SAN FRANCISCO - 3 DAY ITINERARY
In my opinion, San Francisco is a lesser, just as expensive version of New York City, but that’s just this girl’s humble opinion. (Spoiler alert, I think everything is lesser than NYC). Having said that, SF is full of hidden gems and well worth a visit. It is home to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, lots of techies and one of the oldest, most delicious Chinatowns.
There’s no perfect amount of time to visit any city, it all depends on what you want to see, do and eat. However, I think the minimum for any city as big as SF is 3 days. It gives you the opportunity to hit the bucket list tourist spots while also giving enough time to explore some local haunts and delicious bites. Trying to fit everything in 3 days can be overwhelming so do what interests you, skip the things you think are boring and stop for ALL the food that smells mouthwatering.
Things I Learned Quickly
DO NOT WALK THROUGH THE TENDERLOIN. I’m not sure anything has ever so thoroughly been engrained in my head, so quickly, in any city.
What is public transportation in SF because as far as I can tell it’s nonexistent or at least not tourist friendly. Walking is your best friend along with the ride share apps like Lyft or Uber.
Those hills are no joke, but that just means you can eat more because you’re working out right? You will probably come out with monster quads and sleep like a baby.
The weather changes really quick, so layers on layers people. In the morning it could feel like brisk spring, then it’ll be a sweltering summer by midday and then at night it’s like the beginning of winter.
If you’re like me and get hungry every 5 minutes there will be plenty of places to stop, but I highly suggest bringing water and snacks to keep up your energy.
Day 1 (The Pictures You Came For)
Day 1, let’s go! You’re probably amped up and ready to set out on your San Francisco Adventure so wake up bright and early, ok like 9 or 10am, and get breakfast near North Beach/Fisherman’s Wharf. There are plenty of options and feel free to get a mimosa or two.
*EIGHT AM*
Breakfast Comfort Food
*HOLLYWOOD CAFE*
Ridiculously HUGE Portions
*MAMA'S*
The Hype is Real
Now that you’re fed let’s get to it. Hopefully you have some super comfortable shoes on because today’s all about walking. It’s about 10 miles to the end of the day, but feel free to rent a bike, catch a ride along the way or stop whenever and wherever you like.
Start at Pier 39, get as close to the water as you can and just walk west. Near Fisherman’s Wharf you’ll pass lots of souvenir shops, street performers and super expensive, very mediocre restaurants. Instead stop by a seafood stand to try a fresh steamed crab and maybe learn a little about the fishing industry.
After about 1 mile, you’ll come to Ghirardelli Square. Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop is the home of the original Ghirardelli chocolate manufacturing plant and the perfect spot if you have a sweet tooth like me (you can sample different types of chocolates). Plus there are lots of cute shops, outdoor seating and games (indoor and arcade) to spend some time while sipping on your shake or eating your melting cone.
While you wait out your food coma, there are steps just outside the factory by the water where you can take in the sun and fresh air. Once you’re ready, start walking along the water for a little under 2 miles, until you get to Baker street and make a quick detour to the Palace of the Fine Arts. It’s a splash of greco-roman art in a super urban city. It’s unexpected and picturesque, perfect for a quick photoshoot. There’s also a small museum to walk through to learn more about the art exhibit.
Once you’ve got your dose of serenity and calm, it’s a short .5 mile walk to the Crissy Field (East) Beach. This is where the pictures of the bridge begin. Take off your shoes, squish your toes in the sand and enjoy the breeze along the beach.
Eventually you’ll need to put your shoes back on but about 1 mile you’ll get to Torpedo Wharf. Don’t worry you’ll know you reached by the crowds of people taking pictures on the pier. Yes you will get some stereotypical pictures of the bridge here BUT if you’re willing to do some stairs, you can climb up to the much lesser visited view point of the golden gate bridge. Let me be real, the steps SUCK (video below for proof) but if you can get through it, there are beautiful almost unobstructed views of the bridge without all the other tourists.
Stop for a bite either at the pier at the view point. If you didn’t bring any snacks (I tried to warn you) then you can grab something quick at the Warming Hut near the pier. After all the views leading up to the bridge, right by the bridge, above the bridge… it’s finally time to walk ACROSS the bridge! You have a choice here. A lot of people rent bikes (your best bet is near fisherman’s wharf or Lombard street) or you could walk across the bridge. Full disclosure, I never did either, but I did a lot of research for y’all. If you do choose to walk it will be about 2.5 miles from the viewpoint to the other side of the bay. It’s free and you will get amazing views of the bay, the city of San Francisco and Alcatraz. Walkers share the east sidewalk with bicycles on weekdays until 3:30pm but on weekends and holidays it is pedestrian only. There will be lots of people and bikers, so if you’re with small kids just make sure to stay close. Also, if my reminder for layers was missed above, LAYER LAYER LAYER. It’s super windy across the bridge and the mist can come in at any point.
Once you get to the other side of the bridge by the parking lot, do not walk up the hill and instead walk towards the downhill corner. You should see signs for Fort Baker and Sausalito. From here to Sausalito, it’s a little less than 3 miles. If you feel like you’re getting lost, whip out google maps and just double check.
At this point you’re probably exhausted but just think of the delicious food awaiting you in Sausalito, because I promise you there is lots of delicious food. Sausalito has gorgeous views of the bay and you can see your entire journey from this side.
*SUSHI RAN*
Splurge - You Deserve It
*BAR BOCCE*
Beer & Bocce Ball Go Together
*LAPPERT'S*
Ice Cream Always
This day has been insanely long but you did it! So hop on the ferry back to San Francisco, get back to your hotel, take a long shower and sleep like a baby. And don’t worry, tomorrow we’re sleeping in, because you deserve it.
Day 2 (Find your Calm)
Your body probably hates you for yesterday so feel free to sleep in a bit today. I never feel guilty about sleeping in on vacation, because for me relaxing is an important aspect of a trip. If it’s warm enough, I suggest wearing a bathing suit under your clothes so you can spend some time at Baker Beach in the afternoon. Once you get your but out of bed, make your way to Inner Richmond. There are some cute cafe’s and brunch spots. I’m being bold and only recommending one, Home.
There’s a few of them around SF and I absolutely adore this place. Their avocado toast is everything and their coffee is so instagrammable (yes I know how millenial I sound) but also the chill vibes and down to earth staff make it the perfect way to start your day. Once you’e consumed your weight in avocados head to the Lands End Trail. I suggest taking an uber/lyft there because I’m lazy but if you feel up for it, it’s about a 2 mile walk. Just remember you have about 4 miles on the trail today. You can find the trail by the huge parking lot at the end of Geary Avenue. There are 2 parking lots, but choose the one closer to the Sutro Baths since that’s where you’ll be starting. This entire trail is picturesque so feel free to spend more or less time in the places you want to capture, do a photoshoot at, or find especially calming. Also, you definitely don’t have to follow the below suggestions. We did this trail without following a guide or directions and just wandered to what looked pretty and it worked out pretty well for us!
There’s a visitor center if you’re inclined to take a peak, but if not head to the lookout by taking the stairs down. I suppose you could stop here but all the fun in this area is climbing up and down the baths. Fair warning, the dirt path down to the Baths is a little steep and you may fall. I’m not saying that from experience or anything, ha.
I’m not really a history buff so I don’t know much more than the Sutro Baths were once public baths for the citizens of San Francisco. But you really don’t need to know much to explore the super interesting, kind of decaying ruins of the baths.
Backtrack a little bit, and where the split in the road is, go to the right. Point Lobos is above the Sutro Baths and a great stop to see the baths and the coastline. Also look out for the heart cut out rocks. We didn’t know about this before and almost missed it, but it was so fun to spot in the distance.
Once you take the steps, this is where you are “officially” starting the Land’s End Trail. The stairs take you to the second parking lot where the USS San Francisco Memorial is. Honestly, we missed this on our walk but we did see see what remains of the Mile Rock Lighthouse. I think there are some days when you can actually go out there, but it’s run primarily by volunteers so it’s not often.
As you make your way to the next viewpoint of the bridge (yes everything leads to a viewpoint of the bridge!), you’ll walk through a bend filled with foliage. This is a really unique spot to take some less common pictures in SF.
You have a choice of where to go first, either up (Land’s End Point) or down (Mile Rock Beach). We did down first so that’s the way I’ll take you. On the trail you have to take some stairs down. Be careful because a lot of the steps are partially rotted, and when we went it was muddy which made it really slippery. As you go down the ridiculous number of stairs you’ll probably be thinking of how painful this will be to go back up, but don’t worry (yet), that’s future you problem. Just enjoy one of the coolest little alcove beaches I’ve seen. This was one of the most calming stops of the day, Whip out that snack to refuel and take in the unique view. When we went there weren’t a lot of people here and I’m not sure if the stairs scare off a lot of people, but there’s plenty of space anyhow to pop a squat and relax.
Ok get ready for the stairs because as you know, there’s a lot. Though they take you to one of the most stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, so I think it’s worth it. I think there’s a way to get there by stairs all the way up but our dumb selves walked around the edge of the cliff to get to the top. I nearly had a heart attack about a dozen times, so if this kind of adventure is not for you, feel free to go all the way up the stairs and find the actual route.
Whichever way you take, once you get to the small clearing at the top of the cliffs, this is Land’s End Point. This is where you’ll find my favorite hidden gem of SF, the labyrinth. I actually don’t know if it’s hidden but we had no idea it would be there and it felt like an awesome discovery. If you’re feeling a little dangerous, you can climb up above the labyrinth for some amazing views and pictures. I am super scared of heights but I forced myself for the gram, HA, and I was glad I did. Just be careful please.
If you look to the left, you should see Mile Rock Beach. It looks really far right? Yeah well that’s where you came from, so you should feel really proud of yourself. We went around the bend of Land’s End Point and I’m not sure if it’s really a trail but it’s just to get you back to the main trail. You can continue along to get to Eagle Point Overlook but at this point we had seen enough views of the bridge so we skipped it and followed signs back to the parking lot.
You have a couple choices here based on how long you spent doin this trail and what time it is. If you want another photo op, you can pop in quickly to the 16th Avenue Tiled Stairs. Otherwise, if it’s still sunny and bright and you’re a beach bum like me, we can head to Baker Beach. Either way, I suggest taking an uber/lyft to your next destination.
The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are located in on Moraga between 15th and 16th. It’s gorgeous, made with love and a lovely picture. If you’re a masochist and want more stairs, you can climb the 163 steps and take a closer look at the beautiful design.
If you choose to go to Baker Beach, it is located pretty close to Lands End.
If you’re a rebel stop at a grocery or liquor store to grab a few beers to drink on the beach. Or you could just grab a snack. You’ll find people picnicking, laying on. the beach and maybe even fishing. This is definitely not a swimming kind of beach, but feel you can walk along the water or just lay out in the sun to cap off an awesome day enjoying nature. I feel obligated to give a warning here that public nudity is not illegal in San Francisco so it’s possible that there are some nude beach goers. From what I’ve heard they generally stay to the north end of the beach though, so if that scene isn’t for you, just don’t go that direction.
Now that I’ve helped you work out those glutes, it’s time for a night out. Please go back to your hotel to shower off the grime of the day and get ready for dinner. You have a lot of options of where to eat and drink in San Francisco. Your budget, food preferences and how much you want to party definitely affect where you end up. I’m an asian restaurant and cocktail lounge kind of gal so my perfect night is pretty simple.
*BURMA LOVE*
Share Everything & Get the Tea Leaf Salad
*WHITECHAPEL*
Gin Bar - Try May 1968
I gathered some general food and drink suggestions from my SF friends (Thanks Rich & Jo!) and put them at the bottom of the article. So if Burma Love and White Chapel isn’t for you, hopefully you can find something in that longer list.
Day 3 (Live like a San Franciscan, Kinda)
After two days of walking what feels like to the moon and back, I promise today offers some reprieve, but only a little because I included a hike here, whoops.
First thing first, grab breakfast somewhere near your hotel. Since I have no idea where you’re staying I’ll give you some suggestions based on type of breakfast. Pop them into google maps and see what’s close by.
If you grew up in the 90’s you probably watched Full House at some point and the iconic painted ladies in the opening sequence is familiar. There is a small grassy area but I suggest snapping a pic and heading out. You’ll get a much larger park to relax at in the afternoon.
Want more nature in the middle of a city? Not to worry, Twin Peaks is the perfect little hike to keep up your steps. Ok, it’s not really little because it is the second highest point in San Francisco and it has some fantastic 360 degree views of SF. Since it is pretty high up, it gets a bit chilly, so those layers are going to come in handy here. Also, depending on the fog you might not be able to see anything, so that’s really a judgement call for you based on the weather when you’re in SF.
The trails are not particularly long but they are steep, so I hope your glutes have recovered a bit. You have some choices of where to start your hike from. A lot of people simply start from the parking lot and hike up to the top. Another option is to extend your hike by taking the two other trails up to the peak. I would give you some guidance but Bill gave the best guidance to the hike that I’ve seen on the internet, so just check it out here –> (https://choisser.com/hiking/twinpeaks.html).
Now that you are thoroughly exhausted, and probably hate me I am ready to show you one of my favorite, most down to earth places in San Francisco, Mission Delores Park.
I’m going to guess your legs are pretty much jello at this point so take an uber/lyft to Tartine Bakery and pick a dessert first and then head a street over to Bi-Rite to grab actual lunch/beer for your picnic in the park. From here you’ll be able to see the park. I would head to the top of the park so you can get the best views but you’re not coming here for the views or the food, you’re coming here for the vibes. This place just screams laid-back cali. There are people with their dogs, maybe sunbathing, or rollerblading or casually sipping a beer. It feels like you’re getting an authentic SF experience. It’s the perfect place to eat your lunch, whip out some Monopoly Deal (seriously I carry this everywhere with me, you don’t??) and just spend the entire afternoon. Have some deep conversations, or talk about the weather, I don’t care, just take time to chill.
If you want to take a cable car during your SF experience, now is the time to do it. I’d give you directions, but Google Maps is made for this job. You can simply put in Chinatown and it should pop up. If you’d rather, you can also take an uber/lyft. SF Chinatown is the oldest in North America and spans over 20 blocks. The best way to explore this neighborhood is to simply walk around and if it was up to me it would be entirely food inspired. I only penciled in a few hours here, including dinner, and that’s definitely not nearly enough time to experience everything in this culture rich neighborhood but I have a few suggestions. First is the Golden Gate Bakery so you can grab the best egg tart you ever had (in the US). There will likely be a line but it moves quick. Close by is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. It’s a quick pop in to see how they make fortune cookies and snap some pics for 50cents and a sample cookie. Walk down Grant, stopping to wander into random alleys that pique your interest. Grant Ave runs the entire length of Chinatown and while it’s tourist-focused with its gift shops and lanterns and lamp posts, it makes for a pretty picture.
Eventually you’ll get all the way to Bush where you’ll find the Dragon Gate aka the “official” entrance into Chinatown. The gate is considered authentic because it was a gift from Taiwan in 1969 and one of the most photographed part of Chinatown. When you’re ready to stop for dinner you have choices for every budget but I’m going to be bold and just suggest one, Mister Jiu’s. It was one of my favorite meals in SF. You will need a reservation if you’re a bigger group or if you’re a pair you can take your chances at the bar since it’s first come first serve. It’s a modern take on classic Cantonese food and like no other take on Chinese food I’ve ever eaten. It’s also Michelin star rated and serves up delicious, unique drinks ( I recommend Happiness, it was so good I was happy the rest of the night, ha).
Once you get back to SF you’re on your own for the final night. You can go to a bar for a beer, head to bed early, walk around by the water, or whatever your heart desires because this is the end of my SF itinerary!
Day 3+ (If You Have an Extra Day*)
If you have more than 3 days (and you’re 21+) I highly suggest tacking on an extra day or two to visit Napa Valley. There are so many beautiful vineyards to visit, owned and worked by the most wonderful people who supply you with the most delicious wine to drink. Below are two of my favorite vineyards.
* Napa Cellars – the people who work here are so friendly and down to earth and somehow I walked out with a wine club membership. Whoops.
*V Sattui – get the pepper spread. Trust me. They have a little store so you can buy a bottle of wine and food for the perfect picnic with friends.
Extras: Local Picks
I gathered some general food and drink suggestions from my SF friends (Thanks Rich & Jo!) so if you find yourself unsure of where to eat or drink try these out.
Food
Lers Ros: Chain Thai Food Hayes Valley
San Tung: Chicken Wings Inner Sunset
Kasa Indian Eatery: Kati Rolls Castro or Nob Hill
Chong Qing Xiao Mian: unfussy noodles Chinatown
El Farolito: Late Night Mexican Mission
Lao Table : Modern Thai Financial District/SoMa
Drink
Bourbon & Branch: Speakeasy Tenderloin
ABV: Cute Date Night Spot Mission
Greens Sports Bar: Sports Bar Russian Hill
El Techo de Lolinda: Views Mission
Biergarten: Beer Garden (duh) Hayes Valley
Sugar Lounge: Happy Hour $$ Hayes Valley
And that’s a wrap! This was my very first itinerary so I hope it was useful but if there’s anything you’d like to see on the next one, leave a comment !
Wow I def needa go back and follow this itinerary. Thanks for sharing 🙂
We can go back together! 🙂