San Francisco is an absolutely wonderful place to live. It's full of historic charm, natural beauty, and incredible people. It's 49 square miles of peak Northern California living - walkable, friendly, and stunning. But no city is perfect (though San Fran comes close!). It goes without saying that there are things in the Bay Area that should be avoided, if possible. Here's a list of what to avoid in San Francisco... like anywhere else, we're not flawless!

1. Driving downtown San Francisco during games for the Giants

The Giants are the most popular sports team for San Franciscans, whether you're a native or a newcomer to the city. And when there is a home game at AT&T Park, the traffic situation is insane! (But any die-hard Giants fan will tell you that the beloved home team is worth the crowds!)

2. Fisherman's Wharf

Once you've lived in San Francisco for a while - and definitely if you're a local - you'll know this part of town is quite touristy. Most locals tend to avoid it unless dragged by visiting family or friends. However, the experience of Fisherman's Wharf is well worth-it, despite being a tourist hot spot.

3. Sinkholes

In San Francisco, there have been sinkholes that have literally almost swallowed up cars, people, and even homes, and the problem is only getting worse. If you're curious, a sinkhole is technically a pit in the ground that forms in areas where water gathers without external drainage. Sinkholes can be (quite literally) one of the biggest things to avoid in San Francisco.

4. Bay Bridge Traffic

The Bay Bridge is beautiful to admire, but absolutely nightmarish to drive. The traffic in the San Francisco Bay area has become worse and worse, so if you live in the city and plan to use the Bay Bridge, then be prepared for some pretty terrible traffic jams.

5. Outdoor parades and events (if you're in a rush)

When you're in the city and want to get from Point A to Point B, the likelihood of a street parade or even protest delaying you is very possible. We love the celebrations here in the Bay Area, but they have a curious tendency to happen when you're in a hurry.

6. Dog *business* on the sidewalk

According to the Census and Animal Care and Control Department, San Francisco has around 10,000 more dogs than children. And not all of those dogs have responsible owners. All we are saying is watch where you're walking at all times!

7. Confusing cable cars with streetcars

In San Francisco, it's easy to mistake a streetcar for a cable car and vice versa. Unlike the mechanical cable cars, streetcars are pushed by on-board electric motors and require a trolley pole to produce power from an overhead wire. For reference, what's pictured above is a cable car!

8. Construction sites

The frustration and risks of living near a construction site in San Francisco are high. As the city economy is booming, so is the construction industry. There are tons of construction equipment and cranes out, as people in the city know.

9. Wearing shorts, especially during summer

While not totally unreasonable, wearing shorts in the summer here is a bit silly. It's also how you can spot the tourists, who sport shorts in our chilly, 60-degree "summer" days.

10. Potholes

San Francisco does not have a harsh winter, but it does suffer from a serious pothole problem. There are parts of town that drivers and especially cyclists need to watch out for. The pothole problem here can cause serious damage or injury!

Do you agree with any of these negatives about living in San Francisco? Anything that you think should be added to a list of what to avoid in San Francisco? Let us know about your experiences living in the Bay Area in the comments!

There are, however, plenty of things not to avoid in San Francisco! Check out this beautiful drone footage:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_FuIcXQSow

If you're curious about odd San Francisco attractions, be sure to check out the 10 steepest streets in San Francisco.

Want to show off your love for California everywhere you go? Check out this great Explore California shirt from The Landmark Project!