What are people doing this summer and fall? Are San Francisco’s tourism numbers increasing, and is tourism in the United States actually increasing? Will they be traveling, or will budget constraints keep them at or near home, reserving family vacations for a time when the economy is better? The answers might surprise you.

The truth is, according to experts, domestic leisure travel is expected to increase this year by about 2 percent, and travel spending is expected to rise by as much as 5 percent. Consumer confidence is rising, as is disposal income for many.

So how could this benefit San Francisco? The potential exists for the city to benefit greatly from this expected increase for a number of reasons, one of which is the fact that it has a wide variety of things to offer the leisure traveler.

Downtown San Francisco and the Fisherman’s Wharf area is a major tourist destination with plenty to eat, drink and see, from street performers to historic ships and submarines. This is also where the boats ply the bay and take the curious to Alcatraz.

There’s Muir Woods, across the bay in Marin County. This is a spectacular walk through well-kept nature. Gently sloping walking trails, as well as steeper winding paths through the forest, promise a glimpse of nature that can be enjoyed by both young and old.

Of course, there is the Golden Gate Bridge. A national monument in its own right, this bridge is probably the most photographed in the country, and crossing it, whether by car, bike or on foot, is one of those things you can say you’ve done. So as leisure travel increases, the fortunes of those in San Francisco who depend on tourism should see a big boost.