San Francisco 3-Day Itinerary: Best Way to Spend Your Trip to the City by the Bay
Today I want to bring you my San Francisco 3-day itinerary. The City by the Bay is one of the most popular places to visit in California, and there's a lot you can do and see if you have a few days or a long weekend here. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Union Square, the cable cars, and Alcatraz, San Francisco has a lot to entertain visitors. Read on for my itinerary. I've even included an interactive map with all the places I recommend.
San Francisco 3-Day Itinerary
I often get asked how to spend 3 days in San Francisco, and I have a lot to say on the subject. I've been spending time here my whole life, and I know the city as well as any.
Having been born and raised just south of SF, I visited for day trips when I was a child and I lived in here for three years after college. These days I spend a lot of my time in SF, and I love sharing about my favorite places. You'll know that if you've seen itineraries like my guide to spending 1 day in San Francisco, my 2-day San Francisco itinerary, my 4-day itinerary for San Francisco, or my post about 5 days in San Francisco.
The great thing about a San Francisco 3-day itinerary is that it will allow you sufficient time to take in the highlights and explore some of the areas locals spend time in. 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 exploring on foot), and you can cover a lot of ground in a few days.
Whether you want to ride a cable car, take a boat trip on the San Francisco Bay, see the big attractions, go shopping, eat, drink, or delve into the city's past, you'll find a lot to love when you're visiting SF.
My 3-day itinerary for San Francisco includes a variety of things to do and places to discover. It's ideal for first-time visitors and those who haven't been here in a while. It will give you a great overview of the highlights of the city and tempt you to come back and explore more of them on your next trip.
I've included a lot of options, so you can tailor it to fit your travel style and preferences. You can do this whole San Francisco 3-day itinerary without a car, too.
Where to Stay in SF
As far as places to stay in San Francisco go, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation. The city has a range of options for various tastes and budgets. 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 the city fits you best.
If you'd prefer to take my word for it, my favorite place to stay in SF is Hotel Triton. It's in a great 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 additional options for places to stay, you can take a look at some of the most popular hotels in the city here. There's no shortage of good ones to choose from.
Day 1 in San Francisco: Morning
My San Francisco 3-day itinerary starts at my all-time favorite place in the city: the Ferry Building. If it's a Saturday, you're in luck. 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 most amazing food markets in California. You'll find a huge variety of food and drinks in the shops and stalls, from prepared meals to produce and goodies to take home as souvenirs. The chilaquiles from the Primavera stand are my go-to breakfast every time I come here (and I'm here a lot).
Even if you're not here on a Saturday you can still go to the Ferry Building in the morning. You'll be able to pick up a coffee at places like Red Bay Coffee and Blue Bottle. You can find something for breakfast at one of the many shops, cafes, and restaurants, too.
After you get your fix at the Ferry Building, walk outside and board the F train. If you're lucky, you'll get to ride in a vintage carriage from a city around the world. The F line is famous for having them, and they come in a range of bright colors.
This popular streetcar route will take you north along The Embarcadero. You'll get a chance to take in waterfront views of the piers, Coit Tower, and places like the Exploratorium science museum as you go.
Soon you'll arrive at Fisherman's Wharf, where you can either spend some time discovering 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 souvenir shops on Pier 39 to restaurants offering Dungeness crab and classic clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls. You can find museums like Madame Tussauds here, too.
Locals tend to avoid the Wharf since many see it as touristy, but it's popular with visitors (especially children), so I'm including it in my 3-day San Francisco itinerary. If nothing else, it's worth a trip to see the famous resident sea lions at Pier 39 (you'll hear them before you see them).
Additionally, Fisherman's Wharf is where you'll find the only location of California's iconic In-N-Out Burger in the city center. It's just the place to stop if you want to try the famous fast food (don't forget to look up the secret menu before you go).
I'm also including this part of the city in my San Francisco itinerary because while you're in the area you can take a ferry to Alcatraz or do a bay cruise. They're some of the most popular things to do in SF, so you'll need to book in advance (especially for Alcatraz, as tickets regularly sell out). You can book Alcatraz here and a bay cruise here.
When you're done exploring Fisherman's Wharf, you can walk over to Aquatic Park. It offers waterfront views and a beach from which you can admire the pier and the historic ships moored in the bay. You might even spot some brave swimmers in the perennially cold water.
Behind it, Ghirardelli Square is famous for its historic ice cream factory. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues here as well. If you're hungry, it's a good place to stop for lunch (and an ice cream sundae, of course!).
Day 1 in San Francisco: Afternoon
When you're finished exploring Ghirardelli Square, start the first afternoon of your San Francisco 3-day itinerary with a walk over to the Powell / Hyde cable car stop on the corner of Hyde Street and Beach Street.
Before boarding the famous trolley, you can make an optional detour and go into The Buena Vista. A local landmark, it's famous for Irish coffee. Locals and visitors alike love coming to this place, and it has a fun historic atmosphere.
Once on the cable car, you can ride it all the way through Russian Hill and Nob Hill to Union Square in downtown San Francisco. If you want to, you can get off at the famous red-brick stretch of Lombard Street and walk down the stairs past its eight winding curves.
This block of Lombard claims to be the "crookedest street in the world", and you'll enjoy sweeping views of Coit Tower, Telegraph Hill, North Beach, and the Bay Bridge from the top. The houses on this part of the street are a treat to admire, too.
Back on the cable car, you can soak up the San Francisco scenery as you ride through the city to Union Square. When you arrive, you can go into the square to see what's on. There are lots of seasonal events and exhibitions, including festive holiday decorations in San Francisco in December.
This part of downtown SF is a popular place to shop, eat, and drink as well. Whether you want to explore some of the city's famous department stores, have lunch, or stop for a coffee break, there's no shortage of ways to spend your time here.
When you're ready to move on, walk over to Grant Avenue and go through the Dragon Gate to take a stroll through Chinatown. This area is rich in history, and it has souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes to discover. There's street art and lots of eye-catching architectural details to take in here, too.
Walk through Chinatown on Grant Avenue until you reach the intersection with Broadway and Columbus. Now you'll find yourself in North Beach, one of the most exciting areas in the city. This part of SF is famous for both its Italian roots and its Beat Generation connections.
You can head down Columbus to soak up the atmosphere, pop into iconic places like City Lights Bookstore, see the famous flatiron Columbus Tower (aka The Sentinel Building), and admire Saints Peter and Paul Church.
If you have time, it's worth discovering the stretch of Grant Avenue in this area as well. It's home to a lot of my favorite shops, restaurants, and bars in North Beach. They tend to be better than the ones on Columbus, some of which can be a bit touristy.
While you're in the area, Washington Square is worth a wander. This green space is a good place to take in the local scene and rest your legs if you need a break from all the walking.
Day 1 in San Francisco: Evening
When the sun starts to go down, continue the first of your 3 days in San Francisco by having an early dinner in North Beach. My favorite restaurants here are Da Flora and Trattoria Contadina. The former is a romantic place, and the food is delicious. The latter is a lively Italian spot that's popular with locals.
After dinner, make your way over to Green Street to see Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi. This exciting show is not only a love letter to the city, but also an entertaining performance featuring impressive 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 some energy left after the show, there's no shortage of places to get a drink in North Beach or Chinatown. My favorites include Cold Drinks Bar, which has great cocktails and a stylish 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 truly local, head to Northstar. This no-frills dive bar is conveniently located across the street from Club Fugazi. It's a favorite with locals (some of my friends practically live here).
And if you're after something with a bit of history and character, Vesuvio is just the ticket. This place was popular with Beat Generation legends like Jack Kerouac, Neal Cassady, and Allen Ginsberg. The atmosphere and decor reflect its countercultural roots.
Day 2 in San Francisco: Morning
When morning comes, continue your San Francisco 3-day itinerary by heading 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 choose to go independently, you can drive, take a taxi, get on a bus, or rent a bike to get to the bridge. It's worth a special trip to see this famous feat of engineering up close. Some of my favorite views of it are from Battery Cranston and Battery Marcus Miller on the west side, but it's hard to go wrong.
While you're here, you can walk along the trails in the Presidio if you want to see beautiful 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 sweeping vistas.
If you rent a bike, you can cycle across the bridge and all the way down to Sausalito. This waterfront town has sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline and great shops and restaurants to discover. It's a steep ride back to the city, so the best way to return to SF is by ferry from Sausalito.
If you choose to visit the bridge on a tour, you can book a ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus here. You can ride it though SF to take in famous sightseeing highlights like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Transamerica Pyramid, Fisherman's Wharf, and Haight-Ashbury.
Day 2 in San Francisco: Afternoon
Whether you see the bridge independently or on a tour, head to Alamo Square when you're finished. This park is famous for the Victorian houses that border its east side. They're commonly referred to as the Painted Ladies. If you head up the hill in the park, you'll be rewarded with increasingly good views of the city skyline behind them.
While you're here, don't miss the rest of the square. There are stunning Victorian houses on all sides, and a great view of Sutro Tower from the park's southwest corner. If you need a caffeine hit, the Lady Falcon Coffee Club truck sits in the middle of the square from Thursday to Sunday. It serves delicious drinks from its stylish vintage windows.
When you've finished exploring Alamo Square, walk down Hayes Street to get to Hayes Valley. This area is great if you want to browse some of the city's coolest independent shops and eat lunch at one of the many good restaurants in the neighborhood.
From the boutiques on Hayes to the park on Octavia and the restaurants on Gough, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to things to entertain you here.
If you want to, 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 area. The Asian Art Museum is here as well if you want to get your culture fix.
Day 2 in San Francisco: Evening
After eating and shopping in Hayes Valley, you can walk down Gough, turn right on Market, then turn left on Valencia to get to The Mission. This part of San Francisco is known for its hipster scene, delicious Mexican food, rich history, and trendy bars. It's the perfect spot to spend an afternoon and evening in the city.
Valencia Street is one of the best places to start a visit to the Mission. It's where a lot of the neighborhood's best independent shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes are. From clothing boutiques to chocolate cafes and trendy places to eat, there's a lot to love on this road.
Depending how early you arrive, you can also pop over to see Mission Dolores and Dolores Park. The former dates back to the 18th century, and it's the oldest intact building in San Francisco. The latter is a green space with great views. It's popular with locals on sunny days.
When it's time for dinner, you have no shortage of options. If you want a burrito, La Taqueria on Mission Street is my go-to. If you're after something cool, Good Good Culture Club serves inventive dishes and creative cocktails, and Foreign Cinema screens independent movies on a big wall in its hip outdoor space.
If you want a Michelin-starred experience, Lazy Bear is my top choice. If you're looking for somewhere with a great wine list, Heirloom Cafe is just the place. And if you're after a local staple, Delfina is one of the most popular restaurants in this part of San Francisco.
Before and after dinner, there are lots of bars you can go to. Whether you're looking for something new and noteworthy or a tried-and-true dive, the Mission has something for everyone.
From long-standing favorites like Lone Palm to craft beer numbers like Southern Pacific Brewing and top-rated cocktail spots like True Laurel and Trick Dog, you have a lot of options. They're great places to start and end your evening.
Day 3 in San Francisco: Morning
The next morning you can continue your San Francisco 3-day itinerary with a trip to Haight-Ashbury (say "The Haight" if you want to sound like a local). This is the perfect place to delve into San Francisco's 1960s counterculture past and see the famous intersection of Haight and Ashbury.
There are lots of shops to pop into here, and plenty of places where you can get a coffee or have breakfast. From vintage clothing stores to cool souvenir shops, hippie cafes, and long-established restaurants, there's plenty to take in here.
While you're in the area, you can see the Grateful Dead house at 710 Ashbury Street. This was the famous band's headquarters in the late '60s, and they were here during the Summer of Love in 1967.
You can also see the Four Seasons Houses nearby at 1300-1328 Waller Street. This row of beautiful Queen Anne-style homes features facades representing the winter, spring, summer, and fall. They were built by shipwright John Whelan in 1896, and they still look much like they did in the 19th century.
When you're done exploring The Haight, make your way down to Golden Gate Park for a walk. There's a lot to do and see on the east end of this enormous green space, including the Conservatory of Flowers, de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, Blue Heron Lake (formerly Stow Lake), and San Francisco Botanical Garden.
You can spend as much time as you'd like exploring the park, and you can have lunch here as well. There are food trucks, museum cafes, and other places dotted throughout the park where you can get something to eat.
Day 3 in San Francisco: Afternoon
When you're done exploring Golden Gate Park, you can drive or take a bus or taxi to Lands End. Located at the northwestern end of the city, this area has beautiful coastal trails with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Ocean. You can walk around here and take in the scenery in the afternoon.
The Legion of Honor museum is in this area, too. It's a great place to visit if you love art. There are regular exhibitions here, so it's worth checking to see what's on before you visit the city.
Day 3 in San Francisco: Evening
When you're done exploring Lands End, you can either make your way to Ocean Beach for dinner or head back towards downtown. The former is home to the famous Beach Chalet restaurant. It's a great 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 eat like a local in the Outer Richmond, where there are lots of great restaurants on Balboa Street. You can also head to the Inner Richmond, where Clement Street is home to iconic places like Burma Superstar.
Farther east, you can go to Fillmore Street and eat at places like Little Shucker, The Tailor's Son, or State Bird Provisions. It's near Japantown, which is home to delicious restaurants like An and Nari.
Still heading east, Van Ness is the site of the iconic House of Prime Rib, and Russian Hill has famous restaurants and bars like Frascati and Bar Iris. If you want to go back to Hayes Valley, Robin does excellent sushi and Smuggler's Cove is one of the most famous bars in the world.
If you get 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 and have dinner at a classic place like Tadich Grill or a contemporary favorite like Kokkari Estiatorio. Whatever you decide, you'll end your 3 days in San Francisco on a delicious note.
San Francisco Map
If you want to follow my San Francisco 3-day itinerary, 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 enjoy your time visiting.
3 Days in San Francisco
I hope my 3-day itinerary for San Francisco has helped you decide what to do on your trip to this exciting part of the Golden State. SF is one of my favorite cities in California, and it's worth spending a few days here to discover the best of it.
There's plenty more to do and see, too, so if you have time, it's worth staying even longer to take a day trip from San Francisco. Happy travels!
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