San Francisco, United States-3-day-itinerary

3-Day San Francisco Itinerary: A Whirlwind Adventure

Where To Stay:

  • Budget: HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel, Green Tortoise Hostel
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf, Hotel Zeppelin
  • Luxury: The Fairmont San Francisco, Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Transportation:

  • Public Transportation: Muni (buses and light rail), BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
  • Walking: San Francisco is very walkable, especially within neighborhoods.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft are widely available.
  • Cable Cars: A fun and iconic way to get around, but can be crowded.

Things To Know:

  • San Francisco weather can be unpredictable, dress in layers!
  • Fog is common, especially in the morning and evening.
  • The city has steep hills, so be prepared for some uphill walking.

Day 1: Iconic San Francisco

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Tartine Bakery (famous sourdough bread) in the Mission District. Then, head to Fisherman’s Wharf and take a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a chilling tour of the former prison.
  • Afternoon: Explore Pier 39, home to playful sea lions and various shops and restaurants. Enjoy lunch with stunning views at Scoma’s on Pier 47.
  • Evening: Ride a historic cable car up Lombard Street, “the most crooked street in the world.” Have dinner at Zuni Cafe for their famous roast chicken.

Day 2: Culture & Nature

  • Morning: Visit the vibrant murals and cultural diversity of the Mission District. Grab coffee and a pastry at Sightglass Coffee.
  • Afternoon: Head to Golden Gate Park, explore the Japanese Tea Garden, California Academy of Sciences, or rent a bike and cycle through the park.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner in North Beach, the city’s Little Italy, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious Italian restaurants like Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. Catch a show at The Curran theatre after dinner.

Day 3: Views & Exploration

  • Morning: Hike or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge for breathtaking views of the city and bay. Have lunch with a view at Vista Point Cafe on the Marin side.
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy Hayes Valley neighborhood, known for its boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants like Souvla (delicious Greek sandwiches).
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Chinatown, the oldest and largest Chinatown outside of Asia. Try dim sum at Yank Sing or enjoy traditional Cantonese dishes at Good Mong Kok Bakery.

Tips:

  • Purchase a Muni Passport for unlimited public transportation rides.
  • Book Alcatraz tickets in advance as they often sell out.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for all the walking you’ll be doing.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • Don’t forget your camera! San Francisco is full of photo opportunities.

Enjoy your San Francisco adventure!