san francisco day visit

One Day in a City

24 Hour Travel Itineraries to Make the Most of a Day in a Destination

One Day in San Francisco: Top Things to Do if Short on Time

June 27, 2023 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

Ultimate Guide for the Best Things to See and Do in San Francisco in 24 Hours

One of my absolute favorite U.S. cities is San Francisco, California and it’s well worth a visit even if it’s just a day trip to San Francisco — which I did numerous times back when I lived in San Diego. Whether you have a day in San Francisco or longer to explore, you’ll no doubt become infatuated with the city’s gorgeous skyline, historic architecture, harbor and water views, beautiful parks, and a certain famous bridge.

San Francisco is an easy city to fall in love with. But ok, it’s not perfect — those views often come courtesy of thigh-burning hills and the iconic sites mean expensive accommodation and cuisine, so I guess not everything is to love. But still, San Francisco is one city you have to see, and if you’re short on time to do so, fear not, I have you covered with my One Day in San Francisco guide.

Editor’s Note: In recent years, theft in San Francisco has become an ongoing issue. Be careful of pickpocketing or leaving anything of value in cars.

What You’ll Find in This One Day in San Francisco Guide

Time needed:  1 day

Wondering how to best see San Francisco in a day? You’re in the right place. Here’s an overview of what I’ll be covering in my One Day in San Francisco itinerary guide below.

From cable cars to the metro, learn the most efficient way for getting around San Francisco.

Iconic pier with entertainment, shopping, food, and lots of sea lions.

It’s easy to see the bridge, but to really experience it you need to go from one end to the other.

Maximize your day in San Francisco by making sure you properly pack for the weather and hills.

Enjoy some time in nature with incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The curviest street in the world. Enough said. (But I do have more to say about it below.)

Gorgeous and colorful Victorian houses all in a picturesque row.

A fun neighborhood to walk around, especially for foodies who love Italian cuisine.

My top tips for what and where to eat while in San Francisco.

I’ve included more ideas of what to see and do in San Francisco if you find yourself with extra time or want to do other things per your particular interests.

Find out my top recommendations for where to end your day in San Francisco.

Getting Around During Your One Day in San Francisco

To maximize your day, you need to know how to best get around San Francisco. The city is pretty compact, but it is extremely hilly. Meaning it’s not that fun to walk around unless you like lots of exercise on vacation. 😉 Me, not so much!

Some walking is going to be necessary, but when needing to get from one major site to the next, or if you want to navigate San Francisco in a day in the most efficient way possible, consider taking public transportation.

You have two great options for getting to the things to do in San Francisco in one day that you want to see, and one is even famous.

The first way to get around during a day in San Francisco is on the network of Muni buses and trains, which are operated by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and includes routes all over the San Francisco city center as well as beyond it into San Francisco County.

The famous mode of transportation I mentioned? The San Francisco Cable Car! This is technically part of Muni services, but feels different since it’s more of a tourist draw and the popular routes often have long lines waiting to board one (depending when you’re there). You can’t miss spotting these cable cars making their way up and down San Francisco’s hilly streets since they’re charmingly cute and a bright red color.

And one more thing about transportation. If you’re arriving into San Francisco from the airport, it’s easy to get downtown by taking the BART train (Bay Area Rapid Transportation). It takes just 30 minutes from SFO to downtown and a ticket is under $10.

One Day in San Francisco Itinerary Guide

Below are my recommendations for the top sites to see if you have just a day in San Francisco. First, here’s an infographic to give yourself a visual idea of how your day will go before you start reading the itinerary.

Heading to San Francisco Last Minute or Want Some Quick Tips for Planning? These tours and hotel recommendations will help you plan your trip fast!

Top Tours in San Francisco:

• GoCar San Francisco Tour  
• Straight to the Gate Access: Golden Gate Bay Cruise  
• San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise
• Small Group Half Day Muir Woods and Sausalito Morning Tour  
• Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour  
• San Francisco CityPASS

Top hotels in San Francisco:

• Travelodge by Wyndham San Francisco Airport North (2-star)  
• Bay Landing Hotel (3-star)  
• Hotel Fusion, a C-Two Hotel (3.5-star)
• Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront (4-star) 
• Handlery Union Square Hotel (3.5-star)

Now let’s get to all those things to see during your day in San Francisco! Starting with…

Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf: A Fun Place to Start a San Francisco 1-Day Itinerary

Walking around Pier 39 is one of my favorite things to do in San Francisco because it has gorgeous views of the San Francisco Bay and it’s just fun!

Is it touristy? Yes, definitely. But I don’t think you should avoid something just because it caters to tourists – just don’t spend the whole day there.

I like Pier 39 because the whole pier has an upbeat vibe with street entertainers, gift shops, ocean-view restaurants, and even sea lions.

Sea lions are nearly always hanging out on the docks right next to Fisherman’s Wharf. If you go to the edge of the west side of the pier you can get an excellent look at them making their unique barking noises and sometimes splashing about the water.

If you want to learn more about the sea lions, go to the Sea Lion Center on the second level of the pier, which has lots of information about the sea lions and the history of the ones that hang out by Pier 39.

My favorite shop to walk through on Fisherman’s Wharf is the Wyland Gallery. Wyland is an artist who focuses on making sculptures and paintings of sea life. I’ve been to a few Wyland galleries and this one is my favorite. It’s large and the fact that you’re literally over the ocean on a sea pier makes the animals you’re seeing in the artwork even more mesmerizing. Also, fun fact, the mural you can see on one side of Pier 39 of a whale was painted by Wyland.

Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf Quick Tips Where: Along the Embarcadero between the cross streets of Stockton and Grant. What: A fun, busy pier with shops, restaurants, and neighboring sea lions. Parking: Paid lots and metered street parking are located around the area. Public Transportation: Take the MUNI to the Embarcadero & Stockton Street stop.

Golden Gate Bridge: A One Day in San Francisco MUST-SEE

You can’t miss seeing the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco – literally since it’s right there over the bay. But as lovely as the Golden Gate Bridge looks from afar, to really experience it you need to go from one end to the other.

You can do this in two ways: a car or walking.

Tip: Explore the most famous landmarks (included Golden Gate Bridge) via this Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour .

If short on time, driving makes the most sense if you have a car since it will save you ample time. If driving a car across the Golden Gate Bridge, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a toll on the way back into the city. But it’s worth it to journey across the bridge and see the thick red towers crisscrossing above you, without wind whipping in your face.

Yes, the wind is something you will probably have to battle if you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge (unless you happen to be there on one of San Francisco’s rare sunny, hot days) along its cordoned off pedestrian path along the edge of the bridge.

Things to know about walking across the bridge: It’s four miles from one end to the other and back. If you’re too short on time to tackle such a walk, just walk to the first tower and back.

Golden Gate Bridge Quick Tips Where: North of San Francisco’s Presidio area along the 101 highway. It’s hard to miss. 😉 What: A famous red bridge over the San Francisco Bay. Parking: Paid lots and metered street parking are located around the area, but you’ll probably have to walk far. There is one parking lot that is adjacent to the southeast Golden Gate Bridge visitor center, but spots are limited. Public Transportation: A bus is your best bet — hop on one of the Golden Gate Transit buses, which are routes 30, 70, and 101, (and sometimes other routes depending on where you’re coming from and what day of the week it is). Get off at the southbound Toll Plaza bus top.

Don’t Forget to Pack These Items!

Quick break from the itinerary to call out a few things you should pack for a day in San Francisco. Here are some items you won’t want to forget.

• San Francisco is known for high winds cutting chillingly around all those skyscrapers. Be prepared!
• There are so many hills in San Francisco. Do not think flip-flops or high heels will suffice. You want a pair of walking shoes if you’re going to see as much of this city as possible in one day.
• Love this brand.
• You’ll be glad you have one if you want to swim in the ocean. The water can feel cold even in the summer months.
• Don’t just stick in any old pair of sunglasses. You’ll be by water a lot during your time in San Francisco and polarized ones will help you to better focus on your surroundings without squinting.

A Day in San Francisco’s Parks and Beaches

If you have a car, I recommend going to Fort Baker in Golden Gate Park after driving across the bridge. It has a stunning view of the bridge and city skyline across the harbor.

If no car, then once you’ve completed your bridge walk, head down the Battery to Bluffs Trail to the southwest side of the bridge to walk along Marshall’s Beach for some Golden Gate photo ops. It’s about a 15- to 20-minute walk. This beach sometimes attracts nudists, so keep that in mind, particularly if traveling with children.

You can take public transportation a bit farther down the bay to Baker Beach for similar views. Both Marshall’s Beach and Baker’s Beach are located in Presidio National Park.

All these views are spectacular so if you have extra time you may want to visit both Golden Gate Park and Marshall’s Park.

Golden Gate Park Quick Tips Where: Exit Alexander Avenue after driving across the Golden Gate Bridge. What: An old fort with an incredible view of the San Francisco skyline, bay, and Golden Gate Bridge. Parking: There is a parking area near the Fort Baker lookout point by Horseshoe Cove along the waterfront and the trailhead by Drown Road.

Marshall’s Beach Quick Tips Where:  Southwest of Golden Gate Bridge What: Small, rugged beach with gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Parking: If you decide to drive and not walk, there is parking along Lincoln Boulevard next to the trail sign for Battery to Bluffs Trail.

Note: Baker’s Beach, located a bit farther south along the bay, is more popular, but usually also more crowded and takes longer to walk to from Golden Gate Bridge if you don’t have a car.

—> You also may enjoy reading: Top 10 Small Cities in California to Visit

The Curves of San Francisco’s Lombard Street

Lombard Street is famous for being the curviest street in the world. It’s a bit silly, sure, but still fun to see. And in addition to being a novelty, it’s located in a pretty area of San Francisco that showcases some of the gorgeous architecture and hilly geography that makes the city of San Francisco one of the most beautiful in the world.

Lombard Street is quite fun to drive down if you have a car while there. If not, go to the cross street of Lombard and Hyde Street where you’ll have an excellent view of the street from the bottom up.

Lombard Street Quick Tips: Where: Lombard Street at the cross section of Hyde Street (at the top) and Leavenworth Street (at the bottom). What: The curviest street in the world (supposedly). Parking: Don’t do the hassle of parking, just drive down Lombard Street if you have a car and snap a pic from the window looking up once you’re at the bottom (safely, while stopped, of course). Public Transportation: Get off at the MUNI stop for Fisherman’s Wharf (Beach & Mason) and from there it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the curvy portion of Lombard Street.

Painted Ladies of San Francisco

The Painted Ladies are colorful Victorian row homes located across from a grassy square and walking by them is one of the top thing to do in San Francisco in one day due to their history and beauty.

The homes were built in the 19 th and early 20 th century and have been beautifully maintained in their original style. Get to the Painted Ladies early if you want to enjoy a view of these gorgeous buildings without tons of crowds.

That being said, if you don’t mind crowds, sunset is a gorgeous time to be there, especially for a photo op, as the setting sun casts a rosy glow on the Painted Ladies.

Painted Ladies Quick Tips: Where: At the crossroads of Hayes Street and Steiner Street What: A grassy square with a row of famous Victorian homes on one side. Parking: Street parking is available around the square. Public Transportation: Muni Line #21 toward Inner Richmond (if coming from downtown). Get off at the Hayes Street and Steiner Street stop.

Tour Tip: Explore the Painted Ladies and other San Francisco’s top destinations by restored VW bus with this cool Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour .

North Beach: San Francisco’s Little Italy

I personally really like this area of San Francisco, which is why it’s making it onto my list of what to do in San Francisco in one day. The North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco is lively and fun to walk around plus it’s a great area to get dinner so I recommend ending your 1 day in San Francisco here.

North Beach Quick Tips Where: Located in the area just south of Pier 39. What:  San Francisco’s Little Italy neighborhood with lots of restaurants (especially Italian), bars, and shops. Parking: Paid lots and metered street parking are located around the area. Public Transportation: Take the MUNI to the Stockton & Beach stop or the Embarcadero & Bay Street stop.

Tour Tip: Explore North Beach with this 3-hour walking tour . It’s the perfect amount of time to get a good feel for the area while leaving plenty of time for other attractions…and eating!

Which Brings Me To…

Where to eat during your one day in san francisco.

The Stinking Rose: This restaurant is famous due to the amount of garlic they put on everything. I love this restaurant, especially the curtain booths. Try the roasted garlic clove appetizer to spread on your bread – soooo good!

The Italian Homemade Company: Located in North Beach, this is a good choice for a laidback atmosphere and homemade Italian cuisine.

Mister Jiu’s: Get some of the best Asian cuisines in San Francisco’s Chinatown at Mister Jiu’s, which serves up high-end ingredients in a hip setting.

Crab House : If you want to eat on Pier 39, I had a great lunch at this restaurant during a day trip to San Francisco. A bit kitschy, but the views are great and the crab is aplenty.

Zero Zero: I enjoyed some delicious, gourmet, wood-fired pizza here with an assortment of toppings. I especially liked that they had fried egg as a pizza topping! Zero Zero is located in the SOMA District of San Francisco.

More Than 1 Day in San Francisco: Things to Do with Extra Time

Have more than 24 Hours in San Francisco? Here are a few other things to do:

Alcatraz: San Franciso’s Iconic Prison

Alcatraz is pretty cool to see, but it is a bit of a journey to get there and takes some time to walk around. It’s a former prison famous for being inescapable. It is located on a tiny island in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, so it’s easy to see why it was nearly impossible to escape from. Therefore, if you have only 24 hours to spend in San Francisco your first time there, I don’t recommend it in my one day itinerary for San Francisco.

But if you have another day (or you’re just really fascinated by old prisons) it’s worth adding to your sightseeing repertoire.

To get to Alcatraz you’ll arrange for a tour that begins on land. You’ll board a ferry and once you arrive in Alcatraz you’ll be given some background information on the prison and then you’ll get free time to wander around it and explore before catching the ferry back to the city. A bonus of the ferry ride is that it has great views of the city skyline and Golden Gate Bridge.

Read More: Best Day Trips from San Francisco

Museums Worth Visiting in San Francisco

San Francisco has many museums to choose from. Some top choices include the Walt Disney Museum, SOMA, and Exploratorium.

Shopping in San Francisco

If you love to shop, you’ll love heading to Union Square while in San Francisco. It has blocks of shopping malls and popular luxury goods stores.

One Night in San Francisco: Where to Sleep

With a friend? Haha, not really, but San Francisco is unfortunately an expensive place to stay and I luckily have a couple good friends who live in the area so I’ve always stayed with them when visiting.

But I asked around and scoured Internet reviews to do the research for you and save you time, so I could recommend a few excellent options for accommodations in San Fran, including a budget option, where you can happily rest your head after you’ve completed all those things to do in San Francisco in one day that I recommended. 🙂

The Scarlet Huntington: Luxurious and historic hotel in the ritzy Nob Hill neighborhood with a beautiful indoor pool and rooms decorated in romantic reds – great option for a couples getaway.

• Click here for pictures and prices of the Scarlet Huntington.

Omni San Francisco: Swanky rooms with a central downtown location that is good for business travelers who also want an easy jumping off point for exploring during down time.

• Click here for pictures and prices of Omni San Francisco.

Green Tortoise Hostel: Those looking for fun, convenience, and cheap digs (well, relatively speaking for San Francisco!) will enjoy a stay at Green Tortoise Hostel while exploring San Francisco.

• Click here for pictures and prices of the Green Tortoise Hostel.

Hotel Triton: A boutique hotel with affordable pricing, funky and artsy vibe, and a terrific location for sightseeing.

• Click here for pictures and prices of Hotel Triton.

Noe’s Nest: Stay in a luxurious Bed and Breakfast in a fabulously decorated Victorian home.

• Click here for pictures and prices of Noe’s Nest.

Hostels in San Francisco : If you’re on a super tight budget, you may also want to consider booking a hostel. Find the most comfortable one for you here .

So there you have it! The top things to do if you have just one day in San Francisco plus where to sleep if you’re there overnight. What sights do you most want to see in San Francisco?

Also, if you’re exploring other areas of California, you may enjoy these One Day Itinerary articles:

Ultimate Guide to San Diego One Day in Santa Barbara

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I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

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San Francisco   Travel Guide

1-day Itinerary in San Francisco

• 1-Day Itinerary
• All Things To Do
• 2-Day Itinerary
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Golden Gate Bridge Golden Gate Bridge free

The Golden Gate Bridge's vaulting, orange arches amidst the rocky seascape of the San Francisco Bay have made it one of the West Coast's most enduring symbols and the city's most popular tourist attraction. The bridge's name, "Golden Gate," actually refers to the body of water it spans (the Golden Gate Strait that connects the Pacific Ocean with the San Francisco Bay), and was built to make travel between San Francisco and Marin County an easier feat. 

There are plenty of great spots to capture a snap of the majestic bridge. But if you want a truly postcard-worthy shot, head to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, situated high on a hill overlooking San Francisco. If you have extra time, make sure to explore the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The actual span of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area encompasses multiple places in San Mateo (south of San Francisco), San Francisco and Marin counties ( Alcatraz and Muir Woods included), but notable parts of this recreation area can be found just a stroll away from the Golden Gate. From the bridge, travelers will find some scenic, bayside trails, some of which lead to secluded beaches, including Kirby Cove and Black Sands Beach. If you really want a trek, journey to the Point Bonita Lighthouse for sweeping views of the bay, found at the very tip of the Golden Gate Strait.

Golden Gate Park Golden Gate Park free

If California had a Central Park equivalent, Golden Gate Park would undoubtedly be it. Though Golden Gate Park sees a small fraction of the visitors its New York counterpart does (Central Park welcomes more than 42 million, while Golden Gate sees more than 24 million yearly), it's about 174 acres bigger (Central Park is 843 acres). The park offers so much to see and do, it could take an entire day to experience all that it has to offer. Trails, picturesque picnic spaces, playgrounds, sports courts, gardens, museums and more can be found within its evergreen borders. With so many options available, it's best to map out what you want to do ahead of time, though some attractions warrant a visit, regardless of traveler taste.

The Japanese Tea Garden is one of those standout sites. This attraction is one of a kind, serving as the oldest Japanese garden in the U.S. It features 5 acres of manicured gardens outfitted with cherry trees, bamboo-lined pathways, koi ponds, a five-story pagoda, a Zen garden and a tea house, among other features. There's also the Conservatory of Flowers, the oldest existing public conservatory in the Western Hemisphere. The conservatory offers visitors a look at a plethora of vibrantly colored blooms and a chance to learn more about the nearly 2,000 species of plants that call the conservatory home. 

California Academy of Sciences California Academy of Sciences

Attention, families: recent visitors said this is the perfect place to bring kids in San Francisco. The California Academy of Sciences brims with plenty of things to see, including an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum and even a rainforest. 

The Steinhart Aquarium is home to about 40,000 animals representing more than 900 different species, including a penguin colony from Africa, a swamp with an albino alligator, a shark lagoon and a separate 100,000-gallon tank that mirrors the ecosystem of the California coast. Meanwhile, the Osher Rainforest houses more than 1,600 animals, including 250 free-flying birds and butterflies, and about 100 reptiles and amphibians in its four-story complex. The Morrison Planetarium is known for its 75-foot-diameter screen, which plays "Tour of the Universe" shows daily. And the Kimball Natural History Museum boasts dinosaur fossils, an interactive science exhibit and a unique earthquake simulator. 

Twin Peaks Twin Peaks free

If you want the best views of San Francisco, take a hike to Twin Peaks. These famous grassy peaks rise 922 feet in elevation, making them the second highest point in the city (after Mount Davidson). From the top, travelers can view multiple San Francisco landmarks, including the Bay Bridge and the downtown skyscrapers. Whether you decide to go during the day or night (some say you should do both), numerous visitors agree that the views are stunning and worth the trek. But make sure to bring a jacket: many recent visitors said it can get windier (and subsequently chillier) up top than at sea level.

The Twin Peaks are open 5 a.m. to midnight and there is free (albeit limited) parking at the top of Twin Peaks Boulevard. The Castro Street station is the nearest Muni Metro stop and the Crestline Drive stop on the No. 37 is the best bus route (picks up from Market Street). The most common way that travelers visit the area is by walking or biking to the north peak parking lot. Many guided tours also stop here. If you’re up for a little more exploration, hike the nearly mile-long trail that ascends the two peaks. There are also more trails that meander along the southern and eastern slopes of the 64-acre park. Be sure to stay on marked trails, as poison ivy can be found in the area. For more information, visit the San Francisco Recreation and Parks  website .

The Mission The Mission free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Walk along Valencia Street between 20th and 22nd streets for unique and creative shops and affordable restaurants. Check out local favorites like sustainable bag brand Baggu, Dog Eared Books and Paxton Gate. – Lili Weigert

The Mission has attracted San Francisco's young bohemian crowd in the past decade, but its history is rooted in Hispanic heritage. After all, its namesake is the city’s oldest building, Mission Dolores. This is the place that introduced the burrito to the wider world, so be sure to check out Latinx-owned businesses like La Taqueria, Taqueria La Cumbre and El Farolito for some tasty eats loved by both locals and travelers alike. The Mission is also a great neighborhood for getting away from the heavily visited tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf , plus it's a popular stop on many of the city's best walking tours .

Popular Tours

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

(3873 reviews)

from $ 169.00

Small-Group Tour: SF, Muir Woods, Sausalito w/ Optional Alcatraz

(950 reviews)

from $ 129.00

Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

(2073 reviews)

from $ 224.00

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One Day in San Francisco Itinerary: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Posted on Published: January 7, 2024  - Last updated: February 16, 2024

Categories Blog , California , City Guides , Travel Guides , United States

Here is the ultimate one day in San Francisco itinerary. If you only have 24 hours in San Francisco (or less!), it’s possible to fill your day with so many wonderful activities and famous attractions. Even though there are so many fun things to do in San Francisco, you can get a good feel for the city in only a day.

When I visited the city of San Francisco with my sister, we travelled there on a cruise ship. The cruise docked in San Francisco for a full day, from morning until night (8:00am to 11:00pm). With so many hours in port, we set out early for an exciting and complete day in SF.

Posts may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link.

No matter if you’re visiting San Francisco on a cruise, a road trip of Northern California, or you’re only taking a day trip to San Francisco, you’ll find this travel guide super helpful. This is a great blog post for any first time visitors to San Francisco, too. Even if you have two days in San Francisco, you can take a leisurely approach and slowly check off everything on this list.

Quick Guide to San Francisco

Here are some of the best tours, activities, attractions and lodging in San Francisco. If you’re planning your trip at the last minute and you’re looking for must do activities, look no further!

Best Tours and Activities in San Francisco

• The San Francisco Love Tour
• Alcatraz Island Tour
• GoCar San Francisco Tour
• San Francisco Movie Sights Tour
• San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise

Best Hotels and Accommodation in San Francisco

• Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf
• Hotel Nikko San Francisco
• Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

While this San Francisco itinerary might seem packed, it is totally doable! I did everything exactly as listed in San Francisco in a day. If you start in the morning and continue through until the evening, you will be able to see and do all of the things listed in this San Francisco travel guide.

Table of Contents

One Day in San Francisco Itinerary: Getting Around

First things first, let’s get to San Francisco. If you’re traveling from afar, I suggest flying to the San Francisco International Airport. Here’s where you’ll find the best prices on flights .

I don’t generally recommend renting a car in SF. Parking can be tricky to find, and it’s best to explore the city by public transportation or on your own two feet. However, if you are starting a road trip of California and would like your own car, here’s where you’ll find the best rates on car rentals in San Francisco.

For first timers, you may wish to experience a tour that will help acquaint you with the city and showcase the highlights. The San Francisco Love Tour does exactly that. You’ll ride in style in a 1970s VW bus on a two-hour sightseeing tour to see the city’s best landmarks and iconic spots.

Another great way to get from attraction to attraction is by taking the Hop On Hop Off Bus . This double-decker sightseeing bus travels between the most famous landmarks in SF. Travel at your own pace, hop off at any of the stops, and hop back on when you’re done.

San Francisco Map

Here’s a listing of the best things to do in San Francisco in a day. You’ll find all of them plotted out rather nicely on this map. Go on your own self guided walking tour of San Francisco.

How to use this map: Click on each icon to learn more about each location. To reference this map at a later date, click the star next to the map’s title. It will save the map to your Google Maps account. Then, open Google Maps and go to “Your places” in the menu to see this map.

One Day in San Francisco Itinerary: Pier 39

We started our day at Pier 39 in San Francisco because we wanted to visit the local sea lions . California sea lions are loud and hilarious creatures. You’ll witness them piled up together on the docks, playing with each other and barking away. In fact, you’ll probably hear them before you see them as they’re quite noisy!

How did a bunch of sea lions end up at Pier 39? After the Loma Prieta earthquake in October 1989, a few California sea lions began to gather on Pier 39’s K-Dock. K-Dock was completely swarmed by sea lions a couple of months later.

The marina staff reached out to The Marine Mammal Center (an organization that rescues and rehabilitates marine mammals), and they recommended that the sea lions stay at Pier 39. While the number of sea lions rises and falls with the seasons and food supply, they reached an all-time record of 1701 in November 2009!

If you visit K-Dock on Thursday – Monday from 11:30am to 5:00pm, you can meet with conservation experts from The Marine Mammal Center about the best measures we can take to protect the sea lions and our oceans. In spring 2024, The Marine Mammal Center’s Sea Lion Spot will open behind the sea lion viewing area at K-Dock, featuring an informative and educational exhibit and retail space.

One Day in San Francisco: Fisherman’s Wharf

After you’ve seen the California sea lions, continue walking around Fisherman’s Wharf. Fisherman’s Wharf is the area between Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square. This is a very touristy area with expensive souvenir shops and crowds of people, though it’s an iconic place you should see when you spend one day in San Francisco.

Even if you don’t spend much time here, simply go for a wander around Fisherman’s Wharf and take in the sights and sounds. I have to admit that we only spent a short amount of time walking around here, though we did love the waterfront views.

At Fisherman’s Wharf, we hopped aboard the cable car, which I’ll explain in more detail in the next section. As we walked down the street, we even spotted some old decommissioned cable cars, including a TTC cable car from Toronto! We weren’t expecting to see a little piece of home in SF.

This is also where boats depart to Alcatraz Island if you’ve decided to take a tour there. Wander over to the ferry building at Pier 33 to find your boat tour to Alcatraz. Make sure you book your Alcatraz tour in advance.

Ride the Cable Car to Lombard Street

Next, we’re going to make our way to Lombard Street. The best way to travel there is by cable car. When you think of San Francisco, this famous mode of transportation may come to mind. It’s one of the best things to do in San Francisco in a day. Plus, San Francisco is so hilly that you’ll save yourself some hill walking in the process.

First, you’ll want to download the MuniMobile app on your smartphone. This is the easiest way to purchase tickets for public transportation, so you won’t have to fumble around looking for exact change. If you think that you’ll ride the historic streetcars, trains or buses more than once in a day, it’s worth getting a day pass.

A day pass guarantees unlimited rides on all forms of Muni public transportation in San Francisco throughout the day. It’s one low price for the day and you can purchase a day pass through the app just as you would a bus / historic cable car ticket.

Walk to the Friedel Klussmann Memorial Turnaround, the cable car terminus on Hyde Street. It is named for Friedel Klussmann who saved the San Francisco cable car system in the 1940s and 1950s. She also pioneered the San Francisco Beautiful organization in 1947. We boarded the cable car and rode it to Lombard Street.

San Francisco in a Day: Walk Down Lombard Street

Even if you only have one day in San Francisco, you need to check out Lombard Street. It’s one of the most unique, curvy, and crooked streets in the world. Lombard Street covers one city block down a steep hill with eight hairpin turns. Believe it or not, Lombard Street is one of the top tourist attractions in SF.

Lombard Street is flanked by mansions and manicured gardens that will leave you in awe. As it’s so incredibly picturesque and wildly curved, it is one of the most photographed streets in the world. Don’t miss experiencing this zig zag street for yourself.

From the top of Lombard Street looking down, you’ll be able to admire stunning scenery of the city looking out to San Francisco Bay. As the naturally steep grade of the street was too dangerous for cars, the road was adapted to include eight switchback turns. It’s also much safer for pedestrians, too.

Stick to the sidewalks at the side of the road and be mindful of the cars that are slowly driving around the corners. Some of them may accidentally hop the curb at times, so be on the lookout when cars pass by. Make your way down to the bottom of Lombard Street and gaze upwards for a new perspective.

Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower

One of the most recognizable structures when viewing San Francisco’s cityscape is Coit Tower, which sits atop Telegraph Hill. Coit Tower, also known as Coit Memorial Tower, is the main feature at Pioneer Park. It stands at 210 feet tall and it was completed in 1933.

We walked from the bottom of Lombard Street to Telegraph Hill, which is about a 20 to 25 minute walk. On Google Maps, the jaunt looks pretty simple, though there are some uphill climbs that can be expected just about anywhere you go in the city. San Francisco is very hilly!

From the observation deck at this historic building, you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. Visiting the tower itself is free. Make sure to take a look at the murals inside the base of the tower. They were painted in 1934 by artists employed by the Public Works of Art Project. They showcase life in California during the Depression.

It is free to check out the tower’s observation deck, as long as you don’t mind taking the stairs to the top. There is a fee to use the 90-year old elevator. You can also pay a small fee for a guided tour of Coit Tower, including more thorough explanations of the intriguing murals that were quite controversial at the time. More details are available on the San Francisco Recreation & Parks website .

Lunch at Wildseed

Wildseed is a vegan restaurant in San Francisco where eating well is not only nutritious, but also delicious. Their lunch menu features small bites, such as spicy cucumbers, smoked white bean hummus and baba ghanoush.

For the main course, you can choose between sharable plates, full plates, salads, bowls and pizza. Whether it’s spicy yellow curry, a plant-based chicken sandwich, or a spicy sausage pizza, you’ll surely discover some tasty and special dishes at this San Francisco plant-based restaurant.

Coffee at Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters

Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters is not too far from Wildseed, so you can opt for a coffee either before or after lunch, depending on your schedule. In my case, I went for a coffee after lunch for a little pick-me-up before I continued the rest of my day in San Francisco.

Located in the Cow Hollow neighborhood of San Francisco, Wrecking Ball Coffee offers a full-service cafe with a full menu of espresso drinks, brewed coffee, hand-crafted pour-over coffee, as well as a selection of teas and herbal tisanes. I had to try one of their hand-crafted pour-over coffees, and it was heavenly.

One Day in San Francisco Itinerary: The Painted Ladies

After lunch and coffee, it’s time to embark on the second half of our day in San Francisco. First up, it’s the Painted Ladies, a row of colorful houses made famous from their appearance in the intro for Full House. From Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters, it’s about a 40 minute walk through town. Although we walked, you could easily take the bus instead.

The Painted Ladies, also known as the Seven Sisters or Postcard Row, is the row of Victorian houses at 710–720 Steiner Street across from Alamo Square Park. When you walk up the hill at Alamo Square Park, you’ll be treated to a view of these brightly painted houses with an impressive city skyline backdrop.

While these are among the most famous “Painted Ladies”, the term refers to any Victorian or Edwardian house (or any historic home, really) painted in three or more colors. These old homes began to be painted in the 1960s during the “Colorist Movement”.

While San Francisco’s Painted Ladies are a bright and cheery location to visit, most people recognize them from the opening credits of Full House . Some tourists even refer to these homes as the Full House houses. It’s even possible to book a tour inside one of the Painted Ladies . The homeowner of the blue home (#712) offers guided tours of the top three floors of their home.

24 Hours in San Francisco: Haight-Ashbury

From the Painted Ladies, we walked to the corner of Haight Street and Ashbury Street, the center of the counterculture movement in the 1960s. As someone who studied English and history at university and even took some courses about countercultures, I was really excited to visit Haight-Ashbury in person.

Back in the day, the community and neighborhood surrounding Haight-Ashbury was a gathering spot for hippies and the center of the hippie subculture and the psychedelic rock movement. The Summer of Love happened during the summer of 1967 when 100,000 young people descended upon Haight-Ashbury.

There were overwhelming messages supporting free love, no war, living communally, and dropping out of society (hence the phrase “turn on, tune in, drop out”). This also involved taking psychedelic drugs and listening to hippie music.

Flower power and the spirit of the Summer of Love are alive and well in The Haight. I loved seeing all of the colorful murals and brightly painted Victorian homes. There are quite a few shops featuring everything from vintage goods to luxury wares. There’s no shortage of tie dye clothing. Pop by Amoeba Music, a famous record store where there are occasionally free live concerts.

Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park

While Golden Gate Park is a beautiful green space in San Francisco and I highly recommend seeing as much of it as possible, don’t miss visiting the Japanese Tea Garden . This is the oldest operating Japanese Garden in North America where you’ll experience a little slice of Japan in San Francisco.

Visit the traditional Japanese tea house for a cup of tea or a light bite in a serene setting. Wander around the tranquil environment of this botanical garden, surrounded by Japanese maples, flowering azaleas, and cherry trees. Cherry blossom season arrives in March and April, so you can time your visit to San Francisco accordingly.

Some famous landmarks at the Japanese Tea Garden include the Buddha (cast in 1790 in Japan and donated to the garden), the Zen Garden, the Arched Drum Bridge and the Pagoda. You can take a 60-minute guided tour of the garden or explore on your own. I love peaceful gardens and feel this is one of the best places to visit in San Francisco.

Baker Beach at Sunset (Views of Golden Gate Bridge)

Let’s end our perfect day in San Francisco with a bang! From Golden Gate Park, walk to Baker Beach for epic sunset views. It’s about a 30 minute walk or you can take public transportation for a 13 minute ride. Baker Beach offers some of the most amazing views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge at sunset.

Not only can you witness some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, but the sunset here is magnificent. Watch the sun drop down below the horizon on a long stretch of beach that doesn’t get too busy.

Dinner at Nourish Cafe

After taking in those brilliant sunset views, it’s time for a nourishing meal at Nourish Cafe . They have two locations in San Francisco, so take your pick between their establishment in the Richmond District or Nob Hill.

This is a 100% plant-based cafe that uses organic, whole food and non-GMO ingredients to create healthy and flavorful meals. The menu features bowls, sandwiches, toasts, smoothies, smoothie bowls, a soup of the day and more.

We ordered two hearty and delicious bowls, the Nourish Bowl and the Bap Bowl. These were full of veggies and topped with savory dressings. After a long day out exploring, these meals were both filling and energizing. There’s no shortage of good food in SF, especially when it comes to vegan eats.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

If you’re only spending one day in San Francisco, you’ll want to make sure you are centrally located near all the action. After all, you’ll need as much time as possible to experience the city to its fullest.

For a hotel in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf (where I begin this one day in San Francisco itinerary), I recommend staying overnight at the Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf . This highly rated, four-star property is only a 10-minute walk from Pier 39. You can also enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, outdoor fire pits, and spacious rooms.

The Hotel Nikko San Francisco is another excellent choice. Situated in the middle of San Francisco near Union Square, Hotel Nikko offers a brilliant location for an amazing day in San Francisco. It’s a five-star hotel with many amenities, like a terrace, an on-site restaurant with plant-based offerings, and city views from your room. This is one of the best luxury hotels in the city that won’t break the bank.

More Accommodations in San Francisco

Here is a really handy map that lists all hotels, apartments and accommodations in San Francisco. Enter your travel dates for more precise information. Click each property to learn more and then you can book your stay.

Want to see more photos of San Francisco?

View all of our travel photography in one place! You can browse and buy any of our pictures in the form of canvas prints, things for the home, and more!

More Blog Posts About California

Looking for more blog posts about planning a trip to California? We’ve got you covered! Here are more articles about places around California to visit.

• 1 Day in Los Angeles Itinerary
• 2 Days in Los Angeles Itinerary
• 1 Day in San Diego Itinerary
• Best Vegan Restaurants in San Diego
• Fun Things to Do in Huntington Beach
• Best Vegan Restaurants in Huntington Beach
• Best Coffee Shops in Huntington Beach
• Fun Things to Do in Buena Park

Need Travel Insurance? You should never leave home without travel insurance! Check out the best rates to make sure you’re covered in case of an emergency or accident.

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

One Day in San Francisco

If you've got only one day to visit San Francisco, make the best of it that you can. These are a few ways to see the most exciting and popular sights . And without wasting too much time standing in line, running around town, or elbowing your way through the crowds

Things to Know

If you want to visit Alcatraz , it will take almost half a day, by the time you take the ferry out there, look around and get back. In that same amount of time, you could see several other sights instead. If you think you must go to Alcatraz, reserve ahead (to avoid standing in a long line or finding the tour sold out). If you take their evening tour , and you'll have more daylight time to see other things.

Park once and leave your vehicle there until you're ready to depart from the main tourist area. While it might seem like you can see more by driving from place to place, you'll burn up both your brakes and your good humor, and waste too much time looking for parking places.

San Francisco in a Day by Cable Car and Walking

If you like to walk (most of it on reasonably flat streets), this itinerary will let you take in as much of the San Francisco experience as can be managed in a single day.

Learn how to ride a San Francisco cable car  ahead of time. Get the current ticket prices and learn all the tricks for how to ride . It will be cheaper to buy a Muni Passport for this trip than to pay each time you board. 

• Drive to the Golden Gate Bridge first. On your way back, drive down "crookedest" Lombard Street , which looks prettiest in the morning sunlight.
• Start the rest of your day at Union Square. There's a garage right beneath the square. Next best (and slightly less expensive) is the city-run garage at Fifth and Mission Streets or the Sutter Stockton garage which is between Union Square and Chinatown at the intersection of those streets.
• Use the Union Square visitor guide to get an idea of what you want to see in that area. Then catch any cable car from the stop at Powell and Market Streets.
• Get off the cable car where it crosses California Street, then walk two blocks east on California toward the Bay. At Grant Avenue, you will be in Chinatown. Turn left on Grant and walk through Chinatown to Columbus Avenue, using the Chinatown visitor guide which includes a walking tour route .
• Turn left on Columbus and use the self-guided tour for a walk through North Beach . Stop for a coffee and a little people-watching at any of the coffee shops along the street.
• Follow Stockton over the hill to take a look around Pier 39 .

An alternative to the route above:  Instead of the cable car, take the Market Street Railway trolley from Union Square to the waterfront. Explore the Ferry Building Marketplace , then walk along the waterfront to Pier 39.

No matter how you get to Pier 39, follow the waterfront using the guide to Fisherman's Wharf to find out what to see and how to see it . Grab a quick bite to eat at Boudin Bakery for their famous sourdough, or from one of the sidewalk vendors at Fisherman's Wharf.

If you're craving San Francisco's most famous chocolate or want to do some shopping, continue to Ghirardelli Square . But first, check your watch and prioritize your remaining time.

If you have time and didn't see Lombard Street in the morning, catch the cable car at the Hyde Street turnaround. Get off at the top of Lombard and walk down. From the bottom of the hill, walk downhill on Lombard to Columbus, where you can catch the cable car again.

If you want to get back to Union Square without waiting in a long line for the cable car, walk just a few blocks to the Powell-Mason Cable car stop at 2350 Taylor Street, where the lines are reliably shorter than they are at the Hyde Street turnaround.

San Francisco in a Day using a Motorized Trolley

Hornblower Classic Cable Cars take you around town in motorized vehicles that look like the San Francisco cable cars. While the body looks like a cable car, it doesn't provide the same fun, exciting ride as a real cable car does.

The trolleys travel past most of the popular spots, with frequent departures during the day. You can get on or off at the locations listed on their web page, but take care when reading the lists because you will only see others in passing, including the Golden Gate Bridge. They say their tour takes three hours, but by the time you get on and off to explore every stop, it will take much longer.

The trolley runs in a circular route and will eventually get you back to where you started.

San Francisco in a Day With a Tour Company

If you want someone else to show you around, many companies offer day tours in San Francisco. They promise to take you to more than a dozen places in just a few hours. That works out to only about 15 minutes in any one place. And you have no hope of lingering at a particularly appealing spot and no way to avoid the ones you aren't interested in.

If you want to take a tour to see the city, choose a company that uses a van or small shuttle bus, so you have a better chance of seeing things out the windows. The most fun company offering this option is Vantigo , which uses fully restored vintage 1971 Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter buses that will make you feel like you've been transported back to the Summer of Love.

Or even better, hire a company that offers customized tours. You'll have a chance to see what you're really interested in and have much more individual attention. It might cost a little more than that cheap-o bus tour, but it can transform your day in San Francisco from "blah" to "wow!" Rick at Blue Heron Tours and Jesse at A Friend in Town are both long-standing tour guides with a love and appreciation for the city that is infectious.

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The 24 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

By Kimberley Lovato and Carey Jones

Don’t let San Francisco’s small seven-mile by seven-mile footprint  (under 10 percent the size of Los Angeles) fool you. This cosmopolitan, mini-metropolis surrounded by the bay and Pacific Ocean is awash with outdoor adventure, Michelin-star restaurants, historic sites, world-class museums, and independent mom-and-pop shops—all tucked into a tapestry of hilly neighborhoods lined with Victorian houses, green parks, and an independent ethos. Invigorating hikes through nature and walks along the city-proper trails and beaches are as much a part of life in San Francisco as Karl the Fog (yes, San Franciscans have named their most famous weather pattern), which can creep in at a moment’s notice in all four seasons. Whether you’re looking for a music- and art-filled visit, diverse food, or you simply can’t wait to fulfill your dream of riding a cable car or crossing the Golden Gate, this guide has you covered. Here are 24 of the best things to do the next time you’re in San Francisco.

Read our complete San Francisco guide here .

Golden Gate Bridge Arrow

Arching over the Golden Gate Strait, which connects the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay, the defining landmark of the city links San Francisco to Marin and Sausalito. At just under two miles, it's walkable by foot but also easy to see by car. It's hard to understand the magnitude or beauty of the bridge until you cross it. Stop outside the Welcome Center at the statue of Joseph Strauss, the bridge's designer, and look for the plaques explaining the bridge’s history and, of course, grab the obligatory snapshot. For more insights of the bridge’s backstory, sign up for a free walking tour of the bridge with San Francisco City Guides .

Edible Excursions: Japantown Food Tour Arrow

Edible Excursions is run by a team of expert guides obsessed with San Francisco, food, and showing off Japantown. Small groups walk and nibble, sip and savor, for around two hours while hearing stories about the neighborhood and meeting family-run business owners. This is a neighborhood where you can't be afraid to step through doors because behind them teems friendly people, delicious foods, and a community passionate about their heritage and culture. At first, Japantown appears quiet, but once inside a restaurant, a grocery store, or even a mall, your perception changes. For curious visitors and backyard travelers who want to learn more about San Francisco’s Japantown, its history, and its food, and for anyone who loves trying dishes they might not make or find at home, this is a can't-miss.

Muir Woods National Monument Arrow

The towering trees of Muir Woods National Monument might be known as Sequoia sempervirens to botanists and naturalists, but to travelers like us, they are California coastal redwoods and are some of the tallest and oldest trees on earth. This 558-acre preserve was named after conservationist John Muir and proclaimed a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. It is home to one of the last remaining ancient redwood forests in the Bay Area. Every step you take here is a do-not-miss wonder. There are around six miles of trails within the park, that wind among the mammoth trees to areas such as Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove, and along Redwood Creek. More experienced hikers can extend their treks to the adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Arrow

SFMOMA stands out among other elite museums in the city for its innovative, exciting exhibits in a cutting-edge building. Located by a BART station and right off MUNI bus lines, it's accessible in a busy downtown location. Architecture firm Snøhetta spearheaded an innovative expansion, which includes a two-story-high and half-block-long "living wall" covered in native plants, as well as fiberglass-reinforced panels on the exterior that evoke the waters of the Bay. The collection is full of heavy hitters and the Museum Store is packed with wonders, ranging from Lichtenstein-inspired vases to glowing book-shaped lamps, delicate silver necklaces to a chess set with San Francisco landmarks for pieces. Spending an entire day here is certainly not out of the question.

Shannon McMahon

Chris Schalkx

Mark Ellwood

Alex Erdekian

The Legion of Honor Museum Arrow

The Legion of Honor museum is not only one of San Francisco's best, but one of its most beautiful buildings, built as a replica of Paris ' Legion d'Honneur. It's home to more than 800 European paintings, including works from Picasso, Monet, and Rembrandt, as well as more than 90 sculptures by Rodin, most notably The Thinker. Save some time for a walk along the grounds, for breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge .

San Francisco Cable Cars Arrow

Horses and carriages long had trouble conquering San Francisco's steep hills, and so in 1873 the cable car system was born—three lines of the original eight remain today. They are a symbol of San Francisco, the world's last manually operated cable car system, and one of the city’s most popular attractions. An estimated 9.7 million people hop aboard each year–the vast majority are tourists, but some residents still use these moving monuments to crisscross the city, just as was intended more than 150 years ago. Riding is a blend of an open-air bus and a slow-moving roller coaster. When you board, you'll either sit on the wooden benches for a more comfortable ride, or seek thrills and stand on the car's exterior, gripping the poles as the car moves up and down the steep streets of San Francisco.

Lands End Trail Arrow

You know the well-worn piece of advice, not to spend too long in California, or it’ll ruin you? This hike will ruin you. Snaking along the rocky clifftops at the city’s wild edge, the Coastal Trail at Lands End follows the Golden Gate Strait out to the Pacific Ocean, delivering jaw-dropping views along the way. The 1.7-mile path wends around corners and over hills, through wide-open spaces and cathedral-like groves of trees, tracing the path of a long-gone railway that once ferried pleasure seekers to Sutro Baths and Ocean Beach. You’ll get there, too, but don’t hurry—this is a hike to be savored.

California Academy of Sciences Arrow

An impressive science and natural history museum in Golden Gate Park, the museum was completely rebuilt in 2008, and the new Renzo Piano-designed building features unique architectural elements like a rooftop covered in native plant life. The "living exhibits" are probably the highlights. There is a rainforest populated by plants, frogs, and free-flying birds and butterflies, with a flooded rainforest tunnel filled with Amazonian fish. Other live animal exhibits include a recreated swamp, where you can peer down at Claude, the resident albino alligator with ruby-red eyes, plus a colony of playful African penguins who share a tank with pyjama sharks and sea stars, where they swim and do flips. There's also the Steinhart Aquarium, with jellyfish and a living coral reef. The less “live” exhibits include Shake House, an immersive exhibit that allows visitors to (safely) experience the kinds of tremors that shook the Bay Area during the city’s two biggest quakes—the Loma Prieta Earthquake and the Great Earthquake of 1906.

Sutro Baths Arrow

These Instagram-worthy ruins overlooking the Pacific draw hikers and visitors during the day, especially at sunset, when the views are unforgettable. They are all that remains from a complex opened by Mayor Adolph Sutro in 1896, that burned down 70 years later. The spooky beauty makes this place stand out in a city with many outdoor spaces. Where else in San Francisco can you find sprawling ruins on the edge of the sea? It's practically like something out of the ancient world.

Chinatown Arrow

San Francisco’s Chinatown looms large in our collective imagination, and rightly so. Born during the California Gold Rush years, the neighborhood dates back further than any other Chinese community in North America. With  30 square blocks to explore, it’s also the largest neighborhood of its kind outside Asia. Explore Chinatown’s nooks and crannies on foot and you’ll find something new and wondrous beneath the swaying red lanterns and neon signs. Down one side alley sits Tin How Temple, a quiet, incense-filled space where locals gather to pray; down another sits Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, a small shop where workers rapid-fold fortune cookies beneath a soundtrack of whirring machinery. You’ll see a real cross-section of humanity here—families  eating dim sum , older Chinese men and women playing mahjong in Portsmouth Square, dressed-up foodies making a night of it at Michelin-star Mister Jiu’s, gorgeous Empress by Boon, or the exclusive Eight Tables,  and tourists hunting for souvenirs (prices are cheaper here than in Union Square and Pier 39). 

Alcatraz Island Arrow

You may know it by its real name or you may know it as “The Rock” (thanks Nic Cage!). It is the prison that was open as a federal penitentiary for 29 years and, at one point, housed gangster Al Capone. It became notorious for failed escape attempts—the island is just 1.25 miles offshore and, lured by the glittering lights of the city, 34 prisoners tried their hand at swimming through the frigid, choppy waters to freedom. Today, you can take a 12-minute ferry ride out to the island and take in the infamous prison up close. Audio tours guide visitors through the main cell block, laundry facility, and chow house. Don’t miss the ruins of the 15-room Warden’s mansion, where lavish parties were held. It was burned to the ground during the 19-month-long occupation of Alcatraz Island by Native American activists in 1970. Outdoor spaces to see are Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, and the island’s colorful gardens, maintained by volunteer gardeners of the  Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy .

Ferry Building Arrow

The Ferry Building becomes San Francisco’s prime food destination during the Saturday Ferry Plaza farmers’ market, which brings more than 80 farmers and purveyors to the plaza surrounding the building, selling everything from rare citrus to small-batch miso to California olive oil. There's much to eat at other times, too, any time of day. Start your day with organic bagels at Daily Driver or vegan donuts from Donut Farm, washed down with Red Bay Coffee.  The ever-popular Hog Island Oyster Company has an outpost here serving briny delights pulled from its  flagship location on Tomales Bay . Also in the building is Grande Creperie, serving sweet and savory Brittany-style crepes in a French café setting. And recently opened  Reem’s  brings Arab street food, such as their popular mana’eesh and sharable mezze, from James Beard-nominated restaurant owner Reem Assil to the space vacated by Cowgirl Creamery. The Ferry Building outdoor seating currently holds 100 chairs and 50 tables on the back plaza, while all indoor dining areas are back to full seating capacity.

Mission District Street Art Arrow

The Mission's famous street art, which spills out of alleys, splashes across the exterior of grocery stores and bodegas, and covers homes, is one of its most pronounced characteristics. Some pieces are commissioned, others more spontaneous, but all of it contributes to the neighborhood’s character.  The spots you should make sure to hit if you’re touring around are Balmy Alley, just off Mission and 24th Streets, and Clarion Alley near the 16th Street BART station. If you have a bit more time, check out the neighborhood’s major mural corridors, 24th Street from Valencia to Portrero Avenue and Mission Street from the corner of 15th Street to Cesar Chavez. For a real deep dive, contact Precita Eyes Muralists, a nonprofit that runs street art tours of the neighborhood.

Angel Island Arrow

Once the port of entry for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Asia and the Pacific Rim, Angel Island is a state park in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Hop on the ferry (your ticket includes the cost of admission), to get here from Tiburon or San Francisco. Once you get off, it's a lush scene for the eyes. The island is loaded with native plants and animals, and has views of both San Francisco and Marin. This is a great half-day activity: You can walk or bike the whole island in a few hours. You can also visit the Angel Island Immigration Station as well as the Angel Island Immigration Museum (AIIM), which opened in 2022 inside the former hospital building.

City Lights Booksellers and Publishers Arrow

Founded in the 1950s by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and college professor Peter D. Martin, City Lights became famous for publishing Howl by Allen Ginsberg (and undergoing an obscenity trial as a result) and developed a reputation as one of the country's most interesting bookshops . Today, City Lights still publishes some of its own books, with a particular focus on poetry and titles that speak to vital political and social issues, and runs a well-stocked bookstore. If you want to supports artists, discover a new writer published by a small press, to imagine yourself in Kerouac's shoes, or to kill an hour before meeting someone for dinner, this is your place. Their selection is great and, for poetry lovers, the Poetry Room upstairs—with its vast, comprehensive collection—is a place of legend. You needn’t look far for signs of fans’ love of the place. During the pandemic, when it was thought the store might close indefinitely—and the store’s CEO posted a heartfelt GoFundMe asking readers for support—City Lights devotees donated $500,000 in four days to help the iconic store survive.

The Presidio Arrow

A National Park established in 1994 from a massive converted Army base, the Presidio is a sprawling, scenic, wild-feeling park in San Francisco proper. The grounds have plenty of attractions, but the real appeal is visual, with trails leading to scenic overlooks of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge . It is perfect for folks who want a remote-feeling walk without wanting to invest time or energy in a full out-of-town hike. The Batteries to Bluffs (.7 miles), Bay Area Ridge (2.5 miles), and Lovers' Lane trails (.6 miles) are all tremendously scenic without being strenuous and, a new addition: Hikers on the Tennessee Hollow Trail can walk through a new section of restored wetlands habitat, which stretches from Thompson Reach all the way to Crissy Field.

Tiburon Arrow

 This former railroad and maritime town is picturesque in a classic-New England-meets-laid-back-California kind of way, and an easy day trip for a bite and shopping. Just 30 minutes across the bay on the Golden Gate Ferry, Tiburon is practically another neighborhood of San Francisco and is fast becoming a culinary destination too. Here and you can visit a museum, sample caviar and champagne, sip California wine, pick up some hand-blended spices, and grab brunch on an outdoor deck, all in an afternoon. For budget minded travelers, Tiburon can be spendy, especially if you tack on a restaurant visit to the cost of a ferry ticket. That being said, there is no cost to simply walk around Tiburon and enjoy the atmosphere. There are also places to simply grab a coffee or a sandwich, or BYO picnic if you prefer. The ferry runs on a strict schedule so check ahead for departure and return times.

Park Life Store and Gallery Arrow

Located on Clement Street in the foggy Richmond District, the eclectic Park Life fits right in with the neighborhood's diverse restaurants, cozy coffee shops, unfussy dim sum joints, and other independent stores. Like an indi-mart married an art gallery, Park Life is a champion of emerging global artists and designers who create one-of-a-kind paintings, quirky curios, interesting books, and unconventional home accessories. The inventory is ever-changing, and art and design products collected from around the world are stacked on the tables, shelves, floors, and walls of the 1,400-square-foot space. Here you might page through a book featuring maps from National Parks spanning the last 100 years, spot an oil and acrylic painting of a pink tulip that’s just right for your new office, or pick up an embroidered throw pillow or colored pencils for your studio. 

Asian Art Museum Arrow

Housed in an airy 1917 Beaux-Arts Building—the former location of the city’s main library—the Asian Art Museum is home to a massive collection, with works from India, China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Southeast Asia, and more. The museum’s vast holdings include pottery, carvings, calligraphy, and unusual artifacts such as coffins, pipes, weapons, snuff bottles, even an entire reconstructed Zen Japanese tea room. The collection of Chinese bronze sculptures is one of the best outside of Asia. If that sounds like a lot to take in, remain calm: in the fall of 2020, the museum unveiled redesigned collection galleries, structured around 15 strikingly displayed masterpieces. Chosen for their beauty, rarity, and significance, these objects give visitors a useful lens through which to view the other 2,500 works on display. Of special note: On the first Sunday of the month, the museum offers free admission.

Japanese Tea Garden Arrow

The oldest continuously operating public Japanese garden in North America, the Japanese Tea Garden, located in Golden Gate Park , is a wonderful spot to relax while exploring the park, but it's also worth a trip in its own right. Sitting among the perfectly pruned trees, small Japanese-style buildings, and gently flowing water features, sipping tea, it’s impossible not to relax, even on those Saturdays when the place gets a bit busier. Locals get a discount on entry ($7 instead of $10), so be sure to bring your ID.

Marrakech Magic Theater Arrow

Step off the busy streets near Union Square and make your way downstairs and into the Oasis Lounge, a former speakeasy with Moroccan tile, velvet banquets, and flickering lanterns adjacent to the 35-seat jewel box theater. This is the exclusive venue of mentalist and magician Jay Alexander, whose show is a little bit Broadway, a little bit Vegas, and a little bit comedy club. It begins in the lounge with close-up magic and sleight-of-hand. The main event moves to the adjacent theater–with Alexander on stage, the interactive performance brings in the audience for mind reading, human lie detector tests, and extraordinary stunts of mind-bending magic. Even skeptics will be convinced that magic is real!

Golden Gate Ferry San Francisco-Sausalito Arrow

The Blue & Gold Fleet, San Francisco’s largest ferry company, takes passengers to big-name destinations around the bay: Alcatraz , Tiburon, Angel Island . In 1997, the company launched a San Francisco to Sausalito ride. The journey begins, really, at the departure point: Fisherman’s Wharf. This is the city’s thrumming tourist heart: bicycle taxis fly down the street, aspiring soul-savers hand out pamphlets, the Silver Man poses for photos, and vendors sell T-shirts and knit caps. Once you board the ferry, though, you’ve entered another realm. The engine rumbles to life, and you’re heading out onto the bay. The sounds of the pier fade gradually; then suddenly, all you can hear is the water splashing off the ship, and the low hum of the motor. As the boat cuts through the water, the city starts to shrink and fade, the familiar forms of Coit Tower, Salesforce Tower, and the Transamerica Pyramid growing ever smaller, the rest of the city a sea of matchstick buildings in eggshell and gray and white and dusty rose. Then, perhaps before you even realized it, the boat’s engines decrescendo. Sausalito emerges, a vision in green.

Amoeba Music San Francisco Arrow

Think of Amoeba Music as the mascot of Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco’s famously countercultural neighborhood and the epicenter of the Summer of Love. Born in 1997—the same year as Radiohead’s OK Computer and the Notorious BIG’s Life After Death—Amoeba is colorful and fascinating, a riot of color and sound. An independent music shop thriving in the age of Spotify and Amazon, the whole place has a punky, free-spirited vibe: The walls are papered with band posters, cheeky merch abounds (Iron Maiden bobbleheads, Bob Ross action figures, a Nicolas Cage prayer candle), and the staff deejays, playing ear-catching CDs of their choice from bands you may have never heard before.

San Francisco Crosstown Trail Arrow

Conceived nearly a decade ago by volunteers, neighborhood activists, and outdoor enthusiasts, San Francisco’s Crosstown Trail finally became a reality when it opened in 2019. The epic 17-mile path takes walkers, runners, and bikers diagonally across the city, from the southeast near Candlestick Point Recreation Area to the northwest corner at Sutro Baths. Along the way, you’ll traverse city streets, meander through community gardens and neighborhoods, pass cafes and restaurants (for much-needed food and water breaks), and climb up hillsides and stairways where the city and bay views don’t disappoint. Walking, running, biking the trail is free, but to do the entire thing in a day would take 8-10 hours–break it up into small sections, being sure to pass the south end of sandy Baker Beach, a perfect place for a selfie with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

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The Ultimate San Francisco Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

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

San Francisco Itinerary

Cross the golden gate bridge.

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

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

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

Grab Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

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

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

Wander Through Chinatown

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

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

Ride the Cable Cars

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

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

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

Admire Coit Tower

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

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

Take a trip to Alcatraz

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

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

Eat a Burrito in the Mission District

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

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

Chill out in the Golden Gate Park

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

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

Explore Haight-Ashbury

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

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

Party in the Castro

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

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

Stay at a Luxurious Hotel in San Francisco

Palace hotel.

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

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

Check availability and latest prices at the Palace Hotel here

Huntington Hotel

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

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

Check availability and latest prices at Huntington Hotel here

Loews Regency San Francisco Hotel

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

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

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

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

Search for other hotels in San Francisco using this handy map

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

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

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

Check prices and availability here

Redwoods and Wine Country

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

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

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

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Chloe Gunning

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

1 thought on “The Ultimate San Francisco Itinerary”

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

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The Perfect Day in San Francisco: Tips to Explore SF in Just One Day

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: January 18, 2023

Do you only have one day to experience the City by the Bay?

Are you trying to pull together a plan to see the best of everything in that one day?

If so, then check out my recommendations for the perfect day in San Francisco.

While it's true that you won't get the chance to see everything, my itinerary includes a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, a stroll through Fisherman's Wharf, and a ferry ride over to see Alcatraz Prison.

It also includes some recommendations on where to stop for meals along the way.

This itinerary also includes quite a bit of walking. However, I offer some additional advice for those that would prefer to drive or take the bus instead.

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

Explore the Golden Gate Bridge

The best way to start your day is by heading over to the Golden Gate Bridge. This amazing structure is one of the most recognized bridges in the world.

It is 1.7 miles long and it's free to walk along its eastern walking/biking path.

The paths open every morning at 5 am, so you can head over as early as you want. I recommend heading over sometime between 8 am and 10 am.

This is when it's a little warmer and the fog should be starting to clear. During the foggier times of the year though, the bridge may stay hidden most of the day.

In addition to strolling along the bridge, you can also check out their great, new mini museum. It includes details on the building of the bridge as well as a great model showing how it works.

Learn More : Read More About What It's Like to Visit the Golden Gate Bridge

Stroll Along Crissy Field

After you visit the bridge, follow the signs down the stairs to Crissy Field .

The map below shows you where to find the trail head (blue large star) and the path that gets you down to Crissy Field (green asterisks).

If you have any problems finding the trail, step inside the cafe or gift shop for directions.

As you walk along this path, you will find several places to stop for additional views of the bridge and the SF Bay.

Note : This trail takes you through a small white tunnel that offers very little lighting. It's a short tunnel, but don't be surprised when you see it. Walk right through and the trail continues on the other side.

When you reach the bottom of the staircase, you will be on Marine Drive. Head to the waterfront and take a right to start walking along Crissy Field.

This walk along Crissy Field offers additional views of the SF Bay and the surrounding area. You will get the chance to see Alcatraz Island , the Palace of Fine Arts, and (when you turn around) more views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

You can also take a walk on the beach and dip your toes in the water.

The walk from the stairs to the end of Crissy Field is about a mile and a half.

Bus Option : If you do not want to walk this far, pick up the 28 bus at the Golden Gate Bridge. Take it to Richardson and Francisco. It's a short ride but will save your feet for the rest of the day's journey.

Admire the Palace of Fine Arts

At the end of the Crissy Field trail, you will find a building with a large dome. This is the Palace of Fine Arts.

This gorgeous building was completed for the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition. This event was the reintroduction to San Francisco after the devastating 1906 earthquake.

Spend 10 to 15 minutes here, admiring the intricate details of this beautiful building.

Learn More : See Pics & Tips to Visit the Palace of Fine Arts

Take the Bus to Fisherman's Wharf

After you complete your visit to the Palace of Fine Arts, head to Chestnut Street and Divisadero Street to pick up the 30 bus to Fisherman's Wharf .

This ride will take about 15 minutes. Get off the bus at the corner of North Point and Hyde Street (#1 on the map below)

Grab Lunch in Fisherman's Wharf

At this point in the day, you will be hungry for some local San Francisco favorites. You have a number of options in this district for lunch.

You can grab a bite to eat at the famed Buena Vista Cafe (#2 on the map below). They offer local, fresh Dungeness crab from the nearby waters.

You can also enjoy an Irish Coffee, a drink that this cafe introduced to the US. Their menu is deep and they serve breakfast all day long.

Another great option is to grab lunch at one of the street vendors on Taylor Street.

Here you will find a number of grab and go crab, lobster, and clam dishes including salads, sandwiches, and soup (#3 on the map below).

One of my favorite places to eat is at Boudin Bakery (#4 on the map below). I LOVE their clam chowder in their sourdough bread bowl.

You can either do a quick lunch in their downstairs cafe or spend a little time relaxing in their upstairs restaurant.

Enjoy Fisherman's Wharf Attractions

After lunch, you will have a few hours to roam around Fisherman's Wharf. This popular tourist district offers a variety of attractions and activities.

Depending on your interests, you can visit the new Madame Tussauds Wax Museum , the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, or go shopping at Pier 39 or Ghirardelli Square .

You can also learn a little about this district's history at the Maritime Museum or on the Hyde Street Pier .

My favorite activities in Fisherman's Wharf include playing old-time games and video games at the Musée Mécanique , taking a spin on the dark ride at the 7D Experience on Pier 39, and watching the sea lions play around.

Learn More : Additional Tips to Visit Fisherman's Wharf

Cruise to Alcatraz for the Night Tour

The best time to visit Alcatraz Island is at night. They offer one to two night tours every Thursday through Monday.

These tours give you a more personalized look at the history of this infamous federal prison and its inmates.

You will pick up the night tour at Pier 33, just a short walk from Pier 39.

You will need to buy your tickets well in advance, as these are the most popular tickets and they only offer a small number for each tour.

You can buy them up to 90 days in advance.

The reason I love this tour is that you get a real feel for what it might be like to be a prisoner on The Rock.

There are also fewer people on the island since these tours have only a limited number of spaces.

Learn More : Find Out More Details About the Night Tour

Stop for a Casual Dinner in North Beach

Once you return from your visit to Alcatraz, I recommend grabbing the 8x bus and heading over to North Beach for a casual dinner.

This district features dozens of casual Italian restaurants where you can grab some pasta or just a slice of pizza .

Some of my favorites in this district include Tony's Pizza Napoletana (1570 Stockton), Golden Boy Pizza (542 Green Street), and Piazza Pellegrini (659 Columbus Avenue).

You will also find more than a dozen other places on Columbus Avenue. They all post their menus outside, near the door, so you can quickly decide which one is right for you.

Note : If you are unable to get the Alcatraz night tour tickets, then you can flip around this itinerary by visiting Alcatraz first.

Opt for the Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tour

Another great way to easily get around SF is to go on a Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tour. If you only have one day, this allows you to quickly get from one attraction to the next without having to wait for the bus and/or drive.

All of the Hop On/Hop Off Buses include a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Landing (Pier 33), and Fisherman's Wharf.

If you want to squeeze in even more in one day than what I've recommended above, then this is the tour for you!

Most of these tours do one loop around the city that lasts about 2-hours. You can hop on and hop off at any point you desire along the way.

>>  Click here to learn more about the Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tour

Discover the Best Places to Stay

If you plan to only stay one day in San Francisco, then I recommend staying in Fisherman's Wharf. It will make it easy to get to most of the top attractions and you will spend less time getting from place to place.

This district is small but has a few dozen hotels. They range from the well-known hotels such as the Marriott and Holiday Inn to local spots such as the San Remo and the Wharf Inn.

Click here for a list of my recommendations in Fisherman's Wharf .

Savings Tip : You can also save on your visit by checking out the great deals here. They offer the best prices all year long on hotels in SF. Click here to check out a list of deals available during your stay .

Uncover Additional Itineraries

Do you plan to stay in San Francisco for a few additional days? If so, then check out my itineraries for some additional days below.

• Two Days in SF
• Three Days in SF

Additional Ideas for Your One Day Stay

Are you only visiting San Francisco for less than 24 hours? Are you looking for more activities for your stay? If so, then check out my list of 10 fun things to do during your one-day visit.

They include ideas for those visiting for the first time, as well as those coming back for a return visit. Some are similar to my recommendations above, but you will also find addition things to do during your stay.

>> 10 of the best things to do in just one day

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group ! 

It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.

You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

Come join the fun here !

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

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

2 Days in San Francisco Itinerary

– Written by Katherine from  Bright Lights of America  –

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

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

SAN FRANCISCO ITINERARY: DAY 1

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

Ride a Street Car

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

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

Street Car information is available at SFMTA .

Alcatraz Island

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

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

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

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

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

Budget Lunch Option: Boudin Bakery

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

Hours: Daily from 9am-8pm

Fine Dining Lunch Option: Chart House

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

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

See the Sea Lions and Wander Fisherman’s Wharf

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

San Francisco Skyline From Coit Tower

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

The Bookshop Where Beat Poetry Lived

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

The Hustle and Bustle of Chinatown

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

Dinner at Hops & Hominy

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

SAN FRANCISCO ITINERARY: DAY 2

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

Muir Woods Half Day Tour

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

A Lunch Stop in Sausalito

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

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

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

San Francisco Ferry Building

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

Wander Golden Gate Park

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

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

Watch the Sun Set at Ocean Beach

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

Dinner at Cliff House

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

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

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN FRANCISCO

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

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

SAN FRANCISCO TRAVEL TIPS

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

How to Stay Safe in San Francisco

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

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

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

How To Get Around San Francisco

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

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

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

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

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

Need some more California inspiration?

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

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savvyglobetrotter

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last Updated on February 29, 2024

by Audrey Webster

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

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

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

Table of Contents

How Many Days in San Francisco?

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

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

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

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

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

Getting To & Around San Francisco 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2, 3 or 4-Day San Francisco Itinerary

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

Day 1 – Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz & Chinatown

Embarcadero and fisherman’s wharf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lombard Street

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

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

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

Ride the Cable Cars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golden gate bridge.

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

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

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

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

Presidio of San Francisco

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

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

Golden Gate Park

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

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

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

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

Haight-ashbury.

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

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

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

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

The Painted Ladies

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

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

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

Mission Dolores Park 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4 – Muir Woods or Napa Valley

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

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

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

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

Napa and Sonoma Valleys

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

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

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

Where to Stay in San Francisco

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

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10 Best Stops on a Los Angeles to Sedona Road Trip

The Perfect 1 to 2 Days in Redwood National Park Itinerary

About Audrey Webster

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

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The best day trips from San Francisco

From pristine beaches to exquisite hikes, there’s so much to discover on the best day trips from San Francisco

Okay, there are so many magnificent things to do in San Francisco that leaving might seem strange, but stay with us here. Sometimes, a little excursion out of the city is just what the doctor ordered, and the best day trips from San Francisco are medicine for the soul. When you need a break from the bars, beaches, and restaurants of the Golden City (you might, you never know), hit the road and embrace all that Northern California has to offer. And what an offer it is. Everything from fascinating towns to incredible nature is just a short drive away. You might find your new favorite cafe or a love of wildflowers in the process. San Francisco is one of the world’s great cities, and its surroundings only accentuate the magic.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in the Bay Area

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Best day trips from San Francisco

1.  Big Sur

With winding mountainside roads, sweeping beaches, and breathtaking sunsets, is it any wonder the Big Sur is the subject matter of so many songs? (The Thrills and Buckethead, we're looking at you.) Ok, so it is pushing it on the day trip scale from San Fran, but if you head out at the crack of dawn or thereabouts, the drive will be totally worth it. Plus, the high quality of relaxing and eating that can be done there is sure to send you back singing. Make your way in on Highway 1, lap up the crazy beautiful views, and beeline for the beach—Pfeiffer is the stretch of shoreline where you can see the arched rock that forms a stunning light tunnel at sunrise/set. Then wander up to the vantage point at McWay Falls to admire the tropical island-like vibes before swanning off for lunch.

Sierra Mar, the restaurant at  Post Ranch Inn , offers a three-course prix fixe lunch with a view of the Pacific. Or stop in at  Nepenthe  amid the trees for 'The Famous Ambrosiaburger'—a ground steak sandwich served on a French roll with housemade ambrosia sauce. After that, you'll likely want to relax before the hefty drive back, so chill out at  Ventana Inn , a wooden-lodge-style hotel that welcomes day guests at their spa. Don't forget to stop in at the  Henry Miller Memorial Library , where they host a range of events, before heading back up the coast.

Distance from San Francisco:  2 hours 45 mins

2.  Point Reyes and Tomales Bay

With an enormous 71,000 acres of nature preserve on the Pacific Coast, Point Reyes is a dramatic windswept land populated by elephant seals, old-growth Douglas-fir forests, and a 145-year-old lighthouse. Start your trip at the  Bear Valley Visitor Center  to pick up trail maps, then make your way to Chimney Rock, where a five-minute walk from the parking lot takes you to a cliff's-edge vantage point. If visiting between January and April, keep your eyes peeled for the Pacific gray whale migration, which passes just off the coast on the journey between Baja California and feeding grounds in Alaska. At the Tule Elk Reserve, hike or take a ranger-led tour to get a glimpse of these majestic animals (July to September is the rutting season), or visit the historic Pierce Point Ranch at the trailhead. If you want a dip in the water, Heart’s Desire Beach in neighboring Tomales Bay has shallower and warmer waters than the open ocean.

Food options abound in nearby Point Reyes Station, a small rustic town at the mouth of the bay.  Cowgirl Creamery  churns out its award-winning artisanal cheeses on-site—in a restored hay barn—and the Cowgirl Cantina has creamy tomato soups, cheddar toasties, and the classic organic ham and Mount Tam sandwich.  Point Reyes Books  deserves a look-in while you’re here. This winsome little independent bookstore has respectable collections on wildlife and the environment and routinely hosts events involving the local artists’ community. Just up the bay, feast on classic oyster and Dungeness crab delights with a view at  Hog Island Oyster Company 's farm and the  Marshall Store .

Distance from San Francisco:  1 hour 30 mins

3.  Stinson Beach and Bolinas

For friendly, laidback beach vibes, venture north to Stinson Beach and Bolinas. These two points, which bookend Bolinas Bay, boast a rugged coastline, stretches of white sand, and water-based activities. Newbie surfers can book lessons at the  2 Mile Surf Shop , while keen swimmers should look out for Bass Lake, a body of freshwater situated a short drive up Mesa Road followed by a near-three-mile hike (trust us, it is worth it).

Reenergize with some fresh seafood or pop into the hillside  Coast Cafe  for a chunky sandwich at lunch or something more substantial from their dinner menu. And if you're planning to have a swift one before driving back, try out  Smiley’s Schooner Saloon , which is popular with the locals and offers games and live music with your drink.

Distance from San Francisco:  1 hour

4.  Skyline Boulevard (Hwy 35) and Woodside

Escape into the cool blue mountains via Skyline Boulevard in Woodside, which offers nature trails, spectacular ocean and valley views, and wine-tasting without the traffic. When you reach town, you'll see a wooden cabin in a clearing at the intersection; this is  Alice’s Restaurant , the place to stop if you like to have your burgers and BBQ paired with the rumble of Harleys. Popular with bikers and cyclists plying the mountain roads, Alice’s offers breakfast until 2pm, Texas-style BBQ (brisket and pulled pork smoked in-house), and cheesy (literally and figuratively) motorbike-themed burgers. This is still the Bay Area, though, so the burgers are made with hormone- and antibiotic-free beef patties, and there is gluten-free beer on the menu.

After lunch, continue southeast on Skyline. Ten minutes away is  Thomas Fogarty Winery —it is a short drive, so don’t miss the few unmarked vista points along the way—where you can catch panoramic views of the ocean across rolling hills. In the winery's tasting room, try a flight of five signature wines or buy a bottle, borrow some glasses, and sit out in the romantic wooden gazebo. For a different kind of unwinding, visit the  Jikoji Zen Center . Founded by Kobun Chino Otogawa, Steve Jobs’ mentor, the center welcomes visitors to meditate in its  zendos  or wander its tranquil grounds. From the front gate, it is a winding dirt track down to the main building, so make sure your suspension is in place. Ring the aging bronze bell at the entrance to let them know it is your first time.

Distance from San Francisco:  45 mins

5.  Sebastopol

Unlike Healdsburg, Sebastapol is still the authentic, laid-back Sonoma outpost it was a generation ago. Dive right in, beginning at  Aubergine Vintage Emporium , a hangar-like space where you might pick up anything from a broken-in aviator jacket to a Soviet Army-issued canvas belt. Hidden behind the clothing racks are a cavernous live music venue and a bar with an open patio. If you’re of a spiritual rather than spirits bent, wander up to  Many Rivers Books & Tea , a cozy bookshop stacked high with New Age and philosophical tomes and figurines. In the tea shop at the back, pick up a bag of Monk’s Blend, a smooth malty mix of Assam, Darjeeling, Keemun, and Nilgiri. For a light lunch, head to The Barlow, a cluster of restored warehouses once home to an apple processing plant. Sit out on the patio at  Woodfour Brewing Company  and try one of their Belgian farmhouse-style sours, mashed and boiled in the copper-plated tanks right behind the bar. Snack on cheeses from Petaluma, bratwurst, or Miyagi oysters.

Across the street, browse Scandinavian-inspired ceramics at  the Passdoor .  A small detour to nearby Guerneville would be worth your while if only to check out  Guerneville Bank Club , a historic bank building now housing the INIZI wine tasting room, a corner store specializing in handmade crafts, and the Nimble & Finn's ice cream parlor. Grab a cone of Bulleit Bourbon with chocolate-covered pretzels if available. Take in the Russian River Historical Society’s exhibit at the back of the building, cataloging Guerneville’s early days as a logging town. Wrap up your evening with a digestif at the  Hopmonk Tavern , a vast space with a red banquette bar, a concert venue, and a Tuscan-inspired garden strung with lights.

Distance from San Francisco:  1 hour 15 mins

6.  Gold Country (Sierra Nevada Foothills)

The Gold Rush pretty much jolted San Francisco (along with the rest of California) onto the world map, so a list of day trips would be incomplete without a visit to Gold Country. Much of it is further away than you’d want to travel in a day, but head to Columbia for a quick escape into the past. This historical town set in the Sierra Nevada foothills features shops and restaurants preserved to evoke the 1850s Gold Rush era.

Walk into  Parrott’s Blacksmith Shop  and get yourself a memento forged in their coal oven. For lunch, hit up  Columbia Kate’s Teahouse . Sit in a tiny red 1880s-style barn and enjoy rustic fare like chicken pot pie made from scratch or spinach and ricotta quiche. For a taste of old-style candy-making, visit  Nelson’s Columbia Candy Kitchen , which still makes their confections in copper kettles and cools them on 100-year-old marble-topped tables. On the way home, stop at Parrotts Ferry Bridge, under which ferries once carried passengers between mining towns, which offers dramatic views over New Melones Lake and the adjoining hills. 

Distance from San Francisco:  2 hours 30 mins

7.  Santa Cruz

Beyond the surf and boardwalk amusement park rides that Santa Cruz is best known for are mountain ranges,  treetop walks , butterflies, and indie bands. The adventurous should beeline for Mount Hermon, where you'll find all sorts of activities ranging from an ecology tour in the trees to a two-hour zipline, railroad riding, and Bigfoot hunting. Those who prefer to remain on terra firma (and are visiting during the colder months) should try to catch the impressive butterflies residing in the eucalyptus trees at Monarch Grove, in  Natural Bridges State Beach .  Music lovers will be satisfied with a night at  Moe's Alley , where they regularly host local and international bands. 

8.  Pescadero and Half Moon Bay

Pescadero boasts stunning bluffs and sandy beaches next to a small country town with a laid-back main street. Start your day by exploring the  Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve , a 243-acre wetland habitat popular with hikers and bird watchers. For a short, relaxed stroll, take the Butano Trail up to a picturesque iron bridge over the creek. More intrepid hikers will enjoy the Sequoia Audubon Trail, which winds past coastal scrub and Great Blue Heron nesting sites up to a pretty eucalyptus grove. After your workout, head to Arcangeli Grocery in  Norm’s Market , where you can get made-to-order grilled sandwiches from the deli in the back. For dessert, amble down the street to the James Beard-anointed America’s Classic  Duarte’s Tavern  for a slice of their olallieberry pie. Afterward, head to  Downtown Local  for a cup of Sightglass coffee and browse their eclectic collection of vintage items, including two café racer motorbikes (look out for the 1949 Nimbus in the window).

End your day at  Pescadero State Beach ; park at the northernmost parking lot if you want long sandy beaches, or at the southernmost lot if you’d like to clamber over rocky outcrops, inspect tide pools, and watch the surf from the top of a sandstone bluff. As sunset approaches, join the locals in camping chairs and blankets on the sand. If you’re in the mood for pampering, head up the coast to Navio at the  Ritz-Carlton , score yourself a window table, and watch the sun set beyond the ocean over a glass of pinot noir.

9.  Point Lobos

With miles of hiking trails across cliffs, coves, and forests, plus a rich marine habitat of giant kelp forests and darting sea lions, Point Lobos offers a great day out for photographers, hikers, and scuba divers. Park by Cannery Point and start at the  Whaler’s Cabin , a museum on the site of a former whaling station displaying the personal effects and diaries belonging to the Chinese, Portuguese, and Japanese whalers who once lived here. You'll also see harpoons and learn the grisly process of harvesting blubber. Parts of humpback and gray whale skeletons lie somewhat gruesomely scattered outside.

If you’re oceanically inclined, the neighboring Whaler’s Cove is the place to scuba dive, kayak, or do some stand-up paddle boarding. Otherwise, find your way to Sea Lion Cove, where California sea lions and their pups can be spotted during the springtime pupping season, packing the beach nose to tail. A walk along the Sea Lion Point Trail will show you some of the best views of the reserve, with its characteristic lashing waves and craggy outcrops. Stop at Piney Woods for a picnic lunch with a view. Before you journey home, head to the famed tide pools on what is now called Weston Beach. Large sandstone slabs jut out of the ground, creating an awesome display of colors and patterns, all composed of sand that settled in underwater beds millions of years ago.

10.  Carmel

Carmel’s Ocean Avenue and its environs are a great place to feel the European village vibe the town is famous for. A worthwhile stop is the elegant  Harrison Memorial Library , which occupies a building designed by Bernard Maybeck (École des Beaux-Arts alumnus and architect of San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts). The reading room captures the charm of the quintessential small-town library, with heavy tables flanked by tall windows. Outside, the flagstone courtyard is a pleasant place to sit back and people-watch. For a cultural stop and to sample works rooted in this historic artist colony, visit the  Weston Gallery . In addition to a vintage photography collection (including prints by Carmel’s own Edward Weston and Ansel Adams), the gallery also has regular exhibitions of contemporary work.

When hunger strikes, drop into  Casanova , a charming French restaurant with a trellised outdoor patio. The eponymous Ocean Avenue leads directly to the ocean, and Carmel Beach is a lovely spot to kick back with locals on the fine white sand. Dog walkers and couples stop by in the afternoon to enjoy the view from the sheltered cove. History buffs will appreciate a trip to  Carmel Mission , the second founded in Alta California. On the grounds is a shrine to Junípero Serra, a member of the Portolà expedition that brought the first European settlers to the Bay Area.

Distance from San Francisco:  2 hours 15 mins

11.  Los Gatos

With its affluent tone and charming yet eclectic main street, Los Gatos weekends sees well-heeled locals having relaxed brunches or cruising boutique shops, all at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains. If Michelin-starred Manresa feels excessive for the day, drop in at  Manresa Bread  and take home a loaf of their signature sourdough levain. For lunch or an early dinner, stop at  Oak & Rye , a popular bistro with a wood-fired oven and a rye- and bourbon-laced cocktail list (best with the bistro's pretzel bread, made from two-year yeast grown in-house).

Bay Area history buffs shouldn’t miss a trip to Quicksilver Country nearby: Mercury was being mined in New Almaden before the Gold Rush, and the New Almaden mines were the most valuable in the state, attracting Cornish, Chinese, and Mexican settlers. The  New Almaden Mining Museum  is housed in the Casa Grande, built in 1854 as the official residence of mining supervisors. If you’re feeling energetic, hike up to English Camp in the County Park next door for an aerial view of the remaining mine buildings.

12.  Berkeley

Almost everyone has heard of Berkeley, even if they've never been there. This legendary university town is set in an incredibly beautiful location, perched on a hilltop with views of the bay looking west. To the east, there are lush green parks, redwood trees, and reservoirs. The campus itself is made up of tasteful, contemporary architecture incorporating the iconic Sather Tower. More commonly known as 'The Campanile' for its resemblance to the Campanile di San Marco in Venice, it stands 307ft tall, features clocks on its four faces, and affords jaw-dropping views of San Francisco Bay from its observation platform.

This university, arguably more than any other, has featured prominently in recent American history. With its Bohemian counterculture, Berkeley gained a worldwide reputation for political activism in the 1960s with the Free Speech Movement, student protests, and rallies against the Vietnam War. Once you've soaked up some important history, wander around and explore the bookstores, quirky shops, and casual eateries that serve all kinds of ethnic cuisine and quick bites.

Distance from San Francisco:  30-minute drive

13.  Tiburon and Angel Island

In Tiburon, you'll get that small-town vacation vibe less than an hour away from the city and with fewer tourists than in Sausalito. Rent a bike from  Demo Sport  and ride a segment of the Paradise Drive Loop (download a map from  marinbike.org ) or let serendipity take you past the town's pretty houses and impressive bay views. Hop on to the  Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry  and visit the museum at the  Angel Island Immigration Station , which documents the experiences of the many immigrants who crossed the Pacific Ocean, stopping first at the "Ellis Island of the West." Look out for poetry scrawled on the walls when the station was used as a detention center.

For lunch, we recommend a picnic at one of the many scenic spots scattered around the island. When you head to Tiburon, stop at  Luna Blu , a waterfront Italian restaurant serving English afternoon tea. Indulge in scones with Devonshire clotted cream and mixed berry jam together with traditional English cucumber sandwiches. Before you head home, take a leisurely stroll through Shoreline Park for a glimpse of the San Francisco lighting up the evening across the bay.

Distance from San Francisco:  40 mins by car, 20 mins by ferry

14.  Gilroy

Unlike the frenzied outlet shopping malls typically plonked near industrial parks and parking garages, Gilroy offers  outlet bargains  in more quaint surrounds. It's also famed for its farmstands and markets, where you can pick up all manner of fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, juices, and preserves—not to mention the famed Gilroy garlic. Pop over to  Garlic World  on Monterey Road to immerse yourselves in all things vampire-repelling—from seasonings to dips to garlic-flavored almonds.

After all that garlic action, you might want to air it out before heading home. The rambling woodland of  Henry Coe State Park  is a fantastic place to do this; covering 250 miles of land, it's the largest in California.

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Perfect 4 Days in San Francisco Itinerary for first timers

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San Francisco is the awesome city of California and one of the bucket-list places that you shouldn’t miss. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States of America. Our 4 days in San Francisco Itinerary was amazing, as we explored the city highlights and more. 

Salil has traveled to San Francisco numerous times, but it was my first trip to the city. And this San Francisco Itinerary is definitely a MUST read for all first-time visitors. Salil is lucky his family lives there and is acquainted with neighborhoods (where to live, work) and what to see as a tourist. Because you only have 4 days in San Francisco I am sure you are seeking to cover the best sites and attractions as possible in a short period of time. This is where our expert itinerary comes into place – written with combined efforts of a frequent traveler and San Francisco locals . 

The city is known for its Mediterranean weather (where temperatures remain moderate all year round and rarely gets any snow in winter), amazing landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown district, Alamo Square (Full House shoot location), cable cars, Sausalito, Coit Tower, to name a few.

Over the years, San Francisco has received several nicknames by locals, tourists, and magazines. Nicknames include “The City by the Bay”, “Fog City”, “San Fran”, and “Frisco”. It is also affectionately called “The Paris of the West”, or simply “The City”. 

Perfect 4 Days in San Francisco Itinerary for first-timers

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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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16 Top-Rated Day Trips from San Francisco

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Oct 6, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

In an incomparable setting of rolling hills overlooking a sparkling emerald-green bay, San Francisco is close to some of California's most beautiful seaside towns and nature sites. Outside "The City" (as locals refer to San Francisco) are many fantastic destinations within easy reach, from 30-minute rides north or south along the coast to a four-hour drive to Yosemite that's definitely worth the travel time.

If you love sunshine and sandy beaches, head south to the fun-loving town of Santa Cruz for a day at the historic Beach Boardwalk amusement park. For a romantic getaway, head to the seaside resort town of Carmel which has adorable storybook cottages and a gorgeous sandy beach.

Do you love the great outdoors? Be sure to check out Marin County's hiking trails at Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, and Mount Tamalpais. In Half Moon Bay and Pescadero, the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean and an idyllic pastoral landscape provide a relaxing escape.

The university town of Berkeley offers award-winning theater, gourmet restaurants, and a lively collegiate atmosphere. Among the most unforgettable excursions is the ferry ride from San Francisco to Sausalito, a postcard-perfect waterfront community that resembles a Mediterranean fishing village.

There are many fabulous places to visit, just a short drive or train ride from San Francisco. The only trouble is deciding where to go when you have limited time. Plan your excursions from the city with our list of the top day trips from San Francisco.

1. Yosemite National Park

2. seaside towns of carmel and monterey, 3. santa cruz and the beach boardwalk, 4. sausalito: marinas & scenic walks, 5. university town of berkeley, 6. muir woods hiking trails and muir beach, 7. half moon bay's countryside & beaches, 8. stinson beach and dipsea trail hike, 9. filoli estate, 10. mount tamalpais, 11. pescadero marsh natural preserve, 12. angel island, 13. trione-annadel state park in sonoma county, 14. huckleberry botanic regional preserve, 15. woodside and portola valley, 16. los gatos.

It seems impossible that nature created the landscape unintentionally. The scenery of Yosemite is sublime, with some of the most magnificent landscapes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains .

During the last Ice Age, retreating glaciers carved out granite monoliths with sheer rock walls that encircle the seven-mile-long Yosemite Valley. The awe-inspiring landscape is full of marvelous surprises: 1,000-foot waterfalls , crystalline lakes, flower-blanketed meadows, and old-growth sequoia forests. It's also home to black bears, coyotes, chipmunks, 262 bird species, and endangered animals such as Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep and Sierra Nevada red foxes.

Yosemite was made famous in the 19th century by landscape painters like Albert Bierstadt, who portrayed the valley as the Eden of the American West. In the 20th century, the renowned photographer Ansel Adams captured Yosemite in vivid images, and naturalist John Muir described this incredible place "where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike."

With 750 miles of nature trails in six different areas, the UNESCO-listed , 1,200-square-mile Yosemite National Park abounds with opportunities for outdoor activities, especially hiking the spectacular trails . Tip : Be sure to keep your personal safety in mind at all times. Certain areas of the trails, around rivers, waterfalls, and cliffs, can be dangerous.

Other things to do at Yosemite include rock climbing (for advanced climbers), bird-watching , horseback riding, lake fishing year-round, river fishing from April through November, and skiing in the wintertime. You may also want to just relax, go for picnics, and take nature photos.

If you enjoy camping, you can choose from Yosemite's top campgrounds . You may also stay at a hotel right next to the park: the Yosemite Valley Lodge . A legendary hotel, The Ahwahnee (a National Historic Landmark) offers luxurious rustic-chic accommodations within Yosemite National Park.

Tip for a Day Trip : Yosemite is nearly 200 miles from San Francisco, and getting there from the city is a long drive (about four hours each way) for a day trip on your own. We recommend an organized tour if you are visiting Yosemite as a day trip from San Francisco. The Yosemite National Park Day Trip is a full-day excursion (14 to 15 hours) that includes transportation to and from San Francisco, as well as a guided tour of Yosemite's top attractions.

Practical Considerations : Yosemite National Park welcomes millions of visitors every year. During the high season (from spring through fall), you will encounter traffic when entering the park. Sometimes, you may have to wait multiple hours. During summertime, you should expect a one-hour to four-hour wait! To avoid the wait, the park advises visitors to arrive in the afternoon.

California's Central Coast is known for its beauty. Within easy driving distance from San Francisco, two seaside towns stand out: Carmel and Monterey. Both towns boast pristine natural surroundings and an alluring old-world ambiance.

Nestled along the stunning Carmel Bay , the seaside village of Carmel (120 miles south of San Francisco) is one of California's most romantic getaway destinations . The secluded Carmel Beach will delight you with its pillowy, fine white sand framed by windswept cypress trees.

The village of Carmel has plenty of tourist appeal and things to do and visit: fairy-tale cottages, upscale art galleries, cute boutiques, and fine-dining restaurants. Plus, you can choose from a wide variety of bed-and-breakfast and luxury hotels.

Less touristy and more urban in feel, the coastal town of Monterey (115 miles south of San Francisco) is famous for its historic Cannery Row . This historic waterfront fish-packing district was the inspiration for the colorful tales in John Steinbeck's novel Cannery Row .

Another of the top places to visit in Monterey is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, especially beloved by kids, who adore seeing the incredible sea life, penguins, and otters.

Not to be missed when visiting Carmel and Monterey is the stretch of California's oceanfront Highway One between the two towns, known as the 17-Mile Drive . This 17-mile portion of the Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1) is considered one of the most beautiful drives on the West Coast .

Along the 17-Mile Drive are several glorious viewpoints and must-see nature sites, including the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve , Bird Rock Vista Point, and the iconic Lone Cypress tree. Also on this route are the prestigious Pebble Beach golf courses .

Getting there : The drive from San Francisco to Monterey (115 miles) takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes without traffic. It's just a few miles further to Carmel. The train ride is a 6-hour journey and requires two transfers, making it an impossible option for a day trip.

If you have limited time and prefer to leave the driving to someone else, take a guided tour. One recommendation is a full-day Monterey and Carmel Tour from San Francisco , with stops in Monterey at the Cannery Row and the aquarium. It continues on to Carmel via the 17-Mile Drive.

This balmy beach-town playground is just 70 miles south of San Francisco, tucked away on the Monterey Bay. You will love the carefree, fun-in-the-sun vibes and the Beach Boardwalk amusement park that draws crowds during summertime.

Fronting the Beach Boardwalk is Main Beach (also known as Boardwalk Beach), a wide shoreline with shallow waters ideal for swimming, bodyboarding, and paddleboarding. The Main Beach is also a great place for sunbathing, building sandcastles, and playing beach volleyball.

More remote beaches, like Sunset State Beach and Natural Bridges Beach, offer peace and serenity. Surfers head to Cowell Beach , or if they're really experienced, to Manresa Beach, which has impressive swells that only the best wave-riders can handle.

Other top tourist attractions in Santa Cruz include the Santa Cruz Mission , built in the late 18th century by Spanish missionaries; the downtown area for shopping and eating out; and the Santa Cruz Wharf for spotting sea lions, fishing, or dining at a seafood restaurant.

For families with kids, Roaring Camp Railroads train rides offer a thrilling experience. The train rides take you through redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Getting there : The drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz takes about two hours. A public transportation option is the Greyhound bus route which takes 3 hours and 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco.

Read More: Best Beaches in Santa Cruz

Getting to Sausalito is half the fun! The 30-minute boat ride from San Francisco will dazzle you with views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Angel Island before arriving in the peaceful harbor of Sausalito. It has been called one of the most thrilling ferry rides in the world.

This seaside town north of San Francisco in Marin County is sheltered from the fog by the rolling hills of the Marin Headlands. Sausalito has pleasant sunny weather and idyllic scenery. In fact, this picturesque waterfront town resembles a fishing village along the Mediterranean Sea.

You might enjoy spending a leisurely afternoon strolling the historic downtown of Sausalito. From the ferry stop, you can take a walk along the waterfront and browse the boutiques along the way. The Bridgeway path looks out to Sausalito's yacht-filled marinas and the San Francisco skyline across the bay.

In the downtown, a cluster of quaint, pastel-painted, Victorians house interesting locally owned shops, art galleries, ice-cream parlors, cafés, and restaurants. On warm days, it's a delightful experience to dine by the bayfront or alongside the marinas. A favorite waterfront restaurant is Scoma's which specializes in sustainable seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.

Tips for getting there : If you take the ferry ride from San Francisco to Sausalito, you will depart from the San Francisco Ferry Terminal within the San Francisco Ferry Building. Arrive early so that you have time to explore the ferry building, which has many casual eateries and cafes. In fact, the San Francisco Ferry Building is a gourmet destination in itself. It's also the location of a fabulous farmers market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Alternatively, if you decide to drive to Sausalito, you will be treated to a scenic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. A day trip to Sausalito by car offers a great way to combine two sightseeing experiences: seeing the Golden Gate Bridge up close and a stop at the Golden Gate View Point on the other side of the bridge where you can see vistas of San Francisco across the bay.

Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Sausalito

Perched on a hilltop with views of the bay and backed by a grove of redwood trees, the prestigious U.C. Berkeley campus takes your breath away. Serious academic study takes place here, but you can't tell as you walk around the peaceful leafy grounds. Adding to the serenity is the babbling Strawberry Creek.

Impressive classical-style buildings house the university's classrooms, libraries, and research centers. The emblematic Sather Tower is one of the world's tallest bell towers and affords amazing views of San Francisco Bay from its observation platform.

You can get a sense of undergrad life at Bancroft Library at the heart of the campus or the bustling Sproul Plaza , where students gather to participate in protests, listen to speakers, and enjoy impromptu performances by street musicians.

To see where students hang out off-campus, head to Telegraph Avenue . This legendary street reveals the legacy of Berkeley's bohemian counterculture. It's packed with bookshops, quirky shops, and casual eateries serving all kinds of ethnic cuisine and quick bites.

Berkeley is also well known for its culture, theater, and restaurant scene. You can watch a Pulitzer-Prize-winning show and then dine in the Gourmet Ghetto , home to the famous Chez Panisse bistro that started the local, organic farm-to-table cuisine movement. Chez Panisse owner Alice Waters is credited with changing food culture in America.

Other top tourist attractions in Berkeley include the Botanical Garden and the Lawrence Hall of Science . For families with kids, Tilden Park is a favorite spot. Children love the small working farm, steam train ride, and old-fashioned merry-go-round.

Getting there : You can either drive from San Francisco or take the BART, public transportation, to get to Berkeley. The 14-mile drive from San Francisco to Berkeley crosses the Bay Bridge and takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. There is a bridge toll on your way back, and parking fees in Berkeley whether you park in a metered street spot or in a parking lot.

If you take the BART ride from Embarcadero station in San Francisco to Downtown Berkeley (closest to the campus and downtown) takes just 22 minutes. However, the walk from the Downtown Berkeley station to the campus/downtown area is around 15 to 20 minutes. Take the Richmond line to Berkeley for a direct BART ride. This route is available every 15 minutes.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Berkeley

If you love nature and have time for only one excursion outside of San Francisco, then visit the Muir Woods National Monument . This day trip gives you the chance to see a rare old-growth coastal redwood forest, among the very few remaining in Northern California.

The scenery is unlike any other forest you've seen unless you have wandered through ancient redwood groves before. The peaceful and refreshingly shaded trails invite you to meander through fern-fringed creek banks, canopies of giant redwood trees, and groves of fragrant bay laurels.

It's possible to take another three-mile trail from Muir Woods down to the Pacific Ocean at the secluded Muir Beach . This sandy beach offers camping sites and picnic areas. Nearby is The Pelican Inn, where you can grab a hearty meal of authentic English country cuisine before taking the hike back to Muir Woods.

Planning your visit : Due to the crowds and limited space, Muir Woods National Monument requires you to make a reservation in advance for paid parking or for a shuttle bus ride.

You may find that it's easier to leave the driving and parking to a tour guide. One recommendation is the Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Tour , which departs from San Francisco.

Getting there : The only way to get to Muir Woods is by car. The 16-mile drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, along Highway 101, and then on winding country roads, takes about 45 minutes.

The small rural town of Half Moon Bay nestles along the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by forests and farmlands, just 30 miles south of San Francisco (a 45-minute drive). Although it's close to The City, this coastal community has retained its country ambiance. Pumpkin patches, ranches, and vegetable farms cover the hillsides that slope down to the beach.

Spectacular sandy beaches extend for miles along the Half Moon Bay coastline. It's a great place for nature walks along the shoreline, while surfers wearing wetsuits brave the frigid waters and powerful waves.

When the conditions are right, surfing competitions are held at Mavericks Beach . Other outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and bird-watching.

One of the highlights of Half Moon Bay is the historic downtown , which has many locally owned shops and excellent restaurants, as well as casual cafés and eateries. You'll find a wide selection of restaurants, where you can grab a hearty meal after an invigorating walk on the beach or hike along coastal bluffs.

A favorite time of year to visit Half Moon Bay is in October for pumpkin picking and for the Pumpkin Festival in mid-October.

On sunny days, Stinson Beach is a popular day-trip destination in Marin County , 23 miles north of San Francisco (allow at least one hour by car). This dreamy beach community is just six miles north of Muir Beach, although it can take 30 to 45 minutes (in traffic) to get from Muir Beach to Stinson Beach on a winding two-lane road that hugs the coastline and traverses the Steep Ravine Canyon.

The drive requires concentration at the hairpin turns, but it rewards with striking ocean vistas . All the effort feels worth it upon catching sight of the little piece of paradise at Stinson Beach.

Protected by the hillside, the 3.5-mile-long sandy shoreline at Stinson Beach is ideal for sunbathing, jogging, windsurfing, beach volleyball, and picnicking. Swimming is possible, however not always recommended due to dangerous rip currents and frigid waters. Surfers and bodyboarders ride the waves wearing wetsuits.

From Memorial Day until Labor Day, lifeguards patrol the beach. (Be sure to check with lifeguards about safety before entering the water to swim.) Next to the beach is a shady area with picnic tables and barbecue grills, as well as restrooms and shower facilities.

The town has a grocery store , where you can purchase picnic foods. Or you could choose from several oceanfront cafés and restaurants that serve casual meals on sunny outdoor patios.

Tip for Travelers: During high season, it's best to begin the drive as early as possible in the morning to avoid traffic and to ensure finding a parking spot at Stinson Beach (the lot fills up quickly on weekends and during summertime.)

For coastal views, the Dipsea Trail is not to be missed. The 10-mile hiking trail begins at Muir Woods National Monument, traverses the forest and rolling hills, then descends a ravine into Stinson Beach, with breathtaking ocean and bay vistas along the way. Alternatively, you can start at Stinson Beach (which begins with steep steps and switchbacks) and complete a short portion of the trail.

Hiking Tips : Dress in layers and wear shoes with good traction to avoid slipping on the steps. Portions of the trail are exposed to the strong afternoon sun, so a visor and other sun protection are recommended. Watch out for poison oak that grows on the side of the trail. Bring bottled water and pack lunch for a picnic at Stinson Beach.

The Filoli Estate is a hidden gem 30 miles south of (35-minute drive) San Francisco, tucked away in a pastoral landscape with the densely wooded Santa Cruz Mountains as a backdrop. The 654-acre estate is registered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

With a grandeur that rivals Europe's finest estates, Filoli boasts gracious architecture, lavish rooms, and splendid grounds that have made it a top choice for film sets. The house was pictured in Dynasty , Heaven Can Wait , and George of the Jungle among other movies.

The elegant Georgian Revival-style manor house was built between 1915 and 1917 for William Bowers Bourn II, owner of Empire Gold Mine in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. Within the 54,256-square-foot mansion is a noteworthy collection of interior decor, paintings, and antiques.

Filoli is renowned for its 16-acre formal gardens, landscaped in the English Renaissance style with perfectly manicured hedges, terraces, decorative pools, fountains, flower beds, and a rose garden. Pleasant pathways and parterres invite you to wander and admire the ever-changing array of seasonal plants and blossoms, from colorful tulips in early spring to vibrant chrysanthemums in autumn.

The Filoli Estate also has a 10-acre orchard, with over 500 fruit trees including heirloom varieties, and a 528-acre nature preserve comprised of redwood forest, oak groves, chaparral, a pond, reservoir, creeks, and grasslands.

The Filoli Nature Preserve includes a trail system of 22 hiking paths, only accessible on docent-led hikes, but visitors may take self-guided hikes on the Nature Preserve's one-mile loop Estate Trail .

Address: 86 Canada Road, Woodside, California

Official site: www.filoli.org

Just 22 miles north of San Francisco, Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County delights nature lovers with a 60-mile network of park trails. The hiking paths meander through refreshing redwood groves and oak woodlands overlooking deep ravines, forested hillsides, and sweeping grasslands.

Those seeking a challenge may hike to the summit at 2,571 feet for breathtaking views . On a clear day, the outlook extends all the way to the Farallon Islands, 25 miles out in the Pacific Ocean, as well as to San Francisco and across the San Francisco Bay to the cities of Berkeley and Oakland.

Mountain bikers can use the multi-use trails , as well as the uphill road leading to the top of Mount Tamalpais for recreational cycling .

Mount Tamalpais is a place of exceptional natural beauty year-round. During the rainy season (October until March), gurgling creeks and rushing waterfalls add to the peaceful environment. From February until May, vibrant wildflowers blossom throughout the park. Whale-watching is possible during the migration season, from November to April.

On warm summer days, many visitors enjoy picnicking in the park's shaded picnic areas . For the views, the East Peak summit picnic area astounds with its 360-degree panoramas.

Getting there : The drive from San Francisco to Mount Tamalpais is only 22 miles However, it takes about one hour to get there. The two-lane country roads in Marin County wind around the mountain, so you need to drive slowly.

About 45 miles south of (1-hour and 15-minute drive) San Francisco, the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve allows access to unspoiled nature and superb birdwatching. At the confluence of the Butano Creek and Pescadero Creek, the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is a 235-acre wetland with a tidal estuary and freshwater marsh.

More than 200 species of birds find refuge in the marsh, among them the great blue heron and double-crested cormorants. The Pescadero Marsh is also home to endangered species, such as the California red-legged frog, San Francisco garter snake, steelhead trout, and coho salmon.

You may hike around the nature preserve by following one of the four trails. For avid birdwatchers, the Sequoia Audubon Trail , a 2.5-mile round-trip hike, is a good choice. Some visitors bring binoculars for an up-close view of egrets, ducks, herons, and other species.

To learn more about the natural environment and wildlife of the marsh, visitors can join guided walking tours (free of charge) on the first Sunday of the month at 10 am and the second Sunday of every month at 1 pm, as long as weather permits. The tours include a one-mile walk and take about two hours.

Across the highway from the preserve, accessible by a pedestrian walkway, is Pescadero State Beach . Backed by rocky ocean bluffs, this pristine mile-long sandy beach features coves, tide pools, and areas for fishing. Facilities include picnic tables, parking lots, and restrooms with vault toilets (without running water).

About three miles from the beach, the little country town of Pescadero has a grocery store, small boutiques, and a quirky locally owned café. A popular spot in town is Duarte's restaurant , a Pescadero institution famous for its artichoke soup and homemade pies.

Travelers can get away to a remote, unpopulated island just across the bay from San Francisco. Angel Island is a state park, accessible by taking a 30-minute ferry ride from Pier 41 in San Francisco or a 10-minute ferry ride from the town of Tiburon.

Angel Island State Park opens at 8am and closes at sunset daily. A place of serene seaside beauty, Angel Island has more than 13 miles of scenic hiking trails , ranging from moderate to advanced, as well as nine miles of cycling trails . Visitors may rent bikes once they arrive at the island.

The highest point on Angel Island is Mount Livermore at 788 feet, which rewards hikers with panoramic views of San Francisco and the bay, the Marin Headlands, and Mount Tamalpais.

The island's amenities include a Visitor Center , public restrooms, an outdoor café near the dock, boating slips for day use or overnight, camping sites with toilets, and several picnic areas with tables, barbecue pits, and running water.

Angel Island is known as the " Ellis Island of the West " because around 500,000 immigrants arrived here between 1910 and 1940. Two museums illustrate Angel Island's history as an immigration station: the Detention Barracks Museum and the Angel Island Immigration Museum . Both museums are open Wednesday through Sunday.

If you start the day early enough, it may be possible to also spend time in Tiburon , where the Angel Island ferry departs. (Be sure to keep track of the ferry schedule.) This charming seaside town has picturesque yacht marinas and a quaint downtown area. The lovely Main Street is lined with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.

On the weekends, locals enjoy having brunch in Tiburon. Most of the waterfront restaurants feature sunny terraces that overlook the San Francisco Bay. If you're getting around by car, it's also worth visiting the 900-acre Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary (open April through September) for bird-watching, and the Tiburon Ridge Trail for hiking and biking.

Explore the beautiful landscape of Trione-Annadel State Park, 60 miles north of San Francisco (about a 1.5-hour drive) in Santa Rosa , Sonoma County. The park features several miles of trails for hiking or mountain biking around the gorgeous Lake Ilsanjo.

The park is also known for its fields of vibrant wildflowers that bloom in the springtime. The best time to see wildflowers is in April and May, but some flowers can be seen from January until September.

For lake fishing, Trione-Annadel State Park is one of the best places to visit in Sonoma County. Anglers can catch black bass and bluegill fish in Lake Ilsanjo. A California fishing license is required.

The Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve lies just 17 miles from San Francisco across the Bay Bridge in the East Bay. The drive only takes 35 minutes with no traffic, although bridge traffic can easily add an extra 20 to 30 minutes.

Native huckleberry plants thrive within the 241-acre preserve, which offers ideal soil conditions and a cool climate tempered by coastal fog. Within the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve, the Interpretive Loop Trail is a 1.7-mile hiking trail that traverses mostly shaded terrain, including a bay forest.

Tips: Stay on the upper trail for a more moderate walk. Visitors are allowed to pick berries from huckleberry plants along the trail.

Although Woodside has the look of a Gold Rush-era country town, it is actually a wealthy Silicon Valley residential community and suburb of San Francisco (just 30 miles away). From San Francisco, it's an easy 30-minute drive on Highway 280 past a picturesque stretch of rolling hills and the Crystal Springs Reservoir.

The town itself is quite small but has several notable restaurants, including The Village Pub which boasts a Michelin star; The Little Store Restaurant in a historic roadside stand; and Alice's Restaurant, a famous hikers' and motorcyclists' hangout located deep in the redwood forest that surrounds the center of Woodside.

Another dining destination in Woodside's lush redwood forest, The Mountain House is a cozy family-owned restaurant in a historic cabin. This is a great place to enjoy a meal after hiking at the nearby Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve .

Other places to go hiking in Woodside include Wunderlich Park , which features hillside trails that traverse redwood forest, oak groves, and meadows; and Huddart Park , a majestic environment of coastal redwoods and babbling streams.

Neighboring Woodside is Portola Valley , another upscale Silicon Valley suburb that feels like a rural escape. Outdoorsy types will enjoy the hiking opportunities at Windy Hill Preserve and Shady Trail.

Rossotti's Alpine Inn is the place to go for casual dining in Portola Valley. The Old West-style building has housed a tavern restaurant since 1852 and still treats guests to an inviting ambiance and hearty meals. The restaurant features outdoor seating in a tranquil setting next to Los Trancos Creek.

If you want to extend the day trip and spend the night, luxurious accommodations can be found at Canyon Ranch Woodside , which is considered one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the United States .

For anyone who likes quaint towns and boutique shopping, Los Gatos is a worthwhile day trip from San Francisco. Centering around Old Town Plaza , the historic downtown is a lovely place to take a relaxing stroll for the afternoon.

The town has the feel of a retreat in the country, thanks to its secluded location tucked away behind the forested Santa Cruz Mountains. As much of an attraction as the town, the spectacular natural surroundings offer inspiring scenery for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Just a 10-minute (three-mile) drive from Los Gatos is Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve, a 1,430-acre redwood forest with meandering creeks and expansive mountain views. Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve has six miles of hiking and equestrian trails.

Another popular recreation area, Castle Rock State Park (about a 30-minute drive from downtown Los Gatos) is perched on one of the highest ridges in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Castle Rock State Park features 34 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and backpacking. Rock climbers can take on the challenge of the park's rocks and caverns.

Getting there : The only efficient way to get to Los Gatos from San Francisco is by car. The drive from San Francisco takes about 1 hour. Public transportation options require too many connections to make it worth the effort.

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7 of the best day trips from San Francisco

Feb 22, 2024 • 13 min read

Explore the Bay Area on a day trip from San Francisco © Ashley StGermain / Getty Images

Forget crossing bridges to get across the Bay –  San Francisco locals are notorious for not wanting to leave the city.

But visitors shouldn't impose that limitation on themselves. Combine  the city's best things to do  with day trips into the surrounding area's mix of fast-paced culture, natural beauty and history for the ultimate experience.

While popular places to go – like the majestic redwoods of Muir Woods or the massive Monterey Bay Aquarium –  are classic, also consider lesser-known wine regions, underrated cities and getting acquainted with the animal kingdom. Days out from the city are plentiful and enriching no matter what direction you travel. Here are our top choices of places to visit within a couple of hours of San Francisco.

1. Taste your way through lesser-known wines in Suisun Valley

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Suisun (suh-SOON) Valley is a wine region just northeast of SF with its own microclimate and tends to be less crowded than the popular, neighboring Napa and Sonoma valleys . "Suisun" is Indigenous Patwin for "where the west wind blows," and local weather can present itself as a gentle, cooling breeze that yields signature cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petit sirah. Visit soon, though, as more people are starting to take notice.

Caymus Vineyards  in the palm tree-bordered Caymus-Suisun Winery has a grand tasting room. The rest of the wine trail includes Suisun Valley Wine Co-op and the expanded BackRoad Vines at its Village 360 , all anchored by the community of Mankas Corner, which also has the valley's best dinner option at steakhouse Mankas Grill . There's plenty on offer for beer lovers, too, particularly at Pioneer Tap Room , with a variety of beers on tap and a row of bar seating made of saddles, plus a spacious outdoor area with a stage for live music. Farmers stands and shops also abound, such as Cal Yee Farm , which sells dried fruits, nuts, and even dog sweaters hand-knitted by the owner.

Suisun Valley is close enough to the city that you can go and return on the same day. If you want to take a more leisurely approach to the trip and fit in tastings in more regions, such as the neighboring Green Valley or the more mainstream Napa Valley, the most plentiful accommodation options lie in mostly chain hotels and motels in the nearby, though less exquisite, Fairfield. If you're a jelly bean fan, though, a plus of Fairfield is its proximity to the Jelly Belly Factory . Otherwise, groups of up to 16 can rent the entire estate of the bucolic  Suisun Valley Inn .

How to get to Suisun Valley from San Francisco: It's 45 miles from San Francisco to Suisun Valley, and driving via I-80E is the fastest way to get there. No regular tour lines run between SF and the valley, but once you are in wine country, you can contact a wine tour company  to craft a custom door-to-door Suisun Valley itinerary – the perfect solution if you'd rather imbibe than drive.

2. Travel back in time in the museums of Locke, a historic Chinese settlement

Travel time: 2 hours and 10 minutes

In the hot Sacramento Delta lies the small town of Locke , a well-preserved wild west area created by and for Chinese settlers in 1915, the only one of its kind left in the US. Many of its false-fronted wooden buildings along Main St have been made into free mini museums that you can duck into as you make your way down the street.

See the tiny beds seasonal workers rented in the old boarding house, a money room and the original, thick-walled safe in the gambling den, student desks in a Chinese school, and traditional Chinese instruments in the benevolent association. It's easy to picture how the town once also had Prohibition-era speakeasies, brothels, slaughterhouses, and even a Chinese opera house for its 600-plus residents and 1000 seasonal laborers.

Today, aside from the museums, there are also a few worthy spots to drink and eat, making for a complete one-stop day trip. Italian-American-founded  Al the Wops (or just Al's Place or Al's) is a dive bar with plenty of beer and substantial pub fare like burgers. When the owner feels like opening it, step into the Lockeport Grill & Fountain for an ice cream sundae or grilled cheese lunch combo. It's also connected to the Locke Bed-and-Breakfast upstairs for those who want to stay in this peaceful town a little longer.

Most of Locke's Chinese American descendants have moved away, but many of its current residents are artists who show their work at Main St galleries or run the quirky thrift shops in town. Swing by Walnut Grove on the way to or from Locke for more food options, and/or the nearby town of Isleton to visit Isleton Museum , which contains more regional history pertaining to the area's Chinese settlers.

How to get to Locke from San Francisco:  Locke should show up on your GPS, but nearby Walnut Grove is an option if you're struggling. It's accessible by car via I-160, 75 miles from San Francisco. Phone service is spotty in Locke, so upload or print any directions or maps you may need beforehand. You can take half a day to explore the buildings and museums on Main St on your own or book a walking tour of the town through the Locke Foundation . Park for free on Main St or in a free lot near the public restrooms further north.

3. Enjoy the peace and beauty of Colma's cemeteries

Travel time: 30 minutes

Cemetery City is just one of the spooky nicknames Colma has garnered since the small town became the final resting place for San Francisco's dead. The well-manicured cemeteries with their smooth walking paths and verdant blooms make for off-beat green space and historical sightseeing options during your SF visit. The city banned new burials in 1901, so Colma, formerly known for its agriculture, became the City of Souls in a short amount of time, and its current population of about 1800 living is far outnumbered by the 1.5 million people interred here.

With 17 cemeteries big and small, Colma has resting places designated by religion, ethnicity and everything in between. Cypress Lawn is one of the bigger cemeteries, with sections straddling the busy El Camino Real. Drive through the arched entrance to find benches, fountains and large trees for quiet contemplation or even a picnic.

Plenty of celebrities found their final resting place in Colma, from the baseball-lined grave of Joe DiMaggio at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery to frontier lawman Wyatt Earp at the Jewish Hills of Eternity Memorial Park , just down the row from denim magnate Levi Strauss in Home of Peace . Visit at least one mausoleum, usually adorned with colorful stained glass windows, and whose cool interiors are extra welcoming on a hot day.

To add another unusual dimension to your Colma cemetery visit, also go to Pet's Rest cemetery to see sandblasted portraits of beloved pups. Rumor has it that Tina Turner's dog rests there in an unmarked grave.

Afterward, grab a pint of Guinness at Molloy's Tavern , which was originally built to serve cemetery construction workers and nowadays has Las Pencas Mexican food truck parked outside. Eat at Cafe Colma inside the Lucky Chances card room, open round the clock for huge portions of Filipino, American diner and Cantonese comfort dishes. 

How to get to Colma from San Francisco: Colma is a quick 30-minute drive south of downtown San Francisco on I-280S. You can take the BART to Colma Station, then walk to the closest cemeteries or transfer to SamTrans' ECR bus line, but only if you're sticking to one or two cemeteries. While clustered together, the grounds are quite spread out and walking from one to another is time-consuming. The Colma Historical Association offers occasional cemetery walking tours and is open on Saturdays as a small museum.

4. Eat your way through San Jose's huge Vietnamese food scene

Travel time: 1 hour (outside of rush hour)

About an hour south of San Francisco, San Jose has one of the highest populations of Vietnamese Americans in the US, and therefore one of the best Vietnamese food scenes around. While not usually high on the tourism list, except for maybe the Winchester Mystery House or hockey team San Jose Sharks , SJ nowadays has positioned itself as the capital of Silicon Valley. Not too shabby of an association, but many outside of the city are unaware of its significance as a Vietnamese cultural hub, as well as home to large populations of Mexican, Indian and other immigrant communities.

In Little Saigon in East San Jose, start your day at Lion Plaza, which was the first Vietnamese strip mall in SJ. Get a hearty breakfast of filet mignon on a sizzling platter from Bo Ne Phu Yen , accompanied by eggs, crisp side salad, hot tea and fresh Vietnamese baguette. In the same plaza, pick up Vietnamese and other Asian groceries from the huge Lion Supermarket . At the outdoor Paloma Plaza is Hue Vietnamese Restaurant , which offers hard-to-find imperial Central Vietnamese specialties like bánh bèo (small rice flour cakes topped with dried shrimp and fried pork skin).

Wander the stores of  Vietnam Town  that feature regional Vietnamese specialties. Map out a food plan and possibly bring a cooler for leftovers. If you're keen to explore more of San Jose's Vietnamese community history, visit the Viet Museum , the first and largest museum dedicated to Vietnamese refugees.

The trip from San Francisco is quick enough that you probably won't need to stay overnight, but if you do, there are plenty of hotels  and unique short-term rentals such as those on Airbnb.

How to get to San Jose from San Francisco: Drive via US-101 S and I-280 S. You can take the Caltrain  to San Jose Diridon Station, then rideshare to one or two of the bigger strip malls. Or take the  BART  to Berryessa/North San Jose Station and then the VTA bus 77 . Bear in mind that it gets hot in San Jose, so exploring on foot can get very uncomfortable.

5. Find magical, tiny fairy doors all over Alameda

Travel time: 40 minutes (with no traffic)

Mini fairy doors at the base of trees or in kitchens have existed across cultures for centuries, and the cultural phenomenon is alive and well on the island of Alameda in the East Bay. It's also a perfect excuse to get outside and explore a less touristy spot of the Bay. Credited to woodworker Fred Hogenboom and his granddaughter, the community art project started by the duo in the 2010s sparked first a neighborhood, then a city-wide trend that continues to this day.

Spend a leisurely couple of hours in the quiet neighborhoods of Alameda, using this Google map to guide you as you visit simple, flat, two-toned doors affixed to the base of utility poles and entire fairy condo complexes in people's front gardens. Once you find one door, you'll start seeing them everywhere. The map depends on a dedicated Facebook group of volunteers who keep it updated. Feel free to dress up in your magical best and bring fairy offerings like pennies, glass beads, or notes. Depending on the weather, like after a storm, a few fairy doors may not be visible or in good condition. Don't worry, though, new ones are always popping up. 

Downtown Alameda is actually just a few minutes' walk north of the fairy door cluster around Clinton Ave and Oak St and has a robust food and drink scene. If you're going on a morning fairy door hunt, check out the flakiest croissants at Crispian Bakery . Grab gooey cheeseburgers for lunch at  Spinning Bones or Scolari's Good Eats , spicy hand-pulled Xi'an noodles at Wild Ginger , or dessert at Tucker's Ice Cream . 

How to get to Alameda fairy doors from San Francisco: Drive via I-80 E. You can also take BART to Fruitvale Station, then transfer to AC Transit bus line 51A to walk to one or two clusters of fairy doors.

6. Kayak with harbor seals in Elkhorn Slough

Travel time: 2 hours

There's no need to go all the way down to Monterey for its magnificent aquarium . Elkhorn Slough lies a half-hour drive north of Monterey, and you can kayak with harbor seals, sea otters, and nearly 350 species of birds in the first estuarine sanctuary in the US, with its 6 miles of navigable waterways. While you can rent kayaks from either the quaint fishing village just north in Moss Landing or south in Monterey, the most convenient option is to rent kayaks at Elkhorn Slough itself.

Try Kayak Connection or Monterey Bay Kayaks . Explore on your own or sign up for a guided tour, which is recommended for first-timers. While you have to keep a few kayaks' lengths away from the otters and seals for safety reasons, you are still surrounded by dozens of frolicking sea creatures. Some friendly, curious ones will swim up closer to look at you. Both sunny and overcast days bring special qualities to kayaking the slough. Bring a change of clothing, as you will get slightly wet.

Afterward, refuel by indulging in some fresh local seafood right next door at Sea Harvest  or Haute Enchilada Cafe just south. If you're raring to go after lunch, you can add a hike starting from an educational visitors center that's 6.5 miles north of the slough. You can make it back to SF on the same day, but if you're exhausted from kayaking and hiking, consider booking a stay at the nautical-themed Captain's Inn at Moss Landing  or the modern boutique hotel at The Inn at Moss Landing .

How to get to Elkhorn Slough from San Francisco: Drive on US-101 S to CA-17, ultimately to CA-1.

7. Pick an abundance of produce in the garlic capital of Gilroy

Travel time: 1 hour 40 minutes (depending on traffic)

There's no mistaking you've arrived in Gilroy when the scent of garlic fills your nostrils, but reasons to visit stretch beyond buying garlic braids, including a varied, abundant u-pick season, plus other family-friendly amusements (but also buy the garlic braids). U-pick season usually runs May through October, though the weather and other factors can shorten or lengthen it. Check farm websites beforehand to see if they're open and what is available to pick.

Many are open on the weekends only, though some offer weekday or appointment-only hours. Arrive early to avoid crowds and picked over rows, and bring cash and sun protection. Pluck ruby red strawberries at Berry Island or Tru2Earth Farm . Cherries are plentiful at Borello Family Farms ,  Gilroy U-Pick  and more. You can even pick lavender and other flowers at the farms. If you're open to varieties of produce to pick, look to surrounding areas like Watsonville and Morgan Hill, or farms in Santa Cruz if you'd like to be closer to SF.

Outside of the u-pick experience and season, visit Gilroy's farmers market stands when certain produce seasons hit.  LJB Farms  also creates a huge pumpkin patch during October, complete with plenty of photo-worthy decorations and snack trucks on site. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a bit pricey but has oddly shaped "circus trees" and produce-themed rides. A trip to the Gilroy Premium Outlets can be an air-conditioned respite from the Gilroy heat.

If you need more sustenance than strawberries for lunch, head out to OD's Kitchen for a hearty diner brunch, any location of Tacos Ameca for thick, chewy handmade corn tortillas, or the Mike's Backyard BBQ weekend pop-up inside of Garlic World . The formerly annual garlic festival association currently operates several fundraising events throughout the year that still include garlic food and goods, so check online to see if your visit coincides with anything fun. 

How to get to Gilroy from San Francisco: Drive south on US-101 and take exit 356 for Gilroy.

Check out more of our great guidance to San Francisco:

See  when to go to San Francisco   Wondering what to do? Here are our top picks Know these  12 things  before visiting San Francisco

This article was first published Aug 3, 2021 and updated Feb 22, 2024.

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Biden plans 2-day San Francisco Bay Area visit for campaign fundraisers

President Joe Biden will return to the San Francisco Bay Area for two campaign fundraisers this week.

Biden is expected to arrive in San Francisco on Thursday, according to a White House news release. On Friday, the president will attend two fundraisers in unspecified locations; Bloomberg News reported that former Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer and venture capitalist Vinod Khosla would be among the Democratic donors attending.

Tickets for these fundraisers are expected to go for up to $250,000, Bloomberg News reported. The Almanac reported that one of the fundraisers would be at the Portola Valley home of Khosla.

Earlier this year, Biden came to the Bay Area for a two-day visit in February to meet with donors in San Francisco. He also came to the region in November for the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, and held a private summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Filoli, the largest estate in San Mateo County.

©2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Politics | President Joe Biden arrives in the Bay Area on…

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Politics | President Joe Biden arrives in the Bay Area on fundraising trip

The president is expected to attend fundraisers with former yahoo ceo marissa mayer and venture capitalist vinod khosla.

President Joe Biden returned to the Bay Area for a two-day visit on Thursday evening, arriving at Moffett Federal Airfield in Mountain View around 7:38 p.m.

Air Force One arrived in Mountain View at 7:25 p.m. After disembarking from Air Force One, Biden walked directly off the ramp and boarded a chopper to San Francisco, where he was expected to spend the night. He boarded Marine One around 7:40 p.m., and the helicopter took off around 7:45 p.m. for San Francisco.

One of the fundraising events will be held at the Portola Valley home owned by Khosla, according to a report by The Almanac, a local news outlet. Tickets are expected to range from $6,000 to $100,000.

Earlier this year, President Biden visited the Bay Area for a two-day visit in February , where he met with donors in San Francisco and attended a fundraising event in Los Altos Hills. The president was also in the Bay Area last November, when he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the famed Filoli estate during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation conference held in San Francisco.

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What to Do In San Francisco When You Only Have Three Days

Becky Hart | May 10, 2024

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To fully experience the San Francisco and the Bay Area could take weeks, if not longer. But luckily, you can hit many of the major highlights in just a weekend.

With this three-day itinerary for San Francisco, you’ll see the best the city has to offer whether you’re on a microcation or making SF part of a full California adventure.

Getting To and Around San Francisco

You can almost always find less expensive flights through OAK. It’s then only about a 30-minute drive to downtown San Francisco. There’s also a BART (subway) station at the airport if you choose not to rent a car or get a ride-share.

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll probably want to rely on public transportation for getting around San Francisco. If so, get a Clipper Card. This makes it easier to take advantage of the BART, Muni buses, and cable cars. You’ll simply scan the prepaid card each time you board.

Some attractions will offer discounts on admission with your Clipper Card or proof using public transit, too.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

San Francisco is an expensive city, which you’ll notice quickly when you’re looking for a place to stay. If you’re trying to save some money on hotels and don’t mind taking the train in and out of downtown San Francisco every day, look for a place in Oakland where prices tend to be more reasonable.

Staying in San Francisco has its charms, though. With so many neighborhoods, each with its own personality, where you return “home” each night might be part of the fun.

Based on our itinerary below, look for accommodations in the Mission District. It’s a quirky neighborhood with colorful flair. One of the most common words to describe the area is “hipster.” Use that information how you will.

The Pacific Heights neighborhood will put you in a relatively central location for many of the tourist highlights, including the Painted Ladies, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Golden Gate Bridge. It is on the upscale side, so perhaps keep looking if you’re traveling on a budget.

Finally, the Fisherman’s Wharf is a favorite for families visiting San Francisco. This is largely because of its proximity to kid-friendly attractions, whether that’s restaurants everyone will enjoy, interactive museums, or outdoor room to roam.

Whichever neighborhood you choose, weigh your options when deciding between a hotel and vacation rental. San Francisco has a major challenge with homelessness. Some attribute this to rental properties pricing out locals and making the problem worse. If this is a concern for you, opt for a hotel instead.

Weekend Itinerary for San Francisco

Day 1: Golden Gate Bridge and Art

Few things in San Francisco are more iconic than the Golden Gate Bridge. To go to the City by the Bay and not see it is missing out, even if you’re trying to avoid over-touristed sites.

For fewer crowds and a unique experience, go where the locals go to see the Bridge. Battery Godfrey offers a view not often seen unless you’re “in the know.” It’s part of Fort Scott and the Presidio of San Francisco. Although it’s managed by the National Park Service, it’s free to visit.

Battery Godfrey is also a good spot to start your walk across Golden Gate Bridge, the perfect activity when you’re looking for free things to do in San Francisco.

Give yourself a few hours to walk (or bike) across the bridge and explore the neighborhoods on the other side. It’s about 1.5 miles from one end of the bridge to the other.

Assuming it’s not too foggy — a common occurrence on the bay — you'll see amazing views. Even if it is foggy, though, it’ll be quite the experience to wade through the low clouds while still being on terra firma.

Make your way to Battery Spencer or the Golden Gate Observation Deck a little farther inland. If you have the time and stamina, explore Sausalito. The small town is praised for its charm with colorful houseboats and waterfront views.

Fuel up on delicious seafood before heading back across the Golden Gate Bridge. You can either walk back or take the Sausalito Ferry.

South of the bridge in Golden Gate Park is the de Young Museum , featuring American and global art. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the observation tower sticking up from an otherwise relatively flat building. The tower offers 360-degree views of the city and bay.

Inside, check out artwork and textiles from around the world. There’s something for everyone, from paintings and Japanese prints to fashion exhibits and the occasional organ concert.

If you take public transportation — the Muni or BART — to the museum, ask about a discount. The de Young properties, which also include the Legion of Honor, offer reduced-price tickets to visitors who use public transit.

There are plenty of one-of-a-kind places for dinner around Golden Gate Park, whether you’re in the mood for pizza (Fiorella Sunset), Korean (Han Il Kwan), Japanese (Volcano Curry), or a nice little wine bar.

Day 2: Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz Island

When you’re deciding what to do in San Francisco with kids, Fisherman’s Wharf delivers. It’s fun and free to watch the sea lions basking in the sun at Pier 39, dipping in an out of the water, and making all kinds of noise.

The Aquarium by the Bay is one of the best in the country with thousands of underwater creatures to face eye-to-eye. Sharks, fish, jellyfish, otters, and more await. The aquarium is part of the CityPASS ticket , which can help you save money on admission at many of the major attractions in San Francisco.

Check out the Maritime National Historical Park . It includes the Maritime Museum as well as five “floating museums.” These are historic ships — schooners, ferryboats, and tugs — dating as far back as 1886. Admission is $15 or free for children aged 15 and under.

Fisherman’s Wharf is also where you can catch a boat out to Alcatraz Island. For 30 years, The Rock served as a prison for some of the country’s most infamous criminals, including gangster Al Capone. Choose between self-guided audio tours or guided options to dive even deeper into this strange part of American history.

You have to buy tickets for Alcatraz Island in advance. And be warned — they go quickly. Plan to spend at least two to three hours on the island, including the short boat ride. Ferry service is included in the cost of admission.

Across Beach Street from the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is the Ghirardelli Experience and Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop . These two stops serve up decadent sundaes, milkshakes, and bakery favorites. Plus, you can visit the chocolatier station at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience to watch the chocolate being made.

There’s nearly 200 years of sweet history in this compound, making it worth the visit and the sugar high.

If you’re looking for some food that’s more on the savory side, you're in the right place. Choose from any number of restaurants to get your literal fill of clam chowder, crab, and tasty seafood treats. Or if you’re more into turf than surf, try In-n-Out Burger, a favorite West Coast chain.

Day 3: Mission District and the Painted Ladies

It’s a great spot for lunch or dinner, but if you’re stopping by early in the morning, keep an eye out for one of its independent coffee shops.

Tartine Bakery has a sit-down service if you’re looking for something hardy. But if you just want to grab something to go on your way to the next stop, you can’t go wrong with the bakery offerings. Pastry, tarts, cakes, and bread fill the menu. It isn’t cheap, but it is freshly made with plenty of flavors and some vegan and wheat-free options.

Nearby, the Painted Ladies are a row of Victorian houses so named their colorful facades. It’s an image you’ve probably seen photographed dozens of times, not even counting the opening credits of the TV show, “Full House.”

The houses, still lived in by locals, run alongside Alamo Square Park. The park gives you a perfect spot to take all your own pictures with downtown San Francisco in the background. Some say the best time to visit is during sunset, making those shots even more dramatic.

Pack some snacks or a picnic to relax in the park after a few full days of sightseeing.

What to Pack for a Weekend in San Francisco

Knowing what to pack for a weekend in San Francisco means understanding what the weather in the Bay Area can be like.

The main things to remember are that it can be windy, and it can change in a hurry. One minute you’re in a t-shirt, burning under the sun, and the next, the wind off the bay has blown in the fog and there’s a chill in the air that has you reaching for an extra sweater.

When you’re packing light for your San Francisco vacation, focus on mix-and-match clothes that you can layer as the weather shifts. Throw a raincoat in your bag. San Francisco does see more rain than Southern California, and with cooler mornings and evenings, you might appreciate the bit of extra warmth, too.

If you follow our itinerary, you’re going to be on your feet a lot, too. Pack comfortable shoes.

San Francisco packing list

• Base layer shirt, such as a t-shirt or long-sleeved t-shirt depending on the season
• Sweater or sweatshirt (wrinkle-free so you can stuff it in your daypack when the sun comes out and still look great when the sun goes down)
• Jeans (they’re great for any occasion)
• Waterproof coat
• Gloves and hat if you’re visiting in the winter
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Travel-size umbrella, especially if you go to San Francisco between November and February
• Reusable water bottle (you won’t find many plastic bottles if you forget your own)
• Reusable tote bag (single-use plastic bags at stores are often only available for a charge or not at all)

Travel Insurance for San Francisco

Like we said, San Francisco is an expensive city. Trip expenses add up quickly here.

When your prepaid bookings are nonrefundable, protect them with travel insurance. It could reimburse you for those insured trip expenses if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason. It also offers protection for trip delays, trip interruption, lost or damaged luggage, and much more.

If you’re visiting San Francisco from abroad, consider travel medical insurance. This coverage can pay for your medical expenses if you get sick or hurt during your trip. And the cost of travel insurance is significantly less than what you could end up paying for medical care in the U.S.

Find the right plan for you at SevenCorners.com or talk to a licensed Seven Corners agent before you travel.

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Over 1,400 people are missing in San Francisco. For most, we don’t even know their names

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A Pokémon ball sits on his bookshelf, along with a model boat he made in elementary school. Pictures of his childhood soccer teams hang on the wall. The colorful sheets on his bunk bed are slightly unmade.

Over a decade after his disappearance, Sean Sidi’s room in his parents’ Bernal Heights home remains almost exactly how he left it.

The 19-year-old vanished around Golden Gate Park in May 2013. To this day, his parents still have no idea what happened to their son.

Sean is among 1,463 people who have gone missing in San Francisco and have yet to be found, according to the city’s police department. But most of their names remain sealed to the public, and many of their stories may never be told.

When Mint Butterfield, the teenage child of a billionaire who co-founded Slack, went missing for a week in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood last month, the saga was widely publicized across international media, including in The Standard. In contrast, most cases of missing people in the city are never reported in the press. The reasons can vary, but parents of the missing often cite cultural and socioeconomic issues.

“We’re not wealthy,” said Ed Ryan, whose son, Eamon Ryan, disappeared in San Francisco in 2020. “So it’s not news.”

The San Francisco Police Department says it’s actively investigating cases on its missing persons list, which numbers over 1,400 people, but families who have long-missing loved ones say they’ve seen little evidence of that ongoing detective work. Several told The Standard they haven’t received as much as a phone call from the police department in over a decade.

“They never call you—never,” said Lynn Ching, Sean's mom. “You have to make it happen yourself.”

Missing in plain sight

The Tenderloin neighborhood in downtown San Francisco has been called a “containment zone” by critics of how the city has handled the drug and homelessness crises.

Roughly 1,900 homeless people live in the surrounding district, according to a count conducted in February 2022. Among the tents and crowds of people suffering are lost loved ones whose families are looking for them.

Liz Breuilly, a volunteer detective who locates missing people in San Francisco, said that teen disappearances in the neighborhood are not uncommon. She hears about a teen who’s gone missing in the Tenderloin roughly once a month, she said.

Breuilly said she found 11 missing people in San Francisco in April alone. Many of the people Breuilly finds have no idea anyone was looking for them. Almost all are unaware of how much time has passed since they last spoke to their family.

The Butterfield case represented a rare moment when the public seemingly cared about someone on the Tenderloin’s streets, she said.

“I think a lot of us walk by these people, and we think they don't have families that are desperately searching for them,” she said. “But there are hundreds and hundreds of Mint Butterfields out there.” 

Bruce Maitland, founder of the group Private Investigations for the Missing, said he’s found that areas with large concentrations of homeless people tend to have a correspondingly high number of missing people. In such cases, Maitland said he sometimes discovers people who have “chosen” to go missing.

However, Breuilly said the people she locates are usually grateful to know their family still cares.

“They're just happy to know that their families are looking for them,” Breuilly said. “Once they know, people can be motivated to do a lot of different things.” According to a state database, some of the city’s cases date back multiple decades. 

SFPD spokesperson Evan Sernoffsky said police officers regularly check in with family members about their missing loved ones. But unlike the Butterfield case, which he noted was led by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, none of the 1,436 people on the San Francisco department’s missing persons list are considered “at risk.”

The families of the missing argue to the contrary.

In the days immediately following Sean Sidi's disappearance, his mother fought for coverage in the local media, organizing vigils and even leading a call for action at the Mayor’s Office. For at least a week after the 19-year-old went missing, however, search crews were apparently looking in the wrong location.

Police claimed officers located a signal for Sean's phone near Lands End in the Richmond neighborhood, Ching said, but after a week of searching, officers discovered his phone was actually on the eastern end of Golden Gate Park. 

“If you waste away the first few days, that’s a problem,” she said. “When you have a [police] team that doesn’t care, then the consequences for us with the missing kid can be significant.” 

Sean is among a group of five young men known as the California Missing Five , who went missing over a three-year span in San Francisco between 2010 and 2013. Their mothers formed a group to seek answers for their sons’ disappearances, garnering attention from national news outlets and documentary filmmakers. But three of the mothers told The Standard the police have shown few outward signs of maintaining interest in their cases.

Valerie Sorrells, whose son Cameron Remmer went missing in October 2011 at the age of 29, said the police department destroyed his belongings without notifying her. “When I called to get his backpack two years ago, the officer laughed in my face and said they burned it,” Sorrells said. “That was the last time I heard from them.”

Sernoffsky, the police spokesperson, didn’t respond to specific claims made by the mothers but said the department treats missing person cases “extremely seriously” and that it has a fully staffed department dedicated to finding lost people.

He added that the department sends press releases and posts about “dozens of similar missing person cases” each year on its social media accounts, but those cases often go unreported by news outlets.

The Standard asked the police department to release the names of people on its missing persons list, but the department declined to do so, citing ongoing investigations. Sernoffsky pointed The Standard to a state database where a portion of the department’s missing persons are listed. 

The public dashboard on the state Department of Justice’s website lists just 198 people identified as missing in San Francisco. By comparison, the website shows Los Angeles, a city with over three times the population of San Francisco, has just over 500 missing people.

The Department of Justice didn’t respond to multiple inquiries asking why over 1,000 people from San Francisco are not included in the searchable database, but its website cautions that the database is merely a “subset of all persons reported as missing.” 

Some unknown number of those classified as missing may be dead. One factor experts say could be driving up the missing count in San Francisco is the city's miles of shoreline and surrounding waters, where bodies can disappear without a trace.

‘Hope is not easy’

Ed Ryan, whose 31-year-old son, Eamon, went missing in 2020, told of how frustrating it can feel to look for a missing child in San Francisco. 

Eamon was a star football player in college before injuring his knee and eventually becoming addicted to opioids, his father said. In early 2020, Eamon came to San Francisco to visit his uncle and, shortly after, stopped picking up the phone. 

Ed Ryan, who lives in Florida, said he’s visited the city four times since his son disappeared, wandering the Tenderloin’s streets looking for clues.

“I could’ve walked right by him,” Ryan said. “Everyone in the street was in tents or had covers over them.” In May 2020, Eamon Ryan posted a Facebook photo of himself and an unknown gray-haired man in the Presidio neighborhood—the last documentation of his whereabouts. 

“He was the man everyone wanted to be,” Ed Ryan said, holding back tears. “Then he got injured and started doing OxyContin.”

Many parents who have a child go missing suffer from a condition called ambiguous grief, meaning they’re unable to fully process their loss.

Even after a decade since Sean's disappearance, Ching said she still receives calls from people who mistakenly believe they’ve spotted her son. Others call her phone demanding ransom money, claiming they have Sean “locked in a basement.” 

Nonetheless, she still holds out hope she’ll see her son again. 

“Hope is not easy, I’ll put it that way,” Ching said. “Tips aren’t flowing in by the thousands or hundreds anymore. But in the end, that’s all you have. You have to hang on to hope.”

David Sjostedt can be reached at [email protected]

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