Planning a long weekend in San Francisco? This vibrant city serves up iconic landmarks, colorful neighborhoods, waterfront adventures, world-class dining and unforgettable day trips. From crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to touring Alcatraz and wandering Chinatown, this itinerary highlights the best ways to experience the City by the Bay in just a few days.
Highlights:
- Extend your getaway with scenic day trips to Sausalito and Muir Woods for waterfront charm, redwood forests and spectacular Bay Area views.
- Explore San Francisco’s must-see attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, cable cars and the Palace of Fine Arts.
- Experience the city’s diverse neighborhoods, local food scene and historic landmarks while staying in convenient areas like Union Square or the Presidio.
Are you ready to explore more? Let us inspire you!
First Stop – Head to the Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco’s most famous icon is the Golden Gate Bridge where you can walk, bike, or drive across this iconic landmark. With exquisite views of the Bay and skyline, this is destined to be one of the highlights of your trip. There are a choice of companies renting bikes to ride solo or take a group tour. Make your reservation online in advance to save a few dollars. When you’re ready to come back, take the ferry back from Sausalito…with your bike!
After visiting the bridge, make time for nearby Presidio attractions. Don’t miss Golden Gate Park with its beautiful gardens, California Academy of Sciences, the De Young Museum (art collection), and the indoor Conservatory of Flowers. The Golden Gate area is a wonderful place to lose yourself in the splendor of fine architecture and gorgeous ambiance.
Check out the Presidio
If you’d like to stay near the Golden Gate Bridge, check out the Presidio of San Francisco, where you’ll find two historic boutique hotels, the Inn at the Presidio and Lodge at the Presidio, along with great restaurants, a bowling alley, and other outdoor recreation. New to the area is the Presidio Tunnel Tops, a park great for hiking, seeing native plants, and picnic sites.
Alcatraz Island – A Fascinating Look at America’s Most Famous Prison
Once a former military fort, Alcatraz Island is the world-famous former Federal penitentiary that once hosted Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, and “The Birdman of Alcatraz.” It remains one of San Fran’s most popular tourist attractions, run by the National Park Service and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
The easiest way to get there is to catch the Alcatraz City Cruises boat ride. It’s just a 10-minute jaunt out to Alcatraz Island. Most of the tours are self-guided, so you’ll want to grab one of the headsets and listen to the stories of the prisoners and the wardens as you wander around the cells.
Take a Self-Guided Tour
Visit the historic grounds and cellhouse, see where the inmates get fresh air, and listen to the audio tour. It’s mostly self-guided with interpretive programs throughout the day at Alcatraz Island, so be sure to check the daily schedule. They even show you how they locked and unlocked the doors.
For something a little on the spooky side, book a night tour and get another perspective of the jail, coupled with amazing sunsets across San Francisco Bay.
Fisherman’s Wharf – The Place to Play
Opening in 1884, Fisherman’s Wharf remains one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist attractions and a place to see popular events. Expanded to include Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf offers the best of both land and sea attractions.
Cruise along San Francisco Bay, buy fresh fish from local purveyors on the boats and have a delightful picnic with an amazing bay view. For a real thrill, ride the SkyWheel for exquisite views of San Francisco Bay. Cuisine reigns supreme here with everything from Dungeness crab, international culinary treats and some of the best chocolate you’ve ever tasted.
Visit Chinatown During Lunar New Year Festivities
During the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, you’ll find dragons everywhere all over San Francisco, but especially in Chinatown, which opened in the 1850s when Asians began coming to America. This is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the U.S. and it’s filled with tons of shops selling exotic and practical goods, purses, sunglasses, and other trinkets.
Make your way down Grant Avenue and devour your way through the Chinese eateries. Think you’ve found your favorite egg rolls? Keep going. There are so many different tastes to enjoy like egg custard tarts, tea tastings, Peking Duck sesame pockets, and more. Check out their culinary food walking tours, too.
San Francisco has a popular Little Italy too.
Ride the Cable Cars – Cross It Off Your Bucket List
You can’t visit San Fran without taking a spin on an iconic cable car, which has been running since 1873. Choose from three lines that go in different directions and use cable cars to get to a variety of neighborhoods like Union Square and exclusive Nob Hill. It’s exciting to go up and down the hills. Single rides are available for a set fare; check the SFMTA website for current prices..
For a more in-depth look at the inner workings and history of cable cars, stop at the free Cable Car Museum.
Admire the Architecture at the Palace of Fine Arts
This exquisite palace is one of the most Instagrammed places in all of San Fran. Built to host the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the Palace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Discover Nob Hill
One of San Francisco’s iconic neighborhoods is Nob Hill, known for its luxury hotels and historic mansions built by famous railroad tycoons. Enjoy a drink and gorgeous views at the Top of the Mark at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. A popular place for brunch is Mymy or dinner at the Nob Hill Cafe for outstanding Italian food.
Stay in the Union Square Neighborhood
The best place to hang your hat for a few days is bustling Union Square where you’ll find attractions, shopping, and dining, all within a few short blocks. Located in the heart of San Francisco, Union Square lets you explore architecturally significant structures, Gold Rush history, and free walking tours, surrounded by Oracle Park, the Moscone Convention Center, and the theater district.
Popular Road Trips from San Francisco
What visitors enjoy most about San Francisco is the variety of road trips you can take via boat or a short drive to enrich your California Dreamin’ experience.
Take the Golden Gate Ferry to Sausalito
One of the most popular day trips from San Fran is out to Sausalito, where you can see amazing views of Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline. Just hop the Golden Gate ferry or bike to this charmer of a town, known for its great restaurants, art galleries, and fresh seafood along the Bridgeway Promenade. Don’t miss seeing the floating homes in Sausalito, especially one that resembles the Taj Mahal. There is a lot to do in Sausalito, so you may consider staying overnight at a bed & breakfast.
Stand in Awe of the California Redwoods
Near Sausalito is Muir Woods National Monument, where you’ll see the stately Sequoia trees that have been growing there for a thousand years. Opened in the early 20th century, this National Monument is home to some of the best Redwoods in the San Francisco Bay Area. Go hiking, check out the fauna and flora, and see the kind of plants that grow in semi-darkness, covered by the trees. It’s a peaceful outing you will long remember.
San Francisco Travel has tons of trip planning info if you’re ready to plan your getaway to the City by the Bay.
FAQs
Sausalito is a favorite for its waterfront restaurants, art galleries and charming streets, while nearby Muir Woods National Monument offers peaceful hiking among towering old-growth redwood trees.
Book your ferry tickets in advance and take the self-guided tour with the included audio headset. For a different perspective, consider an evening tour, which pairs the historic prison with beautiful sunset views over San Francisco Bay.
A long weekend is enough to experience many of San Francisco’s highlights, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square and a scenic day trip to nearby Sausalito or Muir Woods.
Related Reads
