San Francisco Usa 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day San Francisco Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on classic San Francisco experiences and popular tourist attractions.

Day 1: Iconic San Francisco

  • Morning: Arrive in San Francisco (SFO).

    • Transportation: Take BART from the airport to downtown San Francisco.
    • Activity: Explore Fisherman’s Wharf, including Pier 39 with its famous sea lions, the historic San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace, and a ride on the historic cable car.

  • Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood at Scoma’s Restaurant overlooking the bay (Pier 47).

  • Afternoon: Visit Alcatraz Island. Take a ferry tour and explore the infamous prison.

  • Dinner: Have dinner at Scoma’s Restaurant (again!) for their stunning sunset views of the Bay Bridge.

Tips:

  • Book your Alcatraz tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly.
  • Wear layers! San Francisco weather can change drastically throughout the day.
  • Consider purchasing a CityPASS if you plan on visiting multiple attractions.

Dinner Options:

  • Scoma’s Restaurant (Pier 47): Enjoy delicious seafood with a view.
  • The Buena Vista Cafe: Famous for their Irish Coffee, a must-try for any coffee lover.

Things to Know:

  • The cable car is a popular and affordable way to see the city, but be prepared for lines.
  • The ferry to Alcatraz departs from Pier 33.
  • Fisherman’s Wharf: A bustling waterfront area with plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions.
  • Book your reservation for the ferry to Alcatraz in advance as they are popular.

Day 2: Golden Gate & Cultural Delights:

  • Morning: Bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Rent a bike at Blazing Saddles (various locations) or Sports Basement (various locations).
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Hog Island Oyster Co. at the Ferry Building for fresh oysters and seafood.
  • Afternoon: Explore North Beach, San Francisco’s “Little Italy” neighborhood, known for its Italian restaurants, cafes, and bookstores.

Dinner:

  • Dinner: Enjoy a delicious meal in North Beach. Try Tony’s Pizza Napoletana for award-winning pizza or The House of Prime Rib for a classic San Francisco experience.

Activity Options:

  • Golden Gate Park: Visit the Japanese Tea Garden, the California Academy of Sciences, or the de Young Museum (North Beach is just across from it).
  • Ferry Building Marketplace: Explore the diverse food vendors and artisan shops.

Day 3: History & Hills:

  • Morning:

    • Take a ferry to Sausalito: Enjoy the scenic boat ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, with stunning views of the city and bay.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at The Spinnaker in Sausalito (reservations recommended) with breathtaking waterfront views.

  • Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Sausalito. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point for a closer look at the iconic structure, or take a relaxing stroll through the historic Sausalito waterfront, enjoying the beautiful bayside scenery.

Dinner:

  • Explore Sausalito: This quaint town across the Golden Gate Bridge offers many delicious restaurants and scenic views.

Activity Options:

  • Golden Gate Bridge bike tour: Rent bikes in San Francisco and enjoy a leisurely ride to Sausalito, exploring the beautiful bayside views along the way.
  • Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point: Enjoy a picnic with a view at the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point.

Day 4: Golden Gate Park Exploration & Departure:

  • Visit the Ferry Building: Explore the various artisanal food shops and restaurants in the Ferry Building Marketplace for some last-minute souvenirs.
  • Enjoy the views: Take one final stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge for a breathtaking send-off to San Francisco.

Things to do:

  • Japanese Tea Garden: A serene oasis in the heart of Golden Gate Park, with beautiful landscaping and traditional Japanese structures.

  • Exploratorium: An interactive science museum that’s fun for all ages (located at Pier 33).

  • Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour: Enjoy a guided tour to learn about its history while biking across.

  • Japanese Tea Garden: Explore the beauty of this serene oasis in Golden Gate Park.

Alternative Transportation:

  • Ferry to Sausalito: Enjoy the scenic ferry ride across the bay.

  • Golden Gate Bridge Visitors Center: Rent bikes and cycle across the bridge for a unique perspective.

  • Public Transportation: Utilize public transportation like MUNI buses or BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

Dinner:

  • Ferry to Sausalito: Enjoy the waterfront views and the charm of this iconic town.

Things to know:

  • Golden Gate Bridge Bike Ride: A popular way to enjoy the beauty of San Francisco, but be prepared for hills!
  • Sausalito: A charming town across the Golden Gate Bridge with stunning views and a variety of restaurants and shops.

Food suggestions:

  • Ferry Building Marketplace: Enjoy delicious seafood with a view.

  • Ferry Building Farmers Market: Explore the diverse offerings at this popular market, including local produce, seafood, and artisan goods.

  • California Academy of Sciences: Explore the aquarium, planetarium, and natural history exhibits.

Other activities:

  • Visit Ghirardelli Square: Enjoy a chocolate treat and watch the chocolatiers at work.
  • Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tours: Enjoy a guided tour and explore the city’s views on two wheels.

Things to know about transportation:

  • Ferry to Alcatraz: Tickets can be purchased online or at Pier 33. The ferry ride takes approximately 30 minutes and is included in the price of your tour.
  • Bike rentals: Are readily available for a fun and scenic way to explore the Golden Gate Bridge and its surroundings.