San Francisco attracts visitors with its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and rich cultural tapestry. A three-day trip to the ‘City by the Bay’ may be short, but it provides an exhilarating taste of its top attractions and hidden gems.
We’ve crafted the perfect itinerary after many trips to this West Coast city. It covers must-see sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Our carefully planned 3-day San Francisco itinerary balances popular tourist spots with local favorites. From exploring the colorful neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury to immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Golden Gate Park, what’s not to love about this Californian city?
Beyond the famous downtown attractions, other areas beg for exploration. Consider exploring Sausalito in Marin County or hiking in the Muir Woods National Monument.
Are three days in San Francisco enough? You could easily spend a week exploring the city and not see it all. Since we like to cruise, when cruising from San Francisco port, arriving a few days earlier provides an opportunity to explore the city.
Get ready to enjoy an unforgettable adventure through San Francisco’s steep hills, eclectic culinary scene, and world-class attractions.
Itinerary Overview
Our 3-day San Francisco itinerary covers the city’s most iconic attractions and neighborhoods. We’ve carefully planned each day to maximize your time and experience.
We recommend staying in central neighborhoods like Nob Hill, Union Square, or SoMa for easy access to attractions. Our itinerary is flexible, so adjust it to match your interests, budget, and weather conditions.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring layers. San Francisco is notorious for having unpredictable weather.
San Francisco: Day One
Our first day in San Francisco promises an exciting mix of iconic attractions and hidden gems. Kickstart your day with a cup of expertly roasted coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee in the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero. Pair it with an organic everything bagel from Daily Driver.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a must-visit destination for those who want to relive the movie “Escape from Alcatraz.” Booking tickets in advance is advised, as they sell out quickly. The ferry ride offers breathtaking San Francisco Bay and skyline views.
Once on the island, we explored the infamous prison that once housed notorious criminals like Al Capone. The audio tour, available in 11 languages, provides fascinating insights into life on “The Rock” and its colorful history. Inside the prison, we learned the meaning of “the slammer.”
Allow 2-3 hours for the Alcatraz experience, including transportation time.
Traveling to San Francisco last minute?
- Chateau Tivoli is a Victorian mansion, steps away from the Painted Ladies in Alamo Square
- Ritz Charlton San Francisco offers a great location, close to the waterfront and Union Square
- Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf is a budget-friendly option near Fisherman’s Wharf
- Make your trip more exciting with Viator
- Hire a car on Rentalcars.com
Top picks for a hotel stay:
Top tours and excursions:
Need a rental car?
Fisherman’s Wharf And Pier 39
Next, we’ll head to the lively Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. This area comprises more than one pier and is packed with restaurants, shops, and a bustling atmosphere.
On the west side of Pier 39, the local sea lions entertain visitors with their noisy barks. Lazily lounging in the sunshine on the K-Dock, the colony has made Pier 39 their home since 1990.
For seafood choices, head to Chowders, Crab House at Pier 39, Pier Market Seafood, or Fog Harbor Fish House.
Don’t miss the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier or Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze. The latter features an exhibit of colorful mirrors and arches that are guaranteed to bring smiles.
At Fisherman’s Wharf, the attractions are more diverse, with Madame Tussauds San Francisco, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and the Museum of 3D Illusions.
Cable Car And Turnaround
No visit to San Francisco is complete without a ride on its iconic cable cars. Hopping on at the Powell and Hyde Street turnaround provides two experiences: riding and seeing how the cars are manually rotated.
The Powell-Hyde line offers the most scenic route, taking us past Lombard Street (the “crookedest street in the world”) and offering stunning views of Alcatraz and the bay.
San Francisco has replaced many cable cars, which have operated since 1888. However, three routes still operate: the Powell-Mason Line, Powell-Hyde Line, and California Street Line.
Swan Oyster Depot
Complete your first day by feasting at the Swan Oyster Depot, a San Francisco institution since 1912. Known for the freshest seafood, this hole-in-the-wall has gained its reputation by word of mouth.
While oysters are its specialty, you can’t go wrong with smoked salmon, crab back, Sicilian Sashimi, or clam chowder. Expect long wait lines, and the establishment only takes cash.
San Francisco Night Tour
We’ll cap off our day with a night tour of the city. To enjoy the skyline after dusk, consider a sunset or twilight cruise or a walking ghost tour. Choose between one of the following:
- The Golden Gate Bridge: Stunning when lit up at night.
- Night Bay Cruise: For panoramic views of the city from the water.
- Treasure Island: Offering a postcard-perfect view of the San Francisco skyline
Alternatively, ghost-hunting tours explore haunted alleys and streets while a travel guide tells the city’s scariest tales.
San Francisco: Day Two
Begin your second day by exploring San Francisco’s iconic landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge. We’ll explore natural beauty, architectural wonders, and counterculture history while soaking in breathtaking city and bay views.
Presidio Of San Francisco
The Presidio of San Francisco, south of the bridge, offers excellent vantage points. This former military base turned national park boasts 1,500 acres of scenic beauty. To get oriented, we recommend starting at the Visitor Center.
There are several batteries, but the Fort Point National Historic Site is the best for getting close and UNDER the bridge. It provides the best photo ops.
Don’t miss Crissy Field’s restored wetlands and beach with stunning Golden Gate Bridge views.
Golden Gate Park
This massive urban oasis, reminiscent of New York’s Central Park, spans over 1,000 acres and offers green space, museums, and many lakes.
Must-see attractions include:
- California Academy of Sciences
- de Young Museum
- San Francisco Botanical Garden
- Conservatory of Flowers
- Japanese Tea Garden
The California Academy of Sciences offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Its unique combination of an aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest makes it a living museum that takes two to four hours of exploration.
Haight-Ashbury
This neighborhood remains the epicenter of the 1960s counterculture. We thought Haight-Ashbury was an Austin Powers-inspired neighborhood. Colorful Victorian houses line the streets, now home to vintage shops and eclectic boutiques.
We recommend visiting iconic spots like the former homes of Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead. You can also browse the bookstores on Upper Haight Street.
For a quirky sight, check out the giant pair of legs in fishnets at Piedmont Boutique or head over to Love on Haight, where tie-dye is back in style.
End your visit with a relaxing stroll through the peaceful Buena Vista Park.
Alamo Square
This hilltop park is famous for its postcard-perfect view of the “Painted Ladies.” These colorful Victorian houses, or “Postcard Row,” are best photographed in late afternoon light.
While Victorian homes typically used muted hues, their owners have experimented with vibrant colors. We suggest packing a picnic to enjoy the city skyline.
Don’t miss the grand mansions surrounding the square. These include the William Westerfeld House, rumored to be haunted, and Chateau Tivoli (two blocks away), a beautiful Victorian hotel.
Twin Peaks
If you have a rental car, head up to Twin Peaks. Whether you go for the sunset or evening view, it provides spectacular 360-degree views of the city, bay, and ocean. On clear days, visitors can see as far as the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The winding drive up is an adventure in itself. A short hike to the north peak provides the best vantage point, although nearby Tank Hill offers a less crowded alternative.
San Francisco: Day Three
Start your day in Union Square’s commercial hub. Sutter Street Café serves all-day breakfast, wraps, bagels, and waffles. From here, we’ll explore bustling shopping areas, cultural enclaves, and scenic vistas that capture the essence of this diverse metropolis.
Union Square
Union Square is the heart of San Francisco’s shopping district. Trendy stores, upscale restaurants, and unique galleries surround this vibrant plaza.
For fashion enthusiasts, Macy’s flagship store and Neiman Marcus are must-visits. The district also boasts some of the city’s best shopping options, like Tiffany & Co, Gucci, and Jimmy Choo.
Be sure to get a selfie or two. The square, with an artificial grass wall or giant heart sculpture, begs for a photo. Nearby, at Market and Powell Streets, you find another cable car turnabout.
Chinatown
Just a short walk from Union Square, we enter the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. The Dragon’s Gate on Grant Avenue marks the entrance into this vibrant neighborhood.
You can explore landmarks such as Portsmouth Square, the city’s oldest area, and the Tin How Temple, the oldest Taoist temple in Chinatown.
We also recommend visiting:
- Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.
- Waverly Place’s colorful balconies.
- Old St. Mary’s Cathedral.
For an authentic experience, try dim sum at one of the many restaurants. For a gluten-free restaurant, try House of Nanking. Remember to browse the shops for unique souvenirs and traditional Chinese goods.
Cable Car Museum
Our next stop is the Cable Car Museum. Located in the Nob Hill neighborhood, this complimentary museum offers a fascinating look at the mechanisms that power the cars.
We saw the actual cables in motion and learned about the braking and grip systems. The non-profit museum has three 1870s vintage cable cars on display. The older cars have one grip and require rotation, but the new vehicles have two-way grips that don’t need rotation.
Exhibits include:
- Vintage cable cars from the 1870s.
- Mechanical displays of the underground pulley system.
- Photographs and artifacts from the 1906 earthquake.
Coit Tower
If time allows, head to North Beach, a vibrant neighborhood that once fronted the ocean (hence its name). This area has steep roots in its Italian heritage and is often called “Little Italy.”
Otherwise, proceed to Telegraph Hill to visit Coit Tower. This 210-foot art deco tower was completed in 1933 and is a beloved San Francisco landmark. Telegraph Hill is home to a beloved community of wild parrots, which you might spot along the way.
We recommend taking the elevator to the observation deck for breathtaking 360-degree views. On a clear day, we can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Bay Bridge.
Inside the tower, Depression-era murals depict scenes from California’s history. These vibrant frescoes, painted by 26 different artists, are worth examining closely.
The surrounding Pioneer Park provides a lovely spot for a picnic with scenic vistas.
Lombard Street
Lombard Street attracts visitors to see a one-block section, and for good reason. Between Hyde and Leavenworth Street, the “crooked street in the world” has eight hairpin turns and can only accommodate small vehicles.
This unique street was designed in 1922 to reduce the hill’s natural 27% grade. Today, the popular tourist attraction is known for its beautifully landscaped flowerbeds and Victorian mansions.
You can either:
- Drive down the street (be prepared for potential queues).
- Walk down the steps on either side for great photo opportunities.
The best views are from the bottom of the street looking up. Visit in spring or summer to see the hydrangeas in full bloom. Not surprisingly, you can’t parallel park on the surrounding roads.
To avoid crowds on Lombard Street, head to Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd instead. It’s equally crooked and has seven hairpin turns.
Day Trips
San Francisco’s surroundings offer excellent opportunities for day trips. We’ve selected three popular destinations that can be swapped for one of the days above.
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument features an ancient redwood forest, some over 1,000 years old. Some of the towering giants are over 250 feet.
We recommend exploring the winding trails that lead to Cathedral Grove, Bohemian Grove, and along the picturesque Redwood Creek.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley, world-renowned for its wine production, makes an ideal day trip for wine enthusiasts. Located about an hour’s drive from San Francisco, the region boasts over 400 wineries.
Some notable vineyards include:
- Robert Mondavi Winery.
- Beringer Vineyards.
- Castello di Amorosa.
Sausalito
Sausalito in Marin County is just a short ferry ride from San Francisco and offers a Mediterranean-like atmosphere. Key attractions include:
- The vibrant art scene with numerous galleries.
- Unique houseboats along Richardson Bay.
- The Bay Area Discovery Museum is perfect for families.
A favored activity is to hire a bike and cycle to Sausalito across the Golden Gate Bridge. Once you’ve explored the area, head back via the ferry, where you can take in breathtaking bay views.
If this 3-day itinerary requires too much walking, consider taking a Big Bus Tour. The day route includes 17 stops. We did the tour on one of our trips, which took the leg work out of getting around. Avoid the upper deck in shoulder seasons, as it’s freezing.
