchez in 1835. The ranchos played a crucial role in the development of California's agricultural economy, with vast cattle ranches and wheat fields dominating the landscape.
The discovery of gold in 1848 brought a wave of settlers to California, drastically changing the region's demographics and economy. Daly City's proximity to San Francisco made it an attractive location for those seeking to profit from the Gold Rush. The area's development accelerated with the construction of roads and infrastructure to support the growing population.
Daly City is named after John Daly, an Irish immigrant who arrived in California in the mid-19th century. Daly was a successful businessman and landowner who contributed significantly to the area's development. In 1911, following the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire, Daly City was incorporated as a city, providing a new home for many displaced residents.
The 1906 San Francisco earthquake and subsequent fires had a profound impact on Daly City. Many San Franciscans fled to the area seeking refuge, leading to a population boom and rapid development. The disaster also highlighted the need for better urban planning and infrastructure, which shaped Daly City's growth in the early 20th century.
The post-World War II era brought significant changes to Daly City. The construction of new housing developments, such as the Westlake district, provided affordable homes for returning veterans and their families. This period also saw the expansion of the city's commercial sector, with new shopping centers and businesses catering to the growing population.
Over the past few decades, Daly City has become one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States. With large Filipino, Latino, and Asian communities, the city is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, each contributing to its unique character. Festivals, restaurants, and community events reflect this rich diversity, making Daly City a dynamic and inclusive place to visit and live.
Daly City's development has been closely tied to its transportation infrastructure. The extension of BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) in the 1970s connected Daly City to the wider Bay Area, facilitating commuter movement and economic growth. The city's strategic location near major highways also makes it a key transit hub for the region.