Things To Do
in San Francisco
San Francisco is a small, close-knit Salvadoran town that offers an authentic glimpse into rural life and local traditions. Its central plaza, church and market form the social heart where residents gather and visitors can sample everyday cuisine. Surrounded by farmland and within reasonable distance of coffee country and coastal areas, the town makes a good base for short hikes, birdwatching and day trips.
Visitors will find friendly locals, modest tourist infrastructure, and a relaxed pace compared with larger cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in El Salvador and check into your hotel in San Francisco. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, indulging in traditional pupusas. Afterward, take a stroll to familiarize yourself with the charming streets and vibrant local art.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant offering fresh seafood, diving into the local flavors. Spend the afternoon exploring the coastal beauty of El Cuco beach, where you can relax on the sand or try out some water sports. Capture picturesque views of the shoreline and the surrounding landscape.
As the sun sets, head to a beachside restaurant to savor grilled fish while listening to the waves crash against the shore. Engage with locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories over a delicious dinner. End your day with a walk along the beach, taking in the stunning night sky.
Start your morning with a visit to the local markets where you can find handmade crafts and fresh produce. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, interacting with friendly vendors and sampling local fruits. Don’t miss trying the traditional beverage, horchata, to refresh yourself.
After shopping, make your way to the Museum of the Revolution to learn about the country's rich history and culture. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a café nearby, trying regional dishes that reflect the local agricultural bounty. Later, explore the puppet museum, which features intriguing art and storytelling traditions.
Join a vibrant cultural performance that showcases traditional music and dance, creating a captivating atmosphere. Follow this with a dinner featuring a fusion of Salvadoran cuisine and international flavors. Wind down the day by experiencing the nightlife at a local bar or lounge.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $1-2 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.25-1 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse (per night) | $15-40 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, low-key local culture and cuisine
- Affordable prices and welcoming communities
- Good base for short nature trips, coffee tours and photography
- Easy chance to experience everyday Salvadoran life away from mass tourism
- Limited tourist infrastructure and English speakers in small towns
- Safety concerns in parts of the country require vigilance
- Public transport can be slow or infrequent for some day trips
- Fewer formal tourist services (guided tours, ATMs) than in larger cities
- "Hola / Buenos días" - Hello / Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in San Francisco
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic shots of town life: plaza activity, the church façade and colourful market stalls — best in morning or golden hour.
Candid street and food photography opportunities with vibrant produce, vendors and local customers.
Nearby hills or coffee farm viewpoints offer sweeping vistas of farmland, valleys and distant mountains — great at sunrise or sunset.
If accessible, coffee plots provide atmospheric shots of terraces, drying beans and harvest scenes — especially during harvest season.
Dawn and dusk photos of fishermen, colorful boats and sunsets over the Pacific make striking images if the town has coastal access.
Food in San Francisco
San Francisco Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The national dish — thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, refried beans, chicharrón or loroco. Find them at local pupuserías and market stalls; order with curtido (pickled cabbage) and salsa.
Must-Try!
Fried cassava served with crunchy pork rind and often curtido — available at roadside stands and casual eateries.
Corn tamales wrapped in banana leaves and warm atol (a sweet maize drink) commonly sold at markets and during festivals.
Fresh seafood cured in citrus with onion and cilantro — find it at coastal vendors and small seafood restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market is the best place to see daily life and sample street food — try pupusas, fresh fruit, atoles, tamales and small grilled snacks from vendor stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días' and a handshake; use formal titles (Señor/Señora) with elders. Personal warmth and politeness go a long way.
Dress modestly for church visits and formal occasions. Ask before photographing people, especially in markets or private properties.
Family and community ties are strong; public displays of respect to elders are important. Avoid discussing politics or gang-related topics with strangers.
Safety
Tipping in San Francisco
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in small towns. Leave small change for market servers and 10% in restaurants if service is good. For guides and drivers, tip according to service and group size.
El Salvador uses the US dollar as legal tender, so carry small USD bills and coins for markets and taxis. Credit cards are accepted in larger businesses, but cash is essential in local markets and small eateries. ATMs may be limited in small towns—withdraw in larger nearby cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect sunny days, low rainfall and dusty roads in rural areas. This is the busiest time for travel and outdoor activities; bring sun protection and lightweight clothing. Evenings can be pleasantly cooler inland.
Afternoons often bring heavy rain and occasional storms; mornings can be clear. Roads — especially rural dirt roads — may become muddy or impassable after heavy rains, so plan travel times carefully. Lush green landscapes and bird activity are seasonal highlights.
San Francisco at Night
Hiking in San Francisco
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, accessible hikes around nearby farms and ridgelines offer views of cultivated valleys, birds and rural life — suitable for half-day walks.
If traveling from the capital area, El Boquerón offers crater views and well-marked trails; conditions depend on exact town location but is a popular day trip for scenic hiking.
A longer drive may take you to this biodiverse national park in the west with guided trails, waterfalls and wildlife viewing (check accessibility from your town).
Further afield but accessible as a day trip from western towns — challenging hikes with rewarding panoramic vistas over lakes and lava fields.
Airports
How to reach San Francisco by plane.
Main international airport serving El Salvador, located near San Salvador. From the airport, reach towns by shuttle, rental car or intercity bus; travel time varies depending on distance to the specific San Francisco municipality.
Located closer to San Salvador and used mainly for charters and some regional flights; can be convenient for private or charter services.
Smaller regional airstrips exist around the country for private flights and charters; useful if arranging specialized transport to remote areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents identify as mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European ancestry), forming the backbone of local cultural life.
Some regions have Indigenous groups with distinct traditions and crafts; representation varies by area and municipality.
Many towns have young populations and tight-knit family communities; remittances from relatives abroad influence local economies.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Undoubtedly the most popular sport — locals watch and play regularly; community matches and youth leagues are common.
Played in towns and schools, especially among youth; pickup games are frequent in public courts.
On the Pacific coast, surfing is popular and attracts both locals and visiting surfers to consistent beach breaks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Francisco.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available — bean-and-cheese pupusas and vegetable tamales are common. Ask for 'sin carne' or specify ingredients since food labeling is limited. Carry snacks if you are very particular.
Vegan choices exist but are more limited; order pupusas with beans and request no cheese, and choose fruit, salads or plant-based sides at markets. Bring a translation card for dietary needs.
Many dishes are corn-based (pupusas, tamales) and naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur in small kitchens. Ask vendors about preparation if you have celiac disease.