3 Days In San Francisco, CA: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

If you like incredible food, colorful neighborhoods, historic architecture, waterfront views, museums, and easy access to nature, San Francisco is one of the most rewarding cities in the country to explore.

Despite covering just 49 square miles, the city packs an astonishing amount of personality into every corner.

I’ve lived in the Bay Area for nearly 30 years, which means I’ve experienced San Francisco through almost every season, weather pattern, and stage of life imaginable.

As a kid, many of my weekends revolved around trips to the Exploratorium, wandering around Union Square during the holidays, and tagging along while my mom shopped for groceries in Chinatown (or more accurately, waiting impatiently in the car while she spent what felt like hours hunting for produce and seafood).

As I got older, my relationship with the city changed. I started spending less time at the major attractions and more time exploring the neighborhoods that give San Francisco its character.

I’d spend afternoons getting lost in North Beach’s delicatessens and Italian cafés, hunting for vintage treasures in Haight-Ashbury, eating my way through the Mission, and discovering little parks, stairways, bakeries, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants that most visitors never stumble upon.

That’s one of the main draws of San Francisco. No matter how many times you visit, there always seems to be another mural-filled alleyway, mom-and-pop restaurant, hidden viewpoint, or quirky local business waiting to be discovered.

Because San Francisco has essentially been my backyard for decades, I’ve learned what attractions are actually worth your time, which SF neighborhoods deserve a spot on your itinerary, and where locals genuinely spend their weekends.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this 3-day itinerary will help you experience both the famous landmarks and the local side of San Francisco that makes people fall in love with the city in the first place.

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

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• Check out this exciting, jam-packed half-day San Francisco City Tour
• CityPASS: Save 44% on San Francisco’s Muni and Cable Car rides plus admission to 4 best SF attractions

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Map Of Your Perfect 3-Day San Francisco Itinerary

Map created using Wanderlog, a journey planner

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Day 1 In San Francisco

Welcome to good ol’ San Francisco! Today is all about hitting a few tourist attractions by the Embarcadero and the piers as well as exploring some of San Francisco’s most loved neighborhoods. You better be ready to eat too because there’s a lot of good food featured on Day 1!

FERRY BUILDING FARMERS MARKET

Start your day off with a visit to one of the most lively farmers’ markets in all of the Bay Area! The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is a tri-weekly California Certified Farmers Market with 100+ vendors located at the San Francisco Ferry Building.

It’s the perfect place to wander among SF locals, pick up some local produce, dried fruits, freshly-baked pastries, and even grab a bite to eat. It runs multiple times a week, but Saturday is where it’s at!

Whenever Papu and I start brainstorming about spending a Saturday in the city, this market is usually the first thing that pops into our heads.

Our ultimate favorite food stall is Primavera (based in Sonoma, CA)—trust me, get the pork mole tamales. Out of this world. Their chilaquiles are also great!

The market is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with over 100+ vendors featured on Saturdays. Saturdays are by far the best day to go.

FERRY BUILDING

Also at the Embarcadero, you will find the famous ferry building, which is a real treat to explore. Today, it’s one of the best food halls in California, but the building itself is just as interesting as what’s inside.

Completed in 1898, the landmark served as the city’s main transportation hub before bridges were built.

Travelers arriving by ferry from across the Bay would pass through the Ferry Building’s grand hall on their way into the city, making it one of the busiest transit terminals in the world during the early 1900s.

To this day, it’s still one of the most recognizable buildings in San Francisco and serves as the gateway to the Embarcadero. Admire the Beaux-Arts architecture, watch the boats/ferries come and go, and appreciate how much history is packed into this waterfront stretch.

Many, many gourmet shops and restaurants line the interior of the building, including those selling locally made cheeses, olive oil, fresh oysters, artisanal ice cream, craft beer, and much more.

Highlights: Pick up some Blue Bottle Coffee, stop by Humphry Slocombe for their delicious and creamy ice cream flavors, grab some freshly baked bread at Acme Bread, and explore a few of the boutique stalls (they give free samples of olive oils, tapenade, lotions, and more).

VISIT THE EXPLORATORIUM

From there, take a scenic 15-minute walk over to the Exploratorium. The Exploratorium is often regarded as one of the world’s most interactive science museums.

I grew up visiting as a kid and have unforgettable memories burned into my brain about how awesome this museum was! With more than 650 immersive exhibits that serve to educate visitors on real-world topics, this place is perfect for children and adults alike.

If you’re traveling without kids, one of the best-kept secrets is Exploratorium After Dark, held every Thursday evening from 6–10 p.m. This event transforms the museum into one of the city’s most unique date-night venues.

You can explore the hundreds of exhibits without the daytime crowds, grab a drink, attend talks and special programming tied to rotating themes, and even venture into the museum’s famous Tactile Dome (a maze navigated entirely in darkness).

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PIER 39 / FISHERMAN’S WHARF

Continue up the Embarcadero to reach Pier 39. Locals love to complain about Pier 39. I still think first-time visitors should go.

This is one of the largest tourist attractions in SF and despite how touristy it is, you gotta walk through at least once.

Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 are home to dozens of restaurants, shops, activities for families and kids, and kitschy attractions (merry-go-round, a wax museum, 3D rides, etc).

At Pier 39, you will also find the Aquarium of the Bay and be able to catch sightings of the famous SF sea lions. Pier 39 also has a merry-go-round, candy shop, mini-donut shop, and lots of other restaurants to check out.

For the true wharf experience, head to Boudin for clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl or grab a shrimp/crab roll from one of the many seafood stands and watch the smelly sea lions bark away.

VISIT MUSEE MECANIQUE

Located within Fisherman’s Wharf, Musée Mécanique is one of my absolute favorite free museums in San Francisco.

Inside, you’ll find more than 300 vintage and fully functional entertainment machines, ranging from orchestrions, coin-operated pianos, antique slot machines, crane games and more from the past century.

This museum is open until 8pm every night of the week, and it’s a great way to spend an hour. Although it won’t be free to play all of the games, prices for each machine range from 1¢ – $1, with the average price being either 25¢ to 50¢ per play.

Don’t miss the old-fashioned photo booth on your way out!

GHIRARDELLI SQUARE

Ghirardelli Square is a fun little square to walk around if you’re already in the area. From the Fisherman’s Wharf area, hop on over and spend 20-30 minutes walking around.

More and more restaurants are popping up on the scene here, but the main attraction for me here is The Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop! If you’re in the mood for sweets, don’t miss their famous hot fudge sundaes or the hot chocolate.

The hot chocolate is definitely a winner.

GET AN IRISH COFFEE AT ITS BIRTHPLACE

Steps away from Ghirardelli Square sits the Buena Vista Cafe. A little-known fact, the Irish Coffee was actually born right here in San Francisco back in 1952. You can come get a taste of the original for yourself!

On a regular day, the Buena Vista serves around 2,000 Irish coffees—up to 2,500 on a busy weekend day. These Irish Coffees are made the legit way, with Tullamore Dew.

Afternoon pick-me-up? Don’t mind if I do!

They are located just to the west of the Powell-Hyde Cable Car’s last stop in Fisherman’s Wharf.

CHECK OUT LOMBARD STREET (ON FOOT!)

Just a 7-10 minute walk from Ghirardelli Square will bring you to Lombard Street, one of the city’s most unique and iconic streets. Lombard is a one-way street filled with 8 full twists and turns that you can actually drive on.

Since this is such a popular attraction, be prepared for lines of cars waiting for their turn to drive down.

A better alternative is just to skip the car and walk up and down the street. This way, not only can you go at your own pace and enjoy the beautiful bushes, trees, and gardens lining the street, but you can also avoid the headache of having to be stuck in that car traffic.

There’s a great view of the city from the top, so don’t forget your camera!

You can get here by taking either the cable car or other public transport available in the city. Most SF hop-on-hop-off bus passes also have a stop close by, allowing you to get here with just a short walk.

EXPLORE NORTH BEACH

After you’ve snapped a few pictures at Lombard Street, take a quick walk over to North Beach, one of the culturally richest, most-loved neighborhoods in San Francisco!

North Beach is San Francisco’s Little Italy, and to this day, it still feels distinctly different from the rest of the city. Along Columbus Avenue, you’ll find historic Italian cafés, old-school delicatessens, independent bookstores, bakeries, bars, and restaurants packed shoulder-to-shoulder.

Before you do anything else, step inside Molinari Delicatessen. This beloved institution has been serving Italian meats, cheeses, sandwiches, and imported specialty foods since 1896, and it’s def worth a peek inside.

Nearby, the Locali Visitor Center is one of my favorite souvenir shops in the city. Unlike your typical tourist stores, Locali focuses on products made by Bay Area artists and small businesses, and I’ve honestly found some of the most creative, locally-made gifts in San Francisco there.

Need a coffee break? Grab a cappuccino at the famed Caffe Trieste, the historic café where Francis Ford Coppola famously worked on portions of The Godfather screenplay. Sit for a few minutes, listen to the conversations happening around you, and soak in the neighborhood’s old-world charm.

As for food, the options are almost overwhelming. Grab a quick slice at Golden Boy Pizza (Papu swears by the clam and garlic), settle in for one of the country’s most celebrated pies at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, or do what I do and head straight for Betty Lou’s Seafood & Grill (their seafood linguine and Mike’s wok-fried crab are sooooo good).

Not ready to eat yet? Our itinerary will pull you out of North Beach for a bit, but don’t worry—you’ll be close by and it’s incredibly easy to wander back on foot once you’ve worked up an appetite.

EXPLORE CHINATOWN

A short walk from North Beach will bring you right into the lively neighborhood of Chinatown. Not only is it the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, but it’s also the oldest Chinatown in North America, dating back to the 1840s.

Start at the iconic Dragon’s Gate on Grant Avenue and Bush Street, then just start wandering.

Grant Avenue is lined with souvenir shops, tea stores, herb shops, bakeries, lantern-filled alleyways, and family-run businesses that have been serving the community for generations.

You can browse the tea selection at Red Blossom Tea Company, peek into Old Shanghai for silk jackets and Chinese gifts, and wander through the shops around Waverly Place, one of the most photogenic streets in the neighborhood.

From there, visit the famous Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, explore the district with a culinary walking tour, or pop into various restaurants/delis to try all the dim sum your heart desires.

If you’re looking for a break from sightseeing, Chinatown has quietly become home to some excellent cocktail bars. Grab a drink at Li Po Cocktail Lounge, a San Francisco institution famous for its potent Chinese Mai Tai.

And if you’re lucky enough to score a reservation at Four Kings, do not hesitate! This modern Cantonese-inspired restaurant has become one of the hottest dinner reservations in the city.

Other Highlights: Golden Gate Bakery— serves up one of the best egg tarts you’ll ever have in your life (oh yeah, even better than the ones in Hong Kong).

DINNER AND DRINKS: HEAD BACK TO NORTH BEACH

Head back to North Beach for more wonderful Italian food. This is where we always tend to gravitate for dinners in SF.

Again, Betty Lou’s Seafood and Grill is our top recommendation (we are quite literally obsessed with their seafood pasta with tomato cream sauce). After years and years of trying new restaurants in SF, they are still my #1 fave!

After dinner, stop by one of the many gelato shops for dessert, or pop into one of the always-festive neighborhood bars or pubs for a few drinks before heading back to your hotel.

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Day 2 In San Francisco, California

B. PATISSERIE

Start your morning off Bay Area style, with a mouthful of pastries!

In my opinion, not many other metropolitan cities do pastries as well as San Francisco does. If you’re looking for an alternative to Tartine (which seems to always have an intense line), b. Patisserie is the one.

They have croissants and Kouign Amann’s baked to the ultimate perfection. Their seasonal Kouign Amann’s are always super creative and delicious.

My favorite is the elusive black sesame Kouign Amann, which is only ever made a few times a year on special occasions (Chinese New Year, the owner’s bday, etc). We can’t always get this flavor in SF, which is why we’ll fly to the b. patisserie’s location on Oahu to fill up on them! Yum yum yum!

If those aren’t what you crave, simply get something else. I’ve had their pound cakes, madeleines, and cakes. Everything is seriously so irresistible.

JAPANTOWN

San Francisco’s Japantown is a really fun place to explore. You don’t really hear about it as much because I find that places like North Beach and Chinatown often overshadow it.

Since there are only four Japantowns left in the U.S., with San Francisco’s being the largest and oldest surviving, this area is certainly worth a visit! (The other three are located in Los Angeles–Little Tokyo and Sawtelle’s Little Osaka–and San Jose, CA.)

SF’s Japantown is a 6-block area of shops and restaurants along Post Street in the Western Addition neighborhood. Here you’ll find three main indoor malls lined with all the Japanese shops and restaurants that your heart desires!

Go to Peace Plaza for your photo opp with the grand pagoda, eat some ramen, get a matcha soft serve parfait at Matcha Cafe Maiko, play Japanese arcade games, browse gift shops selling ceramics, origami paper, stationery, and Japanese toys, and end the night singing in a private karaoke room.

Whenever we find ourselves in Japantown, we always like spending an hour browsing through all the cool books in Kinokuniya San Francisco. They’ve got LOADS of books related to Japanese culture (cookbooks, ikigai/overall wellness, Marie Kondo, Yayoi Kusama), as well as a pretty sizeable gifts/pop culture section, a massive manga section and even books written in actual Japanese.

THE PAINTED LADIES

From Japantown, take a 10-15 minute walk or bus/rideshare your way over to The Painted Ladies. If you haven’t already heard, The Painted Ladies are an iconic sight in San Francisco. Unfortunately, you won’t find actual ladies here.

Instead, you’ll find some of the most beautiful houses in all of San Francisco, and they are free to enjoy from the outside. Visitors are not able to go inside these buildings since they are privately owned, but still worth admiring and having a picnic across the street.

If you’re familiar with the hit television show Full House, you immediately recognize these houses and will want to catch a glimpse of the Painted Ladies for yourself!

HAIGHT-ASHBURY

After soaking in the sights of The Painted Ladies, it’s time for some hippie, counter-culture vibes! Take the bus or rideshare over to the historic yet lively Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.

The Haight-Ashbury district has become a very popular tourist destination, famed for its unique hippie history, eclectic-ness, and counter-culture charm. It’s got all things vintage and retro–thrift stores, record stores, and bookstores, such as the world-famous Amoeba Records and bookworms’ favorite, Booksmith.

Haight Ashbury is bursting with color as well, due to its many murals, galleries, and art spaces. If you’re looking for something kitschy, The famous Haight Ashbury legs are above the shop called the Piedmont Boutique (1452 Haight St).

THE CASTRO

The San Francisco Castro district is an internationally recognized neighborhood that is best known to support the LGBTQ community.

You will find plenty of fun things to do here during the day and well into the night. This colorful, relaxed neighborhood is jam-packed with eateries and good vibes, perfect for strolling or taking a quick rest at a restaurant.

On your stroll, don’t miss views of the historic San Francisco Castro Theatre, originally built in 1922. Check out the Pink Triangle Memorial Park, a memorial to all of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender victims of the Nazi regime during the WWII period.

The Castro is also a great place to brunch if you want to schedule a visit earlier in the day. If you’re looking for a few great brunch spots, head to local favorites such as Wooden Spoon, Kitchen Story, or Starbelly for your first meal of the day on the weekends.

THE MISSION DISTRICT

The Mission is one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in the entire city with some of the best things to do to keep you busy in San Francisco.

It’s packed with super trendy restaurants as well as some of the most fun and down-to-earth bars in the city. What you’ll notice here is that there are two distinct areas—a historical/cultural area as well as a more gentrified area.

Valencia Street is lined with many artisanal coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and independent boutiques, while Mission Street is home to some of the best tacos and burritos in the United States. (You heard that right, La Taqueria won “Best Burrito in the US”).

If you still have room in your stomach after stuffing yourself with Mexican food, grab a pastry or an epic slice of pizza at Arizmendi Bakery.

The Mission District is also a virtual outdoor art gallery full of vibrant murals. On side streets and alleyways, vibrant murals can be found from left and right and all around you!

These grand works of art feature themes ranging from cultural heritage to social-political statements. Take a stroll over to Balmy Alley, Clarion Alley, Cypress Street, and Lilac Street to enjoy the district’s mural art.

TARTINE BAKERY

Alright, I know it might be a little bit late to visit a bakery (as pastries are best bought and eaten in the morning), but I had to give an honorable mention to Tartine Bakery.

Tartine is a big deal in SF. As a matter of fact, it’s a big deal nationwide. It stands as one of the most famous and iconic bakeries in the country, always shortlisted among top culinary destinations in San Francisco.

The folks at Tartine even won the James Beard award for Outstanding Pastry Chefs in 2008.

Up to 1,200 people a day make pilgrimages to The Mission district to line up for all the rustic loaves and French-inspired pastries. If you were to ask me, YES it’s so worth the wait!

If you’ve braved the long line and made it to the front and the morning bun hasn’t sold out yet, you need to get one. Or better yet, get two. These bad boys are heavenly–crispy, sweet, and flaky on the outside, soft and zesty on the inside.

Craving something less sweet? Opt for one of their wonderful hot-pressed sandwiches.

SHOPPING ON VALENCIA STREET

Spend less than a minute on Valencia Street and you’ll immediately feel the hipster, yuppie vibe of this area. Expect to find many artisanal coffee shops, restaurants, bars, gift shops, and independent boutiques. 

Some of my favorite shops to explore here include The Pirate Supply Store, Paxton’s Gate’s, Therapy, and Often Wander.

Looking for an afternoon pick-me-up? For coffee, head to Ritual Coffee. For a coffee alternative, grab a matcha latte and Japanese fare at Stonemill Matcha.

And for creative cocktail drinks, head to The Beehive for good drinks and the ultimate 60’s vibes.

DOLORES PARK

Dolores Park is one of the main landmarks in the Mission and one of the top reasons why I love the Mission so much.

It’s absolutely the perfect place to grab some food, have a picnic, and sunbathe on a sunny day (not to mention the great opportunities for people-watching). The best part of all, the people who come here are actually locals.

If you grab a spot higher up on the hill, you will be treated to some outstanding views of the urban skyline. Bring a picnic, a blanket, a football, a pair of sunglasses, and some speakers and you’re sure to have a great time.

There are lots of food establishments nearby— grab a burrito from La Taqueria, a cup of ice cream from Bi-rite Creamery, or pastries/sandwiches from Tartine Bakery and bring it along for your picnic.

Visiting later in the day? Dolores Park is a wonderful spot to catch the sunset.

DINNER AND NIGHTLIFE

If you can get reservations to House of Prime Rib (they need to be made months in advance), this is where I recommend you eat. Just take a look at that photo, and take my word that it’s the best prime rib most of us locals have ever had in our lives. No other explanation needed.

If you can’t get reservations there, try Hinata for an omakase-style meal or Nick’s Crispy Tacos for something more casual.

From there, head out to Polk Street for some buzzing nightlife! Mezcalito, Macondray, and Jackalope are popular among us locals!

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Day 3 In San Francisco, California

At this point, you’ve seen a lot of San Francisco’s major urban highlights and local neighborhoods! Day 3 will feature a lot more views of nature and museums mixed in.

LANDS END / SUTRO BATHS

Start your day off with a brisk morning jog or stroll at Land’s End to experience sweeping coastal views and catch a glimpse of some pretty interesting landmarks.

At the Northwest end of San Francisco, you will find a small stretch of coastal forest known as Land’s End. The Lands End Trail is an easy hike or stroll that takes you to a few other attractions including Sutro Baths, the Labyrinth, and Eagle Point.

Make sure to wear sneakers as the trail can be dusty. If you’re looking for a scenic way to start your day, there’s no other place more perfect than this.

When you get towards the ruins of Sutro Baths, walk into them and explore!

The Sutro Baths were developed in 1894 by the millionaire, Adolph Sutro. With his interest in natural history and marine studies, he constructed an ocean pool aquarium among the rocks north of the Cliff House as well as a massive public bathhouse that covered three acres.

After you’re done exploring the baths, head to Cliff House to grab drinks or food, and enjoy the views from indoors.

BATTERY TO BLUFFS TRAIL

If you’re up for a “hike” (it’s more like a stroll), the Battery to Bluffs trail is a short and sweet one that will grant you epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding bay. It’s located just next to Sutro Baths, no need to hop into your car at all to get there.

At 1.7 miles round-trip, it is short enough to do in-between your San Francisco sightseeing day, or better yet, in the evening at sunset!

On this easy hike, enjoy the area’s historic gun batteries, coastal plants and wildlife, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate.

HAVE A PICNIC AT BAKER BEACH

If the weather is in your favor (which means the wind isn’t howling and the fog hasn’t rolled in yet), then make your way down to Baker Beach for a beach picnic! Baker Beach is where many locals go with their families and dogs on a nice and sunny day.

When the sun is out, this is the beach to be at. The highlight? The epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge!

LUNCH IN THE INNER RICHMOND

The Richmond District is the ultimate spot for multicultural cuisine. This neighborhood doesn’t try to impress you at first glance. It’s not made for tourists, but it absolutely delivers if you know where to eat.

It’s particularly great for its dim sum and Chinese food options. In fact, whenever Papu and I want quick and cheap dim sum to snack on, this is the area we go to each and every time.

Clement is the main street here, so take a quick stroll down the block and see if anything food-wise calls out to you. Try snagging a seat at local staples including Burma Superstar, Hong Kong Lounge, or grab some quick and delicious dim sum to-go at Good Luck Dim Sum.

Not too far away is Arsicault Bakery, another iconic bakery that will appease any true croissant lover! I fully admit that I am a croissant snob, and the croissants at Arsicault always pass my taste test with flying colors. Flying!

Because there’s always a line, you’re almost always guaranteed hot and fresh croissants because they’re pumping ’em out all day nonstop!

SEE THE YODA FOUNTAIN

If you love Star Wars, then you have to pay a visit to the Yoda Fountain located at the Lucasfilm offices in the Presidio. It’s a super fun photo op spot!

The fountain is conveniently located near the northern end of Lover’s Lane and only a short distance away from the Palace of Fine Arts (about 10-15 minute walk). Once you’re done enjoying the life-sized Yoda statue, you can head into the lobby of the Lucasfilm offices (or just peek your head in).

The lobby has a variety of small Star Wars memorabilia all around the tables and bookshelves. There are also replicas of different lightsabers, small Stormtrooper statues, and even an R2D2 in the corner.

Location: 1 Letterman Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129

EXPLORE THE PALACE OF FINE ARTS

Just 10 minutes away from where the Yoda Fountain’s located in the Presidio is the Palace of Fine Arts.

Photography lovers, don’t forget your camera when visiting the iconic Palace of Fine Arts. This is one of the most photographed sites in the city, having been featured in various movies and TV shows.

Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition, this urban temple has become a San Francisco gem, enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike. Spend the afternoon admiring the Greco-Roman style architecture and exploring the grounds and the peaceful lagoon.

You might even see a photoshoot or wedding happening!

GOLDEN GATE PARK

Next, take a bus/rideshare over to Golden Gate Park to explore all the little gems and museums it holds.

Golden Gate Park is such a dreamy place to spend a few hours. This park was modeled after Central Park in New York City and is actually 20% larger than Central Park.

Golden Gate Park spans over 1,000 acres and houses a ton of museums, gardens, and attractions. A few notable attractions here include the Conservatory of Flowers, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, the de Young Museum, as well as the California Academy of Sciences.

The Japanese Tea Garden is also a cute little garden to explore. You can also check out the Golden Gate Park Rose Garden, completely free at all times, featuring over 60 rose beds.

The peak time to see roses is during the summer, but there’s always something on display no matter the season.

There’s even a ferris wheel to ride within Golden Gate Park!

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

The California Academy of Sciences is a natural history museum that has become one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco.

This museum is chock-full of things to see with a planetarium, aquarium, and indoor rainforest. There’s simply so much to do and learn from one place! They also have an adults-only night, every Thursday night from 6-10 pm (reservations are required).

If you had to just pick one museum to explore within GGP, I’d recommend the Cal Academy of Sciences. Their planetarium shows are just so cool!

Tickets do cost a pretty penny (almost $40 per adult), but admission is included if you opt for either a Go City San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass.

DINNER AT THE PAWN SHOP

Ready for a speakeasy-inspired dining experience? Right behind an inconspicuous door in an old pawnshop are good food, creative cocktail drinks, and funky music.

Once you get past the doorman, you’ll be greeted by one of the great mysteries of San Francisco! A hidden tapas bar with a one-of-a-kind menu and an extensive wine list! Trust me, the food is really good here.

To access The Pawn Shop, you will need to find the golden phone at 993 Mission Street. Pick up the phone and speak with the funny pawn master and he’ll let you in.

While it’s not required, it’s even more fun if you bring something to pawn/sell at the pawnshop in the front! Don’t forget to make your reservation!

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Save Money With The Go City SF Pass

If you plan on hitting up a few of the museums/attractions listed in our itinerary above (and a few more of your own), you should consider getting a version of the Go City San Francisco Pass. It’s a really great way to see what you want to see while saving a bunch of money.

The Go City All-Inclusive Pass is really great for travelers who want to see as much as possible while they’re in San Francisco. With the Go City San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass, you can choose between a 1, 2, 3, or 5-day pass that will give you free admission to 25+ museums and attractions. This includes the following:

• California Academy of Sciences
• Exploratorium
• Escape from the Rock (Alcatraz cruise tour)
• Aquarium of the Bay
• SFMOMA
• The Walt Disney Family Museum
• Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus 1-Day Classic Tour
• All-day bike rentals
• and a bunch more good stuff not listed here…

If you don’t plan on visiting a ton of different attractions, Go City also has an Explorer Pass which will still save you a lot of money. With the Explorer Pass, you’ll pay one flat fee for a 2,3,4, or 5-choice pass. You’ll then have 60 days to use it. There is also no need to pick attractions ahead of time, simply choose attractions as you go!

No matter which pass type you pick, you’ll ultimately save far more with these passes compared to buying separate attraction tickets!

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Got A Few Extra Days To Spare In The San Francisco Bay Area?

If you’ve seen the major highlights and done most of what you wanted to do in SF, we recommend hopping on BART or grabbing a seat on a guided tour to see what else the Bay has to offer. You’ll have no issues filling that time with fun stuff to do!

From forests to beaches, wineries to breweries, and some of the best hot chicken sandwiches you’ll ever eat in California, the Bay Area has got it all.

Check out a few great day trips around the Greater Bay Area from San Francisco below:

• Take a day trip across the bridge to visit Oakland and Berkeley
• Take a road trip to Sonoma County for the weekend
• Go hiking at Mount Tamalpais State Park
• Explore Monterey and Santa Cruz
• Visit the epic Yosemite National Park

Don’t want to deal with the hassle of having to rent a car? Here are a few bestselling full-day tours from SF:

• Napa and Sonoma full-day tour from SF
• Monterey, Carmel, and 17-Mile Drive full-day tour from SF
• Yosemite full-day tour from SF
• Take a Muir Woods / Sausalito half-day combo tour

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Best Local Spots To Eat In San Francisco, CA

Because of its ever-growing food scene, there are so many delicious food joints in San Francisco. Certainly, too many places to name here!

For a taste of local flavor, here are some of our favorite cheap eats in San Francisco, CA:

• Golden Boy Pizza – get that garlic clam pizza.
• Betty Lou’s Seafood & Grill – skip Sotto Mare and go here instead! I recommend the seafood pasta and the ciopinno.
• Arizmendi Bakery & Pizzeria – one pizza type per day.. always delicious
• Underdogs Too or Underdogs Tres – get your tacos “Nick’s Way”!
• La Taqueria – home of the famous Mission-style burrito
• Sam’s Burgers – nothing beats these amazing late-night burgers, nothing I tell ya!
• Good Luck Dim Sum – quick and delicious dim sum (there’s always a line)
• Ming Kee Restaurant – get a rice plate with the Princess chicken, pork neck, and the duck… you’re welcome.
• b. patisserie – everything there is delicious, especially the kouign amann.
• Ariscault Bakery – one word… croissants.
• Genki Crepes & Mini Mart – amazing crepes and other Japanese snacks
• Humphrey Slocombe Ice Cream – Vietnamese iced coffee flavor? Chef’s kiss!
• Mitchell’s Ice Cream – longstanding institution featuring all the best flavors, including Asian-inspired flavors.

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Where to Stay in San Francisco, CA

There are tons of lodging accommodations in San Francisco ranging from budget-friendly to outright luxurious. Hotels tend to cost a lot more in SF compared to other urban cities, so take care to do some research before settling on an option.

In order to save you time and money, I want to help you minimize the need to Uber/Lyft everywhere. As such, I’d recommend staying in a neighborhood that’s relatively central to everything. I recommend staying in or near the following neighborhoods: Mission District, Hayes Valley, The Castro, and Union Square (Union Square is where you’ll find most hotels are located).

Here are some hotels I recommend checking out, organized by neighborhood:

Union Square

Hotel Nikko San Francisco – Hotel Nikko San Francisco features beautiful modern accommodations with a bar, on-site restaurant, fitness center, swimming pool, and a terrace. You’ll be super close to a ton of public transportation options.

San Francisco Marriott Marquis Union Square – This downtown San Francisco hotel offers a fitness center, restaurant, and luxurious rooms with panoramic views. As with other Marriott hotels, this one is equally as modern and spacious.

Noe Valley / Mission District

Noe’s Nest Bed and Breakfast – Located in a charming Victorian house in San Francisco’s central Noe Valley neighborhood (near the Mission), Noe’s Nest Bed & Breakfast serves a generous daily buffet breakfast and offers guest rooms with free WiFi. Seriously, the rooms are so charming and the breakfast is just delightful.

1906 Mission – This San Francisco bed and breakfast features a modern, environmentally conscious design. Each room is designed with the environment in mind: energy-efficient lighting, re-purposed building materials, and free organic toiletries are provided. Do note that these rooms have a shared bathroom.

Hayes Valley

Hayes Valley Inn – While this is not the most central option, I added it to this list because of its simple charm! I stayed here a few years ago and had a wonderful, homey stay! Hayes Valley Inn is just 5 minutes’ walk from attractions such as the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House and San Francisco City Hall. Guests can easily discover local boutiques, art galleries and cafes. Do note that these rooms have a shared bathroom.

The Castro

Beck’s Motor Lodge – Beck’s features charming, bright, and modern rooms. It’s located only steps from the city’s historic cable car lines with direct access to Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. Dolores Park and San Francisco’s Mission District are just 15 minutes’ walk away from this motel. A number of antique shops, cafes and unique stores are located in the neighborhood. This is one of the rare hotels that offer free parking!

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When Is The Best Time To Visit San Francisco, California?

In our humble opinion, the best time to visit San Francisco is from September to November. Unlike many other places in the US, the fall season offers some of the city’s warmest and most pleasant temperatures.

Unless there’s a massive heatwave in effect, summer temps usually hover in the 60’s and 70’s. The other benefit of traveling during these months is that there will be fewer crowds than in the summertime.

Spring is another good time to visit thanks to its mild temperatures and lack of rain. Summers are great too, but just expect higher than average tourism as most travelers tend to seek out sunny weather activities in the city.

If you’re just looking to avoid rain, any time from April to November is good.

Regardless of when you choose to visit San Francisco, be sure to bring plenty of layers. Similar to other California coastal cities/towns, the weather here can be so unpredictable (one minute brisk and foggy, the next minute warm and sunny). Below is a photo of a chilly, brisk, and foggy afternoon in mid-July!

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How Many Days Are Needed For A Trip To San Francisco?

If I had to put a number to it, I’d say 4 to 5 days would be perfect for first-timers traveling to San Francisco, CA.

This gives you enough time to hit the major tourist attractions as well as to visit a few off-the-beaten-path spots and get a taste of the local culture.

If you only had 3 days to spare, this would still be a good amount of time if you wanted to just get a taste of the city’s highlights and not dive in too deep. With just 3 days in SF, you will have more than enough activities to fill your days with.

Really–there’s so much to see and do in the city. You could spend months/years in SF and still not do it all!

However, if you want to explore one layer deeper than Alcatraz Island and Fisherman’s Wharf, I’d recommend 4 to 5 days.

That way, you’ll have enough time to see the museums, do some shopping, eat at a few good restaurants, catch some a show, see all of Golden Gate Park, do a hike, get out into the neighborhoods, and even rub elbows with the locals!

Any extra days you have can be used to explore other parts of the city or even take a day trip to other parts of the Bay Area.

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Essential Travel Tips For Your Visit To SF

1. Don’t rent a car.

Unless you’re leaving San Francisco, a car is more of a headache than a help. Between steep parking rates, limited street parking, and hotel overnight fees that easily run $35+ per night, it adds up fast.

The city is built around walking, BART, MUNI buses, rideshares, and historic streetcars, so you’ll actually move faster without driving. If you’re planning day trips to places like Marin, Berkeley, or Santa Cruz, that’s the only scenario where a rental starts to make sense.

2. Don’t underestimate its size.

The map makes everything look close, but getting across the city can easily take 45 minutes, depending on the time of day. Hills, stoplights, and traffic all slow things down more than you’d expect.

Don’t over-cram your itinerary with things in different areas. You can realistically only hit a few neighborhoods per day.

3. Pack good walking shoes.

This is a walking city first, everything else second. You’ll naturally cover multiple neighborhoods in a single outing, often without realizing how much distance you’ve done.

Even short routes can include steep hills, so comfort matters more here than in most destinations.

If the weather is good, walking is honestly the best way to experience SF!

Read Next: 10 Best Walking Shoes For Travel (That Are Actually Cute!)

4. Bring layers.

San Francisco is not considered a year-round warm city. The weather is actually pretty unpredictable depending on what season you go in, as well as what part of the city you’re in.

You can start the morning in fog, get bright sun by midday, then end the day in cold wind. In my experience, this actually happens more often than not!

A light jacket or sweater + a beanie you can throw in your bag is non-negotiable. Locals don’t really check the weather here; they just assume they’ll need a way to combat the wind chill at some point in the day.

5. Be prepared to see unhoused individuals.

We can’t sugarcoat this one. San Francisco’s homelessness issue is visible, especially in central and downtown areas. You may encounter people experiencing mental health or housing instability, and while it can feel uncomfortable if you’re not used to it, most interactions are not directed at visitors.

Just be aware of your surroundings, but do not let it define your experience of the city.

6. Travel during non-commuter hours.

To maximize your time, avoid the commutes and the traffic (7-9am and 5-7pm). The trains and buses at this time are packed tight with people, freeways and streets are stuffed with bumper-to-bumper traffic, and being stuck in these situations will most definitely kill your vacation vibe.

Pro Tip: 511.org is great for Bay Area transport planning.

7. Save money on museums.

Most museums offer a free entry day at least once a month, usually on the first Sunday or Tuesday. Alternatively, if you plan on hitting up a few museums and attractions throughout the city, you should consider getting a version of the Go City San Francisco Pass. It’s a really great way to see what you want to see while saving a bunch of money.

8. Book Alcatraz Island tickets early!

Alcatraz tickets and tours regularly sell out days or even weeks in advance, especially in peak travel seasons. Book online as early as you can!

If it’s sold out, check hotel concierge desks or last-minute tour bundles, but availability is never guaranteed. Also, double-check your booking! You want the actual island tour, not just a bay cruise past it.

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Planning Your Trip To The SF/Bay Area?

Here are some of our other SF/Bay Area + Northern California travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip here!

SAN FRANCISCO

• 60+ Free and Affordable Things To Do In San Francisco, California
• 8 Best San Francisco Neighborhoods To Visit (And What To Do Beyond SF!)
• Go City vs CityPASS San Francisco: Which Is Better?
• 25 Best Things To Do In North Beach & Chinatown San Francisco
• 15 Quirky Things To Do in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury
• 30 Essential San Francisco Travel Tips: Read Before Visiting!
• 25 Fun Things To Do In San Francisco At Night

THE BAY AREA

• 40 Best Weekend Trips From The San Francisco Bay Area
• 15 Best Family Day Trips In Northern California
• 50 Exciting Things To Do In Berkeley, CA (From A Local’s Perspective)
• 42 Fun Things To Do In Oakland, California (A Local’s Guide)
• 40+ Best Things To Do In The San Francisco South Bay, California (A Local’s Guide)

NORTH OF THE SF/BAY AREA

• 13 Best Things To Do Between San Francisco And Yosemite NP
• Yosemite National Park Day Trip: 20 Unmissable Things To See In One Day
• 15 Best Things To Do In Old Town Sacramento, California (A Local’s Guide)
• The Perfect 2-Day Sonoma County Road Trip Itinerary
• 33 Exciting Things To Do In Napa Valley Besides Wine Tasting
• The Best Things To Do In Lake Tahoe/Reno: Stops From San Francisco To Lake Tahoe
• 13 Lively California Gold Rush Towns You Must Visit
• 15+ Fun Things To Do In Gold Country, CA Near Yosemite
• 17 Best Things To Do In Grass Valley, California

SOUTH OF THE SF/BAY AREA

• San Francisco to Santa Cruz Road Trip: 15 Best Stops On Highway 1
• San Francisco to Monterey Road Trip: 23 Best Stops On Highway 1
• 2 Days In Big Sur: 25 Best Things To Do For An Epic Road Trip
• San Francisco To San Luis Obispo Road Trip (In A Campervan!)
• 24 Best Stops Between San Francisco to Los Angeles: PCH Road Trip

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