San Francisco, USA 3 Day Itinerary

San Francisco 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City’s Iconic Landmarks & Piers

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Grindz Cafe (3400 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110)
  • Visit Golden Gate Park and explore the California Academy of Sciences and de Young Museum (55 Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118)
  • Head to the famous Golden Gate Bridge. You can walk or bike across it, or simply enjoy the view from various vantage points.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Giordano Bros (2600 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109), a local favorite for delicious sandwiches
  • Visit Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. Don’t miss the sea lions lounging on the docks!
  • Explore Aquarium of the Bay (Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133) or Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum (175 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94109)

Evening:

  • Dinner at Scoma’s Restaurant (Pier 47, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133), offering fresh seafood with stunning views of the Bay
  • Catch a comedy show at Cobb’s Comedy Club (915 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133) or enjoy live music at a local bar like The Saloon (1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133)

Day 2: Discover the City’s Vibrant Neighborhoods & Culture

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Tartine Manufactory (500 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110), known for its pastries and brunch options
  • Visit Alamo Square Park to see the iconic Painted Ladies houses
  • Explore the historic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, once the epicenter of the ’60s counterculture movement

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Mama’s on Washington Square (1518 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94109), serving classic American comfort food
  • Head to Chinatown, one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America. Don’t forget to visit Fortune Cookie Factory (56 Ross Alley, San Francisco, CA 94108)
  • Explore North Beach and Little Italy, home to Coit Tower and many charming cafes and eateries

Evening:

  • Dinner at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133), featuring Neapolitan-style pizzas made by a Pizzaiolo champion
  • Take a sunset stroll along Lombard Street, known as the “Crookedest Street in the World”
  • Visit Clarion Alley (Valencia St between 17th and 18th St) to see the vibrant murals created by the local arts community

Day 3: Embrace San Francisco’s Tech & Art Scene

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen (1032 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103)
  • Visit South of Market (SoMa) and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (701 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103)
  • Explore Moscone Center and nearby tech companies like Twitter or Uber’s headquarters

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Mission Chinese Food (2234 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110), known for its inventive Sichuan dishes
  • Head to The Mission District and visit the colorful Balmy Alley (between 24th & 25th Streets on Balmy Alley) to see the impressive murals
  • Explore the quirky shops and street art in this vibrant neighborhood

Evening:

  • Dinner at Zuni Cafe (1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102), a San Francisco institution known for its roasted chicken and farm-to-table cuisine
  • Catch a show at The Orpheum Theatre (1192 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102) or enjoy live music at a local venue like The Independent (628 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117)

Things to Know:

  • San Francisco has a cool, marine climate with foggy mornings and afternoons that often clear up in the evening. Pack layers!
  • Public transportation in San Francisco is operated by Muni. Download their mobile app or buy a MuniPass for unlimited rides on buses and light rail.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available.
  • San Francisco is known for its steep hills, so be prepared for some walking or opt for a cable car ride for the best views!

Tips:

  • Try clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery (Pier 39) or Alioto’s (Fisherman’s Wharf)
  • Don’t miss the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge – it’s an unforgettable sight!
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas like Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square
  • Embrace the unique, friendly spirit of San Francisco and its diverse communities!