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3-Day San Francisco, California Exploration Itinerary

San Francisco, California

3 days

Yerba Buena Gardens
The Painted Ladies
Baker beach
The Palace of Fine Arts
Panoramic view the city

About San Francisco, California

Experience the vibrant culture and iconic landmarks of San Francisco, California. Marvel at the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, explore the infamous Alcatraz Island, and ride the historic cable cars. Wander through the bustling Chinatown, the oldest in North America, and indulge in world-class dining at Fisherman's Wharf. Visit the diverse neighborhoods like the hippie haven of Haight-Ashbury and the colorful Castro district. Enjoy the serene beauty of Golden Gate Park and the stunning views from Twin Peaks. San Francisco offers a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and progressive spirit. Whether you're a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a history buff, the City by the Bay has something for everyone. Come and immerse yourself in the unique charm of San Francisco.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring Iconic Landmarks and Scenic Views

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the city and the bay from this world-renowned landmark. Don't forget to take some memorable photos.

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the nearby Crissy Field. This former U.S. Army airfield now offers a wide expanse of green space perfect for a relaxing meal. You can pick up some local delicacies from the nearby food trucks.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring the Palace of Fine Arts. This architectural gem is a remnant of the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition and is a must-visit for art and history lovers.

Dinner

Have dinner in one of the many seafood restaurants in Fisherman's Wharf. This bustling area is known for its fresh seafood, particularly its clam chowder served in sourdough bread bowls.

Evening

End your day with a scenic sunset cruise around the bay. Enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Morning

Begin your day with a visit to the famous Alcatraz Island. Take a guided tour of the former federal prison and learn about its intriguing history.

Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the vibrant neighborhood of Chinatown. Try some authentic dim sum or other Chinese delicacies in one of the many eateries in the area.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon strolling around the historic Haight-Ashbury district, known for its association with the 1960s counterculture movement. Don't miss the colorful Victorian houses, known as the Painted Ladies.

Dinner

Have dinner in the Mission District, known for its diverse food scene. Try some of the area's famous burritos or other Latin American cuisine.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Twin Peaks, two prominent hills offering panoramic views of the city. It's a perfect spot for some late-night cityscape photography.

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the California Academy of Sciences, home to an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum. It's a great place for both kids and adults.

Lunch

Have lunch in one of the cafes in the surrounding Golden Gate Park. This urban park offers plenty of scenic spots for a relaxing meal.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring the de Young Museum, known for its American art collection. Don't miss the Hamon Observation Tower, which offers stunning views of the city.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner in the upscale Marina District, known for its trendy restaurants and bars. Try some Californian cuisine, which emphasizes fresh, local ingredients.

Evening

End your trip with a leisurely stroll along the Embarcadero, a waterfront area offering stunning views of the Bay Bridge. It's a perfect spot to reflect on your San Francisco adventure.

Attractions in Itinerary (15)

Golden Gate Bridge

1
Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the one-mile-wide strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Attractions
Landmarks
Architecture
Crissy Field

2
Crissy Field

Crissy Field, a former U.S. Army airfield, is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco, California, United States. The area is home to a beach, picnic areas, and a walking and cycling path.

Parks
Beaches
Landmarks
Palace of Fine Arts

3
Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina District of San Francisco, California, is a monumental structure originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in order to exhibit works of art presented there.

Attractions
Monuments
Architecture
Fisherman's Wharf

4
Fisherman's Wharf

One of the city's busiest tourist areas. Souvenir shops and stalls selling crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls appear at every turn.

Attractions
Food and Drink
Shopping
Alcatraz Island

5
Alcatraz Island

A small island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. It served as a lighthouse, a military fortification, and a prison.

Attractions
Landmarks
Tours
Chinatown

6
Chinatown

One of the oldest and most established Chinatowns in the U.S. Beyond iconic Dragon’s Gate, a bustling maze of streets and alleys brims with dim sum joints and other traditional eateries.

Attractions
Food and Drink
Shopping
Cultural Experiences
Neighborhoods
Haight-Ashbury

7
Haight-Ashbury

Known for its history of hippie subculture, Haight-Ashbury is filled with vintage clothing boutiques, record stores, and eclectic local restaurants.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Neighborhoods
Painted Ladies

8
Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies are a row of Victorian houses located at 710–720 Steiner Street, across from Alamo Square park, in San Francisco.

Attractions
Landmarks
Architecture
Neighborhoods
Mission District

9
Mission District

Known for its vibrant arts scene and cultural heritage. This neighborhood is rich in Latin American traditions, and it's the origin of the celebrated Mission burrito.

Attractions
Food and Drink
Cultural Experiences
Neighborhoods
Twin Peaks

10
Twin Peaks

A famous viewpoint offering panoramic views of San Francisco.

Attractions
Landmarks
California Academy of Sciences

11
California Academy of Sciences

One of the largest natural history museums in the world, housing over 26 million specimens. It is located in Golden Gate Park.

Attractions
Museums
Golden Gate Park

12
Golden Gate Park

A large urban park consisting of 1,017 acres of public grounds. It is administered by the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department, which began in 1871 to oversee the development of Golden Gate Park.

Parks
Attractions
Gardens
de Young Museum

13
de Young Museum

One of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco located in Golden Gate Park, this museum is one of the largest public arts institutions in the city of San Francisco.

Attractions
Museums
Marina District

14
Marina District

The Marina District is a neighborhood located in San Francisco, California. The neighborhood sits on the site of the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition, staged after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake to celebrate the reemergence of the city.

Neighborhoods
Food and Drink
Shopping
Embarcadero

15
Embarcadero

A vibrant waterfront area offering a variety of attractions such as the Ferry Building Marketplace, Exploratorium, and stunning views of the Bay Bridge.

Attractions
Food and Drink
Shopping
Neighborhoods

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Clam Chowder in Sourdough Bread Bowl

Clam Chowder in Sourdough Bread Bowl

A creamy clam chowder served in a hollowed-out loaf of sourdough bread, a specialty of San Francisco due to its famous sourdough culture.

Dungeness Crab

Dungeness Crab

A local delicacy, the Dungeness crab is a species of crab that is native to the west coast of North America, and is particularly popular in San Francisco.

Mission-style Burrito

Mission-style Burrito

A type of burrito that originated in the Mission District of San Francisco, it is typically larger and includes more ingredients than a traditional burrito.

Fortune Cookies

Fortune Cookies

Although associated with Chinese cuisine, the modern version of the fortune cookie was actually invented by a Japanese resident of San Francisco.

Cioppino

Cioppino

A seafood stew that originated in San Francisco, Cioppino is typically made with a variety of fresh seafood in a tomato and wine sauce.

Anchor Steam Beer

Anchor Steam Beer

A unique style of beer that originated in San Francisco, it is named for the steam brewing method developed in the city during the Gold Rush era.

Sourdough Bread

San Francisco is famous for its sourdough bread, which has a distinctive tangy flavor due to the local strains of yeast and bacteria used in the fermentation process.

Joe's Special

Joe's Special

A scramble of ground beef, spinach, and eggs, this dish was invented in San Francisco during the 1920s and remains a popular local comfort food.

It's-It Ice Cream Sandwich

A San Francisco original, the It's-It is a sandwich made of ice cream between two oatmeal cookies, all coated in dark chocolate.

Martini

While the exact origin of the martini is disputed, San Francisco is one of the cities that claims to be its birthplace. It's a cocktail made with gin and vermouth.

Dim Sum

Dim Sum

While not unique to San Francisco, the city's large Chinese community means it has some of the best dim sum outside of China.

San Francisco Garlic Fries

A popular snack in San Francisco, these fries are tossed with minced garlic and parsley, offering a flavorful twist on the traditional French fry.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit San Francisco, California is during the fall months of September to November. During this period, the city experiences warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful autumn colors. However, spring is also a great time to visit, particularly from April to June, when the city is blooming with flowers. The weather is mild and the summer crowds have not yet arrived. Keep in mind that San Francisco is known for its microclimates, so it's always a good idea to carry layers no matter when you visit.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 15

Mon

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 19

Mon

Presidents' Day

May 27

Mon

Memorial Day

June 19

Wed

Juneteenth

July 4

Thu

Independence Day

September 2

Mon

Labor Day

October 14

Mon

Columbus Day

November 11

Mon

Veterans Day

November 28

Thu

Thanksgiving Day

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

BART is a public transportation system serving the San Francisco Bay Area. The system connects San Francisco with cities in the East Bay and suburbs in northern San Mateo County. BART operates from around 5 AM to midnight on weekdays, with later start times of 8 AM on Saturdays and 11 AM on Sundays.

Muni Metro is a light rail system operated by the San Francisco Municipal Railway, a part of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. It serves various parts of the city including popular tourist destinations like Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, and the Castro.

San Francisco's iconic cable cars are not just a tourist attraction but also a practical means of transportation, especially for navigating the city's steep hills. There are three lines: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street.

San Francisco has an extensive bus network that covers almost every corner of the city. The buses are operated by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.

San Francisco is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and bike-sharing programs. The city's relatively small size makes it possible to get around easily on a bike.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in San Francisco. These services can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.

Ferries operate between San Francisco and several locations in the Bay Area, including Sausalito, Tiburon, and Alameda. The ferry terminals in San Francisco are located at the Ferry Building and Fisherman's Wharf.

While driving in San Francisco can be challenging due to heavy traffic and scarce parking, renting a car can be a good option if you plan to visit areas outside the city.

San Francisco is a walkable city with many attractions located close to each other. Walking can be a pleasant way to explore the city, especially in areas like Union Square, Chinatown, and Fisherman's Wharf.

Electric scooters are a popular mode of transportation in San Francisco. Several companies offer scooter rentals, which can be a fun and efficient way to get around the city.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency$ USD

Time zoneUTC-5

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone911

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type B

Voltage120 V

Things to know about San Francisco, California as a first time visitor

1

San Francisco is known for its microclimates. The weather can change dramatically from one neighborhood to another.

2

Always carry a jacket or sweater with you, even in the summer. The city can get quite chilly, especially in the evenings.

3

Public transportation is widely available and includes buses, light rail (Muni), and the famous cable cars.

4

If you plan to use public transportation frequently, consider getting a Clipper card for convenience.

5

San Francisco is a very walkable city, but be prepared for steep hills.

6

Tipping is customary in San Francisco. It's standard to tip 15-20% at restaurants and for services.

7

San Francisco is a foodie's paradise. Be sure to try local specialties like sourdough bread, clam chowder, and Mission-style burritos.

8

The city is very eco-conscious. Many places do not provide plastic bags, and there's a strong emphasis on recycling and composting.

9

San Francisco is a very diverse city with a rich cultural history. You'll find neighborhoods like Chinatown, the Mission District, and the Castro each with their own unique character.

10

The city is known for its progressive values and is very LGBTQ+ friendly.

11

San Francisco is in a seismic zone, and earthquakes, while not common, do occur. Familiarize yourself with basic earthquake safety.

12

Parking can be difficult and expensive in San Francisco. If possible, consider using public transportation or rideshares instead of renting a car.

13

The city has a high cost of living. Be prepared for higher prices at restaurants, shops, and hotels.

14

San Francisco has a large homeless population. It's a complex issue that the city is grappling with.

15

The city is bike-friendly with many bike lanes and bike rental services. However, be prepared for hilly terrain.

16

San Francisco is a tech hub. You'll find the headquarters of many major tech companies in the city and surrounding areas.

17

The city has strict smoking laws. Smoking is banned in all public parks and most outdoor seating areas.

18

The city is known for its fog, affectionately called 'Karl the Fog'. It can roll in quickly and dramatically change the weather.

19

San Francisco is surrounded by water on three sides, which can cause wind. It's a good idea to have a windbreaker or heavier jacket.

20

The city has a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and wet winters. Average summer temperatures are around 67°F (19°C) and winter temperatures are around 57°F (14°C).

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear (3 pairs)

  • Socks (3 pairs)

  • T-shirts (3)

  • Long-sleeve shirts (2)

  • Jeans or trousers (2 pairs)

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Lightweight jacket

  • Sweater or hoodie

  • Pajamas

  • Scarf, gloves, and hat (if in winter)

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Sunscreen

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel-size first aid kit

  • Prescription medications

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport/ID

  • Flight tickets

  • Hotel booking confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash

  • Guidebook or map

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Power bank

  • Travel adapter

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Books or e-reader for the flight

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Umbrella

  • Sunglasses

  • Reusable shopping bag

Weather Conditions

San Francisco, California, is known for its unique and diverse weather patterns. It's often said that the city experiences "microclimates," which means the weather can vary dramatically from one neighborhood to the next. Generally, San Francisco is characterized by cool, wet winters and dry summers. The average high temperature in the summer is around 70°F (21°C), while the winter average high is about 57°F (14°C). However, it's not uncommon for temperatures to drop in the evenings, so it's always a good idea to carry a light jacket or sweater, even in the summer. One of the most famous weather phenomena in San Francisco is the fog, often referred to as "Karl the Fog." This fog rolls in from the Pacific Ocean, typically in the morning and late afternoon, and can drastically drop temperatures. It's a beautiful sight, but it can also make things chilly, so pack accordingly. Despite the fog, San Francisco gets a lot of sunshine. The city averages 259 sunny days per year, so don't forget your sunscreen. Even when it's foggy, UV rays can still penetrate, so it's important to protect your skin. Wind is also a common feature in San Francisco. The city is known for its breezy conditions, especially in the afternoon and at higher elevations. If you're planning on visiting areas like Twin Peaks or riding a ferry to Alcatraz, you might want to bring a windbreaker. Lastly, while San Francisco doesn't get a lot of rain, when it does, it's usually between November and March. If you're visiting during these months, it's a good idea to pack a raincoat or umbrella. In conclusion, when visiting San Francisco, it's best to dress in layers and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Enjoy your visit to this beautiful and diverse city!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

15° / 8°

January is the coldest month in San Francisco, but it's still relatively mild compared to many other places. It's a good time to visit if you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.

February

17° / 9°

February sees a slight increase in temperature, but it's still on the cooler side. It's a great time to explore indoor attractions like museums and art galleries.

March

18° / 10°

March marks the beginning of spring in San Francisco. The weather is pleasant, and the city starts to bloom, making it a beautiful time to visit.

April

19° / 10°

April is a great time to visit San Francisco as the weather is mild and the city is full of spring blooms. It's also less crowded than the summer months.

May

20° / 11°

May offers warm and sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities. It's a great time to visit parks and beaches.

June

22° / 12°

June is the start of the summer season in San Francisco. The weather is warm, but not too hot, making it perfect for sightseeing and exploring the city.

July

24° / 13°

July is one of the warmest months in San Francisco. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy warm weather, but be prepared for the occasional foggy day.

August

25° / 14°

August is the peak of summer in San Francisco. The weather is warm and sunny, making it a great time for outdoor activities and beach visits.

September

26° / 14°

September is often the warmest month in San Francisco, with plenty of sunshine. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities.

October

24° / 13°

October sees a slight drop in temperature but it's still quite warm. It's a great time to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds but still enjoy good weather.

November

19° / 10°

November marks the beginning of the cooler season in San Francisco. The weather is still pleasant, making it a good time to explore the city's indoor attractions.

December

15° / 8°

December is one of the cooler months in San Francisco. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy holiday festivities and don't mind the cooler weather.

Did you know?

Did you know that San Francisco is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, which is one of the most photographed bridges in the world?

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