san francisco travel guide 2023

The Ultimate Guide to San Francisco in 2023: Top Attractions, Travel Tips, and Itinerary

Dive headfirst into the charismatic world of San Francisco in 2023 where every corner is an unexplored mystery. From its time-honored streetcars and postcard-perfect Golden Gate Bridge to hypermodern tech landscapes and sustainability innovations, ‘The City by the Bay’ has embraced a breathtaking evolution. Discover how this cosmopolitan hub offers both treasured classics and forward-thinking novelties in our ultimate guide. Navigate through mesmerizing attractions, insider travel tips, and an expertly curated itinerary that is bound to release your inner wanderlust. Ready to experience San Francisco like never before? Delve into the heart of this ever-evolving city that guarantees more than hillside wonderment. It’s time for a west coast rendezvous – let’s journey together exploring San Francisco in 2023!

Our Guide to San Francisco in 2023 provides a full overview of all the must-see touristy things including Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown and more. Additionally, we provide information about the LGBTQIA history sites such as Castro district and Grace Cathedral. We also offer great tips on where to eat that isn’t too pricey. Other recommendations include visiting Lombard Street and Pier 39 as well as travelling by train to San Jose and visiting the Disney Family Museum in the Presidio.

Table of Contents

Overview of San Francisco in 2023

San Francisco, the vibrant and diverse city on the West Coast, continues to captivate visitors and residents with its unique charm and breathtaking sights. As we enter 2023, the city’s allure remains intact, offering a blend of rich history, cultural diversity, and technological innovation. Steeped in iconic landmarks, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural beauty, San Francisco promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture within its boundaries.

With its hilly streets and iconic cable cars, San Francisco’s distinctive skyline is dominated by the Transamerica Pyramid and the infamous Golden Gate Bridge. But beyond these postcard-worthy images lies a city bursting with life and energy. From exploring eclectic neighborhoods like Chinatown and Castro District to indulging in culinary delights at Fisherman’s Wharf or sampling artisanal coffee in the Mission District, San Francisco offers a myriad of experiences to suit every taste.

Moving into 2023, let’s take a look at some of the predicted changes and developments that will shape San Francisco even further.

• As of 2022, the Golden Gate Bridge, one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmark, attracts more than 10 million visitors annually.
• The local tourism board reports that approximately 25 million tourists visited San Francisco in 2019. The numbers are expected to have risen significantly by 2023 post-Covid recovery.
• According to the San Francisco Travel Association, visitor spending in San Francisco reached an all-time high of $10 billion in 2019 and is forecasted to rebound to pre-pandemic levels or higher by 2023.

Predicted Changes and Developments

As a city known for its constant evolution, San Francisco is bound to undergo various changes and developments in 2023. One significant area that will continue to see growth is the tech industry. With Silicon Valley just a stone’s throw away, San Francisco remains a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Startups and established tech giants alike are expected to expand their presence in the city, stimulating job opportunities and driving economic growth.

For instance, XYZ Tech has recently announced plans to open their new headquarters in downtown San Francisco, bringing thousands of high-paying jobs to the area. This development has generated excitement among both tech enthusiasts looking for career opportunities and locals eager to witness the urban transformation it will bring.

Alongside advancements in technology, San Francisco is also prioritizing sustainable transportation initiatives. The city’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint has led to a significant expansion of bike lanes, electric vehicle charging stations, and improved public transportation systems. This shift towards greener solutions aims to alleviate traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance the overall livability of San Francisco.

Consider these changes as a tree growing its branches, reaching higher and wider each year. San Francisco continues to blossom with progress, seeking harmony between technological advancements and environmental sustainability.

In addition to technological and sustainable developments, San Francisco is also witnessing exciting transformations in its cultural landscape. The city’s vibrant arts scene is expected to thrive further with new gallery spaces, experimental theaters, and interactive exhibitions popping up across different neighborhoods. These additions will not only enrich the local creative community but also offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the city’s artistic pulse.

With these predicted changes on the horizon, it’s evident that San Francisco’s allure as a global destination will only continue to grow. Let’s explore the major landmarks and attractions that make this city truly remarkable.

• San Francisco is expected to experience significant growth in the tech industry, sustainable transportation initiatives, and cultural developments in 2023. The expansion of tech companies in the city will create job opportunities and economic growth. The city’s focus on sustainability will lead to improved transportation options and a reduced carbon footprint. Additionally, San Francisco’s vibrant arts scene is set to flourish further with new gallery spaces, theaters, and exhibitions. These predicted changes highlight San Francisco’s continued progress towards a harmonious balance between technological advancements and environmental sustainability while offering visitors an exciting cultural experience.

Major Landmarks and Attractions

San Francisco, known for its iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods, is a city brimming with must-visit attractions. Let’s dive into the major landmarks and attractions that you don’t want to miss during your visit to San Francisco in 2023.

First on the list is Alcatraz Island, a historic site infamous for its past as a maximum-security federal penitentiary. Take a ferry ride across the bay and explore the cells where notorious criminals like Al Capone were once held captive. The audio tour offers fascinating insights into the daily lives of inmates, making it an immersive experience.

Next up is the Golden Gate Bridge, an engineering marvel that has become synonymous with San Francisco. Spanning across the bay with its majestic red towers, this suspension bridge offers breathtaking views of both the bay and the Pacific Ocean. Walk or bike across its span or simply admire its beauty from various vantage points.

One unique attraction in San Francisco is Lombard Street, often called the “crookedest street in the world.” This quirky road features eight hairpin turns amid beautifully manicured gardens on both sides. It’s a delightful sight to behold and offers panoramic views over the bay, making it a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts.

Another landmark worth exploring is Oracle Park, home to the San Francisco Giants baseball team. This beautiful stadium not only offers picturesque views of the bay and skyline but also provides an excellent experience for both baseball enthusiasts and casual fans alike. Catching a game here is a great way to immerse yourself in local camaraderie and enjoy top-notch entertainment.

Chinatown is another must-visit neighborhood in San Francisco. Embark on a cultural adventure as you stroll through its vibrant streets filled with shops selling trinkets, restaurants serving authentic Chinese cuisine, tea rooms offering traditional tea ceremonies, and food shops offering unique culinary delights. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience a different slice of San Francisco’s diverse culture.

Now that we’ve explored some of the major landmarks and attractions in San Francisco, let’s dive into the must-visit spots that will make your trip unforgettable.

The Must-Visit Spots

While San Francisco boasts an array of attractions, there are certain spots that simply cannot be missed. Here are some must-visit locations to include in your itinerary for an unforgettable trip:

Pier 39 is a vibrant waterfront area known for its bustling atmosphere and adorable resident sea lions. Capture photos of these playful creatures as they bask in the sun, or explore the eclectic mix of shops and restaurants that line the pier. Pier 39 also offers stunning views of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, making it a perfect spot to soak in the beauty of San Francisco.

For breathtaking panoramic views of the city, head to Coit Tower. Situated atop Telegraph Hill, this iconic landmark offers sweeping vistas of San Francisco from its observation deck. Keep in mind that reaching the tower involves climbing multiple steps, but the awe-inspiring views make it well worth the effort.

The Haight-Ashbury area is another must-visit neighborhood with a storied past. Known as the birthplace of 1960s counterculture, it still retains its bohemian charm today. Explore vintage stores, quirky boutiques, and street art while immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of this iconic neighborhood.

Don’t forget to visit the Palace of Fine Arts, a stunning architectural gem nestled within a picturesque park setting. Originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, it now serves as a popular spot for leisurely walks and photo opportunities. The striking beauty of its columns and rotunda is sure to leave you captivated.

Exploring the Neighborhoods

When visiting San Francisco, one of the most exciting aspects is exploring its diverse neighborhoods, each offering a distinct vibe and character. From the picturesque Pacific Heights to the vibrant Marina district, these neighborhoods provide unique experiences that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. So, grab your map and let’s embark on a journey to discover the hidden gems of San Francisco.

As you begin your exploration, consider starting with Pacific Heights, known for its quality of life, luxurious amenities, and stunning views. This neighborhood is perched atop one of San Francisco’s renowned hills and offers breathtaking vistas of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. Stroll through its tree-lined streets and admire the exquisite Victorian mansions that define this upscale district. With a population of 21,918 in 2023 and an average rental price of $3,195, Pacific Heights attracts those seeking an elevated living experience.

Next up is Noe Valley, located centrally in San Francisco. This neighborhood has transformed from a working-class area to an upscale district while still retaining its charm. It is famous for its sunny microclimate created by Twin Peaks’ proximity, making it an inviting place to wander along its colorful streets lined with boutique shops and family-friendly restaurants. With a population of 22,548 in 2023 and a median rental price of $2,800 for a one-bedroom apartment, Noe Valley offers excellent amenities and multiple job opportunities.

Another neighborhood worth exploring is the Sunset District. As San Francisco’s largest neighborhood with a population of 85,252, it offers spacious living options and a variety of local businesses. Home to several parks such as Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach, this area beckons visitors to explore its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The Sunset District also provides good job prospects within easy commuting distance. In 2023, the average rental price in the Sunset District is $2,423.

Seacliff is a hidden gem known for its spacious houses and breathtaking views of the ocean. This peaceful district offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. As you wander through its streets, you’ll find yourself admiring impressive mansions and enjoying the sounds of crashing waves. With a population of 43,616 in 2023 and a median rent cost per month of $5,750, Seacliff provides a unique residential experience at an elevated cost.

Presidio Heights, a secluded neighborhood located in central San Francisco, offers a serene family life with beautiful coastal views. Bordering the city’s alluring trails and parks such as Presidio National Park and Julius Kahn Playground, it presents ample recreational opportunities for nature enthusiasts. In 2023, Presidio Heights has a population of 43,616 and an average rent price of $2,598 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Lastly, let’s explore Marina, a centrally located neighborhood that attracts people with its vibrant nightlife and excellent shopping options. Bustling with energy, this area is known for its trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques lining Chestnut Street. With a population of 22,358 in 2023 and an average rent expenditure of $3,400, Marina offers an exciting urban experience.

Now that we have an overview of these neighborhoods’ locations and general characteristics, let’s take a closer look at what makes each area unique.

Unique Characteristics of Each Area

Pacific Heights stands apart with its exceptional views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. This affluent neighborhood boasts some of San Francisco’s most elegant Victorian mansions that highlight its architectural grandeur. Its tree-lined streets create a calming atmosphere amidst the bustling city. Pacific Heights is also home to prestigious schools like Convent & Stuart Hall and offers easy access to upscale shopping destinations like Fillmore Street.

Noe Valley, with its sunny microclimate, sets itself apart from other neighborhoods. The warmth and clear skies make it an attractive place for families and individuals seeking a pleasant living environment. This district boasts a vibrant community feel, seen in its bustling farmer’s market on weekends and frequent street fairs. Noe Valley is home to popular parks like Douglass Playground and Upper Douglass Dog Park, providing ample recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

The Sunset District encompasses a vast area, divided into three sub-neighborhoods: Central Sunset, Outer Sunset, and Inner Sunset. Each section has its own unique charm. Central Sunset features well-established dining establishments and local businesses. Outer Sunset appeals to surfers with its close proximity to Ocean Beach and picturesque coastal views. Inner Sunset, adjacent to Golden Gate Park, offers a lively atmosphere with its array of boutiques, cafes, and ethnic restaurants.

Seacliff’s unique characteristic lies in its exclusive mansions and stunning ocean vistas. This district provides sanctuary from the hectic city life, offering residents privacy and tranquility. Notable landmarks in Seacliff include the beautiful China Beach and the historic Lands End Trail which presents breathtaking coastal panoramas. The Seacliff neighborhood also hosts the prestigious San Francisco Golf Club.

Presidio Heights stands out with its proximity to nature’s wonders within the Presidio National Park. Its hilly terrain offers panoramic views of the coast. Residents enjoy access to hiking trails such as Lover’s Lane Trail and Presidio Promenade. Presidio Heights is also known for its gastronomic delights with popular eateries like Spruce, offering a fine dining experience.

Marina stands uniquely as a bustling hub attracting young professionals drawn to its vibrant nightlife scene along Chestnut Street. With an abundance of trendy restaurants, bars, boutiques, and fitness studios, Marina offers something for everyone. As Marina Green Park overlooks the stunning San Francisco Bay, it serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities like jogging, picnicking, and even windsurfing.

Cultural Experiences in San Francisco

San Francisco prides itself on its diverse and vibrant cultural scene, offering a plethora of experiences for visitors to immerse themselves in. From world-class museums to historic landmarks, there is something for everyone seeking a deeper understanding of the city’s rich heritage.

One must-visit cultural attraction in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Park , a sprawling urban oasis that spans over 1,000 acres. The park is home to various cultural institutions, including the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences . The de Young Museum showcases an impressive collection of American art from the 17th century to the present day, while the California Academy of Sciences houses a planetarium, a natural history museum, an aquarium, and an innovative living roof.

Another must-see cultural gem is the War Memorial Opera House , located in the Civic Center neighborhood. This iconic venue is not only visually stunning with its grand architecture but also serves as the home of the prestigious San Francisco Ballet and San Francisco Opera. Attending a performance here allows visitors to witness world-class ballet or opera productions while experiencing the awe-inspiring acoustics and opulent atmosphere.

For music lovers, Davies Symphony Hall offers an exceptional experience inside its state-of-the-art auditorium. It is home to the esteemed San Francisco Symphony, which hosts renowned conductors and musicians from around the world. An evening spent enjoying a symphony performance in this hallowed hall promises an unforgettable sensory journey through classical compositions.

A visit to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without exploring the iconic neighborhoods that contribute to its rich cultural fabric. Chinatown stands out as one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities outside Asia, showcasing vibrant traditions, delicious cuisine, and unique shops filled with cultural artifacts. On the other hand, Mission District celebrates its Hispanic roots with colorful murals adorning street corners and an abundance of Latin American-inspired restaurants serving delectable bites. These neighborhoods offer a glimpse into the cultural diversity that defines San Francisco.

Now that we have explored the cultural experiences in San Francisco, let’s dive into the vibrant local events and festivals that grace the city throughout the year.

Local Events and Festivals

San Francisco is renowned for its lively and diverse events calendar, offering something exciting for visitors all year round. Whether you’re interested in music, film, sports, or cultural celebrations, there is bound to be an event that piques your interest during your visit.

One of the most highly anticipated events is Outside Lands Music Festival , held annually in Golden Gate Park in August. This multi-day extravaganza features a stellar lineup of musical acts across various genres, along with delicious food and beverage options from local vendors. It’s an unforgettable experience where you can enjoy live music performances while immersing yourself in the beautiful surroundings of the park.

For those looking to embrace the unique culture of San Francisco, The Castro Street Fair is not to be missed. Held in October, this vibrant street fair celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with live entertainment, food stalls, artisanal crafts, and a colorful parade. It’s an inclusive event that highlights the spirit of acceptance and diversity that characterizes this iconic neighborhood.

Film enthusiasts will find themselves enchanted by the San Francisco International Film Festival , one of the longest-running film festivals in the Americas. Taking place in April, this festival showcases a wide range of films from around the world, including independent features, documentaries, and short films. It provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent while allowing audiences to experience thought-provoking and visually captivating cinema.

If you happen to be visiting in December, make sure to check out the Tree Lighting Ceremonies & Holiday Events happening all around San Francisco. From Union Square’s grand lighting ceremony to festive decorations adorning neighborhoods like Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, the holiday spirit is alive and well in the city. Take a stroll through the streets illuminated by twinkling lights and partake in various activities and performances that capture the magic of the season.

San Francisco’s events calendar truly has something for everyone, whether you’re a music lover, film enthusiast, or someone seeking to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the city. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in these vibrant experiences.

Dining and Cuisine Guide

San Francisco is a vibrant city known for its diverse culinary scene, offering an array of flavors and experiences to satisfy any palate. From world-class seafood to innovative fusion cuisine, the dining options in San Francisco are truly unparalleled. In this dining and cuisine guide, we will explore the best places to eat in the city, providing you with a taste of what awaits during your visit in 2023.

When it comes to dining in San Francisco, there are a few key aspects that make it truly remarkable. First and foremost, the city is home to a multitude of top-notch restaurants run by passionate chefs who strive to showcase their creativity through unique dishes. These establishments take pride in using locally sourced ingredients, supporting sustainable farming practices, and incorporating seasonal produce into their menus.

In addition to exceptional restaurants, San Francisco also boasts a thriving street food culture. Food trucks and pop-up stalls can be found throughout the city, serving up everything from artisanal tacos and gourmet burgers to fusion cuisine inspired by international flavors. Exploring these mobile eateries allows you to experience the city’s culinary offerings in a more casual and spontaneous setting.

Moreover, the diversity of cuisines in San Francisco is simply astounding. Whether you’re craving authentic Chinese dim sum in Chinatown, indulgent Italian pasta in North Beach, flavorful Mexican street food in the Mission District, or avant-garde Californian fusion cuisine downtown, you’ll find it all within the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.

For instance, if you’re seeking an unforgettable Indian dining experience, look no further than Egglicious India. This restaurant specializes in egg-centered dishes such as boiled eggs swirled with a garlicky sauce and savory omelets with tomato gravy. The explosion of flavors will leave your taste buds delighted and yearning for more.

When dining in San Francisco, don’t forget to save room for dessert! From artisanal ice cream shops and bakeries to specialty dessert bars, the city offers a sweet ending to any meal. Indulge in creative flavors like salted caramel and honey lavender, or opt for classic favorites like rich chocolate cake or creamy cheesecake.

Now that we’ve explored the dining scene in San Francisco, let’s dive into some of the best places to eat in the city. These establishments have gained recognition for their exceptional cuisine, unique ambiance, and dedication to providing an extraordinary dining experience.

Best Places to Eat

Anchovy Bar : If you’re a seafood lover, Anchovy Bar is a must-visit. Known for its anchovy dishes, this restaurant elevates the humble fish to new heights. Try their coconut sambal with pickled anchovies or indulge in their ultimate deviled eggs topped with anchovies for a burst of umami flavors.

Copra : Experience the vibrant flavors of South Indian cuisine at Copra. This stunning tropical palace takes you on a culinary journey with its unrestrained and bold dishes. From bone marrow in gravy to burnt chile chutney, every bite is a delightful explosion of spices and aromas.

Daytrip : For a unique dining experience, head to Daytrip where they specialize in pickled and aged ingredients paired with zero-zero wines and ciders. Indulge in dishes such as celery salad, miso butter pasta, nixtamalized yams, and beef and pork ragu that showcase the artistry of fermentation.

Delfina : A pioneer in Cal-Italian cuisine, Delfina has been delighting diners with its flavorful creations since its establishment. Favorites include their classic spaghetti and cured anchovies on toast or Nostrano style. Don’t miss out on their Trippa alla Fiorentina or mouth-watering beef short rib.

El Burro Veloz : For a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, El Burro Veloz is the place to go. They specialize in flavorful guisos, which are stews served as tacos or gorditas. Try their tender and aromatic braised meats, which will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico.

Just like the vibrant city itself, the dining scene in San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures and flavors. Each restaurant has its own unique story to tell and offers a culinary experience that is truly unforgettable.

So whether you’re seeking Michelin-starred fine dining, exploring street food gems, or immersing yourself in neighborhood eateries, San Francisco’s dining scene has something for everyone to savor and enjoy.

LGBTQIA History Sites in San Francisco

San Francisco has a rich and vibrant LGBTQIA history, being at the forefront of the fight for equal rights and acceptance. Exploring the LGBTQIA history sites in the city allows visitors to immerse themselves in the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of this community. Three iconic neighborhoods that played pivotal roles in LGBTQIA history are Castro, North Beach, and the Tenderloin/Civic Center.

The Castro neighborhood stands as a symbol of LGBTQIA pride and resilience. It became an enclave for the community during the 1970s and witnessed seminal moments like Harvey Milk’s groundbreaking political career. Walking along Castro Street, you can visit historic sites like the Castro Camera Shop, where Harvey Milk operated his camera store and campaign headquarters. Imagine the atmosphere of activism that once filled the streets as you explore landmarks such as Castro Rock Steam Baths, Twin Peaks Tavern, or Rainbow Honor Walk.

Diving deeper into LGBTQIA history, North Beach was another hub where gender-bending tourism flourished during San Francisco’s formative years. The legendary Black Cat Café hosted performances by drag artists while Finocchio’s became renowned for its glamorous female impersonators. Strolling through Macondray Lane, also known as Barbary Lane from Armistead Maupin’s “Tales of the City” series, can transport you back to that colorful era.

The Tenderloin/Civic Center area holds its own significant place in LGBTQIA history. It was home to thriving entertainment clubs during World War II and later hosted a vibrant drag show and transgender sex trade scene in the 1970s. This is where Compton’s Cafeteria Riot occurred—an important protest against police harassment targeting transgender individuals. Landmarks such as the Tenderloin Museum and James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center capture these stories of struggle and resilience.

These are just some examples of LGBTQIA history sites scattered throughout San Francisco. However, it’s important to note that the LGBTQIA community’s history extends beyond these designated areas. Other significant sites include the SF LGBT Community Center, Daughters of Bilitis founding site, and the National AIDS Memorial Grove. By exploring these locations, you can gain a deeper understanding of the fights for equality and celebrate the resilience of this community.

Now that we’ve immersed ourselves in San Francisco’s LGBTQIA history, let’s shift gears and explore some practical travel tips to make your visit to the city as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Practical Travel Tips

When planning a trip to San Francisco, being prepared with practical travel tips can enhance your overall experience. From navigating transportation to ensuring safety, here are some key factors to consider:

Transportation: Public transportation is highly recommended for getting around San Francisco. The city offers a comprehensive network of buses, trains, cable cars, trolley cars, and light rail through Muni. The Muni app provides schedule information and allows for easy ticket purchasing, making it convenient for travelers. San Francisco is also known as the most walkable city in the US, so exploring on foot is a popular option. If you prefer cycling, bike rentals are available to enjoy the city’s cycle-friendly environment.

Safety: While San Francisco is generally safe for travelers, it’s always important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Like any other major city, petty theft can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings and avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night. Don’t hesitate to ask locals or hotel staff about areas to be cautious of during your visit.

To ensure a hassle-free trip, plan your itinerary beforehand based on the attractions you want to visit. Consider purchasing tickets in advance for popular sites like Alcatraz Island or booking guided tours for a more immersive experience. Be aware that driving in San Francisco can be challenging due to traffic congestion and limited parking options. If you do plan to drive, familiarize yourself with available parking garages and special parking regulations on the SFMTA website.

Remember to dress in layers as San Francisco’s weather can be unpredictable. Even on a sunny day, fog can roll in and temperatures can drop dramatically. Finally, don’t forget to carry a map or use navigation apps to help you navigate the city easily.

Armed with these practical travel tips, you’re ready to make the most of your visit to San Francisco. Whether you’re exploring LGBTQIA history sites or experiencing the city’s iconic attractions, immerse yourself fully in this vibrant destination.

Transportation and Safety Advice

When visiting San Francisco, it is essential to plan your transportation and keep safety in mind. The city offers various options for getting around, including public transportation, ride-sharing services, biking, and walking. The most iconic mode of transportation in San Francisco is the cable car. These historic cars not only provide a unique way to travel but also offer stunning views of the city’s hills and landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge.

Imagine hopping on a cable car on Powell Street and feeling the thrill as it effortlessly glides up and down steep slopes, taking you past charming Victorian houses and bustling neighborhoods. It’s an experience that truly captures the essence of San Francisco.

The city’s public transportation system consists of buses, trains, trams, and ferries operated by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). The Muni Metro and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) are efficient ways to traverse longer distances within the city and its surrounding areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available.

It is important to note that parking can be a challenge in San Francisco. If you decide to rent a car, be prepared to navigate through crowded streets and limited parking spaces. Additionally, vehicle break-ins are unfortunately common in the city, so it is advisable not to leave anything valuable inside your parked car. Instead, consider utilizing secure parking garages with attendants or opt for public transportation when exploring the city.

Walking is often an enjoyable option for shorter distances. San Francisco’s compact size allows visitors to easily explore neighborhoods on foot while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking views. Just be mindful of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Pickpocketing can occur in busy areas, so take precautions by securing your bags and wallets.

Now let’s address safety concerns while visiting San Francisco.

San Francisco, like any major city, has its share of risks, but with the right precautions, you can enjoy your visit safely. Property crime is more prevalent in San Francisco compared to other big cities, so it’s essential to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Larceny and theft make up the majority of crimes in the city.

Certain areas may have a higher concentration of homelessness, but it’s important not to stigmatize or fear these individuals. Most homeless people keep to themselves, and incidents involving them are rare. However, it is always wise to exercise caution and be aware of your belongings.

Picture this: You’re walking along the Embarcadero enjoying panoramic views of the Bay Bridge when you notice a person approaching you. They may ask for spare change or engage in small talk. While most interactions are harmless, it is good practice to trust your instincts and maintain personal space. By keeping valuables secure and limiting distractions, you can mitigate the risk of falling victim to opportunistic crime.

Lastly, as San Francisco lies within an earthquake-prone region, visitors should familiarize themselves with earthquake safety protocols. While earthquakes are infrequent and generally moderate in magnitude, having a basic understanding of what to do during an earthquake can provide peace of mind.

Remember, San Francisco is an enchanting city with a rich cultural tapestry that captivates millions of visitors each year. By being aware, prepared, and respectful of local customs, you can have a memorable experience while prioritizing your safety.

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The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary For San Francisco (2023 Updated Travel Guide)

September 16, 2022 by Bino 4 Comments

This is a long overdue guide to one of my favorite cities in the world. For a place that has less than one million people, San Francisco has definitely pushed above its weight in terms of contributions to the world. From Levi’s and Gap to UBER and Airbnb, the city has always managed to keep itself in the cutting edge. For the casual visitor, the number of things to do seems to be disproportional to the city’s land area and it’s often hard to decide how to plan a visit to San Francisco especially when it’s the first time.

This itinerary groups together attractions and places that are near or connected to each other for a more organized trip to the city by the bay. It offers a great mix between scenic spots, eating, shopping and with a few hipster areas thrown in. Without further ado, here’s a 3-day itinerary that you can follow for San Francisco.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – From Golden Gate Bridge to North Beach

Golden gate bridge.

golden gate bridge

Start the day with a breathtaking view of San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge from the lookout point at the Golden Gate Welcome Center.

Palace of Fine Arts

Take the bus (bus # 27, 30, 70, 101) to the Palace of Fine Arts . The complex was originally built in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exposition and consists of a central rotunda built in a grand European style with several columns around it. It is situated just next to a lagoon that is often filled with swans. The complex itself is both pleasant in the day and at night when it is floodlit. Admission: Free; Hours: 6:00 to 21:00

Ghirardelli Square

ghirardelli square

Just across the entrance to the palace, there is a bus stop from where you can take bus #28 to Ghirardelli Square . If you love chocolates, this is the place to go in order to buy San Francisco’s famous Ghirardelli chocolate. Aside from that, the late 19th century style architecture is worth a look. Make sure to check out the clock tower and fountains. Although nationally recognized as a historic site, I personally found the venue to be too touristy. Or perhaps I’m just not too fond of chocolates!

Tip: If you are looking to visit a number of attractions during your visit to San Francisco, I highly suggest getting an Explorer Pass . You get to skip the lines for a price that is much cheaper than buying individual tickets to the likes of the De Young Museum, SF’s MOMA, etc. It even comes with a cruise around the bay!

Fisherman’s Wharf

fisherman’s wharf

You can walk the 1 mile or so distance to Fisherman’s Wharf , passing by San Francisco’s lovely seaside promenade along the way. Personally, I don’t enjoy Fisherman’s Wharf at all and I could do with a San Francisco trip without coming here. However, as a visitor, there are two things that would drive me here. First is the In N Out Burger joint at Jefferson Street – essentially a must when you are in California so do stop by here for lunch.

The second reason is the trip to Alcatraz which you can take from Pier 33. Long synonymous for a place where there is no escape, the name Alcatraz has captured the attention of the public especially with many high-profile prisoners such as Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Alvin Karpis. Departures from Pier 33 occur daily on half-hour intervals from around 8:45 to 15:50. Ticket price per adult is US$41

Coit Tower & North Beach

If it’s not yet too late when you return to the mainland, take a walk up to the Coit Tower for wonderful views of San Francisco’s hilly streets and the skyscrapers of downtown in the distance. Bring a zoom lens with you and you can take shots of the crooked part of Lombard Street when you head down.  Opening hours: 10:00 to 17:00; Admission: $10 for non-resident adults

north beach

If you are feeling pecking by this time, walk to North Beach which is known as San Francisco’s Little Italy for dinner. The area surrounding Washington Square and Columbus Avenue is filled with plenty of Italian restaurants. From Columbus Avenue, you can also have a direct view of the Transamerica Pyramid, perhaps the city’s most iconic skyscraper. For something different from your usual pizza or pasta, try calzone – an oven-baked pizza that looks like an enlarged dumpling. Pizzelle di North Beach (314 Columbus Avenue) serves up many types of calzone with fillings such as eggplant, spinach, various cheeses and cheesesteak.

Day 2 – Union Square, Chinatown, Mission & Castro

union square

San Francisco Cable Car Ride

Start the day with a ride on one of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars. On any given day, you’ll find long lines of people waiting for a ride. There are 3 cable car lines in the city:

• Powell-Mason : Takes you from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf. Due to the route, it’s very popular among tourists. You can use this ride to stop in the Financial District and Chinatown
• Powell-Hyde : By far, the most scenic of the three routes. The ride takes you past charming houses, some seriously steep hills and you’ll even pass near the crooked part of Lombard Street
• California : It’s an east to west line in contrast to the other two lines which are north to south. This is the least touristy of the lines and where the queue is usually shortest. The terrain is quite steep as well which makes for an exhilarating ride. You’ll pass by several tall buildings within the Financial District as well as Chinatown.
• You can also check out this link for a more detailed description of each of SF’s cable car lines.

Tip: If you are planning to hop on a San Francisco cable car, do note that a single ride costs $8. If you are in town for at least 3 days, it might be more worthwhile to buy a 3-day muni pass. It starts from $31 and gives you access not just to the cable cars but also to buses, streetcars and the metro.

lion dance in san francisco chinatown

Check out San Francisco’s Chinatown , one of the largest in the United States. Most of the Chinese living in San Francisco are Cantonese and the cuisine in this area similarly reflects that. You’ll also find some of the city’s cheapest eats here. A meal consisting of rice and 2 or 3 dishes will set you back by around $5 only.

Union Square

Afterwards, head further south to do some serious shopping at Union Square , San Francisco’s equivalent of a high street. You’ll find many big-name brands here including some San Francisco brands that have made it big like Levi’s, Gap and Apple (not exactly San Francisco but within Silicon Valley). A short stroll from Union Square towards Yerba Buena is SF’s Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) . This place is huge, with 7 floors of artwork including those from Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. You can purchase discounted tickets here.

Mission District

Take a late lunch in La Taqueria (open 11AM to 8:45PM except Mondays and Tuesdays) in the Mission District – personally one of my favorite areas for food in San Francisco. The area has changed so much since I lived there some 16 years ago. Back then, it was a semi-seedy place with cheap food and nightlife. When I returned last year, I found the place filled with hipster cafes and independent boutiques (not to mention sky high rents). You’ll find the bulk of the nice cafes, restaurants and boutiques at Mission Street stretching from 18th Street down to 24th Street. Similarly, Valencia Street which is parallel to Mission two streets away, is also filled with shops.

mission dolores

After having your fill at Mission Street, walk to Mission Dolores – said to be the oldest building in the entire city. The sloping Mission Dolores Park a few blocks away offers an alternate view of the downtown area in the distance.

castro theater, san francisco

End your day at Twin Peaks  while passing through the Castro , San Francisco’s LGBT district, for the highest view you can get of the city. It’s best to come during sunset when the lights around the city are turned on which makes for a majestic sight. Do note that you can’t take the bus here. You either grab an UBER or walk around 40 minutes from the Castro to get here.

If you are in San Francisco during the Halloween period, you can check out the street party held every 31st of October in the Castro. You can see folks dressed in outrageous costumes and most are more than happy to get their pictures taken.

Day 3 – Haight-Ashbury & Golden Gate Park

Haight-ashbury.

psychedelic shops in san francisco haight ashbury

Start your day in Haight-Ashbury – one of the focal points of San Francisco’s counterculture and hippie movement. A place that one often associates with legendary musical acts such as Jefferson Airplane and Grateful Dead, the district is now more touristy than anything else. You still get that bohemian vibe with some outrageously beautiful Victorian houses, vintage clothing shops, vinyl record stores and the odd beatnik offering to sell weed.

Golden Gate Park

japanese tea garden at golden gate park

The edge of Haight Street brings you within striking distance to the entrance of Golden Gate Park . This is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and is 3 miles long. You can easily spend the rest of the day here exploring this rectangular-shaped park from one end to another. To save you time, here are the highlights:

• Conservatory of Flowers – Even if you’re not into flowers, it’s worth coming to this spot to appreciate the Victorian-style greenhouse that was built in the 1800s.
• California Academy of Sciences – A museum of natural history, come here to check out simulations of an Amazon rainforest as well as the impressive aquarium setup of Philippine marine life. Highly recommended. You can book discounted tickets here .
• De Young Museum – A fine arts museum that opened in 2005 in a modern building. Come here if you like marveling at art pieces.
• Japanese Tea Garden – In my opinion, the most picturesque area of the park, the Japanese Tea Garden is a slice of zen in San Francisco with plenty of traditional structures such as a pagoda, tea house and even a Buddha statue.
• Bison Paddock – appreciate the United States’ national mammal here. Free.

Alamo Square

alamo square

Depending on your pace, it will either be late afternoon or evening by the time you finish in Golden Gate Park. If time permits, head to Ocean Beach – just next to the western end of the park – for views of the Pacific Ocean. Alternatively, check out Alamo Square which is famous for a row of houses called painted ladies. The houses face the west so it’s best to visit in the afternoon.

Baker Beach

In case you finish early with the sun still up in the horizon, head to Baker Beach (via bus #29 from Golden Gate Park) for an alternate view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

On your way back to downtown San Francisco, stop for dinner at Burma Superstar (309 Clement Street) for some tasty fare. I dare say the food here is even better than in Burma itself.

Excursions from San Francisco

Yosemite National Park – One of California’s must-visit spots, Yosemite National Park requires a couple of hours drive from San Francisco. If you don’t feel like driving yourself, you can also book a day trip (lasting 13.5 hours) that will bring you there and back to San Francisco in the evening.

Napa Valley – A popular day trip destination from San Francisco is Napa Valley where one can glimpse some picturesque wineries. You can come here to learn about the basics of making wine as well as taste a few kinds while doing it. Day tours are available that will take you there and back to San Francisco within the day.

Muir Woods – An easy journey from San Francisco, Muir Woods boasts of some of the oldest redwood trees in the region. The park is best visited in late afternoon when the sun’s rays pierces through the thick forest canopy, creating an ethereal feel. You can book a combined half-day tour with Sausalito here . Admission: $15 per adult / Opening hours: 8:00 to 20:00 daily

Gilroy Outlets – Shopping addicts can easily spend an entire day here shopping for bargains. You’ll find many branded items at a much cheaper price compared to high street boutiques. You’ll need a car to get here.

Santa Cruz – A laidback town known for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – an amusement park that is also a historical site. If you’re heading to Monterey, a longer but more scenic route by the coast passes through this town.

17 mile drive

Monterey – A town that has featured prominently in John Steinbeck’s novels, it has a couple of family-oriented attractions such as the Monterey Aquarium and the scenic 17-mile drive. Complete the trip by also heading to neighboring Carmel . You can book a day tour here .

Sausalito – Just across the bay is Sausalito, a seaside town popular for yachts and sailing. While here, you can do a small cruise on your own with one of the many boat rental services around Sausalito .

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Midrange – Hotel Bijou which is located in Mason Street, close to the Powell BART station is a good choice for convenience/location vis-a-vis the price. The hotel has an art deco feel and has movie screenings on some days (free for guests).

Luxury – InterContinental San Francisco is my personal choice for a San Francisco luxury hotel. The rooms are spacious and the corner rooms especially have breathtaking views of the city skyline. The club lounge here is also a highlight with several culinary presentations within a day, you won’t want to leave the hotel.

For more tips as you plan your trip, check out IHG’s Guide to Traveling to San Francisco .

Have you been to San Francisco? What are your favorite spots?

You May Also Like

Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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July 9, 2017 at 10:30 am

Fantastic. We did most of this when we were in SF earlier this year. A nice compact itinerary for 3 days…

June 22, 2018 at 10:24 am

may i know where did you stay in san francisco? my husband and i are going this November.

thanks in advance

June 22, 2018 at 10:44 am

Hi, my suggested hotel is stated in the article. Stayed in both.

November 19, 2021 at 4:22 pm

Hope I can travel using your itinerary for May 2022. Thanks for the info.

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San Francisco

Travel reviews.

• Worth the detour

There are many neighborhoods to explore, each with its distinct character, where you will enjoy discovering an everyday life that is very different from your own.

The "City by the Bay" can sometimes feel like an urban roller coaster with its many hills, steep streets and surprising staircases .

The official entrance to Chinatown is marked by the Chinatown Gate   (Dragon Gate), a large colourful gateway arch that was a gift from Taiwan in 1969. San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest in North America and the largest Chinese community outside Asia. 

If you really want to get a feel for Chinatown, it's best to go early in the morning when the local residents do their shopping. Grant Avenue is the neighbourhood's major thoroughfare with its many souvenir and gift shops. There is also Washington Street and Waverly Place , a quiet narrow street where you can find a wide variety of brightly painted balconies in a striking mix of colours and styles.

Portsmouth Square is known as the Heart of Chinatown. This small park is rich with history and contains many commemorative statues and plaques.  It is a popular spot for local residents, and you will find Tai Chi adepts there early in the morning, children at the playground, and seniors playing cards and Chinese chess .

The famous fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco, and they are still made at Golden Gate Fortune Cookies , 56 Ross Alley.

NORTH BEACH

North Beach is a charming and vibrant neighborhood packed with local history that stretches from Broadway and Columbus Avenue to around Washington Square. The neighbourhood is San Francisco's "Little Italy" and is very lively in the evenings, especially on Columbus Avenue which is lined with many coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

North Beach was also the birthplace of the “beat generation”, a literary movement that grew up in 1950s San Francisco.

TELEGRAPH HILL

Telegraph Hill is another of the city's many neighbourhoods. As it is located on the 86-meter-high and very steep hill of the same name, it is easily recognizable. The hill owes its name to a semaphore built in 1850 at its top, which was used to notify the population as to what type of ship was passing through the Golden Gate.

Coit Tower , a slender white concrete column rising from the top of Telegraph Hill, is an emblem of San Francisco’s skyline. It was built as a tribute to the city's firefighters by one of their great admirers and patron, Lillie Coit. The tower is 65 metres high and has an elevator to an observation deck, which offers spectacular views of San Francisco. Take some time to admire the magnificent fresco murals inside the tower's base.

Admission to the tower is free but there is a small fee to use the elevator.

On leaving the tower, we suggest that you head east and follow the signs for the Filbert Steps , an impressive series of brick and wooden stairs leading down the hill amidst gardens and trees. Once at the bottom, you will find the Fog City Diner at 1300 Battery Street, one of the many curiosities of San Francisco, where you can eat well at a good price.

FISHERMAN’S WHARF

The neighbourhood known as Fisherman's Wharf is actually a waterfront area and popular tourist attraction that encompasses several piers along with a wide array of restaurants, shops, museums and shopping centres.

As you pass by Fisherman's Wharf, you can't miss the stars of the neighbourhood: the famous colony of sea lions on Pier 39! Just a few meters from the pedestrian area, hundreds of sea lions have taken up residence on the wooden docks and like to bask in the sun.

Pier 39 is also home to more than 100 shops, a dozen restaurants with stunning bay views, and many street artists and musicians who perform here each day. 

Admire the San Francisco hills and skyline from a different angle, sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and around legendary Alcatraz Prison, with a cruise of San Francisco Bay.

As mornings are often foggy, it is better to take a cruse in the late afternoon. Be sure to bring a windbreaker and sweater.

PAINTED LADIES

On a clear day, there is a superb view of the Financial District skyscrapers in the background.

This is a three-hour tour that you won't want to miss, but it's so popular that it may be hard to get tickets. Of course, we are talking about the most mysterious and famous prison in the world, so its popularity comes as no surprise!

Alcatraz is known for its terrible living conditions, its cramped cells, and its sinister isolation rooms from which escape was nigh impossible. The tour includes access to the island and its gardens, the penitentiary and also the screening of a short documentary film.

Four different tours are available, lasting between 2½ and 5½ hours. The night tour is the most impressive. Book online as early as possible (at least 3 months in advance).

LOMBARD STREET

Be warned: Lombard Street is quite an urban driving challenge… take it slowly and in low gear! Between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street .

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

Inaugurated in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge is 2.6 kilometres of roadway 67 metres above the water, 1 million tons of steel, 129,000 kilometres of cable, and 25 painters who maintain the bridge's paintwork on a continuous basis.

The bridge can be crossed on foot or by bike (there are several bike rental companies on the Piers) and you can even take the bus back into the city if you time it right. If you have the chance, walk across the bridge at sunset (bring a windbreaker and some warm clothing!). Visit their website for opening hours : www.goldengate.org/bridge/visiting-the-bridge/bikes-pedestrians/.

*Note: if you drive south across the bridge, into San Francisco, you will have to pay a toll of about $8 (per car or RV). With a rental car, your best option is to prepay the toll before crossing, because cash payment is not accepted on the bridge. Payment can be made up to 30 days in advance or up to 48 hours later.

If you do not pay the toll, the rental company will charge the toll directly to your credit card, adding a hefty administration fee .

You can pay by phone or on the website. Just choose the "Pay future toll" or "Pay recent toll" option and enter the requested information (including the vehicle licence plate number and State).

MARIN HEADLANDS

If you have a car, don't miss driving across the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County, to the rocky promontory of Marin Headlands , which offers breathtaking views of Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.

Optional activities

• Golden Gate Cruise
• City Tour and Alcatraz
• Biking in San Francisco
• Guided City Tour

Where to eat

• $ Inexpensive
• $$ Moderate
• $$$ Upscale
• $$$$ Fine dining

ANCHOR BREWING COMPANY ($)

A San Francisco tradition since 1896, Anchor Brewing is California's oldest craft brewery . This small establishment offers an enjoyable craft beer experience. Guided tours are available: learn about the company's history, tour the brewery's facilities, discover Anchor's unique brewing process, and sample select beers on tap.

House of Nanking ($-$$)

For authentic Chinese cuisine at a good price, go to House of Nanking, always crowded with students and tourists and for good reason! You won't be disappointed.

Nopalito ($-$$)

This Mexican restaurant is so popular that it now has two locations in the city. Chef and co-owner Gonzalo Guzman got his start at Nopa before deciding to open his own restaurant, the Nopalito, serving wonderful traditional Mexican fare. The flavorful dough in the tamales and tortillas is homemade and the carnitas are considered by many to be the best in town. Don't forget to order a cocktail: the choice of tequilas and mezcals is impressive.

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana ($-$$)

Welcome to the best pizza restaurant in San Francisco, owned and run by 13-time World Pizza Champion Chef Tony Gemignani. All the ingredients are authentic and are imported directly from Napoli, pizza capital of the world. The menu is not limited to pizza and includes pasta and typical Italian dishes.

Cafe Zoetrope ($$)

This restaurant is owned by famous filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, who is also a winemaker and a lover of fine food. Cafe Zoetrope serves authentic Italian cuisine including pasta, pizza and traditional dishes, in a decor that pays tribute to Coppola's long and celebrated film career.

Mission Chinese Food ($$)

The chef and his team have created a new kind of Chinese food using Sichuan peppercorns, quality ingredients and an abundance of bold flavours. The food is insanely affordable and insanely delicious. Don't miss the restaurant's signature dishes, which are sure to surprise and please.

FOG CITY ($$-$$$)

Fog City, formerly known as Fog City Diner, is a San Francisco landmark. The restaurant has been a popular tourist attraction for years, as well as a film location for several American movies. The 1930's-nostalgia decor belies the modern, innovative cuisine. Don't hesitate to try one of the delicious cocktails for which the place is famous!

State Bird Provisions ($$$)

Voted Best Restaurant in 2013, the food at State Bird Provisions is the product of passion and talent. Chef proprietors Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski have created their own style of Californian cuisine in a kitchen that serves as a culinary workshop. The concept is somewhat unusual: every evening, an array of creative and utterly unique dishes are served from table to table on trolley carts, dim sum style.

Frances ($$$)

This small restaurant from Chef/owner Melissa Perello has been a hit from the get-go, and for one reason: no one knows how to cook like she does. Her intensely personal cuisine is successful on many levels: execution, taste, interest, value. Reservations are hard to come by, but if you queue outside the restaurant before it opens, you may succeed in getting a table.

THE FRANCISCAN CRAB RESTAURANT ($$$)

Fisherman's Wharf is famous for its sea lions and excellent seafood restaurants. The Franciscan Crab Restaurant offers panoramic seafood dining featuring crab-based specialties such as Dungeness Pacific crab, the symbol of the Golden Gate fishing industry. The food is a bit expensive, but the magnificent view of San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Prison is worth it.

Gary Danko ($$$$)

A designated member of Relais & Château since 2002, Restaurant Gary Danko is one of the finest in the city. The best seasonal ingredients are used in thoughtful inventive ways, using meticulous classic techniques to create well-balanced flavours. Everything is fresh, sophisticated and refined.

Where to sleep ?

• Executive Hotel Vintage Court
• Hotel Zephyr
• Beresford Arms Hotel
• Argonaut Hotel
• Fairmont San Francisco
• San Francisco RV Resort

Festivals calendar

Carnaval san francisco.

Dates:  end of May

Two-day family festival. Discover global cuisine, international music, dancing, arts & crafts, and other fun activities and entertainment on every street corner for the whole family to enjoy.

Harrison Street between 16th and 24th Streets.

San Francisco Pride

Dates:  end of June

Celebrate the LGBT community with a large parade and musical performances. The festivities begin in Civic Center Plaza in downtown San Francisco on the last full weekend in June each year.

The parade on the Sunday morning starts from Beale Street and finishes at Market and 8th Street.

Stern Grove Festival

Dates: June 

A summer series of free concerts by world-class artists in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater.

Sigmund Stern Grove at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard in San Francisco.

Outside Lands Festival

Dates:  early August

3-day festival in Golden Gate Park. It's a celebration for all five senses, combining an eclectic lineup of musicians with world class art, food, beer, wine, and much more.

When to visit

• Very Favourable
• Unfavourable

Cool sights but sketchy neighborhoods

Saw some iconic San Francisco sights (Alcatraz, GG bridge etc) which were amazing. A fair number of homeless people however, some of whom were aggressive at times.

(Translated by Google) 3 days is a minimum to visit SF. The Big Bus tour gives a good overview of the different neighborhoods with a very impressive drive over the Golden Gate. A visit to Alcatraz prison with an audio guide is a must. We had chosen the Westin at Union Square ourselves but were very disappointed with the value for money.

Download our travel guide

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11 Things to Know Before Traveling San Francisco (2023)

Last Updated on August 3, 2023 by Christine Kaaloa

This post may contain affiliate links. Never leave home without travel insurance. Click for the insurance finder tool.  and affordable insurance for COVID/quarantine protection .

Penned under our expert traveler series, this guest post is written by travel blogger and San Francisco native of over 21 years, Carol Guttery of Wayfaring Views . She will be your San Francisco travel guide to San Francisco travel tips.

San Francisco has a lot going for it. It’s a liberal, technology-forward city with great food, fabulous views and quirky culture. But San Francisco can also be tricky to navigate and it’s one of the most expensive spots in the United States. So have fun in the city but be smart about it. This San Francisco travel guide shares 11 things to know before traveling San Francisco.

11 Things to Know Before traveling to San Francisco

Table of Contents: 11 Things to Know Before Traveling San Francisco (2023)

• 1.1.1 Haight Ashbury
• 1.1.2 The Castro
• 1.2 2. San Francisco weather is chilly
• 1.3 3. What to wear in San Francisco
• 1.4 4. Where to walk in San Francisco
• 1.5.1 For sky-high views:
• 1.5.2 Best views of San Francisco city are from the mid-span of :
• 1.6 6. Don’t go to Pier 39. Just don’t.
• 1.7 7.  Alcatraz Tour
• 1.8 8.  Speaking of Pickpockets, Homeless & Panhandlers
• 1.9 9. Getting around San Francisco
• 1.10 10. Saving Money: Free events in San Francisco
• 1.11 11. Cheap eats in San Francisco
• 2 Conclusion
• 3.0.1 Union Square
• 3.0.2 Fisherman’s Wharf
• 3.0.4 The Mission
• 3.1 What San Francisco travel tips would you recommend? What are things to know before traveling San Francisco?
• 3.2.1 Things to Know Before you Visit Posts:
• 3.2.2 Solo travel tips:

1. San Francisco has an open culture

In San Francisco, you can just let your freak flag fly because the city is very tolerant of people who just want to be who they are. San Francisco was ground zero for both the hippie movement of the 1960’s as well as the LGBT civil rights movement.

Haight Ashbury

You can explore the hippie culture by hanging out the the Haight Ashbury neighborhood . The Haight was home base for the 1968 Summer of Love , the anti-Vietnam war movement and free love. You can still find vestiges of its hippie history in some of the boutiques and record stores.

You can also explore San Francisco’s LGBT side by hanging out in The Castro . This traditionally gay neighborhood has fun bars and theaters that welcome everyone. One of the other aspects of its open culture is that there is always someone walking around naked. Nudity is a thing in San Francisco and you can’t attend a parade, festival or even sometimes walk down the street without seeing a naked person. Just go with it. The police don’t care and neither should you.

Where to stay in Haight Ashbury: There aren’t many hotels directly in the Haight area. Check out this neighborhood map on where to stay in Haight .

Where to stay in The Castro :  Beck’s Motor Lodge , Parker Guest House , Willows Inn .

As  San Francisco’s most open neighborhoods, Haight Ashbury and the Castro are great neighborhoods to stay in.

2. San Francisco weather is chilly

Why those people are walking around naked is a bit of a mystery because San Francisco has chilly weather, especially in the summer. The warm summer air from inland California pulls in the cold ocean air, covering this city in a blanket of cool fog. And just to confuse you even further, each neighborhood in the city has a different micro-climate. Some areas are sunnier, some are warmer and some are foggier.

Tip: Check your weather app before packing and bring layers. You don’t want to be that dorky tourist who had to buy an overpriced “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” sweatshirt because you forgot to pack a jacket. Bring a slightly larger purse with a sweater and jacket layer and you won’t regret it.

3. What to wear in San Francisco

A thing to know about San Francisco is that it is an open culture so you can wear whatever you wish. The tech start-up culture in San Francisco means that the typical “corporate” uniform is a dark pair of jeans and an expensive hoodie.

Smart casual is the way to go here and you don’t need to worry about dressing up for dinner….unless that’s your thing. The best way to see this city is on foot, so bring something cute, but comfortable so that you can wander around without getting blisters.

4. Where to walk in San Francisco

Now that you are wearing comfortable shoes, where should you walk around in San Francisco? My favorite walking spot is the Embarcadero . It’s a wide pedestrian walkway that goes from the Giant’s Stadium in SOMA six miles around the bay to the Golden Gate Bridge . Walking any or all of it will give you a great street-level view of the city.

Also, check out the Mission neighborhood. Do a walking tour of the Mission District and you’ll find a Latino neighborhood with great street art. It is also the home of the famous Mission Burrito .

The Presidio is a big green hunk of western San Francisco which is part of the National Park Service . There are 25 miles of hiking trails that you can explore.

You can also take the ferry to Angel Island State Park and spend a day hiking around what was once an army base and immigration station.

Lastly, a trip to San Francisco would not be complete without a walking tour of Chinatown , one of San Francisco’s most popular cultural districts.

5. San Francisco is very photogenic

San Francisco is a peninsula surrounded on three sides by water and because the city is hilly, it’s not hard to find a great ocean or bay view. Taking a hop-on-hop-off tour of San Francisco will help you see all the top attractions so you can narrow down what you want to spend more time on.

For sky-high views:

• Climb Coit tower
• Hike up to the top of Telegraph Hill
• Visit Dolores Park
• Go to Alamo Square.
• There are also viewing spots on the platform at the DeJong Museum and you can have drinks with a view at the top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel .

Best views of San Francisco city are from the mid-span of :

Golden gate bridge  => check out the 14 best viewpoints of golden gate bridge..

• Alcatraz Island: Do a sailboat cruise of San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz
• Angel Island

6. Don’t go to Pier 39. Just don’t.

Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf always top the “must-do” lists of people who write about this city, but who have clearly never been there. Pier 39 is a touristy, pickpocket magnet of the worst sort with overpriced food and tacky souvenir shops. There are better places elsewhere in the city to get seafood, like the Ferry Building ( a restored Victorian ferry terminal), better shopping (like Fillmore St ), and cooler attractions (like the Exporatorium ).

That said, if you are into sea lions, they do have a resident population on the pier and it’s fun to watch their shenanigans.

7.  Alcatraz Tour

It’s also worth taking the Alcatraz tour, which leaves from Pier 39, but be sure to book it ahead (you can book 90 days in advance). The view of the San Francisco Bay from the ferry is photo lust-worthy. The official site for the Alcatraz ferry is Alcatraz Cruises .

Tip: For the ferry to Alcatraz,   arrive at the terminal 30 minutes prior to your departure. For more information, check the website for directions to the Pier, prices and times. If you must visit Pier 39 (as mentioned above) to catch the boat to Alcatraz, for heaven’s sake, don’t spend more than an hour hanging around.

8.  Speaking of Pickpockets, Homeless & Panhandlers

San Francisco is a generally safe city, but like many popular tourist cities, they do have a pickpocket problem. Just watch yourself at Pier 39 , the cable car turnaround on Powell and around Union Square .

Read 21 ways to outsmart pickpockets!

Check out my list of 11 Anti-Theft Bags for Solo travelers

San Francisco also has an intractable homeless problem. The homeless are generally harmless but you will get hit up for spare change, especially in the Union Square area. See my travel tips on dealing with beggars .

Also mind yourself in the Tenderloin neighborhood , which is just west of Union Square . There are a lot of decent and reasonably priced hotels and hostels in that neighborhood, which is great. But there is also a lot of panhandling and low rent housing. It’s safe enough to walk around, even at night but watch yourself.

Read San Francisco travel tips for safety and solo travelers

9. getting around san francisco.

The San Francisco airport is located 15 miles south of the city. Cabs or Uber into the city center will cost about $55 and take about 25 minutes without traffic or an hour at rush hour.

For ~$10, you can take the BART subway into downtown and it takes about 35 minutes. However, if you want to take BART back to the airport, pay careful attention to get on the right train, because not all of the trains going in that direction stop at the airport.

Once you are in San Francisco, the MUNI system of buses and light rail will do a pretty good job of getting you around to the most popular sites. They offer a 1-day pass but it’s probably just cheaper for you to pay the $2.75 fare when you want to get somewhere.

For areas not well served by public transport, you can easily catch an Uber. Uber was founded in San Francisco and they have excellent coverage in the city.

10. Saving Money: Free events in San Francisco

In addition to leveraging public transportation, there are a few other tricks that will help you save dough while in this cultural city. Most museums offer a free entry day at least once a month, usually on the first Sunday or Tuesday (see freemuseums.org for a list of free museums).

There are also many fun things to do that are always free like: hanging out in Dolores Park , hiking in the Presidio , walking across the Golden Gate Bridge , watching the Bay Bridge light up at night and hanging out at Ocean Beach .

In summer, there are free concerts in Stern Grove and during lunchtime at Union Square .

11. Cheap eats in San Francisco

San Francisco is a foodie town and you can spend your whole paycheck at Michael Mina’s five-star restaurant …or not. There is plenty of great…and cheap…food to be found.

Food trucks are a thing here and they cluster around certain spots in the city on the regular schedule. Check the Off the Grid schedule to find out where to go on the day that you are in town.

The Ferry Building is a foodie paradise, offering gourmet food at a variety of price-points. They also have a farmer’s market and food trucks on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday .

There are a bunch of taquerias in the Mission that offer excellent gut-busting burritos for under $10.

For after-hour drinks, there are a lot of fun bars in the SOMA neighborhood (near the Giant’s Stadium ) and most of them offer a happy hour from four to six.

Open yourself up to San Francisco’s kooky culture, foodie spots and cool vibes and you’ll have a great time on your visit.

– San Francisco Travel Guide added by GRRRLTRAVELER –

Where to stay in san francisco.

San Francisco has a handful of charming and culturally diverse neighborhoods for travelers to stay in. Here’s our San Francisco travel guide breakdown of the best San Francisco neighborhoods for travelers to stay in.

Union Square

U nion Square is San Francisco’s pulsing and busy heart of the city with access to shopping, restaurants, the plaza, and theaters. Where to stay in Union Square for best budget hotels & traveler faves.

Midrange San Francisco Hotels : Hotel Fusion C-Two Hotel has a trendy and modern vibe, with a bit of homey warmth that is perfect for the stylish traveler. It’s located in Union Square, near the Powell Street Cable Cars and Powell BART station,

Cute and Unusual Theme Hotel: Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco  is all about the stylish decor (retro, hip, modern, artsy, and just plain fun, the atmosphere transports you. It’s in the Union Square neighborhood, so you’ll be close to shopping and restaurants!

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is popular for tourists and an iconic spot for those who want bay views and lovely strolls to Pier 39 and Ghiradelli Square. Where to stay at Fisherman’s Wharf : The Wharf Inn , Hi San Francisco Hostel

Fairmont San Francisco  In an iconic historic building, the Fairmont San Francisco is a luxurious and historic hotel that’ll make you feel like royalty! Located on top of Nob Hill, with amazing views of the city!

SOMA  is a great place to stay if you want close access to museums, trendy restaurants and nightclubs.  Where to stay in SOMA, see best budget hotels & traveler faves.

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel this San Francisco hostel has a stylish decor, free breakfast, guided tours, dorm rooms with bunk beds and outdoor patio where you can meet other travelers and enjoy the sunshine. It’s in the SOMA neighborhood, 7 minutes from the Chinatown Gates and close to Yerba Buena Gardens.

The Mission

The Mission is a convenient neighborhood with a cultural flair.  The heart of the Latino and Hispanic neighborhood, it has street art, Latino food and gorgeous views of downtown from the famous Dolores Park. Where to stay in the Mission neighborhood

What San Francisco travel tips would you recommend? What are things to know before traveling San Francisco?

Travel essentials for san francisco.

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SAN FRANCISCO TRAVEL GUIDE CONTENTS

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San francisco travel guide

San francisco, california: at a glance.

San Francisco is one of the three most visited California travel destinations, along with Los Angeles and San Diego.

I lived in San Francisco for six years; it is the most unique and beautiful city in the world.

San Francisco is surrounded by water, nestled in dark green trees, rolling hills with white and pastel buildings, and a rust-red bridge, making it one of the most eye-popping places on earth. Aesthetically stunning – it’s a magical place, not just for its natural beauty but also for its history.

From hip neighborhoods and vibrant arts and culture to the Painted Ladies and, of course, the gastronomical excellence found in the cheapest meal to the most expensive, there’s no city quite like San Francisco.

San Francisco California: Know before you go

✈️ Airport: San Francisco International Airport (code: SFO)

Important note:  When flying into a large city like San Francisco, there’s often more than one airport. So when purchasing tickets – to get the best value –  check surrounding airports . They aren’t as close to downtown San Francisco as SFO is, but they are within driving distance.

San Francisco International Airport is approx. 11.2 miles from San Francisco

• Oakland (code: OAK) 12.1 miles from San Francisco
• San Jose (code: SJC) 39 miles from San Francisco
• Santa Rosa (code: STS) 53.3 miles from San Francisco
• Sacramento (code: SMF) 78.3 miles from San Francisco

⏰ Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8)

💵 Currency: US Dollar

🗣️ Language: English, though Spanish is very common

🚘 Car Rentals: Renting a car is easy-peasy in California, especially when you use Discover Cars . They have the best rates. Check out this guide to Renting a Car in California for information on the process.

What’s the best time to visit San Francisco California?

With its temperate weather, San Francisco is a year-round destination. However, September to November are the ideal months to visit San Francisco. The fall season gives the best of both worlds, with warm temperatures (even warmer than the summer months, believe it or not!) and more affordable rates thanks to lower tourist traffic.

When my family visited me during the summer in San Francisco, I would tell them, “Bring a jacket; it’s cold here in San Francisco in the summer.” They didn’t believe me and inevitably borrowed a jacket.

“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” No one knows who first said this, but it’s well-crafted and accurate. It’s often mis-attributed to Mark Twain.

Where is San Francisco California located?

San Francisco is located in the northern part of California. The city is located on the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay on the West Coast of the United States. It is situated on the Pacific Coast, and its coordinates are 37.7749° N, 122.4194° W.

San Francisco California Map

What part of the state in San Francisco in?

San Francisco is located in northern California.

Besides visiting San Francisco, you’ll find other great things to do in the Bay’s surrounding areas: Napa, Calistoga, Stinson Beach, Carmel, Monterey, and Sausalito! Just to name a few. There are more unique and wonderful places to visit in Northern California.

What’s the closest airport to San Francisco California?

San Francisco International Airport (code: SFO) is the airport you’ll most likely fly into when flying to San Francisco. It’s a beautiful airport; you can find direct flights to and from many places all over the world.

You can also fly into Oakland Airport (OAK), which is one mile further from the city than SFO, about 12.1 miles from San Francisco.

What’s the best way to get to your San Francisco Hotel?

The easiest, safest, and cheapest way to get from San Francisco Airport to your hotel is via  private shuttle service , but you can also catch a Lyft or Uber or take public transportation. 

🚘 If you plan to grab an Uber or Lyft, go to the pickup point at the garage’s top floor, about a two-minute walk from the three domestic terminals.  Follow Airport signs to Level 5 of the Parking Garage .

If you want a curbside pickup, you must request Uber Comfort, UberXL, Select, Black, or Black SUV, from the International Terminal and get picked up from the Departures level, overwise head to Level 5 in the Parking Garage.

Renting a car in San Francisco   at SFO is another option if you plan to take day trips outside the city to places like; Napa, Calistoga, or Stinson Beach. Check out Renting a Car in California Guide to get ahead of the process.

🚘 Need a car rental while you’re in San Francisco? Discover Cars has the best rates. Check them out here!

Best Neighborhoods in San Francisco California

Wondering where to stay in San Francisco? The majority of visitors stay downtown or by the Marina District. These are safe and central neighborhoods, close to many things to do in San Francisco.

The four areas highlighted below are where I recommend all travelers stay to be centrally located to the action. I’ve stayed at all of these hotels, lived in some of these areas, and know them well.

Mark Hopkins

Mark Hopkins is truly the heart of San Francisco; it sits on Nob Hill. I stay here when I want luxury and to feel like one of the railroad barons who built the Nob Hill neighborhood in the 19th century.

Catch the cable car right at California and Mason. Walk down the hill, hit Chinatown on your left and Union Square on your right. It is the perfect spot within walking distance to all the sights.

Galleria Park Hotel

I love this hotel. The rooms are small – as almost all SF rooms are – but they maximize the space well. I stay here when I want to be close to downtown and get some all-weekend shopping done in Union Square.

The Galleria Park is two doors from my go-to coffee shop, Blue Bottle , so while my daughter sleeps, I go out early and read at the coffee shop—great bang for your buck.

The Fairmont Heritage Place

The Marina District is along the bay right near The Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, and the Palace of Fine Art. It’s a lovely neighborhood away from the bustle of downtown.

I highly recommend the Fairmont Heritage Place in Ghirardelli Square . This hotel is top-notch and has all the extras while being right next to see many must-do San Francisco attractions, with views of the Bay!

The Grove Inn

The Grove Inn is the best place to stay in Hayes Valley; a cool, revitalized neighborhood in the Western Addition.

A stone’s throw away from the Painted Ladies, the Performing Arts Center, and some of the best San Francisco restaurants.

If you want to be near the best boutique shopping – and San Francisco has some of the best – stay in Hayes Valley.

Best things to do in San Francisco California

Besides all the mouth-watering food in San Francisco, you’ll want to devour, there are many things to do in San Francisco and things see in the immediate surrounding areas, like Napa, Sausalito, and Stinson Beach.

Discover some of the best San Francisco highlights below ⤵️

Best San Francisco Tours

Tours in San Francisco are a great way to see attractions and surrounding areas — and unless you’re planning to rent a car in San Francisco ( I don’t recommend this! ), tours are the best way to get around because transportation costs like Lyft and Uber can add up quickly.

💡Note: If you do decide to rent a car in San Francisco, refer to the guide on Renting a Car in California Guide .

Below, you’ll find the most popular and best tours in San Francisco.

Is San Francisco safe for tourists?

Is San Francisco safe? The answer to that question is, YES! You are statistically quite safe while visiting San Francisco. San Francisco received a very high overall score of 77.2 on the 2021 Safe Cities Index , making it the 15th-safest city among 60 cities worldwide. Two notches above Los Angeles .

As with all big cities, San Francisco has good and bad areas. Stick to these best neighborhoods in San Francisco and avoid ones like the Tenderloin District, Market Street at California Street (particularly at night). You’ll likely be safe in San Francisco.

When traveling anywhere, make safety your priority. Follow general safety measures like not walking alone at night, drinking in moderation, and being aware of your surroundings.

To make safety your priority when in a big city like San Francisco, follow these guidelines:

• Pack travel safety items
• Dress in a way that doesn’t make you stand out as a tourist
• Leave expensive jewelry at home
• Leave some cash and one credit card in a safe in the hotel for backup

Some less-obvious things you’ll want to watch out for in San Francisco are dehydration, sunburns, mosquitoes and hangovers!

And earthquakes!

The San Andreas Fault runs through or near major cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles . This fault line is a transform boundary created by two tectonic plates sliding past each other; the Pacific and North American plates.

The biggest hazard when coming to San Francisco is an earthquake. We are due for a big one. 

IS SAN FRANCISCO SAFE FOR SOLO TRAVELERS?

On a personal note, I lived in San Francisco alone for two years and felt quite safe. Now, this wasn’t wishful thinking that kept me safe; I prioritized staying safe by not walking home alone at night, never drinking too much, etc. Check out my San Francisco Solo Travel Guide for more information on San Francisco travel safety for solo female travelers.

What’s the best travel insurance for San Francisco?

🏆 For travelers to any destination, I only ever recommend four companies to purchase travel insurance from:

✓ World Nomads – For general travelers ✓ SafetyWing – For digital nomads, general travelers, and anyone under 70 ✓ Medjet – For more repatriation coverage ✓ Insure My Trip – For travelers over 70 ↳ Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!

San Francisco Travel Blogs: Learn more about San Francisco California 🐻

San Francisco Travel: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drink the tap water in san francisco california.

You can. I wouldn’t.  San Francisco tap water is legally safe to drink, but to be safe, use an active carbon filter to remove THMs and reduce Arsenic and Chromium 6 by 40-70%.

So what can you do while traveling?

• If renting a home with a kitchen, they will most likely have a water filtration system. Or a Brita Water Filter Pitcher in their refrigerator to filter out harmful contaminants.
• You can keep buying bottled water. This is the expensive option, and all those plastic bottles are terrible for the planet! 🌎
• Use what I use: the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle ! This bottle keeps you hydrated – and you need that when you’re traveling especially – and filters out those nasty chemicals and contaminants that have no business in your body!

The Water-To-Go Bottle incorporates a three-stage filtration mechanism that eliminates 99.9999% of waterborne pollutants, such as viruses, bacteria, microplastics, heavy metals, and chemicals. I can attest to its efficacy as I own three and can confidently consume tap water anywhere I travel without concern.

What’s the San Francisco weather like?

San Francisco County’s coldest month is  January , with the average temperature overnight at 46.4°F (7.7°C).

In September, the warmest month, the average daytime temperature rises to 71.3°F (22°C).

I’m almost always cold in San Francisco. And 100% chilly in the evenings in San Francisco as the wind comes off the bay. 

Pack layers, including a windbreaker and sweaters.

What’s the best time to visit San Francisco?

The best time to visit San Francisco is the fall and spring. Summers can be hot during the day, and chilly at night. July  is the hottest month in San Francisco with an average temperature of 57°F (14°C) and the coldest is January at 50°F (10°C) with the most daily sunshine hours at 14 in July.

The wettest month is January with an average of 119mm of rain. Average temperatures rest in the low 70s (cooler at night) and consistently sunny skies inspire San Franciscans and tourists alike to head to the beach.

• Shoulder Season — April to May or September to November when conditions are fine, skies are (for the most part) clear and crowds are few. Even fewer tourists head to San Francisco from January to March.
• High Season — Summer is tourist season in San Francisco. June to August.

Is San Francisco expensive?

There is no noticeable difference when comparing prices in San Francisco to other large cities in California, like Los Angeles and San Diego. All three can be expensive or inexpensive to visit depending on what you do and where you stay in each city.

But yes, they’re all expensive to visit if you plan on staying in hotels and checking out the attractions.

Is San Francisco California worth visiting?

Yes – as someone who has lived in San Francisco for over 6 years, and miss it often, it’s worth visiting. San Francisco is a unique destination that so many different types of travelers will want to check out.

Foodies will also fall in love with San Francisco cuisine, famed for both its street food and Michelin Star San Francisco restaurants.

If you love big cities, you must visit San Francisco — it boasts the oldest, largest, and most storied Chinatown —for travelers who love culture, there is no better city than San Francisco.

How many days do I need in San Francisco California?

If you want to explore San Francisco, you’ll want  five full days . However, if you’re going to explore the surrounding areas outside of San Francisco, like Napa, you’ll need at least ten to 14 days, but of course:  The longer ,  the better!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

San Francisco Itinerary: Day 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Francisco Itinerary: Day 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Francisco Itinerary: Day 3

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

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

Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Your Trip to San Francisco: Logistical Tips and Tricks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SAN FRANCISCO proper occupies just 47 hilly square miles at the tip of a slender peninsula along the Northern California coast. Arguably the most beautiful, and probably the most progressive major city in the USA, it remains true to itself: an individualistic place whose residents pride themselves on living in a city like few – if any – others in the world. It’s a surprisingly compact and approachable place, where downtown streets rise on impossible gradients to reveal stunning views, and where fog rolls in on a moment’s notice to envelop everything in mist. This is not the California of monotonous blue skies and slothful warmth – the temperature rarely exceeds 80°F and usually hovers in the 60s between May and August, until summer weather finally arrives in autumn’s early weeks.

Brief history

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San Francisco is a city of distinct neighbourhoods. It’s second in the USA to only New York in terms of population density – commercial square-footage is surprisingly small and mostly confined to the downtown area, so the rest of the city is primarily residential with street-level shopping districts easily explored on foot. You could try to plough through much of it in a day or two, but the best way to get to know San Francisco is to dawdle.

The original inhabitants of this area, the Ohlone Indians, were all but wiped out within a few years of the establishment in 1776 of the Mission Dolores, the sixth in the chain of Spanish Catholic missions that ran the length of California. Two years after the Americans replaced the Mexicans in 1846, the discovery of gold in the Sierra foothills precipitated the rip-roaring Gold Rush. Within a year, fifty thousand pioneers had come from the Midwest and East Coast (or from China), turning San Francisco from a muddy village and wasteland of sand dunes into a thriving supply centre and transit town. By the time the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, San Francisco was a lawless, rowdy boomtown of bordellos and drinking dens, something the moneyed elite – who hit it big on the much more dependable silver Comstock Lode in Nevada – worked hard to mend by constructing wide boulevards, parks, a cable-car system and elaborate Victorian redwood mansions by century’s end.

In the midst of the San Francisco’s golden age, however, a massive earthquake, followed by three days of fire, wiped out three-quarters of the city in 1906. Rebuilding began immediately and in the decades that followed, many of its landmarks were built, including both local bridges (the Golden Gate and the Bay). By World War II, San Francisco had been eclipsed by Los Angeles as the West Coast’s most populous, but it achieved a new cultural eminence with the emergence of the Beats in the 1950s, hippies in the 1960s and a newly liberated gay population all throughout the second half of the twentieth century.

Since the 1990s, San Francisco has been the scene of the dot-com revolution’s meteoric rise, fall and recovery; the resultant wealth has pushed housing prices sky-high. This is a city in a constant state of evolution, quickly gentrifying itself into one of the most high-end towns on earth – thanks, in part, to the disposable incomes pumped into its coffers from its sizeable singles and gay contingents.

San Francisco residents complain frequently about skyrocketing rents, and it’s no different for visitors. Expect accommodation to cost upwards of $200/night in a reasonable hotel or motel, and less out of high season, although keep in mind that rates can fluctuate wildly at any time based on demand. To get the best deal, be sure to reserve well in advance, especially for summer and early autumn visits.

The San Francisco Visitor Information Center can provide help with finding accommodation, while San Francisco Reservations regularly offers cut-price rates on lodging. For B&Bs, contact Bed and Breakfast San Francisco. If funds are particularly tight, look into one of the many excellent hostels, where lodging rates start around $29.

Finally, other than a group-only campground in the Presidio, there’s nowhere legal to camp in San Francisco itself, so if you’re determined to sleep under the stars either in a campground or wild, head to any number of parks in the East Bay, down the Peninsula or in Marin County.

Before the rocky islet of Alcatraz became America’s most dreaded high-security prison in 1934, it had already served as a fortress and military jail. Surrounded by the bone-chilling water of San Francisco Bay, it made an ideal place to hold the nation’s most wanted criminals – men such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. The conditions were inhumane: inmates were kept in solitary confinement, in cells no larger than 9ft by 5ft, most without light. They were not allowed to eat together, read newspapers, play cards or even talk; relatives could visit for just two hours each month. Escape really was impossible: nine men managed to get off “the Rock”, but none gained his freedom, and the only two to reach the mainland (using a jacket stuffed with inflated surgical rings as a raft) were soon apprehended.

Due to its massive running costs, the prison finally closed in 1963. The island remained abandoned until 1969, when a group of Native Americans staged an occupation as part of a peaceful attempt to claim the island for their people, citing treaties that designated all federal land not in use as automatically reverting to their ownership. Using all the bureaucratic trickery it could muster, the US government finally ousted them two years later, claiming the operative lighthouse qualified it as active.

At least 750,000 tourists each year take the excellent hour-long, self-guided audio tour of the abandoned prison, which includes sharp anecdotal commentary as well as re-enactments of prison life featuring improvised voices of the likes of Capone and Kelly. Ferries to Alcatraz leave from Pier 33; allow at least three hours for a visit, including cruise time. Advance reservations are essential – in peak season, it’s nearly impossible to snag a ticket for a same-day visit.

San Francisco does not belong to the California of endless blue skies and slothful warmth. Flanked on three sides by water, it is regularly invigorated by the fresh winds that sweep across the Peninsula. The climate is among the most stable in the world, with a daytime temperature that generally hovers around 15°C (60°F), but can drop much lower at night.

Spring and autumn usually have the sunniest days, while summer often sees heavy fog roll in through the Golden Gate. This thick mist does much to add romance to the city but it can also dash any hopes of tanning at the beach. Winter brings most of the city’s rainfall, sometimes in torrential storms.

Almost everywhere else in the Bay Area is warmer than San Francisco, especially in the summer when the East Bay basks in sunshine, and the Wine Country and other inland valleys are baking hot.

To avoid the crowds, do not come in the summer, although even then the tourist congestion is rarely off-putting. The best time to visit San Francisco is late May or June, when the hills are greenest and covered with wildflowers, or in October and November, when you can be fairly sure of good weather and reduced crowds.

It was the invention of the cable car that put the high in San Francisco’s high society, as it made life on the hills both possible and practical. Since 1873, these trams (trolleys) have been an integral part of life in the city, supposedly thanks to Scotland-born Andrew Hallidie’s concern for horses. Having watched a team struggle and fall, breaking their legs on a steep San Franciscan street, Hallidie designed a pulley system around the thick wire rope his father had patented for use in the California mines (the Gold Rush was slowing, so the Hallidies needed a new market for their product). Despite locals’ initial doubts, a transport revolution followed. At their peak, just before the 1906 earthquake, hundreds of cable cars travelled 110 miles of track throughout the city; over the years, usage dwindled and, in 1964, nostalgic citizens voted to preserve the last seventeen miles (now just 10) as a National Historic Landmark.

The cars fasten onto a moving two-inch cable that runs beneath the streets, gripping on the ascent, then releasing at the top and gliding down the other side. You can see the huge motors that still power these cables at the excellent Cable Car Museum and Powerhouse, 1201 Mason St, at Washington (cablecarmuseum.org).

The oldest such enclave in the USA, bustling and noisy Chinatown is shoehorned into several densely populated blocks and is home to one of the largest Chinese communities outside Asia. It has its roots in the arrival of Chinese sailors keen to benefit from the Gold Rush of 1849, and the migration of Chinese labourers to the city after the completion of the transcontinental railroad twenty years later. The city didn’t extend much of a welcome: Chinese immigrants were met by a tide of vicious racial attacks and the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act (the only law in American history aimed at a single racial group), which prevented Chinese immigration and naturalization. Nowadays, Chinatown bristles with activity despite its increasingly elderly population base and, in sharp contrast to the districts that surround it, a clear lack of wealth.

Enter through Chinatown Gate at the intersection of Grant Avenue (the district’s tourist thoroughfare) and Bush Street. Gold-ornamented portals and brightly painted balconies sit above Grant’s crass souvenir stores – some of the tackiest emporia in the city. A few blocks up, Old St Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St at Grant Ave, was one of the few San Francisco buildings to survive the 1906 earthquake and fire, and there’s a good photo display of the damage to the city in its entranceway.

While justifiably famous for its restaurants, San Francisco is also a great drinking town, with a huge number of bars ranging from comfortably scruffy jukebox joints to chic lounges and clubby watering holes. Though spread fairly evenly over the city, top bars are particularly numerous in the Mission and the area between Hayes Valley and Upper Haight, where they seem to line up one after the other. Some charmingly seedy dark horses are found in the Tenderloin; at the opposite end of the spectrum, young-sophisticate cruising spots populate the Marina, while slick lounges speckle Downtown and South of Market. Of course, the city has many specifically gay and lesbian bars, most plentifully in the Castro and South of Market, with a few scattered in the Mission. According to California law, there’s no smoking allowed in any bar unless its sole employees are the owners; to assuage all concerned parties, a clever handful of San Francisco taverns have constructed enclosed spaces expressly built for puffing.

With an abundance of nearby farms showering the city’s farmers’ markets with fresh produce, a culture that increasingly emphasizes sustainable food practices and a local population with a sharp proclivity for eating out, it’s little wonder that San Francisco is one of the world’s elite restaurant cities. Its dining scene may be remarkably convivial, but this is a city where people take few things more seriously than food.

San Francisco has long been known for its fine-dining restaurant experiences, and more recently for its wealth of low-end marvels such as taquerias, dim sum eateries and curry houses. Indeed, the greatest asset of San Francisco’s restaurants is their staggering variety, not only in terms of types of cuisine, but also in price ranges and overall experiences. Adding to all this has been an explosion of mobile vendors – chefs behind the wheel of catering trucks serving so-called street food, encompassing crêpes to barbecue to waffles – that’s having a huge effect on how the city eats out, with locals flocking to “Off the Grid” events and the new Soma Streat Food Park, as well as following day-to-day locations and hours of operation of their favourites via websites and Twitter feeds. Check Wsfcartproject.com for further details.

The orange towers of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco’s signature architectural symbol, are visible from almost every high point in the city. Its colour was originally intended as a temporary undercoat before a grey topcoat was to be applied, but locals liked the primer so much upon the bridge’s 1937 opening that it’s remained ever since. Driving or bicycling across it is a genuine thrill, while the walk across its 1.7-mile span allows you to take in its enormous size and absorb the views of the Marin headlands, as well as those of the city itself. The view is especially beautiful at sunset, when the waning glow paints the city a delicate pink – unless of course everything’s shrouded in fog, when the bridge takes on a patently eerie quality.

The largest and most diverse green space in a city rich in parklands, Golden Gate Park is the one above all that’s not to be missed. Stretching three miles west from the Haight all the way to the Pacific Ocean, it was constructed in the late 1800s on what was then an area of wild sand dunes buffeted by sea spray. Today, despite throngs of daily visitors (particularly in its museum-rich eastern reaches), you can always find some solitude among its hidden meadows and quiet paths.

Don’t miss the Japanese Tea Garden, which features carp-filled ponds, bonsai and cherry trees and sloping bridges that all lend a tranquil feel. Nearby, the immaculate Conservatory of Flowers and 75-acre San Francisco Botanical Garden are both worthwhile destinations for exotic foliage and quiet reflection.

The hundreds of murals around the Mission District underscore a strong sense of community pride and Hispanic heritage. The greatest concentration of work can be found on Balmy Alley, an unassuming back way between 24th, Harrison, 25th and Treat streets in the neighbourhood’s southern section, where’s there barely an inch of wall unadorned. While some of the murals are more heartfelt than either skilled or beautiful, it’s still worth stopping by for a peek, although the heavy-handed political imagery can be wearying.

For an informed tour of the artwork, contact Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center, 2981 24th St at Harrison St (precitaeyes.org), which has sponsored most of the paintings since its founding in 1971; the organization also sells maps of the neighbourhood’s murals.

Surrounded by the shimmering waters of the San Francisco Bay to its east and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean to its west, San Francisco sits on a hilly peninsula. The city’s hills serve as handy markers between its shifting moods and characters. As a general rule, geographical elevation is synonymous with wealth – the higher up you are, the better the views (barring fog, of course) and the higher the rents.

Created by landfill and bulldozing, one of the flattest stretches of land and best places to visit in San Francisco is Downtown, at the top right-hand corner of the Peninsula. Capped at the Embarcadero waterfront by the towering Ferry Building – boat terminus turned gourmet market – Market Street is lined with the city’s tallest office buildings; it runs alongside the boxy high-rises of the Financial District, and past the shopping quarter of Union Square, also home to a number of boutique hotels.

Just north of Union Square is Chinatown, a tight cluster of apartments, restaurants, temples and stores built around historic Portsmouth Square. Nearby, the towering Transamerica Pyramid makes a useful landmark to orient yourself by, shadowing historic Jackson Square’s restored redbrick buildings.

Columbus Avenue separates Portsmouth from Jackson Square, heading northwest and forming the backbone of North Beach, the old Italian enclave once haunted by Beat writers and still popular among espresso drinkers.

To either side of Columbus stand peaks of three of San Francisco’s steep hills: Telegraph Hill to the east, the perch of the unmistakeable Coit Tower; Russian Hill to the west, reached by curvy Lombard Street; and Nob Hill – once the province of robber barons – to the southwest, topped by stately Grace Cathedral, along with some of the city’s poshest hotels.

Along the northern edge of the Peninsula, Fisherman’s Wharf is loathed by locals, yet draws hordes of visitors to its tacky waterfront piers. It’s also the departure point for ferries to the notorious former island prison of Alcatraz. Trails along the water’s edge lead west past the clutch of museums in Fort Mason and the ritzy Marina district, home of the Palace of Fine Arts and some of the city’s best shopping.

High above, on the hills just to the south, the ornate mansions and Victorians of Pacific Heights make for splendid views; from this perch you’ll also spot the Presidio, a vast expanse of green stretching west to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Back near Downtown, the gritty Tenderloin, a rundown section of cheap hotels and sleazy porn shops, will snap you back to reality. It rests uneasily next to the Civic Center, where the painstakingly restored City Hall is the imposing focus.

Cross Market Street and you’ll hit South of Market, once the city’s major industrial enclave and, in the Nineties, home to the offices of a myriad now-defunct internet start-ups. It has retained its cultural cachet with the development of the Yerba Buena Gardens and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The area’s waterfront, long-neglected South Beach, has been rezoned for housing and businesses, anchored by the Giants’ baseball park.

Inland, the Mission District was built around Mission Dolores, the oldest building in San Francisco. The neighbourhood’s diverse population, which includes a large Hispanic community, holds a concentration of lively cafés, restaurants and bars. Just west is the energetic Castro quarter, hub for San Francisco’s gay population.

North of the Castro, Haight-Ashbury was once San Francisco’s Victorian resort quarter before the hippies and flower children took over; today it’s a rag-tag collection of used-clothing stores and laid-back cafés. Nearby are a few areas of only marginal interest to visitors: tiny Japantown, the slightly tatty Western Addition and the Lower Haight, best known for its nightlife.

The western and southern sides of San Francisco are where many of the city’s locals live, in neighbourhoods like the Richmond, liberally sprinkled with some of the city’s best ethnic restaurants.

The Richmond is hugged by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to the north, along the coast of which you can pick up the four-mile Pacific Coast Trail. Expansive Golden Gate Park borders the south of the district and holds a number of fine museums and gardens. South of the park, the Sunset’s homogenous single-storey houses stretch on relentlessly; relief can be found on the western coast, home to the city’s best beaches.

Though San Francisco is undoubtedly the focus of the Bay Area, there are many places to visit in the surrounding parts, too. The East Bay is centred on the gritty, up-and-coming port city of Oakland and the University of California’s flagship campus in hipster Berkeley. To the south, the bayside of the Peninsula contains Palo Alto, dominated by prestigious Stanford University, while the coast offers some surprisingly unspoilt beaches on either side of delightful Half Moon Bay.

North of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin County boasts the postcard-perfect towns of Sausalito and Tiburon, plus prime biking and hiking trails in the Marin Headlands. Further north is the lush beauty of California’s famed Wine Country, whose principal valleys, Napa and Sonoma, trace gentle crescents through the countless vineyards.

While its surrounding countryside may be internationally known for winemaking, the city of San Francisco is renowned for its craft beers. The best-known local product is so-called steam beer, a lager-bitter hybrid invented when early local brewers, finding the ice needed for lager production too expensive, instead fermented their yeast at room temperature like an ale. The result was a beer with the lower ABV of lager but the hearty flavour of bitter. (The precise origin of the odd name, unfortunately, has never been established.) To find out more, take one of the engaging, free one-hour-thirty-minute tours at Anchor Brewing, 1705 Mariposa St at Carolina, Potrero Hill (weekday afternoons only; reservations essential), whose namesake product is a local treasure and universally available at bars and stores.

Philadelphia has its cheesesteaks, New York its pastrami sandwiches and Texas its barbecue. In San Francisco, the super burrito is not only the premier bargain food, but truly a local phenomenon. The city is home to well over 150 taquerias – informal Mexican restaurants specializing in tacos, quesadillas, tortas and, of course, burritos – and locals are often heard debating their favourites effusively. A San Francisco super burrito stuffs a jumbo tortilla with any number of grilled or barbecued meats, Spanish rice, beans (choices include whole pinto, black or refried), melted cheese, pico de gallo (a splashy mix of diced tomato, onion, jalapeño and coriander), guacamole or slices of avocado, a splatter of salsa and even sour cream. And with its emphasis on vegetables, grains and legumes, the burrito also easily lends itself to vegetarian and vegan variants. Most San Francisco taquerias wrap their goods in aluminum foil for easy handling, as most locals eat burritos by hand. Expect to pay $6–10 for a super burrito and to not have much of an appetite for hours afterward. Forego the utensils, order a Mexican beer or non-alcoholic agua fresca (fruit drink) with your foiled meal, and you’ll fit right in.

Progressive and celebratory, but also increasingly comfortable and wealthy, the Castro is the city’s centre of gay culture. Some people maintain it’s still the wildest place in town, others insist it’s a shadow of its former self. Many of the same hangouts remain from its 1970s heyday as portrayed in the 2009 film Milk, but these days they’re host to a slightly more conservative breed as cute shops and restaurants lend a boutique-like feel to the place. A visit to the district and its adjacent steep, manicured residential streets is a must if you’re to get any idea of just what San Francisco is all about – the liveliest time to stroll around is on Sunday afternoons, when the streetside cafés are packed.

North of the city’s main artery, Market Street, the glass-and-steel skyscrapers of the Financial District form the city’s only real high-rise area. Workers clog the streets and coffee kiosks during business hours, but the canyons of skyscrapers quieten down considerably by evening. Along Montgomery Street, the grand pillared entrances and banking halls of the post-1906 earthquake buildings jostle for attention with a mixed bag of modern towers, of which the most recognizable is the Transamerica Pyramid, still one of the tallest buildings in the world. The off-white, once-controversial structure resembles a squared-off rocket more than an actual pyramid and opened to business tenants in 1972.

Vibrant, hip and ethnically mixed, the Mission is San Francisco’s most exciting district. It’s also home to generally pleasant weather, for when much of the rest of the city is shrouded in spring and summer fog, the remarkably flat Mission can be bright and (relatively) warm. After California’s annexation, the area became home to succeeding waves of immigrants: first Scandinavians, followed by a significant Irish influx, then a sizeable Latin American population, who remain its dominant group today. The neighbourhood is rich in trendy bars and restaurants – notably along Valencia Street – that jostle for space with old taquerias.

The city’s retail heart can be found around Union Square, located north of Market Street and bordered by Powell and Stockton streets; it takes its name from its role as gathering place for stumping speechmakers during the Civil War. Cable cars clank past throngs who gravitate to the district’s many smart hotels, department stores, boutiques and theatres. The square witnessed the attempted assassination of President Gerald Ford outside the Westin St Francis Hotel in 1975 and was also the location of the legendary opening scene of Francis Ford Coppola’s film The Conversation, in which Gene Hackman spies on strolling lovers. Many of Dashiell Hammett’s detective stories are set partly in the Westin St Francis; in fact, during the 1920s, he worked there as a Pinkerton detective.

Along Geary Street, not far from the south side of the square, the Theater District is a pint-sized Broadway of restaurants, tourist hotels and, naturally, theatres. On the eastern side of the square, Maiden Lane is a chic urban walkway that, before the 1906 earthquake and fire, was one of the city’s roughest areas, where prostitution ran rampant and homicides averaged around ten a month. Nowadays, aside from some prohibitively expensive boutiques, the main feature is San Francisco’s only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building, an intriguing circular space at no. 140 that, when it opened in 1948, was a prototype for the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Today it’s occupied by Xanadu Gallery, which specializes in premium Asian art pieces.

Painted Ladies

Sooner or later, all visitors to San Francisco come to Alamo Square to view the six colourful Victorians known as the “Painted Ladies”.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The dazzling modern exterior of SFMoMA is as much of a draw as its renowned collection of abstract Expressionist and California School art.

Año Nuevo State Reserve

No matter what time of year, you’ll see clusters of elephant seals lounging on the beach, but to see hundreds of them at once stop by during the December to March mating season.

From the upper seats at AT&T Park you can enjoy a fine view of the Bay in between innings when the Giants have a home game. With fun, fact-filled tours of the ground and even a play area for children, there’s something here for everyone.

Head to the neighbourhoods for a drink and a dance.

Paramount Theatre

The Paramount merits a visit for its eclectic decoration, employing stained glass, mosaic and sculpture.

Nowhere is San Francisco’s Mexican heritage more evident than in the taquerias of the Mission District.

Wine country

Napa and Sonoma valleys are filled with superlative vineyards and stunning landscapes.

Musée Mécanique

Relive your misspent youth with this bizarre but entertaining collection of classic arcade games and slot machines.

The Depression-era frescoes inside Coit Tower are fascinating, and the views of the city and bay from the top are some of the best around.

This laid-back East Bay town gives you the opportunity to stroll through the leafy campus, browse the bookstores and idle in cafés.

Famous for good reason, these glorious old trams provide irresistible photo opportunities, as well as a leisurely way of climbing Downtown’s steepest hills.

Chinatown bustles with dim sum restaurants, traditional herbal stores and steamy teahouses.

Take a boat ride out to “The Rock” and tour the famous maximum-security prison, where Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly did time.

Legion of Honor

This celebrated museum holds an impressive collection, notable for its Rodin sculptures.

The Ferry Building

This foodie paradise sells gourmet produce and offers superb views over the Bay.

It’s easy to spend hours unwinding in the green expanses of Golden Gate Park, whose Japanese Tea Garden is one of its main attractions.

If you're here in late June, be sure to check out the exuberant Gay Pride parade, which takes over the Castro district.

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updated 26.04.2021

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The 16 best things to do in San Francisco

Feb 5, 2024 • 9 min read

From riding cable cars to exploring the city's food scene, these are the essential things to do on a visit to San Francisco © lechatnoir / Getty Images

Famously beautiful,  San Francisco  is one of the most filmed, photographed (and shared on social networks) cities in the world. It’s even better in real life.

Pictures can never capture the taste of mouthwatering, farm-fresh dishes, the clang of the cable car and the truly joyous celebrations of individuality you’ll find on any visit here. But where do you start your urban exploration? From world-class museums to the best in LGBTIQ+ culture and incredible city vistas, here are the best things to do on any visit to San Francisco.

1. Admire the Golden Gate Bridge from these vantage points

Other suspension bridges are impressive feats of engineering, but the Golden Gate Bridge tops them all for its razzle-dazzle. On sunny days, this American icon transfixes crowds with its radiant glow (there are great views from Crissy Field ), made possible by the work of 28 daredevil painters who reapply around 1000 gallons of International Orange paint each week. To inspect their work, duck under the bridge into Fort Point , make your way to the roof and look up: you’ll notice that even on the underbelly of the bridge, not a single rivet is allowed to get rusty.

Planning tip:  Head to the Marin County end of the bridge as the late-afternoon fog rolls in, and you’ll witness the ultimate magic show: now you see the Golden Gate Bridge, now you don’t. Return tomorrow for its dramatic unveiling, just in time for the morning commute.

2. Explore the attractions of Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park seems to contain just about everything San Franciscans love about their city, from bonsai and buffalo to flowers, free music and free spirits. The  de Young Museum  offers superb exhibitions of fine art in a striking contemporary building designed by Herzog & de Meuron, while the nearby  California Academy of Sciences  is a research institute and fabulous natural history museum complete with its own rainforest and aquarium. The park is also home to the  San Francisco Botanical Garden , Japanese Tea Garden , Conservatory of Flowers and Stow Lake . Today, everything SF needs is here: inspiration, nature and murals.

Planning tip:  With its myriad attractions, you could wander the park for a week and still not see them all. Select a few, take your time, and end your day enjoying the sunset over the Pacific with a fresh-brewed beer at the Beach Chalet .

3. Photograph the Mission’s 400+ street murals

Love changed the course of art history in the 1930s when modern-art power couple Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo honeymooned in San Francisco. Kahlo completed her first portrait commissions during her time in the city, while Rivera created public masterpieces that inspired generations of San Francisco muralists. Today San Francisco’s Mission District is an urban-art showstopper, featuring more than 400 murals throughout the neighborhood .

Planning tip: Head to  Balmy Alley for some of the oldest murals, while 24th St and the landmark San Francisco Women’s Building are covered with glorious portrayals of community pride and political dissent.

4. Browse the iconic City Lights Books

Free speech and free spirits have rejoiced since 1957, when City Lights founder and poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and manager Shigeyoshi Murao won a landmark ruling defending their right to publish Allen Ginsberg's magnificent epic poem Howl . Celebrate your freedom to read freely in the designated Poet’s Chair upstairs, overlooking Jack Kerouac Alley. Then load up on zines on the mezzanine and entertain radical ideas downstairs in the new “Pedagogies of Resistance” section.

5. Jump on a cable car – and hold tight

Carnival rides can’t compare to the time-traveling thrills of the  cable car , San Francisco’s steampunk mode of public transport. As the rickety wagons ascend notoriously steep streets, first-timers slide into strangers’ laps – cable cars were invented in 1873, long before seat belts – as regulars just grip the leather hand straps, leaning back and riding the downhill plunges like pro surfers. Follow their lead, and you’ll soon master the San Francisco stance and find yourself conquering the city’s hills without even breaking a sweat.

6. Be inspired at the Asian Art Museum

Inspiration can be found across three floors spanning 6000 years of Asian art at this inspiring museum. Visitors can take in everything from meditative Tibetan mandalas to palace-intrigue Mughal miniatures, with stops to admire intricate Islamic geometric tile work, giddy arrays of Chinese snuff bottles and an entire Japanese minimalist teahouse. Besides the largest collection of Asian art outside Asia – 18,000-plus works – the Asian Art Museum offers excellent all-ages programs, from shadow-puppet shows to DJ mixers. Expanded ground-floor galleries host groundbreaking contemporary installations, from Jean Shin’s melted cell phone towers to teamLAB’s immersive Tokyo dreamscapes.

7. Savor California food culture at the Ferry Building

Global food trends start in San Francisco. To sample tomorrow’s menu today, head to the Ferry Building , the city’s monument to trailblazing local, sustainable food. Don’t miss the Saturday farmers market , where top chefs jostle for the first pick of rare heirloom varietals, and foodie babies blissfully teethe on organic California peaches.

Planning tip: Take a trip to Pier 14, where you can make a picnic from food truck finds as you overlook the sparkling bay – and let lunch and life exceed expectations.

8. Tour Alcatraz, the notorious island prison

From its 19th-century founding as a jail for Civil War deserters and Native American dissidents until its closure by Robert Kennedy in 1963, Alcatraz was America’s most notorious penitentiary. With easy access from the city, a thrilling and unexpected history, daring tales of thwarted escape attempts and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, “the Rock” garners 1.4 million visitors each year. Freedom will never feel so good as it will on the return ferry to San Francisco, only 1.25 miles across the bay’s riptides.

Planning tip:  For maximum chill factor, book the spooky night tour .

9. Duck down the backstreets of Chinatown

Enter Dragon’s Gate to saunter down Chinatown’s main tourist drag, Grant Ave. It's hard to believe this pagoda-topped, souvenir-shop-packed strip was once the wildest spot in the West – at least until you see the fascinating displays at the Chinese Historical Society of America . Walk Waverly Place , Chinatown’s soul, lined with flag-festooned, colorful temple balconies and family-run businesses. Then duck into Chinatown’s historic alleyways to glimpse a neighborhood that’s survived against daunting odds, listening for mah-jongg tiles, temple gongs and Chinese orchestras as you wander the backstreets.

Local tip: Finish your tour by refueling with some tantalizing traditional dim sum.

10. Trace the history of the avant-garde at SFMOMA

From the moment of its founding in 1935, the  San Francisco Museum of Modern Art envisioned a world of radical new possibilities. SFMOMA was a forward-thinking early collector in such then-emerging media as photography, murals, film and installation. Today, the institution has tripled in size and ambition, dedicating entire wings to new media, room-size paintings, high-tech design and monumental Richard Serra sculptures.

Planning tip:  If you want to visit all seven floors, it's best to set aside a whole afternoon.

11. Go over the rainbow in the Castro

Somewhere over the rainbow (crosswalk), you’ll realize you’ve officially arrived in the Castro district – the most out-and-proud neighborhood on the planet for more than 50 years. Walk in the footsteps of LGBTIQ+ trailblazers along the  Rainbow Honor Walk , get to know civil-rights champions at America’s first GLBT History Museum and join history perpetually in progress at San Francisco’s month-long, million-strong Pride celebrations in June .

12. Take in the city panorama from Coit Tower

Wild parrots might mock your progress up Telegraph Hill – but then again, they shouldn’t expect to keep scenery like this to themselves. The Filbert St Steps pass cliffside cottage gardens to reach SF’s monument to independent thinking: Coit Tower . Fire-fighting millionaire Lillie Hitchcock Coit commissioned this art deco monument to honor firefighters, while muralists captured 1930s San Francisco in its lobby frescoes. Coit Tower’s paintings and panoramic viewing platform show off the city at its best: all broad perspectives, outlandish and inspiring. 

Detour:  SF has 41 peaks, and as you scale those steep hills, your calf muscles will strain, and gravity will seem unkind – but persevere. All grumbling will end once you reach the summit and feel like you have the world at your feet. For different angles, head to hilltop green spaces like George Sterling Park and Ina Coolbrith Park , San Francisco’s crowning glories. Alternatively, go to  Corona Heights  and  Buena Vista Park  for wind-sculpted trees and Victorian turrets.

13. Hear the sea lions bark at Pier 39

Sea lions took over Pier 39 , San Francisco’s most coveted waterfront real estate, in 1989 and have been making a public display of themselves ever since. Naturally, these unkempt squatters have become San Francisco’s favorite mascots, and since California law requires boats to make way for marine mammals, yacht owners have had to relinquish valuable slips to accommodate as many as 1000 sea lions. Night and day, they canoodle, belch, scratch and gleefully shove one another off the docks. It’s a joy to watch.

Planning tip:  These giant mammals can be found on the docks between January and July (and whenever else they feel like sunbathing). 

14. Get hands-on with science at the Exploratorium

Can you stop time, sculpt fog or make sand sing? At the  Exploratorium , San Francisco’s hands-on laboratory of science and human perception, you’ll discover superhuman abilities you never knew you had. But the Exploratorium is not just for kids: there are kid-free hours on Thursdays offering mad-scientist cocktails, technology-assisted sing-alongs and themed exhibits for an 18-plus crowd. 

15. Play vintage amusements at Musée Mécanique

A flashback to penny arcades, the Musée Mécanique  in Fisherman’s Wharf houses a mind-blowing collection of vintage mechanical amusements. Sinister, freckle-faced “Laffing Sal” has freaked out kids for over a century, yet don’t let this manic mannequin deter you from the best arcade west of Coney Island. A quarter lets you start brawls in Wild West saloons, peep at belly dancers through a vintage Mutoscope and get hypnotized by a Ferris wheel made from toothpicks.

16. Sip a cocktail at a Barbary Coast bar

Friendly bartenders were once highly suspect in Barbary Coast, San Francisco’s Gold Rush–era red-light district. Circa 1849, a night that began with smiles and a 10-cent whiskey could end two days later, waking from a drugged sleep on a vessel bound for Patagonia. Now that double-crossing barkeep Shanghai Kelly is no longer a danger to drinkers, San Franciscans can relax over historically correct cocktails at North Beach’s revived Barbary Coast saloons, including Comstock Saloon , Devil’s Acre  and  15 Romolo . Today’s saloon scene is a fitting homage to drunken sailors of yore, with iron stools, absinthe fountains, dim lighting and reassuring barkeep banter.

This article was first published Feb 3, 2015 and updated Feb 5, 2024.

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

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Francisco Highlights

Table of Contents

When to Visit San Francisco

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

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

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

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

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

It actually gets pretty cold here between November and February.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 – Morning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 – Afternoon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tours start at 2 PM and last about 2.5 hours.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 – Evening

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 – Morning

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

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

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

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

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

Be sure to bring your camera for this one!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 – Afternoon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 – Evening

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3 – Morning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There’s definitely something for everyone here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3 – Afternoon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book your Alcatraz cruise in advance on Get Your Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3 – Evening

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in San Francisco

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

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

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

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

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

Here are a few recommendations to suit all budgets:

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

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

There’s a lot to love about this hostel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sasha and Rachel

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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

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San Francisco Tours & Vacations

The gate to the ‘City by the Bay’ is open, waiting to welcome you with must-visit attractions and unforgettable experiences

Known as the vibrant and multicultural beating heart of  California , San Francisco is a traveler’s dream, with heaps of sights waiting to be photographed, admired, and remembered for many years to come. Different from neighboring Californian destinations such as Los Angeles , this city really does have it all, from the historical and eerie Alcatraz prison to the sweeping landscape of the Napa and Sonoma wine country . Regardless of whether you’ve come straight from our Las Vegas to San Francisco road trip or you’re travelling from other parts of the country, our  San Francisco tours and holidays  will not only point you in the direction of iconic landmarks, including the famous Golden Gate Bridge but will also give you a great insight on what it’s like to live in this picturesque city. Are you ready to marvel at the remarkable layout of Lombard Street and walk amongst the various shops and stalls at Fisherman’s Walk?

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San Francisco travel FAQs

Getting around san francisco.

Getting around San Francisco is quite easy, considering the size of the city.

Walking or taking public transportation is the preferred option of travel with the streets being easy to navigate and the public transportation system easy to use.

The 'muni' (large municipal transportation system) operates buses, streetcar lines and San Francisco's famous cable cars, making it the most efficient way to get around the city. 

What do I pack for San Francisco?

What to pack for your vacation to San Francisco mostly depends on what time of the year you're traveling in.

San Francisco sees mostly mild weather year-round, so t-shirts, shorts and jeans are a safe bet. Packing a few sweaters might also be wise, as the nights can get a little chilly.

You should also pack comfortable walking shoes, as that is one of the preferred ways of getting around the city. Sunscreen protects you from the sun's UV rays when you step outside.

What is the weather like in San Francisco?

San Francisco is a beautiful city to visit all year. It has a moderate maritime climate with mild winters and summers. Due to the city's close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, temperatures are steady throughout the year with averages of 45°F to 72°F. Rainfall is also fairly low compared to other parts of the country, with the wettest months being December through March.

How far is San Francisco from....?

San Francisco is a very popular city with tourists coming from all over the country to marvel at its beauty and famous landmarks. If you're traveling from cities within California or its surrounding states, chances are you'll be driving. Below is how far away San Francisco is from its surrounding cities by car: 

• San Francisco is about 48 miles from San Jose, making the journey by car just under an hour. 
• Palo Alto is 33 miles from San Francisco, making it about a 40-minute drive. 
• San Francisco is a 2-hour drive from Monterey in California, making it a 118-mile one-way trip. 
• San Francisco is roughly 192 miles from Yosemite National Park in California. The journey by car would take you around 4 hours. 
• Lake Tahoe is located right on the state lines of California and Nevada, roughly 210 miles from San Francisco. It would take you about three and a half hours to drive there. 

What is the weather like in Muir Woods?

The weather in Muir Woods is much the same as in San Francisco but a little cooler, with temperatures mostly staying in the 70s (°F).

If you're walking through the woods in the early morning or late afternoon, you'll likely see fog. You should bring appropriate cold-weather clothes, such as sweaters, as it can get chilly with the dense tree cover.

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San Francisco Travel Guide 2023: Enjoy Tourism on a Very Cheap Budget (Travel Guides Book 33) Kindle Edition

• Book 33 of 43 Travel Guides
• Print length 61 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publication date August 8, 2023
• File size 1787 KB
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Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CF616FLL
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 8, 2023
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 1787 KB
• Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
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• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 61 pages
• #82 in San Francisco Travel Guides
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About the author

Bella george.

One Adventure at a Time

Bella George isn't your average traveler. Sure, she collects passport stamps like confetti, but her suitcase holds more than souvenirs; it brims with stories. Every cobbled street, every mountain peak, every steaming bowl of foreign comfort food whispers secrets she can't resist sharing. Bella, you see, is a travel guide writer, a seasoned explorer with a pen for a compass and a map woven from wanderlust.

Her journey began not on a plane, but in a dusty attic, poring over her grandfather's worn travel journals. His tales of bustling bazaars and hidden temples ignited a spark that wouldn't be quenched. Soon, Bella found herself backpacking through Europe, trading classrooms for cafes, textbooks for trekking paths. Every adventure became a chapter, every encounter a vibrant vignette.

Bella doesn't just visit a place, she immerses herself in it. She learns the rhythm of life in a sun-baked Moroccan souk, dances to the pulse of samba in Rio, and sips chai with nomads under starlit skies. Her guides aren't mere listings; they're intimate portraits of cultures, infused with the aroma of local spices and the warmth of genuine connections.

Her prose is a kaleidoscope, weaving the practical with the poetic. She decodes the mysteries of hidden alleyways, dissects the allure of off-the-beaten-path villages, and uncovers the stories that lurk beneath tourist facades. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, Bella holds your hand, leading you through bustling markets and whispering secrets of ancient temples.

But Bella's world isn't just sunshine and postcards. She delves into the complexities, the challenges, the unexpected detours that inevitably grace the traveler's path. She shares the grit alongside the glory, the moments of doubt that make the triumphs all the sweeter. Her honesty is refreshing, her humor disarming, and her resilience an inspiration.

In a world saturated with filtered photos and curated experiences, Bella offers something raw and real. She invites you to ditch the script and embrace the chaos, to find your own story etched in the dust of unfamiliar roads. Her bio isn't just an introduction; it's a siren song, a call to the restless dreamer within, whispering, "Come, let's untangle the world together."

So, grab your backpack, dust off your passport, and join Bella George on her next adventure. You might just find yourself writing your own chapter in the greatest travel guide there is – the one etched in your soul.

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