San Francisco 3 Day Itinerary – Discover the Best of SF

San Francisco 3 Day Itinerary: Day 1

Stop #1: Alcatraz Island Tour

8:30am-11:45am (3 hrs 15 min)

One of the most popular and interesting attractions in San Francisco is Alcatraz Island. If you’re unfamiliar with Alcatraz, here’s a little background. Alcatraz is an island off the coast of SF.

Back in the 20’s and 30’s a high penitentiary prison was constructed on the island to house some of the biggest criminals of the time. Some of those high profile prisoners were Al Capone, ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly and Robert Stroud the Birdman of Alcatraz.

Due to the environmental conditions, it made it a difficult place to escape and there are no known prisoners who have escaped Alcatraz. However, in 1963 the prison closed forever. 

Since its closure, the prison has been giving daily tours, revealing many unique facts and stories. In order to get to Alcatraz Island you have to take a ferry.

The ferries depart on the hour from Pier 33 starting from 8:40am to 3:50pm. Be sure to check the ferry schedule on their website as the ferry times change based on the season.

They also have a night tour as well called ‘Behind the Scenes’ but for this itinerary we’re sticking to the morning tour. Keep in mind the ferry ride is about 15 minutes each way.

It’s best to take one of the first 2 ferries of the day so you can take your time with the tour and be back to the mainland by 12pm. On the tour you will get to see the prison cells and the surrounding area of the island.

Alcatraz Island is a must see attraction in San Francisco so we’re getting this one out of the way early.

Walk to Pier 39 from Pier 33 

11:45am-12pm (at least a 6 min walk) 

Stop #2: Pier 39

12pm-1:45pm (1 hr 45 min)

Pier 39 is also one of the popular attractions in San Francisco. Part of the wharf, you can get all kinds of seafood, shop for souvenirs, watch street performers and the seals.

Pier 39 also has an arcade museum which has old nostalgic games. Some of these games are so old, you’ve never seen them before. But you only have an hour and forty-five minutes so spend your time wisely.

You can spend it eating at a nice restaurant overlooking the water or opt for a more fast food option and explore what Pier 39 has to offer. 

Some lunch options are:

Boudins – If you like clam chowder, try this place. It’s known for their clam chowder in a bread bowl. There are 2 locations around this area. One is much larger than the other and can’t be missed. 

Codmother Fish & Chips – If you’re more of a fried fish kind of person, this place is known for their British style fish and chips. This is more of a fast food option. So if you want to spend more time exploring the area, this could be a good place to eat.

Fog Harbor Fish House – For a nice sit down option, this place offers a nice view of the water while you dine. Have lunch with more seafood options and a more upscale dining experience. 

Walk to Ghiradelli Square

1:45pm-2pm (15 min)

Stop #3: Ghirardelli Square

2pm-2:45pm (45 min)

For dessert this place offers the best sundaes with Ghirardelli chocolate. It’s chocolate heaven for those with a sweet tooth. You can even buy Ghirardelli chocolate for souvenirs. 

Within Ghirardelli Square are 3 different spots where you can get sundaes and chocolate. There’s The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience and Ghirardelli On-The-Go. 

Each of these places within Ghirardelli Square are slightly different in their offerings. The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop focuses on sundaes.

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience focuses more on purchasing chocolate squares and gifts and Ghirardelli On-The-Go provides more limited options for those who want more convenience for grab-and-go. 

Ghirardelli Square is as close to a Willy Wonka factory as you’re gonna get! So get your sweets for the day because from here it’s time to walk to Lombard Street and work off those calories. 

Walk to Lombard St.

2:45pm-3pm (15 min)

Stop #4: Lombard Street

3pm-3:15pm (15 min)

Lombard Street is the ‘crookedest street in the world.’ With 8 sharp turns, it makes for a challenging drive for any car. Very scenic, it sits upon Russian Hill with a beautiful view. 

In the 1960’s this road grew in popularity and is now one of the most visited spots in San Francisco. You can easily walk the street. In fact, I recommend you walk it instead of drive it. 

If you decide to walk Lombard Street, keep a few things in mind. People do live in the surrounding homes and neighborhood so be polite and considerate of their property.

Watch out for cars as drivers may have a difficult time making all the sharp turns. And it’s best to go when it’s not rush hour and there are less cars. 

If you decide to drive down Lombard Street, be aware that you can only drive in one direction…and that’s down. So not only is the street windy, but it’s also on a steep slope so make sure your brakes are working properly.

Pay attention to your surroundings and be careful of people. You will also have to pay a fee to drive down the street. For all these reasons, it’s better to just walk the street. 

Uber to Golden Gate Bridge. 

3:15pm-3:30pm (10-15 min)

Stop #5 Golden Gate Bridge

3:30pm-4:30pm (1 hr)

Probably the most recognized bridge in the United States is the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. With its bold red exterior hovering over the bay, it has maintained its strength and beauty over the years. Everyone who gets a chance to visit SF must take a look at the Golden Gate Bridge. 

The Golden Gate Bridge stretches for 1 mile. At the time of its construction in 1937 it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world. Of course, today it no longer holds these records. But its beauty remains. 

You can walk the bridge but it will take about 30-45 minutes each way. Perhaps just walk half of it or a quarter of it. It’s up to you.

There are many viewpoints to see the bridge and there is no perfect view, but the afternoon from 12pm-4pm when the fog has cleared up is generally the best time to see the bridge.

For the sake of time, I recommend going to the lookout points on the east (right) side of the bridge because you can get both a close-up and further out view of the bridge. At the same time you can visit the Welcome Center, enjoy the park area and see the beach.

For the closest view, go to the Fort Point National Historic Site on the right side of the bridge. There are also restrooms there for your convenience. For a further view, go as far as Crissy Field. 

When you’re done with all your selfies and photos, it’s time to head to the next stop, Chinatown.

Uber to Chinatown. 

4:30pm-4:45pm (15 min)

Stop #6: Chinatown

4:45pm-6:45pm (2 hrs)

Why Chinatown? Chinatown in SF is considered to be the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest in North America which started in 1848.

In Chinatown you will find temples, tea rooms, dim sum restaurants, street art, Eastern medicinal shops, pagodas and unique cultural stores.

While you’re in Chinatown, I recommend you visit the Fortune Cookie Factory where you can see how fortune cookies are made. You can buy them in different flavors and even order custom cookies.

Be sure to visit this place before it closes by 6:30pm on the weekdays or by 7pm on weekends. 

You can also visit the Dragon Gate which is the official entrance to Chinatown. It’s basically a gate-like structure that indicates you’ve entered Chinatown.

But you’ll also know you’ve entered Chinatown when you see red lanterns strung across some of the streets. 

Explore and visit shops. And most of all get dinner here.

Here are some dinner options:

Hong Kong Clay Pot Restaurant – For traditional Chinese food, this place will deliver. While the atmosphere won’t be anything to get excited over, the food will be solid at a fair price. Don’t expect anything over the top, just good authentic food.

Osmanthus Dim Sum Lounge – If you like dim sum, this will satisfy your craving. Even in this more modern atmosphere, you will get traditional dim sum dishes like siu mai, steamed buns and shrimp dumplings.They also have regular dishes like chow mein and honey walnut shrimp.

Hon’s Wun-Tun House – This place is all about wontons. If you like wontons and noodle soup, this is the place to go. Of course you can get other dishes, but wontons are what this place is known for.

Mr. Jiu’s – If you’re looking for something higher end, try Mr. Jiu’s which is a contemporary Chinese restaurant. With a more artistic vibe and an upscale ambiance, you’ll try more eclectic dishes with a Chinese flair. Expect to pay a lot more here too.

Stop #7: Cable Car (Optional)

6:45pm-7:45pm (1 hr)

After dinner is free time. Feel free to either ride the cable car, experience some nightlife, grab a drink or dessert, see the bridge lit up at night or do something else that tickles your fancy. 

My recommendation is to ride the cable car. The cable car is open daily from 7am-10pm. There is a small fee for riding one way. You can take the cable car back to the pier or ride it all the way to the end and back. It’s totally up to you. But the cable car is a popular attraction in San Francisco. 

From Chinatown you can catch the California cable car on the south side of Chinatown at California St. and Kearney St. or California St. and Grant Ave. This cable car runs east and west from Van Ness Ave. to the beginning of the Embarcadero and close to the Ferry Building. 

The other two popular cable cars are the Powell-Hyde cable car and Powell-Mason cable car. The Powell-Hyde cable car will go from Powell St., down Hyde St. and all the way to the water. From the cable car turntable you can walk back to Ghirardelli Square or the Fisherman’s Wharf. 

The Powell-Mason cable car goes from Powell St. and down Mason St. The cable car ends at Bay St. which is walking distance to the Fisherman’s Wharf. 

You can ride the cable car as far as you want or as short as you want. You can get schedules and maps on the MuniMobile app.

You must purchase a fare in advance so it’s best to prepay through MuniMobile or ClipperCard. If you pay in cash, it must be exact change. See SFMTA for more up to date details.

San Francisco 3 Day Itinerary: Day 2

Now that you’ve got the most important and iconic San Francisco spots out of the way, it’s time to explore some of the other popular areas. Day 2 primarily focuses on the middle to west side of SF. By the end of your three days in San Francisco you should feel like you got a good grasp of what SF is all about.

Stop #1: Hayes Valley

9am-10:30am (1.5 hrs)

Rise and shine! Take a moment to have breakfast in one of SF’s hippest neighborhoods, Hayes Valley. Here you’ll find upscale boutique stores, cafes, restaurants and bars. 

Here are some breakfast recommendations:

Peacock Pansy – It’s a bit outside of Hayes Valley, but this place is cute. Its filled with pansies along the walls and not so much peacocks. Here you’ll find a good breakfast selection from eggs benedict to French toast to brunch dishes. The pretty interior and a cup of coffee will start the day off right!

That’s My Jam – Choose from brunch items such as a breakfast sandwich or quiche. Soak it up with coffee, tea or a latte. It’s a solid breakfast place but it’s not open every day so check their hours of operation before going.

Walk to Alamo Square.

10:30am-10:45am (10-15 min)

Stop #2: Alamo Square

10:45am-11am (15 min)

This is primarily a pit stop where you can take pictures of the Painted Ladies. The Painted Ladies are a set of seven Victorian style homes built in the Queen Anne style which are an iconic representation of San Franciscan homes.

They are painted fun colors and have been featured in various movies and TV shows. So take some pics for this quick stop and now you’re on your way to Haight Ashbury. 

Walk or take Uber to Haight Ashbury.

11am-11:30am (30 min)

Stop #3: Haight Ashbury

11:30am-12:30pm (1 hr)

Take a moment to take in the hippie vibes at Haight Ashbury. This neighborhood is located at Haight St. and Ashbury St. which is surrounded by vintage clothing stores, dive bars, bookstores and eclectic restaurants. And don’t forget to visit the Ameoba Music store. 

Known for their counterculture movement in the 1960s, the hippie community was associated with drugs and music. The hippie vibe has remained ever since. You’ll see around the neighborhood colorful murals and artwork with an overall relaxed vibe.

Take a stroll around this neighborhood and enjoy all it has to offer. The time allotted here is 1 hour. But if you want to grab lunch here, that will work too. You will be at the next stop for several hours so determine what works best for you. 

Uber (5min) or walk (20 min) to California Academy of Sciences

12:30pm-1pm (allow 30 min for transportation)

Stop #4: California Academy of Sciences

1pm-5pm (4 hrs)

Within Golden Gate Park are a number of points of interest and activities. Taking up over 1,000 acres of land, you can really spend all day here. We will revisit Golden Gate Park for day 3 of this San Francisco 3 day itinerary, but for now, we are focusing on The California Academy of Sciences. 

Located within Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is a science museum with an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest and natural history museum. There are many exhibits and events to explore. 

They are only open until 5pm everyday so it’s important that you give yourself enough time to see what exhibits interest you. For this itinerary I’ve allotted 4 hours which can include getting a bite to eat. 

It’s best to purchase your tickets ahead of time to save a little. 

For those that are 21 and over, they do have a NightLife session which happens every Thursday and a NightLife Plus which includes cocktails!

The NightLife session feature DJs, performances, talks, demonstrations and of course you get to see all the creatures. It’s a fun way to experience the museum with adults only.  

Stop #5: Dinner

5:30pm-7:30pm (2 hrs)

CreoLa – Located just outside of Golden Gate Park is this southern creole restaurant. Try items such as gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp & grits and fried chicken. Don’t forget the beignets too. Get your southern fix here!

Beit Rima – In the mood for Mediterranean food? This place has amazing mezzes, plates and kabobs. Try the dips and pita bread as well. You won’t go hungry at this place.

Katsuo + Kombu – Going back toward Alamo Square is this yummy Japanese noodle house. Basically you choose between hot or cold udon noodles. It’s a simple menu but worth the wait.

Stop #6: Free Time

7:30pm+

After dinner is free time for drinks, nightlife or anything you’d like. Some options to consider that are uniquely San Francisco are Emporium Arcade Bar, Tonga Room & Hurricane Club at the Fairmont Hotel and Cheaper than Therapy Comedy Club. You can also go back to the California Academy of Sciences for the NightLife session.

Emporium Arcade Bar – A 21+ venue. Go to play games, get your drink on and listen to DJ music. Sometimes there are even live musical performances. They have old arcade games, pinball, pool, air hockey and a bunch of other interactive games that will leave you wanting more. You can check their calendar for any upcoming events. 

Tonga Room & Hurricane Club – This unique and popular spot is located at the Fairmont Hotel. You will notice the tropical island theme with a big pool of water in the middle. They play live music and have great drinks. 

Cheaper than Therapy Comedy Club – Down for a little stand-up comedy? This place will deliver the laughs. Of course, you will have to buy tickets and likely have to plan for this in advance, but it’s a fun option if you want to do something more chill.

San Francisco 3 Day Itinerary: Day 3

Day 3 of this San Francisco trip itinerary is really about getting a well-rounded experience of SF. In 3 days you can really get to know the city pretty well.

So to start the day you can either grab something quick in the morning if you’re a breakfast person or skip it all together and make your way to the first stop.

Stop #1: Golden Gate Park – San Francisco Botanical Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden

9am-11am (2 hrs)

Golden Gate Park is a huge 1,000 acre park that includes more than just the California Academy of Sciences. It includes several parks within. Given that this itinerary allows 2 hours to spend here, it’s best to decide ahead of time which park(s) you’d like to see because you probably won’t see all of them without feeling rushed. 

Can’t decide? Let’s go over what each place offers and see if one of them peaks your interest.

The San Francisco Botanical Garden covers 55 acres and houses over 8,000 different species of plants. It’s open daily and they close at different hours based on the season so check their website for current times.

They have free admission from 7:30am-9am the second Tuesday of every month. They are also free on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. 

The Conservatory of Flowers is set in a wood and glass conservatory. It showcases a variety of aquatic plants, highland and lowland tropics, potted flowering trees and shrubs and ferns.

Occasionally they will have a Corpse flower too! It is open every day of the week except Wednesday. You need to purchase tickets to enter and the last ticket is sold at 4pm.

They are closed on major holidays. Check the Golden Gate Park website for real time information. 

The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest operating public one in North America. Experience a zen moment with Japanese landscape designs, buddhas and pagodas.

You can also do a 60 minute walking tour led by San Francisco City Guides if you so desire. The Japanese Tea Garden is open every day with varying hours based on the season.

While you need to purchase tickets to get in, they do have a free hour on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-10am. So that’s worth checking out. 

Drive to Japantown.

11am-11:15am (10-15 min)

Stop #2: Japantown

11:30am-1pm (1.5 hrs)

After all that walking and maybe going without breakfast, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. For lunch, head off to Japantown which is to the east of Golden Gate Park.

Comprised of 6 blocks, you do more than just eat here. There are Japanese inspired gift shops, karaoke bars, various events and walking tours. But since you are here primarily for lunch, let’s talk about food recommendations.

Marufuku Ramen – This place specializes in…yes you guessed it. Ramen! From authentic hataka-style tonkotsu to tantan men, you can get your ramen fix as well as other sides and bowls. Everything is handmade and fresh. 

Udon Mugizo – This is another noodle place. But instead of ramen, it’s udon. Personally, I like udon better than ramen, but that’s just me. Udon noodles are thicker than ramen noodles.

And usually the broth is not as thick or salty if you stay with the traditional broths. There are several udon options here so you can have your pick.

18 min walk or 3 min drive.

1pm-1:30pm (30 min for transportation)

Stop #3: Full House Home

1:30-1:45pm (15 min)

Once your belly is full it’s time to check out the iconic home from Full House. If you’re a fan of the TV show, this will be a treat! But if you’ve never watched the show then perhaps you can skip this one. 

For those who don’t know, Full House was a popular TV show that debuted in the late 80s and continued through the mid 90’s. It was about a guy who raises 3 daughters with the help of his brother-in-law and best friend in San Francisco.

In the show they often showed the outside of the house. So it’s become an iconic home in the bay area. The Full House home is located at 1709 Broderick St. and is located in Lower Pacific Heights which is close to Japantown. 

Uber to The Presidio (7 min).

1:45pm-2pm (15 min for transportation)

Stop #4a: The Presidio – Walt Disney Family Museum

2pm-5:30pm (3hrs)

If you’re a Disney fan, you might enjoy the Walt Disney Family Museum which is a museum dedicated to Walt Disney’s life. This museum was founded by his daughter Diane Disney Miller in March 2014.

It’s located in the Presidio which is a national park. There are many things to do in the Presidio and the Walt Disney Family Museum is one of them.

You will have to pay an admission to get in. There are tickets to the main museum, film screenings and special exhibits. So check their website for specific details.

It closes promptly at 5:30pm. If you decide to do everything, expect to be there the full 3 hours. But if you only do the main museum, it might take 2 hours. 

When finished and depending on the time of year, watch the sunset or just enjoy the view of the bridge. Explore the Presidio further if you’d like. 

There is an alternative stop if you’re not interested in the Walt Disney Family Museum. If you like views and hiking, check out Twin Peaks. 

Stop #4b: Twin Peaks

4:30pm-6pm (1.5 hrs)

It’s best to go to Twin Peaks during sunset for the amazing views. It’s called Twin Peaks because these are two adjacent peaks (Eureka Peak and Noe Peak) that people can walk or bike to see a spectacular view of the city. Take the trail where you can hike approximately 0.7 miles to the top. 

When hiking, be sure to stay on the trail to avoid poison oak. You should expect this hike to take about 1 hour round trip. But allow some time to enjoy the view from the top and watch the sunset over the city.

If you’re driving, there is street parking off of Crestline Dr. or a small parking lot near the Christmas Tree Viewing Area. As always, do not leave anything visible in the car. Car break-ins are common in San Francisco.

Stop #5: Dinner

6:30pm-8pm (1.5 hrs)

By this time you should have worked up an appetite.

Here are some dinner options you might enjoy:

Presidio Kebab – Get hot and cold mezes, soups, salads and kebabs. It’s delicious Mediterranean food you won’t want to miss. Some popular dishes are the tavuk shish kebab, yaprak doner and babaganoush. Prices are affordable.

Roma Antica – Who wants some Italian food? Everyone loves a good pizza, pasta and of course tiramisu. The food is fresh and delicious. The restaurant has vegetarian options as well.

House of Prime Rib – For the meat lovers, this steakhouse serves up several different prime rib cuts. The ambiance is upscale and the food is pricey. Everything is a-la-carte so be prepared to spend some money here. 

This will end your day 3 with a nice meal and a lot of amazing memories!

San Francisco Itinerary 3 Days of Transportation

One of the biggest questions surrounding travel to San Francisco is transportation. A San Francisco 3 day itinerary without car is totally doable. In fact, it’s a good idea. Parking is limited in the city and most parking is paid parking.

Lastly, SF is known for car break-ins. The last thing you need is for your car rental to get broken into. The car break-ins happen fast so why put yourself through that anxiety. 

The best ways to get around San Francisco is public transportation or ride share. You could take a taxi, but it’s generally more expensive than ride shares like Uber or Lyft.

And if you don’t speak English very well, ride shares are great because you don’t have to talk to the driver or explain where you want to go. You can just put the destination into the app. 

Public transportation includes MUNI buses, light rail Metro trains, streetcars and cable cars. If you want to ride the MUNI, just know that this will be a slower method of getting around.

Depending on the route and type of transportation (rail, bus, streetcar, cable car) it could take anywhere from 10-30 minutes for it to arrive. And then to get to your desired stop there may be stops in between or you have to walk a bit from the stop to get to the desired location.

Taking public transportation could take 3x as long compared to a ride share service, but it will be much cheaper. 

There are several ways to pay if you want to ride the MUNI.

1) Use a Clipper Card or Clipper App – The Clipper Card is a physical card that holds money on it. You simply tag your card at the door to pay. You can either buy the card online ahead of time or buy a card in person.

To buy a card in person, you will need to find a location that offers them. You can also use Apple Wallet or Google Wallet to connect to ‘Clipper’ and add funds.

Then tap your phone when you enter the vehicle. Another option is to download the Clipper app. Here you can create an account and add funds to the app. From there you can add it to your Apple Wallet. 

2) Download the MuniMobile app – in the app you can plan your trip, check arrival times and see maps and schedules. You can even pay on the app. Simply create an account and add a payment method. You must activate your ticket before passing through. 

3) Use a ticket vending machine – These are found at MUNI Metro stations.

4) Pay cash – Cash amount must be exact. So this is the most inconvenient way to pay.

You can either pay individual fares or get a day pass for unlimited rides on any MUNI transportation vehicle.

How to Pack for this 3 Days San Francisco Itinerary

San Francisco is known to be on the cool side, sometimes windy and sometimes rainy. While you should always check the weather ahead of time, in most instances you will want to pack layers and warm clothes.

So bring an umbrella just in case and make sure to bring a jacket, scarf and good walking shoes. If you get cold like me, bring a beanie and gloves for nighttime (or daytime).

San Francisco tends to be cloudy and can be foggy in the morning. Even in the summer, there’s a marine layer with strong winds that can overcome the city keeping it fairly cool. Warm temperatures may be found toward the end of summer or early fall.

3 Day Itinerary San Francisco Trip Accommodations

Finding a great place to stay can really make your trip more enjoyable. There are many options, but I would advise that you stay away from the Tenderloin area and Union Square.

The Tenderloin is recognized as a dangerous area of SF. There is high crime here, violence, robbery and drugs. There are many homeless people that live there as well as drug addicts. Many of the homeless people trickle into Union Square, unfortunately.

Union Square, which used to be a vibrant shopping area, is not as exciting as it once was. Many businesses around the area have closed their doors and relocated elsewhere.

That being said, good neighborhoods to stay in are Pacific Heights, the Marina District and Fisherman’s Wharf. These areas have nice views of the water, are close to the main attractions and are considered safe for tourists. Stay to the left of the 101 fwy for the safest and best options for tourists.

Here are some suggestions for places to stay…

Hotel Kabuki, part of JdV by Hyatt – Located in Japantown, this place is a little more inland but still an excellent location. It’s central to all the major tourist attractions. It’s a modern hotel with all the amenities you’ll need.

Francisco Bay Inn – Also in a great location, this place is more affordable than the first 2 places but it’s still spacious, clean and comfortable. The decor is more simple but it does the job.

Itinerary for San Francisco 3 Days with Tours

If you would rather take special tours that give you more insight to the city or different views, here are some tours I would recommend. All of these tours are short (1-2 hours). There are day long tours as well, but it will be more difficult to find a San Francisco 3 day tour if that’s of interest to you.

Straight to the Gate Access: Golden Gate Bay Cruise – Instead of going to a lookout point to see the bridge, take a cruise on the water and get a beautiful scenic view of the San Francisco Bay. From the bay you can see Sausalito, the Marin Headlands, Angel Island and more. The tour is 1 hour.

San Francisco Love Tour – Take a 2 hour sightseeing tour aboard a 1970’s Volkswagon bus. There are 2 major stops (Golden Gate Bridge and Mission District) and 11 places you pass by including Haight-Ashbury, Lombard St., Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and Golden Gate Park. 

San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour – While you can roam around Chinatown on your own, it’s nice to get an inside perspective of this historic area. You will see popular sites in Chinatown and gain local knowledge. Learn about Chinatown’s history, see an herbal pharmacy, visit the fortune cookie factory and see exotic produce. 

3 Day San Francisco Family Itinerary

This itinerary is actually pretty family friendly. If the children are young, they might get tired easily since these are packed days. But everything in the 3 days would be appropriate.

Teens will find most of these attractions interesting and fun as well. The only thing you might skip is any nightlife or some of the suggestions for after dinner which may be 21 and over. 

Final Thoughts on this San Francisco 3 Day Itinerary

This San Francisco in 3 days itinerary will give you a little bit of everything. If you have any questions or recommendations of your own, feel free to drop me a comment.

I know this can be an ambitious itinerary for some, but for others it’s totally doable. Pick and choose what you feel makes the most sense for you and your interests as well as the pace you like to travel and the budget. 

There are many blogs about San Francisco so I appreciate you taking the time to read mine! I hope you found it useful and gained some insights to help you with your own 3 days in San Francisco itinerary. Be sure to check out my other San Francisco itineraries! 

3 Days San Francisco FAQ

Is 3 days enough to visit San Francisco?

3 days is enough to get a good overview of San Francisco. If you are efficient with your time you can actually see quite a bit. Review this 3 day San Francisco itinerary for everything I recommend.

How many days is best for San Francisco?

I would recommend at least 3 days. In 3 days you can experience the most popular attractions and also see outside of the most touristy areas. You can get a little bit of everything by checking out this San Francisco 3 days itinerary.

What is the best way to see San Francisco?

The best way to see San Francisco is by public transportation or ride share to get from place to place. But there are ample opportunities for walking within any given area. Public transportation will be cheaper than ride share services like Uber or Lyft but it will take much longer to get from place to place so weigh out your priorities. 

Is San Francisco doable without a car?

Yes. In fact, it’s probably better to not rent a car in San Francisco. Due to bad car break-in problems and expensive parking, it’s easier to just take public transportation or ride share. Ride shares can get expensive as well so if you’re on a budget, it may be better to take public transportation, walk or even rent a scooter.

Is San Francisco a walkable city?

You can easily walk within areas of San Francisco (i.e. the Embarcadero, Ghirardelli Square, Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio, Golden Gate Park) but walking between places can be far and sometimes dangerous if you are not in a good neighborhood. For your safety, it’s also best to not walk at night.

Is it better to visit San Francisco on a weekend or weekday?

Weekdays will always be less busy than weekends. On the weekends locals are also out and about which can create crowds and long lines or waits. Restaurants can especially get busier on the weekends (like anywhere else). Try to do as many activities during the week as possible.

What month is the cheapest in San Francisco?

The cheapest months to travel to San Francisco are January and February when the weather is less favorable. San Francisco is often cold and windy. 

What shouldn’t you miss in San Francisco?

Do not miss the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Lombard St. and the cable car. These are must dos in San Francisco.

What time of year is San Francisco the cheapest?

Winter. The coldest months are less desirable for travelers especially to places that are already generally cold to begin with. San Francisco can also get very windy and rainy. So evaluate if it’s more important to keep a budget or have better weather.

Can I walk San Francisco at night?

It’s advisable to not walk long distances in San Francisco at night for your safety. And it’s definitely not advised to walk around more dangerous neighborhoods like the Tenderloin area.

Is 4 days enough in San Francisco?

Yes, 4 days will be ample time to explore this popular city. Review this itinerary San Francisco 3 days article and you’ll see how much you can get done in even just a few days.