Every thing you must know to plan the proper 3 days in San Francisco itinerary!
Situated within the Bay Space of Northern California, San Francisco is likely one of the most iconic American cities.
Identified for its steep hills, pastel homes, vibrant tradition, and funky climate, it’s a really distinctive metropolis.
From the Gold Rush to Silicon Valley, this metropolis has at all times been on the forefront of know-how.
Among the firms that decision San Francisco dwelling embody Google, Fb, Uber, and Airbnb.
Chances are high you’ll use all of them when planning a visit!
Talking of planning your journey, let’s get into it!
Lace-up your strolling sneakers, cost these digital camera batteries, and prepare for an epic 3 days in San Francisco itinerary!
San Francisco Highlights
| Golden Gate Park Fisherman’s Wharf Chinatown Sea lions at Pier 39 Golden Gate Bridge Aquarium of the Bay Walt Disney Household Museum Palace of High quality Arts |
Exploratorium San Francisco Zoo and Gardens Haight-Ashbury The Presidio Alcatraz Island Ghirardelli Sq. Lombard Avenue Napa Valley Wine Nation |
Find out how to Spend a Excellent 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary
Visiting San Francisco Journey Ideas
When to Go to San Francisco
Earlier than determining what to do with 3 days in San Francisco, you’ll must resolve when to go to.
The town is known for its unpredictable climate. It may be foggy and chilly on the seaside and scorching scorching and sunny only a few blocks away!
If that is your first journey, one widespread false impression about San Francisco is that it’s at all times heat.
That’s not the case within the Bay Space of Northern California!
It really will get fairly chilly right here between November and February.
These months additionally see essentially the most rainfall, which may undoubtedly put a damper in your journey.
The heaters months are literally September and October, in order that’s a good time to go to San Francisco.
Crowds are manner smaller in fall than they’re through the summer time, so you may rating some strong offers on lodging and actions.
San Francisco CityPASS
One factor we extremely suggest is that you just buy the San Francisco CityPASS earlier than you arrive.
Seeing as the way you’ll be doing fairly a little bit of sightseeing in San Francisco, it is a worthwhile funding and one of the best ways to see the gems of town.
You’ll discover that the mix ticket will get you into 5 of the next points of interest:
- California Academy of Sciences
- Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Journey
- Aquarium of the Bay or
- Walt Disney Household Museum
- Exploratorium or
- San Francisco Zoo and Gardens
The San Francisco CityPASS saves you fairly a bit of cash (upwards of 45%) because it solely prices USD$76 for adults and $56 for teenagers.
You’ll be able to simply go to all of those locations as a part of your 3 days in San Francisco!
SPECIAL DEAL: Buy your San Francisco CityPASS forward of time to entry all the largest reductions for points of interest within the metropolis.
Getting Round San Francisco
The cable automobile is likely one of the finest methods to get round San Francisco. You’ll be able to choose up a 3-day customer passport for USD$32.
These are legitimate on the cable automobile, streetcars, and the Muni bus and metro system.
Some folks desire the comfort of the hop-on, hop-off bus over the cable automobile.
A 1-day go prices USD$49 and can get you to such landmarks as Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
There are additionally loads of public transport choices to and from town heart and San Francisco Worldwide Airport, which is handy.
Now that you just’ve acquired some primary information on town, let’s take a more in-depth take a look at what to do in San Francisco for 3 days.
E-book your ONE DAY hop-on hop-off go and your TWO DAY go right here!
Day 1 – Morning
Wherever you resolve to remain, be sure to have a giant breakfast and gasoline up with some caffeine.
You’re going to wish all of the vitality you will get for a giant first day in San Francisco!
A Stroll on Ocean Seaside
To kick off 3 days in San Francisco, soar on the N Judah gentle rail. Journey it till the very finish to the Ocean Seaside cease.
To be clear, this isn’t a day on the seaside. The water of the Pacific Ocean is usually fairly frigid right here and the climate can change right away.
Ocean Seaside is gorgeous, although, and is a good place for a leisurely stroll alongside the Pacific Ocean.
Plus, you may go from the seaside straight into the following cease.
Golden Gate Park
Earlier than we get to the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s time to take a look at the Golden Gate Park.
Golden Gate Park covers over 1,000 acres and is definitely 20% larger than Central Park in New York!
There’s a lot to see and do in Golden Gate Park that you could possibly simply spend all the day there.
With simply 3 days in San Francisco, nevertheless, you’ll want to maneuver a bit faster.
The Golden Gate Park has trails, picnic areas, lakes, gardens, playgrounds, and even a Dutch windmill.
It’s dwelling to a conservatory of flowers, a Japanese tea backyard, a wonderful artwork museum, and way more.
There’s a golf course and a disc golf course right here. Golden Gate Park additionally has tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and a skate space for sports activities fanatics.
You may as well lease a motorbike or be part of a motorbike tour that can assist you cowl extra floor.
For those who purchased the San Francisco CityPASS, you’ll wish to cease on the California Academy of Sciences.
Tickets price USD$35 in any other case. You should purchase a ‘Skip the Line’ ticket right here to get you in faster.
There’s quite a bit occurring right here, with an aquarium, planetarium, and even a rainforest!
It’s fairly superb all of the various things you are able to do in a single park!
After making it all the size of the Golden Gate Park, sit down and relax for a bit on Hippie Hill.
It will not be the summer time of affection anymore, however the hippie spirit remains to be alive and nicely in San Francisco!
Day 1 – Afternoon
No matter you determined to do whereas visiting the Golden Gate Park, likelihood is you’re getting fairly hungry and a bit drained at this level.
Fortunately, you’ll find yourself in certainly one of San Francisco’s coolest neighbourhoods upon leaving the park. There are many choices for lunch right here!
Haight-Ashbury
Again within the ’60s through the summer time of affection, the Haight-Ashbury space of San Francisco was the birthplace of the hippie counterculture motion.
Younger folks from all corners of the nation flocked right here and established a neighborhood centred round liberal beliefs, music, and medicines.
The primary head store within the nation opened up right here and was a well-liked assembly place.
Whereas the unique Psychedelic Store is not round, there are many funky outlets right here to peruse.
Along with head outlets, you’ll additionally discover some fairly superior file and outfitters right here.
Remember to try Amoeba Data, Buffalo Change, Many years of Trend, and Cherished to Loss of life.
My private favorite a part of visiting this space is seeing the home the place the Grateful Useless used to reside.
710 Ashbury was dwelling to the legendary band from 1965-68 and it stays a well-liked attraction for Deadheads from all around the world.
For those who occur to be on the town on a Friday, you may join the Flower Energy Strolling Tour of the Haight.
Excursions begin at 2 PM and final about 2.5 hours.
It prices USD$20 per particular person and you may e-book on-line prematurely.
Native Parks
Once you’ve had your fill of the Haight, it’s time to take a look at one other native park or two across the metropolis.
The aptly named Buena Vista Park actually offers you a buena vista (“good view”) of the San Francisco skyline.
Just a few blocks away, you’ll discover Alamo Sq. Park.
That is the very best spot to snap a photograph of San Francisco’s iconic “Painted Women” – a row of vibrant Victorian-style properties.
Generally known as “Postcard Row,” this block of homes actually does make for some postcard-worthy photographs.
If they give the impression of being acquainted, it’s most likely since you’ve seen them earlier than.
The properties on Alamo Sq. have been used within the opening credit of the well-known TV present “Full Home.”
READ NEXT: Add these nice issues to do in San Francisco to your itinerary!
Day 1 – Night
It’s been a busy first of your 3 days in San Francisco so I like to recommend taking it simple in your first night.
After you discover San Francisco all day and canopy some critical floor, it’s time to relax out a bit!
Dinner & Drinks
When you end your photoshoot with the Painted Women, you’ve acquired a number of choices for dinner & drinks within the space.
You’ll be able to stick across the Alamo Sq. Park space or stroll a number of blocks to the Decrease Haight or Hayes Valley.
There are many eating places, breweries, and bars within the space from which to decide on.
Take your choose from Mexican, Thai, Italian, Japanese, Greek, and extra.
There are additionally craft breweries, Irish pubs, and quirky dive bars. The choices are virtually infinite right here!
Stay Music
For those who’ve acquired any gasoline left within the tank and also you’re up for it, there are a number of wonderful music venues within the space.
There’s the San Francisco Symphony in the event you really feel like classing it up a bit.
Different choices embody SF Jazz, the Fillmore, and the Invoice Graham Civic Auditorium.
I at all times test Jambase to see what’s taking part in once I’m travelling.
Day 2 – Morning
Our 3 days in San Francisco journey planner rolls on with day two.
Hopefully, you bought some strong sleep and had a considerable breakfast as a result of we’ve acquired one other huge day!
Lyon Avenue Steps
For many who prefer to kickstart their day with slightly train, a go to to the Lyon Avenue Steps is a strong selection.
They’re situated on the southeast nook of the massive Presidio Park the place you’ll be spending the morning.
You’ll need to stroll up 332 steps right here, nevertheless it’s nicely value it for the epic views of the bay.
Remember to carry your digital camera for this one!
Whereas it’s value a go to on a transparent day, I ought to be aware which you could skip out on the Lyon Avenue steps if San Francisco’s notorious fog rolls in.
READ NEXT: Contemplate taking a visit to the close by mountains after studying our publish on all the good issues to do in Lake Tahoe!
The Presidio
Whether or not you stroll up the steps or not, the remainder of your morning must be devoted to exploring the Presidio, particularly if it’s your first time visiting San Francisco.
As soon as the positioning of a US Military publish, it’s now a nationwide park.
There’s quite a bit occurring right here and the park is kind of giant. So that you’ll have to select and select what you do right here.
For those who begin with the steps, you may then stroll alongside the scenic Lovers’ Lane path.
Close by is the Letterman Digital Arts Middle. It’s dwelling to Lucasfilm, the legendary studio behind the Star Wars collection.
You’ll be able to drop into the foyer throughout working hours to snap photographs with life-sized statues of Darth Vader and Boba Fett.
Plus there’s additionally a Yoda Fountain out entrance. It’s undoubtedly a essential cease for all of the Star Wars followers on the market!
Subsequent up is the Palace of High quality Arts. This stunning Greco-Roman palace was initially constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition.
The Palace of High quality Arts is now a well-liked occasion house and a terrific spot for photographers to take a look at. It additionally showcases a number of, you guessed it, wonderful arts!
The venue is open from 10 AM-5 PM from Tuesday to Sunday and also you’ll want about an hour to test all of it out.
An alternate strategy to the Lyon Avenue steps is beginning your go to off on the coast at Baker Seaside.
From right here, you may entry the good Batteries to Bluffs path alongside the shoreline.
That’s not all, although. The Presidio can be dwelling to some museums, a number of public artwork, loads of scenic overlooks, and some seashores.
The most effective views of the Golden Gate Bridge is feasible from the Golden Gate Overlook.
You would undoubtedly spend all day right here, however we’ve acquired a busy San Francisco itinerary forward of us nonetheless!
Day 2 – Afternoon
So far as lunch goes, you’ve acquired a number of choices.
There are a number of cafes and eating places within the park, together with the Presidio Social Membership and The Commissary.
For those who’d relatively sit exterior and avoid wasting cash, you are able to do that as a substitute!
There are many picnic areas within the Presidio, so you may at all times simply pack a lunch.
Golden Gate Bridge
Subsequent up is essentially the most iconic picture of town – the Golden Gate Bridge.
It’s listed as one of many Seven Fashionable Wonders of the World and attracts over 10 million guests every year!
To study extra about this engineering marvel, you may drop into the Golden Gate Bridge welcome centre.
They’ve acquired some informative reveals on the Golden Gate Bridge and a few nice views of it as nicely.
Whilst you can simply take within the views from an overlook, one of the best ways to essentially expertise the Golden Gate Bridge is by strolling throughout it!
This could undoubtedly be excessive in your record of what to do in San Francisco.
It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to stroll throughout the 1.7-mile bridge.
You would additionally choose to lease a bicycle from a close-by store and journey that throughout.
When you get to the opposite facet of the Golden Gate Bridge, you’re in Marin County.
Seeing as the way you walked all the way in which throughout the bridge, it’s essential to see the view of San Francisco from that facet of the water.
There are a number of trails and viewpoints on the Marin facet of the bridge, in addition to Kirby Cove Seaside and the Presidio Yacht Membership.
The latter is dwelling to Travis Marina, a chilled-out bar with low-cost drinks and superior views throughout the San Francisco Bay.
Day 2 – Night
After that vast day, you may wish to relax again at your lodging for a bit.
With simply 3 days in San Francisco, you must squeeze in a break from time to time!
Have a bathe, get modified, and head out for a giant night time out in town.
Mission District
In the case of nightlife, few areas do it higher than the Mission District in downtown San Francisco.
Earlier than we get to the partying, although, you’re going to wish some meals in your stomach.
This a part of town is dwelling to a big Hispanic neighborhood, and which means loads of superior taquerias to select from.
Truly, there’s a particular number of burrito that originated proper right here!
Burritos are greater than meals right here. They’re part of the tradition. Remember to come hungry, as a result of these Mission District burritos are not any joke!
La Taqueria is likely one of the hottest spots to do this well-known burrito.
With a stomach stuffed with scrumptious burrito goodness, it’s time for a drink.
The Mission District is stuffed with wonderful bars, from stylish cocktail lounges to old-school dives.
For those who’re feeling a bit too full for beer, among the finest locations to get a cocktail embody ABV, Dalva, and Trick Canine.
The latter has obtained the honour of “finest cocktail menu on the planet,” so that you’ll undoubtedly wish to test it out!
So what else is there to do within the Mission District?
You’ll be able to stroll round and take a look at the road artwork as you do a little bit of bar hopping.
There’s at all times reside music doing on right here, so pop into wherever sounds good and rock out.
For those who’ve acquired room for dessert after burritos and drinks, this neighbourhood can be well-known for its ice cream.
Bi-Ceremony Creamery, Smitten, Backyard Creamery, and Xanath are all inside a number of blocks of one another, so take your choose!
Day 3 – Morning
This 3 days in San Francisco itinerary has been large up to now, and we’ve nonetheless acquired yet another day to go.
For the ultimate day, you’ve acquired some vital selections to make.
Not like different days, I’m going to suggest a light-weight and fast breakfast at the moment.
Belief me, you’ll wish to be hungry for an early lunch at the moment!
Yerba Buena Gardens
After a light-weight breakfast, head over to the Yerba Buena Gardens.
That is the proper place to ease into your third and remaining day in San Francisco.
The gardens characteristic a memorial waterfall to Martin Luther King Jr., loads of public artwork, an ice skating rink, a bowling alley, and extra.
There’s undoubtedly one thing for everybody right here.
Museum of Your Alternative
Whilst you’re over right here, you may as nicely try one of many many museums across the backyard.
For those who purchased the San Francisco CityPASS, a go to to the San Francisco Museum of Fashionable Artwork is already included.
If not, it’s USD$25 for adults and free for teenagers.
Talking of children, in the event you’re travelling with little ones you may wish to head to Youngsters’s Creativity Museum.
This interactive museum is enjoyable for the entire household and a good way to spend a morning.
Different selections embody the Up to date Jewish Museum, the Museum of the African Diaspora, and even the Museum of Ice Cream.
Chinatown
Subsequent up, hop on the cable automobile and journey it as much as San Francisco’s Chinatown.
That is the oldest Chinatown within the US and it’s additionally the most important Chinese language enclave exterior of Asia.
After all, one main purpose to return to Chinatown is for the meals.
I suggested you to take it simple at breakfast for a purpose at the moment!
Noodles, dumplings and extra await you right here in San Francisco’s Chinatown.
Snap a photograph of the Dragon Gate, do a little bit of window procuring, and take a look at the Transamerica Pyramid. It’s undoubtedly one of many funkiest skyscrapers round.
Views Galore
In such a hilly metropolis, there are many locations to go for some superior views in San Francisco.
Hop again on the cable automobile from Chinatown and head north to Columbus & Lombard Avenue, the well-known crooked avenue of San Francisco.
From right here you’ve acquired a number of choices for taking within the surroundings of San Francisco.
Head west and also you’ll discover the stretch of Lombard Avenue that’s well-known for its hairpin turns.
Stroll up the steep Lombard Avenue which is stuffed with landscaped flower beds and also you’ll get to George Sterling Park, the place you’re rewarded to your efforts with a terrific view.
When you have a automobile whereas exploring San Francisco, don’t miss the chance to drive alongside Lombard Avenue. Simply drive rigorously, in fact!
For those who’d relatively take the straightforward manner out, head east from the cable automobile station to the Coit Tower. Stroll out to the commentary deck to take pleasure in 360-degree panoramic views of San Francisco.
Tickets for the Coit Tower price USD$9 for adults and $6 for kids.
Once you head down from the tower you may stroll down the Greenwich Steps for much more views.
One other scenic spot in San Francisco is Union Sq.. As the guts and soul of town, Union Sq. has a number of accommodations, leisure, outlets, and eating places within the space.
Day 3 – Afternoon
How your afternoon goes on day three is dependent upon your pursuits and whether or not or not you purchased the San Francisco CityPASS.
Those that picked up the CityPASS will wish to make certain to get their cash’s value.
You’ve nonetheless acquired two objects left to test off, and so they’re conveniently situated proper subsequent to one another.
Aquarium and Cruise
Head on over to Pier 39 on the perimeter of Fisherman’s Wharf. Right here is the place you’ll get to look at tons of sea lions sunbathing on the pier.
After observing the ocean lions, you may pay a go to to the Aquarium of the Bay.
There’s quite a bit to see right here, with the spotlight being their Below the Bay exhibit.
This immersive exhibit takes you thru lengthy tunnels stuffed with rays, sharks, and extra.
Tickets run USD$28.25 for adults and $18.25 for teenagers in the event you don’t have the CityPASS.
Skip the strains on the Aquarium of the Bay with this ticket!
Subsequent up, you may embark on a Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise.
This narrated hour-long cruise takes you across the bay and Alcatraz Island.
Talking of Alcatraz, that’s one other day journey choice for this afternoon.
Alcatraz Island
For those who’re questioning what iconic issues to do throughout you 3 days in San Francisco, this subsequent one is for you.
It actually doesn’t get a lot cooler than taking a day journey to Alcatraz Island.
As soon as upon a time, this island within the San Francisco Bay was dwelling to a maximum-security jail.
It was right here that those that induced bother at different prisons have been despatched.
These included infamous criminals like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly.
For those who’re taking the Blue & Gold Cruise and have a San Francisco CityPASS, you might have the choice of simply paying 5 bucks additional for a tour across the island.
In any other case, you’ll wish to try the totally different excursions accessible from Alcatraz Cruises.
Their day journey is a strong selection to essentially take within the sights of Alcatraz. It features a round-trip ferry, an audio tour, and non-obligatory packages & reveals.
The most effective methods to finish this a part of the day is to pop into Ghirardelli Sq. for some world-famous scrumptious chocolate concoctions.
E-book your Alcatraz cruise prematurely on Get Your Information
Wine Nation (Various Day Journey Possibility)
If Alcatraz doesn’t actually curiosity you, however vineyards and wine does, you could possibly additionally contemplate a day journey to Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley.
These are two of the USA’s most well-known wine areas, and they’re each solely about an hour away from town. So they’re nice day journeys!
Napa Valley specifically is extraordinarily well-known around the globe for its Cabernet Sauvignon wine and its scenic, rolling inexperienced hills.
However Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley each are gorgeous and have a large number of lovely vineyards for wine tasting.
Reserving a guided tour is finest for wine tasting journeys, until you might have a delegated driver. You need to have the ability to pattern all of the wine with out worrying about driving!
There are many wine tasting day journeys from San Francisco that go to each Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley.
Day 3 – Night
Identical to that, 3 excellent days in San Francisco is coming to an finish.
Fortunately, you don’t need to go far to achieve our subsequent cease when you get again on land.
Fisherman’s Wharf
One of the vital well-known locations to go to in San Francisco is Fisherman’s Wharf within the North Seaside neighborhood.
This San Francisco Bay waterfront space alongside Jefferson Avenue is the centre of town’s fishing business and is dwelling to a number of wonderful seafood eating places.
After a whirlwind tour of San Francisco in 3 days, I’d say you’ve earned a pleasant seafood meal at Fisherman’s Wharf with views of the San Francisco Bay.
There are many locations to select from, together with Scoma’s, Pier Market, and Fog Harbor.
The latter is the primary 100% sustainable seafood restaurant within the space and a terrific place to your final dinner on the town.
Sure, Fisherman’s Wharf is touristy and sure it may be slightly on the expensive facet. Nevertheless it’s value making the journey right here at the very least as soon as.
For those who’ve acquired any vitality left after dinner, the world is your oyster so far as nightlife goes.
You’ll be able to hit a comedy membership close by Fisherman’s Wharf, try some extra reside music, go bar hopping, or simply take pleasure in some good quaint folks watching.
There are few locations higher than San Francisco to do this!
The place to Keep in San Francisco
Now that you just’ve acquired a jam-packed itinerary for 3 days in San Francisco, it’s time to determine the place to remain.
Among the finest neighbourhoods to remain embody Nob Hill, Union Sq., Haight-Ashbury, South of Market (SoMa), and the Mission District.
San Francisco has hostels, low-cost motels, quaint B&Bs, luxurious accommodations, and all the things in between.
And you may simply get to all lodging utilizing the cable automobile and a little bit of strolling.
There’s one thing for each model and price range in the case of lodging.
Listed below are a number of suggestions to go well with all budgets:
Finest Hostel in San Francisco – USA Hostels
Our choose for the very best hostel for the place to remain in San Francisco goes to USA Hostels.
With over 7,000 opinions and a ranking of 9.1 on Hostelworld, you understand that this place is doing one thing proper!
There’s quite a bit to like about this hostel.
To start with, their dorms are solely 4 beds, so that you don’t have to fret about sharing a room with 15 loud night breathing strangers. They’ve acquired tremendous comfortable beds right here as nicely!
Assembly folks is simple right here due to their giant lounge space and the assorted actions they run.
From free strolling excursions to karaoke nights, to hostel dinners, it’s a really social place.
Finest Mid-Vary Lodge – Hayes Valley Inn
If you’d like a spot in a terrific location with out breaking the financial institution, Hayes Valley Inn is a strong selection.
Hayes Valley Inn is situated close to Union Sq. within the metropolis heart, so it’s a terrific base for all of the San Francisco points of interest talked about on this itinerary.
This can be a true B&B the place company are served breakfast every morning.
It’s a really homey place and undoubtedly has extra character than your generic chain accommodations.
You’ll discover primary however comfy rooms and the loos are shared.
For the value (underneath $200 an evening) and the situation, this place is a steal in San Francisco.
Finest Luxurious Lodge – Lodge Drisco
The folks have spoken, and Lodge Drisco is the best choice on Journey Advisor this 12 months.
It’s situated within the Pacific Heights space of town, only a brief stroll from the Presidio.
Friends right here get to take pleasure in Egyptian cotton linens, a gourmand breakfast buffet, chauffeur service, and way more.
That is undoubtedly a spot to remain in case you are trying to splurge and revel in among the finer issues in life throughout your 3 days in San Francisco!
As you may count on, staying on this lap of luxurious comes with a reasonably hefty price ticket.
That is San Francisco, in spite of everything. Rooms begin at simply over $400 right here.
That about wraps it up for this information to an ideal 3 days in San Francisco itinerary. I hope it helps you might have a tremendous journey to the Bay Space.
It’s undoubtedly certainly one of our favorite cities to go to within the US!
