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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”. 

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Perfect 4 Days in San Francisco Itinerary for first-timers

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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 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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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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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 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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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. The famous “Full House” house is here and you can grab a drink at the cool bars and dig into incredible Mexican food. There’s an eclectic food scene in general in the area, including several Michelin-starred restaurants.  

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!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

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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21 San Francisco Travel Tips: Full First-Timer’s FAQ

San Francisco is one of California’s most popular tourist destinations. The city’s wild west Gold Rush history, an open and accepting culture, world class museums, great food and epic views are just a few of SF’s finest features. So, if you are a first time visitor, figuring out where to start can be daunting.

Never fear, we’ve got you covered. We’ve lived and worked in the Bay Area for 26 years and we know what’s what. Our San Francisco travel tips will help you prepare for your trip, give you ideas for cool things to do and help you with on-the-ground logistics.

(This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase, I’ll make a small commission.)

SF Travel Planning Tips

If it’s your first time visit to SF you may be a bit unsure about how to pull together the logistics of the trip. The following SF tourism tips will help you get your ducks lined up for a great itinerary.

How Many Days in San Francisco is Enough?

Try to leave at least three days for a San Francisco trip. SF is pretty compact as large cities go, but there is a lot to do there. Three days will give you enough time to see not only the key (or most popular) sites, but it will also give you some slack time to explore neighborhoods and spend some time simply wandering around.

Where Should I Stay in San Francisco?

The long answer to this question can be found in our SF accommodation guide . It breaks down 5 key neighborhoods and gives specific suggestions on where to stay in each. But the short answer is that most people stay in the Union Square, Financial District or SOMA neighborhoods. They are centrally located and have good public transportation access.

Here are some cool hotel suggestions:

Historic Icon :  The Palace Hotel . The Palace was built in 1875 as San Francisco’s first premier luxury hotel. They have a stunning ballroom and lobby and they offer old-school services such as a signature tea and brunch. Check reviews and rates at  Booking.com .

Rock and roll vibe :  Zeppelin Hotel . The Zeppelin bills itself as an “urban avant garde nirvana”, which you can enjoy while hanging out in their game room and sipping your complimentary welcome beverage. See reviews and rates at  Booking.com .

Fabulous roof deck:   Hotel Via . The Hotel Via is located in SOMA. It’s perfectly situated for the ballpark and warehouse district. They have a rooftop deck with expansive views of the ballpark and the bay. Check reviews and rates at  Booking.com .

What Should I Pre-Book for San Francisco?

You should definitely pre-book the Alcatraz tour . It’s a very popular (and worth it) attraction and the boats have limited capacity. Pre-book the basic tour here .

If you want to do a day trip to Muir Woods , you’ll need to plan ahead for that as well. The site has limited parking and you need to get an advance reservation for either a parking spot or to use the shuttle service. Get a reservation at GoMuirWoods .

If you want to do both Alcatraz and Muir Woods, you can also do a combo tour which includes entry and transportation to both. You can book that here .

SF is a foodie town, so if you want to eat at one of the more iconic and popular restaurants (like Tartine Manufactory, State Bird Provisions, Zuni, Nopa or Sotto Mare), then you’ll want to get an advance reservation.

If you are keen to go wine tasting , you should pre-book that as well, especially if you want to do it on a weekend. Nearly all of the wineries now require reservations. If you want to DIY it, just book directly with specific wineries. Or you can let someone else drive and coordinate the resos by taking a day tour to Napa and Sonoma from SF, which you can book here .

When Should I Visit San Francisco?

For the best weather, you should visit San Francisco in April/May or September/October. The summer can be chilly and foggy and December-March is the rainy season. That said, this isn’t Iceland. Even when it’s foggy/rainy, SF’s mild climate makes it an easy place to visit.

If SF is part of a larger trip, use our guide for when to visit CA to match your interests with the perfect season.

What Should I Wear in San Francisco?

(or…how not to look like a tourist in San Francisco)

We practically invented casual Friday in SF and our easygoing tech culture means that smart casual is the default dress code. So, wear what’s comfortable and be sensible about your shoes because you’ll be doing a lot of walking

Since the city is basically a peninsula with the Pacific Ocean on one side and a huge bay on the other, SF is a patchwork different microclimates. Walk a mile, or even stand still and wait 10 minutes, and the weather can change drastically. So always, always bring layers.

And don’t assume that just because it’s July, it will be warm enough for shorts. When Karl the fog rolls in, you don’t want to be that tourist shivering in a t-shirt and shorts while all of the locals around you are comfortably dressed in jeans and a light jacket.

San Francisco Travel Tips for On-the-Ground Logistics

Once in SF, here are some suggestions for helping you get around safely and efficiently.

How do I get from SFO to Downtown San Francisco

Use our SFO to downtown guide (or Oakland airport to SF ) for the full down-low. Both articles include pricing, logistics and rough travel time. But the short answer is that if you have more time than money, take the BART subway. If you have more money than time, take a cab (more expensive but no waiting) or Uber/Lyft (less expensive).

We’ve also got some advice for you on whether it’s worth renting a car in S F.

Is San Francisco Safe?

In terms of violent crime, SF is about as safe as any other large US city. But there are a few safety considerations that are particular to SF.

SF has been experiencing an epidemic of petty car break-ins. DO NOT leave any valuables in your car.

SF also has a serious homelessness problem. So you’ll find a lot of people panhandling, especially in the Union Square and Tenderloin area just west of Union Square. Donate to (or ignore) them according to your own personal ethic, but just be prepared for it to happen and pay attention to your surroundings.

Pickpockets always congregate in touristy areas and SF is no exception. So pay attention in places like the Powell Street cable car stop and Pier 39/Fisherman’s Wharf.

How Do I Catch Public Transportation in San Francisco?

San Francisco is served by 4 different systems. You can pay for any of them by purchasing and pre-loading a Clipper Card. You can buy an e-version of the card and load it into your phone’s wallet.

• MUNI : This is the bus, light rail and cable car system that serves riders within the city. Paying with Clipper is best, but you can also use cash on the buses and cable cars. MUNI runs all over the city, but it’s not always fast. Popular rides on MUNI include the cable cars and the historic buses that run along the Embarcadero to Pier 39. Here’s out guide for how to ride the cable cars .
• BART : This is the subway system. It serves SF from both the Oakland and SF airports and also has stops within the city in the Mission, Civic Center, Union Square and Financial district neighborhoods.
• FERRY : There is regular ferry service between SF nearby cities. It’s typically used for commuters, but you can have a fun DIY bay tour by taking the ferry over to Oakland’s Jack London Square, a day trip to Angel Island State Park , or walking across the Golden Gate Bridge and taking the ferry back from Sausalito.
• CALTRAIN : This is a suburban train service. You probably won’t be using it unless you need to get to the San Jose airport or elsewhere down the peninsula.

Should I Do the Hop On Hop Off Bus?

We’ve traveled the world and have never been huge fans of the HoHo buses. Sure, they cover the whole city, but that’s the problem. It’s just too much to cover in one day. You’ll never get sufficient time at any given stop to really explore it.

That said, the buses do give an overview of the city with some historical context. We think your money is better spent on Ubers that will whisk you to a smaller number of things that you really want to spend time doing. But if you want to check the bus pricing and scheduled stops, you can look into the HoHo buses here .

What Not to Miss in San Francisco

This is a tough question to answer as we firmly believe that nothing is “must see”. What you “must see” in San Francisco is highly dependent upon your personal interests. And even if you’re a first time visitor to SF and you aren’t sure you’ll ever come again, you don’t want to waste your time pursuing someone else’s idea of a great time.

So our best San Francisco travel tip for you is to be a discerning traveler and focus on what you want. To that end, we’ve broken down this to-do list into some different categories, and you can pick from those things that float your boat.

Cool SF Architecture

• The Painted Ladies in Alamo Square. Take a selfie but be respectful because it’s private property
• Coit Tower . Art deco architecture, WPA murals and epic views.
• The Palace of Fine Arts . Cool photo opp at night.

Foodie Heaven

• The Ferry Building . Historic building with tons of food stalls and thrice weekly farmer’s market.
• The Mission Burrito . Eat a burrito as big as your head. La Taqueria is a popular fave.
• Craft Beers in SOMA . Which you can explore on your own or take a tour .

Great Walks

• Crosstown Walk . Gets way off the tourist trail and transits from the SE to the NW corners of the city. Use our Crosstown walk guide for inspiration.
• Barbary Coast trail . A self-guided tour of SF’s most notorious Gold Rush neighborhood. Use our Barbary Coast guide to walk through historic Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach and The Wharf.
• Land’s End Trail . Get a mix of nice nature, SF history, URBEX and ocean views on the Lands End Trail .

If this is your jam, we have a whole list of our favorite walks in SF and also some cool hikes to take in the Presidio .

• The Golden Gate Bridge . Use our bridge visitors guide to explore on and around the bridge.
• The top of Twin Peaks . Nice long view of both downtown and Golden Gate Park.
• Top of the Mark . Cocktails on the top floor of the Intercontinental hotel with lovely nighttime views of downtown.

• The Presidio : This is the largest urban park in the national parks system. Use our Presidio guide to find cool hikes, historic sites and Yoda. And learn about the other 11 National Park sites near SF .
• Golden Gate Park : Two cool museums, a flower conservatory, Japanese garden, arboretum, small lake, walking trails, windmills and even some bison!
• Mission Dolores Park : If it’s a nice day, pack a picnic and some bevvys, and spend a few hours hanging out.

Amazing Art

• SF MOMA : The best modern art museum west of the Mississippi with an excellent photography collection.
• De Young : A wide-ranging art collection and excellent special exhibitions.
• Asian Art Museum : One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, with collections from all around the continent.

Fun for Kids

• Exploratorium : Hands on science museum that uses its location on the bay as a living exhibit.
• Seward Street Slides : Fun concrete slides built into the hillside (bring you own cardboard).
• San Francisco Maritime Museum : Another national park site with maritime exhibits and tours of historic boats.

Offbeat and Edgy

• Mission Street murals : Use our Mission mural guide for a DIY tour of graffiti and murals that celebrate SF’s Latino and immigrant culture.
• Sutro Baths : Visit the ruins of an old Victorian bathhouse on the western edge of the city. The views of the ocean are great there.
• Mission Dolores Cemetery : Mission Dolores is the oldest intact building in SF and its cemetery is both creepy and historically informative.

Get off the tourist treadmill and check out our article featuring offbeat and unusual things to do in SF .

Should I Visit Pier 39?

Meh. Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf have a lot of negative tourist trappings. It’s crowded, kinda dirty, with overpriced food, t-shirt shops and a wax museum. And we don’t love any of that.

However, there are a few things worth doing, just don’t spend all day there. The kids might like the Musee Mechanique, which features antique arcade games, or the aquarium of the Pacific. There is a resident population of sea lions that are worth a look. And you catch the Alcatraz ferries from there.

Should I Ride the Cable Car in SF?

Most definitely, it is indeed iconic. However, during peak times, the line at Powell street gets very long. You can avoid that by getting over to Ghirardelli Square by other means and then taking the cable car back from there. Or, you can go early or late in the day. Or you can take the California line, which starts at California street and goes to Van Ness.

What are Some Cool SF Neighborhoods to Explore?

Our best pro SF tourism tip is to leave some of your time open and just wander around a few cool neighborhoods.

We are big fans of The Mission . For some good eats, fun stores and murals, stroll 24th Street between Potrero and Mission, Clarion Alley, and Valencia from 20th to 25th. We also like SOMA . You can wander the Embarcadero, go to a baseball game, visit one of the breweries or hang out at the South Park playground.

Hayes Valley has nice upscale boutiques and a ton of great restaurant options. As does Fillmore Street from Sutter to Jackson. Haight Ashbury is still (kinda) hanging onto it’s hippie history and you can still shop for old school records at Amoeba Records. Nearby Booksmith is also a great SF indy bookstore .

3 Fun and Funky Tours to Take in SF

• The San Francisco Love tour is kitchsy, but fun. It’s a blast from an SF hippie past while driving around to some iconic spots in a psychedelic ’70’s Volkswagen minibus. Check the schedule and book it here .
• SF City Guides offers free tours (for a tip) on some very niche topics such as Hitchcock’s SF, “Bawdy and Naughty” Barbary Coast, Castro Pride, and North Beach by night. Check their schedule here .
• Eat your way through Chinatown with this walking (and eating) tour .

But Wait, Here Are More SF Resources

• If you into photography, here’s a guide to 17 places to get great SF photos .
• We also have a guide for finding (and shooting) the best Golden Gate Bridge views .
• Find some quirky things to do with these unique SF guidebooks .
• Read up before you go with these books set in SF .

And Plan a Larger California Vacation

• Go north using this road trip guide from SF to the redwoods .
• Go east on a road trip between SF and Lake Tahoe .
• Take a slow roll down the coast from SF to LA on the PCH .
• Road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite .
• Or road trip from San Francisco to Death Valley OR SF to Las Vegas .

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6 days in san francisco itinerary: how to plan a fantastic vacation.

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In the United States, San Francisco is one of my absolute favorite cities to visit and explore.  San Francisco first fascinated me on the big screen – thanks to movies such as  Mrs. Doubtfire  and  Vertigo  – and when I first visited in my late twenties, the sweeping blue bay and massive hills took my breath away and made me not want to leave northern California. 

I just love, love, love San Francisco.

So, unsurprisingly, I think San Francisco is a fantastic destination for all sorts of travelers. Couples, friends, families, you name it! Hell, even if you travel alone to San Francisco , you’ll still have a wonderful time trying all the restaurants, exploring all the unique neighborhoods, taking day trips, chilling near the Bay, and so much more! 

I wanted to put together this 6 Days in San Francisco Itinerary for all my readers who prefer slower travel, which (in my opinion) includes making a bigger city one’s base for several days in a row. 

Even though you might be thinking, “hmmmm, 6 days in San Francisco is an awful lot of time,” I promise that between the city’s neighborhoods and day trips that you won’t run out of things to do.

Actually, I think you’ll be planning your  next  visit on the third day! I already want to go back again in the near future and still haven’t seen everything that I want to.

Table of Contents

San Francisco Travel Tips

First and foremost — I want to talk about some basic travel tips before discussing the best things to do with 6 days in San Francisco. You probably have some big questions right now.

What should I bring? Where should I stay? How do I even get around, and what do I do if I don’t want to pay a substantial amount for a rental car? 

Never fear! I have all your travel needs covered! 

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

Honestly, any time is wonderful to spend 6 days in San Francisco.  The weather is always comfortable for sightseeing. You don’t have to worry much about extreme heat or cold, which makes San Francisco a delightful destination to visit year round. 

As for me, I personally have been to San Francisco in April and June. I was blessed with sunny weather both times of the year. In June, I experienced a tiiiiiny bit of fog in the morning, but fogginess over the Bay is so quintessentially “San Francisco” that the soupy air didn’t bother me at all! 

Go whenever you have the most vacation available to you. You will have a wonderful time. 

Getting Around San Francisco

Once in San Francisco, you’re able to navigate relatively freely without your own car. And honestly, if you’re not used to driving through hilly terrain or accustomed to busy city driving, then being carless is probably the best possible situation for you.

So no sweat! In San Francisco, you have a lot of great options even without a car.

San Francisco’s iconic and historic cable cars are very popular for tourists. Keep in mind that the cable cars do not cover the entire city, not by a long shot, but you can reach a lot important sites riding the cable cars. Pack your patience in high season. It may take time to board a car that has room for you. 

 As always, rideshare apps , such as Uber and Lyft, are very popular, and although these apps aren’t as affordable as they once were, they’re very useful for covering large distances especially after an intense day of sightseeing. 

Last but not least, the BART will easily take you to San Francisco International Airport, as well as other Bay Area cities. I personally felt safe riding the BART, but usual street smarts apply. Keep an eye on your belongings, and switch cars if someone makes you feel uncomfortable. 

Where to Stay in San Francisco

San Francisco has tons of wonderful accommodation and wide variety of unique neighborhood experiences to choose from. You can’t really go wrong, as long as you know your budget (San Francisco can be very expensive) and read reviews well in advance.

As far as specific locations go, I would personally avoid staying in the Tenderloin area due to the large amount of homeless that congregate in this neighborhood. Sure, you won’t be able to 100% avoid the homeless in San Francisco, and I also encourage you to be compassionate, but at the same time your safety comes first.

Homelessness is a complicated, heart breaking, and difficult issue that doesn’t have any one given solution. However, as a traveler, it’s not up to you to figure out an answer, so you need to pick an area that you feel comfortable and secure sleeping in at night. If you still want to help, then I recommend making a donation to the Coalition for the Homeless San Francisco . 

I have a few suggestions below, but again, feel free to do more research to help you find the best place for you. 

Accommodation Ideas

• Adelaide Hostel:  This highly rated hostel is perfect for travelers looking to meet friends on their visit to San Francisco. Adelaide Hostel is only a stone’s throw from Union Square, which makes it very centrally located for the price. See prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com .
• Infinity Hotel, SF:  Are you searching for a boutique hotel that’s a little closer to the piers? Then look no further than Infinity Hotel, SF in the beautiful Marina District. You will be near a ton of great popular attractions including the Palace of Fine Arts and Pier 39. See prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com .
• White Swan Inn: Last but not least White Swan Inn is one of my favorite places to stay in all of San Francisco. This fun boutique hotel makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to London. I love the brightly decorated rooms, and the wine and cheese hour. See prices on  TripAdvisor.com   and  Booking.com . 

What to Pack for 6 Days in San Francisco

Packing for San Francisco depends on the time of the year, of course, but you don’t want to forget these essential items. Double-check your bags before you depart for the airport. 

• Lonely Planet San Francisco:  I still love physical guidebooks even in the digital age, and Lonely Planet writes my favorite ones! I recommend this Lonely Planet San Francisco guidebook to tailor your 6 days in San Francisco itinerary. 
• Mirrorless Camera:  For high quality photos that go beyond your phone, my favorite camera is the Sony Mirrorless Camera , which takes fantastic shots, but is not as bulky as a DSLR. 
• Stylish Day Backpack:  In San Francisco, I’m most comfortable wearing a backpack. You don’t want to look like you’re off for a hike in the woods, but a fashionable all day backpack is perfect for exploring this city. 
• Super, Super Comfortable Walking Shoes:  Please, please, please for the sake of your sanity, pack comfortable walking sneakers in San Francisco. The hills are no joke. Why am I so insistent on footwear? Because I walked all the way from Union Square to Golden Gate Park in uncomfortable, platform open-toed shoes. Never. Again.
• Travel Insurance:  I always buy travel insurance on all my trips. If your health insurance won’t cover you in San Francisco, then I definitely recommend buying a travel insurance policy before your departure date. Hopefully, you won’t need to use it, but better safe than sorry!
• Windbreaker Jacket:  San Francisco has lovely weather. However, if you’re taking a boat ride on San Francisco, you’ll feel cold no matter what time of year you’re visiting the city. Pack a windbreaker jacket to stay warm on the water. 

Quick Glance: 6 Days in San Francisco

6 Days in San Francisco Itinerary: All the Details

This 6 days in San Francisco itinerary aims to be specific and broad at the same time. I completely understand that all travelers have different interests, and you will want to adjust what you see and do in San Francisco based on your own personal travel goals.

However, I still wanted to include some of the most popular attractions in this itinerary, especially for first time travelers headed for San Francisco. 

Let’s get started!

Day 1: Welcome to San Francisco

Yay! You’ve arrived in beautiful San Francisco! So what do you want to do first? How do you even begin to plan your visit?

Upon your arrival in a new city, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure, particularly if you’ve just hopped off a long flight. Why not start your 6 days in San Francisco with someone knowledgeable who’ll help you acclimate to your temporary new home?

Depending on your arrival time, I personally recommend going on a Free San Francisco Walking Tour to learn about the city’s history and to “get your bearings.”

This free walking tour will take you to some of San Francisco’s most iconic buildings such as Transamerica Pyramid. 

Once you’re done your tour, I would go on a mission to find some delicious food and an entertaining cocktail. For example, I’ve heard that Fairmont’s Tonga Room is always an enjoyable time. What better way to start your adventure?

Day 2: Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf 

If you’re visiting San Francisco for the first time, then you need to book a ferry ride over to  Alcatraz Prison. Alcatraz is one of the most popular tourist attractions that’s also very much worth your time and money (see my own experience about how Alcatraz is totally worth it!) .

The audio tour really transported me back in the time to the days when Alcatraz was open to the most notorious criminals in the United States. Believe it or not, the audio actually made me tear up on more than one occasion! You can visit Alcatraz day or night! Check opening/closing times in advance.

A quick word of warning, though. I can’t emphasize booking your ferry ride in advance. Alcatraz is part of the National Park Service, and is free for visitors, but you still need to pay the official ferries to reach the island, and tickets do sell out fast, especially in high season. Book your tickets as soon as you know your dates to avoid disappointment.

After Alcatraz, spend some time wandering around  Fisherman’s Wharf.  Yes, this area is insanely touristy and cheesy. However, it’s still fun, especially for first time visitors coming to San Francisco. I personally had a great time visiting Pier 39 to see the sea lions and Ghirardelli Marketplace — where I legit had the greatest chocolate milkshake of all time.

Day 3: Wines, Wines, and More Wines

You can’t come to the Bay Area and not immediately think about wine. California, after all, is very much a wine haven. 

If you want to truly experience California’s wines, I recommend taking a day trip outside of San Francisco to the wineries. You will need a rental car if you want to go to the wineries without a schedule, but keep in mind that several organized group tours leave from San Francisco for the wine regions. Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about drinking and driving if you take a tour instead. 

Famous wine regions in the area include Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, and the Tri-Valley . As a side note, I absolutely loved visiting the Tri-Valley for three days and recommend an entire weekend there, but a day trip to Livermore is still very feasible! 

California’s wineries are beautiful. I promise you will have an amazing time eating and drinking your way through whichever region you chose for your adventure. 

Day 4: Golden Gate Park & Museums Galore

Golden Gate Bridge is literally one of my favorite places in the entire world. Seriously, I could sit near Golden Gate Bridge for literally hours, snap a million pictures, and enjoy a picnic lunch. That is my perfect day. 

I personally recommend dedicating two hours to the nearby Presidio of San Francisco . You’ll find a lot to see and do that goes beyond the Golden Gate Bridge. For example, Fort Point National Historic Site is an incredible Civil War Fort that offers rich history and great views of the Bridge. The Golden Gate Overlook is another wonderful vantage point to see the bridge.

Lastly, I also suggest visiting the nearby The Palace Of Fine Arts . Even you’re not there for an event, the Greco-Roman style palace is a wonder to behold. Love it.

So, obviously, your 6 Days in San Francisco itinerary wouldn’t be complete without including the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Afterwards, you’ll also want to check out some of San Francisco’s fantastic museums today! I personally loved both the Cable Car Museum  and  San Francisco Museum of Modern Art  (SFMOMA), but tailor museums to your specific interests. San Francisco has an abundance of them.

Day 5: Neighborhood Immersion

For your next day in San Francisco, my recommendation is to focus on the unique areas that makes this city special compared to other metropolitan areas in the United States.

San Francisco has plenty of vibrant neighborhoods that absolutely packed with character. To dive deeper, you can either book yourself on neighborhood specific tours (which, there are  a lot , so make sure to read reviews), or plan out a self-guided walk through the neighborhoods that pique your interest. 

I’ve listed a couple neighborhoods below to get you started. 

6 Days in San Francisco Itinerary: Neighborhood Guide

• Chinatown:  San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest one outside of Asia. This “city within a city” starts at the iconic Dragon’s Gate. In Chinatown, you don’t want to miss the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, beautiful murals and street art, and Chinese Temples (check ahead of time; most welcome visitors). 
• Haight-Ashbury:  During the 1960s, Haight-Ashbury embodied the height of “flower power.” Today the neighborhood is home to a variety of fun consignment shops, dive bars, and music shops. You don’t want to miss the former Grateful Dead House either! 
• The Mission:  A lot of tourists don’t make it down to the Mission District, and while I don’t recommend wandering here alone in the middle of the night, you definitely want to come for lunch and devour a Mission-style burrito. Your stomach will thank you. Furthermore, the 18th century Mission Dolores is a San Francisco icon. You’ll also discover that this neighborhood is also home to one of the city’s most popular parks: Dolores Park. 
• North Beach:  Located between Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach is a fun and vibrant neighborhood that’s definitely worth your time and energy. You’ll want to come here for the Italian food, thanks to strong Italian-American community that’s lived here for generations. And, as a book lover, you don’t want to miss City Lights bookstore! It’s one of my favorite places to go in San Francisco. 
• Russian Hill:  This ritzy and high-end neighborhood is home to the famous and very windy Lombard Street. Obviously, Russian Hill is named after it’s tremendous hills, and is the perfect place to get some photos from high over San Francisco Bay. 
• Pacific Heights: A truly beautiful and safe residential neighborhood. I personally adore the architecture of the homes in this area. Famous homes include the Mrs. Doubtfire house! You can also swing by Spreckels Mansion to see where famous author Danielle Steel lives (keep in mind that Spreckels Mansion is a private residence and you can’t just stroll inside, haha). 

 Day 6: San Francisco Day Trips

Last but not least, San Francisco is the perfect base to take a couple of wonderful day trips. Sure, you may have already left the city to explore the nearby wine regions, but plenty of possibilities exist on or near the Bay Area. 

I’ve listed a couple of possibilities here to get you started on your research. These trips can be done on your own or on a group tour. 

San Francisco Day Trip Ideas

• Angel Island: Stunning Angel Island is a hidden gem in San Francisco Bay. Immigrants coming to the West Coast were processed on Angel Island, and now the area is a state park with scenic hiking trails and stunning views. 
• Berkeley:  This funky university city has a ton of things to see and do. You can spend a weekend in Berkeley , but it’s also an easy and enjoyable day trip from San Francisco. 
• Concord:  If you love beer, tacos, and amusement parks, then Concord is another delightful trip from San Francisco. I loved my visit in Concord and can’t wait to go back in the future! 
• Muir Woods:  The most convenient place to see Redwood Trees for visitors in San Francisco. Many organized day tours leave San Francisco each day to Muir Woods, which offers an easy getaway to walk among these majestic old-growth redwood trees. Be prepared to feel awed.
• Sausalito : Located in nearby Marin County, this wealthy and beautiful small town is a great place to go shopping followed by a (splurge) meal at one of the highly rated restaurants. The ferry ride is absolutely lovely too! 

I hope this 6 days in San Francisco Itinerary helped you plan your trip to this beautiful and iconic American city. Of course, I welcome suggestions to this post, so feel free to reach out anytime! 

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

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31 Unique + Fun Things To Do in San Francisco

Updated : April 18, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, SMT

Table of contents.

• Stroll Over the Golden Gate Bridge 
• Visit Alcatraz
• Ride a Historic Cable Car
• Have a Picnic in Golden Gate Park
• Walk Down Lombard Street 
• Enjoy a Day in the Fisherman's Wharf
• Take a Walking Tour
• Check Out a Museum
• See the Iconic Painted Ladies
• Wander Around an Art Gallery
• Lounge at a Local Beach
• Spend an Afternoon in Sausalito
• See a Performance at The Castro Theatre
• Soak in the Views at Pier 39
• Explore the Oldest Chinatown in the US
• Catch a Ball Game at Oracle Park 
• Dine at a Top Restaurant
• Hike Up the Twin Peaks
• See the Palace of Fine Arts
• Encounter Wildlife at the Zoo
• Go Wine Tasting
• Wander Through Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line
• Discover Relics of the Japanese Tea Garden
• Shop the Ferry Building Marketplace
• View the Coit Tower
• Enjoy Nature at the Botanical Garden 
• Take a Ferry to Angel Island State Park
• Watch for Sea Lions
• Browse Cool Shops
• Experience San Francisco’s Nightlife

Visit San Francisco With AAA

Located on the shore of Northern California, San Francisco is a lively city with beautiful nature, bustling neighborhoods and historic landmarks. It’s no surprise that history buffs, foodies and nature lovers alike have San Francisco at the top of their travel list. 

Ready to set off for The Golden City? Read on to discover the 31 best things to do in San Francisco. 

1. Stroll Over the Golden Gate Bridge 

The Golden Gate Bridge is the city’s most iconic landmark, offering picturesque views of the San Francisco Bay . The bridge is roughly 1.7 miles long, so you can expect it to take about 30 minutes to walk each way, depending on how often you stop to admire the scenery. 

Tip: The bridge is closed to pedestrians at night, so plan your walk during daylight hours. 

2. Visit Alcatraz

Alcatraz is a rocky island located just over a mile off the shore of San Francisco. It’s infamous for being the location of Alcatraz Prison, which held some of the most dangerous criminals in the country during its operation from 1934 to 1963. Today, visitors can tour the prison and learn about the history of incarceration in the United States. 

Tip: Consider booking a tour that includes a boat cruise and admission to Alcatraz. 

3. Ride a Historic Cable Car

Cable cars have been operating in San Francisco since 1873, and the city still uses them as transportation to this day. A ride costs $8, and routes connect to many different destinations around the city.   

Tip: Visit the Cable Car Museum to learn more about the history of cable cars in San Francisco. 

4. Have a Picnic in Golden Gate Park

Pack lunch and a blanket and head to Golden Gate Park for a picnic. Spanning over 1,000 acres, this park is a natural oasis home to wildlife, gardens, hills and lakes. 

Tip: Many events take place in Golden Gate Park, so check the calendar before your visit to see if any activities pique your interest. 

5. Walk Down Lombard Street 

Nicknamed the “Crookedest Street in the World,” Lombard Street is a road in San Francisco that features hairpin turns. Be sure to snap a photo of this unique street! 

Tip: Be cautious and watch for cars when visiting Lombard Street. 

6. Enjoy a Day in the Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is a popular waterfront neighborhood known for its family friendly activities, shopping and delicious seafood restaurants. Located along the northern coast of the city, the area provides stunning views of the bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Tip: The area has limited parking, so consider using other transportation options. 

7. Take a Walking Tour

A walking tour is great for exploring the city and seeing popular landmarks. Plus, your guide will share interesting facts and discuss the area's history. 

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. 

8. Check Out a Museum

San Francisco boasts various museums perfect for adults and children alike. A few of the best museums in San Francisco include:

• Asian Art Museum
• de Young Museum
• Legion of Honor
• The Walt Disney Family Museum

Tip: Many museums offer free admission on specific days of the week, so plan accordingly to save money. 

10. See the Iconic Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies is one of the most popular sights in San Francisco. This row of Victorian houses is most well-known for appearing in the credits of the hit TV show “Full House.” The Painted Ladies are located across from Alamo Square. 

Tip: Remember that residents currently live in these homes so be respectful when posing for photos. 

11. Wander Around an Art Gallery

San Francisco’s art scene is flourishing, with several art galleries throughout the city. A few favorites include: 

• Anglim Gilbert Gallery
• Martin Lawrence Galleries
• Moth Belly Gallery
• Andrea Schwartz Gallery
• Berggruen Gallery
• 111 Minna Gallery 

Tip: Many galleries host workshops and events you can attend for a fun experience. 

12. Lounge at a Local Beach

Whether you want to walk along the shoreline, surf or lounge in the sun, San Francisco offers plenty of stunning beaches. A few of the best beaches in San Francisco include Baker Beach, Ocean Beach, Crissy Field East Beach and Marshall's Beach. 

Tip: If you’re looking for a less crowded option, Pistachio Beach is a hidden gem located near Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park.

13. Spend an Afternoon in Sausalito

Sausalito is a charming city located just across the bay from San Francisco. Here, you’ll find quaint streets lined with boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. 

Tip: Consider following a walking route across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. 

14. See a Performance at The Castro Theatre

Originally built in 1922, The Castro Theatre is a historic entertainment venue and staple among the LGBTQ+ community. The theater offers a wide range of live performances and film screenings.  

Note: Castro Theatre is currently closed for renovations and is expected to reopen in summer/fall 2025.  

15. Soak in the Views at Pier 39

Admire stunning views of San Francisco Bay at Pier 39 . As you stroll along the pier, stop at the many arcades, shops and waterfront restaurants located here. 

Tip: Plan to arrive early on weekends since parking garages fill up quickly. 

16. Explore the Oldest Chinatown in the US

As you wander through the streets of the United States’ oldest Chinatown , stop in local markets and restaurants to enjoy authentic food. The Dragon Gate at the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue is the primary entrance to the neighborhood. 

Tip: Bring cash since some businesses don’t accept credit cards. 

17. Catch a Ball Game at Oracle Park 

Cheer on the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park! The stadium offers an exciting atmosphere for sports fans among the picturesque backdrop oe San Francisco Bay. 

Tip: Dress in layers since the temperature drops once the sun goes down. 

18. Dine at a Top Restaurant

San Francisco is home to some of the best restaurants in the country. From taquerias to Michelin-star dining, the city offers a diverse range of options for every type of foodie. 

Tip: Many restaurants fill up quickly, so make a reservation in advance. 

19. Hike Up the Twin Peaks

Visiting the Twin Peaks will provide stunning, panoramic views of the entire Bay Area. Depending on the type of adventure you’re looking for, you can either hike, bike, drive or take a tour bus to the summit. 

Tip: Beware of poison oak along the trails. 

20. See the Palace of Fine Arts

Situated in the Marina neighborhood, the Palace of Fine Arts is another of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks. The structure’s Greco-Roman architecture is truly breathtaking! 

Tip: The landmark is free to visit. 

21. Encounter Wildlife at the Zoo

Animal -lovers won’t want to miss a day at the San Francisco Zoo ! With over 2,000 animals, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with African Lions, Red Pandas and Western Lowland Gorillas. 

Tip: The zoo is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and adult admission costs between $29 and $31, depending on the day of the week. 

22. Go Wine Tasting

With its close proximity to Napa Valley and Sonoma, San Francisco is a perfect place for wine aficionados. Whether you visit a local winery or nearby vineyards, you’ll be able to taste a wide variety of flavors. 

Tip: If you want to try wines from both areas, consider booking a Napa and Sonoma tour from San Francisco. 

23. Wander Through Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line

Located at the Presidio, Wood Line is a sculpture by acclaimed artist Andy Goldsworthy. Created out of Eucalyptus branches, the artwork is a sight to behold. 

Tip: Consider stopping by the sculpture while walking the Lovers Lane Trail. 

24. Discover Relics of the Japanese Tea Garden

Originally created in 1894, the Japanese Tea Garden, located in Golden Gate Park, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visit in March or April to see the Cherry Blossom trees in bloom. 

Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance or at the door. 

25. Shop the Ferry Building Marketplace

With plenty of local shops and markets, the Ferry Building Marketplace is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir from your visit. Plus, you can get a yummy snack at local cafes or bakeries. 

Tip: The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

26. View the Coit Tower

Another quintessential San Francisco landmark, the Coit Tower , is worth a visit for its incredible views of the city. Inside the tower, you’ll find historic murals that date back to the Great Depression. 

Tip: There is an elevator entrance fee to get to the top of the tower. 

27. Enjoy Nature at the Botanical Garden 

The San Francisco Botanical Garden is one of the best in the country. Here, you can admire over 8,000 species of plants, including the garden’s infamous magnolias. 

Tip: Visit on the first Tuesday of every month for free admission. 

28. Take a Ferry to Angel Island State Park

Angel Island State Park is the largest island situated in the San Francisco Bay. With beautiful blue waters and plenty of hiking trails, it makes for the perfect day trip from San Francisco. 

Tip: The island is only reachable by boat, so consider booking a sailing tour . 

29. Watch for Sea Lions

Did you know that some say the sea lions in California are the most intelligent among the species? If you want to spot these smart creatures in San Francisco, head to K-Dock at Pier 39. Here, you can watch nearly 100 sea lions play and lounge on the deck. 

Tip: The number of sea lions at the pier fluctuates, so check the live sea lion webcam before you go. 

30. Browse Cool Shops

From vintage stores and clothing boutiques to gift stores and antique shops, San Francisco boasts plenty of opportunities for local shopping. Union Square is a popular shopping hub in the city with various retailers and dining options. 

 Tip: Only In San Francisco is a popular souvenir shop to check out! 

31. Experience San Francisco’s Nightlife

San Francisco boasts a vibrant nightlife with cocktail bars, nightclubs, music venues and dive bars. Whether you're looking to chat with friends or hit the dance floor, there's something for everyone. 

Tip: A few popular neighborhoods for nightlife include Mission, Union Square, North Beach and The Castro. 

Whether you choose to see the iconic landmarks, indulge in tasty seafood or relax in nature, San Francisco has something for everyone.

When planning your trip, remember to use TripCanvas for additional recommendations of where to stay and what to do in San Francisco. Not to mention, your AAA membership can help you save money at restaurants, hotels and more. 

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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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San Francisco Itinerary: How To Plan a Weekend Trip To SF

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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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A Travel Guide To San Francisco: 10 Things To Know While Planning Your Trip

Forget traveling to Los Angeles, California. This guide will help visitors experience the city of San Francisco like a true local.

San Francisco is a beautiful and unique city with many hills, farm-to-table restaurants, and nice weather. Many dream of going to California and want to visit Los Angeles for the tacos and celebrities or some beachy towns for gorgeous views and relaxation. But San Francisco is definitely worth visiting and a vacation there is going to be amazing.

Before buying plane tickets and booking a hotel room, check out this guide of the restaurants to check out, the best things to do, and some notes on experiencing the city as if you really live there.

Here is a travel guide to San Francisco: 10 things to know while planning your trip.

10 Experience Cable Cars, Go To Chinatown, And Walk Around The Muir Woods National Monument

There are so many things to do during your time in San Francisco that it's definitely hard to pick just a few. The Crazy Tourist recommends that you experience the famous cable cars. Since 1873, these have been a mode of transportation in the city, although there are three lines now when there used to be 23. This will be really fun, especially if you have seen people riding these in movies or on TV.

The website also suggests walking around and eating at the many restaurants in Chinatown. And tourists don't want to miss out on the Muir Woods National Monument which has redwoods across 240 acres. You can hike and take in the beautiful views.

9 An Autumn Vacation In SF Would Be Lovely

Travel US News recommends that travelers go to SF in September, October, and November. The weather will be great and there won't be quite as many people around, unlike in the summer months.

What will the weather be like? The website says "the low 70s" and notes that the San Francisco Fringe Festival takes place in September.

8 Stay At Hotel Emblem And Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Hotel Emblem, located in Union Square, has 96 rooms and they look really cool and artistic. The hotel is close to many theaters, restaurants, and it's super easy to explore by just walking out the front door and heading in any direction. A gorgeous and popular cafe named Bluestone Lane is also nearby, which is great for travelers who want good coffee ASAP in the morning.

Hotel Nikko San Francisco has a very calm, zen-like atmosphere and is a larger option with 532 rooms. It's also located in Union Square and the rooms look comfortable, plus there is an awesome pool.

7 Visitors Enjoy Staying In Union Square

Trip Savvy says that Union Square is a tourist-friendly area, so this seems like a safe bet when you want to visit San Fransisco.

You'll find tons of hotels to choose from here along with shopping and restaurants. While there are many beautiful neighborhoods in the city where you can find hotels, basing yourself out of Union Square is a smart idea.

6 Eating At Petit Crenn Will Be Wonderful, And Check Out Fog Harbor Fish House

What restaurants are most worth dining at in San Francisco? According to Eater , you'll want to go to Petit Crenn, which has delicious fish dishes and the owner/chef is Dominique Crenn of Chef's Table fame. You can grab a seat at the bar or make a reservation. Trip Advisor reviews also mention the mushroom tartine and brunch dishes.

Fog Harbor Fish House will be another delicious choice. Diners will be treated to every kind of seafood that they could wish for, along with a gorgeous setting as the restaurant is on the waterfront.

5 Skip The Cabs But Walk Around, Take Ubers, And Use Buses

Go City recommends that tourists skip cabs in San Francisco as they are super expensive and also can be tricky to track down. The city is made for walking and so that would be an awesome way to get around.

If you have a specific location in mind or want to rest your feet for a little bit, taking Ubers and taking advantage of the great bus system are both smart ideas. It's only $2.75 for the bus, and you can of course also take cable cars to get places and that's only $7 a ticket.

4 Don't Miss The Golden Gate Bridge Or Fisherman's Wharf

San Francisco's most well-known landmark (and one of the most famous in the world) is The Golden Gate Bridge. SF Travel says that the bridge actually has sidewalks that tourists can use during the day, and many people rent bikes and then explore the bridge that way. The website even gives advice on how to take the best pictures for Instagram and says that snapping a photo from "under the bridge angle from Fort Point" in the a.m. is great.

Tourists also want to visit Fisherman's Wharf, an area full of restaurants, stores, and a really cool vibe. There are so many places to grab a bite, from breakfast at Hollywood Cafe or Eight AM to Norman's Ice Cream and Freezes.

3 Bring US Cash And Tip 15-20 Percent

The currency used in San Francisco is USD and like many North American cities, you can spend as little or as much money as you choose to. There are many free attractions like visiting Golden Gate Park and Haight-Ashbury, according to We Save , and travelers can find all kinds of meal options ranging from cheap fast food to fancier dining establishments.

According to a discussion on Yelp , it seems that many people are comfortable tipping 15-20 percent when eating out in San Francisco, which is the same as many other places.

2 Catch A Flight In February To Save Some Cash

Cheap Flights says that February is going to be the best time for a flight deal to San Francisco.

A 12 p.m. plane ride will also be affordable and it's good to book for a Wednesday. The website says purchasing plane tickets two months before is a good rule of thumb when planning your trip here.

1 Check Out The Golden Gate Bridge The Way Residents Do, And Check Out Anchor Brewing Company

Business Insider suggests that tourists see the Golden Gate Bridge while visiting an area called Lands End. It will be beautiful as there are rocks and water.

If you want to go beyond the touristy stuff and feel in tune with what local residents do, the website also recommends Anchor Brewing Company. You can take a tour and also enjoy some drinks.

Sources: Thecrazytourist.com , Gocity.com , Sftravel.com , Weswap.com , Yelp.com , Businessinsider.com , Cheapflights.ca , Tripsavvy.com , Travel.usnews.com

Things to Do in San Francisco: A Guide to Fun (2024)

W elcome to the enchanting city by the bay, where every street corner whispers tales of diversity, landmarks beckon with storied histories, and breathtaking scenery leaves you awe-inspired. San Francisco, a city like no other, is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, a treasure trove of landmarks, and a masterpiece of nature’s beauty.

Picture yourself strolling along the bustling streets, the aroma of freshly baked sourdough bread wafting from corner bakeries, and the eclectic mix of languages and laughter filling the air. You’re not just visiting a city; you’re embarking on an adventure through a melting pot of cultures that have woven themselves into the very fabric of this metropolis. You will be amazed at all the things to do in San Francisco for people of all ages.

But it’s not just the diverse culture that makes San Francisco a must-visit destination . The city boasts iconic landmarks that have graced postcards and inspired filmmakers for generations. From the majestic Golden Gate Bridge standing guard over the bay to the historic Alcatraz Island, where echoes of infamous inmates still resonate, there’s no shortage of stories etched into the cityscape.

Let’s not forget the scenery that will steal your heart – rolling hills dotted with colorful Victorian houses, the sparkling Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon, and the lush green spaces that invite you to relax and rejuvenate. San Francisco’s natural beauty is as captivating as its urban charm.

I want to take you on a journey through this eclectic wonderland, unveiling the best activities, hidden gems, and insider tips to ensure your stay is nothing short of unforgettable. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, nature enthusiast, or just someone seeking adventure, San Francisco has something special in store for you.

Things to Do in San Francisco: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Attractions and Activities

So, grab your heartiest appetite and your most comfortable walking shoes because the City by the Bay is ready to enchant, inspire, and surprise you at every turn. Join us as we uncover the endless possibilities in our comprehensive exploration of “Things to Do in San Francisco: A Guide to Fun.” Your adventure begins now with these tourist attractions!

Iconic Landmarks

San Francisco is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world. Here are three must-see landmarks that you can’t miss on your trip to San Francisco:

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic symbol of San Francisco and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The bridge spans 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County. One of the best ways to experience the bridge is to walk or bike across it. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about its history and construction.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a former federal military prison that is now a national park . It is a small island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay and can only be reached by ferry. Visitors can take a guided tour of the prison and learn about its infamous inmates, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” The island also offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Since childhood, I have seen these iconic gems in the commercials that touted the favorite rice dish of San Franciscans – and still have that Rice-A-Roni jingle stuck in my head. It goes without saying that San Francisco is famous for its cable cars , which are a fun and unique way to explore the city.

This fun form of public transportation runs on three lines: the Powell-Hyde line, the Powell-Mason line, and the California line. You can hop on and off at various stops throughout the city, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and Chinatown.

Riding a cable car is a great way to experience the city’s hilly terrain and historic neighborhoods. And heck, what fun photos and TikTok reel opportunities as you go up and down those steep hills!

These three iconic landmarks are just a few of the many attractions that San Francisco has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler , you won’t want to miss these must-see sights.

Cultural Experiences

I adore that San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures, and there are many ways to experience the city’s diverse cultural offerings. Here are some must-see cultural experiences to add to your itinerary:

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and largest Chinatown in the United States. It is a vibrant neighborhood that is home to many shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory , where you can watch fortune cookies being made by hand.

You can also explore the alleyways and side streets to discover hidden gems like the  Tin How Temple and the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum . If you want the perfect memorable photo, take a selfie at the Dragon Gate.

Mission District Murals

I love street art and that put this on my list of great things to do in the city of San Francisco! The Mission District is known for its colorful street art murals. They reflect the neighborhood’s Latino heritage and social activism.

Take a walking tour to see some of the most iconic murals, like the Women’s Building Mural and the MaestraPeace Mural. You can also visit the Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center to learn more about the history and significance of the murals.

Japanese Tea Garden

Location: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive San Francisco

The  Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is a serene oasis that offers a glimpse into Japanese culture. It is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States and features traditional Japanese architecture, koi ponds, and a tea house. You can participate in a traditional tea ceremony or simply stroll through the garden and admire the beautiful scenery.

Ferry Building Marketplace

Location: One, Ferry Building, San Francisco

The Ferry Building Marketplace is a food lover’s paradise that showcases the best of San Francisco’s culinary scene. It is home to many artisanal food vendors, including Cowgirl Creamery, Acme Bread , and  Blue Bottle Coffee . You can sample local cheeses, fresh oysters, and gourmet chocolates while enjoying views of the San Francisco Bay. The marketplace is also a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, or food, San Francisco has something to offer every culture lover. Don’t miss these unique cultural experiences on your next visit to the city.

Outdoor Activities

San Francisco is known for its beautiful outdoor spaces and activities. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking to enjoy some fresh air, there’s something for everyone in the city. Here are some of the top outdoor activities to experience in San Francisco:

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors in San Francisco. This expansive park spans over 1,000 acres and offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Some of the top attractions within the park include:

• The Japanese Tea Garden : This tranquil garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States and features beautiful landscaping, koi ponds, and a tea house.
• The  de Young Museum : This art museum features a variety of exhibits and collections, as well as stunning views of the city from its observation tower.
• The California Academy of Sciences : This museum is home to a planetarium, aquarium, and natural history museum all in one, making it a great option for families.

The Presidio is a former military base turned national park that offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. Here are some of the top things to do in the Presidio:

• Hiking: The Presidio offers over 24 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. Some of the top trails include the Batteries to Bluffs Trail and the Ecology Trail.
• Beaches: The Presidio is home to several beautiful beaches, including Baker Beach and Marshall’s Beach, which offer stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
• The Walt Disney Family Museum : This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Walt Disney and features exhibits, screenings, and interactive experiences.

Ocean Beach

If you’re looking to enjoy some time by the ocean, Ocean Beach is the perfect destination. This long stretch of beach offers plenty of space to relax and take in the views. Some of the top activities to enjoy at Ocean Beach include:

• Surfing: Ocean Beach is known for its challenging surf conditions, making it a popular spot for experienced surfers.
• Bonfires: Visitors can enjoy a bonfire on the beach with a permit from the city.
• Sunset watching: The sunsets at Ocean Beach are some of the most beautiful in the city, making it a popular spot for photographers.

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Location: 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco

These botanical gardens are s a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city. This 55-acre garden features over 8,000 different plant species from around the world. Some of the top attractions within the garden include:

• The Redwood Grove: This section of the garden features towering redwood trees that are over 100 years old.
• The Succulent Garden: This garden features a variety of unique and colorful succulent plants.
• The Ancient Plant Garden: This garden features plants that have been around for millions of years, including ferns and cycads.

Overall, San Francisco offers a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to hike, relax on the beach, or explore a beautiful garden, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Museums and Galleries

San Francisco is home to numerous museums and galleries that cater to a wide range of interests. From modern art to science, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the top museums and galleries to check out during your visit:

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Location: 151 Third St San Francisco,

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum has an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by famous artists such as Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Frida Kahlo. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see. Be sure to check out the museum’s rooftop sculpture garden, which offers stunning views of the city.

De Young Museum

Location: Golden Gate Park 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive San Francisco

Located in Golden Gate Park, the  de Young Museum is a work of art inside and out. The museum’s collection includes American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, as well as art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The museum also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit. Don’t miss the observation tower, which offers panoramic views of San Francisco.

The Exploratorium

Location: Pier 15, (Embarcadero at Green, San Francisco

The  Exploratorium  is a hands-on science museum that’s fun for all ages. The museum’s exhibits explore a wide range of topics, from physics to biology to social science. Visitors can experiment with light and sound, learn about the human body, and even create their own art. The museum also hosts events and workshops throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit.

California Academy of Sciences

Location: 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco

The California Academy of Sciences  is a must-see destination in San Francisco. The museum is home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and world-class research and educational programs. Visitors can see penguins, butterflies, and even a living roof. The museum also hosts special events and exhibits throughout the year.

Walt Disney Family Museum

Location: 104 Montgomery Street in the Presidio   San Francisco

Located in the Presidio, the Walt Disney Family Museum is a must-visit for Disney fans. The museum tells the story of Walt Disney’s life and career, featuring artifacts, interactive exhibits, and original artwork. Visitors can learn about the creation of Mickey Mouse, the making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Disney’s impact on the entertainment industry. Don’t miss the museum’s theater, which screens classic Disney films.

Food and Drink

San Francisco is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, with a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences to choose from. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, classic Italian dishes, or craft beer , the city has something to offer every palate. Here are some of the top food and drink experiences to try during your visit:

Seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular destination for seafood lovers, offering a variety of restaurants and vendors serving up fresh catches from the nearby waters. One of the most iconic dishes to try is cioppino, a hearty seafood stew that originated in San Francisco. Sotto Mare is a local favorite for this dish, with a rich tomato-based broth filled with Dungeness crab parts, mussels, and other seafood.

If you’re in the mood for something fried, head to Alioto’s  or the  Crab Station for some crispy fish and chips or fried calamari. For a more casual experience, grab some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery or one of the many street vendors.

Dining in North Beach

North Beach is known as San Francisco’s Little Italy, with a wide range of Italian restaurants and cafes to choose from. One of the most popular spots is Tony’s Pizza Napoletana , which has won numerous awards for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. For pasta dishes, head to The Stinking Rose that offers classic Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, stop by Stella Pastry & Cafe for some cannoli or tiramisu. For a more upscale dining experience, consider booking a table at Cotogna  or Tosca Cafe , both of which offer a modern take on Italian cuisine.

Craft Breweries

San Francisco is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a variety of breweries and taprooms to choose from. One of the most popular spots is  21st Amendment Brewery , which offers a wide range of beers on tap, and Magnolia Brewing Company , which specializes in English-style ales.

For a more casual experience, head to one of the many taprooms in the city, such as Cellarmaker Brewing Company  or Fort Point Beer Company . Many of these spots offer outdoor seating and food trucks, making them a great place to relax and enjoy some local brews.

Shopping Destinations

San Francisco is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide range of shopping destinations to suit any taste and budget. Here are three of the best shopping destinations in the city:

Union Square

This is the heart of San Francisco’s shopping district , with a wide range of high-end and mid-range stores. This is where you’ll find the city’s largest collection of department stores, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s. If you’re looking for luxury brands, head to the boutiques on Maiden Lane, where you’ll find stores like Chanel, Prada, and Gucci.

Haight Street

Haight Street is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the best places for vintage and alternative fashion. This street was the epicenter of the 1960s counterculture movement, and today it’s home to a wide range of vintage clothing stores, record shops, and head shops. Some of the most popular stores on Haight Street include Wasteland, Amoeba Music, and Loved to Death.

The Castro is San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood, and it’s also home to a wide range of unique and eclectic stores. If you’re looking for quirky gifts or one-of-a-kind souvenirs, head to stores like Cliff’s Variety , which has been a neighborhood institution since 1936. Other popular stores in the area include  Books Inc ., which has a great selection of LGBTQ+ literature, and the Castro Theatre gift shop, which sells movie-themed merchandise.

No matter what your shopping preferences are, San Francisco has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands or vintage finds, you’re sure to find it in this vibrant and diverse city.

Nightlife and Entertainment

San Francisco is known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. From live music venues to comedy clubs and theater performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Live Music Venues

This town has a diverse music scene that caters to all tastes. Some of the most popular live music venues include The Fillmore, The Independent , and The Warfield Theatre . These venues feature a variety of music genres including rock, jazz, blues, and hip-hop. If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, check out the Great American Music Hall or the Rickshaw Stop.

Comedy Clubs

San Francisco has a thriving comedy scene with several comedy clubs to choose from. The Punch Line , Cobb’s Comedy Club , and The San Francisco Comedy Cellar are just a few of the popular comedy clubs in the city. These venues feature both local and national comedians, so you’re sure to find something that will make you laugh.

Theater Performances

This great spot is home to several world-class theaters that offer a variety of performances throughout the year.  The American Conservatory Theater , The Curran , and The Orpheum Theatre are just a few of the venues that feature Broadway shows, musicals, and plays. If you’re looking for something more experimental, check out The Magic Theatre or The Cutting Ball Theater .

Overall, San Francisco’s nightlife and entertainment scene is diverse and exciting. Whether you’re looking for live music, comedy, or theater performances, you’re sure to find something that will keep you entertained.

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco and want to see some of the city’s top attractions, consider purchasing a CityPASS. With a CityPASS, you’ll save money and time by gaining admission to some of the city’s most popular attractions.

CityPASS offers two different options for visitors to San Francisco: The CityPASS and the C3 pass. The CityPASS includes admission to four attractions: the California Academy of Sciences, the Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure, the Aquarium of the Bay, and either the Exploratorium or the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. With the CityPASS, you’ll save up to 46% on admission prices.

If you don’t have time to visit all of the attractions included in the CityPASS, consider purchasing the C3 pass instead. With the C3 pass, you’ll get one-time admission to three of the five attractions included in the CityPASS. You can choose from the California Academy of Sciences , the Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure , the Aquarium of the Bay , the Exploratorium , and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art .

One of the best things about the CityPASS is that it allows you to skip the lines at many of the attractions. This can save you a lot of time, especially during peak tourist season. In addition, the CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days, so you can take your time exploring the city and its attractions.

Overall, if you’re planning to visit several of San Francisco’s top attractions, the CityPASS can be a great way to save money and time.

Click on the picture to check it out

Final Thoughts:

As we near the end of our journey through the captivating city of San Francisco, one thing becomes abundantly clear: this city is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered. From the rich tapestry of cultures that harmoniously coexist to the iconic landmarks that tell tales of bygone eras, and the natural beauty that will leave you breathless, San Francisco is a destination like no other.

We’ve explored the vibrant neighborhoods, savored delectable culinary delights, and marveled at the city’s architectural wonders. We’ve delved into its history, from the Gold Rush era to the counterculture movement, and we’ve reveled in the stunning scenery, from the fog-kissed Golden Gate Bridge to the tranquil serenity of Muir Woods .

But beyond the sights and sounds, it’s the spirit of San Francisco that truly sets it apart. It’s a city that embraces diversity, celebrates individuality, and welcomes all with open arms. It’s a place where you can be yourself, where the boundaries of tradition are challenged, and where creativity knows no bounds.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another adventure, San Francisco promises to surprise you, inspire you, and leave an indelible mark on your heart. It’s a city that invites you to explore, to dream, and to savor every moment.

As you wrap up your journey through the “City by the Bay,” take with you the memories of laughter in colorful neighborhoods, the taste of world-class cuisine, and the sense of wonder that comes from standing before iconic landmarks. And remember, this guide is just the beginning. San Francisco is a city of endless possibilities, and the best way to discover it is to step out and explore for yourself.

So, whether you’re gazing at the city lights from the summit of Twin Peaks or sipping artisan coffee in a quaint café, let San Francisco work its magic on you. It’s a city that thrives on curiosity, and in return, it offers an abundance of experiences that will stay with you long after your journey ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 20 things to do in san francisco.

San Francisco is a city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions. Some of the top things to do in San Francisco include visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Alcatraz Island, taking a cable car ride, visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, and checking out the Painted Ladies. Other popular activities include visiting the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, exploring Chinatown, and going on a food tour of the city.

What are some famous districts to visit in San Francisco?

San Francisco is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique character and charm. Some of the most famous districts to visit in San Francisco include Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, the Castro, and the Mission District. Each of these neighborhoods has its unique attractions, restaurants, and shops.

What shouldn’t I miss during my trip to San Francisco?

There are several things that you should not miss during your trip to San Francisco. These include visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Alcatraz Island, and taking a cable car ride. You should also check out Fisherman’s Wharf, the Painted Ladies , and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor . Don’t forget to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and try some of its famous cuisine.

Can I see San Francisco in 2 days?

While it’s impossible to see everything San Francisco has to offer in just two days, you can still experience many of the city’s top attractions. You can visit the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Fisherman’s Wharf, and take a cable car ride. You can also check out some of the city’s famous neighborhoods, such as Chinatown and the Mission District.

What is the number one attraction in San Francisco?

The Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the number one attraction in San Francisco. This iconic bridge is recognized worldwide and is a must-see when visiting the city. You can walk or bike across the bridge, take a boat tour underneath it, or simply admire it from a distance.

What are some easy things to do in San Francisco?

If you’re looking for some easy things to do in San Francisco, you can take a leisurely walk through Golden Gate Park, explore the Ferry Building Marketplace, or visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. You can also take a scenic drive down Lombard Street or enjoy a picnic in Dolores Park.

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I am planning a big family road trip for summer 2025. We will start in Seattle and work our way down to San Francisco with a side trip to Portland and another to Yosemite. 25 nights, so not rushing, but we want to fit in as much as we can! Never been to the US and want to make the most of the trip as we are unlikely to get the chance for a redo!!!

We have a whale watching trip that is high up our to do list (ideally in Washington so we can see orcas) and we will maybe ride the dunes.

My question is that I really want to get the most out of the trip without completely breaking the bank and without feeling like everyday is too full to really appreciate the ride. So… what is absolutely not to be missed and how long should I give myself for each section. I have a rough itinerary planned - does this look like a decent plan?

Kids will be 13 and 16. One is nuts for everything marine life related, both love an adventure, we don’t need theme parks - we have been to Disney in Paris recently and have theme parks nearby so… outdoors is great, nice food, we like kayaks 😁

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Trips?tt=bb399754-19d6-4682-a911-a1d736fd9589

20 replies to this topic

For 25 nights you have lots of time. When are you thinking of going?

Consider places like

Seattle - 2 to 3 nights - whale watch

Olympic National Park - minimum 3 nights different locations (book far ahead for lodging

such as Port Angeles, Crescent Lake

Mt. Ranier 2 nights

Leavenworth - Chelan Lake Area - 2 nights'

Astoria-Seaside-Cannon Beach - Manzanita - 2nights

Yachats - 1 to 2 nights

Florence for dune buggy 1 night

so about 14 days Washington/Oregon

Gold Beach - Jerry's Mail boat ride 1 night

then head south to Brookings 1 night

(decide also if you want to see Crater Lake or not - easier without)

and into California to see the redwoods

Jedidiah Smith State Park

crescent city harbor area

Trees of Mystery

Klamath River and Requa road

Prarie Creek State Park and elk

Newton b. Drury scenic highway

stay in trinidad, california for 2 to 3 nights

then see Avenue of the giants, humboldt state park and nature triail and drive to wine country

Healdsburg, Napa for 2 to 3 nights

also see in this area Armstrong Redwoods, Sonoma Coast (Jenner to Bodega Bay)

and Point Reyes National Seashore, Muir woods

then to Yosemite for 3 days (make reservations far ahead

Monterey - also good for whale watching, aquarium, Big Sur, Carmel, Asilomar, 17 mile drive, Fisherman Wharf and Cannery, etc.

then to Santa Cruz for the boardwall

and to San Francisco.

Your only stated preferences are a love of marine life and a love of adventure. You haven't said whether or not you want to hike, and you have expressed no particular interests in mountains, rain forests, or redwoods. Therefore, I will focus on your family's interest in marine life and adventure. I suggest that you spend three to four nights in the San Juan Islands and sign up for both a whale watching tour and a guided kayaking trip. Maya's Legacy gets a lot of praise for its environmentally sensitive, educational whale watches. I'm sure one of the destination experts for the San Juans could suggest a kayaking tour. That should provide all the adventure your son craves. The San Juans are one of the best places in the lower 48 states to see marine life, and they also offer agritourism and excellent hiking.

I would recommend doing this instead of visiting Olympic National Park. Your chances of seeing marine mammals are better, and you would not face the many logistical challenges imposed by ONP, which is very spread out and which will not provide you the same wild life and scenery you can find in Yosemite.

The redwoods should not be missed. They are breathtaking.

You asked about the best time frame for this trip. I would suggest as early in June as possible. There are several reasons for doing the trip earlier in the summer as opposed to later. For one thing, June is fresh, green, and beautiful. The waterfalls in the Columbia Gorge area will be full. The forests are particularly lovely then, and if you decided to visit Central Oregon, say, you would enjoy cooler weather. June is less crowded than July and August and slightly less expensive. June is also the time to see young wildlife, such as elk fawns and baby seals. Most importantly, June is well before fire season. Fires can be horrific in the PNW and there's no predicting where the smoke goes. You would miss the best time for Mt. Rainier and the other mountains, but you could still visit Mt. St. Helens, a fascinating and unusual site.

I must be doing something wrong if you have a sample itinerary because I don't see it.

Some ideas:

Mt. Rainier

Mt. St. Helen's

Columbia River Gorge

Oregon coast (including Oregon Dunes) down to Reedsport then cut inland on OR-138 to Crater Lake

From Crater Lake, take OR-62 along the Rogue River down to Grants Pass; do a jet boat ride

Take OR-199 to the Redwoods and Jedidiah Smith State Park; stop at Oregon Caves if that is of interest

Head to Mt. Lassen NP then down through CA Gold Country to Yosemite then to SF.

I couldn't find your itinerary, either.

You won’t be able to do everything.

Day 2-3 Seattle, night day 3 in anacortes

Day 4 ferry to Friday harbor

Day 5 orcas tour

Day 6 ferry back to port Townsend/ port angeles via another ferry

Day 7 Olympic np to forks

Day 8 Olympic, night forks

Day 10 Olympic, to mt rainier

Day 11 mt rainier

Day 12 to Astoria/ cannon beach

Day 13 to Portland

Day 14 Columbia gorge to bandon

Day 15 to redwoods

Day 16 redwoods

Day 17-18 to Yosemite

Day 18-19 Yosemite

Day 20 SEKI

Day 21 to Monterey

Day 22-23 Monterey

Day 24 -25 SF

Day26 fly home

Day 17 to crater lake

Day 18 to brnd

Day 19 to hood river

Day 20 to walla walla

Day 21 Palouse area

Day 22 to chelan/ Leavenworth

Day 23 WA 20 by north cascades np

Day 24 mt baker area

Day 25 back to Seattle

Day 26 fly home

In option B you would end by doing the San Juan island and push everything up.

My question is that I really want to get the most out of the trip without completely breaking the bank

--> It costs what it costs. Coming all this way and then not doing things because you can't afford them doesn't make a lot of sense. I do think you want to make the most of the money you are spending by making sure you spend enough time to really see and explore the place. I like to leave thinking "Well, I've seen that. I don't need to come back." I hate rushing away thinking "I've only seen half of it! I need to come back!"

and without feeling like everyday is too full to really appreciate the ride.

--> and that's the rub. Its always the tough decisions to make sure you can see the things you really want to see. A few guides I follow:

1. Set clear priorities, and when lots of people are travelling, make sure everyone has one thing. Book those things into the itinerary first, then fill in the rest.

2. Plan for variety. You don't need to do all the lighthouses or all the mountain peaks or all the aquariums or whatever. You need to pick what you want to see and see that, skip the rest. When we were in Italy, I decided Siena cathedral would be the one we would visit, and we skipped the rest.

So… what is absolutely not to be missed and how long should I give myself for each section.

--> Other people's priorities will not match yours. I've seen other people plan trips that i would absolutely hate, and they loved their experience. Everyone is different. The two points above is how I approach it to try and get the best trip we can with the time we have.

The official concessioner for Yosemite begins taking lodging reservations one year in advance. Popular room configurations book quickly.

Top Questions on the right side of most forums includes great tips.

I think Vancouverite67's Suggestion #1 in Reply 6 is excellent, especially with teens. Each member of the travel group gets to choose one Must Do / Must Experience / Must See (whatever you want to call it) for the family.

Places to consider

MacKerricher State Park

Sonoma Coast State Park

Point Reyes National Seashore (1 day)

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

Lake Tahoe 2 nights

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In San Francisco, a Home Renovation Can Become a Battle Royale

Neighbors have multiple opportunities to raise objections, and some disputes can only be resolved by the city’s top governing body.

By Heather Knight

Reporting from San Francisco

San Francisco’s top governing body spent time on Tuesday discussing what most residents surely would not consider a major priority for the city: whether Julie Park and Tom McDonald can raise the roof of their $2.1 million Victorian home by 7 feet and 3 inches.

The project complies with city codes, and the San Francisco Planning Commission gave unanimous approval months ago; in many cities that would have been good enough for the remodel to move forward. But in San Francisco, neighbors wield unusual power over next-door renovations and modest improvements and can appeal even the replacement of rotted front steps.

So on Tuesday, 11 members of San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors served as judges in home construction, hearing from Ms. Park, a lawyer representing her neighbors and Planning Department experts.

The feud between wealthy neighbors is emblematic of the city’s languor when it comes to building anything. San Francisco has already drawn the ire of state housing officials , who have demanded that the city add 82,000 units in the next seven years, a goal that seems out of reach when many projects draw multiple rounds of challenges and years of delays.

“This isn’t to say that other California cities don’t have similar planning battles royale, but historically speaking, San Francisco has distinguished itself as the leader of the pack,” Dan Sider, chief of staff for the San Francisco Planning Department, said.

Ms. Park, a 40-year-old consultant for start-ups and small businesses, began her quest during the pandemic when she and Mr. McDonald, a 38-year-old climate researcher, bought their three-story home on Harper Street on the edge of Noe Valley in 2020. The neighborhood is popular with families and close to hilltop hikes that provide stunning views.

The four-bedroom, one-bath home was built in 1905 and still had its original foundation and old plumbing. The couple’s idea was to turn the ground level into a separate living unit for Mr. McDonald’s parents and the middle level into the family’s living space and kitchen.

The plan was to raise the upper level’s gabled roof to make way for two bathrooms and three bedrooms for the couple and hoped-for children.

As required by city law, Ms. Park and Mr. McDonald notified their neighbors in February 2023 and quickly learned that several of them worried that a taller building would affect their views of the city, cast shadows and allow the couple to peer into their homes.

In a city full of tech workers, the squabble led one neighbor to post signs with a QR code and the words “SAVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD” on utility poles. The QR code led to a website, whatupsf.com , which encouraged people to sign a petition opposing the renovation, to attend Tuesday’s meeting and to fight the “monster home.”

“This whole thing has become a legal and financial nightmare,” Ms. Park said in an interview, adding that she had already spent $250,000 on architecture fees, the permit application and a lawyer.

Building new projects in San Francisco can be famously expensive and time-consuming. A new public toilet was slated to cost $1.7 million and take up to three years until a donor gave the city a free one . Constructing 1.7 miles for the new Central Subway line took 12 years and went hundreds of millions of dollars over budget.

The state and city have recently enacted laws to rubber-stamp some housing projects without the say of neighbors, but getting approval for changes to single-family homes can still be excruciating.

The Planning Department approved Ms. Park’s plans in October, but a month later four neighbors filed an appeal, which went to the Planning Commission for review. The commission unanimously approved the project, calling it “modest” and “lovely” and applauding it for adding another housing unit to the city.

The neighbors, however, said that the Planning Department erred by exempting the project from the California Environmental Quality Act and that the Harper home must account for various impacts.

The neighbors wanted the city’s top leaders to consider on Tuesday, among other things, that it should be preserved intact because of “the property’s history as a post-Civil War era home for working class San Franciscans.”

Ryan Patterson, an attorney for the neighbors fighting the project, declined to comment before the hearing and said that the neighbors should speak for themselves. Just one of them did.

David Garofoli owns a home next door. He doubled the size of the home, which was built in 1908, with a big remodel eight years ago but said that he did a better job of preserving the historic facade. Mr. Garofoli, a former developer who is now a business coach, said that he had since moved to Boston and was renting out his house.

But he remains invested in his old neighborhood. He paid for a light expert to study shadows that would be cast by Ms. Park’s raised roof; an architect to study whether her house was historic; and lawyers to work on the appeals.

“I care about the neighborhood, and I care about the historic nature of our homes,” he said.

Scott Wiener , a state senator from San Francisco, used to represent the neighborhood on the Board of Supervisors and said he had spent a lot of time mediating disputes among neighbors. He said that most California cities automatically approve projects that abide by city code.

“Good government means setting clear rules ahead of time, and if you comply with the rules, you get your permit,” Mr. Wiener said. “In San Francisco, we’ve chosen to make everything political instead of predictable. It creates a lot of bad blood.”

Aaron Peskin , president of the Board of Supervisors and a candidate for mayor, largely supports the current system. He said that project reviews do not take up too much of the supervisors’ time and do recognize the due process rights of residents.

“There are people who file frivolous lawsuits, but they get their day in court, and the judge can tell them to pound sand,” he said. “This has not been a distraction.”

The neighborhood has had similar disputes before. Several years ago, behind the home owned by Ms. Park and Mr. McDonald, property owners wanted to tear down an 875-square-foot cottage from the early 1900s and turn it into a 5,100-square-foot home with an elevator, two outdoor kitchens and walls of glass. Neighbors intensely fought that project but lost.

The home was built and dubbed the “Noe Looking Glass” before it was sold for $7.4 million in 2018.

Its current owners, who did not respond to a request for comment, were among those disputing Ms. Park’s and Mr. McDonald’s project.

On Tuesday, none of the neighbors personally addressed the board, letting a lawyer speak on their behalf instead. But he was unsuccessful. After one supervisor asked why they were discussing the matter at all, the board sided unanimously with the couple.

Heather Knight is a reporter in San Francisco, leading The Times’s coverage of the Bay Area and Northern California. More about Heather Knight

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Cannons 2024 (San Francisco) | August Hall

Get ready to be blown away by the electrifying performance of Cannons at August Hall on May 27, 2024. Located at 420 Mason St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, this concert promises to be an unforgettable experience for all music enthusiasts. The event will feature a lineup of hit songs that will have the audience on their feet all night long. Mark your calendars because tickets for Cannons will be available for purchase starting from February 28, 2024, at 6:00 PM until May 28, 2024, at 5:00 AM. Don't miss your chance to witness this incredible show in person. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to rock out at Cannons!

Provided by Mccallister | Published May 1, 2024

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