The Ultimate 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary: Best Things to Do, Hidden Gems & Local Tips
Last Updated on 29th July 2026 by Sophie Nadeau
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From the Golden Gate Bridge to the many fun and quirky districts that the stunning Californian city has to offer, there’s certainly no shortage of incredible things to do for all budgets, interests and itineraries when it comes to San Francisco.
Thinking about spending 3 days in San Francisco? You easily can! This practical itinerary and travel guide will tell you everything you need to know to get ready for your adventure and offer you the perfect three day in San Francisco itinerary to enjoy the city and everything it has to offer. Are you ready? Let’s begin!
Why you must visit San Francisco on your next California Trip
As the song goes, “I left my heart in San Francisco/High on a hill, it calls to me/To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stairs/The morning fog may chill the air, I don’t care.” And how true it is! For those born in San Francisco the hills and fog are just as iconic as the Golden Gate Bridge and the cable cars.
It’s a place where uniqueness is married to old school charm, where Victorian homes stand next to rainbow flags and where each neighbourhood has its own quirky personality, though you should know before you go that locals never say “San Fran”!
Just 7 miles by 7 miles, San Francisco may be considered small for a major metropolis – but the possibilities for fun are endless. While the city may be synonymous with the tech industry these days, locals know how and where to find the enduring(and off-line) delights the city has to share.
Basic Things to Know about San Francisco
Known for stunning landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the former Alcatraz prison, and its historical cable cars, the city of San Francisco attracts millions of tourists every year looking to explore a different side of the US.
Often dubbed the restaurant capital of the country, the city has no shortage of incredible food both local but also international. Enough to visit the Mission district to taste some delicious Mexican dishes or head to Chinatown for an endless variety of Asian gastronomy.
San Francisco is also home to a number of beautiful coffee shops and amazing bookstores, which are scattered around the city.
In the springtime, one of the top places to see sakura in the USA is San Francisco, where the arrival of spring also signals the arrival of beautiful blooms all over the city. The city even hosts an annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. All in all, SF is one of the best places for a romantic getaway in the USA.
Where is San Francisco?
San Francisco is located in the state of California on the west coast of the United States. It’s a particularly hilly city, with over 50 hills located within the city limits. As the fourth most populous city in California, the city boasts around 800,000 residents.
How to get to SF and get around the city
Moving around in San Francisco is quite simple. When visiting the city, try to use public transport at least once to experience the same way locals go from one area to the other.
San Francisco International Airport is located in San Mateo County, a short 10-minute ride to downtown San Francisco (about 7 kilometers).
The city offers the possibility to travel using the light rail and the metro as well as a convenient bus network, all these municipal transport options are affordable, efficient, and convenient.
Riding San Francisco’s iconic streetcars should be part of your experience. Keep in mind, though that while streetcars are mainly used in different neighborhoods, you can only use the metro to move around downtown.
Day trips in the surrounding region can be planned on your own too, you can travel to other cities along the Pacific coast using long-distance buses. Most regional buses start their journey at San Francisco’s Transbay Terminal.
You can also move around using the local tourist ferries that take travelers to destinations such as Oakland, Solano County, or Marin County. Most of these ferries leave from Pier 39.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
Choosing your place to stay in (or around) town will make all the difference when moving around to visit the city’s landmarks without spending a long time on the metro or the bus.
Several neighborhoods are popular among travelers for their convenient location and easy access to the city center.
Some of them offer stunning views or a local vibe while others, instead, present plenty of opportunities to enjoy San Francisco’s nightlife and experience unique entertainment opportunities.
For instance, a stay around Union Square offers easy access to virtually every corner in town, lots of shopping opportunities, entertainment, restaurants, and more. It might not be the quietest (nor the most beautiful) place to stay, but it is definitely convenient, especially if this is your first time in San Francisco.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, choose accommodation near Fisherman’s Wharf or North Beach. In both places, you will also find a good offer when it comes to attractions and things to do but at a more relaxing pace than what you’d find in Union Square.
These are my top picks for a pleasant stay in San Francisco:
- Affordable: Petite Auberge is a convenient 3-star property located close to San Francisco’s Nob Hill, only five minutes from Union Square. The area is ideal to discover theatres, go shopping and enjoy different dining options in town. The hotel is also close to the legendary Dragon’s Gate entrance to San Francisco’s Chinatown. Check prices and availability here.
- Mid-range: Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel is located on the lively Powell Street in Union Square. Travelers will easily find plenty of things to do in the surrounding area, including stores and souvenir shops, cooking classes, spas, art galleries, and late-night shows. Check prices and availability here.
- Luxury: The LINE San Francisco offers excellent guest rooms with city views only 700 meters from Union Square, within 300 meters of the city center, an ideal location to enjoy San Francisco’s attractions without needing public transport. Check prices and availability here.
Three Days in San Francisco suggested itinerary
Over here we present a detailed itinerary of what to do and what things to see in San Francisco in three days. This plan proposes you a visit to the most iconic landmarks, as well as enjoying some lesser-visited gems in town.
Day One: San Francisco’s Landmarks
You can devote your first day in San Francisco to visiting the most iconic sights in town, those that have given fame to the city. For that reason, don’t leave your hotel room with enough space in your camera… you will certainly be taking a lot of pictures today!
Begin with an early wake-up call to visit San Francisco’s best-known attraction, the impressive Golden Gate Bridge.
This suspension bridge takes the name of the Golden Gate, which is a 1.6 km wide channel connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific. The bridge links San Francisco to Marin County, featuring also pedestrian and bicycle lanes.
Considered a Modern World Wonder, this San Francisco (and California) iconic landmark was opened to the public back in 1937 and for several decades, it remained the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world, extending for 1280 meters with a height of 227 meters.
The bridge may no longer hold those two records, but it certainly remains one of the most beautiful (and most photographed) bridges in the world!
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the world. Completed in 1937, the colour of the bridge, international orange, was chosen to complement the natural surroundings. While walking across the bridge is on many of the “must-do” travel lists, I recommend seeing the bridge from the Presidio.
The Presidio is a park on a former military post, established originally by New Spain in 1776 as a northern California foothold. From the Old Coast Guard Station, you can see a spectacular view of the bridge while maintaining a sense of personal space away from the tourists.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history and the construction of this red giant, check out this Bridge to Bridge Cruise experience that includes a personal audio guide.
It is a good idea to continue with a visit to Alcatraz Island, also in San Francisco Bay after visiting the Golden Gate.
There are in fact several tours that combine a visit to both sites to make the most of your morning. For instance, this tour includes not only a Waterfront Guided Tour but also an entrance ticket to Alcatraz.
Keep in mind that most tours leave from Pier 33 (in the Fisherman’s Wharf area) and that you will be visiting one of the most popular spots in San Francisco, therefore don’t skip on purchasing the ticket well in advance.
One of the most infamous places sitting right opposite the city of San Francisco is Alcatraz, an island home to the infamous prison bearing the same name.
Alcatraz or The Rock is a small islet about one kilometer off the coast of San Francisco known for being the prison that held captive well-known characters of the U.S. criminal history, including Al Capone and George Kelly.
Alcatraz was also famous for the escape of three inmates back in June 1962 and the consequent closure of the facilities the following year. Several books, documentaries, and films were made about this event.
Spend the afternoon of your first day discovering a few famous sites in town, and head to Market Street to check out the old clock tower on top of the San Francisco Ferry Building.
Filled with amazing restaurants, home to a weekly farmers market and still a functioning port, the Ferry Building remains a San Francisco institution. I recommend going afternoon on a weekday, you will avoid the lunch-rush but still have plenty of time to wander the building.
When checking out the area, walk along the docks to take a look at the shoreline and marvel at the crazy number of ferries that depart from the docks in the building.
More than 35 active docks operate daily, from Pier 14 to Pier 96. Keep in mind that numbers are divided into odd and even, with odd-numbered docks being on the northern side of the building and even ones on the opposite side.
If you’re lucky enough to visit on a Saturday, a Tuesday, or a Thursday, devote a few hours to the Farmers Market that is set in the area.
You could spend the whole afternoon visiting San Francisco Piers, some of the most popular ones include Pier 33 (Alcatraz boats) and Pier 39 (Fisherman’s Wharf).
It is, indeed Fisherman’s Wharf the next stop in your itinerary. Over here, travelers enjoy exploring its famous sea lions as well as the renowned San Francisco Carrousel. This is among the most photographed spots in town.
And if you’re looking for cool, original, or even odd San Francisco souvenirs, this is the right place to be!
Those visiting during the warmer months of the year might want to head to SF City Kayak. Located on Pier 40, this is the right spot to venture into a unique experience, renting a boat to kayak along San Francisco Bay.
And if you’re not sure whether you’re up to such an experience, they also offer alternative sea trails as well as intensive lessons to learn to dominate your kayak.
Two of the most historic neighbourhoods in San Francisco are also just a short walk away from each other; North Beach and Chinatown. These two neighbourhoods are also some of the busiest in the city. Each neighbourhood has a magical ability to transport you to feeling as if you’re in a different part of the world, so leave plenty of time for eating and getting lost.
It’s a good idea to head to North Beach for dinner, you can find some incredible Italian restaurants, some of the best Pizza in San Francisco, but also other cheap eateries selling salads, burgers, and pasta.
Another option is to pick up some picnic supplies and head to Alamo Square Park. After all, watching the sun set over the Painted Ladies is easily one of the most iconic experiences you can have in SF.
Day Two: San Francisco like a local
San Francisco’s Chinatown is a well-known area in town often flooded with tourists curious about the colorful street and the delicious food served in the area.
Heading there early in the day will guarantee fewer people on the streets and a more peaceful atmosphere to explore and get lost in the neighborhood.
The picturesque green roof of the Dragon Gate welcomes you to the district. The ceremonial gate has been standing at the entrance of San Francisco’s Chinatown since 1970.
Start by heading to the incredibly fun Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. It is located on Ross Alley but you won’t get lost if you follow the fragrant smell of freshly baked cookies!
The company has been producing fortune cookies since the early 60s, and today, it bakes more than 10.000 cookies every day. This local shop also offers free guided tours around the factory while a visit to their souvenir shop is something you won’t want to miss.
You can stop for lunch in the Chinatown district, or move on to Mission District for a taste of Mexico and beyond.
If you’re in the mood for traditional Chinese dishes, the old Sam Wo is a restaurant located on Clay Street. This is arguably the most popular restaurant in San Francisco’s Chinatown that has been serving, for over a century, some authentic staples of Oriental cuisine.
Instead, if you’re a foodie at heart, I suggest joining this San Francisco Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour that will help you navigate through foods from the world’s largest Chinatown outside Asia.
Mission District will be your next stop during this day out and about different San Francisco quarters. The oldest neighborhood in town, the place takes its name from Mission Dolores, considered the oldest building in town.
Another destination that attracts food lovers from all over the world, here you will find a huge variety of restaurants, bars, and food trucks, perfect to indulge in street food or to taste a range of Latin American flavors.
However, this is also an important art district, so spending the rest of the day in Mission District can make perfect sense if you’re interested in impressive graffiti and street art or also in art galleries, concerts, and exhibitions.
For great street art pictures, head to Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley, two of the best places to spot colorful murals often made by city dwellers.
End the day with a traditional Mexican dinner, right on Valencia Street you will find La Cumbre, a restaurant specializing in delicious tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. Their Mission Style Burrito is a best-seller in town!
Shop on Valencia Street (and explore the Mission District)
One of the most colourful neighbourhoods in the city is the Mission District, home to taquerias and art galleries alike. While this is always a point of debate for local, my favourite place for Mexican food is Taqueria Cancún (2288 Mission St & 3211 Mission St).
The Mission is also home to an indoor minigolf course, movie theatres, bars and music venues. In particular, Valencia Street offers some of the best dining and shopping experiences in the city.
I particularly love Valencia Street because I can find all my favourite things, independent San Francisco bookshops, cafes, world cuisines, speciality stores like pirate supply and taxidermy shops and art.
Right off of Valencia, you can find the Clarion Alley Mural Project, a series of ever-changing murals painted along a skinny alleyway, and we know how I feel about murals. If all your feet hurt from walking around, take a break in Dolores Park and watch the colourful people San Francisco come together to picnic, relax and play.
San Francisco Day 3: Endless Nature
If you’ve had enough of the city views and frenetic shopping sprees in Union Square, head out of town to walk down amazing natural trails that cross an old redwood forest of tall sequoia trees.
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to check out Muir Woods National Monument, a place where you can admire impressive, centennial Coastal Sequoias, some of which are much older and even bigger (but not wider) than those in Yosemite!
It is a good idea to visit the woods with a company that also takes care of the transportation to the park and the entrance tickets. This way, it will be easier to avoid waiting in long lines to access the park. This morning bus tour that also includes a stop in Sausalito is the perfect option at quite an affordable price tag.
Sausalito is, indeed, the next natural stop after visiting Muir Woods and is one of the best hidden gems of California. The enchanting seaside village is ideal to enjoy walks by the sea, a unique Mediterranean atmosphere, or to admire the spectacular views of San Francisco’s skyline from a distance and enjoy a delicious meal.
Sausalito is not just the perfect stop for lunch… If winemaking also tickles your curiosity, head to the world-famous Wine County. Explore the vineyards that populate the lush hills and try different labels when visiting one (or two) of the local wineries.
If you pick this experience, you’ll also be able to learn about the wine-making process and all the secrets that put Napa and Sonoma Valley among the most important wine regions in the world.
Once the day comes to an end, make your way back to the center of town, crossing the Golden Gate just as the sun goes down on the horizon, quite an unforgettable view.
If you have more time (and local suggestions)…
Of course, 3 days doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of everything that San Francisco has to offer. As such, here are several more activities and things to do (and you can always swap some of these out if you prefer them to things already in the itinerary).
Enjoy the beach of Fort Funston
Fort Funston is one of my favourite places in Northern California for a beach walk. The beach is long enough to really wander and the climb down (and back up again!) and gives spectacular views of the Northern California coastline.
There isn’t much there to do besides feel the sand beneath your toes, breath in the fresh Pacific air and feel grateful to witness the natural beauty, but of course, that just adds to the beauty of the place. So if you’re looking for a relaxing activity in San Francisco, be sure to head to Fort Funston beach!
Stroll around the Fillmore District
The home of San Francisco’s jazz scene until the 1970s, the Fillmore District is a historic neighbourhood. While the jazz presence is not what it used to be, the influence of the diverse communities that built the neighbourhood can still be felt.
Today, Fillmore Street is filled with fancy shops, good eateries and plenty of charm. I enjoy the lively walk down Fillmore, from California St. to Japantown, where you can find many restaurants and speciality stores. The Fillmore District is also home to the iconic Painted Ladies.
Discover San Francisco Café Culture
You may well not know this, but SF has a thriving café scene with stores and shops that cater to every budget and taste. From stores which roast the coffee beans themselves to co-working spaces, if you’re looking for more caffeine inspiration, be sure to check out this guide on where to find the best coffee in San Francisco.
Enjoy the best view of San Francisco from Bernal Heights
Bernal Heights is my favourite neighbourhood, and it may or may not have something to do with the fact that it is also the neighbourhood I grew up in! Bernal is situated on a hill with a wonderful park at the very top. You can walk around the hill for 360-degree views of San Francisco, and on a clear day, you can even spot the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.
Take flight on the rope swing to feel as if you are soaring over the city, and then work your way down the hill while stopping to pet all the dogs that gather to play. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for the neighbourhood coyote who makes her home on the hill!
After exploring the park, you can walk down to Cortland Avenue, the main street of Bernal Heights. Cortland is the place to stop for lunch or coffee and to pick up a souvenir from one of the local shops.
Land’s End
Like Fort Funston, Land’sEnd showcases the beauty of the Northern California Coastline. Walking Land’s End from one end to the other gives moving views of the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay.
One of the best San Francisco tips from a local is to go early in the morning so as to make sure to avoid some of the more popular times, that way you’ll have the trail to yourself and really feel like you’re at land’s end.
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