san francisco trip plan

The Perfect 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Everything you need to know to plan the perfect 3 days in San Francisco itinerary!

Located in the Bay Area of Northern California , San Francisco is one of the most iconic American cities and home to some of the best things to do in California .

Known for its steep hills, pastel houses, vibrant culture, and funky weather, it’s a very unique city.

From the Gold Rush to Silicon Valley, this city has always been at the forefront of technology.

Some of the companies that call San Francisco home include Google, Facebook, Uber, and Airbnb.

Chances are you’ll use them all when planning a trip!

Speaking of planning your trip, let’s get into it!

Lace-up your walking shoes, charge those camera batteries, and get ready for an epic 3 days in San Francisco itinerary!

San Francisco Highlights

Table of Contents

When to Visit San Francisco

San francisco citypass, getting around san francisco, a walk on ocean beach, golden gate park, haight-ashbury, local parks, dinner & drinks, lyon street steps, the presidio, golden gate bridge, mission district, yerba buena gardens, museum of your choice, views galore, aquarium and cruise, alcatraz island, wine country (alternative day trip option), fisherman’s wharf, best hostel in san francisco – usa hostels, best mid-range hotel – hayes valley inn, best luxury hotel – hotel drisco, how to spend a perfect 3 days in san francisco itinerary, visiting san francisco travel tips.

Before figuring out what to do with 3 days in San Francisco, you’ll need to decide when to visit.

The city is famous for its unpredictable weather. It can be foggy and cold on the beach and scorching hot and sunny just a few blocks away!

If this is your first trip, one common misconception about San Francisco is that it’s always warm.

That’s not the case in the Bay Area of Northern California!

It actually gets pretty cold here between November and February.

Those months also see the most rainfall, which can definitely put a damper on your trip.

The warmers months are actually September and October, so that’s a great time to visit San Francisco.

Crowds are way smaller in fall than they are during the summer, so you can score some solid deals on accommodation and activities.

One thing we highly recommend is that you purchase the San Francisco CityPASS before you arrive.

Seeing as how you’ll be doing quite a bit of sightseeing in San Francisco, this is a worthwhile investment and the best way to see the gems of the city.

You’ll find that the combination ticket gets you into five of the following attractions:

• California Academy of Sciences
• Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure
• Aquarium of the Bay or
• Walt Disney Family Museum
• Exploratorium or
• San Francisco Zoo and Gardens

The San Francisco CityPASS saves you quite a bit of money (upwards of 45%) as it only costs USD$76 for adults and $56 for kids.

You can easily visit all of these places as part of your 3 days in San Francisco!

SPECIAL DEAL: Purchase your San Francisco CityPASS ahead of time to access all the biggest discounts for attractions in the city.

The cable car is one of the best ways to get around San Francisco. You can pick up a 3-day visitor passport for USD$32.

These are valid on the cable car, streetcars, and the Muni bus and metro system.

Some people prefer the convenience of the hop-on, hop-off bus over the cable car.

A 1-day pass costs USD$49 and will get you to such landmarks as Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

There are also plenty of public transport options to and from the city center and San Francisco International Airport, which is convenient.

Now that you’ve got some basic info on the city, let’s take a closer look at what to do in San Francisco for 3 days.

Book your ONE DAY hop-on hop-off pass and your TWO DAY pass here!

Day 1 – Morning

Wherever you decide to stay, make sure you have a big breakfast and fuel up with some caffeine.

You’re going to need all the energy you can get for a big first day in San Francisco!

To kick off 3 days in San Francisco, jump on the N Judah light rail. Ride it until the very end to the Ocean Beach stop.

To be clear, this isn’t a day at the beach. The water of the Pacific Ocean is often quite frigid here and the weather can change in an instant.

Ocean Beach is beautiful, though, and is a great place for a leisurely stroll along the Pacific Ocean.

Plus, you can go from the beach straight into the next stop.

Before we get to the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s time to check out the Golden Gate Park.

Golden Gate Park covers over 1,000 acres and is actually 20% bigger than Central Park in New York!

There’s so much to see and do in Golden Gate Park that you could easily spend the entire day there.

With just 3 days in San Francisco, however, you’ll need to move a bit quicker.

The Golden Gate Park has trails, picnic areas, lakes, gardens, playgrounds, and even a Dutch windmill.

It’s home to a conservatory of flowers, a Japanese tea garden, a fine art museum, and much more.

There’s a golf course and a disc golf course here. Golden Gate Park also has tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and a skate area for sports enthusiasts.

You can also rent a bike or join a bike tour to help you cover more ground.

If you bought the San Francisco CityPASS , you’ll want to stop at the California Academy of Sciences .

Read Next: Have extra time on the West Coast? Take the ultimate road trip from San Francisco to Seattle !

Tickets cost USD$35 otherwise. You can buy a ‘ Skip the Line’ ticket here to get you in quicker.

There’s a lot going on here, with an aquarium, planetarium, and even a rainforest!

It’s pretty amazing all the different things you can do in one park !

After making it the entire length of the Golden Gate Park, sit down and chill out for a bit on Hippie Hill.

It may not be the summer of love anymore, but the hippie spirit is still alive and well in San Francisco!

Day 1 – Afternoon

Whatever you decided to do while visiting the Golden Gate Park, chances are you’re getting pretty hungry and a bit tired at this point.

Thankfully, you’ll end up in one of San Francisco’s coolest neighbourhoods upon leaving the park. There are plenty of options for lunch here!

Back in the ’60s during the summer of love, the Haight-Ashbury area of San Francisco was the birthplace of the hippie counterculture movement.

Young people from all corners of the country flocked here and established a community centred around liberal ideals, music, and drugs.

The first head shop in the nation opened up here and was a popular meeting place.

While the original Psychedelic Shop is no longer around, there are plenty of funky shops here to peruse.

In addition to head shops, you’ll also find some pretty awesome record and clothing stores here.

Be sure to check out Amoeba Records, Buffalo Exchange, Decades of Fashion, and Loved to Death.

My personal favourite part of visiting this area is seeing the house where the Grateful Dead used to live.

710 Ashbury was home to the legendary band from 1965-68 and it remains a popular attraction for Deadheads from all over the world.

If you happen to be in town on a Friday, you can sign up for the Flower Power Walking Tour of the Haight.

Tours start at 2 PM and last about 2.5 hours.

It costs USD$20 per person and you can book online in advance.

Read Next: Tack on a few extra days in the area with a Northern California road trip !

When you’ve had your fill of the Haight, it’s time to check out another local park or two around the city.

The aptly named Buena Vista Park really gives you a buena vista (“good view”) of the San Francisco skyline.

A few blocks away, you’ll find Alamo Square Park.

This is the best spot to snap a photo of San Francisco’s iconic “Painted Ladies” – a row of colourful Victorian-style homes.

Known as “Postcard Row,” this block of houses really does make for some postcard-worthy images.

If they look familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen them before.

The homes on Alamo Square were used in the opening credits of the famous TV show “Full House.”

READ NEXT: Add these great things to do in San Francisco to your itinerary!

Day 1 – Evening

It’s been a busy first of your 3 days in San Francisco so I recommend taking it easy on your first evening.

After you explore San Francisco all day and cover some serious ground, it’s time to chill out a bit!

Read Next: With a little extra time you can have some fun on a handful of great day trips from San Francisco !

Once you finish your photoshoot with the Painted Ladies, you’ve got lots of options for dinner & drinks in the area.

You can stick around the Alamo Square Park area or walk a few blocks to the Lower Haight or Hayes Valley.

There are plenty of restaurants, breweries, and bars in the area from which to choose.

Take your pick from Mexican, Thai, Italian, Japanese, Greek, and more.

There are also craft breweries, Irish pubs, and quirky dive bars. The options are practically endless here!

If you’ve got any gas left in the tank and you’re up for it, there are several excellent music venues in the area.

There’s the San Francisco Symphony if you feel like classing it up a bit.

Other options include SF Jazz, the Fillmore, and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.

I always check Jambase to see what’s playing when I’m travelling.

Day 2 – Morning

Our 3 days in San Francisco trip planner rolls on with day two.

Hopefully, you got some solid sleep and had a substantial breakfast because we’ve got another big day!

For those who like to kickstart their day with a little exercise, a visit to the Lyon Street Steps is a solid choice.

They’re located on the southeast corner of the large Presidio Park where you’ll be spending the morning.

You’ll have to walk up 332 steps here, but it’s well worth it for the epic views of the bay.

Be sure to bring your camera for this one!

While it’s worth a visit on a clear day, I should note that you can skip out on the Lyon Street steps if San Francisco’s infamous fog rolls in.

READ NEXT: Consider taking a trip to the nearby mountains after reading our post on all the great things to do in Lake Tahoe!

Whether you walk up the stairs or not, the rest of your morning should be dedicated to exploring the Presidio, especially if it’s your first time visiting San Francisco.

Once the site of a US Army post, it’s now a national park.

There’s a lot going on here and the park is quite large. So you’ll have to pick and choose what you do here.

If you start with the stairs, you can then walk along the scenic Lovers’ Lane trail.

Nearby is the Letterman Digital Arts Center. It’s home to Lucasfilm, the legendary studio behind the Star Wars series.

You can drop into the lobby during working hours to snap photos with life-sized statues of Darth Vader and Boba Fett.

Plus there’s also a Yoda Fountain out front. It’s definitely a necessary stop for all the Star Wars fans out there!

Next up is the Palace of Fine Arts. This beautiful Greco-Roman palace was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition.

The Palace of Fine Arts is now a popular event space and a great spot for photographers to check out. It also showcases lots of, you guessed it, fine arts!

The venue is open from 10 AM-5 PM from Tuesday to Sunday and you’ll need about an hour to check it all out.

An alternative approach to the Lyon Street steps is starting your visit off on the coast at Baker Beach.

From here, you can access the nice Batteries to Bluffs trail along the shoreline.

That’s not all, though. The Presidio is also home to a few museums, lots of public art, plenty of scenic overlooks, and a few beaches.

One of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge is possible from the Golden Gate Overlook.

You could definitely spend all day here, but we’ve got a busy San Francisco itinerary ahead of us still!

Day 2 – Afternoon

As far as lunch goes, you’ve got a few options.

There are a few cafes and restaurants in the park, including the Presidio Social Club and The Commissary.

If you’d rather sit outside and save some money, you can do that instead!

There are plenty of picnic areas in the Presidio, so you can always just pack a lunch.

Next up is the most iconic image of the city – the Golden Gate Bridge.

It’s listed as one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World and attracts over 10 million visitors each year!

To learn more about this engineering marvel, you can drop into the Golden Gate Bridge welcome centre.

They’ve got some informative exhibits on the Golden Gate Bridge and some great views of it as well.

While you can just take in the views from an overlook, the best way to really experience the Golden Gate Bridge is by walking across it!

This should definitely be high on your list of what to do in San Francisco.

It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to walk across the 1.7-mile bridge.

You could also opt to rent a bicycle from a nearby shop and ride that across.

Once you get to the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, you’re in Marin County.

Seeing as how you walked all the way across the bridge, you must see the view of San Francisco from that side of the water.

There are a few trails and viewpoints on the Marin side of the bridge, as well as Kirby Cove Beach and the Presidio Yacht Club.

The latter is home to Travis Marina, a chilled-out bar with cheap drinks and awesome views across the San Francisco Bay.

Day 2 – Evening

After that huge day, you might want to chill out back at your accommodation for a bit.

With just 3 days in San Francisco, you need to squeeze in a break every now and then!

Have a shower, get changed, and head out for a big night out on the town.

When it comes to nightlife, few areas do it better than the Mission District in downtown San Francisco.

Before we get to the partying, though, you’re going to need some food in your belly.

This part of the city is home to a large Hispanic community, and that means plenty of awesome taquerias to choose from.

Actually, there’s a special variety of burrito that originated right here!

Burritos are more than food here. They’re a part of the culture. Be sure to come hungry, because these Mission District burritos are no joke!

La Taqueria is one of the most popular spots to try this famous burrito.

With a belly full of delicious burrito goodness, it’s time for a drink.

The Mission District is full of excellent bars, from classy cocktail lounges to old-school dives.

If you’re feeling a bit too full for beer, some of the best places to get a cocktail include ABV, Dalva, and Trick Dog.

The latter has received the honour of “best cocktail menu in the world,” so you’ll definitely want to check it out!

So what else is there to do in the Mission District?

You can walk around and check out the street art as you do a bit of bar hopping.

There’s always live music doing on here, so pop into wherever sounds good and rock out.

If you’ve got room for dessert after burritos and drinks, this neighbourhood is also famous for its ice cream.

Bi-Rite Creamery, Smitten, Garden Creamery, and Xanath are all within a few blocks of each other, so take your pick!

Day 3 – Morning

This 3 days in San Francisco itinerary has been huge so far, and we’ve still got one more day to go.

For the final day, you’ve got some important choices to make.

Unlike other days, I’m going to recommend a light and quick breakfast today.

Trust me, you’ll want to be hungry for an early lunch today!

After a light breakfast, head over to the Yerba Buena Gardens.

This is the perfect place to ease into your third and final day in San Francisco.

The gardens feature a memorial waterfall to Martin Luther King Jr., plenty of public art, an ice skating rink, a bowling alley, and more.

There’s definitely something for everyone here.

While you’re over here, you might as well check out one of the many museums around the garden.

If you bought the San Francisco CityPASS , a visit to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is already included.

If not, it’s USD$25 for adults and free for kids.

Speaking of kids, if you’re travelling with little ones you might want to head to Children’s Creativity Museum.

This interactive museum is fun for the whole family and a great way to spend a morning.

Other choices include the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the Museum of the African Diaspora, and even the Museum of Ice Cream.

Next up, hop on the cable car and ride it up to San Francisco’s Chinatown.

This is the oldest Chinatown in the US and it’s also the largest Chinese enclave outside of Asia.

Of course, one major reason to come to Chinatown is for the food.

I advised you to take it easy at breakfast for a reason today!

Noodles, dumplings and more await you here in San Francisco’s Chinatown.

Snap a photo of the Dragon Gate, do a bit of window shopping, and check out the Transamerica Pyramid. It’s definitely one of the funkiest skyscrapers around.

In such a hilly city, there are lots of places to go for some awesome views in San Francisco.

Hop back on the cable car from Chinatown and head north to Columbus & Lombard Street, the famous crooked street of San Francisco.

From here you’ve got a few options for taking in the scenery of San Francisco.

Head west and you’ll find the stretch of Lombard Street that’s famous for its hairpin turns.

Walk up the steep Lombard Street which is full of landscaped flower beds and you’ll get to George Sterling Park, where you’re rewarded for your efforts with a great view.

If you have a car while exploring San Francisco, don’t miss the opportunity to drive along Lombard Street. Just drive carefully, of course!

If you’d rather take the easy way out, head east from the cable car station to the Coit Tower. Walk out to the observation deck to enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of San Francisco.

Tickets for the Coit Tower cost USD$9 for adults and $6 for children.

When you head down from the tower you can walk down the Greenwich Steps for even more views.

Another scenic spot in San Francisco is Union Square. As the heart and soul of the city, Union Square has lots of hotels, entertainment, shops, and restaurants in the area.

Day 3 – Afternoon

How your afternoon goes on day three depends on your interests and whether or not you bought the San Francisco CityPASS.

Those who picked up the CityPASS will want to make sure to get their money’s worth.

You’ve still got two items left to check off, and they’re conveniently located right next to each other.

Head on over to Pier 39 on the fringe of Fisherman’s Wharf. Here is where you’ll get to watch tons of sea lions sunbathing on the pier.

After observing the sea lions, you can pay a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay.

There’s a lot to see here, with the highlight being their Under the Bay exhibit.

This immersive exhibit takes you through long tunnels filled with rays, sharks, and more.

Tickets run USD$28.25 for adults and $18.25 for kids if you don’t have the CityPASS .

Skip the lines at the Aquarium of the Bay with this ticket !

Next up, you can embark on a Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise.

This narrated hour-long cruise takes you around the bay and Alcatraz Island.

Speaking of Alcatraz, that’s another day trip option for this afternoon.

If you’re wondering what iconic things to do during you 3 days in San Francisco, this next one is for you.

It really doesn’t get much cooler than taking a day trip to Alcatraz Island.

Once upon a time, this island in the San Francisco Bay was home to a maximum-security prison.

It was here that those who caused trouble at other prisons were sent.

These included notorious criminals like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly.

If you’re taking the Blue & Gold Cruise and have a San Francisco CityPASS, you have the option of just paying five bucks extra for a tour around the island.

Otherwise, you’ll want to check out the different tours available from Alcatraz Cruises .

Their day trip is a solid choice to really take in the sights of Alcatraz. It includes a round-trip ferry, an audio tour, and optional programs & exhibits.

One of the best ways to end this part of the day is to pop into Ghirardelli Square for some world-famous delicious chocolate concoctions.

Book your Alcatraz cruise in advance on Get Your Guide

If Alcatraz doesn’t really interest you, but vineyards and wine does, you could also consider a day trip to Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley .

These are two of the USA’s most famous wine regions, and they are both only about an hour away from the city. So they are great day trips!

Napa Valley in particular is extremely famous around the world for its Cabernet Sauvignon wine and its scenic, rolling green hills.

But Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley both are stunning and have a multitude of beautiful vineyards for wine tasting.

Booking a guided tour is best for wine-tasting trips unless you have a designated driver. You want to be able to sample all the wine without worrying about driving!

There are lots of wine tasting day trips from San Francisco that visit both Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley.

Read Next: Check out our post on all the best things to do in Napa Valley !

Day 3 – Evening

Just like that, 3 perfect days in San Francisco is coming to an end.

Thankfully, you don’t have to go far to reach our next stop once you get back on land.

One of the most famous places to visit in San Francisco is Fisherman’s Wharf in the North Beach neighborhood.

This San Francisco Bay waterfront area along Jefferson Street is the centre of the city’s fishing industry and is home to several excellent seafood restaurants.

After a whirlwind tour of San Francisco in 3 days, I’d say you’ve earned a nice seafood meal at Fisherman’s Wharf with views of the San Francisco Bay.

There are lots of places to choose from, including Scoma’s, Pier Market, and Fog Harbor.

The latter is the first 100% sustainable seafood restaurant in the area and a great place for your last dinner in town.

Yes, Fisherman’s Wharf is touristy and yes it can be a little on the pricey side. But it’s worth making the trip here at least once.

If you’ve got any energy left after dinner, the world is your oyster as far as nightlife goes.

You can hit a comedy club nearby Fisherman’s Wharf, check out some more live music, go bar hopping, or just enjoy some good old fashioned people watching.

There are few places better than San Francisco to do that!

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Now that you’ve got a jam-packed itinerary for 3 days in San Francisco, it’s time to figure out where to stay.

Some of the best neighbourhoods to stay include Nob Hill, Union Square, Haight-Ashbury, South of Market (SoMa), and the Mission District.

San Francisco has hostels, cheap motels, quaint B&Bs, luxury hotels, and everything in between.

And you can easily get to all accommodation using the cable car and a bit of walking.

There’s something for every style and budget when it comes to accommodation.

Here are a few recommendations to suit all budgets:

Our pick for the best hostel for where to stay in San Francisco goes to USA Hostels.

With over 7,000 reviews and a rating of 9.1 on Hostelworld, you know that this place is doing something right!

There’s a lot to love about this hostel.

First of all, their dorms are only 4 beds, so you don’t have to worry about sharing a room with 15 snoring strangers. They’ve got super comfy beds here as well!

Meeting people is easy here thanks to their large lounge area and the various activities they run.

From free walking tours to karaoke nights, to hostel dinners, it’s a very social place.

If you want a place in a great location without breaking the bank, Hayes Valley Inn is a solid choice.

Hayes Valley Inn is located near Union Square in the city center, so it’s a great base for all the San Francisco attractions mentioned in this itinerary.

This is a true B&B where guests are served breakfast each morning.

It’s a very homey place and definitely has more character than your generic chain hotels.

You’ll find basic but comfortable rooms and the bathrooms are shared.

For the price (under $200 a night) and the location, this place is a steal in San Francisco.

The people have spoken, and Hotel Drisco is the top choice on Trip Advisor this year.

It’s located in the Pacific Heights area of the city, just a short walk from the Presidio.

Guests here get to enjoy Egyptian cotton linens, a gourmet breakfast buffet, chauffeur service, and much more.

This is definitely a place to stay if you are looking to splurge and enjoy some of the finer things in life during your 3 days in San Francisco!

As you might expect, staying in this lap of luxury comes with a pretty hefty price tag.

This is San Francisco, after all. Rooms start at just over $400 here.

That about wraps it up for this guide to a perfect 3 days in San Francisco itinerary. I hope it helps you have an amazing trip to the Bay Area.

It’s definitely one of our favourite cities to visit in the US!

Sasha and Rachel

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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2 Days in San Francisco: The Perfect Itinerary (From a Local!)

Planning a trip to San Francisco? If you have 2 days in San Francisco or less, we have the perfect itinerary written by a local to make the most of your short visit. Read on for the best things to do, where and what to eat, where to stay and other insider travel tips.

2 Days in San Francisco Itinerary

– Written by Katherine from  Bright Lights of America  –

San Francisco is one of those inspiringly beautiful places that is on bucket lists the world over. This San Francisco itinerary is perfect for travellers who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the city by the bay. It hits all the great destinations that you just can’t miss, plus a few hidden gems that locals love as well. You’re bound to have a fantastic time, no matter what you do, but this San Francisco itinerary will give you all the tips and advice you need to fit in as much as possible.

I moved to San Francisco in 2015 and fell in love with it. I also fell in love with a born-and-bred San Franciscan around the same time, and over the past few years we’ve explored the city and its surrounds like locals.

SAN FRANCISCO ITINERARY: DAY 1

We’ll be focusing on the North Beach area of San Francisco for your first day in San Francisco. This is when you’ll get to see some of the landmarks that San Francisco is most famous for, and some of the best views the city has to offer. Strap on your walking shoes and bring a jacket (whatever time of year it is) because San Francisco is also known for its micro-climates. While it will be sunny and warm in one area, it can quickly turn to windy and overcast so it’s best to be prepared.

Ride a Street Car

With the exception of the Golden Gate Bridge, nothing screams San Francisco more than riding a street car. There are still some beautiful historic street cars winding their way around San Francisco’s bends and up its steep hills. Start your day by riding either the E car (Embarcadero line) or the F car (Market Street and Wharves line) over to Pier 33.

They both stop at Bay Street, where you’ll be able to catch a ferry over to Alcatraz Island. But don’t think too far ahead while you’re on your way. Take in the beautiful wood paneling of the street car, and watch the city whizz by.

Street Car information is available at SFMTA .

Alcatraz Island

The biggest tip I can give, is that those who are non-negotiable on a visit to Alcatraz have to book well in advance, sometimes months before your trip, to ensure there are still spots available on the ferry to Alcatraz. Once you arrive at Pier 33, jump in line for the ferry and prepare to grab a seat that will give you a great view.

It’s said that San Francisco is best seen from the water, and while there are lots of great vantage points, I have to agree that seeing the city from a ferry in the middle of the bay is a great way to do it. Your ferry ticket pays for entrance to the prison island, along with a short guided tour up to the jail, if you opt to take it. Once inside Alcatraz, you’ll be taken through the prisoner processing area – where some of the country’s worst criminals were stripped, washed, and issued their prison attire. Read more about Alcatraz .

From here an audio guide will walk you through the building that served as a prison from 1934 to 1963 for the likes of gangsters like Al Capone. It quickly got a reputation for being an inescapable prison, because the freezing waters of the bay were not forgiving to those who managed to make it out of the cells alive. But Alcatraz isn’t just about the prison, take your time on the island, see the garden if it happens to be open, and wander at your leisure before hopping back on the ferry to Pier 33.

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

You’re bound to have walked up an appetite right now, so walk or catch a street car about 500 metres north to Pier 39, also known as Fisherman’s Wharf. There are plenty of lunch options to choose from here and some are better than others. I’ll recommend one lower priced option and another that’s a little more fancy and has a killer view.

Budget Lunch Option: Boudin Bakery

Boudin is one of the most famous San Francisco bakeries for a reason – it makes amazing bread and pastries. I would definitely recommend trying the clam chowder bread bowl to warm you up and because clam chowder is another one of those things you have to taste in San Francisco. For the less hungry and adventurous, Boudin Bakery offers a range of sandwiches, salads and soups, plus it has a kid’s menu.

Hours: Daily from 9am-8pm

Fine Dining Lunch Option: Chart House

Chart House is a fine dining seafood restaurant located over the water, on the end of Pier 39. We took a friend and her husband to celebrate her birthday, and the views and food were both spectacular. Take the opportunity to walk around the restaurant (if it’s not too full) for views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the San Francisco Bay and its sea lions. Then settle in for a steak or seafood lunch, Chart House’s lunch menu also offers sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads.

Hours: Daily 11.30 am-3pm and 3pm-9pm.

See the Sea Lions and Wander Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is San Francisco’s equivalent of a board walk in many coastal cities and towns. It’s got an amusement area with sideshows and lots of souvenir shops, but be wary, this is a very touristy area of San Francisco and things are priced accordingly. The biggest reason for visiting Fisherman’s Wharf is to see the sea lions, who regularly loll about on floating piers in the marina. You will smell them before you see them, that’s a fact, especially if the wind is blowing in your direction. A small group of the sea lions stay in the marina year round, but most of the 300-strong colony migrate to the Channel Islands during the summer.

San Francisco Skyline From Coit Tower

Hopefully you’re not feeling too full from lunch, because you’ve got a climb ahead of you. The walk to Coit Tower is just one kilometre from Fisherman’s Wharf, but you’ll be experiencing the full rise of San Francisco’s hills in the short distance. You’ll be glad you made the climb though, because Coit Tower gives you 360 degree views of the city, the bay and all the Golden Gate bridge in one go. The towner atop Telegraph Hill was built in 1933 as a monument to the city’s volunteer fire fighters, and is said to be built in the shape of a fire hose.

The Bookshop Where Beat Poetry Lived

South of Coit Tower (don’t worry, it’s mostly downhill now), is the Italian district and City Lights Bookstore. It was founded back in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter Martin, as an independent book shop. It is also a publishing house, and as such, was home to some of the more famous beatniks such as Allen Ginsberg and the poems of the Indian Hungry Generation. Today it is still an independent book shop and publishing house, spread over three floors in a building that seems to have once been a house. It has the old charm of book shops past and is one of my favourite places to visit in San Francisco. Continue down Grant Avenue, and into Chinatown.

The Hustle and Bustle of Chinatown

As of 2012, 21 per cent of San Francisco’s population was of Chinese descent, so it stands to reason that the city also has a thriving Chinatown district. You’ll find all the shopping you could ever hope for, at more realistic prices than at Fisherman’s Wharf, so it might be a good place to stock up on souvenirs. As you wander down Grant Avenue you’ll see the Sing Chong and Sing Fat buildings, on the corner of California Street. These were the first two buildings that were built in Chinatown after the great earthquake of 1906, that virtually levelled San Francisco. Continue down Grant Avenue and you’ll notice lots of great little shops along your way, until you get to the intersection with Bush Street, where the Chinatown Dragon gate stands. It was a gift from Taiwan back in the 1960s and features carved dragons and koi fish.

Dinner at Hops & Hominy

Just a block south of the Chinatown gate is a southern food joint that will knock your socks off. Aside from the southern comfort food like shrimp and grits and St Louis style ribs, Hops & Hominy also serves up American microbrews that will impress your tastebuds. I visited with my cousin who was on a trip from Australia, and I would have eaten another bowl of the shrimp and grits if I could fit it and she loved the pan-seared pork chop.

SAN FRANCISCO ITINERARY: DAY 2

Hopefully you’ve had a nice rest because today is another big day, filled with sights and a little more nature than yesterday. You’ll need comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, and those layers again, possibly a few more than yesterday, because we’re going hiking.

Muir Woods Half Day Tour

It’s best to book a full day or half day tour of Muir woods rather than renting a car and driving up yourself. Parking is very limited and you now have to book your parking spot in advance online, otherwise you’re not going to find a spot to stop. Most tours, such as Extranomical’s half day tour, will pick you up from your hotel in the morning, which is also nice if you want a bit of a lie-in. The reason you’re going to Muir Woods is to see the majestic Redwood forest that soars above and around you. Your drive to the forest will also take you over the Golden Gate Bridge, and if you choose the right tour, you’ll also have a photo stop along the way. Muir Woods is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world, so rest assured, you’ll drop your jaw in awe.

A Lunch Stop in Sausalito

Most Muir Woods tours will stop in Sausalito for lunch and a little wander around. Sausalito is an old ship-building town in San Francisco’s North Bay, but now, seeing as it’s prime coastal real estate, Sausalito is packed to the brim with art galleries, fancy restaurants, boutique fashion and homewares stores, and some expensive places to live. You can usually opt to stay in Sausalito and catch the ferry back to San Francisco, or you’re also able to take your tour bus back.

Head to the Sausalito Bakery and Cafe for a quick and highly recommended lunch of the usual cafe fair of soups, salads, and sandwiches. But the best part, for the non-Americans, are the sweet treats. You will definitely notice that restaurants and food manufacturers go very heavy on the sugar, but the Sausalito Bakery holds back a bit, so their pastries aren’t sickly-sweet.

If you’re staying in Sausalito for a while, head to the Plaza Vina del Mar fountain and park and go for a walk along the bridgeway before catching a ferry back to the San Francisco Ferry Building.

San Francisco Ferry Building

The Ferry building is another option for lunch, because it has been turned into a Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays and over the weekends, but it also has a range of produce shops open downstairs throughout the week. I would highly recommend getting a sample of cheese from Cow Girl Creamery, or a coffee from Bluebottle. If you’re a baseball fan, take the E Street Car to AT&T park from the Ferry Building and take in a game, or tour the stadium.

Wander Golden Gate Park

From the Ferry Building I’d suggest taking an Uber to Golden Gate Park, but you can also catch the 5R Muni that will take you 12 stops to Fulton Street and Arguello Boulevard. Golden Gate Park is long and narrow, and there are plenty of things to see and do within its leafy, green walls. You might just forget that you’re in a major city. Visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden and remember San Francisco’s most famous comedian Robin Williams at the meadow named for him.

You can also take in a few museums if you’re keen. The California Museum of Sciences and the de Younge Fine Arts Museum face each other across Music Concourse Drive and are both great places to while away an afternoon. Garden-lovers and Japanophiles will love the nearby Japanese Tea Garden, which is the oldest public Japanese garden in the country and has its own distinct flavour. Keep walking along John F Kennedy Drive and you’ll come across the Bison paddock, complete with six female bison grazing. You’re also bound to stumble across the Dutch windmill on Martin Luther King Jnr Drive, on your way out to Ocean Beach.

Watch the Sun Set at Ocean Beach

Cross the Great Highway and you’ll be right on Ocean Beach to watch the sun set over the water. There are also fire pits along the beach in case it’s a little bit chilly. It’s a beautiful stretch of coast line that culminates in Cliff House up on the hill, and the remnants of Sutro Baths – a bathhouse that was open to the public in the late 1800s.

Dinner at Cliff House

Finish off your day with dinner at Cliff House for more spectacular ocean views, and a look over Seal Rock. You have a couple of dining and drinking options to choose from at Cliff House, from the bistro, bar and lounge, cafe and the restaurant. Choose depending on the amount of money you’d like to spend on dinner, because the food is all on par with what you’d expect.

Already done these and looking for more great things to do in San Francisco? Check out the San Francisco Bucket List .

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN FRANCISCO

The best places to stay would be either close to Union Square, or in the North Bay close to the Embarcadero. These are both relatively safe areas and you can get some great deals in some of the smaller hotels. While we haven’t stayed in San Francisco hotels, since we live here, we have had friends and relatives come to visit, and they have recommended:

• White Swann Inn : 845 Bush Street, San Francisco
• Hotel Beresford : Union Square, San Francisco
• Hotel Diva : 440 Geary Street, San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO TRAVEL TIPS

This is where I give you all the tips that locals tend to know, but visitors aren’t up to speed on. I cannot stress enough the importance of bringing warm clothes to San Francisco, not matter what time of year it is. It will be warm and sunny in some spots but at the same time, it will be cold, windy and overcast in others. Don’t be one of those tourists who is shivering away in a singlet and shorts, you won’t have as much fun as if you were fully prepared.

How to Stay Safe in San Francisco

Like any other city, San Francisco is safer in some parts than others. I’d recommend staying away from the Tenderloin District if possible, as it is the area where a lot of homeless and mentally ill people congregate. Because of this, it also attracts drug dealers and isn’t the nicest part of town to walk through. It’s not a huge deal if you have or want to walk through it though. Just keep your wits about you and keep an eye on your belongings.

Homeless people are by no means confined to the Tenderloin though, so be prepared to see them begging on the streets, some in wheelchairs, and others with obvious illnesses. There will also be tents and blankets under overpasses, in parks and other places where it is easier to sleep at night. They aren’t any danger to you, but it can be very confronting and heartbreaking if you’re witnessing San Francisco’s homeless population for the first time.

If you have a rental car anywhere in San Francisco, know that smash and grab robberies are very common in the city and the Bay Area. Police and car rental companies suggest never leaving anything in your rental car, pulling down one of the back seats so thieves can see you have nothing in the boot of the car. Some rental companies also suggest leaving the car unlocked so that windows aren’t smashed to gain entry. Above all, never leave important or valuable items in your car, even if they are concealed.

How To Get Around San Francisco

Unfortunately, the best way to get directly from A to B in San Francisco is to take an Uber or a Lyft. It’s cheap, easy to find, and will take you exactly where you want to go. There are also Muni buses and the underground BART trains that you can take for longer journeys if necessary. If you are travelling further down the Bay Area peninsula, the aboveground Caltrain is also an option. For more information on using public transport in San Francisco, visit the SFMTA website .

If your time is short there are several half and full day tours that can provide you with an overview of San Francisco, including bike tours ,  segway tours , bus tours , hop on hop off bus tours and luxury van tours .

If you are looking for a unique experience, consider a tiny GoCar tour ,  ‘70s-era VW bus tour or a custom private tour in a convertible MINI Cooper .

Renting a car is also another option, but keep in mind that parking is extremely limited and sometimes prohibitively expensive around tourist areas. And they are also targets for thieves.

Katherine is an Australian expat who has lived in San Francisco for the past three years. She writes about life as an expat in the US, and travelling the country, at  Bright Lights of America . You can follow her on  Facebook ,  Pinterest ,  and  Twitter . 

Need some more California inspiration?

• Best California Road Trip Songs (For Your Road Trip Music Playlist)
• Best Quotes About California & California Instagram Captions
• California Bucket List: Best Places to Visit in California

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savvyglobetrotter

This is great info!! Pinned it for later. I can’t wait to get to San Fran someday.

This is almost the perfect list! My cousin lives in Silicon Valley and we were talking about taking a few days to go to San Francisco so she can show me around and the book stores, Alcatraz, and streetcars we’re all on my immediate list of things I had to do there! Plus of course the cliche Bridge shots and the angular houses. I love that you included a lunch idea and a budget lunch idea, so clever.

Such a great list! I have always wanted to visit San Fran, especially to see Alcatraz, but there are so many other things on here that look great too! Thanks for all the tips!

I loveeeeee San Fran!! Thanks so much for this handy guide!!! Will save for later for sure 🙂

Thanks for this article. I’m literally going for 2 days in sept. Would you recommend to stay close to fisherman’s wharf? Would you say that is a safe are to stay close to do everything on this itinerary ?

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San Francisco Itinerary: What to Do in 3 (or More) Days

San Francisco is one of the most eclectic cities in the United States . It’s home to liberals, hippies, hipsters, techies, immigrants, yuppies, one of the oldest gay scenes in the States, that big red bridge, Alcatraz, delicious Chinese food, seafood (this is a great city to be hungry in), and so much more.

It’s a magical place and one of my favorite places to visit since there is so much to see and do. While it lacks that certain je ne sais quoi that would convince me to pack my bags and live there, I look forward to each visit with excitement (and hunger). There’s always something new and exciting going on in SF.

Yet, I remember my first time visiting San Francisco. I only had three full days to see everything, and that just wasn’t enough .

Going back over the years has allowed me to see everything, but what happens when you don’t know when you are going to visit SF again? What to do in San Francisco? What do you see in SF?

To help you make the most of your visit, here’s my suggested itinerary for San Francisco. It will help you plan your trip, save money, and see everything this amazing city has to offer!

Table of Contents

Day 1 : Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, Alcatraz, & more!

Day 2 : Lombard Street, Coit Tower, Chinatown, & more!

Day 3 : Beat Museum, Golden Gate Park, Ferry Building, & more!

Other Things to See and Do : Asian Art Museum, City Lights, Muir Woods, & more!

San Francisco Itinerary: Day 1

Taking public transit to see the Golden Gate Bridge is highly recommended, as parking is limited and there is usually construction in the area. Public buses run regularly from different parts of the city, including downtown, the Civic Center, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

601 Lyon Street, +1 415-608-2220, palaceoffinearts.com. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm.

+1 415-981-7625, alcatrazcruises.com. Alcatraz Cruises is the official provider of tour tickets and transportation to and from Alcatraz. Tours run daily year-round, starting from $45.25 USD which includes an audio tour.

If you want to try some of the mouthwatering seafood that San Francisco is famous for, I really liked Waterbar and the Anchor Oyster Bar.

The best way to reach Fisherman’s Wharf is to take the F-Line streetcar that runs from the Castro neighborhood along the length of Market Street before turning west at the Ferry Terminal Building. The area is also serviced by two cable car lines: the Powell-Hyde line on Hyde Street and Beach Street, and the Powell-Mason line on Taylor Street and Bay Street.

The neighborhood is also the epicenter of the city’s Mexican community and has long been an alternative artist enclave as well. There’s an eclectic food scene in the area too, including several Michelin-starred restaurants, a lot of cool bars, and an abundance incredible Mexican food.  

San Francisco Itinerary: Day 2

The history of Lombard Street is worth knowing. During the 1920s, people in San Francisco were beginning to drive around in automobiles, but many of the hills were too steep to navigate. A local man named Carl Henry came up with the idea of using a curved street to help vehicles move downhill, although it would mean several sharp turns. An engineer named Clyde Healy created the design and the hill’s slope went from 27% to 16%. Now you can watch the cars and bikers navigate the sharp turns as tourists gawk at them.

Head up Coit Tower Another major city landmark is Coit Tower, perched atop Telegraph Hill. It was built in 1933 to help beautify the city and features 27 fresco murals by different artists. From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of the city. Otherwise, you can explore the monument and murals at ground level. The murals here were painted in 1934 by local artists to depict life in San Francisco during the Depression. Back in the 30s, they were the subject of some heated controversy involving the longshoremen’s strike, and so were padlocked and protected months before being opened to the public.

1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, +1 315-249-0995, sfrecpark.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Coit-Tower-290. Open daily 10am-6pm (April-October) and 10am-5pm (November-March). Admission is $10 USD for non-residents ($7 USD for SF residents).

Head to Chinatown Next to NYC, this is the most famous Chinatown in the United States (it’s also the biggest). Chinese immigrants first came to the West Coast and set up shop in San Francisco. Due to racial segregation, this neighborhood became predominantly Chinese and has remained so, though the segregation is over. Chinatown here has some of the best places to eat Chinese food (dim sum) in the country, teahouses, bars, souvenir stalls, and fortune cookie makers. Eat your heart out here. I always do!

Go on a Harbor Tour Take an afternoon cruise of San Francisco Bay to see the city from the water. You’ll get some good photos, learn about the bay, see some wildlife, and enjoy life on the water. There are many tour companies, but a cheap way to see the bay is to take public ferries for $9.30 USD. Same views, cheaper price. You can find prices and routes on the ferry’s website .

If you really want to do a tour, go with Red and White Fleet . Their tours start at $38 USD.

Explore Haight-Ashbury The birthplace of America’s counterculture, the Haight was ground zero during the summer of 1967, a.k.a. The Summer of Love. Hippies used to live here, but yuppies have since moved in, buying up all the colorful Victorian homes throughout Haight-Ashbury and replacing head shops with high-end boutiques, chic restaurants, and hip cafés. It’s still a fun place to visit, and Flower Power Walking Tours runs in-depth and informative tours through the neighborhood ($25 USD per person).

Hang out in the Castro The Castro is San Francisco’s gay neighborhood and features a number of restaurants, as well as a bunch that serve the locally sourced organic food the Bay Area is known for. Moreover, there’s a plethora of wild and fun clubs that cater to both gay and straight people. It’s an awesome place to go out at night and the perfect place to end your second day.

San Francisco Itinerary: Day 3

Take a walking tour San Francisco has a number of interesting walking tours that can teach you about the history of the eclectic neighborhoods or show you all the scrumptious food the city has to offer. I always try to take a new tour when I visit just to get beneath the surface of the city. They’re a fun, affordable way to connect with an expert local guide. Two of the best companies to use are:

• Local Taste of the City Food Tours
• SF City Guides

Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

The ferry building is located along the Embarcadero at the start of Market Street. +1 415-983-8000, ferrybuildingmarketplace.com. Open daily 7am-8pm.

Visit the city’s many museums San Francisco has numerous museums that are worth seeing. Here are my favorites:

• The Beat Museum – Dedicated to the Beat Generation, here you’ll find a collection of original manuscripts, rare books, letters, and more from authors like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. (1-800-537-6822, 540 Broadway. Open daily 10am-7pm except Tuesday and Wednesday. Admission is $8 USD. Note: Some sections of this museum are currently closed for renovations.)
• Cable Car Museum – The city’s cable cars have been around since 1873, and you can learn all about them here. It’s super interesting! (1201 Mason Street, +1 415-474-1887. Open daily, but hours vary per season. Closed Mondays. Admission is free!)
• Exploratorium – Step into the fascinating world of science at the Exploratorium, where a series of hands-on activities will keep you entertained for hours. It’s not just a kids museum either as there are exhibits specifically for adults! (Pier 15, +1 415-528-4444. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10am-5pm. Thursday evenings from 6pm-10pm is adults only. Tickets are $39.95 USD for adults.)
• De Young Art Museum – De Young showcases excellent art from the 17th century onward, including contemporary, photography, textiles, and more. There is an Observation Level on the 9th floor with great views over the city and the Pacific. (Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, +1 415-750-3600. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9:30am–5:15pm. Tickets are $20 USD for adults.)

Relax with a drink After all that traveling, you should probably explore some of the city’s amazing brewhouses. The Mission and Castro are two of the best spots for nightlife, but you’ll find amazing bars and clubs throughout the city. Here’s a quick (but old) video that features five:

Special thanks to Stuart for taking me around! Be sure to check out his website too as it’s filled with some amazing travel tips for San Francisco.  

BONUS: 10 Extra Things to Do and See in San Francisco

2. Catch a game – San Francisco locals love their sports teams, especially the Giants, their really good baseball team. If you’re in town during a game, be sure to head to the stadium and cheer on the local team. Even if you don’t like the sport (whatever the sport), the locals will happily take you in, explain the game, and drink a beer with you.

3. Visit wine country – Near the city are the world-famous Napa and Sonoma wine regions. If you love wine and have time to leave the city, you obviously need to come here. Napa is one of the world’s leading wine-producing areas, and every year 3.3 million people come to taste their way around the region. Some companies run day trips to Napa Valley since it’s closer, but you’ll be a bit rushed. It’s far better to spend at least a night. Organized day trips with Tower Tours cost $165 USD

4. Visit Muir Woods – Muir Woods is the closest place to the Bay Area where you can see giant redwood trees. You don’t get to encounter the huge, huge iconic redwoods (which are sequoias and farther away, at Sequoia National Park), but if you’re looking to see something close to the city, this is as good as it gets. Entrance to the area is $15 USD for adults, and free for children (15 years of age and younger). You can also do a guided tour for $89 USD (including transportation). It’s the best way to really learn about this amazing landscape.

5. Explore Berkeley – Across the bay is the interesting city of Berkley, home to music, hippies, students, and the University of California, Berkeley. Here you’ll find even more vegan and vegetarian restaurants, street performers, and eclectic shops (including makeshift booths of jewelry and other goods on the streets).

6. Visit Oakland – Just across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco (a five-minute drive away), Oakland is considered the Brooklyn to San Francisco’s Manhattan. With its own history and community (rife with arts, music, festivals, food, and popular sports teams), Oakland has become popular with hipsters and their bars and specialty restaurants. There’s a lot you can do in Oakland so consider spending a day or more here.

7. Take in the view – End your trip with a visit to Twin Peaks. You can drive up to the top of these small mountains to get a sweeping view of the city. From there you can also hike the trails over the South and North peaks. From the south peak, you’ll get a perfect 360-degree view of San Francisco!

8. Check out the Asian Art Museum – This is one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world, with almost 20,000 items in the collection. It’s not one of my favorite museums here, but if you’re a museum buff it’s worth a visit. You can get free guided tours daily here to walk you through all the highlights and special exhibits that the museum has to offer.

9. Visit City Lights – This bookstore is where Allen Ginsberg first published Howl & Other Poems . It’s a great indie bookstore if you’re searching for something new. The store has been a “literary meeting place” since 1953 and still hosts special events and readings.

10. Rollerskate in church – The Church of 8 Wheels is an old church that has been converted to a roller skating arena. You can expect a good party when you show up here, including DJs and live music. Rent some skates and join the fun (there are times for both kids and adults). There are even lessons for people who have never roller-skated before!

San Francisco has a lot of things to do, cool attractions to see, and plenty of amazing places to eat. There’s literally something for everyone here, especially if you’re a history buff or a foodie.

Just be sure to organize your sightseeing. It’s easy to miss out if you don’t plan ahead (a lesson I learned the hard way here). But no matter how long your stay is for, this city will blow you away. It really is one of the best in the country. Just follow the itinerary above and you’ll have an amazing visit!

Book Your Trip to San Francisco: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• HI San Francisco – Downtown
• Green Tortoise Hostel
• HI San Francisco – Fisherman’s Wharf

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Need a Guide? San Francisco has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!

Want More Information on San Francisco? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on San Francisco for even more planning tips!

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Ultimate San Francisco Itinerary

From the Golden Gate Bridge and the fortress of Alcatraz, to the murals of the Mission District and the bright lights of Chinatown – this San Francisco itinerary will give you a great introduction to the city.

Welcome to San Francisco! Surrounded by lush hills and Californian coastline, and filled with famous monuments such as the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco has plenty to offer visitors.

You can satisfy your food cravings in Chinatown, marvel at the vibrant murals of the Mission District, and tour the city in a traditional cable car. And don’t worry about that ethereal fog that sometimes looms over the bay – it’s all part of what makes this city unique.

To help make your travel dream a reality, I’ve put together the ideal itinerary for 3 days in San Francisco, aimed at first time visitors and taking in some of the city’s best sights, sounds and smells.

If you’re looking for things to do in San Francisco, simply use my San Francisco itinerary, travel tips and guide for inspiration!

Oh, and if you fancy making your trip extra special, check out my pick of the best hotels in San Francisco with a view .

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

In terms of weather, San Francisco is known for the fog that descends in the bay area. Added to that, its coastal location means that the city never gets too hot, even in peak summer. Winter and spring, however, can be unpredictable and rainy, so to experience the best weather, I’d recommend visiting in autumn. Temperatures hover around 22 degrees Celsius, the main sights won’t be too crowded, and you’ll get to see the Californian forests in their colourful autumn tones.

San Francisco Itinerary

Cross the golden gate bridge.

Nothing can quite prepare you for the sight of the gleaming Golden Gate Bridge, which spans the mile-long strait connecting San Francisco to Marin County. This breath-taking feat of human engineering is the iconic symbol of the city, and crossing it is one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco.

If you just want to relax, the Golden Gate Bridge can be admired at your leisure from Crissy Fields, a park which offers excellent views of both the bridge and Alcatraz.

Alternatively, hire a bike at Fisherman’s Wharf, traverse the 1.7 mile-long bridge, and spend the day exploring the coast on the far side of the bay. If you’ve got the energy, it’s even possible to get all the way to Muir Woods by bike, where you can explore the grove of giant sequoia trees.

Grab Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Classic San Francisco destination, Fisherman’s Wharf has become something of a tourist trap in recent years. As the major jumping-off point for tours to Alcatraz, this bustling waterfront is often criticised for high prices and long queues.

However, despite the crowds, Fisherman’s Wharf is definitely worth a visit, if only to taste fresh crab or a delicious clam chowder from the street vendors. Don’t miss the noisy sea lions at Pier 39 – a unique attraction that should definitely be part of your San Francisco itinerary!

Wander Through Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the best places in the city to wander, explore, and eat to your heart’s content!

Leave space in your San Francisco itinerary for a meal here during your stay, and take advantage of the colourful shops and streets. If you love taking photos, you’ll be in your element.

Ride the Cable Cars

Did you even visit San Francisco if you didn’t ride one of the city’s iconic streetcars?

They transport passengers across the city, all the way from Union Square up to the top of Nob Hill. Atmospheric, creaking and beautifully decorated, a ride on the cable cars is one of the most unusual things to do in San Francisco.

The Powell-Hyde line will take you from Fisherman’s Wharf past some of the city’s most iconic sights. Don’t miss Lombard Street too, the famous flower-clad hill known for its sharp hairpin bends.

Admire Coit Tower

Perched on the top of Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Ascend the tower for a fabulous panorama of the city and the bay, or stay at ground level to admire the murals that adorn the base – painted by local artists during the Great Depression of the early 1930s.

Take a trip to Alcatraz

While spending the morning doing an audio tour of a former prison might not sound like a reason to get out of bed, you can’t visit San Francisco and not take the trip to Alcatraz. It was a real highlight for me.

Be sure to book in advance as a lot of the slots sell out. The tour offers a fascinating insight into the various attempted escapes and the big name criminals who used to be imprisoned there. It’s pretty eerie, but will definitely strike a chord.

Eat a Burrito in the Mission District

After a busy day exploring some of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco, head to the Mission District for great views over the city from Dolores Park, and some of the best Mexican food you’ll taste in California.

This trendy, diverse neighbourhood offers buzzing nightlife, as well as some of the city’s best bookshops, and vintage clothing stores. When I visited I went on a great food tour , during which I learned all about the history of the area and tasted some incredible and diverse cuisine. I’d definitely recommend adding that to your San Francisco itinerary if you have time.

Chill out in the Golden Gate Park

The Golden Gate Park is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. It features a traditional Japanese tea garden, a beautiful arboretum and several museums, all surrounded by tranquil walking trails.

Don’t miss the California Academy of Sciences – one of the most eco-friendly museums in the world! This vast park is a wonderful place to come in spring and summer, when it’s decorated with colourful flowers in full bloom.

Explore Haight-Ashbury

San Francisco is synonymous with the hippie movement of the 1960s, and Haight-Ashbury is where it all began. Although it’s become somewhat gentrified in recent years, this iconic neighbourhood still belongs on any San Francisco itinerary.

You’ll find vintage bookshops, cool cocktail bars, and colourful painted houses (including the former home of the band members of the Grateful Dead!).

Party in the Castro

Top off your San Francisco itinerary with a night out in the rainbow-clad streets of the Castro.

Home of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, this vibrant part of the city is a wonderful place to explore. You’ll find thrift stores, vintage clothes, bars, and clubs – everyone is welcome and you’ll be in for a fabulous night out.

Stay at a Luxurious Hotel in San Francisco

Palace hotel.

Located in downtown San Francisco, just off Market Street, the Palace Hotel is one of the city’s most glittering jewels. This stunning hotel is decorated in the Beaux Arts style, and has hosted plenty of Hollywood stars and international celebrities over the years.

You’ll find a restaurant decked out in glittering chandeliers and a beautiful domed ceiling, a state-of-the-art spa, and some of the most luxurious rooms in the city.

Check availability and latest prices at the Palace Hotel here

Huntington Hotel

Located in a great location in Nob Hill, the Huntington Hotel is one of San Francisco’s classiest offerings.

This luxury hotel offers spacious rooms and an uber-cool piano bar with regular live music. If long days of sightseeing have worn you out, take advantage of the wonderful spa facilities – the ideal way to unwind during your San Francisco travel itinerary.

Check availability and latest prices at Huntington Hotel here

Loews Regency San Francisco Hotel

The Loews Regency San Francisco Hotel offers, without doubt, the best view of any hotel in San Francisco.

With stunning vistas over the bay and the bridge (the hotel even provides binoculars so you can really make the most of it), it’s hard to beat for location.

What’s more, the service is warm, friendly and attentive, and the hotel has everything you might expect from a luxury place to stay. The ideal spot for those seeking a little luxury in a memorable location.

Check availability and latest prices at Loews Regency San Francisco Hotel here

Search for other hotels in San Francisco using this handy map

Tours in san francisco, straight to the gate: escape from the rock bay cruise.

Alatraz is one of San Francisco’s most notorious monuments, an impenetrable prison located on an offshore island, once home to some of America’s most dangerous and deadly criminals.

This cruise circles the island, giving you the best view of the city, the bridges and the island itself, and you’ll be entertained along the way with some gruesome stories of escape attempts over the decades.

Check prices and availability here

Redwoods and Wine Country

San Francisco offers easy access to some of California’s most beautiful natural spots, and this tour is a great way to experience the best marriage between nature and culture.

In the morning you’ll explore the Redwood Forests, filled with towering, gargantuan redwoods. In the afternoon, you’ll tour some of the Napa Valley’s best vineyards, sampling some wine and learning more about this diverse industry.

Looking for other cool places to visit in California? Don’t forget to check out my Los Angeles itinerary , which is packed full of amazing food recommendations, fun day trips and great views.  

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

1 thought on “The Ultimate San Francisco Itinerary”

About two years ago I visited San Francisco for the first time – it was amazing. Think I covered mostly everything in your itinerary. I didn’t see Redwoods Forest though which was a shame!

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The Perfect 2, 3 or 4 Days in San Francisco Itinerary

Last Updated on February 29, 2024

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

San Francisco is one of the most famous cities in the United States. It boasts iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, as well as some hidden gems. Whether you have time for a 2, 3, or 4 days in San Francisco itinerary, this guide includes everything you should prioritize seeing during your visit.

No trip to San Francisco is complete without hitting the highlights and spending some time wandering through the city’s unique neighborhoods, taking in everything this incredible metropolis has to offer. Here is everything to check out while visiting the Bay Area. 

Table of Contents

How Many Days in San Francisco?

Whether you’re visiting San Francisco as part of a longer California itinerary or as a stop on a drive from Los Angeles , San Diego or even Portland or Seattle , it’s essential to figure out how long you need to spend in the city in order to do it justice.

For most visitors, 3 days is the sweet spot for how many days to spend in San Francisco. If you only have 2 days to explore the city, you can get a rough idea of everything ithas to offer, but it won’t feel like a comprehensive visit.

With 3 days, you can see nearly every part of the city, venturing into the eclectic and historic neighborhoods while seeing the main highlights. You can do all this at a relatively relaxed pace. 

Should you have 4 days, you’re in luck. This grants you plenty of time to see the city with a spare day for a trip beyond it. There are several nearby options for great day trips.

Alternatively, you can spend an additional day exploring the city at your leisure or lounging in one of the many local parks. 

Getting To & Around San Francisco 

Most visitors will arrive in San Francisco by plane. You’ll land at San Francisco Airport (SFO) and can take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), the city’s main public transportation, into downtown. You can also take the bus, call an Uber or organise a transfer .

BART will be a useful tool to get around the city during your visit as well. It reaches most corners of the city and runs relatively often. You can also opt for the buses or streetcars operated by Muni.

Most of the city’s main attractions are clustered together in different parts of the city, so you should pick a different area of San Francisco to explore each day.

Once in these neighborhoods, getting around on foot is the way to go. Many of SF’s best highlights can be found when you set out walking through its unique neighborhoods, Fisherman’s Wharf, and other parts of the city.

Make sure you pack a good pair of walking shoes for wandering museums, parks, and the city itself. 

Renting a car specifically for your trip to San Francisco isn’t entirely necessary as the city itself is both walkable and has great public transportation.

However, if you’re spending 4 days in San Francisco and want to go on a day trip, you may find that having your own car is the best option. You can browse Rentalcars.com to find options as it compares prices across many major companies.

2, 3 or 4-Day San Francisco Itinerary

The perfect trip to San Francisco is loaded with quirky neighborhoods, great food, and many opportunities to learn. Here is everything you should consider adding to your plan for visiting the city by the bay. 

Day 1 – Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz & Chinatown

Embarcadero and fisherman’s wharf.

San Francisco’s Embarcadero is the main street that runs along the waterfront from the Bay Bridge to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. This is probably one of the most popular areas in the city.

Here, you can perch to watch the sunset or admire the view on a sunny day. Each pier offers a little something unique for its visitors, from exploratory museums to funky cafes.  You can rent bikes to explore further.

One of the highlights of the Embarcadero is Fisherman’s Wharf. The name comes from the mid-1800s when the wharf was used as a port by Italian immigrant fishermen who sold fish to the city’s booming population due to the gold rush. Here, you’ll find some of the best seafood in the city.

There are museums scattered across the piers, making it a great destination for families. Make sure to stop in to see the sea lion colony that took up residence near Pier 39. 

If you only have 2 days in San Francisco, Alcatraz is a must-visit. This infamous prison was once home to some of the country’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone.

Alternatively referred to as “The Rock”, Alcatraz was the world’s most secure prison: located on an island in San Francisco Bay. You should take the audio tour of the island.

You’ll walk through cell blocks, mess halls, and other parts of the prison while listening to the stories of those who passed through as well as the history of Alcatraz itself. You’ll head to Alcatraz Island from Pier 33 along the Embarcadero. 

You can pre-book tickets here that includes transport or organise a half-day tour here that combines Alcatraz with a short bay cruise.

Lombard Street

Once you’re back in San Francisco proper after visiting Alcatraz, pay a quick visit to Lombard Street. This steep zig-zagging street curves down a slope lined with homes and flower beds.

San Francisco is a city filled with steep streets. City planners spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to plot a city on such terrain. In 1922, the people living on Lombard Street deemed it too steep to drive safely. They set out to make it more drivable.

The result was a curvy road with eight hairpin turns and one of the most famous landmarks. The best view is from the bottom. If you’re brave enough to drive the street, you have to start from the top. It was made a one-way street in 1939.  

Ride the Cable Cars

Riding the cable cars in San Francisco is an experience too unique to pass by. The routes are clustered around Lombard Street and Fisherman’s Wharf, making it easy to hop a ride in between destinations.

There are three routes, so navigating them is easy. You can prepay for your tickets online or buy tickets at the cable car stops. 

San Francisco is home to the largest Chinatown outside Asia. It’s located near Lombard Street and a great place to round out your first day in San Francisco.

Before visiting this neighborhood, it’s important to note that it’s massive. Chinatown spans 24 city blocks and is one of the most densely-populated neighborhoods in the city.

Grant Avenue is the most picturesque street, and where most tourists spend their time. It’s worth your time to venture off this main thoroughfare. You’ll find the best Chinese food in the city—probably some of the best in the country. You can also go on a food & walking tour to learn more and taste some dishes.

Visit the local bakeries, shops, and try a tea sampling at Vital Tea Leaf. 

Day 2 – Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio & Golden Gate Park

Golden gate bridge.

Your first day on your trip to San Francisco was filled with some of the major highlights in the city. Day two is a little slower. There is perhaps no other landmark in San Francisco more characteristic of the city than the Golden Gate Bridge.

This bright red suspension bridge dominates the skyline and has been named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. If you have time, you should take a walk across the bridge. It stretches about 1.7 miles, so it should take around 40 minutes to walk each way.

Upon construction in 1937, it was the longest bridge in the world. Between its striking color and huge towers, it’s no surprise this is one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. 

If you want to get a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge, you can get this from Marin Headlands after crossing the bridge – it’s easiest to reach this by car, however, you can definitely walk, as well.

Presidio of San Francisco

The Presidio is located where the Golden Gate Bridge starts. It originated as a military outpost for the Spanish who arrived in the Bay Area in 1776. Over the years, it maintained its military post status and became one of the most beautiful outlooks in the city.

The National Park Service took control of the Presidio in 1994. Today, this sprawling green space is filled with trails, forests, fun architecture, and unbeatable views. 

Golden Gate Park

Despite its name, Golden Gate Park is not directly next to the bridge, but it’s well within walking distance from the Presidio. Continue your time in San Francisco’s green spaces by visiting the largest public park in the city.

You can spend an afternoon in the park visiting museums and gardens, like California Academy of Sciences, the Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden, or the de Young Museum. Alternatively, you can have a picnic or wander around the park.

A visit to Golden Gate Park is the best way to slow down and enjoy the city.

Day 3 – Haight-Ashbury, The Mission District & Twin Peaks

Haight-ashbury.

When experiencing San Francisco in 3 days, you should spend one day dedicated to the different neighborhoods. San Francisco is a city full of eclectic neighborhoods, none more iconic than Haight-Ashbury.

It became famous for being one of the centers of the counterculture movement in the 1960s. The Haight was where the Beats met and where the Summer of Love happened.

Haight-Ashbury is best experienced by spending a couple hours strolling around the neighborhood. You can also take the San Francisco Love Tour to learn more about the history.

Keep an eye out for the quirky shops, psychedelic murals, and beautiful Victorian architecture. You never know what you’ll come across in Haight Ashbury.

The Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies are the postcard-perfect row of Victorian homes in the city. They sit on the eastern side of Alamo Square Park and are set against the backdrop of the city’s modern downtown skyscrapers.

They are known for their pastel colors and near identical architecture, making them one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. You’ll notice similar-looking homes throughout the city.

The name “Painted Ladies” doesn’t necessarily refer to these homes in particular, but rather the style in which they’ve been built. 

Mission Dolores Park 

Mission Dolores Park is at the heart of another one of San Francisco’s best neighborhoods: The Mission District. The park itself sits on nearly 26 acres and is one of the most popular parks in San Francisco.

If you visit during a sunny weekend afternoon, don’t be surprised to see the park entirely packed with people. These comfortable green lawns are surrounded by tall palm trees with a view of the city’s skyline.

The Mission District is known for its food scene. Grab a burrito and take a walk through the city to admire the towering murals. Mission Street is the main road that is filled with restaurants and shops. 

Seated at 922 feet above sea level, Twin Peaks offers arguably the best view of the city. It’s a great way to round out your 3 days in San Francisco. Many visitors take a tourist bus to the top, but you can also walk or bike.

Here you can find a snapshot of the local flora and fauna. No matter what time of day you visit, be prepared for high winds. San Francisco is already a city known for being windy, but here that’s elevated.

Bring a jacket, sturdy walking shoes, and be prepared to be a little cold.

Those who aren’t interested in this stop may also like to venture back into the city center and instead take the time to explore the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. 

Day 4 – Muir Woods or Napa Valley

If you’re lucky enough to see San Francisco in 4 days, you should consider taking a day trip beyond the city. The Muir Woods National Monument is the perfect day trip. The woods are located about 16 miles from the city, which is about a 40-minute drive without traffic.

Muir Woods is filled with walking trails and historic redwood trees. Driving yourself is the best way to visit Muir Woods from San Francisco. You’ll take curvy roads up a mountainside, so drive slowly, especially if you get carsick easily.

Before visiting Muir Woods, make sure to reserve a parking space. If you show up without a reservation, you will be turned away.

If you don’t have a car, you can either organise a bus transfer here or take a guided tour that includes time to explore along with lunch in Sausalito.

Napa and Sonoma Valleys

Any lover of great wine will want to add a day trip to Napa and Sonoma Valleys to their San Francisco itinerary. Here you’ll find some of the most famous wines in the world, and for good reasons. The wine regions are about an hour outside of San Francisco.

If you want to spend a day wine tasting in either Napa or Sonoma (or both), you will want to rent a car.

There are also guided tours available such as this full-day tour that goes to both Napa and Sonoma or this full-day tour that combines wine country with a visit to Muir Woods. However, you will have more freedom to see the area at your leisure if you can drive yourself.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Orchard Hotel – This boutique hotel located in downtown San Francisco is an excellent choice for exploring this Californian city. They are located within walking distance of Union Square and have a restaurant and bar on site. There is also parking and a great breakfast included.

Axiom Hotel – If you’re looking for a luxury stay in San Francisco, then this chic hotel is a great option. It is located right off Union Square, and has incredible modern facilities and amenities along with a larger number of rooms to choose from.

Green Tortoise Hostel – Those trying to stick to a tight budget when visiting this notoriously expensive city will love this highly-rated hostel. There are a number of dorm beds and some private rooms to choose from, common areas to meet other travellers and a free breakfast daily to help you save even more!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in San Francisco!

A few days in San Francisco is the perfect amount of time to catch the city’s main highlights, immerse yourself in day-to-day life, and take a day trip outside the city. Use these itinerary recommendations to help guide your own trip planning and enjoy your time in San Francisco. 

Are you planning to visit San Francisco? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

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Epic 7 days in San Francisco itinerary by a local (with options for 10 days)

San Francisco, or SF, or just “City” as we locals call it, is the most famous and densely populated city in Northern California and a financial and cultural hub.

I have lived most of my adult life in the San Francisco suburbs and know the city quite well. I have also worked in the San Francisco Financial District for a few years.

Even after so many years of visiting SF countless times, I love going to the city. San Francisco is home to me and has a special place in my heart.

Planning to visit San Francisco? I have the perfect 7 days in San Francisco itinerary planned for you, which covers all the must-see and must-do things!

There is so much to see and do in San Francisco, from the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, historic cable cars, crooked Lombard Street, unique neighborhoods, and sights. You need at least a week in San Francisco to explore all that it has to offer.

In a hurry and looking for the top recommendations for a trip to San Francisco?

Best Hotel to Stay in San Francisco:

• Hotel Fairmont Heritage Place – Best luxury hotel right on Ghirardelli Square
• Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf – Best mid-range hotel at a central location in Fisherman’s Wharf.

Top Activities and Excursions in San Francisco :

• San Francisco city tour which combines Muir Woods and Sausalito
• San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise – best sunset cruise!
• Hop On Hop Off bus for sight-seeing attractions
• Muir Woods and Wine Country day trip tour
• Napa and Sonoma Valley wine tour from San Francisco

Itinerary for 7 days in San Francisco

This itinerary is for a week in San Francisco. The daily itineraries are created so that the most popular sights are in the initial days.

So you can follow this itinerary for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 days in San Francisco, and you will be able to explore the most popular SF attractions in that order.

The daily places and activities suggestions are grouped by location so that you do not spend too much time in transit and can maximize and truly enjoy your day.

Of course, this itinerary is structured such that you will cover the most popular things in your first three days in San Francisco !

This 7 days in San Francisco itinerary is jam-packed and covers a lot, but it can be customized as per your vacation style.

There is enough here to please the do-it-all folks, and others can just pick one or two activities each day and take it all in at their own pace.

I have listed some more day trips from San Francisco ideas in the end, if you want to extend your itinerary for 10 days or more! I think you should!

If this is your first trip to San Francisco, it might be a good idea to take a tour of the city to see the main sights and get a lay of the land. Some of these tours also combine a trip to Muir Woods to see some redwood trees!

➡ Check rates and availability for this San Francisco city tour which combines Muir Woods and Sausalito .

Day 1 in SF: Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito

On Day 1 in our San Francisco itinerary, we will explore the most famous San Francisco landmark – the Golden Gate Bridge and visit the town of Sausalito to the North of the bridge.

In the evening, you can choose to take a sunset Catamaran cruise to admire the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay at twilight.

Golden Gate Bridge

If you have time to see only one thing in San Francisco, it should be the Golden Gate Bridge!

Golden Gate Bridge was at one time the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world and is still an engineering marvel. It connects the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County.

But all that technical facts aside, Golden Gate Bridge is so breathtakingly gorgeous!

The red bridge stands out like an icon against the blue ocean and the white sky. I can admire it for hours and still not have my heart full! It’s majestic and not to be missed.

Best places to see Golden Gate Bridge Views

There are quite a few vista points to admire the Golden Gate Bridge, as you need to be a bit away from it to look at the whole panoramic view of the bridge. Some of them are listed below.

Dana Bowers Rest Area and Vista Point – This is the biggest parking lot on the northeast end and closest to the Golden Gate Bridge. Even if the parking lot is full, circle a few times or wait, and you will likely find parking. We always do. You can see really clear views of the bridge, and you can walk on the bridge from here as well.

Headlands Parking – This is a smaller parking lot on the other side of the Dana Bowers parking lot, in the northwest area of the bridge.

From Hawk Hill in Marin Headlands – The Hawk Hill offers one of the best panoramic views of the bridge. You can drive up Conzelman Road; there are a couple of parking lots here, and you can park your car along the street as well. There are several viewpoints on Hawk Hill from which to admire the Golden Gate Bridge.

Battery Spencer – This is a very famous vista point on Conzelman Road with a slightly bigger parking lot than the other higher-up vista points. There is a chain link fence here that makes taking photos a bit tricky.

From Sausalito , you can park on Sommerville Road near the Bay Area Discovery Museum and see the bridge from below. This is a completely different and breathtaking angle of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Crissy Field – From the southeast part of the bridge, Crissy Field offers some great views of the bridge.

Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge

If you enjoy biking or someone in your group does, biking across the Golden Gate Bridge is a very popular thing to do in San Francisco.

The bike route starts from Fisherman’s Wharf and goes along the water and across the Golden Gate Bridge to the charming town of Sausalito on the other side of the bridge.

Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge takes around 3 hours one way from Fisherman’s Wharf to Sausalito.

At Sausalito, take a break, and you can either ride back or take a ferry back (recommended) to Fisherman’s Wharf to come back to the starting point. You can take your bike with you on the ferry.

There will be areas along the route where you will be driving on the road in the bike lane with traffic. Locals bring their own bikes to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, but if this is your first time, I highly recommend booking a tour for this experience, as doing it yourself can be a bit daunting.

➡ Check rates and availability for this guided bike tour from Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito

In the afternoon, visit the town of Sausalito. If you biked across the Golden Gate Bridge, you would arrive in Sausalito at the end of your route.

If you are driving, then there is paid public parking at the Sausalito Ferry Building and street parking as well.

Sausalito is a charming town to the North of Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County . It reminds me of a Mediterranean seaside town with the Ocean on one side and hills on the other, with homes perched high up on the hills.

You can easily spend a couple of more hours here, walking along the marina, shopping at the cute shops that line the main Bridgeway street, and eating at one of the many fantastic local restaurants.

Lappert’s Ice cream is a must-try before heading back to the hotel. You can take the Ferry back instead of biking all the way back, as the way up the bridge can be quite uphill. It is highly recommended to book return ferry tickets in advance.

Sunset Catamaran Cruise

End your first day in San Francisco by taking a sunset cruise to admire the city skyline, the Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge at twilight!

➡ Check rates and availability for this San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

I highly recommend that visitors to San Francisco should take a San Francisco boat tour even if they only have one day in San Francisco !

The best views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and city skyline are from the water!

• Day 2: Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, Pier 39

On Day 2 of our San Francisco itinerary, we will explore the Fisherman’s Wharf area, the Ghirardelli Square landmark, the unique crooked Lombard Street, and Pier 39.

Lombard Street

Start your day by visiting the famous crooked street of San Francisco! Lombard Street is a very unique street with 8 hairpin turns, and it’s open for traffic. There are houses on both sides of the street as well!

If you have a rental car and are adventurous, you can drive the one-way street by entering from the Hyde and Lombard intersection and going down.

Otherwise, the next best thing is to view it from Leavenworth Street and Lombard Street so that you can see the full street from the lower end.

Morning time is when you might find fewer tourists and can take better pictures.

Fisherman’s Wharf

From here, you can walk to Fisherman’s Wharf and explore the northern waterfront. Fisherman’s Wharf is a lively tourist area full of souvenir shops, eateries, and tourist activities.

Make sure to visit the famous Ghirardelli Square and try the delicious Ghirardelli ice cream.

Walk along the Aquatic Park and Aquatic Park Pier, admiring the views of Ghirardelli Square and San Francisco Bay. If you are into historic ships, visit the Hyde Street Pier .

At Hyde and Jefferson is the Cable Car turnabout. If you want to ride the historic San Francisco Cable Car, then this is one of the two boarding areas. The other is at Powell and Hyde near Union Square (more on Union Square later).

Alcatraz Prison Tours

If you are able to book a ferry ticket or tour to Alcatraz island, then you can do that on Day 2. Alcatraz tour is very popular and booked months in advance, if this is a must on your list then you might have better chances of visiting it by booking a tour.

➡ Check rates and availability for this Alcatraz Island with San Francisco Bay Cruise tour that combines a visit to Alcatraz Island with San Francisco Bay Scenic Cruise.

Alcatraz was a maximum security federal prison during the 1900s, and it was considered to be impossible to escape. It had the reputation of being the toughest prison, and the worst inmates were sent there.

There is a true story about 3 prisoners who escaped Alcatraz but were never found. There is a movie based on this story called ‘Escape from Alcatraz.’

The prison is free to explore, it’s the ferry ride to the island that gets sold out way in advance. Once you make it to the island, there are docents that provide free guided tours of the prison, cell, gardens, and other administrative buildings.

San Francisco Bay Scenic Cruises

I highly recommend trying to fit at least one cruise in your San Francisco itinerary. This is the best way to experience iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco skyline.

There are cruise options that are just an hour, or you could pick a longer one that goes to Alcatraz Island.

Below are some of the best bay cruises in San Francisco:

San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise – Set sail at sunset and enjoy beautiful sunset views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge on this 1.5-hour cruise on a catamaran boat. Departs from Pier 39.

San Francisco Premier Brunch Cruise – 2-hour cruise with an excellent brunch buffet and drinks (weekends only). Departs from Pier 3.

Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise – Sightseeing cruise with a visit to Angel Island. Includes Angel Island admission. Departs from Pier 33.

San Francisco Bay Cruise – One-hour cruise of the San Francisco Bay. Departs from Pier 39.

In the evening, explore Pier 39 area of Fisherman’s Wharf. This is the most touristy pier in San Francisco, with tons of tourist attractions, restaurants, carnival rides, street performers, shopping, and the world-famous sea lions!

From Pier 39, you can see fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. The Sea lions lounging at the K Dock is a sight to see, and they have a permanent home at Pier 39.

There are plenty of tourist attractions at Pier 39, like the Aquarium of the Bay, the 7D experience, Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze, Musical Stairs, and The Flyer.

The Carousel is very popular with younger kids. There are free outdoor stage shows for all to enjoy several times during the day.

Pier 39 is home to some world-famous restaurants like Fog Harbor Fish House, Boudin Bakery Café, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

With two levels of shops, there are several unique shops here, like Pearl Factory and Houdini’s Magic Shop.

• Day 3: Ferry Building, Chinatown, Union Square

On Day 3 of our 7 days in San Francisco itinerary, we will explore the Embarcadero, Chinatown, and Union Square areas of San Francisco. This is the financial District of San Francisco with beautiful views of the Bay Bridge in the backdrop.

San Francisco Ferry Building

Start your day by exploring and having breakfast at the Ferry Building. The historic Ferry building, originally built in 1898, has a grand exterior with the iconic Clock tower and an amazing restored interior with an arched ceiling that allows a lot of natural light.

The San Francisco ferry building is a terminal for ferries going across the bay to Sausalito, Tiburon, and Larkspur.

It is also a dining and shopping hub with food stalls from local farmers, bakeries, breweries, etc. Here, you can shop for wines, cheeses, bread and baked goods, fresh produce, and picnic food items for your day.

Alternatively, you can take a food tour and explore unique delicacies with an expert guide.

➡ Check rates and availability for this San Francisco food tour at the Ferry Building

Some popular eateries here are the Hog Island Oyster Co., Gott’s Roadside, Blue Bottle Coffee, and Humphry Slocombe ice cream.

Walk along the long Pier 14 boardwalk south of the Ferry Building for excellent views of the San Francisco city skyline and Bay Bridge. At the very end of the boardwalk, there is seating to admire the 360-degree views!

If you are traveling with young kids, the Exploratorium is a great indoor science hands-on museum with endless things to nurture creativity and science in young minds.

In the afternoon, visit the Chinatown neighborhood, which is one of the oldest and largest Chinatown neighborhoods in the United States. You can easily spend a few hours or an entire day exploring the shops, eateries, and attractions.

➡ Check rates and availability for this Chinatown food tour to sample some authentic Chinese cuisine!

Most touristy places are along Grant Ave between Bush Street and Broadway. Stockton Street is popular too and where the locals shop for Chinese groceries and produce.

The Dragon Gate at the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue is a must-see here and a great photo op. Sing Chong and Sing Fat historic buildings depict traditional Chinese architecture and are at Grant and California Street.

There are several souvenir shops and restaurants here to explore. Try tea tasting at Vital Tea Leaf, which is free, but you might end up buying their delicious tea. Good Mong Kok Bakery on Stockton St is very popular for dim sum and baked goods.

Union Square

In the evening, explore the Union Square area of San Francisco. Union Square is the main shopping hub of San Francisco, with high-end stores and souvenir stores lining the four sides of the iconic Union Square.

A lot of luxury hotels are in this area, like the Hotel Fairmont Union Square, The Westin St. Francis San Francisco, Beacon Grand, and many more.

The iconic Dewey Memorial is at the center of Union Square as a tribute to American Hero – Admiral George Dewey.

There are shopping hubs here like the block-long Macys, The Westfield Center, Crocker Galleria, and high-end stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany and Co.

The starting point of the historic Cable Car is at Powell and Market, which is a few blocks from Union Square.

Some popular restaurants here are the rooftop Cheesecake Factory with amazing views of Union Square and Barlett Hall, which has a sports bar theme.

During the holidays Union Square has an ice skating rink and a magnificent Christmas tree, adding festive cheer to the holiday season.

• Day 4: Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach, Haight-Asbury neighborhood

On Day 4 of our San Francisco itinerary, we will explore Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park, and the Haight-Asbury neighborhood.

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park (not to be confused with Golden Gate Bridge; they are both in separate areas!) is on the western side of San Francisco and is huge.

It is considered to be much larger (almost 20 times larger) than Central Park in New York. East to West is 3 miles.

At the West of Golden Gate Park is Ocean Beach, and at the East is the Ashbury Heights neighborhood. JFK Drive and MLK Drive are the two main streets inside the park.

Walking the entire Golden Gate Park loop would be around 7 miles, starting and ending at Ocean Beach, and would take around 5 to 6 hours. An alternative is to walk one way and then take a taxi/rideshare back to your car.

There are several must-see attractions in Golden Gate Park, and you can spend hours at each of these awesome places. If you only have one day to spend here, pick a few that interest you the most.

California Academy of Sciences is great for all ages and not just for kids, with a planetarium, rainforest, and several historical and science exhibits and artifacts.

The Japanese Tea Garden and Conservatory of Flowers are both great for experiencing nature and tranquility. De Young Museum is a must for art lovers.

The Bison Paddock is a great place to see these beloved resident animals of the park. Golden Gate Park also has numerous lakes, waterfalls, and a Dutch windmill.

Ocean beach

Ocean Beach is on the Western end of Golden Gate Park and is popular among locals. You can start your day here first and then visit Golden Gate Park.

Alternatively, you can end your day here and watch a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Ocean Beach is popular for surfing, walking, kite flying, dog walking, and bonfires. There are designated concrete fire pits for bonfires.

There are few surf shops here for renting surfing gear. The water here is always cold, and currents can be strong, so swimming is not recommended at Ocean Beach.

There are several parking lots along the length of Ocean Beach, and you can park on the nearby residential streets as well.

It can be pretty windy here, so keep a jacket. Northern California beaches are not like Southern California, and it can be cold here!

Haight-Asbury neighborhood

In the evening (or morning if you are going to Ocean Beach in the evening), spend a couple of hours strolling through the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco.

Haight-Ashbury was once the epicenter of the Flower Power and Summer of Love movement in the 1960s. Many shops here still retain the hippie vibes of the olden days.

Stroll through the vintage stores and quirky shops and see the iconic Haight-Asbury sign, wall murals, and the famous “Legs” statue above Piedmont Boutique.

You can have dinner here at one of the many restaurants.

➡ Check rates and availability for this 2 hour city tour that starts at Haight Ashbury in a colorful Volkswagen van!

Day trips from San Francisco to explore nearby popular places

San Francisco itinerary should include not only the main city but also the popular things nearby; after all, the entire region is called the San Francisco Bay Area.

After visiting the popular attractions and neighborhoods in SF, on days 5, 6, and 7, we will explore the nearby famous and must-see places like Angel Island and Muir Woods and drive on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1 route.

• Day 5: Day trip to Angel Island

On day 5, we will take a day trip to Angel Island State Park. Angel Island was once an Immigration processing station and is now designated a California Historical Landmark. Angel Island is a popular recreational spot with hiking trails and biking.

Angel Island is only accessible via ferry from Tiburon or private boats. You can book the ferry tickets online, and it’s highly recommended for weekends.

Bikes are allowed on the ferry, and bike rentals are also available on the Island. Pack a picnic lunch, or you can buy food from the café on the island.

The Perimeter trail along the island is a wide, paved road that is 5.5 miles long. You will come across the old immigration buildings while walking on this trail. The trail offers excellent panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island.

If you are up for some elevation, then the Sunset trail is around 3 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain and takes you to the top of Mt. Livermore. From here, you will see excellent panoramic views of the Bay.

The Island has a restaurant, gift shop, restrooms, and bike rental facilities.

There are also group tram tours of the island in large open-air trams that go along the entire Perimeter. The tour provides good history about the Island for first-timers and also stops at a couple of vista points for photo ops.

There is a small beach on the island on the left-hand side of the ferry station with very calm waters. The beach is the perfect place to relax after a long hike.

• Day 6: Day trip to Muir Woods

On day 6 of our San Francisco itinerary, we will visit Muir Woods and Point Reyes to the north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Muir Woods is very popular for hiking trails in the redwood forest.

Muir Woods National Monument is named after the legendary naturalist John Muir and is located in South Marin country. San Francisco to Muir Woods is only around 40 minutes drive and can easily be done as a day trip.

You do not need a car to visit Muir Woods. You can take the ferry to Sausalito and take the shuttle bus to Muir Woods from Sausalito. Parking is very hard to find at Muir Woods, and you now need a reservation to park there.

To save time and avoid the hassle of parking, I recommend this tour that combines both Muir Woods and wine country in a day trip!

➡ Check rates and availability for this Muir woods and Wine Country day trip tour

Muir Woods is majestic, with all the tall redwoods towering above you. The redwoods provide a lot of shade, and Muir Woods is great for hiking, even in summer.

Some popular Muir Woods hikes

Muir Woods has a cafe, gift shop, restrooms, and picnic tables.

Muir Woods is a very popular weekend hiking spot among the locals as well so expect crowds here, especially near the café and on the initial paved boardwalk portion of the trail.

As you go deep into the trails, the crowds thin out.

• Day 7: Drive the CA-1 Pacific Coast Highway from SF to Big Sur

No trip to San Francisco is complete without driving on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, also known as the PCH.

The entire drive is cliffs and towns on one side of the road and the Pacific Ocean on the other side, with breathtaking views at every turn of the road. You will need a rental car for this epic Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

The most scenic part of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip is the drive from San Francisco to Big Sur, which is around 3 hours one way without any stops.

But of course, you will make a lot of stops along the way as it’s so beautiful! Start as early as possible in the day.

Alternatively, you can also take a day tour from San Francisco for the Pacific Coast drive.

➡ Check rates and availability for this highly-rated Full Day Pacific Coast Highway Tour from San Francisco covering Monterey, Carmel, and 17-Mile Drive

Best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 drive

Half Moon Bay Beach is a very popular beach in Northern California. The water is cold here, and it can be windy, so layers are advisable. It’s Northern California, and we have beaches that require jackets 🙂 but we will take what we get!

The next stop is Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk, and if you start early, you can stop here for lunch and a stroll along the Boardwalk. Santa Cruz Beach and the Boardwalk are very popular, and you can spend an entire day here. This is a great day trip destination on its own.

Monterey is next, which is a famous seaside city. Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium and its bustling downtown with restaurants and souvenir shops. Monterey Beach is very popular with the locals as it is warmer than the San Francisco beaches.

17-mile drive in Pacific Grove is a popular drive along the coast, and you have to pay to drive on this part of the road.

Carmel is another seaside town, popular for the Carmel beach and small-town feel.

Bixby Bridge vista point is towards the end of this drive near Big Sur and is a very popular bridge on Highway 1. You will see this bridge in a lot of Highway 1 pictures. Caste Rock Viewpoint is a great place to get some photos of the Bixby Bridge.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is popular for its beaches and hiking trails.

If you are doing a Pacific Coast Highway day trip, then depending on the time of the day, you can return back from any of the stops listed above.

Each stop can take up a whole day to explore, so it’s best to just pick two or three stops to explore.

Check bonus day 8 for my recommendation on how to make the most out of the PCH road trip.

Bonus Day 8, 9, 10 days in San Francisco

If you have a few extra days in your itinerary, below are some suggestions for things to do for the next 3 days in San Francisco, making it a 10-day San Francisco itinerary.

San Francisco enjoys close proximity to several beach towns and wine country destinations, which are ideal for weekend trips from San Francisco .

Day 8: Overnight in Monterey and 17-mile drive

If you have an extra day in your San Francisco itinerary, then you can spend more time on the CA-1 Pacific Coast Highway road trip, which is listed as a day trip on Day 7.

There are so many awesome towns and cities along Highway 1 that staying overnight in Monterey will give you more time to explore them.

In the morning, you can spend a couple of hours driving on the 17-mile drive scenic route. It has a lot of cool vista points to explore, like the famous Lone Cypress tree.

After that, you can do a hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and visit Pfeiffer Beach. Finally, return back to San Francisco.

Day 9: Day trip to Napa wine country

If you are a wine enthusiast (or not), on your Bonus day 9 in San Francisco, visit the world-famous Napa Valley. Napa is a wine country and has more than 500 wineries and vineyards. It is very popular and visited by millions of people each year.

Napa Valley is beautiful and a must-visit if you have an extra day on your itinerary. If you really only have 7 days and love wine, you can switch this with the Angel Island day trip.

➡ Check rates and availability for this highly popular wine tour from San Francisco that covers both Napa and Sonoma Valley in a day trip!

There are several famous wineries and vineyards here, like Sattui Winery, Castello De Amorosa, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Domaine Carneros, Trefethen Family Vineyards, and many more.

It is highly recommended that you book a wine tour or tasting ahead of time with most wineries.

The small Napa downtown is lively and brimming with restaurants and tourists. You can spend hours here admiring the art galleries and the shops. Eat dinner at a nice restaurant.

Napa Valley wine train is a popular attraction here in which you hop onboard an exquisite vintage train for a 36-mile round trip journey stopping at celebrated wineries. You enjoy gourmet meals on board and beautiful countryside scenery.

Hot air balloon rides over Napa Valley are another popular thing to do here.

Day 10: Point Reyes National Seashore

On day 10, visit Point Reyes National Seashore. Point Reyes is around a 1.5 to 2 hours drive from Muir Woods. You will need a rental car to visit Point Reyes Lighthouse.

The last drag of the ride past the town of Inverness on Sir Frances Drake blvd is very scenic with green pastures and open land and lots of cows grazing.

At Inverness, look for the Point Reyes Shipwreck near the local market. Further up the road, there is a scenic photo op called the Cypress Tunnel, which is a canopy of trees lining the road and is beautiful.

The main attraction here is the historic Point Reyes lighthouse. The red and white lighthouse looks beautiful against the ocean backdrop.

There are 300 steps to go down to the lighthouse, so it’s quite a workout climbing back! Also, it is very, very windy here with the ocean on all sides! Your caps will fly!!

There is a visitor center here at the top of the stairs for souvenirs and snacks. The parking lot is half a mile away, and there is a restroom there.

There is a paved road from the parking lot that leads to the stairs. Then, you descend the 300 stairs to reach the lighthouse.

Drakes Beach is a popular beach at Point Reyes National Seashore. It’s good for nice long walks and finding sand dollars and seals! There is a parking lot here. It is a little protected here from the wind and currents because of the bay, perfect for the beach. It can still be cold, though.

Point Reyes Beach South is also popular and stretches for miles. Please note that this beach is for long walks only or for sunset views. The currents are quite strong at Point Reyes Beach and it’s not advisable to enter the water here.

Where to stay in San Francisco

Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf are the best locations to stay during your visit to San Francisco as they have the most hotels ranging from brand name to mid-range. Public transport is also abundant in these areas.

Best Hotels In Union Square

Union Square area has the advantage of being accessible by BART, which is San Francisco’s metro train system.

This will help with easy airport transfers as you can take BART train from San Francisco airport to Powell station which is only a few blocks from Union Square.

Luxury hotels in Union Square Area:

• Palace Hotel San Francisco is a historic heritage hotel close to BART train station and a few blocks from Union Square. The lobby and the pool areas are impressive.
• The Westin St. Francis is right at Union Square and is also a historic heritage hotel with impressive architecture.
• Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square has excellent views of the Union Square area and is part of the Hyatt chain of hotels.

Mid-range Hotels in Union Square Area:

• San Francisco Marriott Marquis is famous for The View Lounge rooftop bar with great views of the city. Great location of the hotel too.
• Chancellor Hotel on Union Square has a great central location and is a good no-frills hotel with friendly service.
• San Francisco Marriott Union Square has a great central location and you can walk to all nearby attractions.

Best Hotels in Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf has the advantage of being closer to Golden Gate Bridge and to the various ferries that go to Sausalito, Alcatraz, Angel’s Island, and Tiburon.

Hotel Fairmont Heritage Place is a luxury hotel right on Ghirardelli Square.

Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf is a good mid-range hotel also at a central location in Fisherman’s Wharf.

➡ Check rates and availability for your stay in San Francisco

Travel tips for San Francisco

Below are some travel tips to make the most of your trip to San Francisco!

Use a sight-seeing pass

Using the Go City: San Francisco pass lets you get entry into 25+ attractions in San Francisco with one fee, thus allowing you to save a lot as compared to buying individual tickets.

We always purchase Go City passes when traveling with family and save a lot! You can get the pass for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days.

I recommend getting it for 3 or 5 days (depending on how many days you are staying in SF) as it is the best value, and you get more time to explore the various attractions.

➡ Check rates and availability for Go City San Francisco pass

Best time to visit San Francisco

San Francisco is a year-round destination as it does not snow here. Spring, summer, and fall are the ideal seasons with great weather for outdoor activities.

Summer is the busiest tourist season, so if you are trying to avoid crowds, the fall months of September to November might be better.

Winter can sometimes be cold, rainy, and windy, but it’s still a great time to be in San Francisco with all the holiday cheer and city lights. Union Square has a huge Christmas tree and an ice rink during the holidays for skating fun!

How many days to spend in San Francisco?

You can spend as little as 3 days and as much as two weeks in San Francisco and still have things and places left to do and see.

If you want to add a few day trips to amazing nearby places like Napa Valley, Muir Woods, and Pacific Coast Highway drive, then you should plan for a week to 10 days.

How to get to San Francisco?

Flying in and out of San Francisco International Airport is the best way to reach San Francisco. The public transport system BART connects the airport to other parts of the city.

You can also book a taxi or Uber to your hotel or check with your hotel if they have a shuttle service.

How to get around in San Francisco?

If you plan to see all the major attractions and sights in San Francisco, then I highly recommend the Hop on Hop off bus , which stops at all the tourist attractions, and you can ride the bus all day long.

Parking can be hard to find and expensive at tourist attractions, and navigating public transport can be tricky.

➡ Check rates and availability for Hop on Hop off day pass

Another popular touristy thing to do in San Francisco is renting a GoCar to ride all over San Francisco with an inbuilt guided audio tour! You will see a lot of these yellow GoCars on the streets of San Francisco, especially at Fisherman’s Wharf.

➡ Check rates and availability for this GoCar San Francisco tour

Do you need a rental car in San Francisco?

Within San Francisco, you can use the Hop on Hop off bus , Uber, or public transport to get to most places. Parking can be expensive and hard to find in popular places. Also, San Francisco city has a lot of steep roads, which can be tricky to drive with traffic.

Rideshares like Uber/Lyft are widely available in San Francisco and arrive within minutes.

If you are planning to explore places outside San Francisco city like Muir Woods, Napa Valley, and Pacific Coast Highway drive, then you can either book tours or get a rental car .

What to pack for 7 days trip to San Francisco

You will definitely need to dress in layers in San Francisco, as it can get very windy here occasionally, especially in areas near the coast.

• Always dress in layers here!
• A wind jacket is a must here in all seasons.
• Good walking shoes for all the sightseeing.
• Good backpack
• Reusable water bottle
• Swimwear if your hotel has a pool. The beaches can be very cold here for swimming.

Safety in San Francisco

San Francisco is quite safe to explore during the daytime. Just do not go in deserted alleys and stay with the crowds. Do not keep any valuables in open sight in the car. There are a lot of car break-ins here.

Popular neighborhoods with restaurants and clubs should be ok in the evenings as well. As always, trust your judgment. If it doesn’t look safe, it probably isn’t.

In Conclusion: 7 days in San Francisco itinerary

Summary of 7 days in San Francisco itinerary with options for 10 days:

• Day 1: Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito
• Bonus Day 8: Overnight in Monterey and 17-mile drive
• Bonus Day 9: Day trip to Napa wine country
• Bonus Day 10: Point Reyes National Seashore

Below are my top recommendations for a trip to San Francisco:

Rent a car at SFO International Airport. I recommend Discover Cars as they check top car rental brands and provide the best rates.

Buy the Go City San Francisco pass for huge savings on entry fees for 25+ attractions

Top Activities to Book in San Francisco :

• Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge with this guided bike tour
• San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise
• Alcatraz Island with San Francisco Bay Cruise
• San Francisco food tour at the Ferry Building
• Chinatown gourmet food tour
• Segway guided tour to explore Golden Gate Park
• Muir woods and Wine Country day trip tour
• Napa and Sonoma valley wine tour from San Francisco

I hope you are able to explore most of the places and activities outlined in this itinerary and have the most amazing 7 days in San Francisco. Share your stunning photos using these captions and quotes about San Francisco !

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Anu Agarwal is the founder and author of vacation travel blog Destination Checkoff. Anu, a Northern California resident, and a regular nine-to-fiver, loves to vacation with her family to destinations all over the world. She is obsessed with doing endless research for her trips. She has traveled to several destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. With her blog, Anu is excited to share her destination itineraries and vacation travel guides and help you check those dream destinations off your bucket list!

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The culture of San Francisco is diverse and vibrant, which is all too evident in the city’s art, music , and food scenes. Experience a stunning example of the city’s architectural force at City Hall or the San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts. Or, learn a thing or two at the California Academy of Sciences. Sightsee on the cable car and stop at Ghirardelli Square for a hot fudge sundae or take a walk along the Embarcadero in search of barking sea lions. This beautifully historic city is bursting with unique things to discover whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived there for years.  

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : The best time to visit San Francisco is in the fall months from September to November. Prices are typically lower, kids have returned to school, and the weather is nice and warm.
• Language : English
• Currency : USD
• Getting Around : Bay Area Rapid Transit, or BART, is the main regional transit system for getting to and from the airport in the city. The San Francisco Municipal Railway, or Muni, is San Francisco's main and most popular public transit system, operating both metro trains and buses that connect downtown to outer areas like Ocean Beach .
• Travel Tip : If there are two things that throw visitors off the most in SF, its hills and fog (so much so that the locals have named the latter). Most residents will agree, always bring a jacket if going out after dark and always wear comfortable shoes if you plan on walking.

Things to Do

It's pretty difficult to pick just a few things to do in San Francisco, so don’t expect to see everything in a day. The mysterious Alcatraz Island, the food-filled Ferry Building, bustling Union Square, the list goes on and on.

There is one attraction that visitors tend to favor, however (especially because it’s pretty hard to miss): The iconic Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco’s most recognized landmark has operated as the gateway to the Pacific, connecting San Francisco to the North Bay, since its grand opening in May 1937. The city offers countless ways to experience it, too. Just outside of the city on the far side, The Golden Gate National Recreation Area supports 19 distinct ecosystems, over 2,000 plant and animal species   , and some pretty incredible hiking trails. Or, get a great view of the bridge from Golden Gate Bridge Beach .

San Francisco is practically brimming with historic architecture and inspiring artwork. Museums are some of the best places to experience the city’s rich history and delve into its love of scientific exploration. Some of the most popular include the Academy of Sciences, the Asian Art Museum, the Exploratorium, the Fine Arts Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art (known affectionately as “MOMA”)   .

• Golden Gate Bridge : Whether you walk across the bridge for free or take a bike tour to get a better feel for the quintessential landmark, don’t leave without at least catching a glimpse.
• Golden Gate Park : San Francisco’s answer to New York’s Central Park, Golden Gate Park is beloved to locals and visitors alike. Home to botanical gardens and museums, take some time to enjoy this verdant and peaceful park.
• Pier 39 : Catch the best of San Francisco’s famous street performers, the tunnels at the Aquarium of the Bay, and the tourist-favorite sea lions here. 

Explore more attractions to enjoy in the city with our guides to the 20 best things to do in San Francisco , how to get around San Francisco’s best attractions , and the top things to do with kids .

What to Eat and Drink

When it comes to California , foodies can’t do much better than San Francisco. Visitors have the opportunity to experience a wide range of cultures and cuisines on a vacation in this dynamic and spirited city. Grab brunch at a French bistro in the morning, a sourdough bread bowl with clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf or authentic dim sum in Chinatown for lunch, and hit up North Beach for dinner at a classic Italian restaurant in North Beach. Just as many budget-friendly eateries line the city’s streets as world-class fine dining restaurants, so there is truly something for everyone.

Whether you’re a lover of smokey dive bars, hidden speakeasies, or classy cocktail bars (and honestly everything in between), you’re bound to find some of the state’s best in San Francisco. Cap the night off with a mai tai at a tiki-themed lounge, like the Tonga Room , or a historic Irish pub, like the Irish Bank . You’ll be raising a glass to the “City by the Bay” before the end of the night.

Discover more places to eat and drink with articles on San Francisco’s best bars , the best restaurants in San Francisco , and the top breweries in the city.

Where to Stay

San Francisco may only be just under 47 square miles, but each of the city’s distinct neighborhoods and districts still all have their own charm and culture.   Get the perfect combination of local and tourist in North Beach , stick close to Union Square in Nob Hill , or go back in time to SF’s bohemian days in the Haight-Ashbury . The Castro is the heart of the city’s LGBTQ community and the Mission District is known for funky nightlife and incredible Mexican food. The SoMa neighborhood, located South of Market, is considered by many as the cultural hub of San Francisco, with many of the city’s popular museums contained within its borders. Richmond has some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while the Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf are both close to the action and the water.

Get to know San Francisco’s neighborhoods with our recommendations for the city’s best hotels and the best neighborhoods to stay in .

TripSavvy / Melissa Zink

Getting There

The most convenient international airports near the city are located in South San Francisco and about 25 miles from downtown in South Oakland . If you plan to do some additional traveling down California’s Central Coast, the San Jose International Airport in Northwest San Jose is about 60 miles south of the city. To pair your San Francisco trip with a wine tasting adventure in Napa Valley or Sonoma County, the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa offers another option.

Speaking of day trips and side trips from San Francisco, if you’re planning on staying in the city for your entire vacation, you don’t necessarily need to bring a car. There are plenty of options for public transportation, whether it be Muni , trolleys, BART trains, cable cars, ferries, ride sharing, or taxis.

Money Saving Tips

• There are a surprisingly high number of free activities available to tourists in San Francisco. Taking a hike up Twin Peaks to the highest point of the city or walking across Golden Gate Bridge are some of the most popular.
• Keep an eye out for free museum admission days 
• If you are staying for more than a day, look into a Visitor Passport because they provide unlimited rides on Muni for one, two, or three consecutive days. There are multiple locations to purchase passes, including the city’s Visitor Information Center .
• For those staying in the Presidio neighborhood, be sure to take advantage of the​ PresidiGo Shuttle system, which provides free transp​ortation to an​d around the Presidio from three routes in the city daily.
• The San Francisco CityPASS features a seven-day Muni Pass for unlimited rides on a variety of the city’s public transportation including the cable car and trolley, as well as admission to several attractions and the San Francisco Bay Cruise. You can also look into the Go San Francisco Card , which includes admission to various attractions, too.
• Rates for hotel rooms tend to be highest from August through October. Apart from holiday weeks, a trip in December or January will boast the lowest prices.
• Tours to Alcatraz are limited, so get yours ahead of time to avoid shelling out big bucks on a more expensive organized tour.
•  San Francisco is big on walking, so do as the locals do and plan a free walking tour .

Learn more about visiting San Francisco on a budget with our guides to money-saving tips , the city’s free or cheap museum nights , and the best free things to do in San Francisco .

NPS. "Golden Gate National Recreation Area California." July 16, 2020.

City and County of San Francisco. "Visitors." July 16, 2020.

SF Travel. "San Francisco Neighborhoods and Districts." July 16, 2020.

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The Ultimate 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary

When it comes to places to visit on the west coast of the USA, few cities can compare with a 3 day weekend in San Francisco!

San Francisco, California makes a great city break, and with 3 days in the city, you can explore it beyond the typical tourist attractions. 

San Francisco is home to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Victorian architecture, cable cars that run its steep hills, and Karl The Fog.

That’s right, the dense fog that often envelops the city even has its own name and personality!

San Francisco is the ideal cultural destination. Its museums are beautiful inside out while the city’s history is rich and diverse.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

San Francisco has the oldest and biggest Chinatown in the country while the Mission District is the perfect place to experience the Latino culture. 

The city is a haven for foodies. You can dine on burritos in taquerias, pick dim-sums of a moving cart, and experience the great food hall of the Ferry Building.

F rom a tour of the notorious Alcatraz Island to wine tasting in Napa Valley , here’s how to see the highlights of San Francisco in 3 days.

Note : this San Francisco blog post was written for Our Escape Clause by Ketki, a former California resident, of Dotted Globe . Thanks for joining us, Ketki!

Table of Contents

The Perfect 3 Day Weekend in San Francisco Itinerary

• Where to Stay for 3 Days in San Francisco, CA

Where to Eat During a Long Weekend in San Francisco

Getting around during a 3 day san francisco itinerary.

• When to Visit San Francisco, California

Read More About Visiting the USA

Day 1 in San Francisco Itinerary: Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island

There are so many things to do in San Francisco that it is hard to decide where to begin!

On your first day in San Francisco, start your itinerary at the city’s most iconic attraction, the Golden Gate Bridge.

You’ll explore the nearby area and then end your day with a cruise to the famous Alcatraz Island.

Admire the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Even a short visit to San Francisco is incomplete without visiting the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge.

This landmark bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait and is considered to be an engineering marvel.

We would recommend starting your visit at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center.

Located in the Presidio of San Francisco, this is where you can learn information about the history, architecture, and construction of the bridge.

You can also buy souvenirs including postcards, t-shirts, magnets, and more.

You can also take beautiful photos of the bridge from the Welcome Center before walking up to the bridge to admire it up close.

The bridge is about 2 miles long but you can walk as far as you want–unsurprisingly, you’ll find some of San Francisco’s best Instagram spots along this route.

Ideally, you should walk at least up to the first tower for cool pictures and to see the bay from the bridge.

For a unique travel experience, y ou can also choose to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge .

Explore the Presidio.

The area surrounding the bridge is known as the Presidio of San Francisco.

The Welcome Center is located here as are many other attractions including the Palace of Fine Arts, Crissy Field, The Walt Disney Museum, and Fort Point.

The Palace of Fine Arts is a beautiful, historical building built in the Roman style of architecture. It has majestic columns, a dome, and statues of gods and goddesses.

Around the Palace, there is a pond that has ducks, swans, and geese. It is peaceful and good for taking photos.

Crissy Fields is where you can relax, photograph the Golden Gate Bridge from the water, and people-watch.

You can see families having picnics, enjoying a day on the water in kayaks and paddleboards, and locals taking their dogs for a walk. Crissy Fields also has a beautiful beach area !

If you have time, visit the Walt Disney Museum and Fort Point.

The Walt Disney Museum is dedicated to the work of Walt Disney. Exhibits, videos, sketches, and music narrate the history of Disney. Kids especially love visiting the museum.

You can also opt to tour the historic Fort Point to learn more about the Pacific Coast’s maritime history.

Watch the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Fisherman’s Wharf is the popular waterfront area of the city and, while touristy, it’s one of the best places to visit in San Francisco on a weekend trip.

The wharf is popular with tourists, and several of San Francisco’s famous restaurants are located here.

You will also see souvenir shops, carousel rides, street performers, and ships moored at the harbor.

One of my favorite things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf is to see the sea lions on Pier 39.

You will spot a huge group on the docks. These are protected sea lions and have been living at Pier 39 for decades.

You can watch them bark, enjoy the California sun, jump, fight, and swim in the water. You can also see the cute pups with their mothers. 

Tour Alcatraz Island.

Several San Francisco Bay tours depart from Fisherman’s Wharf including the popular Alcatraz Island cruise.

Alcatraz was the famous federal prison where the country’s most dangerous criminals were held.

Now it has been converted into a museum and is one of San Francisco’s top attractions. 

Visitors can purchase cruise tickets at Fisherman’s Wharf, or opt to book a tour that also includes a cruise around the San Francisco Bay or other extras.

Alcatraz Island is located 1.25 miles from the shore. On the island, you can tour historic buildings including the federal prison, military fort, and a lighthouse. 

During the audio tour, you will learn about several famous inmates who were held here, as well as their crimes, attempts to escape, and the life of prison guards and families who lived on the island.

Alcatraz Island is a fascinating place and well worth the effort to visit.

Also, the views of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge from the ferry alone are worth the price of admission!

Day 2 in San Francisco Itinerary: The Embacadero, Chinatown, Lombard Street + Beyond

On your second day in San Francisco, explore some of the city’s quirkier attractions including the crooked Lombard Street and the huge Chinatown.

T his is also the day for the foodie in you : you’ll e at at the city’s famous eateries at Ferry Building and enjoy dim sums before feasting on chocolate at the famous Ghirardelli Square.

Stroll along the Embarcadero.

The Embarcadero is the waterfront promenade between the Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ferry Building Marketplace.

I love walking along the Embarcadero and admiring the city skyline.

You can see San Francisco’s famous buildings, including Coit Tower, while walking here.

Walk along the Pier 14 which extends into the sea and watch the locals fishing and going for a stroll.

The Embarcadero is great for noticing activity around you. You can people-watch and look out for ships and ferries. Spot the sculptures along the walkway.

Numerous cafes, eateries and even museums are located along the Embarcadero.

As you walk towards the Ferry Building, you can see the Bay Bridge in the distance. 

Eat at the Ferry Building Marketplace.

The Ferry Building is a landmark structure in the city. It has historic architecture and is beautiful to look at.

In the past, this was where ferry passengers landed.

Now, the Ferry Building Marketplace is home to a huge food hall–one of the best in the country!

As you go inside, be sure to look up at the beautiful ceiling.

Inside you will find iconic San Francisco eateries selling gourmet cuisines. You can feast on tacos, eat fresh oysters, sample wines, and have a grand time.

Along with the eateries, you will also find the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market inside the Ferry Building.

Here you can buy fresh produce and artisan goods as souvenirs for your trip.

Explore the alleys of San Francisco’s famous Chinatown.

San Francisco’s Chinatown is a major tourist attraction and a must-see stop on your 3 day San Francisco itinerary.

This iconic neighborhood dates to 1848 and has distinct architecture.

The entrance to San Francisco’s Chinatown is marked by the Dragon Gate and inside you will find several historic buildings, Chinese style lamp-posts, red lanterns, and Asian decor.

There are also many murals inside the neighborhood. 

Walkthrough Chinatown and explore its alleys. You can eat dim sums, Peking duck, egg custard tarts, and sip bubble tea among other delicacies.

Check out the souvenir shops and window shop fascinating artwork. Spot unique shops selling lucky bamboos, kites, and lanterns. 

Take the cable car to Lombard Street.

See what we did there? Combined two attractions in one!

Instead of walking, you can ride the iconic San Francisco streetcars to Lombard Street.

Take the Powell-Hyde line from Chinatown and get off at Lombard Street.

Riding the streetcar is a fun way to get around San Francisco , and worth sampling at least once during your weekend getaway.

The cable car will drop you at the top of Lombard Street, which is perfect because it is easier to climb down this steep street than go up.

Stairs are located at the ends of the street and you can take photos of the famous curves and beautifully landscaped houses as you walk down.

Walk all the way down to Ghirardelli Square for some chocolate. 

Feast on chocolate in Ghirardelli Square.

Ghirardelli Square was where the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory was once located.

The 15 feet tall white sign of Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco is one of the most popular photo spots in the city. 

While the factory is no longer here, Ghirardelli has 3 stores in the area. Our favorite is the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate Marketplace.

They have hot chocolate, chocolate truffles, baking chocolate bars, and even hot fudge sundaes. The smell of chocolate wafting through the air is delicious. 

Ghirardelli Square and the surrounding area also have many retail shops, including San Francisco bookstores , boutique stores, and more. You can shop for souvenirs, jewelry, artwork, candles, fragrances, and apparel.

Several restaurants and eateries are also located in the square. Pick one that catches your interest and enjoy a nice sit-down meal.

Day 3 in San Francisco Itinerary: Mission District, Napa Valley + Twin Peaks

On the final day of your 3 days in San Francisco, you’ll have time to explore the city beyond its most touristy spots and potentially seek out some of San Francisco’s hidden gems .

Go off the beaten path and see thought-provoking murals in Mission District, tour the wineries of Napa Valley and buy a bottle to take home, and end your day at Twin Peaks where you can enjoy the city from above.

Admire murals in the Mission District.

San Francisco’s Mission District has many attractions. Mission Dolores, located in this neighborhood, is the oldest building in the city. It survived the devastating San Francisco earthquake that destroyed the entire city. 

The nearby Mission Dolores Park has great views of San Francisco.

The Mission District is also good for foodies and is a great place to explore through a food tour .

Here you will find several taquerias serving the famous Mission-style burritos. Several iconic restaurants and nightclubs are also located in this area. 

A hidden gem in Mission District is the fascinating murals painted in and around Balmy Street Alley.

The murals were painted in defiance of oppression and political conditions in Latin America and soon grew to include current political issues. The murals here are thought-provoking and fascinating.

Go wine tasting in Napa Valley.

Napa Valley is California’s most famous wine region. It is located an hour away from San Francisco and has some of the state’s most famous wineries.

If you have a designated driver, consider renting a car and taking the iconic Highway 1 for a scenic Pacific Coast Highway road trip to reach Napa Valley.

Along the drive, you will see coastal views and lush vineyards as you head towards Napa. 

If you have to pick one winery, visit Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga. The impressive castle is inspired by the castles in Tuscany and is a beautiful place to visit.

Along with wineries, Napa Valley also has breweries, distilleries, gourmet bakeries, and farm to table restaurants and is delightful to spend a day relaxing in the fresh air. 

Alternatively, consider booking a day trip to Napa Valley– this one is a highly-recommended choice –and spending part of your final day enjoying the beauty of northern California without worrying about driving or logistics.

Want a (slightly) less touristy option? Head to Sonoma County instead (or in addition to) Napa!

Book your wine country tour from San Francisco today! Prefer to drive? Shop rental cars with Discover Cars to find the best deals for you!

Admire the view from Twin Peaks.

If you drove yourself to Napa Valley, when you come back to the city, head up to Twin Peaks.

There is plenty of parking at Christmas Tree Lookout Point, one of the main viewing areas at Twin Peaks.

From Twin Peaks, you can see beautiful views of the Bay Area.

You can see the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, the island of Alcatraz, the San Francisco skyline, and the city spread out before you.

There are viewing binoculars on top of Twin Peaks that let you see the city up close.

There are also many hiking trails in the Twin Peaks park and this is a wonderful place to go for a stroll.

At night, you can see the whole city lit up and take stunning photos.

It gets windy at Twin Peaks, so bring jackets if you plan to stop here as part of your long weekend in San Francisco.

Alternative Day 3 in San Francisco Itinerary: Redwoods + Wine Country

Prefer to spend your entire final day exploring northern California beyond San Francisco?

If so, consider this incredibly popular tour , which will show you the stunning beauty of California’s gigantic, 1,000-year-old Redwood trees, followed by several wine tastings and even a fantastic photo op of the Golden Gate Bridge as you head back into the city!

If you dream of seeing some of northern California’s most iconic landmarks and are limited to a long weekend in San Francisco, this is undoubtedly the best way to do so.

Book your Redwoods + wine tour leaving from San Francisco today!

Where to Stay for 3 Days in San Francisco , CA

San Francisco has tons of neighborhoods that are distinct from each other in architecture, history, and vibe.

To stay close to the attractions, shopping, and dining you should consider the Union Square area.

If you love historic neighborhoods with vintage buildings, stay in Haight Ashbury.

For a budget stay close to public transportation, consider the vicinity of Chinatown or South of Market (SoMa).

Tilden Hotel — It’s really hard to find a San Francisco hotel room for cheap, especially if booking within a month of your trip.

Your best bet is the popular and reliable Tilden Hotel. While the amenities are nothing fancy, it’s clean, standard, and, most importantly, located in the bustling Union Square so you are close to everything. 

Check rates & book your stay at the Tilden Hotel!

Hyatt Regency San Francisco — Located in the Financial District and boasting excellent reviews, the Hyatt Regency San Francisco is a great option for families and couples.

You will be staying close to the Embacadero and within walking distance of the Ferry Building eateries. 

Check rates & book your stay at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco!

Hotel Nikko — On our most recent visit to the city, we stayed at the gorgeous and extremely popular Hotel Nikko in Union Square.

Amenities like on-site restaurants, a salon, and an indoor pool as well as the wonderful staff and rooms will brighten your stay.

At the same time, its phenomenal location will ensure you always have the best of the city at your fingertips during your 3 day weekend getaway in San Francisco.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Nikko!

If you enjoy eating your way through your weekend getaways, then you are going to love San Francisco.

The city continually ranks among the top cities for foodies in the country!

I n San Francisco, you can savor a variety of cuisines, eat at food carts, and attend wine-tasting events, all less than a mile away from each other.

Here are some of the top places to eat and drink when exploring San Francisco in 3 days!

Boudin Bakery & Cafe

While the iconic Boudin Bakery has many locations in the city, the original on Fisherman’s Wharf is full of character and is a must-visit for tourists.

At Boudin, you can find ‘Frisco’s take on the New England clam chowder: delicious clam chowder soup in a sourdough bread bowl!

Boudin’s bakes the bread fresh and the taste remains the original, first served in 1849.

Golden Gate Bakery

While San Francisco’s Chinatown is full of eateries excelling at dumplings, pork buns, and Peking duck, the most crowded eatery in the neighborhood remains the Golden Gate Bakery.

This bakery is said to have invented the fortune cookie. Their egg custard tart is a sweet, creamy pastry that often gets sold out within hours of opening the bakery.

The catch is that their hours are unpredictable: check this Facebook page and/or call before visiting!

Ghirardelli Square

For chocolate lovers, a visit to the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop at Ghirardelli Square is a must.

Here you can try samples, drink coffee and hot chocolate, buy the Ghirardelli chocolate bar, and eat hot fudge sundaes.

Buena Vista Cafe

The Buena Vista Cafe is located on the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf and is famous for its Irish Coffee.

his perfectly blended concoction of steaming coffee and Irish whiskey is topped with lots of whipped cream and is said to be the best in the country.

Taqueria El Farolito

This taqueria in the Mission District is said to be where the Mission-style burrito originated.

Chances are you have eaten a Mission-style Burrito before without realizing it!

This burrito is huge and has lots of extra rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, and other toppings. It tastes delicious!

The most-visited parts of San Francisco are very walkable.

And in fact, w e would say that you need to walk around to experience the vibe of this trendy west coast city.

The city’s crooked streets, uphill roads, and beautiful architecture can best be seen while walking. 

The majority of the tourist sites are located close together and the way we have planned this San Francisco 3 day itinerary, you can easily walk around the first two days.

For the third day, we recommend renting a car for the day just for Napa Valley if you would prefer not to sign up for an organized day trip .

That brings us to the question, what if you already have a car?

Even then, we would recommend parking it at your hotel or in a secure parking garage and exploring the city on foot.

Parking in the city is expensive and risky as unfortunately, car break-ins are quite common in touristy areas .

(If you do park a car, it’s imperative to follow international safety rules: leave absolutely nothing visible, let alone anything of value).

In addition, the roads are small and difficult to drive if you are not used to the steep hills and slopes.

What if you prefer to not walk? A better way to get around is to use ride-sharing services, including Lyft and Uber, as needed.

You can also ride the cable cars to get around the city. The bus and metro system – MUNI – is also convenient to get around using day passes.

Another great way to see the city is by biking. You can bike across the gate as well as to Napa Valley – though that is for experienced bikers. A variety of bike tours are available all over the city. 

Want to explore San Francisco by bike? This well-reviewed bike tour is a great way to get started!

When to Visit San Francisco , California

The best part about visiting San Francisco is that it is a year-round travel destination.

It never gets freezing cold in the city while unexpected foggy and rainy days cool the city during summer so you can ideally plan a trip any time of the year. 

That being said, San Francisco really shines in the fall from September to November .

The crowds are way lower than the peak summer season (when San Francisco’s weather–while still mild–is comparatively gray, unlike most of the country) and the temperature is warm enough to dip in the water. 

Another great time to visit is spring. The temperature is mild and while the city does receive April showers, it’s not as bad as further up along the coast in Northern California.

Plus, you can see spring blossoms across the city and wildflowers in the parks during spring break in California .

Summer is the peak travel season and tourists come from all over the country to enjoy the city’s attractions.

You may find huge crowds at popular destinations such as the Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Center and Lombard Street.

Also, hotel rates are on the high side. Be ready for sudden climate changes – high winds and dense fog – to spoil your day on the beach.

Winter is yet another great time to enjoy this 3 days in San Francisco itinerary.

During the holiday season, you can see the city decked up in lights and festive cheer.

Things can get chilly along the coast or at high altitudes like the Twin Peaks, so pack a jacket or sweater.

Also, be prepared for a few rainy days !

Considering which bucket list trips to hit next in the USA?

You can browse all of our USA blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• 19 Exciting West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary Ideas
• 11 Epic Day Hikes in the Grand Canyon (South Rim)
• Colorado Bucket List: 25 Cool Places to Visit in Colorado
• 25 Beautiful Places to Visit in California (Vacation Spots Not to Miss!)
• 15 Beautiful US National Parks to Visit in Winter (+ Tips!)

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2 thoughts on “The Ultimate 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary”

Awesome info, thanks so much. We are planning a California trip and spending 3 days in San Francisco. We have been warned to stay away from the Mission area though. Trying to decide between staying in Union Square or Marina area. Any advice greatly appreciated.

Since this was a guest post, I roped in the help of my friend Allison who’s a Bay Area native to answer your question. 🙂 She recommends Union Square for its central location and says that the Marina area is a bit out of the way.

Hope you have a great time!

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A Local’s Guide to 3 Days in San Francisco (The Best San Francisco Itinerary)

last Updated: August 21, 2023 california san francisco

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to California and looking for the perfect San Francisco itinerary? Keep scrolling for the ultimate 3 days in San Francisco! This guide will not only tell you what to do in San Francisco in 3 days, but where to stay, where to eat (top restaurants and sweet treats), how to get around, and all my favorite/unmissable activities. 

San Francisco is colorful, vibrant, and bohemian. And a million other things. It’s an interesting mix of first-wave gentrifiers, Tesla-driving techies, start-up entrepreneurs, and old-world immigrants. You could EASILY spend an entire week here and still find more to do. 

But you’ve only got 3 days? Don’t fret. We’ll squeeze a lot in.

Looking for a bombass itinerary for San Francisco? I’m your girl. After reading this behemoth of a blog post (really tho – I’m known to be exceptionally wordy), you’ll have not only fully planned out your 3 days in San Francisco, but learn where to get the best egg tart, best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and exactly how to dress to beat the fog.

I’ve been living in the Bay Area for over 6 years now (which is absolutely INSANE), and have grown to love the grittiness of San Francisco. Sure, some parts are rougher than others, but there’s just so much charm and whimsy to the city if you know where to look. 

Honestly though, cramming everything I really want you to do into a short 3 days in San Francisco was pretty damn tough. If you’ve got more time, check out this massive post of things to do in SF – it’s essentially a huge bucket list for the entire city (with more than 150+ places). I’ve still got a few to cross off myself! 

If this is your first time planning a trip to San Francisco, be sure to read THIS . It has all my tips for any first-time visitor. 🙂 Also, be sure not to miss these iconic SF experiences: 

• Golden Gate Bridge
• Cable Car Ride
• Palace of Fine Arts
• Ferry Building
• Alcatraz 
• Ghirardelli
• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Lands End 

Yes, some of them are not really my cup of tea, (Fisherman’s Wharf, cough cough), but if this is your first time to SF, you’ll probably wanna make a stop at the above San Francisco attractions. Like I said before, they really are iconic to the city!

Although the city is small (a mere 7×7 miles), there’s absolutely TONS to do here. And while you most definitely won’t be able to see it all in one day, let alone 3 days in San Francisco, booking yourself on a tour or using a hop-on, hop-off bus will make transportation that much easier. Because let’s face it, the public transportation in the city isn’t all that great (I use Uber whenever I can because surprisingly, it’s sometimes the cheaper option). 

But don’t worry, we’ll get into way more detail about all that a bit later. 

Psst → If you like stunning views and scrumptious food like I do, plan to visit North Beach (oh the pizza and cannolis), Crissy Field, the Lyon Street Steps, and Coit Tower during your 3 days in San Francisco. That combination is probably one of my favorites on this San Francisco itinerary.

Before we get into the exact 3 day San Francisco itinerary, we need to have a quick chat. About a few things, actually:

• First of all, never call San Francisco “San Fran” or “Frisco”. Just don’t — it’s a sure fire way to piss off a local. I promise. Call it SF or “the city” → those are the only two acceptable nicknames.  
• Parts of the city are downright dirty and a bit seedy. It’s all part of SF’s charm. Take it or leave it. ?
• San Francisco is expensive, there’s not many ways around it. Although there are a ton of cheapie food options that don’t break the bank. Mmm Souvla.

Weather/When to Visit San Francisco: 

Close your eyes and think of California. Do warm, sunny beach days and beautifully tanned lifeguards come to mind? Ha – not here in San Francisco! This is Northern California!

For starters, the temperature doesn’t really change too much throughout the year. Sure, we have our warm days, but the weather is pretty moderate and consistent. And Karl (the fog) likes to come out and play, a lot. 

• There’s SO much fog here, we even affectionately named him Karl – and yes, he even has an IG account!

To keep it super easy, just expect it to be around 60°F, partly cloudy, and a little breezy any given day of the week. 

But here’s the thing – it could be sunny and warm in one area, and then BAM, you walk a few neighborhoods over, and it’s as chilly as can be. SF’s just weird like that. And kinda annoying since you probably don’t wanna keep half your wardrobe with you at all times. 

To help figure out the best month to spend your 3 days in San Francisco, here’s a brief overview of our somewhat confusing “seasons”:

• Fall: clear, sunny, and warm (my top pick)
• Winter: rainy and chilly 
• Summer: foggy and wildly unpredictable
• Spring: practically non-existent 

“Summer in SF”: June, July, and August 

Yes, those quotes are there for a reason. What they say is true (and when I say “they” I really mean Mark Twain and every single local): “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” 

Really though, you’ll wanna pack a jacket . In summer.

If you’re planning your 3 days in San Francisco from June through August, you kinda never really know what you’re gonna get. The weather changes drastically from one day to the next, and even within the same day sometimes. 

For example, you could wake up to complete cloud cover/fog, and then as lunch time rolls around, it may burn off and warm up quite a bit. Or the opposite can happen — it’s warm and sunny in the morning, and then a thick layer of fog creeps in. Yuck! Go away Karl!

Best to have zero expectations, and just be prepared for change in temps. Always. 

Fall: September and October 

Wooo – finally some warmth! This is when you’ll see locals sunbathing in the parks, enjoying cocktails outside, and wearing shorts/skirts. Yes, we own them!

San Francisco is it’s warmest in late summer to early fall , typically late August to September/October. Can someone say Indian Summers (late summers)? And thankfully, there’s rarely any fog in the fall, making it the perfect time to spot the Golden Gate Bridge.

But note when I say warm, I really mean “warm”. Like mid-70s. It hardly gets truly hot hot hot here. Although we do unfortunately get heat waves on occasion (which is brutal because no one in the city has AC).

Spring: April and May

Spring is kinda short in SF, as we typically have two months or so of warm, sunny weather, and then the fog rolls in. And stays until September. 

You can expect temps to be in the mid-60s during the day, cooling off into the 50s at night.

Winter: November through March 

If you’re expecting a warm Californian winter, think again. November through March is the rainy season in San Francisco, although it’s typically light rain and there’s hardly any thunderstorms/downpours here.

But this light, drizzly rain is super annoying to walk in — especially if you’re sightseeing, so make sure to come prepared with a (warmish) rain jacket! 

The first time I visited SF as an adult (about 10 years ago – a few years before we moved here), I was astonished by the weather. In the worst way possible. We visited in December and it was chilly and raining. In CALIFORNIA! I couldn’t believe I had to wear my winter jacket the whole week. To say I was upset is a massive understatement. Don’t be me – understand the weather’s drastically different than what you probably imagine California to be. 

What to Wear in San Francisco: 

Yes, the microclimates are a real thing over here. If it’s ever too chilly in one area, head 10-15 minutes in another direction and you might just find some sun! The weather is wild over here. And because of that, you’ll always wanna dress in layers.

Tie a sweater around your waist, throw a light jacket in your tote, and/or wear a pashmina scarf (to later be used as a thin blanket if need be).

And once the sun goes down, say goodbye to any semblance of warmth. Warm summer nights are not a thing over here (like they are in New York City ), so you’ll need to bundle up for dinner and any other night time activities. 

To be honest, I’m always cold and always underdressed for the weather. I’m typically coming from work a few miles south which always feels at least 10 degrees warmer. You’d think I’d learn my lesson by now… 

Psst- just bring a pair of jeans, tee shirts, light sweaters/cardigans, a skirt or two (if you’re coming in fall), some rad light jackets, and you’ll be good to go. 

How to Get to San Francisco

FLYING 

You’ll wanna fly into San Francisco International Airport. And thankfully, since SFO is a major international airport, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding non-stop flights from other large airports. For reference, my family is usually able to find airfare for ~$300 from JFK, although it really depends on how flexible you can be.

→ Hot Tip: When searching for airfare, you can also check the fares into Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) in Santa Clara (an hour away) AND Oakland International Airport in the East Bay (30 minutes). While both are potentially further away (because you’ll undoubtedly run into some traffic), the cost savings may be worth it! And they’re both typically much quieter than SFO…

San Francisco is in the middle of oh so much in California! And it’s only a few hours drive from other major cities/California hotspots, including:

• San Jose : 1 hour | ~50 miles
• Sacramento : 1 ½ hours | ~ 90 miles
• Big Sur : 3 hours | ~150 miles
• San Luis Obispo : 3 ½ hours | ~230 miles
• Mendocino : 3 ½ hours | ~150 miles
• Los Angeles : 6 hours | ~400 miles

If you’re coming from other areas on the California coast, do note there’ll probably be some traffic, so plan accordingly. 🙂 

→ Spending 3 days in San Francisco during a much longer Pacific Coast Highway road trip?! Check out all my favorite PCH stops right here!

Getting to San Francisco from SFO

Most visitors to San Francisco don’t realize this, but the airport isn’t IN the actual city itself! SFO is roughly 15 minutes south of the city, in a town aptly named South San Francisco (I know it’s confusing, but SSF isn’t part of the city). 

But thankfully, it’s pretty quick and easy to get to downtown SF using public transportation or a ride sharing app like Uber/Lyft! 

Public Transit

If you wanna avoid all the potentially horrendous traffic, you’ll wanna take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to get into downtown San Francisco. It’s not hard, but can be a bit confusing if you’ve never done it before (don’t wanna get lost before your 3 days in San Francisco even start!). 

Follow the steps below and you’ll be in SF before you know it:

• Follow the signs for AirTrain (free tram service to all terminals)
• Take either the Red or Blue AirTrain line
• Get off at Garage G and BART stop in International Terminal G
• Buy your ticket ($9.65 one way or $19.30 roundtrip to downtown San Francisco) and board the train to San Francisco/Antioch 

Psst: San Francisco is working to move SFO to a Clipper-only fare payment system , which means you’ll need to pay an extra $3 to get a reusable card. But you’ll be able to use it for the duration of your San Francisco itinerary, so no major harm done! Just don’t lose it! 

Ride Shares

Uber and Lyft are pretty popular for getting from SFO to the city, and the fares are quite reasonable. If you have three or more people in your party, it may just make sense financially to choose one of these ride-sharing apps over public transit (considering BART is almost $10 per person). 

It typically costs about $30-$40 to get into the city, depending on the neighborhood you’re headed to. And you can save even more money by choosing “Uber Pool” if it’s just you and one other person.

How to Get Around San Francisco 

If you plan your days right, you can get around the city by walking. Yeah, you’ll definitely be walking quite a few miles during your 3 days in San Francisco, but hey, that just means you can stuff more burritos and dim sum into your mouth, right? 

Just beware – those hills are something else! Locals typically know which streets to avoid and how to meander through the city bypassing the intense vertical inclines, but I’ve done the hills – they’re not soooo bad. Just wear comfy shoes! 🙂

Public Transportation

I used to be pretty intimidated by the public transit in San Francisco. It just never seemed straightforward enough to me! I’m used to zipping around New York City via subway, and all the lines just make sense, no matter how many there are! 

Up until a few years ago, I would take Uber everywhere in San Francisco (true story). Then it became kind of expensive, so I finally learned how to get around via public transit. Kind of, haha. I still rely on Ubers if I’m only traveling short distances in the city.

It’s still kinda confusing and definitely not the best system in the world, but it’s decent enough I guess. I’ll try to explain it as best I can 🙂

Muni is SF’s bus and metro line running throughout the city. But there are not just buses and subways like you’d think. There’s buses and trains (the metro), and also cable cars and streetcars (which I’ll explain a bit more below). The buses run above ground and on streets, while the Muni Metro runs on rails and sometimes goes underground. 

Save some money (50 cents per ride!) by downloading the MuniMobile App and purchasing your tickets there.

Cable Cars and Street Cars (MUNI)

Cable cars are San Francisco’s historic transit cars, and they can be oh so much fun (despite not running everywhere). The cable cars are only located downtown, and run on three lines: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street.

→ Local Tip: Sure, you can actually get around parts of the city by cable car, but it’s not really the best way to explore the neighborhoods. I recommend adding it as a fun activity to your San Francisco itinerary. For the best views in the city, you’ll wanna take the Powell-Hyde line; jump on board near Market and Powell (you can’t miss it), take in the SF Bay and Alcatraz, and it’ll end near Ghirardelli Square. 

The city recently nixed the F-Line streetcar that ran up and down Market Street (all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf), so that’s not an option anymore.

Transportation Tip: If you’re ever unsure of schedules and/or routes, you can always call 511. Don’t be shy! There’s also specific Muni apps that have maps, routes, and times so you never get lost! Be sure to download them in advance as some metro spots are underground and have no cell service.

Like I mentioned earlier, I still take Ubers from time to time. Because quite honestly, the buses can be annoying and sometimes you still have to walk a bunch to get to where you’re going! 

Honestly, driving around SF kinda sucks. The streets are super hilly, full of one-way roads, and can be a tad confusing if you’ve never driven in a big city before.

And on top of all that, parking’s a bit of a gamble – sometimes you’ll get lucky, but sometimes you’ll need to put your car in an over-priced garage (spending unnecessary money).

If you wanna head out on any day trips or weekend trips from San Francisco (or even cross the bridge into Marin or Sausalito ), I highly suggest renting your car before or after you plan to spend your days in the city.

Tourist Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus

If you’re planning to spend time all over the city, it might be worth it to bite the bullet and get the Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket (it’s less than $50). The bus stops at over 20 locations, letting you explore at your own pace and getting back on from any stop. The bus will even cross the famed Golden Gate Bridge!

Most San Francisco city tours (including the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus) visit the following iconic city hotspots: Fisherman’s Wharf, Washington Square, Ferry Building, Embarcadero Center, Union Square, Painted Ladies/Alamo Square, Haight Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, Palace of Fine Arts, Marina Neighborhood, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and more. 

With all your transportation taken care of and early morning starts, it’s possible to see a good chunk of this list in just 2-3 days in San Francisco, depending on your pace and how much you stick around at each destination. 

Other public transport you may hear about:

BART runs primarily between the East Bay and San Francisco, as well connecting the northern parts of the SF Bay Peninsula to the city itself (including the airport). You won’t really need to take BART if you’re not visiting the East Bay, although it is a good option for getting into the city from SFO as mentioned earlier.

HOWEVER, if you have more than 3 days in San Francisco, I highly recommend heading to Berkeley and Oakland! Two of my favorite day trips from San Francisco , and the food is oh so good. 

CAL-TRAIN connects the SF Bay Peninsula (south of SF) to the city of San Francisco. There’s only two stops in San Francisco: 22nd Street and 4th & King (AT&T Park), so if you’re staying put in the city (and not visiting the peninsula), you don’t need to mess with the cal-train.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

To be completely honest, we haven’t stayed at too many hotels in the city. I mean, why would we? We’re so close, haha. Although we have done a few staycations at the Intercontinental SF and Hotel Carlton (not in the best area but around the block from cronuts at Mr. Holmes Bakehouse).

→ lots more San Francisco treats and sweets here !

Where you stay will greatly impact your 3 days in San Francisco. I can’t stress this enough – all the neighborhoods are drastically different with whole different vibes.

I recommend staying in the following neighborhoods: Hayes Valley, North Beach, Pacific Heights, the Marina, and Nob Hill. There’s tons of great restaurants over here, and these neighborhoods are pretty central to lots going on. 

AirBnB Recs in San Francisco:

• Perfect Haven near Golden Gate Park
• Sunny Mission Dolores/Noe/Bernal Studio
• Private Mid-century Modern Suite in Haight-Ashbury
• Picturesque Victorian in the Castro

→ Find lots more AirBnBs in San Francisco here!

Hotel Recs in San Francisco:

However, if you wanna stay where most tourists stay (but why?!), note that most hotels are either in the Fisherman’s Wharf area (ugh!) or near Union Square. Not my choice though. 

The one’s I’ve listed below are all kinda hip and funky, and not just a boring old hotel. I tend to enjoy boutique-y type hotels instead of classic ones, so if you’re on the same page, check these out below:

• Hotel Vitale (a Joie de Vivre boutique hotel right on the waterfront)
• The Proper Hotel (retro and eclectic with inspired touches of the Old World)
• Hotel Kabuki (a chic, beautiful boutique hotel in Japantown with zen-like public spaces)

Safety in San Francisco

Yeah, yeah – I hear you. Everyone coming to SF is always so worried about safety. And I get it – there’s probably a (much) higher number of homeless over here than you’re used to. And it’s a big city problem that unfortunately isn’t going away any time soon.

You’ll see “tent cities” in certain areas, and just a lot of filth and even human feces on the ground. 

A good deal of these people are either addicted to drugs and/or are battling mental illness. It’s honestly really sad and depressing when you actually take time to think about all these underlying issues, but please don’t let them deter you from visiting San Francisco.

Most of the time, they’re harmless; asking for some money for a burger or just keeping to themselves.

Use the same precautions and safety tips as you would in any big city around the world. Don’t flash expensive jewelry/electronics, keep your bag close to your body, and be aware of your surroundings. If you’re looking for more safety tips, I’ve written an entire post on the subject!

→ TONS of safety tips right here (geared towards solo female travelers, but applicable for anyone!)

If you’re extra worried, avoid the Tenderloin (although there’s good food there!). Union Square isn’t the prettiest either, so stay away unless you really wanna go shopping (but honestly, why? There’s so many better things to do with 3 days in San Francisco).

Additional Tips for Your 3 Day San Francisco Itinerary

• Although the city is pretty small and compact, I highly suggest planning out your 3 days in San Francisco in advance. I mean, you can kinda just wing it and explore the neighborhoods, I guess, but you’ll miss a lot of good stuff!
• I’m not in love with ALL of San Francisco, so just know this San Francisco itinerary is sending you to my favorite spots. For the record, the Fisherman’s Wharf area, Pier 39, and Union Square are tourist traps – not much culture and filled with crowds. 
• You’ll never be able to see the entire city with just 3 days in San Francisco, and there’s no need to rush it. Take it all in – there’s so many hidden gems and secret spots to explore.

And now, FINALLY, what you’ve come here for – the perfect 3 day San Francisco itinerary!  Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’ll stop rambling and get right to it!

Psst: This San Francisco itinerary is rather fast paced , so if you’d like a little more time to relax (cocktails, anyone?!), plan to spend either 4 or 5 days in San Francisco instead. I’ve included all the iconic must-do’s in SF on the 3-day plan below, as well as additional activities beyond that if you’ve got more time (you lucky duck you!). 

Here’s exactly how to start your 3 days in San Francisco:

A Local’s San Francisco Itinerary

Day 1 of 3 days in san francisco.

The first day of this San Francisco itinerary will take us to colorful mosaic stairways, all around Golden Gate Park and other woodsy areas, a super eclectic flower-power neighborhood, and of course the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. And some other favorites of mine. 

Stop #1: 16th Avenue Tiled Steps

Start off your San Francisco itinerary with something super creative and a bit different – the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps ! I mean, where else have you seen a staircase of mosaics?! If you look closely you’ll notice the design starts with the sea at the bottom, and turns into the stars and night sky up top. The steps were built by the community which makes them even more special. 🙂

Make sure you climb the stairs to Grand View Park (there’s 163 steps so a bit of an early morning workout!) for gorgeous views of the Pacific and Golden Gate Park. I’m kinda obsessed with this spot and always bring visitors here (and they’re amazed each and every time).

Local Tip: There’s another (just as colorful) set of stairs only a few blocks away. Walk on over to the Hidden Garden Steps if you have a thing for mosaic staircases (like I do). There’s actually a whole bunch of beautiful mosaic steps in the San Francisco — here’s all of them !

And if you’re feeling thirsty and swoon at intricate latte art (like I do), make sure you walk the few blocks over to HOME cafe. The colorburst birthday cake lattes are super instagrammable, and perfect for some early morning caffeine. 

Stop #2: All Around Golden Gate Park 

Golden Gate Park is HUGE, and many are surprised to learn it’s actually about 20% larger than New York’s wildly famous Central Park! Go for a stroll, find the bison paddock, and check off some SF attractions. 

You may want to explore the Japanese Tea Gardens for some impeccable architecture, the Cal Academy for some hands-on science-y stuff, or the Conservatory of Flowers for some, well, you guessed it, flowers! If you’re looking for some grub to fuel your hungry stomach, stop by the Sam’s Chowder Mobile for a lobster roll and/or some creamy clam chowder (best on a cool San Francisco day). 

• Psst → Golden Gate Park is not near the Golden Gate Bridge, so don’t expect to see bridge views here. We’ll be headed for those later, promise! 🙂

Because of the park’s size, there’s obviously a ton to do here! If you have more than 3 days in San Francisco, you can easily visit the park and all its attractions multiple times.

BUT if you only have a few hours allotted to Golden Gate Park in your San Francisco itinerary, you’ll wanna pick and choose your favorites below. You can do it all, but note it’ll probably take you the better portion of a day, so you’ll have to drop some other things off your SF itinerary.

Here are my favorite things to in Golden Gate Park:

• de Young Museum: Fine arts in a dramatic copper facade? What could be better? There’s usually a bunch of special exhibits (I once visited when the whole place was decked out in flowers!), but the permanent exhibits are pretty cool, too. Whatever you do, don’t miss the FREE views of the city from the Hamon Observation Tower! Open to everyone, even if you don’t have a ticket (just follow the signs upstairs). Check out the intriguing Turrell Skyspace exhibit outside, too.

• Japanese Tea Gardens: Nice day and wanna stay outside? Say hello to the koi fish and sip some tea at the Japanese Tea Gardens! There’s a bunch of pagodas resembling the real stuff in Japan, all nestled between lush gardens and horticulture. It’s not huge, but so well maintained you really feel the traditional Japanese culture here. And make sure to have some mochi!

• Conservatory of Flowers: A Victorian-era glass greenhouse with more than 2,000 plants and flowers! Whoa! Tons of biodiversity. Make sure to check out the lily pad room and the carnivorous plants. Oh — and the orchids; they’re beautiful! It really feels like you’re walking through a jungle at times! And if you don’t wanna pay, check out the grassy area outside – it’s typically filled with colorful flowers.
• California Academy of Sciences (Cal Academy): If you’re a science buff you’ve got to get yourself over to the Cal Academy – what us locals call it. It’s not just a natural history museum, but also an aquarium (with an albino alligator and lots of jellies) and a planetarium (with showings every hour). Promise me you won’t miss the tropical rainforest in the dome (it’s really cool!) and the living roof!

• Dutch Windmill: Spending your 3 days in San Francisco in early Spring? Come to the Dutch Windmill – the tulips are in full bloom meaning it’s the best time to visit! A great place for photos and to just chill out on the grass for a bit.
• Bison Baddock: Yup, there’s real-life bison living in Golden Gate Park. And no, they weren’t randomly placed here, haha. They were brought to San Francisco (here in GGP in particular) in 1891 when the species was close to extinction. And guess what they did? Repopulated! Over 100 calves were born in the captive breeding program over here. Woo! To be honest, they’re pretty lazy and don’t move around much, so don’t expect a whole lotta action over here.

• Stow Lake: Rent a paddle boat or a rowboat and get out onto the lake! There’s even a waterfall here! Best on a warm San Francisco day. Such a fun date idea if you’re crafting your 3 day San Francisco itinerary with your partner or bestie! Still on my SF bucket list!

Stop #3: Haight Ashbury Neighborhood

Get ready to get your hippy on, because The Haight was historically home to famous singers like Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix in the 1960’s. Expect some major flower power vibes over here!

We love strolling along Haight Street, checking out the bizarre although brilliant treasures found at boutiques scattered around. Don’t miss the extravagant hats at Goorin Bros , vivid tie-dye apparel at Love on Haight , and plenty of spooky taxidermy at Love to Death . 

Look up and you’ll see the dangling legs above Piedmont Boutique , which are pretty iconic to the neighborhood. Just a tip, if you can’t find it, it’s the shop with a giant pair of saucy legs hanging out the window!

And if you’re into thrifting , you’re in luck. The Upper Haight is arguably one of the best places to do so; you’ll just need a bit of patience.

Stop #4: Lyon Street Steps

Next up – the Lyon Street Steps, one of my favorite spots in all of SF, and a must on any outdoor lovers San Francisco itinerary!

With over 300 steps, this hefty climb is a strenuous workout that’ll leave your legs aching and heart racing. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be rewarded with the most marvelous city views. And psst – it’s really not toooo hard, and you’ll earn your snack break!

Or you can just park at the top and get the views without doing all the hard work (just start on Broadway instead). Don’t say I never shared my secrets. :p

No matter how you make it here, you’ll see the Palace of Fine Arts and the Presidio Forest from up top! Forget about any views on foggy days though. 

Local Tip: Take a walk around the neighborhood at the top of the steps – the homes are absolutely gorgeous (and a cool few million each, easily).

Stop #5: (BONUS) Lover’s Lane

I haven’t seen this on many other San Francisco itineraries, and I’m not sure why! It’s just a few minutes from the top of the Lyon Street Steps, and is (kinda) on the way to the Palace of Fine Arts, so why not?! 

• Psst: If you’re standing at the top of the steps looking down, the entrance to the park with Lover’s Lane will be right to your left… follow that path!

There’s not many places in San Francisco to wander throughout the forest, so I say go for it!

Promise me you won’t miss the one-of-a-kind Andy Goldsworthy art installation “Wood Line” hidden away within the lush eucalyptus forest. The unique zig-zags of the fallen tree trunks make for great photo ops!

And on your way to our next stop – the Palace of Fine Arts – you’ll pass by the Lucasfilm headquarters. Don’t miss a quick stop at the Yoda Fountain and the Recycled Water Pond!

Stop #6: Palace of Fine Arts

Next up on your 3 days in San Francisco — the stunning columns and rotunda of the Palace of Fine Arts! Stroll the grounds, gaze at the swans in the lagoon, and feel like you’re in Europe for a hot second or two. It really reminds me of Athens and Rome a bit!

• Fun history fact → the Palace of Fine Arts is one of the only surviving structures of the Pan-Pacific Exposition, originally constructed in 1915! It wasn’t built to last, but here we are 100 years later after a movement and full concrete rebuild – still standing. It was such a favorite that the people wanted it to stay! 🙂

An icon of San Francisco for sure, and not to be missed on any SF itinerary. I’ve seen people take graduation (and wedding!) photos at the Palace, and I even watched a proposal here not too long ago! 

It’s usually pretty crowded, but large enough to find your own spot on the grass to admire it for a few minutes. If you’ve got tons of time (but probably not much if you wanna see and do all the things on this 3 day San Francisco itinerary), lay out a picnic blanket and just relax.

Stop #7: The Golden Gate Bridge (3 OPTIONS!)

Finally — some bridge views! Were you wondering when the Golden Gate Bridge would (finally!) show up on this San Francisco itinerary? Don’t worry, the rest of the day is dedicated to the crimson cutie.

And since there’s just so much to see in SF, I’m giving you three options — all with great views of the Golden Gate Bridge! If you’ve skipped a few things on day 1 of this itinerary, you can probably make it to two of these spots below, but if you’re attempting to follow it, choose the one that sounds most appealing. 🙂

And if you’re looking for more even more perfect views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, check this out ! She’s a beauty, I don’t blame you! My other favorite spots include:

• Battery Spencer and Hawk Hill (my all-time favorite view; across the bridge in Marin)
• Golden Gate Overlook (a unique vantage point where you can frame the bridge with a couple of cypress trees)
• Kirby Cove (a quiet beach right under the bridge in Marin)
• East Battery (go on a weekday at sunset and it’ll probably be pretty empty!)
• Fort Point National Historic Site (probably the closest you’ll get to the bridge without actually being on it)

Option #1: Crissy Field and Golden Gate Bridge

Crissy Field is basically a huge grassy lawn — with the views of the bridge being some of the best in the entire city! We always take visitors here and they gasp every time! Even I still do, after living here for over 6 years…

On warm days, you’ll see locals enjoying picnic lunches, walking/playing with their dogs, tossing footballs, flying kites, and just enjoying the sunshine. And trust me, you can’t miss the Golden Gate Bridge from here – look to your left and voila! The bridge is standing right there!

AND there’s ample parking if you chose to rent a car.

If you wanna walk over the bridge, choose Crissy Field. There’s direct access to the bridge from a short hiking trail starting right near the grassy lawn. You’ll pass the Torpedo Wharf, the Warming Hut (where you’ll start your “hike” to the bridge), a whole bunch of stairs (not terrible, I promise), a small tunnel, and then the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, before finally making it onto the actual bridge. And of course there’s tons of viewpoints along the way. All this in roughly 30 minutes.

• Important Note: The bridge is 2 miles long, meaning it’ll be 4 miles roundtrip. But psst – there’s no reason to walk the entire length of the bridge. We typically walk to the first trough and then turn around. You’ll still get the same experience. 

Option #2: Baker Beach and/or Marshalls Beach

Choose this option if you’re not scared of a few naked people and wanna dig your toes into the sand. Yes, it’s clothing-optional. Well, part of the beach anyways.

Baker Beach: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and hang out at the beach for a bit! You won’t wanna go in the water (it’s way too cold for that!), but bring a blanket and just relax and take in the views of the bridge! It’s the most popular beach in the Presidio, so it’ll most likely be pretty crowded.

Marshall’s Beach: Marshall’s Beach is kinda a trek, and you’ll need to take the panoramic Batteries to Bluffs Trail all the way down (rated strenuous). BUT the beach is even closer to the bridge, so even more stunning. Also, this is where people let everything hang loose, so keep that in mind if you’re visiting with young kids or parents!

If the fog’s not impeding the view, Baker Beach and Marshall’s Beach are absolutely stunning, and my top choice if you just wanna relax and hang out (and not walk over the bridge of course). Just watch out for the nude sunbathers at Marshall’s and the north side of Baker Beach.

• SAFETY TIP: Don’t attempt to swim in the water at either beach. Large waves and rip currents make the water especially unsafe (no surfing, either). Come here for sunbathing, picnicking, and sand frolicking!

Option #3: Lands End Trail and Wander around Sea Cliff

Lands End is a bit further from the actual bridge, but the views are still top notch! And you’ll get to see some other spots worthy on any 3 day San Francisco itinerary! It’s the wildest, rockiest corner of San Francisco – known for historic shipwrecks and a history of landslides.

Up for a semi-moderate stroll through some dark cypress? Lands End takes you along the rocky and windswept shoreline of the city, with views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge! We always take visitors to Lands End , and they’re just as wowed as we always are. 

It’s not difficult per say, with some of the path being paved in the beginning, but the trail does turn into rocks and dirt and a few steep stairways. Wear appropriate footwear and you’ll be fine.

While you’re in the area, make sure to find these additional spots!

• Sutro Baths: The most western point of Lands End, and filled with history. Built in 1896, they were at one point the world’s largest indoor swimming pool. A fire unfortunately ruined the entire structure, leaving behind remnants for visitors to explore.
• Camera Obscura: Kinda a secret spot, and located right behind the popular Cliff House. What is it? Essentially, a giant pinhole camera (and it actually works – go inside!).

• Lands End Labyrinth: Another “secret” spot located on a cosy cliff corner within Lands End. Don’t miss taking a few photos here – the rock pattern overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge and is great for your IG feed.
• The Cliff House: Kinda expensive, but just go in for a quick snack if you can get in. The popovers are to die for. 

If you have a bit more time after your hike, wander around the Sea Cliff neighborhood for a bit! The houses are out of this world (and disgustingly expensive), and the Lincoln Park Steps are right here (leading to Lands End, actually).

Then, go pick something out on my HUGE list of restaurants in San Francisco for dinner. 🙂

Day 2 San Francisco Itinerary

Day two of this 3 day San Francisco itinerary focuses on more of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. And yup, that means more food included! If you’re eating, drinking, walking around, and taking in the views, you’re doing SF right, just FYI 🙂

I do have to mention that today’s itinerary includes a whole lotta food. Pick and choose your favorites, as you probably won’t be hungry for everything! 

Stop #1: Brenda’s French Soul Food for Brunch

I’m begging you to come here for brunch on Day 2 of this San Francisco itinerary – the crawfish beignets are that good. But get the beignet flight so you can try them all (plain, chocolate, apple pie, and crawfish). And ohh the biscuits – they’re carb heaven. And the benedicts. Basically anythings good.

But you gotta be willing to wait, especially if you’re going for brunch on the weekend. If you can plan your days right, you’ll have a much quicker time getting in during the week.

Soul food not your thing? Other popular brunch spots in the area are Jane on Larkin, Dottie’s True Blue Cafe, and Honey Honey Cafe & Crepery .

And if you wanna see what all the cronut craze is about, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse isn’t too far. The cronuts start selling at 9am, and sell out shortly thereafter, so get on line a bit before nine if you wanna get a few. And if you don’t get one of those coveted stickers (meaning you’re guaranteed a cronut), don’t fret – everything’s pretty good. 

Stop #2: Japantown for Ramen and exploring

Japantown is one of my favorite areas on this San Francisco itinerary. Why?, you might ask? Besides the fact that my husband and I are basically obsessed with Japan , there’s just so much good food here! I salivate just thinking about the noodles!

• And psst: it’s one of three Japantowns still in the U.S. today!

My favorite spot for some brothy goodness? Marufuku Ramen – easily. Slurp up some ramen – mmmm the noodles (my favorite’s the tonkatsu). 

I need to let you know that you’ll find a longgg wait no matter when you come (sometimes up to an hour or so.) Yes, this place is THAT good (and worth the wait).

Put your name down as soon as you get to Japantown, and then take the time to walk around the plaza. While waiting, check out these other things to do in Japantown: 

1. Try some Japanese snacks! A few recommendations: sip away at a sweet potato latte from YakiniQ Cafe , satisfy your sweet tooth with a Geishi Float or over-the-top crepe from Belly Good Cafe , eat your weight in black sesame taiyaki ice cream from Uji Time (always get the mochi), munch on crunchy spring rolls from Kui Shin Bo , or slurp on kim chi from Daeho Kalbijjim .

And if you can’t decide, get some takoyaki octopus balls (better than they sound, I promise). Just don’t fill up too much because remember – there’s ramen to be slurped!

2. Take silly photos at PikaPika. Never heard of purikura? They’re basically next level Japanese photo sticker booths and oh so much fun!

3. Check out the Peace Pagoda right outside Japan Center (presented to the city from Osaka as a symbol of peace and unity!)

If you don’t feel like waiting, there’s plenty of other worthy ramen shops (including Waraku and Hinodeya Ramen Bar → both tried and tested and approved by me!). 🙂

Stop #3: Painted Ladies/Alamo Square

Any San Francisco itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the iconic Painted Ladies. I mean, the Victorian houses are one of the most photographed attractions in San Francisco, and it’s easy to see why. AND there’s clean public bathrooms here (a rarity in the city)!

Don’t leave without a short wander through Alamo Square Park – the views are great! There used to be a shoe garden over here filled with plants, but the city removed them since they weren’t biodegradable. Just one of the many eccentric charms of SF that used to be. 

Local Tip: Many people think they recognize these Victorian houses from Full House, but that’s actually not the case! Those are over at 1709 Broderick! 

Any Mrs. Doubtfire fans? Wander down Steiner Street (a few minutes from Alamo Square) – it’s where the movie was filmed! Although the actual house in the film – 2640 Steiner Street, is about a 25 minute walk away so just walk a bit 🙂

Stop #4: Boutique shopping in Hayes Valley

Hayes Valley is right by Alamo Square, so you may as well pop on over and browse the local boutique shops. They’re kinda upscale, so if you weren’t planning on dropping some cash, just do some window shopping.

If you’re not feeling burritos for lunch (next stop on this SF itinerary), I like Souvla (for gyros), a Mano (for fresh pasta), and Suppenkuche (for weiner schnitzel) in Hayes Valley. 

Stop #5: Mission Burritos and Murals

The Mission is known for two things, and two things only: the ever-so-delicious Mission burrito, and colorful, mural-filled alleyways.

Mission Burritos

What’s a Mission Burrito and why’s it so special? Well for starters, it’s absolutely gigantic and always bursting at its seams (aka I always have leftovers). And besides it’s size, you’ll find extra ingredients within – the perfect combo of rice, beans (always whole, never refried), avocado, sour cream, pico de gallo, and of course some grilled meat. 

For Mission burritos, stop by either El Farolito or La Taqueria – two local favorites down the block from each other. Get the carne asada, it’s droolworthy and then some. The burritos are larger-than-life (they really are – they last me 2 meals!). So beware – if you’re not 1000% starving, I recommend sharing. Bring cash as they don’t accept cards.

You just cannot visit the Mission without stumbling upon its colorful, mural-filled alleyways. Every single surface is painted (sides of houses, fences, garage doors, etc).

For murals and street art, head on over to Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley . The murals here are not just intricate works of art – the pieces have meaning, teaching about gentrification, modern politics, and the immigrant experience in SF.

They’re thought-provoking, heart-breaking, and downright touching. Don’t miss the Women’s Building nearby, completely covered by the MaestraPeace mural, and the Santana Mural on 19th.

Stop #6: Mission Dolores Park

Sunny day in SF? You’ll find everyone and their mother flocking to Dolores Park to spend the afternoon. Expect to find people playing frisbee/handball, jamming out, laying out on blankets, playing with their pups, and just enjoying the spectacular views of the city’s skyline (and yes, we have palm trees in northern California). There’s even a public bathroom here, yay! 

• Local Tip: Walk to the top of the hill for the best views of the city below!

Two spots I suggest checking out for a snack depending on your mood:

• Tartine Manufactory : The ultimate pasty heaven (and the loaves of bread…mmm)
• Bi-Rite Creamery : Homemade organic ice cream (my favorite’s the salted caramel)

Still kinda hungry after your burrito? Walk the few blocks to Media Noche for some bomb Cuban food.

Stop #7: Twin Peaks for sunset

One of the best views in all of San Francisco! And my favorite time of day to go? – at sunset, as long as there’s no fog limiting the view. You can see every iconic bridge, building, and the bay from up here. And it’s one of the only 360 degrees views in the city!

• Psst — Bring a jacket, as it’s usually pretty windy up here. 

I highly recommend you grab an Uber/Lyft to Twin Peaks unless you’re ready to climb a decent sized hill!

Note that the Twin Peaks area has unfortunately gotten a bad rep over the years, and is frequented by some not-so-wonderful people come nightfall. Be sure to keep your cameras in sight (might not be the best idea to set up a tripod or self-timer iphone here) and stay with your friends. It’s beautiful and shouldn’t be missed, just something to know in advance.

Day 3 San Francisco Itinerary  

On Day 3 of this San Francisco itinerary, you’ll notice a few areas that are just so downright touristy you can choose to skip them if you want. I’ve included them because they’re pretty iconic to SF, so if you’re looking for the typical tourist experience, just know they’re in here! Psst – I’m talking about Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. 

Stop #1: Shopping in Union Square, then a ride on the Cable Car

Union Square has it all, despite not having any charm whatsoever (in my honest opinion). There’s upscale designer shopping, trendy boutiques, live entertainment, art galleries, and plenty of people watching. But it’s also kinda filthy, a bit seedy, and rather unpleasant smelling, so choose for yourself if you wanna spend your precious time here. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so!

• You won’t see locals hanging out here. The only time I choose to visit Union Square is during the holidays, when the city gets all decked out for Christmas.

After a bit of shopping, it’s time to head north via cable car! As mentioned earlier, the cable cars are San Francisco’s historic transit cars, and are quite fun if you’ve never been on one before.

You’ll wanna hop on the Powell-Hyde line. Jump on board near Market and Powell (you can’t miss it), take in the SF Bay and Alcatraz, and it’ll end near Ghirardelli Square.

Psst: If you’re just looking for a cute photo op and don’t necessarily feel the need to hop on, there’s typically one parked a few blocks up.

Stop #2: Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square (Optional)

You can easily walk to our next stops after your cable car adventure if you feel they’re pertinent to your San Francisco itinerary – Fisherman’s Wharf , Ghirardelli Square, and Pier 39 . However, if you did any research prior to landing upon this article, you know that these spots are super popular amongst tourists and therefore rather absolutely ridiculously unnecessarily crowded. My honest opinion – SKIP them.

They aren’t my favorite places in the city , but if you’re looking to cross the top tourist spots off during your 3 days in San Francisco and want some epic ice cream sundaes (who doesn’t), plan to spend a bit of time here. 

Expect a decent line at Ghirardelli , but don’t fret – it goes pretty fast and the ice cream’s worth it. And don’t miss out on the free chocolate samples inside the shop! If you don’t feel like waiting on the crazy long line for some sundaes, check out Baked Bear for custom-made ice cream sandwiches. 

Spend a few moments taking in all the craziness that is Fisherman’s Wharf and look out for the sea lions basking in the sun at Pier 39, as I wouldn’t give this tourist trap more than a few minutes of your time. Although I do recommend a quick visit to the murals of Umbrella Alley — that’s where you’ll find the Greeting’s From San Francisco mural and a whole bunch of other colorful art pieces.

And if you’re looking for actual food food, head on over to In-N-Burger (for some animal fries and a burger) or Boudin Bakery & Cafe (for some famous clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls), two California staples worthy of a spot on any 3 day San Francisco itinerary.

Stop #3: Lombard Street

Twisty, twisty Lombard Street is up next – and thankfully it’s only about a 15 walk or so from our last stop. This street has been oh so famous for oh so long – with it’s beautifully landscaped flower beds and hairpin curves. 

Beware that this is a very popular destination for visitors (although I’m sure you already knew that), so it’ll undoubtedly be pretty crowded. 

There’s even been talks of making Lombard Street a fee area, meaning cars will have to pay a set fee in order to drive down. We’ll see!

Check out the views from the top of the hill, walk down the stairs adjacent to the twists and bends, and take in the views once again from the bottom.  Come early – you may even see a few self-driving cars learning the route! 

A few (important) things to note:

• People actually live here. Those immaculate houses on the way are people’s homes. Please be respectful. This means absolutely no trash left behind, keeping your noise level down, and no venturing onto private property.
• Yes, you can drive down the 8 hairpin curves of Lombard (if you’re renting a car, which I honestly don’t recommend if you can avoid it). It’s a one-way street, so be sure to head to Hyde at the top if driving down is on your San Francisco itinerary.
• Lombard is a huge street, and only a small section is windy. Head to the intersection of Lombard and Hyde, and you’ll get right to the top. You’ll even see the squiggles on Google Maps!
• And get this: it’s actually not the curviest street in SF (despite what everyone thinks). You’ll find that over on Vermont Street. 

Stop #4: Views from Coit Tower

If you’re feeling extra motivated, climb the dozens (upon dozens) of stairs to reach the top where the base of Coit Tower stands. The walk really is beautiful through gardens, and you may be lucky and spot a wild parrot (you’ll probably hear them before you see them).

If you don’t have the energy to walk up, you can always take an uber to the base of the tower, but be prepared to get stuck in traffic.

Once you reach the top, it’s $8 to take the elevator to the tippy top which will reward you with panoramic 360 degree views of the city. If you’ve seen enough views for the day (urm, what?!) and don’t feel like spending more dough, you can always check out the murals (for free) at the entrance.

Stop #5: Late Lunch in North Beach

A 5 minute walk will get you to one of my favorite neighborhoods in all of San Francisco – North Beach!

North Beach is steeped in Italian heritage, so of course you gotta take advantage of the food! 

Grab some lunch at one of the Italian restaurants in the area, with Golden Boy Pizza being one of my faves for some fresh sicilian slices (cash only).

Other recommendations include: The Homemade Italian Company (we love the pesto gnocchi and meatballs), Original Joes (for some ravioli and decadent butter cake), Mama’s On Washington Square (not Italian per say but great for brunch if you can get in), or Molinari Delicatessen (if you’re in the mood for some sandwiches).

Don’t miss the following in North Beach:

• A cannoli at Stella Pastry & Cafe (my favorite all-time place)
• Browsing through the books at City Lights Bookstore (a favorite since 1953)
• Some fresh focaccia bread from Liguria Bakery (although they close when they run out, so you may run outta luck if you’re getting here later on)

Get your pizza (and cannoli) to go, and sit on the grass at Washington Square Park with fantastic views of Saints Peter and Paul Church (it’s a real beauty, you’ll see). 

PSST → You can choose to conquer Coit Tower before or after your pizza – judge your hunger level (but visit Coit Tower first if you don’t want to have to backtrack a few minutes).

Stop #6: Chinatown 

Believe it or not, this is one of the oldest and most established Chinatowns in the entire USA! 

Wander around Chinatown for a bit and take a stroll down Grant Avenue . Yes, this is the picturesque tourist street with lots of tourist shops (think: tacky souvenirs!), Chinese lamp posts, and a bunch of red lanterns strung between buildings. It’s beautiful, and there’s lots of culture over here.

Don’t miss the following in Chinatown:

• Snapping a photo of the iconic Dragon’s Gate (the official entrance into Chinatown)
• Standing on a line for an egg tart at Golden Gate Bakery ; that is, if you happen to find them open, of course. The bakery closes randomly all the time, (sometimes even for weeks at a time — crazy!), and they don’t really have set hours. And yes, they’re that good; on par with the one’s I’ve had in both Hong Kong and Lisbon .

• Watching fortune cookies being made on a free tour at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory (they’re only open Thursday through Sunday, and close up shop around 6pm, so it may not work out… just FYI)
• Devouring some mooncakes, sesame balls, and coconut bread at Eastern Bakery and a few pork buns at Good Mong Kok Bakery (don’t worry, the line moves fast)

But the real reason I’m sending you to Chinatown – for signature Chinese mai tais at Li Po Cocktail Lounge . This cocktail dive bar has been around for ages (dating back to 1937!), and it’s weird and tacky vibe is surprisingly super fun. Be careful though, even I can throw back a few, and that’s saying something… 

Stop #7: Alcatraz Night Tour: 5:30PM → eat an early dinner right before

Head back to the Embarcadero, because off to Alcatraz we go! I couldn’t possibly leave this off our very in-depth 3 day SF itinerary.

And the night tour is just that much more eerie! I always suggest that to people who are looking for a bit more spooky adventure.

• Since there’s not as many ferry timings for the night tour, you’ll wanna make your reservations ASAP. And plan to eat an early dinner beforehand (in Chinatown, perhaps), as exploring Alcatraz will take a few hours.

This notorious prison served as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963, housing famous criminals such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman”. Once you arrive on Alcatraz Island, take the cellhouse audio tour in order to hear the tales of those who lived there all those years ago, including the inmates, correctional officers, and more. 

Learn about the 14 escape attempts by over 30 prisoners, many who were caught, several shot, or had drowned in the chilly San Francisco Bay. It’s true – no one ever successfully escaped alive. It really is an interesting and intriguing place – and the views from Alcatraz are absolutely swell as well!

Although the ferry ride only takes roughly 10-15 minutes, you’ll need to arrive at the terminal (Pier 33) 30 minutes prior to your ferry departure time. Be sure to factor this into your day!

No visit to SF is complete without visiting Alcatraz , trust me.

So there ya have it – exactly how I’d spend 3 days in San Francisco if it was my first time visiting!

BUT WAIT! Have an extra day? Lucky enough to be spending 4 days in San Francisco?! Take a day trip – there’s plenty to choose from !

If this is your first time in the area, I highly recommend heading up north to either Napa Valley/Sonoma or the towering redwoods at Muir Woods. And if you’re looking for a jam-packed, adventure-filled day, you can certainly do both in one trip, since you’ll essentially have to pass Muir Woods before getting to wine country. 

Wanna see a bit of the coastline instead? Take a quick Uber ride to either Pacifica (tons of coastal hiking over here) or Half Moon Bay (a quaint beach town right on the coast).

→ Read Next: 30+ Day Trips from San Francisco

Loo king for more California content? Explore my other California guides here!

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August 11, 2020 at 10:54 am

I’ve been so depressed cooped up in my apartment in Union City, Ill have to give some of these stops a go this weekend since a lot can be done social distanced. Also hi there, Bay Area neighbor!

December 26, 2020 at 8:29 am

Thank you for sharing this very detailed travel article about San Francisco. Perhaps the special highlight of this city is the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge is designed in red and yellow that stands out all the time. I like to see the bridge the most in thick foggy weather.

July 12, 2021 at 8:45 pm

This is great info, I love all the suggestions in researching what to do in SF. I'm thinking what I would have also liked would be if you said how you were getting from place to place, like did you walk or did you have to get an Uber? Not being familiar with the city, I feel like I need to go back and reread this now, and put them all into Google maps to see where they are in relation to each other, how far, etc.

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Perfect 4 Days in San Francisco Itinerary for first timers

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San Francisco is the awesome city of California and one of the bucket-list places that you shouldn’t miss. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States of America. Our 4 days in San Francisco Itinerary was amazing, as we explored the city highlights and more. 

Salil has traveled to San Francisco numerous times, but it was my first trip to the city. And this San Francisco Itinerary is definitely a MUST read for all first-time visitors. Salil is lucky his family lives there and is acquainted with neighborhoods (where to live, work) and what to see as a tourist. Because you only have 4 days in San Francisco I am sure you are seeking to cover the best sites and attractions as possible in a short period of time. This is where our expert itinerary comes into place – written with combined efforts of a frequent traveler and San Francisco locals . 

The city is known for its Mediterranean weather (where temperatures remain moderate all year round and rarely gets any snow in winter), amazing landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown district, Alamo Square (Full House shoot location), cable cars, Sausalito, Coit Tower, to name a few.

Over the years, San Francisco has received several nicknames by locals, tourists, and magazines. Nicknames include “The City by the Bay”, “Fog City”, “San Fran”, and “Frisco”. It is also affectionately called “The Paris of the West”, or simply “The City”. 

Perfect 4 Days in San Francisco Itinerary for first-timers

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

How to spend 2 to 4 days in San Francisco 

If you really plan your trip well and book attractions ahead of time, you can explore the city highlights of San Francisco in 2 days or a weekend in San Francisco.

• Day 1 – Explore city highlights like Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz, Chinatown
• Day 2 – Continue with city highlights like the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito. Use the 2 days hop on and hop off bus tour to get to these places . We found it to be super convenient.
• Day 3 – See more of San Francisco (you can switch them to any of the above days) by exploring the City Hall, SF MOMA, experience a cable car ride
• Day 4 – Get out of the city for a wine tasting tour or a national park tour from San Francisco . We highly recommend doing a tour instead of driving all the way and back to the city (and then catch a flight the next day) 
• Additional options: Road trip options from SF

Planning a trip to San Francisco Itinerary 4 days 

Ways of getting to San Francisco 

San Francisco is well connected via air and roadways. San Francisco’s airport is located within San Mateo County. (San Francisco International Airport)

• There are many ways to reach the SF city from the airport. Get San Francisco airport transfer to and from the city here (car) .
• Or public transport here – This transit pass includes access to the airport, shopping areas, downtown and more
• If you are flying to San Francisco, look for cheaper flights to San Jose. San Jose is located 50 minutes away from the San Francisco Airport. Accommodation (hostels and hotels including Airbnb accommodation) will be slightly cheaper in San Jose as compared to San Francisco. 
• Using CalTrain to reach San Francisco from San Jose, Standford, Menlo Park, Mountain View to reach San Francisco – If you are staying in any one of these suburbs, then utilizing the Cal Train will save you money. Typically the train journey from the suburban areas to San Francisco takes 30 – 45 minutes. The Caltrain is valid per zone and with crossing each “zone” the fare prices are slightly different. One way ticket costs between $3.75 to $15 (for all 6 zones). A day pass is generally cheaper, so definitely consider buying one if you will be using the Cal Train multiple times a day. Check  Caltrain fares here

Where to Stay in San Francisco?

There are luxurious options for accommodation in San Francisco. Some of them offer stunning views of the sea and the Golden Gate Bridge and some come with great hospitality.  The hotels mentioned here are located near Fisherman’s Wharf (the itinerary is structured with the Fisherman’s Wharf as the starting point, meaning less travel time for sightseeing).

We normally choose a centrally located hotel (in the mid-range budget), so that sightseeing and exploration are easy. Depending on your budget (and the season of travel – peak or off-season), you might find one of the hotel recommendations to suit better than the others. We have included both luxury and budget options for San Francisco hotels. 

Luxury Hotels 

Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco – Upscale hotel located near the Fisherman’s Wharf

• Great location, close to sightseeing spots in San Francisco
• 4-star hotel with stylish rooms, pool, and a heated outdoor pool
• Book your stay at the Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf

Stanford Court San Francisco – 4-star hotel located in the Financial District

• Good location – access to tourist spots
• Elegant rooms, good hospitality
• Awesome views and on-site café
• Book your stay at Stanford Court San Francisco

Mid-range 

White Swan Inn – 3-star bed and breakfast style hotel

• Located in the financial district – good location and accessibility
• Rooms come with a vintage (floral décor). Good value room rates
• The INN does wine socials and provides gourmet breakfast (and cookies)
• Book your stay with White Swan Inn 

USA Hostels San Francisco – Hostel

• Modern hostel, with amenities (location)
• Free breakfast (and Wi-Fi)
• Hostel conducts group activities as well
• Check out USA Hostels San Francisco

Pro- tip: You may also consider staying in San Jose or MountainView. The only thing to remember is the commute (roughly 45- 50 minutes one way and the fare). Click here to browse for San Jose hotels OR hotels in MountainView . Food or access to trains is easy from these two areas to San Francisco.

Map & Sightseeing Tips: 4 days in San Francisco Itinerary 

For sightseeing in San Francisco, we recommend using the hop on and hop off sightseeing tour for 1 or 2 days. During our visit, we used the 2-day pass. Most tours commence at the Fisherman’s Wharf – so it makes sense to explore this attraction first and then join the bus route. Grab your hop on and hop off city pass 48 hour with Alcatraz tickets. 

This 48-hour pass is a good value for transport to city attractions for 2 days. It also includes a tour of Alcatraz, tickets to Madame Tussauds, and a 45 minute night tour. 

Day 1 of San Francisco Itinerary – Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz Island, Chinatown

Fisherman’s wharf.

Start your first day in San Francisco with some coffee and crepes at the Fisherman’s Wharf. Take a stroll, enjoy the lovely breeze as you start your day exploring this new city.

Fisherman’s Wharf is a well-known neighborhood in San Francisco and quite popular with tourists. This touristy neighborhood is located along the waterfront area of San Francisco. It is filled with sea-food restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores. Most day tours to the San Francisco area and around, start at the Fisherman’s Wharf.

Fisherman’s Wharf has a long history, it speaks volumes of the sea and the fishing community and its contribution to the state. To learn more about the city’s past in a unique way, hop on a cable car for sightseeing. This one also includes an optional walking tour (s). You can learn all about it here. This tour is perfect if you wish to explore the major highlights (minus all the research work). 

Within walking distance are the Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39, Pier 35, and the Ferry Building. Ghirardelli Square is a restored neighborhood that once housed a Ghirardelli chocolate factory. Today it is a sprawling retail square.

Pier 39 is another shopping center located at the Fisherman’s Wharf. There are tons of activities to indulge in at the Pier 39. Although very touristy, every day is a big festival here – with balloons, cotton candy, food, souvenirs, and whatnot. This center is usually quite busy and is better to explore in the early hours when it opens.

On the east side of the Pier 39 is the Pier 35 – the largest cruise terminal in San Francisco. You will also notice a big terminal close by, it is the Ferry Building. The Ferry Building was constructed and opened in the latter part of the 19th century. The bell at the Ferry Building was inspired by the Giralda bell tower in Seville Spain .

After all the sightseeing (and walking), settle down for brunch (or an early lunch) at the Fisherman’s Wharf. Try some fish and chips, with a light beer (c’mon, you are on vacation).

Alcatraz Island

From Fisherman’s Wharf, you will see an island far away. That is Alcatraz Island . I remember watching a documentary on Discovery Channel about the Alcatraz prison and the atrocities meted out to the prisons – it is scary and gruesome . Today guided tours are available for visitors who wish to learn about its history.

The Alcatraz Island first came into prominence when a Spaniard mentioned about Alcatraz – the land of pelicans. Over the years, a lighthouse was created for sea safety.

Due to its isolated location, Alcatraz was later used as a military fortification and a federal prison. When the federal prison was in operation, it was believed to have kept the hard criminals at bay. Most notorious of them all was Al Capone, who was imprisoned here. It is also believed that no one has ever escaped this prison.

You can take a guided tour of Alcatraz Island. You will have to take a ferry (15-minute ride on way) to reach the island and back (another 15 minutes), with a 1.50 to 2 hour guided tour at the island. Here is a guided tour of Alcatraz with city tour.

After exploring Alcatraz Island, it will be late afternoon. If you want to relax and take your mind off from the dark history of Alcatraz, then head to Chinatown. It roughly takes about 12 minutes to reach Chinatown from the Fisherman’s Wharf.

Chinatown in San Francisco is the oldest Chinatown in North America. It was built in the mid 19th century and portrays the stories of Chinese immigrants to the country. What will take your heart away are the red lanterns that are hanging all over the neighborhood, along with the dragon gate. It is worth taking a stroll here and enjoying the ambiance.

Everything here looks like you are in a different world altogether. This neighborhood had maintained many of the old traditions and customs for years.

If you are hungry or if you LOVE Chinese food, try the hot and sour soup, with Schezwan Chicken and noodles for dinner. They are delicious.

After ChinaTown, you can either call it a day or spend some time at the Union Square area before heading to your hotel.

Day 2 of San Francisco Itinerary – Explore Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, Palace of Fine Arts, Japanese Tea Gardens, Sausalito

Day 2 of San Francisco Itinerary is to check off the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is the city of San Francisco’s iconic landmark. So much so it is sometimes used synonymously with San Francisco as well.

Golden Gate Bridge Park Area

The Golden Gate Bridge   is an engineering marvel and a California Historical Landmark. Today there are other areas like the Crissy Field, Palace of Fine Arts, and the Japanese Tea Garden –  which form a part of the Golden Gate Recreational Area.

As you might already know, the Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge. You can reach there by car or train or by taking a bus tour. Once you are at the bridge, you can walk across (like I did and took pictures) the bridge, learn about the bridge’s history and mechanisms at the information center or picnic at the Crissy Field. This bridge was part of my USA Bucket list for years, and I am glad I was able to check it off!

You might also like: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Crissy Field

Allot 2-4 hours at the Golden Gate and the nearby recreational area. If you love to walk or take a light hike, then head to the Crissy Field .

You can easily reach the Crissy Field by arriving at Fort Point (located just below the Golden Gate Bridge). Originally used as a military airfield, today it is home to some of the stunning views of San Francisco. You can hike, bike, or picnic here (they have designated picnic areas). Be camera ready for photographs.

Palace of Fine Arts

Located close to the Crissy Field is the Palace of Fine Arts . It is a monument structure that was built in 1915, for the Panama Pacific Exposition for an art exhibition. The original structure was completely demolished, with only the steel frame remaining on site. It was reconstructed later with lighter concrete material and walkways, and other structures were built around it.

The Palace of Fine Arts gives a twist to the landscape with its Greco-Roman details. It is a popular event and wedding venue.

At the Golden Gate Park and nearby recreational area, you will find restaurant options for lunch (includes Crissy Field and Golden Gate Information centre – small café)

Japanese Tea Gardens

From the Palace of Arts, head to the Japanese Tea Gardens . These gardens were created as part of the World’s Fair and this oldest public gardens just stayed after the Fair/exposition. Over the years, many improvements and additions were made. The gardens are beautiful with Buddhist and Shinto religious structures and tons of greenery all around. My favorite structure here was the pagoda .  Isn’t it pretty?

The Japanese Gardens also has a tea house. Try some matcha tea here.

After a fun-filled but relaxing day at the Golden Gate, I think there is still time for absorbing more stunning views of the Bay City. Let’s head to Sausalito.

Located just a ferry ride away is the community of Sausalito. Sausalito is situated at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. From the Golden Gate Bridge (south side of the bridge) it is about a 10-kilometer walk/drive to cross the bridge and reach Sausalito. It is a perfect way to enjoy a romantic dinner in this lively waterfront (but expensive and luxurious) neighborhood.

Sausalito gets a steady stream of visitors due to its close proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge. Sausalito is a waterfront community and so you will find houseboats of all shapes and sizes, yachts, and of course fancy restaurants facing the Golden Gate and the sea.

Depending on what time of the day you arrive in Sausalito, there are a few things worth doing here

• Vista Point – No matter what time of day you arrive here, Vista Point (lookout) offers panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge
• Battery Spencer – This is another observation deck that is open for 24 hours. This historic fort with give uninterrupted and unspoiled views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay area
• Rodeo Beach – Great for taking a stroll after dinner or just to watch the sunset in Sausalito.

Day 3 of San Francisco Itinerary – Alamo Square, City Hall, Cable Car Ride, Lombard Street

Alamo square and painted ladies.

Day 3 of San Francisco starts with a beautiful morning at the Alamo Square. The Alamo Square Park is a residential neighborhood in San Francisco that was popularized with the TV sitcom “Full House”. Today visitors of the park and the city admire the painted ladies and you can take a stroll or picnic here at the park square. Try to arrive in the morning to enjoy the uninterrupted views (and also to score a parking spot).

Spend as much as time as you like. This place does get busy around noon, so time to head for lunch.

San Francisco City Hall

After lunch, head to the City Hall, located just 5 minutes away from Alamo Square. The San Francisco City Hall is the administrative seat of government for the City and County of San Francisco, California. San Francisco City Hall Docent Tour Program provides guided tours to the public. Tours are for 45 minutes to 1 hour in duration.

If you do not wish to tour the City Hall, we would still recommend admiring the monument’s architecture from the outside– it is beautiful.

SF MOMA – San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is attracting locals and visitors alike to its 170,000 square feet of gallery space in Bay City.

It is newly renovated with more displays on every floor (and more stairs). Tickets for adult entry are $25 USD (you can save up to 45% with the San Francisco City Pass). The SF MOMA is open Friday–Tuesday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and until 9 p.m. Thursday. They are closed Wednesdays. You can easily spend 2-4 hours here. More about the SF MOMA activities.

Get the entry tickets to the SF MOMA here

Cable Car ride at Union Square to Lombard Street

From the SF MOMA, head to Union Square. No, not to go back to the hotel. But to take a cable car ride from Union Square to Lombard Street.

You must have seen images of a steep, crooked street in San Francisco – that’s the Lombard Street . The Lombard Street stretches from the Presidio east to the Embarcadero. The crooked part of Lombard Street is located in the Russian Hill neighborhood (eastern side).

You can opt for a cable car ride, starting at the Union Square and taking you to Lombard Street. The cable car operating here is the Powell-Hyde cable car – it takes you to the top of the block on Hyde Street.

San Francisco operates 3 types of cable cars – Powell-Mason (brings you to the Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf Area), Powell-Hyde (Lombard and Fisherman’s Wharf) and the California Line.

Day 4 0f San Francisco Itinerary – Napa Valley or Half-Moon Bay and Mountain Valley 

For 4th day itinerary, take a day trip from San Francisco. If you like wine and are ready to splurge, then Napa Valley is a great option. If you do not drink, but wish to take a day trip and explore more of San Francisco – then Half Moon bay is your answer! Here are some San Francisco day trip itineraries for inspiration. 

Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley day tour

Located only 1.50 hours away from San Francisco is the beautiful Napa Valley . Napa Valley is known for its wine and picture-perfect vineyards and if you are a wine lover (or love the countryside), this is a great day trip option. There are tons of day tour options for Napa Valley and typically they range for 6-8 hours.

Here is a suggested day tour from San Francisco to Wine Valley Napa and Sonoma .

Other then the Napa Valley wines, there is the Napa Valley wine train that runs through the valley and is a real treat to experience. You can also experience hot springs, gourmet food and in some ways get transported to Tuscany 🙂 Here is another Wine Valley tour , this one includes three wine tours and lunch. You have to be at least 21 years of age to experience wine tours in the state of California.

Half Moon Bay & Mountain Valley

If you are not into wine and would rather visit a beach, then Half Moon Bay is the answer. Located in San Mateo County, Half-Moon Bay is about 45 minutes (drive) away from Mountain View. This coastal town has a very laid back feel to it as compared to the bustling Bay Area. You can grab a bite or two to eat and hike or picnic on their beaches.

The town that services the Half Moon Bay gives a very small-town vibe, with colorful stores and cafes. You can easily spend 4-6 hours at the beach and the nearby town (or the whole day, totally up to you). 

In the evening, if interested you can head to see Infinity Loop (Apple’s Head Office) and some of the other Corporate Offices located in Mountain View and the nearby Bay Area. Stay in the Bay area for dinner in one of the multi-cuisine restaurants.

Another option is to head to Mission District in San Francisco for the evening. The Mission District is a vibrant neighborhood with colorful murals, music, and a hipster vibe. Enjoy the street art, do some vintage shopping, and satisfy your taste buds with some awesome burritos.

Visiting San Francisco Travel Tips

How to spend 2 or 3 days in San Francisco? 

You can use this itinerary to plan your 2 or 3 days in San Francisco. Day 1 and 2 will allow you to explore the city’s highlights and relax in the evenings – this is the perfect weekend San Francisco itinerary. 

If you are wondering what to do in 3 days in San Franciso. It’s easy. For a third day in the city – choose between day 3 or 4 of this suggested itinerary. If you love to explore the countryside opt for a day tour to Napa Valley or Half Moon Bay. 

Best way to travel in and around San Francisco

During our trip, we utilized a mix of public transportation, hop on & hop off tours plus day tours. It is possible to pre-pay for attractions online, and ahead of travel to stick to a budget limit. We didn’t take any taxi or uber. 

San Franciso has a good network of public transportation, and depending on your hotel location you may not need to book a taxi. Being a touristy city, you will also find different tours to choose from.

In this post, we included the best tours that are available via our favorite tour provider GetYourGuide.  GetYourGuide offers free cancellation with a full refund, should the tour be canceled or if you wish to cancel – 24 hours prior to the tour. 

San Francisco Tours

We have already included our top tours and attractions tickets above, here are some of the best-reviewed tour favorites!

Day Tours from San Francisco 

We already mentioned a few options for a day tour from San Francisco. Here is a quick list for you to consider if you wish to explore more of California while staying in San Francisco

• Napa Valley with lunch – 9 hour – Book your tour here 
• Full day Muir Woods and Sonoma County tour – Check the tour here
• Head to Yosemite National Park for a day – get all the tour details here
• Not a day tour – but a 3-hour food tour to the North beach here

Travel Documents for San Francisco

If you are traveling to the USA and do not possess passports from the 38 Visa Waiver countries, then a visa is required. US travel visas can be applied from your country of residence ahead of your travel dates. A tourist visa will allow you to travel and stay in the US for 6 months at a stretch.

Carry your passport and visa, while you are traveling to and in the USA

Insurance 

Regardless of your travel duration, medical insurance is a must and essential while traveling to the USA. Click to get insurance quotes for San Francisco 4 day itinerary –  insurance quotes here

Budget for 4 day trip to San Francisco 

San Francisco is not very cheap to travel to. You can, however, plan ahead and budget your stay within affordable means. On our visit, we found that on average with 3 meals, coffees, transportation (taxi and CalTrain), you could spend around $125-150 USD per person per day.

• A few meals can be had at fast-food chains or with grocery shopping (try In and Our Burgers, Dunkin Donuts)
• San Francisco City Pass or Mega Pass was a good way to save on admission fees and tours
• Get Hop on and Hop off bus tours to commute to tourist spots instead of transit or cab
• Book tours, hotels and flights ahead of time and online
• You can save money by buying a day pass for CalTrain

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

June through August are busy tourist months and things like – flights and hotels could be expensive. September and typical spring months are good for travel, especially from March to April – before the busy tourist season kicks in.

My first trip to San Francisco was in April and the weather was pleasant, with occasional winds. Evenings were slightly cold, but bearable to walk outside and enjoy the evening or night.

In December, although the wettest month, there are tons of holiday and Christmas festivals happening in town including whale watching at the Fisherman’s Wharf.

If you are visiting the Napa Valley, consider coming in September to enjoy the harvest season. Things could get very expensive though for accommodation, but if you plan just a day trip, you will be fine.

Weather in San Francisco

San Francisco’s temperature remains moderately warm throughout the year. September and October are usually the warmest months. December being the wettest and January the coldest months.

We do recommend carrying a light jacket at all times, regardless of when you travel. It does get chilly (cold) in the evenings and night. Take a pack-able jacket with you.

As a Canadian living in the northernmost capital city, San Francisco weather sounds blissful to me. It has a Mediterranean climate, as it is surrounded by water on three sides. Temperatures never drop below freezing point in winters.

Although San Francisco may not flaunt sunny blue skies all the time and occasionally fog might disrupt your photos, it is still an awesome all year round destination to visit.  

What to pack for 4 days in San Francisco

Here are some packing essentials for San Francisco 

• Waterproof and pack-able jacket   – The weather in SF reminded me so much about the United Kingdom, maybe because of the month I visited, it was rainy and on somedays was overcast. Carry a waterproof jacket or a trench coat to protect yourself from rain or chilly evenings. Here is my favorite rain jacket . Click here to shop our favorites FOR HIM  
• Light Cardigan – Layering is key. I always carry a cardigan with me, and the San Francisco trip was no different. A light cardigan in a neutral color will match with most of the outfits. Black and beige are my favorites. LOVE this cozy cardigan, click here to find out
• Trendy Jacket : Style your outfit with a trendy denim jacket or a faux leather jacket. > Buy my favorite denim jacket here . Check out the faux leather jacket Buy it here
• Scarf: A pretty scarf to dress up your outfit or cover up while taking a stroll in the evening. Buy this beautiful baby pink square scarf 
• Dress or flowy tops: Carry dresses or flowy tops to shine under the sun. I love dresses . Buy this gorgeous maxi dress here
• Walking Shoes : For all the walking at the Fisherman’s Wharf or Alamo Square, a comfortable pair of walking shoes are essential. These are waterproof sneakers with an upbeat style. Buy yours here
• Sunglasses: Buy my favorite Ray-Bans here
• Sunscreen: Get yours here Vichy sunscreen
• Facial Mist: Stay moisturized and refreshed all day long, keep a facial mist handy. Buy my favorite rosewater facial mist here
• Clear Travel Pouch : I am in LOVE with this cute clear pouch. Great size to carry all beauty essentials. Buy yours here
• Universal Adaptor: Buy your adapter here to charge electronics overseas (if traveling outside of North America)
• Power Bank to charge electronics on the go. Buy yours here
• Travel Document: Organize your travel documents in an RFID protected organizer   Buy a travel document organizer wallet here

Conclusion – Is 4 days in San Francisco enough

If you are interested in exploring just the city highlights and take one relaxing day trip outside of the city, then it is possible to do that in San Francisco in 4 days. The attractions listed here in the first 2 days are not located close to each other (like in Europe’s cities – city center), so travel time is required.

Using the sightseeing bus to reach there is a smart idea. This bus tour is just a convenient way of commuting in the city without driving or having to track down all the spots on your own.  

We hope you enjoyed our four days in San Francisco Itinerary. If you are extending your trip, find some inspiration below.

San Francisco Trip Planner: Resources for California San Francisco Travel

• Road Trip Itinerary – West Coast USA with San Francisco
• Find  California Road Trip inspiration 
• Extending your stay beyond San Francisco? Get inspiration for  romantic getaways in California .
• California and one of the bucket-list destinations
• Road trips in California 
• Get hotels guide to San Francisco
• Looking for a gluten-free guide to eating in San Francisco? Find out here
• Find out what to buy in San Francisco –  San Francisco souvenirs guide 

Other USA Travel Resources

• Winter Destinations in the USA to visit
• Find out the Romantic Things to do in Las Vegas here
• Get an itinerary inspiration for Las Vegas
• Guide to Grand Canyon – Which is better North, South or West Rim
• Choose awesome day tour to Grand Canyon from Las Vegas 
• Or get the hotel guide to Las Vegas Nevada

Pin: San Francisco Itinerary 4 Days for first time visitors – The best way to Spend 4 Days in San Francisco and Napa Valley 

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 40+ countries.

Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world particularly Europe, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. 

She has lived in Portugal, Canada and India.

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12 Comments

Fantastically descriptive blog about your trip with great pictures

Thank you for your kind words 🙂

I can’t believe I missed Alcatraz when I visited San Francisco! (I did make it to Angel Island though). Great travel guide!

Thanks so much!

I love San Fran (especially because it is where I got engaged!) I love how you mapped out 4 day including a day trip to Napa! I love the Golden Gate area.

Thanks so much! Glad you liked it!

I love San Francisco! You put together quite the itinerary and fit a lot in only 4 days. I have been many times and I never get bored. The view of the Golden Gate bridge never gets old.

Thanks so much! We love to be on the go when we travel!

Informative guide! I like your post that will be helpful to guiding the traveller. 🙂

I love San Fran (especially because it is where I got engaged!) I love how you mapped out 4 day including a day trip to Napa

Wow super blog I can’t miss these places in my visit to SanFrancisco. Just my seeing your info graphic feeling to explore. Thanks for such a great post.

Thank you so much! Glad you liked the infographic photo! Have fun in San Francisco

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San Francisco Itinerary: How To Plan a Weekend Trip To SF

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Planning a San Francisco Itinerary can be quite the task – especially if you only have 3 days in San Francisco over a long weekend.

The Northern California city by the bay boasts iconic sights, delectable food and an abundance of fun activities. The numerous attractions make it difficult to choose what to see – and what to skip – with just 3 days in San Francisco for sightseeing. 

We understand the struggle; we’ve made countless weekend trips to San Francisco – always eager to visit our favorite SF spots and seek out something new. Using our experience, we created this guide to the Perfect San Francisco Weekend Trip to help fellow travelers plan their best SF trip!

Why Plan a Weekend Trip To San Francisco Itinerary?

San Francisco has long ranked as one of our favorite cities in the world. In addition to the sights and the food (both of which are fabulous things to do in San Francisco), we relish the fun atmosphere and casual vibe of the city. 

Spending a long weekend in San Francisco is a great way to get an introduction to the fantastic city. 

On weekend vacations in San Francisco, travelers can see the best San Francisco sights, seek out lesser-known locales, indulge in the tasty fare and spend time in nature. The city is incredibly diverse – and a weekend getaway to San Francisco is an ideal way to experience it. 

How To Plan a Trip to San Francisco?

We know how challenging it is to plan a trip to San Francisco. During the many years that we lived in  Phoenix, Arizona , we often escaped the summer desert heat to the cool coastline on quick San Francisco weekend trips. The more we visited the bay area, the more we fell for it…and our list of what to see in San Francisco grew.

In order to make the most of our limited time, we had to meticulously plan our weekend trips to SF – eventually planning the absolute Best Itinerary for San Francisco.

We have done all the tedious research, which should make planning a trip to San Francisco a breeze for you! We have fit as much sightseeing as possible into our San Francisco Weekend Itinerary – plus we include a helpful San Francisco map of attractions at the end of the article.

San Francisco Itinerary FAQs

Before we jump into our outlined plan for a weekend in San Francisco, we want to answer a few of the most frequently asked questions about our SF Itinerary.

How is Your San Francisco Weekend Trip Itinerary Arranged?

Our 3-Day Itinerary San Francisco includes three full days of sightseeing.

Day 1 of our San Francisco Weekend Itinerary features the must-see sights. On Day 2, we explore the city’s best districts. For Day 3 of the SF Itinerary, we head into nature and visit wonderful parks and famous bay area beaches. 

Each day of our 3 Day San Francisco Itinerary picks up where we ended the previous day, making it easy to move from one day to another. 

What is the Best Way to Use this San Francisco Itinerary?

Well, locals would say by not calling their city San Fran or Frisco! That aside, travelers can approach the city with a firm checklist of sights or simply have an idea of the neighborhoods they want to explore. Either way, they can use our outlined Itinerary for San Francisco 3 Days Trip.

While we offer a plethora of specific recommendations for what to do in San Francisco in a weekend, we also highlight the the top districts for discovery and exploration. 

The best way to use our Weekend San Francisco trip plan is to adapt it to your own personal travel style!

Can I Use this Itinerary for a Trip to San Francisco on a Budget? 

San Francisco is an expensive city, there is no doubt about it. That said, our outline for what to do in San Francisco in 3 days features many of the best cheap and free things to do in SF – so it can absolutely be used for a budget trip. 

It is still best to plan your trip budget before you go so that you can determine what ticketed attractions to include on your San Francisco trip. Use our Free Vacation Budget Planner and get our best tips for planning your SF budget trip. 

Can I Use this Itinerary when I Travel to San Francisco with Family?

Sure – our San Francisco in 3 Days Itinerary is family friendly!

The attractions and activities we include appeal to a wide range of travelers. While this SF Trip Itinerary is not specifically geared to families, there are many kid-friendly activities included.

Why is it the Best Weekend in San Francisco Itinerary? 

Our San Francisco weekend trip itinerary is ideal for both first-time travelers and return visitors who want to see the absolute best sights of San Francisco in a short amount of time.

The itinerary is easy flowing, simple to follow and features a range of activities so that you can easily plan your San Francisco vacation. 

Highlights of our itinerary for San Francisco include the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, Ferry Building Marketplace, Coit Tower and many more quintessential SF sights – plus, we offer our top tips for the best food and drink in the city.

What if I have More (or Less) than 3 Days in San Francisco? 

We designed our SF Itinerary for weekend visitors, assuming they will plan a long weekend and have three days in San Francisco to explore the sights. If you plan to see San Francisco in 3 days, you can use our itinerary exactly as it is written!

However, some travelers might only have one day in San Francisco, while others may be planning a 4 Days in San Francisco Itinerary…or longer. No worries! We have tips that will help you plan the perfect SF trip.

Travelers with less time can use our itinerary for 1 or 2 days in San Francisco – and we show you how to do it in our ‘Sample Itineraries to Plan a San Francisco Trip’ section later in the post.

In addition to the detailed San Francisco 3-Day Itinerary that we outline in this SF blog post, we also offer suggestions for additional activities, sights and fun day trips that can be used to create a 4-Day San Francisco Itinerary or longer. 

How To Stay Organized on a 3 Day Trip to San Francisco?

Our San Francisco Itinerary 3 Days Trip Plan is packed with tips and advice for your West Coast vacation. It’s designed to help you effortlessly prepare your trip. 

However, as you begin to make reservations and bookings, staying organized is key! We recommend using a travel planner – like our Trip Planning Printables – to stay on top of all the details!

3 DAYS SAN FRANCISCO ITINERARY

Day 1 of your 3 Day Itinerary San Francisco

On the first day of your 3-Day San Francisco Itinerary spend time enjoying the iconic San Fran sights – and feasting on classic SF cuisine.

Shop at Ferry Building Marketplace

An iconic symbol of SF, the Ferry Building opened in 1898 and has long been the city’s entry point for ferryboat passengers. In the early 2000s, the building was transformed into an upscale marketplace featuring a variety of regional goods – and it’s the perfect place to kick off visiting San Francisco in a weekend.

Recchiuti Confections, Acme Bread Company and Stonehouse Olive Oil are a few of the popular shops in the Ferry Building. Additionally, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, an artisan farmer’s market – where shoppers can sample products and purchase ready-made meals – is held in the Ferry Building Plaza.

Pro Tip: Enjoy breakfast at the marketplace coffee shop, Blue Bottle Coffee – and then assemble items to eat later as a picnic lunch.

Ride the Ferry to Sausalito

Next up on your 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary is a classic ferry ride on San Francisco Bay. 

Hop on a Golden Gate Sausalito Ferry (from the pier at the Ferry Building Marketplace) for a 30-minute ride to Sausalito. If weather permits, find a spot on the bow of the ship for the best SF Bay views. Passengers also will have excellent views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Angel Island.

Pro Tip: The SF to Sausalito Ferry has room for 200 bikes, so bring one along if you want to spend your day pedaling around San Francisco Bay Area!

Explore Sausalito

The small seaside town of Sausalito is well-known for its artistic flair and houseboat community and it’s a fabulous place to spend some time during a weekend in San Francisco. Visitors are invited to stroll along the waterfront, wander through the marina, shop at Sausalito galleries and browse the unique boutiques. 

Pro Tip: After exploring Sausalito, get an Uber to Vista Point at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge, which is the next stop on our San Francisco 3 Days Itinerary.

Walk Across The Golden Gate Bridge

As one of the most recognizable bridges in the world, taking a walk on the Golden Gate Bridge is an essential activity for every San Francisco Itinerary! The two-tower, steel-cable orange bridge was built in the 1930s and stretches 1.7 miles across SF Bay. We think it is best to walk from north to south, so that you have a view of the San Francisco skyline.

Beginning at Vista Point, the walk across the bridge takes about an hour, allowing for plenty of time to take in the San Francisco Bay views and look for sea lions in the water below.

Pro Tip: The Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center on the south end of the bridge offers exhibits and information and is worth stopping in during your weekend San Francisco trip. Also, if you didn’t bring lunch or just want a warm drink, pop into the art deco Equator Coffee (aka the Historic Round House Café).

Picnic Lunch in Crissy Field Park

Once a military airfield, Crissy Field was converted into a national park in the early 2000s. Marked with trails, beaches, lookout points and picnic areas, the park is the perfect spot for an outdoor lunch on your 3 Day San Francisco Itinerary. 

Eat what you brought with you from the Ferry Marketplace (or the Round House Café), enjoy the view and rest your feet. Then walk through the waterfront park to the east towards The Palace of Fine Arts (and detour out to The Wave Organ, if time allows).

Alternatively, take one of the hikes diagonally through The Presidio toward the southeast corner to the famous Lyon Street Steps – which offers phenomenal bay views. 

Pro Tip : To get to the next destination, visitors can take an Uber to the SF cable car station at Hyde and Broadway Streets – for one of the top highlights of a weekend trip to San Francisco! 

Hop on a SF Cable Car

The famous San Francisco cable cars have been in operation since 1873. At one time, there were a total of 8 lines, but only 3 routes remain today. Our favorite route is the northbound Powell-Hyde Line that terminates near Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf – passing Lombard Street along the way.

Riding one of the cable cars that rattle through the hilly streets of San Francisco is a must-do activity – and should definitely be on your 3-day San Francisco Itinerary. However, catching a ride on the SF historic trolleys can be time consuming, as wait times at the most popular stops can stretch up to 3 hours in the summertime.

For shorter lines, we recommend hopping on the cable car in the middle of the line at one of these Hyde Street stops (Broadway, Vallejo, Green or Union). Check current SF Cable Car Ticket info on the official site .

Pro Tip : Visitors who want to make the zigzag walk down Lombard Street – the Crookedest Street in the World – could skip the cable car ride and Uber/Lyft directly from Crissy Field to the top of the famous street and then walk down the 8 hairpin turns and on to Fisherman’s Wharf. However, we think the cable car is a San Francisco must do – plus, the ride down the backside of Russian Hill (after passing Lombard Street) offers the spectacular views of the SF Bay and Alcatraz Island.

Drink an Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista

Established in 1916, The Buena Vista Café in San Francisco is legendary; your San Francisco travel plan is simply not complete without stopping by! In 1952, the saloon owners created their own version of an Irish Coffee cocktail – a concoction of coffee, whiskey, sugar and cream. The delicious (and potent!) drink is an ideal afternoon warmer – and a must-try in SF!

Pro Tip : The classic San Francisco café is located just across from the end of the Powell and Hyde trolley line.

Get a Sundae on Ghirardelli Square

If, however, your San Francisco trip itinerary is for family and kids, then an afternoon sundae might be a better option than the Irish Coffee. 

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company opened a factory in San Francisco in 1852. Although the factory long ago moved from Ghirardelli Square, an ice cream shop and the gigantic landmark Ghirardelli sign, which was constructed in 1922, still graces the square. Tourists flock to the square for ice cream sundaes covered in Ghirardelli chocolate and to buy chocolate gifts and souvenirs from the shops.

Pro Tip : The complex of brick buildings dates to the 19th century and is listed on the National Historic Register. Even if you don’t want a chocolaty treat, it is worth navigating your way through the square on your San Francisco three day itinerary. 

Stroll Through the Maritime National Historical Park

The shoreline SF Maritime National Historical Park is an interesting place to visit during a weekend in San Francisco. The park hosts a fleet of historic vessels, the 1929 Muni Pier, the Maritime Museum (ticket required) and an informative (and free) Visitors Center. Guests can learn about San Francisco’s maritime past…or simply enjoy the views across the bay.

Pro Tip : Visitors who are interested in learning about military ships can take a tour of the USS Pampanito – a World War II submarine that is docked at nearby Pier 45. Get the details here!

Eat a Clam Chowder Bread Bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf

Eating clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl is an essential SF experience that needs to be on your San Francisco Itinerary…and there is no better place to do it than at Fisherman’s Wharf. We would wager that just about every restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf has bread bowl clam chowder on their menu – so there are plenty of places to choose from – including classic seafood restaurants and kiosk take-away spots.

The Boudin Bakery Café is one of the most popular places to get sourdough bread bowl clam chowder (the bread is incredible!). Another hot spot for clam chowder is Scoma’s Restaurant, a San Fran institution.

Pro Tip : Not a fan of clam chowder or seafood, but still want a classic California dining experience? Head to In-N-Out Burger – the iconic California fast-food chain – for a Double-Double cheeseburger, fries (ask for them Animal Style, which is not on the menu but delicious and messy) and a shake!

See the Sea Lions on Pier 39

Pier 39 is a hub of entertainment – and a fantastic place to end the first day of your SF weekend. Featuring shops, restaurants, street performers, a carousel and aquarium, Pier 39 is crowded and touristy, but it’s also a must-see for your vacation planner San Francisco. 

For us, the top reason to visit Pier 39 is the sea lions. Since 1989, California Sea Lions have taken up residence on the floating docks on the west side of Pier 39 – and they are hilarious to watch and listen to!

Visitors who want to learn more about Fisherman’s Wharf can complete a self-guided audio tour .

Pro Tip : Other attractions at Fisherman’s Wharf for your entertainment are Madame Tussauds , Musee Mecanique (a fun San Francisco museum featuring old school arcade games), evening sunset cruises and Alcatraz tours .

Day 2 of Your San Francisco Weekend Trip

On the second day of your itinerary in San Francisco discover more attractions in the Chinatown/North Beach area and then explore a couple of iconic SF neighborhoods. At the end of the day, attend a game or theater performance in San Francisco.

Eat Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Opened in 1951 as an ice cream shop, Mama’s has evolved into an iconic breakfast spot featuring classic American, homestyle eats. French toast, omelets and eggs benedict are the featured stars of the menu. A hearty breakfast is a great way to start Day 2 of your Weekend Itinerary San Francisco 3 Days trip plan.

Pro Tip: Mama’s is an absolute hotspot on San Francisco weekends, so expect a line to get a seat in the quaint diner. 

Go to the Top of Coit Tower

The next stop on your San Francisco 3 Day Itinerary is Coit Tower, which stands atop Telegraph Hill offering stunning 360-degree views of the city, bay and SF bridges. The landmark tower was built in 1933 as a monument to the city’s firefighters. Visitors can go inside the tower (with a ticket) and ride the elevator up to the observation deck. Be sure you check out the interior murals that depict life in SF during the Great Depression.

Pro Tip : There is a Memorial to Volunteer Firefighters in nearby Washington Square that was funded by the same benefactor, Lillie Hitchcock Coit.

Buy a Book at City Lights Booksellers

The most famous bookstore in SF, City Lights Booksellers is an independent bookstore and publisher that was established in the 1950s. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, it is worth swinging by the bookshop on your three days in San Francisco.

Known for selling and publishing progressive literature, the bookstore is often acknowledged as being an integral part of the San Francisco culture that blossomed in the 1960s. The City Lights bookstore business was bestowed the honor of an Official Historic Landmark in 2001.

Pro Tip : From City Lights, cross Jack Kerouac Alley and step inside Vesuvio Cafe. The charming and nostalgic dive bar is decorated with 1960s memorabilia and local artwork.

Walk Through Chinatown

Considered to be the oldest and largest Chinatown in the United States, the San Francisco Chinatown dates to 1848 and covers 24 square blocks. In our opinion, Chinatown is an absolute must on your San Francisco weekend itinerary. 

It was within the streets of Chinatown that the American version of Chinese Food was created. In addition to eateries and bubble tea shops, top attractions include ornate temples, the decorative Dragon Gate and sign-filled Ross Alley.

Pro Tip : Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company for a behind-the-scenes look at how fortune cookies are made – plus you have the chance to eat warm-from-the-oven treats from the famed fortune cookie factory! The nearby Golden Gate Bakery, where they make authentic moon cakes and exquisite custard tarts, is just around the corner.

Shop at Union Square

If you have time in your San Francisco trip planner for shopping, then Union Square is the place to go!

The 2.6-acre Union Square is at the center of San Francisco’s renowned shopping and theater district. Designed in 1850 and named for the Civil War pro-Union rallies held on the site, the square features a 85-foot-tall column, The Dewey Monument, at its center.

Two of the important places to see on the square are the upscale Westin St. Francis Hotel and the Tiffany Building, with Tiffany & Co occupying the two bottom floors. Numerous fashionable stores (like Bloomingdale’s, Louis Vuitton and Gucci) and boutiques sit within a 3-block radius of Union Square.

More Things To Do in San Francisco Union Square

If shopping isn’t your thing, there are many other attractions near Union Square that you could add to your San Francisco Itinerary, like the SF Museum of Modern Art, Yerba Buena Gardens and the city’s quaint French Quarter on Belden Lane.

Pro Tip : To get to the next stop on our San Francisco in a Weekend Itinerary, you can use an Uber/Lyft or BART (more on SF Public Transport at the end of the post).

Mission District

The Mission District – or simply, The Mission, ranks as one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco – and is a must-see on your weekend in San Francisco. Highlights of the district are vintage shops, colorful street art, a historic church, a phenomenal park and the best burritos in the city.

What To See in San Francisco Mission District

When you visit San Francisco Mission District, seeing the namesake Mission San Francisco de Asis chapel (often called Mission Dolores) is a must! Built in 1776, the building is the oldest structure in San Francisco, surviving many devastating earthquakes. The modest chapel sits in the shadow of the striking Mission Dolores Basilica.

Mission Dolores Park is another top place to include in your San Francisco travel itinerary. Attracting hippies, picnickers, dog walkers, and people watchers, the park is a place to kick back, relax and take in the SF skyline view.

Pro Tip: In addition to the two main sights, we highly recommend exploring The Mission on foot. Seek out excellent street art and cool shops on Calle 24 and in the Valencia Corridor.

Sink Your Teeth into a San Francisco Burrito

There may be no greater love in San Francisco than for the burrito. The Mission-style burrito – meat and rice stuffed into a flour tortilla – was born in San Francisco in the 1960s. As such, it would be a shame to visit SF and not get one!

Taquerias all over the city sell burritos, but they originated in The Mission and it’s still where you can get the best burritos in San Francisco. The top recommended spots for an epic burrito are Taqueria El Buen Sabor, Taquería El Farolito or the famed La Taqueria (although, expect a line!). 

Pro Tip: If you are not in on the burrito craze, check out Tartine Bakery instead. In addition to their excellent hot pressed sandwiches, they offer delectable sweet treats. 

View the Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies are one of the interesting San Francisco sights that shouldn’t be missed. The term ‘Painted Ladies’ refers to the colorful Victorian and Edwardian-style houses that were built from the late 1800s until 1915.

SF’s famous row of Painted Ladies is on Steiner Street, across from Alamo Square Park. The row of homes is often featured in movies and ads but is probably most recognized from the TV show Full House .

Pro Tip : The best view of the Painted Ladies are from the top of the hill at Alamo Square Park. From the elevated viewpoint, you can see the San Francisco skyline in the background.

Go to a Game or the Theater in San Francisco

The best way to end the second day of your 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary is with an entertaining game or theater performance. 

San Francisco Sporting Events

Catching a game in San Francisco is a fabulous way to spend time in the city. In fact, on more than one occasion we have created an entire San Francisco travel itinerary that revolved around watching baseball. 

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to 6 professional sports teams: 49ers (NFL Football), Giants (MLB Baseball), Oakland Athletics (MLB Baseball), San Jose Earthquakes (MLS Soccer), Golden State Warriors (NBA Basketball) and San Jose Sharks (NHL Ice Hockey).

Attending an SF sporting event is quite the spectacle and heaps of fun…but tickets are pricey. If it is not within your trip budget to attend a game, consider joining the locals at one of the bars around the sports venue, where the atmosphere is charged and always entertaining. 

San Francisco Theaters

Spending an evening at the theater is one of the top San Francisco things to do…and there are plenty of places to do it! 

The San Francisco Theater District hosts numerous stages for an array of performances, including everything from Broadway plays to musical acts to comedians. The best theaters – like the historic and opulent Orpheum Theater, The Curran and The Strand – are top venues in the district.  

Pro Tip: Grab a bite to eat before your evening entertainment. There are numerous bar and grills surrounding most of the sports venues and plenty of chic restaurants in the Theater District for a meal. 

Day 3 of Your 3 Day San Francisco Itinerary

On the last day of your itinerary for San Francisco, check out an infamous district – and then stretch your legs in a city park. Wind down your San Francisco weekend watching the sunset from a popular beach.

Get Groovy in Haight-Ashbury

The Haight Ashbury district – centered on Haight and Ashbury Streets – has long played a significant role in modern culture…not only of San Francisco, but of the world. Exploring Haight-Ashbury is one of the top activities to include in your weekend itinerary for San Francisco.

The location that kicked-off the 1967 Summer of Love, Haight-Ashbury was the epicenter of the hippie movement in the 1960s.

In addition to the smoke shops and the free society Diggers community group that flourished in the area, several musicians – like members of the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane as well as Janis Joplin – lived in Haight-Ashbury.

What To Do in San Francisco Haight-Ashbury District

There are numerous reasons to include Haight-Ashbury in your San Francisco travel plan – from finding popular residences to perusing the funky shops. We are detailing how to spend your time in Haight-Ashbury.

Start your morning at greasy spoon Pork Store Café for a hearty breakfast of comfort classics (or, for a lighter option try Coffee to the People). 

Stroll through the neighborhood admiring the beautifully restored Victorian homes. As you walk, seek out the famous residences (you can find Jerry Garcia’s former house at 710 Ashbury Street), keep an eye out for colorful SF street art, pop into shops – like the classic Amoeba Music, Love on Haight, Piedmont Boutique.

Do you really want to feel the groove of the 60s and 70s in San Francisco? Take the Love Tour aboard a 1970s VW Van. Find out more here!

Pro Tip : In the 1980s, the comedy clubs of Haight-Ashbury were all the rage. Many famous comedians – like Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg – got their start at The Other Café comedy club.

Hike Twin Peaks for the Best View of San Francisco

Standing at nearly 1000 feet, the San Francisco Twin Peaks (Eureka and Noe) are the best place to go on a clear day for an outstanding 360-degree view. As there is no charge, we think it is one of the best free things to do in San Francisco!

The popular 1.5-mile roundtrip trek takes hikers to the summit for unsurpassed views. Although the trail is steep, it is well-worth the climb to get an elevated view of the best San Francisco landmarks – like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

Other points of interest at Twin Peaks are Christmas Tree Point (a third summit that offers fantastic downtown San Francisco views) and Mission Blue Butterflies (an endangered butterfly species that thrives on the Twin Peaks).

Pro Tip: The weather on Twin Peaks is often windy and cool. Make sure you are prepared with a jacket or umbrella – and, of course, good shoes for your hike to the top. You can also drive up Twin Peaks, however parking is very limited.

Take a Photo of the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps

Located in the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood, the mosaic-tiled staircase is a product of a community project and ranks as one of the off-the-beaten-path SF attractions. If you can make room in your San Francisco Itinerary to see the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, we highly recommend it!

The 163 steps are adorned with colorful tiles depicting a scene of ‘Sea to Stars’ and gardens line the staircase. It’s a fun spot for photo ops and a cool place to stretch your legs.

Pro Tip: The nearby Hidden Garden Steps are the result of another collaborative community art project – and it’s another secret San Francisco gem!

Visit Golden Gate Park

The 3-mile-long Golden Gate Park, which is bigger than New York City’s Central Park , is an expansive green space in the middle of the busy city.

Top attractions are the SF Botanical Garden, the Japanese Tea Garden, Dutch windmills, the Music Concourse and the Academy of Sciences. Additionally, visitors can follow the trails to lakes, statues, memorials, a carousel and even a bison paddock.

Pro Tip : Visitors can explore Golden Gate Park on foot – or you can rent a bike to discover Golden Gate Park on two wheels during your San Francisco 3-Day Itinerary!

Walk Ocean Beach and Watch Sunset at Baker Beach

It’s time to wind down your weekend in San Francisco – and Ocean Beach is the perfect place to do it. Ocean Beach sits at the west end of Golden Gate Park and stretches for 3.5 miles.

Although the water is cold and the waves are dangerous, the beach is an excellent place to take a long walk in the sand, watch skilled surfers and take in a sunset around a roaring firepit.

Alternatively, Baker Beach, which is further north near the Presidio, is another popular spot that offers fabulous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, which is especially stunning at sunset.

Pro Tip : Cap off your 3-Day San Francisco Itinerary with dinner at the Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant, which is housed in a historic building within Golden Gate Park and offers fine views of the Pacific Ocean.

San Francisco Itinerary Map

Use this link to Google Maps for an interactive version of our San Francisco Map of Attractions. 

More Things To Do in San Francisco

We included some of our favorite activities in our Weekend in San Francisco Itinerary – but there is actually more to do in the city! When planning a trip to San Francisco, consider adding these activities and attractions to your SF itinerary.

Ride A Bike in SF

Despite the hills, riding bikes in San Francisco is a popular activity. Throughout the city there are numerous bike rental shops – and you can reserve your 24-hour bike rental in advance online.

49 Mile Scenic Drive

If you are planning a trip to San Francisco with a car, then take in the sights on the classic 49 Mile Scenic Drive. Designed as a counter-clockwise route around the best San Francisco sights, the 49-Mile Scenic Drive is a fantastic way to tour the city.

The drive was established in 1938 to highlight the best attractions in the city during the Golden Gate International Exposition. 

Hike in Muir Woods

Muir Woods is a magnificent redwood forest just north of San Francisco. Within the national monument park there are 6 miles of trails that wind through epic nature. Visitors can plan their own hike in Muir Woods or let a guide lead the way on a hiking tour .

Visitors willing to travel further for amazing nature can join an organized SF Day Trip to Yosemite National Park to see the Giant Sequoias. Get the details!

California Wine Tours

California is a known worldwide for its wine production. Two of the best CA wine regions – Napa Valley and Sonoma – are easily reached on day trips from San Francisco. The recommended way to truly experience California’s wine country is on this highly rated tour that includes both regions!

Pro Tip : Combine your Muir Woods hiking trip with a Wine Country tour and gourmet lunch on a combo super saver day trip! Get the details here!

More Tours for your SF Itinerary

Hiking and wine tours are among the most popular day trips from San Francisco – but there are many, many more options!

Other top tours include a Monterey and Carmel Day Tour , a Seaplane or Helicopter tour and Whale Watching boat tours.

Pro Tip: Book the best tours with Get Your Guide  – where you can read fellow traveler reviews before reserving your spot!

How Many Days in San Francisco?

How many days do you need in San Francisco? As many as possible! Honestly, determining how many days to spend in San Francisco will depend on numerous factors. The most important things to consider are your personal interests, overall time and your SF trip budget.

We could easily spend a week in SF and not run out of things to do – but would certainly spend one day in San Francisco if that was all the time we had. 

Sample San Francisco Itineraries

We have outlined the best way to experience San Francisco in 3 days for weekend. However, because we know some visitors are limited to just one day – while others are planning longer trips – we are offering our advice for shorter and longer Bay Area Itineraries.

1 Day Itinerary San Francisco

Trying to plan a San Francisco One Day Itinerary can be challenging. In order to make the most of the limited time, travelers planning to visit San Francisco for a day will need a concise trip plan. 

How To Create a San Francisco Itinerary 1 Day

The simplest way to create an easy flowing San Francisco 1 Day Itinerary is to use our SF weekend trip plan as a guideline. 

Depending on your interests, we recommend following either Day 1, Day 2 or Day 3 of our outlined SF Weekend Trip. This will be the best way to plan what to do in San Francisco for a day.

On the other hand, a very ambitious traveler could combine elements from Days 1, 2 and 3, eliminating the items of least interest, to create an ideal San Francisco 1-Day Itinerary.

2-Day Itinerary San Francisco

You can plan a perfect San Francisco two-day itinerary by choosing any 2 Days from our above 3-Day San Francisco Trip Itinerary. That said, for travelers who want to expand their sightseeing beyond the city, we have worked-up an alternate sample 2 Day Itinerary San Francisco. 

How To Build a San Francisco Itinerary 2 Days

In an effort to see the top city sights plus the surrounding region, travelers can condense our trip plan and add additional sightseeing. 

We recommend that visitors who want to cram as much as possible into a San Francisco in 2 Days Itinerary combine as many sights as possible from our outlined weekend trip plan (choosing the activities that are most appealing) for their first day of sightseeing.

Then, on the second day, join a guided half-day tour out of the city – like the Muir Woods Tour – in the morning – and in the afternoon squeeze in any more SF sightseeing from our Bay Area trip plan that you previously skipped.

Alternate 3 Day San Francisco Itinerary

Trying to plan what to do in San Francisco in 3 days? No problem! We outlined the perfect plan for you! But what if you want to see even more? 

Ambitious sightseers planning a San Francisco 3-Day Itinerary could accelerate our trip plan to include more attractions and activities.

How To Plan a San Francisco Itinerary 3 Days 

For a fast-paced 3-day trip to San Francisco, we recommend rearranging our sightseeing for 3 days in SF to condense all of the suggested sights into 2 days in San Fran.

For example, rather than ending Day 1 at Pier 39, continue your sightseeing adventure to Coit Tower and end the day in Union Square (possibly with a theater performance). Then, start Day 2 in the Mission District and (skipping the evening entertainment), continue to the adventures of Day 3 in Haight-Ashbury and end at Sunset Beach. 

By condensing the trip plan, you will have another full day for more sightseeing. In this case, we recommend taking a day trip – like the full-day wine trip or the combo hike and wine tour – to finish off your San Francisco vacation.

4 Day Itinerary San Francisco

With a 4 days in San Francisco Itinerary visitors have ample time to see the city sights and explore more of the region.

How to Make a San Francisco Itinerary 4 Days

One recommendation for visiting San Francisco in 4 Days would be to use our outlined 3-Days San Francisco Itinerary – then take a day trip!

Alternatively, rather than leaving for the day, add other top city of San Francisco activities like going shopping, visiting a museum or delving deeper into a favorite (or missed) neighborhood. 

California Coastal Road Trip From SF to LA

While San Francisco weekend trips are absolutely fabulous, so is the California Coast! If time allows, we highly recommend extending your California vacation with a classic SF to LA road trip, spending the night in Monterrey, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara and Malibu !

Read all the details and get the best tips in our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip post!

How To Get To San Francisco

We think the best way to travel to San Francisco is to fly. In fact, most weekend visitors will arrive by plane at either the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK).

SFO airport, which is one of the busiest in the USA, offers flights from around the country and top destinations worldwide with nonstop service from Singapore , Sydney , Tokyo , London , Frankfurt , Amsterdam and Lisbon (plus many more!). 

Across the bay in Oakland, OAK airport is dominated by low-cost Southwest Airlines and offers very few international flights. Primarily all the same domestic markets are served from both OAK and SFO.

Start your search for the best deals on flights to SFO or OAK at Skyscanner !

OAK or SFO Airport to San Francisco

There are a few different ways to get from OAK or SFO to San Francisco. The BART – Bay Area Rapid Transit – is the best public transportation route from either airport to the city. The OAK or SFO BART ticket costs about $10. Travelers can also use Uber or Lyft, which will run at least $40. Taxis cost a bit more – about $55. Private transport to/from either Bay Area Airport can also be booked online .

How To Get Around SF

Our San Francisco travel itinerary covers some ground! While we think the best way to see San Francisco is on your own two feet, we understand other travelers may not want to spend so much time walking.

San Francisco has a good public transportation system, including the BART, Muni Trams, classic trolleys and ferries. However, many visitors may find that it is easiest (and fastest) to get around using Uber or Lyft; short rides typically cost about $10 USD.

The Hop On Hop Off double-decker bus is another option for getting around to see the top SF tourist sights. Pre-book your tickets here!

We do not recommend driving in San Francisco – as parking is very limited and extremely expensive. However, visitors who want to travel beyond the San Francisco city limits may want to rent a car for the day.

Top Tip:  Read our hacks for Renting Cheap Cars first!

Where To Stay in San Francisco

On a quick weekend trip to San Francisco, we think it is best to stay in the city center close to the attractions. It should be mentioned, however, that while staying at Fisherman’s Wharf puts visitors in the heart of the action, it is also incredibly expensive and generally a poor value.

On our San Francisco weekend trips, we prefer staying in the Financial District – which is close to the Ferry Building, Coit Tower, Chinatown and Union Square. The many hotels (and Airbnb’s) in the area cater to business travelers – and often offer better rates on weekends. The Financial District is also well-connected with public transport options.

San Francisco Hotels

While we usually prefer staying in Airbnb apartments, we think it is better to stay in one of the hotels in San Francisco – especially for a weekend trip. Two San Francisco hotels we recommend are the Hyatt Regency and Hotel Griffon.

The 4-Star Hyatt Regency San Francisco is a luxury hotel that is situated just a five-minute walk from the Ferry Marketplace. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and some have bay views. Check availability for your trip!

Hotel Griffon offers an excellent location on the Embarcadero just steps from the Ferry Building. Top features are the onsite restaurant, free coffee in the lobby and delightful employees. Check rates now!

Use our Tips for Booking the Best Hotels – then start your search for hotels in SF on Booking.com !

What You Need For Your Trip To San Francisco

We have a few final travel tips and packing hacks of what you will want to bring with you for your weekend trip to San Francisco!

Layer Up for Your Trip to San Francisco

Although California has a reputation for warm, sunny weather, it isn’t necessarily true in SF. In fact, one of the things that most appealed to us about taking weekend trips to San Francisco from Phoenix in the summertime was the guaranteed cooler temps.

More than once, I arrived without warm enough clothes and had to purchase a sweatshirt to keep warm during our stay. 

San Francisco weather changes quickly and can be unpredictable. Summers are cool, while autumn has the warmest temperatures (with highs sometimes in the low 80s). For the most comfort, we recommend wearing layers while sightseeing in SF (or be prepared to buy a I LOVE SF sweatshirt as a souvenir!).

Proper Shoes for Exploring SF in 3 Days

Our 3-Day San Francisco Itinerary includes a ton of walking! Make sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes for your full days of exploration. I like wearing Skechers  and lightweight Columbia shoes, while Kris prefers wearing Merrell shoes.

Travel Camera for Your SF Weekend Trip

San Francisco is beautiful – so bring an actual camera  to capture the stunning landscapes and city sights! We use a  Canon Rebel  with an everyday  18-135mm lens . The camera takes excellent photos – and comes bundled with tons of great accessories that are  perfect for beginner photographers !

Anti-Theft Bag for SF Sightseeing

Like all big cities, pickpocketing and petty crimes can be an issue in SF – and tourists are a prime target.

I carry a Timbuk2 Messenger Bag that has numerous interior zippered pockets where I can keep my valuables tucked safely away. Travelon is another good brand that specializes in anti-theft travel handbags – and a bra stash or money belt is always a good idea, too.

US Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may help with cancelled flights or lost luggage , but it can also be useful in the event of illness or injury . Find out more about coverage and rates at World Nomads .

Looking for more US Weekend Getaways? We round up top destinations in our guide to the Best USA Weekend Trips!

Start planning your trip to San Francisco ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page !

We Want To Know: Is there anything you would add to our San Francisco Itinerary? What are your favorite things to do on a San Francisco Weekend Trip? Give us your best tips and advice in the comments below!

Visiting Other Top Destinations in the USA?

We’ve had the good fortune of being able to travel extensively around the United States – and we want to help you do the same! 

Want to avoid the crowds? We’ve created a guide to visiting some for the most Underrated US Destinations as well!

Looking for a US Big City adventure? Use our complete guides for visiting Philly , DC , NYC ,  Boston and Chicago !

Eager to see more of the US West? We have top tips for trips to  Seattle , Spokane and Vancouver WA , as well as Portland , Bend and Florence OR . You can also dive into our itineraries for Austin TX , Denver CO , San Diego  and Flagstaff, AZ!

Is a Road Trip beckoning? In addition to our California Coast Guide , we also have detailed trip plans for the Coast of Oregon , Columbia River Gorge , and the incredible state of Montana !

Find all of our US Destination Guides on our USA Travel Page !

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

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San Francisco   Travel Guide

Why Go To San Francisco

A jumbled collage of colorful neighborhoods and beautiful views, San Francisco draws those free-spirited types who have an eye for edgy art, a taste for imaginative cuisine and a zeal for adventure. It's really not surprising that songwriter Tony Bennett left his heart here: The city boasts jaw-dropping sights, world-class cuisine, cozy cafes and plenty of booming nightlife venues – there's no shortage of ways to stay busy here. Spend an hour or two sunning yourself alongside sea lions on the bay, admiring the views of the city from Twin Peaks , or strolling along the Marina. And for the quintessential San Franciscan experience, enjoy a ride on a cable car or hop on a boat tour for a cruise beneath the Golden Gate Bridge .

Often described as Los Angeles' more refined northern cousin, cool and compact San Francisco takes the big-city buzz exuded by its southern counterpart and melds it with a sense of small-town charm. Here, you'll discover a patchwork of culture flourishing throughout San Francisco's many vibrant quarters. Follow the crowds to the touristy Fisherman's Wharf area (which offers spectacular views of Alcatraz ) before heading along the bay to the Presidio for a glimpse of the famous Golden Gate Bridge. But don't forget to save time for The Mission, the Haight and the Castro for exposure to all of the different varieties of the San Francisco lifestyle. And when you're ready for a break from the city, join one of San Francisco's best wine tours  for a relaxing day trip.

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• # 3 in Best U.S. Cities to Visit
• # 5 in Best Food Cities in the U.S.
• # 13 in Best Places to Visit in California for 2024

See All 4 Rankings

Best of San Francisco

Best hotels in san francisco.

• # 1 in The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
• # 2 in The St. Regis San Francisco
• # 3 in Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

Best Things to Do in San Francisco

• # 1 in Crissy Field & The Presidio Tunnel Tops
• # 2 in Golden Gate Park
• # 3 in Coit Tower

Popular Tours

Small-Group Tour: SF, Muir Woods, Sausalito w/ Optional Alcatraz

(999 reviews)

from $ 129.00

San Francisco: Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoia Day Tour

(2894 reviews)

from $ 209.00

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

(3899 reviews)

from $ 169.00

San Francisco Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit San Francisco is from September to November. Believe it or not, fall offers some of the city's warmest temperatures year-round, not to mention fewer crowds than summer. Spring is another good time to visit thanks to its mild temperatures and lack of rain (compared to other parts of California). The Golden Gate City witnesses a surge in tourism during the summer as people head west in search of sun, sand and surf. However, the fluctuating climate can quickly trounce a day at the beach. Those looking for the perfect seaside getaway should consider a trip to Los Angeles where the sunshine lasts year-round. Meanwhile, winter in San Francisco draws bargain-hunters with the promise of lower hotel rates and fewer people. If you decide to travel in the wintertime, protect yourself from the chilly temperatures with plenty of layers.

Weather in San Francisco

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Bring a jacket The weather in San Francisco is fickle. Just because it's warm and sunny when you start your day doesn't mean damp fog and brisk winds won't settle in later on.

Get ready to hike San Francisco is built on incredibly large hills. Even if you're taking public transportation or have a car, you're likely to run into a hill at lease once (especially on one of the city's walking tours ), so pack the proper footwear.

Be mindful of downtown residents San Francisco not only shelters one of the largest populations of homeless people in the U.S., but the city also has one of the worst drug problems as well. These often coincide and can be seen very clearly in parts of downtown San Francisco.

Take a tour It can feel overwhelming to try and experience all that San Francisco has to offer. To make the most of your trip, consider signing up for a guided tour .

Plan a day trip The famous wine regions of Napa and Sonoma sit a little more than an hour north of the city. If you don't have your own set of wheels, book one of San Francisco's best wine tours .

How to Save Money in San Francisco

Forget about summer Hotels welcome a large number of hopeful sun-seekers during the summer, causing room rates to rise rather dramatically. You'll find plenty of deals if you book during the cooler months.

Reconsider that big-name hotel Hotel chains in major areas like downtown, SoMa and Fisherman's Wharf are just waiting to take your money. You'll find much better rates at smaller bed-and-breakfasts and independent hotels in Nob Hill and the Marina District.

Forget the car  Having a car in San Francisco will be an expensive hassle. Many hotels charge hefty fees for valet parking, and some don't even offer self-parking. Stick to public transportation and you'll save loads of dough. And if you'd rather let someone else do the driving, consider signing up for one of San Francisco's best bus tours .

Culture & Customs

San Francisco is one of the most progressive cities in the United States, with historical ties to the hippie and gay rights movements. The city is also among the most diverse in the United States, with distinct Hispanic, Chinese and European traditions represented in a host of arts and music festivals, as well as an oftentimes grandiose display of architecture.

To match its love for progressiveness and diversity, San Francisco also prides itself on its environmental sustainability efforts. Composting is mandatory for all city residents, and the Bay Area remains host to an abundant amount of nonprofit environmental organizations.

San Franciscans also love the outdoors, and the city's lush parks (including Golden Gate Park) and proximity to excellent natural wonders (including Yosemite National Park ) make it one of the most enviable cities for adventure travelers.

What to Eat

San Francisco's dining scene is diverse in its culinary offerings, featuring both casual and upscale establishments as well as cuisine from around the world, helping it earn the distinction of one of the best foodie cities in the USA . Here you can find a bevy of Michelin-star establishments (it is one of only four cities in the U.S. to have a Michelin guide), coffee shops, as well as neighborhoods made famous for their international offerings, including North Beach (Italian), The Mission (Mexican) and Chinatown (Chinese), among others. But what makes San Francisco particularly stand out is commitment to utilizing what's available, instead of what they can get. Here, the option to source ingredients locally is not so much a question but rather an expectation among the culinary community. 

San Franciscans are crazy about their local bounty and you should be too. In fact, stopping at a farmers market is a cultural experience here. There are more than 50 available in the Bay Area alone. The farmers market at the Ferry Building Marketplace acts as a microcosm of the city's culinary identity. The market works to showcase only small, regional producers and is frequented by more than 200 of the city's chefs, including Alice Waters of Chez Panisse , a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement. 

You could spend days trying to navigate San Francisco's vast dining scene, but it moves pretty fast. The next big place to eat may not be the same a couple weeks later (in 2014, there was a new restaurant opening every week). That said, there are some establishments that have stood the test of time. You may want to opt for a classic bread bowl with clam chowder at Boudin's (the original creator of SF's famous sourdough), or visit the heavily lauded Tartine Bakery for this Bay Area classic. Speaking of sweet treats, Bi-Rite Creamery 's ice cream and Golden Gate Bakery's egg tarts are said to be some of the city's best desserts. 

For coffee, Peets Coffee & Tea started in the Bay Area, though Philz Coffee gets much more love from locals. If you're more into beer, a visit to the Anchor Brewing Company is a must. There's Chinatown , but there's also Japantown in the Western Addition (one of three remaining in the continental United States). The Richmond is also said to be a top spot for Asian cuisine while the Mission is renowned for its Mexican food, specifically its burritos. Depending on who you ask, La Taqueria is said to have San Francisco's best burrito, though if you're cruising 24th street, you're likely to run into numerous neighborhood gems. For an overview of they city's ever-evolving dining scene (and the chance to sample some delicious eats along the way), sign up for a guided tour .

Like any major city, San Francisco has its share of rough spots. The city's progressive reputation and lax drug laws have attracted a large homeless population, who panhandle throughout the main tourist areas and in San Francisco's downtown area. Violent crime against tourists remains rare, but out-of-towners can be the victims of theft, especially those unaware of their surroundings. When riding on public transportation, always keep hold of your belongings. Don't walk alone at night, and don't carry large sums of cash while you're in the city. Avoid the SoMa and Tenderloin areas at night; both are known for high incidence of crime.

Getting Around San Francisco

The best ways to get around San Francisco are on foot and by using public transportation. Most of the popular attractions are within walking distance of the city center, and the large municipal transportation system (called the Muni) operates bus and streetcar lines, leaving little need for your own set of wheels. The city's famous cable cars (also operated by Muni) and bus tours are a more entertaining, albeit slower, way to see the city. To get into town from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), you can use the Bay Area Rapid Transit (known among locals as the BART) commuter rail, or you can take a taxi for around $46 to $66, depending on your final destination and the state of traffic at the time.

Until 1964, the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Now, it's the second-longest suspension bridge in the United States and the 11th-longest suspension bridge in the world.

Explore More of San Francisco

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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Lifestyle | Travel | Ultimate California

San Francisco: plan a trip to the Californian city that has it all

So vast is the city’s appeal that trying to describe San Francisco in a few words can feel like a challenge. Ranging from world-famous landmarks and fascinating cultural history to beautiful green spaces and a booming food scene, there are many reasons to explore the hills of this charming Californian city.

With several direct flights every day from London Heathrow with British Airways, it's never been easier to get to San Francisco. Meanwhile, a range of hotel and car hire options available through British Airways Holidays mean you can design a San Francisco adventure to suit you.

Iconic attractions at every corner

Don’t be under the impression that just because some sights are so familiar from photos or films that you won’t be blown away by the in person experience. The Golden Gate Bridge, for example, is dazzling no matter what time of day or what angle you view it from.

And its beauty is only enhanced by the impressive size of the San Francisco Bay that sits beneath it. Alcatraz Island, in which you can see the very cells where the likes of Al Capone and the Birdman of Alcatraz were held, is another powerful and dramatic sight to behold in person.

Booking with British Airways and British Airways Holidays

• British Airways is the only UK airline to serve all three gateway airports into California: Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. All flights depart from London Heathrow with a daily flight, or multiple flights per day
• All British Airways Holidays packages are ATOL protected, keeping you and your money safe
• All package bookings include flexible payment options, with deposits from just £75 per person with no balance due until seven weeks before travel for long-haul*
• All British Airways Holidays packages include 23kg baggage allowance included per person, along with a 24-hour dedicated support helpline during your trip
• British Airways Executive Club members can use their Avios for part-payment on holiday packages. For more details, visit ba.com/holidays
• British Airways Holidays offers a range of hotel options to suit all budgets. From budget friendly to 5* luxury, there’s something for everyone
• Partnering with Avis, British Airways Holidays offers fly-drive holidays across the state. When booking flights and car hire together, all mandatory charges are included, and you’ll benefit from roadside assistance and 24-hour customer support
• All hotels and car-hire are committed to British Airways’ high safety standards

*Based on two adults sharing. Full balance due seven weeks before departure. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply

For a more light-hearted experience, make sure to pay a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf, located right by the port you’ll leave for and return from Alcatraz.

Enjoy the kitschy family-fun at this popular visitor spot, where you can pick up souvenirs, spot the herd of sea lions basking nearby and try out a warming clam chowder served in a sourdough bowl.

Bustling districts with plenty of history and great food

It may be a small city when you compare its size to its reputation, but there are whole worlds to explore within this Northern Californian gem. Immerse yourself within the bohemian vibe of Haight-Ashbury – once home to Janis Joplin and a nucleus of the hippie movement of the 1960s, not forgetting to check out The Castro nearby, an important place in American LGBTQ+ history.

Mission District, the city’s Latin American hub, will enchant you with its colourful street art and mouth-watering dining options. Don’t miss out on one of the area’s famous ‘Mission-style burritos’.

Literature lovers should make time for some of the Beat movement’s key landmarks. City Lights on Columbus Avenue is the bookstore that first published Allen Ginsberg’s poem, Howl, and was a regular hang-out spot of key members of the scene, with Vesuvio Café – another popular stomping ground among the Beat poets – just down the road.

There’s also the largest and oldest Chinatown in North America, where you can enjoy authentic dim sum, and visit the charming boutiques and bakeries that abound in the area.

And if climbing all the city’s hills starts to wear you out, why not hop on one of the iconic cable cars?

Gorgeous green spaces to find a peaceful escape

The city's other Golden Gate, rather overshadowed by the world-famous bridge, is Golden Gate Park. Contrary to what the name suggests, it isn't right by the bridge, but is still worth allowing a day or two to visit.

There are more than 1,000 acres to explore, including the California Academy of Sciences, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, impressive lakes, and even a tranquil Japanese Tea Garden.

In the Marina District you’ll find the Palace of Fine Arts, a picturesque structure great for photos and taking a moment out of your busy schedule, while Alamo Square Park will give you a great vantage point of the Painted Ladies – the Victorian houses so synonymous with the city (and featured in plenty of TV shows).

More things to discover in San Francisco

Whatever your interests, the glorious City by the Bay will surely satisfy.

Where to stay: San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco

With panoramic views of the city and the bay, this grand city institution , built in 1907, is famed for its fine dining, classic décor, marble baths and first-class service .

Staypineapple Union Square

Located in the Downtown’s central square, the vibrant yellow-gold colour scheme and personal service from its ‘Everything People’ lend this luxe location a Californian character all of its own.

Argonaut Hotel

A landmark on the waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf, this nautical-themed historic gem includes rooms with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, while also delivering tastefully designed opulent touches throughout.

To book your holiday to San Francisco, please visit  ba.com/sanfrancisco

San Francisco To Seattle: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

• Road trippers can choose between two main routes from San Francisco to Seattle, each with its own advantages and unique views.
• The more direct route follows I-5 and takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop driving.
• The coastal route along the Pacific Coast Highway is more scenic but takes longer, with a total trip time of approximately 17 hours and 10 minutes.

The majority of people are used to the most famous road trip in the United States, from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Road-tripping individuals will have the chance to behold the unique views on the Pacific Coast Highway in California . With several stops on their way, allowing them to see the beautiful nature, relaxed beach towns, busy cities, and unique attractions, commuters will experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that they have never gone through before.

However, another road trip that allows visitors to the western side of the US to explore the Pacific Northwest is equally attractive to the Los Angeles-San Francisco drive . That journey consists of the Drive from San Francisco to Washington's largest city, Seattle. Many people wonder what the best stops from San Francisco to Seattle are, and there are plenty.

UPDATE: 2023/08/06 02:46 EST BY NICOLE HANSEN

More To Know When Planning A Roadtrip From Boston To San Francisco

There's always more to add to create the perfect road trip itinerary. This article has been updated with additional route details, including maps, stop suggestions, and highlights in California, Oregon, and Washington. Have fun, and be safe!

Related: Road Trip Patagonia: Driving Scenic Ruta 40 From Esquel To Bariloche

Best Routes From San Francisco To Seattle

There are two main routes for a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle, each with its own advantages and unique views.

The more direct route follows I-5, stopping through Redding, California, Portland, Oregon, and Olympia, Washington on its way to Seattle. When venturing along the I-5 highway, the trip takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop driving, much of which is through the granite Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. However, if one wants to enjoy most of the attractions along the San Franciso-Seattle road, they must spend at least an extra 5–7 days.

San Francisco to Seattle Via I-5

• Distance: 819 miles
• Time to Drive: ~12 hours 45 minutes
• Recommended Road Trip Time: 5–7 days
• I-5 Road Trip Route Outline: San Francisco, California → Mt. Shasta, California → Ashland, Oregon → Eugene, Oregon → Portland, Oregon → Olympia, Washington → Tacoma, Washington → Seattle, Washington

For a more meandering drive from San Francisco to Seattle, The famous Pacific Coast Highway, the most well-known California road trip, turns into Highway 101 and extends into Oregon and Washington before connecting with Highway 30. Travelers follow Highway 30 until they reach I-5, which returns them to the north-south route until Seattle.

This coastal route from San Francisco to Seattle is arguably the most scenic but does take longer to complete. The entire trip takes approximately 17 hours and 10 minutes non-stop. A coastal road trip from San Francisco to Seattle also demands a slightly longer time frame, taking 7–10 days to fully enjoy.

San Francisco to Seattle Via The Pacific Coast Highway

• Distance: 901 miles
• Time to Drive: ~17 hours 10 minutes
• Recommended Road Trip Time: 7–10 days
• Pacific Coast Highway (California to Washington) Road Trip Route Outline: San Francisco, California → Fort Bragg, California → Crescent City, California → Gold Beach, Oregon → Astoria, Oregon → Olympia, Washington → Tacoma, Washington → Seattle, Washington

Related: 10 Best Routes To Take On The Ultimate Cross-Country Road Trip

Planning For A Drive From San Francisco To Seattle

A trip from San Francisco to Seattle involves driving for 800 or more miles along the Pacific Northwest and watching the most attractive views while on the way. Before hopping onto the automobile, visitors must rent a car from legitimate and affordable sources, such as RentalCars.com , which offers rentals from various car brands. Another better option is to rent a Campervan or an RV from Outdoorsy to make one's life easier regarding accommodation. A crucial step to take is to issue a car insurance policy to hedge against any sudden accidents.

• Cost of a Campervan: depending on its size, a Campervan costs an average of $130 per night to rent.

Top Road Trip Stops In California

The first stop on the San Francisco to Seattle drive is the Town of Sausalito, known for its breathtaking nature and relaxing atmosphere. People can go on hiking trips in Sausalito and learn about the natural habitat and the preserved seashore, among other activities.

Next on the road is the Muir Woods National Monument, which boasts 600-year-old, 246-foot-long redwood trees and diverse wildlife. Another stop worth embracing is the picturesque wine region of Sonoma. The iconic Napa Valley in California is the most famous stop on the San Francisco to Seattle road trip.

Additionally, a lot of visitors head to Domaine Chandon to taste the US's best sparkling wines. People on a high budget go to world-class Michelin-starred restaurants, such as The French Laundry or Auberge Du Soleil, to eat in Napa Valley. The Coast of California offers even more unique stops, perfect for a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle. An artistic stop full of galleries in the coastal town of Mendocino that boasts a gallery in a water tower. The most beautiful city to visit on the road trip from San Francisco to Seattle is Fort Bragg, famous for its Glass Beach in the Noyo Headlands Park, which boasts mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean.

Another popular stop is the marvelous Shasta Lake, surrounded by mountains with barren trees that create a magnificent effect with the lake's crystal clear waters and the blue color of the sky. It is also worth stopping at Crescent City to visit Redwood National and State Parks.

Related: Need A Day Trip from Las Vegas? Try Off-Roading In The Mojave Desert

Unique Stops In Oregon And Washington

Visiting Crater Lake National Park is a must when on a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the US and was formed by a super-volcanic eruption 7,700 years ago. Next is a stop at the most beautiful waterfall in Oregon, the unique Toketee Falls.

Eugene City, the birthplace of NIKE, is next on the list and is best to visit during summer for hiking trails. Another good stop for hiking is in the city of Bend in Oregon. A gem of the Pacific Northwest is the Willamette Valley, known for its 1300 wineries and vineyards. Additionally, visiting the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum would be a good idea when in Willamette Valley. Flying kites on the beach in Lincoln City, Oregon, is fun during the road trip.

Next, people usually stop in Tillamook to have ice cream and cheese tasting. They can also visit The Tillamook Creamery for free. The jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the city of Portland is a popular stop for nature and hiking lovers and foodies. For those taking the coastal route through Oregon, the port city of Astoria is arguably the best road trip stop in the Pacific Northwest , offering ocean views, hiking trails, and a unique downtown vibe consistent with traveler's favorite Oregon cities.

Next comes Washington in the road trip from San Francisco to Seattle, where most commuters stop at the iconic Mount Rainier National Park and the Gig Harbor for a couple of calming and relaxing days. Washington also has a number of short detours for those looking to get outdoors on their road trip adventure, including nearby Olympic National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in the US .

Next: Every Wine Aficionado Needs To Visit These Napa Valley Vineyards

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