San Francisco Travel Guides: Exploring the City by the Bay
San Francisco: The Weekend Warrior's Guide (2-3 Days )
This guide is for visitors who want to hit the iconic, must-see landmarks in a short amount of time. Prioritize experiences that are geographically close to one another to save time.
Day 1: Icons & Waterfront
Golden Gate Bridge Views
Presidio/Sausalito
Start with a classic photo op. Pro-Tip: Drive or take a bus to Battery Spencer for the best view (or rent a bike and ride across).
Lunch
Ferry Building Marketplace
Embarcadero
Grab a gourmet lunch from one of the many artisan food stalls—perfect for a quick, high-quality bite.
Afternoon
Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39
Fisherman's Wharf
See the famous sea lions and enjoy the classic tourist attractions. Get a sourdough bread bowl of clam chowder.
Late Afternoon
Alcatraz Island Tour
Alcatraz Island (from Pier 33)
MUST BOOK WEEKS IN ADVANCE. This is a powerful and iconic historical experience. Allow about 3 hours round-trip.
Evening
Dinner & Cable Car Ride
North Beach
Have dinner in historic North Beach (SF's Little Italy), then ride a historic Cable Car back toward your accommodation.
Day 2: City Culture & Hills
Explore Chinatown
Chinatown
Walk through the Dragon's Gate, grab a dim sum breakfast, and visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.
Late Morning
Union Square & Cable Car Museum
Nob Hill/Union Square
Window shop or explore the historic heart of Downtown. Stop by the free Cable Car Museum to see the massive hauling machinery.
Lunch
Lunch Near Dolores Park
Mission District
Grab a famous San Francisco burrito (El Farolito is a classic choice) and take it to Mission Dolores Park for a picnic lunch and epic people-watching (if the weather is clear!).
Afternoon
Painted Ladies & Lombard Street
Alamo Square/Russian Hill
Quick photo stop at the Painted Ladies (Alamo Square) then head to Lombard Street, "The Crookedest Street," to see the views.
Evening
Dinner & Drinks
Haight-Ashbury or Castro
Explore the historic streets of the 60s counterculture movement in Haight-Ashbury or enjoy the vibrant nightlife in The Castro.
San Francisco: The Robust Week-Long Guide (5 Days)
This itinerary allows for a deeper dive into the city's museums, parks, and unique neighborhoods. It includes the weekend stops but spreads them out and adds cultural depth.
Day 1-2: Classic Icons
Day 1: Same as the Weekend Guide (Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz).
Day 2: Same as the Weekend Guide (Chinatown, Cable Car Museum, Lombard Street, Painted Ladies).
Day 3: Art, Parks & Nature
Morning: Immerse yourself in the Golden Gate Park. You can rent a bike or visit one of the major attractions within:
California Academy of Sciences (aquarium, planetarium, rainforest all under one roof).
de Young Museum (fine arts and a free observation tower).
Japanese Tea Garden.
Lunch: Grab a casual lunch in the Inner Sunset neighborhood.
Afternoon: Visit the stunning ruins of the Sutro Baths and walk the nearby Land's End Trail for dramatic coastal views and a different perspective of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Evening: Dinner in the Richmond District—explore the world-class Russian, East Asian, and local eateries.
Day 4: History & Bay Exploration
Morning: Tour the Presidio National Park, a former military fort turned beautiful park. Visit the Walt Disney Family Museum or hike to the historic cannons.
Lunch: Picnic lunch at Crissy Field with unbeatable views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Afternoon: Take the ferry from the Embarcadero to the charming seaside town of Sausalito. Browse the art galleries and enjoy the Mediterranean-like atmosphere.
Evening: Dine in Sausalito or return to the city for a high-end experience at a spot like House of Prime Rib(requires reservation).
Day 5: Mission Murals & Local Flavor
Morning: Explore the incredible street art and vibrant culture of the Mission District. Walk down Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley to see the murals.
Lunch: Enjoy authentic Mexican food in the Mission—the neighborhood is famous for its burritos and Mission-style tacos.
Afternoon: Relax at Mission Dolores Park. Then, browse the unique shops of the Valencia Street corridor.
Evening: Experience one of SF's Michelin-starred or critically acclaimed restaurants in the Mission or Hayes Valley, such as Lazy Bear or Foreign Cinema.
San Francisco: Living Like a Local Guide
This guide focuses on unique, non-touristy experiences, local hangouts, and the everyday pleasures of being an SF resident.
Neighborhood Exploration & Hidden Gems
Catch a Sunset at Bernal Heights Park: Skip the Twin Peaks crowds. This hilltop park offers a 360-degree, unencumbered view of the entire city skyline, the bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge. It's a favorite dog-walking spot for locals.
Discover the Tiled Steps: Walk the beautiful mosaic-covered 16th Avenue Tiled Steps or the Hidden Garden Steps in the Sunset District. They are community art projects and offer a secret, charming workout.
Get Lost in the Presidio: Locals use this massive park for biking, hiking, and chilling. Find the Yoda Fountain at the Lucasfilm Headquarters, walk through the eerie National Cemetery, or relax at Marshall Beach for a unique, close-up view of the Golden Gate.
Visit the Wave Organ: Tucked away on a jetty near the Marina, this acoustic sculpture uses the movement of the Bay's waves to create low, subtle, gurgling sounds. It's a truly unusual, peaceful, and uncrowded spot.
Local Food & Hangouts
Farmers Market Morning: Visit the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Saturday mornings (or Tuesday/Thursday). Locals fill their tote bags with fresh produce and artisan goods—grab a coffee and a pastry and people-watch.
Local Burrito Power Rankings: Skip the clam chowder at Pier 39. Have a Mission-style burrito and debate the best spot: La Taqueria (cash only, famous), El Farolito (massive and beloved), or another neighborhood favorite.
Park Day: On any sunny day, head to Dolores Park (Mission) or the Panhandle of Golden Gate Park. Bring your own picnic, blankets, and enjoy the sun. This is the heart of local, spontaneous social life.
Dive Bar & Cocktail Scene:
For a classic dive feel, check out the Zeitgeist beer garden.
For a quirky themed experience, visit the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar in the Fairmont Hotel (it has a full indoor pool).
The Real SF Culture
See the Bison in Golden Gate Park: Yes, there is a small herd of American Bison living in an enclosure in the western end of the park. It's an unexpected and free local sight.
Browse the Books in North Beach: Spend a morning at City Lights Bookstore, the legendary independent bookstore founded by Beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, then grab coffee nearby at a classic North Beach cafe.
Cable Car Museum (Again!): Even locals love the free museum where you can see the colossal cables pulling the whole system under the city streets. It's a great little-known piece of engineering history.
