Today I want to bring you my 4-day itinerary for San Francisco, California. This is one of the most exciting cities to visit in the Golden State, and there’s a lot you can see and do if you have several days here. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the cable cars, Alcatraz, and Union Square, the City by the Bay has a lot to entertain visitors. Read on for my itinerary. I’ve included an interactive San Francisco map with all the places I recommend, too.
4 Days in San Francisco
People always ask me how to spend 4 days in San Francisco, and I have a lot of ideas for them. You’ll know that if you’ve seen San Francisco itineraries like my guide to spending 1 day in San Francisco, my 2-day San Francisco itinerary, my San Francisco itinerary for 3 days, and my itinerary for 5 days in San Francisco.
The nice thing about a 4-day itinerary for San Francisco is that it will give you plenty of time to experience the city’s highlights, discover neighborhoods locals love to hang out in, and take a day trip.
The city is compact and walkable (if you can handle the hills…but my itinerary will keep you on fairly flat ground while you’re on foot), and you can cover a lot of ground in several days.
Whether you want to visit Alcatraz, ride a cable car, take a boat trip on the San Francisco Bay, see the Golden Gate Bridge, shop, eat, drink, get into the city’s past, or do all of the above, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time in SF.
My 4-day San Francisco itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors and people who haven’t been here in a while. It will give you a broad overview of the city and tempt you to come back and explore more on your next trip.
I’ve included a lot of options, so you can customize the itinerary to fit your travel style and interests. You can do this entire 4-day itinerary for San Francisco without a car as well.
Where to Stay in the City
If you’re looking for a place to stay in San Francisco, you’re in luck. The city has a wide range of accommodation for every taste and budget. If you need ideas, you can take a look at my guide to the best area to stay in San Francisco for your style. It will help you decide which part of SF fits you best.
If you’d rather take my word for it, my top pick for accommodation in San Francisco is Hotel Triton. It’s in an ideal downtown location near Union Square, and it has stylish decor and atmosphere. I’ve stayed here before and I can personally vouch for how good it is. You can book a room here.
If you want to see more options for places to stay in San Francisco, you can take a look at some of the most popular hotels in the city here. There are lots of great ones to choose from.
Day 1 in San Francisco: Morning
My 4-day itinerary for San Francisco starts at my absolute favorite spot in the city: the Ferry Building. If you’re here on a Saturday, you’ll be able to visit the famous Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market (there’s also a smaller version on Tuesdays and Thursdays).
This is one of the best and most delicious food markets in California. You’ll find an impressive selection of food and drinks in the shops and stalls here. They sell everything from prepared meals to seasonal produce and fun treats to take home as souvenirs.
The chilaquiles from the Primavera stand are my go-to breakfast every time I’m here (and I’m here a lot). I also love the cupcakes at Miette.
If you’re not here on a market day, you can still go to the Ferry Building in the morning. You’ll be able to get a coffee at a place like Blue Bottle or Red Bay Coffee. You can find something for breakfast at one of the many shops, restaurants, and cafes, too.
After you’re done at the Ferry Building, you can walk outside and board the F train. If you’re lucky, you’ll ride in a vintage carriage from a famous city somewhere around the world. The F line is known for them, and they come in a range of fun colors.
This classic SF streetcar route will carry you north along The Embarcadero waterfront. You’ll be able to take in the views of the piers, landmarks like Coit Tower, and places like the Exploratorium science museum as you go.
Eventually you’ll come to Fisherman’s Wharf. You can either spend a bit of time exploring the area or walk through it to get to the Aquatic Park and Ghirardelli Square.
This part of the city is home to everything from the famous Pier 39 to restaurants offering local Dungeness crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls. You can find museums like Madame Tussauds here as well.
SF residents don’t usually spend time in this area since many see it as touristy, but it’s popular with visitors (especially children), so I’m including it in my 4-day San Francisco itinerary. If nothing else, it’s worth a visit to see the famous resident sea lions at Pier 39 (you’ll hear their barking before you see them).
Furthermore, Fisherman’s Wharf is where you’ll find the only location of California’s popular In-N-Out Burger in the city center. It’s a perfect stop if you want to try the iconic fast food (remember to look up the secret menu before you go).
I’m also including this part of the city in my SF itinerary because while you’re in the area you can take a ferry to Alcatraz or go on a bay cruise. They’re two of the most popular things to do in San Francisco, and they’re definitely worth it.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to book tickets well in advance because they regularly sell out. You can book Alcatraz here and a bay cruise here.
After exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, walk over to Aquatic Park. It offers sweeping waterfront views and a beach from which you can see the curving pier and the historic ships moored in Aquatic Cove. You might even spot some brave swimmers in the perennially cold water.
Behind you is Ghirardelli Square. This place is famous for its historic ice cream factory. There are shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues here, too. If you’re hungry, it’s a good place to stop for lunch (and a big ice cream sundae).
Day 1 in San Francisco: Afternoon
After you’ve explored Ghirardelli Square, you can kick off the first afternoon of your 4 days in San Francisco with a stroll over to the Powell / Hyde cable car stop on the corner of Hyde Street and Beach Street.
Before hopping on the iconic trolley, you can make a quick detour and go into The Buena Vista if you’d like to. This local institution is known for its Irish coffee. Locals and visitors love coming to this place and enjoying the drinks while they soak up the historic atmosphere.
Once on board the cable car, you can ride it through Russian Hill and Nob Hill to get to Union Square in downtown San Francisco. If you want, you can get off mid-way at the landmark red-brick stretch of Lombard Street and walk down the stairs past its eight winding curves.
This block of Lombard is said to be the “crookedest street in the world”. You’ll get to see amazing views of Coit Tower, North Beach, Telegraph Hill, and the Bay Bridge from the top of it. The houses on this part of the street are worth stopping to admire, too.
Back on the cable car, you can take in the classic SF scenery as you ride through the city to Union Square. When you arrive, you can pop into the square to see what’s on. There are always seasonal events and exhibitions taking place, including festive holiday decorations in San Francisco in December.
This part of downtown is a popular place to shop, eat, and drink as well. Whether you want to go into some of the city’s big department stores, find a place for lunch, or take a coffee break, there are plenty of ways to spend your time here.
When you’ve gotten your fix, you can stroll over to Grant Avenue and pass through the Dragon Gate to take a walk in Chinatown. This area has a lot of history, and you’ll find souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes galore. There are colorful murals and lots of noteworthy architectural details to take in here as well.
Walk down Grant Avenue in Chinatown until you get to the intersection with Broadway and Columbus. Now you’ll be in North Beach, one of the most popular areas in the city. This neighborhood is famous for both its Italian roots and its Beat Generation connections.
You can make your way down Columbus Avenue to take in the scene, browse at iconic shops like City Lights Bookstore, see the green flatiron Columbus Tower (aka The Sentinel Building), take in the Transamerica Pyramid, and admire Saints Peter and Paul Church.
If you have time, it’s worth wandering down the stretch of Grant Avenue in this part of the city as well. It’s home to a lot of my favorite North Beach shops, restaurants, and bars. They tend to be better than the ones on Columbus, some of which can be a bit touristy.
While you’re here, Washington Square is worth seeing. This green space is a nice place to take in the atmosphere and rest your legs if you need a break from walking.
Day 1 in San Francisco: Evening
When evening comes, continue the first of your 4 days in San Francisco with an early dinner in North Beach. My go-to restaurants here are Da Flora and Trattoria Contadina. The former is all romance, and the food is excellent. The latter is a lively Italian number that’s popular with locals. If you want something simple, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana is great, too.
After dinner, you can walk over to Green Street to see Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi. This entertaining show is not only a love letter to the City by the Bay, but also a dynamic performance featuring exciting acrobatics and daring feats of courage. I’ve seen it multiple times, and I keep going back. You can book tickets here.
If you have any energy left after the performance, there are lots of places you can get a drink in North Beach or Chinatown. My favorites include Cold Drinks Bar, which has delicious cocktails and a cool atmosphere, and The Saloon, which is not only one of the oldest operational taverns in San Francisco, but also one of the top blues bars in the city.
If you want something really local, head to Northstar. This no-frills dive bar is across the street from Club Fugazi. It’s a favorite with many local residents (some of my friends practically live here).
And if you’re in the mood for a place with a sense of history and character, Cafe Vesuvio is just the ticket. This spot was popular with Beat Generation legends like Neal Cassady, Jack Kerouac, and Allen Ginsberg. The atmosphere and decor show off its countercultural roots.
Day 2 in San Francisco: Morning
In the morning, continue your 4-day itinerary for San Francisco by making your way out to the Golden Gate Bridge or taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour (it will also take you to the bridge).
If you want to go independently, you can drive, take a taxi, board a bus, or rent a bike to get to the bridge. It’s worth a special trip to see this famous feat of engineering in all its glory. Some of my favorite views of the Golden Gate Bridge are from Battery Marcus Miller and Battery Cranston on the west side, but it’s beautiful from any angle.
While you’re here, you can walk along the trails in the Presidio if you want to see sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you go southwest on the Batteries to Bluffs Trail or southeast toward Crissy Field, you’ll be treated to impressive vistas.
If you rent a bike, you can cycle across the bridge, into the Marin Headlands, and all the way down to Sausalito. This waterfront town has great views of the San Francisco skyline and cute shops and restaurants to discover. It’s a steep ride back to the city, so the best way to return is by ferry from Sausalito.
If you want to visit the bridge on a tour, you can book a ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus here. It’s fun to ride it though San Francisco and take in big sightseeing highlights like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Transamerica Pyramid, Haight-Ashbury, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Day 2 in San Francisco: Afternoon
Whether you visit the bridge independently or on a tour, you can head to Alamo Square Park when you’re finished. This green space is famous for the Victorian houses (aka Painted Ladies) that border its east side.
If you walk up the hill in the park, you’ll be rewarded with increasingly good views of the skyscrapers in downtown San Francisco behind them.
Don’t miss the rest of Alamo Square, either. There are beautiful Victorian houses on all sides, and a view of Sutro Tower from the southwest of the park. If you need your caffeine fix, the Lady Falcon Coffee Club truck sits in the center of the square from Thursday to Sunday. It serves great drinks from its vintage windows.
After exploring Alamo Square Park, walk down the hill on Hayes Street to get to Hayes Valley. This neighborhood is just the place to browse some of the city’s coolest independent shops and eat lunch at one of many fun restaurants and cafes.
From the boutiques on Hayes to the park and outdoor gym on Octavia and the restaurants on Gough, there’s no shortage of things to entertain you in this part of SF.
If you have time and interest, you can also walk over to Van Ness Avenue and check out City Hall, the War Memorial Opera House, and Davies Symphony Hall while you’re in the vicinity. The Asian Art Museum is just behind them if you want to get your culture fix, too.
Day 2 in San Francisco: Evening
After eating and shopping your way through Hayes Valley, walk down Gough Street and turn right on Market then left on Valencia to get to The Mission. This fun neighborhood is known for its hipster scene, amazing Mexican food, rich history, colorful murals, and cool bars. It’s the perfect area to spend an afternoon and evening in SF.
Valencia Street is the best place to start a trip to the Mission. It’s where you can find many of the area’s most beloved independent shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. From clothing boutiques to chocolate cafes and trendy places to eat, there’s a lot to get excited about here.
Depending how early you arrive, you can also head over to Dolores Street to see Mission Dolores and Dolores Park. The former dates all the way back to the 18th century (that’s old for California), and it’s the oldest intact building in San Francisco. The latter is a green space with great views of the city. It gets popular with locals on warm, sunny days.
When evening approaches, you have lots of good options for dinner. If you want a burrito, La Taqueria on Mission Street is my top pick. If you’re after something hip, Good Good Culture Club serves creative dishes and fun cocktails, and Foreign Cinema screens independent movies on a huge wall in its outdoor courtyard.
If you’re after a Michelin-starred experience, Lazy Bear is my go-to. If you’re looking for somewhere with a special wine list, Heirloom Cafe is just the spot. And if you want a local staple, Delfina is one of the most popular restaurants in this part of SF.
Before and after dinner, there are lots of bars you can hit up. Whether you’re looking for something new and trendy or a tried-and-tested dive, the Mission has a watering hole for everyone.
From ever-true favorites like Lone Palm to craft beer places like Southern Pacific Brewing and highly-rated cocktail bars like Trick Dog and True Laurel, you have plenty of options here. They’re fun places to start and end your evening in the City by the Bay.
Day 3 in San Francisco: Morning
In the morning you can continue your 4-day San Francisco itinerary with a trip to Haight-Ashbury (call it “The Haight” if you want to sound like a local). This is the ideal place to explore San Francisco’s 1960s countercultural past and see the landmark intersection of Haight and Ashbury.
There’s no shortage of shops to browse here, not to mention lots of places you can pick up a coffee or eat breakfast. From famous vintage clothing stores to cool souvenir shops, hippie cafes, and long-established restaurants, there’s plenty to keep you busy here.
While you’re in the neighborhood, you can walk over to 710 Ashbury Street to see the Grateful Dead house. This was the band’s headquarters in the late ’60s, and they were here during the Summer of Love in 1967.
The beautiful Four Seasons Houses are nearby at 1300-1328 Waller Street, too. This colorful row of four Queen Anne-style homes features facades representing winter, spring, summer, and fall. Built by shipwright John Whelan in 1896, they still look a lot like they did in the late 19th century.
When you’ve finished exploring Haight-Ashbury, walk over to Golden Gate Park. There’s a lot to see and do on the east end of this enormous green space, from the Conservatory of Flowers to the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, and Blue Heron Lake (formerly Stow Lake).
You can spend as long as you’d like to discovering the park, and you can eat lunch here as well. There are food trucks, museum cafes, and other places dotted throughout the green space where you can get something to eat. If it’s a nice day, you can even pick up food in The Haight and have a picnic.
Day 3 in San Francisco: Afternoon
After visiting Golden Gate Park, you can drive or take a bus or taxi to Lands End. Located at the northwestern end of the city, this outdoor area is full of coastal trails with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, rocky beaches, the Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean. You can walk around here and take in the scenery in the afternoon.
You’ll find the Legion of Honor in this part of the city, too. It’s the perfect place to visit if you like art. The museum hosts regular exhibitions, so it’s worth checking to see what’s on before you visit San Francisco.
Day 3 in San Francisco: Evening
After walking around Lands End, you can either make your way to Ocean Beach for dinner or head back towards downtown SF. The former is home to the beloved Beach Chalet restaurant. It’s the perfect place to eat if you want to enjoy views of the water while you dine.
The latter will give you plenty of options. You can live like a local in the Outer Richmond, where there are lots of fun restaurants on Balboa Street. You can also head to the Inner Richmond, where Clement Street is home to beloved spots like Burma Superstar.
Farther east, you can stop off on Fillmore Street to eat at places like The Tailor’s Son, Little Shucker, or State Bird Provisions. Fillmore is near Japantown, which is home to great restaurants like Nari and An.
Still heading east, Van Ness is home to the iconic House of Prime Rib, and Russian Hill has popular restaurants and bars like Frascati and Bar Iris. If you want to return to Hayes Valley, Robin serves amazing sushi. It’s right by Smuggler’s Cove, one of the world’s most famous bars.
If you make it all the way to Nob Hill or downtown San Francisco without stopping for dinner, you can go to a famous tiki bar like the Tonga Room or have dinner at a classic place like Tadich Grill or a contemporary favorite like Quince or Kokkari Estiatorio. Whatever you decide, you’ll end your third day in San Francisco on a delicious note.
Day 4 in San Francisco
The next morning, you can continue your 4 days in San Francisco with a day trip. California is full of exciting places to discover, and there’s something for every taste and budget. There are plenty of day tours you can take if you don’t have a car. You can see options and book one here.
If you love the outdoors, you can go hiking in the Marin Headlands, on the Peninsula, up Mount Tamalpais, along the Cataract Falls Trail, around Angel Island, or elsewhere. You can get ideas in my blog post about the best hiking trails in the Bay Area.
You can also visit Muir Woods National Monument. It’s famous for its giant redwood trees and extensive network of trails. It’s a great place to visit if you want to get into nature near the city. You can book a day tour here.
If you’re really ambitious and you don’t mind a long drive, you can take a day trip to Yosemite National Park. There’s a lot to see and do here, from the stunning views of Yosemite Valley to famous hikes like the Mist Trail. You can book a day tour here.
If wine tasting sounds like your glass of red, Napa or Sonoma would be the perfect day trip for you. If you love Cabernet Sauvignon, a day trip to Napa is just the thing.
If you’re more of a Pinot Noir fan, a day trip to Sonoma is ideal. From the best wineries in Dry Creek Valley to vineyards in Russian River and tasting rooms in downtown Healdsburg, there’s no shortage of Sonoma itineraries you can enjoy. If you want to visit both Napa and Sonoma, you can follow my itinerary or book a day tour here.
If you love the beach, there are lots of day trips you can take. From Half Moon Bay to Bolinas, Stinson Beach, Pescadero, and Santa Cruz, there are plenty of fun places to spend a day on the Pacific Ocean. You can even go to Monterey and Carmel if you’re up for a longer drive. You can book a day tour here.
If cities are your thing, Oakland and Berkeley are right across the bay, and you can reach them on public transport via BART. Whether you want to take a day trip to Berkeley to see the famous university or spend a day discovering the best of downtown Oakland, you’ll have a great time. If you’re up for going farther away, Sacramento is a good choice.
If you prefer waterfront charm, Sausalito and Tiburon are great options. These coastal gems in Marin County are easy to get to by ferry from San Francisco. They’re great places to shop, eat, and soak up the views of the city.
South of San Francisco, Silicon Valley is a popular day trip for those interested in all things tech. The Tech Interactive in San Jose and the Computer History Museum in Mountain View are great places to visit. Elsewhere in the area, downtown Palo Alto and Stanford University are fun and accessible from the city on the CalTrain rail line.
You can see more ideas in my blog post about day trips from San Francisco. It has lots of inspiration, and you’re bound to find one that fits your interests.
San Francisco Map
If you want to follow my 4-day itinerary for San Francisco, you can find an interactive Google map of all the places I mentioned here. I hope it helps you get a feel for the city so you can have fun visiting.
4 Days in San Francisco
I hope my 4-day San Francisco itinerary has helped you decide what to do while you’re visiting this part of the Golden State. It’s one of my favorite places in California, and it’s worth spending several days here to discover the highlights.
There’s plenty more to do and see, too, so if you have time, it’s worth staying even longer to see more of the city and the San Francisco Bay Area. Happy travels!
Find this helpful? Buy me a coffee!
Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the California Wayfaring blog.
Pin it!