Explore with this Exciting San Francisco 4 Day Itinerary

San Francisco is one of the most visited cities in California because there are so many points of interest and things to do. This San Francisco 4 day itinerary will touch upon all of the major highlights for a first time visitor and give you a well-rounded experience of San Francisco. 

Being a California native, I’ve visited San Francisco many times. It’s a unique place with a unique vibe. If you’re wondering what to do in San Francisco in 4 days, I’m here to help guide you to an epic San Francisco travel itinerary. 

San Francisco 4 Day Itinerary: Day 1

Stop #1: Alcatraz

8am-12pm (4 hrs)

Your 4 days in San Francisco itinerary starts off at Alcatraz, the island that was once a high security prison. In a unique setup, the prison was based on an island off the coast of San Francisco and held some of the most notorious prisoners such as Al Capone, ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly and Robert Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz. 

While the prison seemed to be very secure, there were a few men that possibly escaped as they were never found. Surrounded by cold water, any escape would make for a difficult one. Built in the 1920’s, it was an active penitentiary until the early 1960’s. 

Due to high costs, the prison could no longer operate. Since then, Alcatraz Island has become a destination for daily tours and see first hand where these high profile prisoners were held, their living conditions, step inside a prison cell and learn some interesting stories along the way. 

The only way to get to Alcatraz Island is by ferry. The ferry ride is 15 minutes each way and it departs on the hour starting at 8:30am from Pier 33. Times change slightly throughout the year so be sure to check their ferry schedule for their current times. 

You should allow at least 3 hours for the tour, view the exhibit and explore the island. And you should arrive 45 minutes before departure.

For this itinerary you will want to take one of the first 2 ferries and then be back by noon. There is an evening tour called ‘Behind the Scenes’ If the night tour sounds more interesting, you’ll have to rearrange some of the activities. 

When finished, walk to Pier 39

12pm-12:15pm (6 min walk)

Stop #2: Pier 39

12:15pm-1:45pm (1.5 hrs)

What is a San Francisco itinerary without a stop at Pier 39? The wharf or some may call it the Embarcadero, is the area by the water filled with restaurants, shops and entertainment. Here you can access plenty of seafood like clam chowder, fried shrimp or fish and chips. 

Here you can watch the seals, get entertained by street performers, take in the views and eat your heart out. There’s also a unique old arcade museum filled with very old and nostalgic video games. You’ll feel like you stepped back in time to a simpler time. Shop for souvenirs and get lunch here.

Here are some yummy food options you’ll want to consider. 

Boudins – Get your clam chowder in a bread bowl fix. There are 2 locations here (one much bigger than the other), but you just can’t go wrong with some warm hearty soup on a usually chilly and windy pier. 

Codmother Fish & Chips – Deep fried fish paired with French fries is always a good option. Eat fresh fish fried British style for a crunchy and satisfying lunch. A great place for a quick bite, it also serves fish tacos, shrimp tacos and calamari. 

Fog Harbor Fish House – For an actual sit down restaurant with beautiful views, try Fog Harbor. The food quality is fantastic and you’ll get a more upscale experience. You can also get more variety in food options with healthier choices. Choose crab, lobster or scallops for something different. 

But wait! Save room for dessert. The next stop is Ghirardelli Square. 

Walk to Ghirardelli Square

1:45pm-2pm (15 min)

Stop #3: Ghirardelli Square

2pm-2:45pm (45 min)

Another popular destination is Ghirardelli Square where you can get your chocolate on! It’s time for sweet tooth lovers to get prepared. Within Ghirardelli Square are three areas where you can get ice cream sundaes and buy chocolate. These are The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience and Ghirardelli On-the-Go. 

Each place has its own specialty. The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop primarily focuses on sundaes whereas the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience provides more chocolate squares, bars and gifts for purchase. The Ghirardelli On-the-Go offers a quicker grab and go experience. 

Take a moment to explore the square and indulge in a sundae. Or simply get some Ghirardelli chocolate as souvenirs. Take some pictures of the Ghirardelli sign and lounge around the area. It’s a cute little square with an old time feel. 

Walk to Lombard Street

2:45pm-3pm (15 min)

Stop #4: Lombard Street

Lombard Street, famously dubbed the “Crookedest Street in the World,” is a serpentine marvel that winds its way down Russian Hill. Its eight sharp turns offer a thrilling, yet challenging drive for even the most experienced motorist. However, the true beauty of this iconic street is best appreciated on foot.

As you stroll along Lombard, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The colorful houses that line the street create a picturesque scene, making it one of San Francisco’s most photographed attractions.

While driving Lombard is an exhilarating experience, it’s important to be mindful of the local residents and other visitors. The narrow road and steep incline can make for a nerve-wracking journey, especially during peak hours. Additionally, there’s a fee to drive down the street.

To fully savor the charm of Lombard Street, I recommend taking a leisurely walk. You’ll have the opportunity to admire the architecture, capture stunning photos, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Just remember to respect the neighborhood and be cautious of oncoming traffic. 

By choosing to walk, you’ll not only enjoy a more relaxed and scenic experience, but you’ll also contribute to a more peaceful and sustainable environment.

Uber to Golden Gate Bridge (10 min)

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

Stop #5: Golden Gate Bridge

3:15pm-4:45pm (1.5 hr)

The most iconic attraction in San Francisco and one of the most popular places to visit in the United States is the Golden Gate Bridge. Its massive presence and bold red color make this architectural structure one that cannot be ignored. The strength and solid nature of this magnificent suspension bridge has brought visitors from all over the world since its construction in 1937. 

The Golden Gate Bridge connects the city of San Francisco and Marin County through the Golden Gate Strait. Spanning 1 mile in length, when it was constructed it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world. Today, this record no longer holds, but its beauty remains. 

It’s possible to walk the bridge but expect it to take about 30-45 minutes each way. But based on the time allotted here, this won’t be feasible. Of course, if walking the bridge is a must, adjust the itinerary as necessary. With four days in San Francisco you can make sure you get the right pictures. If possible, pick a day and time when the fog has been blown out. 

Instead, I would suggest posting up at some of the popular lookout points for that perfect Insta picture or selfie. There are several viewpoints to see the bridge, but none of them are perfect. 

One good viewpoint is one to the east or right side of the bridge. Here you can visit the Welcome Center, take a bathroom break, walk through the park and get both a close-up and zoomed out view of the bridge. 

For a very close view of the bridge head to Fort Point National Historic Site that’s also on the right side of the bridge. For the zoomed out view, walk as far as Crissy Field. 

Lastly, weather is very important in getting a good view of the bridge. Generally, the best time to visit the Golden Gate Bridge is from 12pm-4pm when the fog has cleared up. While the afternoons are better, there’s also a good chance of wind so be prepared!

Uber to Chinatown

4:45pm-5pm (15 min)

Stop #6: Chinatown 

5pm-7pm (2 hrs)

Let’s be real. Chinatown is not going to be clean or modern. It comprises many older shops, restaurants and bars. So why go here? Chinatown in San Francisco is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. It has a lot of history and Chinese influence. 

Here you can visit temples, tea stores, have dim sum, view street art, frequent an Eastern medicine shop, see pagodas and other unique cultural attractions. But most of all, you’re here for the food and to experience some traditional Chinese food. 

But before dinner, take a peek at the Fortune Cookie Factory which is a fun spot to see how fortune cookies are made. While fortune cookies did not originate in China, they have become a popular symbol of Chinese food in the United States. 

At the factory you can purchase different flavors of fortune cookies and custom order them as well. Be sure to visit this place before dinner as it closes at 6:30pm on weekdays and 7pm on weekends. But check their website just to be sure. 

Another point of interest in Chinatown is the Dragon Gate which officially marks the entrance of Chinatown. This gate-like structure lets you know you’ve entered Chinatown. 

For dinner, here are some options to consider:

Hong Kong Clay Pot Restaurant – For Cantonese, Hong Kong style food, this place will deliver. Don’t expect any frills though. It’s all about authentic food here. 

Osmanthus Dim Sum Lounge – If you want a nicer atmosphere and are craving dim sum, check this place out. Get siu mai, steamed buns and shrimp dumplings. But they also have sharable family style dishes like chow mein and honey walnut shrimp. 

Hon’s Wun-Tun House – If you’re a wonton and soup person, the Wun-Tun House is for you. Especially on a cold day, not noodle soup can be the perfect comfort food. 

Mr. Jiu’s – For a more upscale experience, Mr. Jiu’s delivers an artsy vibe with eclectic dishes. Expect to pay more here as well. With a Michelin star, you’re sure to have a delightful meal. 

Stop #7 Cable Car

7pm-8pm (1hr)

After dinner, the city is yours to explore! Feel free to indulge in San Francisco’s vibrant nightlife, whether it’s a leisurely drink, a decadent dessert, or a thrilling cable car ride. Or perhaps you’d prefer to witness the iconic Golden Gate Bridge illuminated against the night sky.

I highly recommend taking a ride on the historic cable cars. No San Francisco travel guide is complete without seeing these iconic symbols of the city. They offer a unique and nostalgic way to experience San Francisco. The cable cars operate daily from 7 AM to 10 PM, and a small fee is required for a one-way trip. 

You can hop on the California cable car in Chinatown, near the intersection of California Street and Kearny Street or California Street and Grant Avenue. This line runs east-west from Van Ness Avenue to the Embarcadero, offering stunning views of the city skyline.

Alternatively, you can choose the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable car lines. The Powell-Hyde line takes you from Powell Street down Hyde Street to the waterfront, where you can easily walk back to Ghirardelli Square or Fisherman’s Wharf. The Powell-Mason line travels down Mason Street to Bay Street, also within walking distance of Fisherman’s Wharf.

You can ride the cable car as long or as short a distance as you like. For the most convenient experience, I recommend purchasing a fare in advance using the MuniMobile app or a Clipper Card. If you prefer to pay with cash, be sure to have exact change. For the latest information on schedules, routes, and fares, please visit the SFMTA website.

San Francisco 4 Day Itinerary: Day 2

Stop #1: Hayes Valley

9am-10:30am (1.5 hrs)

Hayes Valley has become one of San Francisco’s hotspot neighborhoods where you’ll find a number of higher end boutiques, stores, cafes, restaurants and bars. 

It’s a cute place to stop by and check out. And what better way to check it out than with breakfast. Here are a couple of hip options:

Peacock Pansy – Get excited by their beautifully vibrant plated dishes. For breakfast, indulge in any one of their eggs benedict, French toast, waffles or omelet. There are some very unique items on their menu!

That’s My Jam – If you’re big on coffee and tea, this place might fit your fancy. They have a variety of coffee and tea choices and a small breakfast menu. But this place is only open Friday through Sunday so make sure it’s open before going. 

Walk to Alamo Square

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

Stop #2: Alamo Square

10:45am-11am (15 min)

At Alamo Square you will see the famous Painted Ladies which are a collection of 7 Victorian inspired homes with various color accents. Built in the Queen Anne style, they represent the iconic view of San Franciscan homes. 

These homes have been featured in many movies and TV shows. At some point in this 4 day San Francisco itinerary, you’ll want to see these homes in person as they are a true reminder you’re in SF! So take some photos and then move onto the next stop. 

Walk or Uber to Haight Ashbury

11am-11:30am (30 min)

Stop #3: Haight Ashbury

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

Haight Ashbury gets its name because it’s a neighborhood at the intersection of Haight St. and Ashbury St. This area has a unique and fun hippie vibe which includes a number of vintage stores, restaurants, dive bars, bookstores and the famous Amoeba Music store. 

This hippie area developed as a counterculture movement of the 1960s. The neighborhood is marked with bright colorful murals and artwork. It’s worth a quick visit to explore. Feel free to grab a snack while you’re here. The next stop will take several hours of your time. 

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

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

Stop #4: California Academy of Sciences

1pm-5pm (4 hrs)

The California Academy of Sciences is an amazing museum located in Golden Gate Park. Inside you’ll find an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest and natural history museum. They have many interesting and interactive exhibits. You can really spend all day here!

It’s only open until 5pm so it’s important to arrive earlier rather than later so you can see everything. The time really does pass by fast. You could also skip the Haight Ashbury or one of the earlier activities so that you can spend more time at the museum. 

Be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time to save on admission. I don’t know about you, but I love these types of museums. They are always so interesting and teach you so much about nature and life. 

One fun mention is that the California Academy of Sciences has a NightLife Session for those 21+. They turn up the adult fun with a DJ, performances, talks, demonstrations and of course cocktails. At the same time you still get to see the exhibits. NightLife Sessions occur on Thursday evenings only.

Uber to dinner

5pm-5:30pm (allow 30 min)

Stop #5: Dinner

5:30pm-7pm (1.5 hrs)

After a long day, a good hearty meal is in order. Here are some recommendations of places that aren’t too far from the museum. 

CreoLa – For a taste of Southern food, get your fixin’ of catfish, crawfish, andouille sausage and fried chicken. This New Orleans creole style food will make you feel like you’re in the South. Don’t forget the beignets for dessert.

Beit Rima – For a taste of Arabia, Beit Rima offers traditional Mediterranean dishes such as baba ganoush, hummus and kabobs. It’s a casual spot with delicious food. 

Katsu + Kombu – For a taste of Asia, and specifically Japan, Katsu + Kombu serves mainly udon. Choose either hot or cold udon. The menu is small but the noodle soups are nourishing and tasty. 

Stop #6: Free Time

7pm+

After dinner is free time. Seek out some nightlife, find a bar or simply go back to the hotel and rest. For those who are not ready to get some shut eye, I have a few suggestions. 

Emporium Arcade Bar – This is a fun events center filled with arcade games, pool tables, air hockey tables, foosball tables and more. Enjoy a drink at the bar, listen to some music and meet new people. It’s a happening place. 

Tonga Room & Hurricane Club – Located in the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, this unique bar is one you have to experience at least once. With a tiki theme, there’s a large pool in the middle, a live band, a pirate ship display and pricey food and drinks. 

Cheaper than Therapy – If you’re in need of a laugh, Cheaper than Therapy will put a smile on your face. While it’s not open every night, if you’re able to score a ticket, you’ll experience several comic acts.

San Francisco 4 Day Itinerary: Day 3

Stop #1: San Francisco Botanical Garden

9am-11am (2 hrs)

You’re back at Golden Gate Park, the same area where the California Academy of Sciences is located. But today you get to explore other areas of this vast park that spans over 1,000 acres. 

There are several other parks within Golden Gate Park, so choose 1 or 2 to visit as you will likely not have enough time to visit them all in 2 hours. Or feel free to come earlier to take advantage of some of the parks’ free admission.

Here is a quick breakdown of three different areas I recommend visiting. But just choose no more than two for the sake of time. 

Also, admission to each of these parks is not that cheap. Try to go when they have free admission or buy the Gardens of Golden Gate Park Pass which gives you admission into all of their gardens. It will be cheaper to buy this than buying tickets individually.

San Francisco Botanical Garden – spanning over 55 acres, this garden is the home to over 8,000 species of plants. It’s a wonderful place to experience the vastness of plants. Take a leisurely stroll, learn about plants and feel relaxed. 

The garden is open every day but their hours vary so check their website for current operating times. They do have free admission from 7:30-9am. And it’s free on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay to enter. 

Conservatory of Flowers – This is located in a white wood and glass conservatory which houses aquatic plants, highland and lowland tropics, flowering trees, shrubs and ferns. 

It’s free the first Tuesday of every month and closed every Wednesday. 

Japanese Tea Garden – This is probably the most interesting and beautiful of the three gardens as there are beautiful Japanese plants such as maples, pines, azaleas and cherry trees. With various landmarks such as a buddha, pagoda, bridges and a zen garden, it’s very picturesque. 

Get free admission from 9am-10am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It’s the oldest operating public Japanese Garden in North America. 

Alternative Option:

If gardens are not your thing, consider going to the Mission District which is a Latino neighborhood with a hipster vibe. Here there are many stores, boutiques, restaurants and murals. You can see Mission Dolores and Mission Dolores Park. So if you’re looking for something more cultural during this San Francisco trip itinerary, this might be a better option. 

Drive or Uber to Japantown

11am-11:30am (30 min)

Stop #2: Japantown

11:30am-1pm (1.5 hrs)

Take a moment to immerse yourself in 6 blocks of Japanese inspired restaurants, gift shops, karaoke bars and more. There are on occasion different cultural events and walking tours as well. Otherwise, take a stroll and then find a place to eat lunch. 

Here are some food recommendations:

Marufuku Ramen – Great on a rainy or cold day, ramen hits the stomach with great satisfaction. Choose from a variety of different ramen flavors and toppings, chicken karaage, braised pork and gyoza. Yummy! 

Udon Mugizo – Another noodle spot, udon is also a great cold weather day comfort food. But udon is usually less salty and has thinner broths than ramen. You can choose cold and hot udon. You can get tonkotsu udon, nabeyaki udon and even curry udon. 

Uber, drive or walk to Full House home

1pm-1:30pm (allow 30 min)

Stop #3: Full House Home

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

Did you watchFull House growing up? If so, this is a little treat. You can see the actual house shown on the TV show. It just so happens that the Full House home is a short distance from Japantown. 

Full House was a popular sitcom that debuted in the late 80’s and ran through the mid 90s. The show is about a father who has to raise his three young daughters. He is helped by his brother-in-law and best friend in San Francisco. 

In many of the episodes, they often show the exterior of the home they live in which is located at 1709 Broderick St. in Lower Pacific Heights. 

If you didn’t watch Full House and have no desire to see the home, skip it and move onto the next stop. 

Uber or drive to the Presidio

1:45pm-2pm (allow 15 min)

Stop #4: The Presidio – Walt Disney Family Museum

2pm-4pm (2 hrs)

Founded by Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane Disney Miller in 2014, the Walt Disney Family Museum is a great tribute to Walt Disney’s life. See a variety of exhibits and rare film artifacts, photographs and early production concepts, layouts and drawings. 

If you’re a Disney fan, this museum will reveal the man behind the vision and his journey to becoming the greatest animator of his time. Plan to spend at least 2 hours here if you only visit the main museum. But if you decide to do everything and see some of the special film screenings and exhibits, it will take you 3 hours. 

The museum closes promptly at 5:30pm so if you spend longer than 2 hours here, you can skip the next stop and explore the Presidio further. Perhaps watch the sunset or see the bridge one more time. 

For a different view of the city, head to Twin Peaks. 

Drive or Uber to Twin Peaks

4pm-4:30pm (allow 30 min)

Stop #5: Twin Peaks

4:30pm-6pm (1.5 hrs)

Twin Peaks is a great spot to hit for sunset. Twin Peaks references Eureka Peak and Noe Peak which are adjacent to each other. When you hike to the peaks you can get some amazing views of San Francisco. 

The trail is not that long, only 0.7 miles. However, it’s important to stay on the trail so as to not come across any poison oak. The hike in total should take about 1 hour, but take some time for pictures at the top. 

If you are driving, park off of Crestline Dr. for street parking or the small parking lot near the Christmas Tree Viewing Area. For your safety, keep all valuables hidden. Don’t leave anything visible or out. San Francisco is notorious for car break-ins. 

Stop #5: Dinner

6:30pm-8pm (1.5 hrs)

Presidio Kebab – Here’s another Mediterranean spot with good food. With cold and hot mezes, soups, salads, kebabs, moussaka, falafel and so much more, you won’t leave hungry here. It’s delicious and satisfying. 

Roma Antica – Enjoy a hearty Italian meal at Roma Antica. They have a nice selection of pastas, appetizers, pizza and secondi dishes. Food is authentic, pastas are al dente, and sauces are on point.

House of Prime Rib – For meat lovers, get some mouthwatering juicy prime rib, fresh sourdough bread, baked potato, creamed corn, creamed spinach and all the fixings.

San Francisco 4 Day Itinerary: Day 4

Stop #1: Breakfast

8:30am-10am (1.5 hrs)

Start the day off with a hearty breakfast. Here are some great choices:

Mr. East Kitchen – Think South East Asia meets American breakfast. Intrigued? Try unique breakfast items like the pandan waffles, tom yum omelette or Thai tea French toast. They have an interesting blend of dishes from both sides of the world. 

Sisterita – Aside from the cute decor, Sisterita is a popular brunch destination and boasts about their signature Voila French Toast Brioche. A close second is their Alcatraz Escape shrimp omelette. 

The Rotunda – If you’re a fan of afternoon tea, the Rotunda is a fun choice. Located on the fourth floor of Neiman Marcus, you get to choose from an assortment of various teas and then served a tower of goodies such as finger sandwiches, scones and tarts. If you want to eat here, be sure to call and make a reservation. Also, tea time is in the afternoon, so you’ll have to move around the itinerary to accommodate the later eating time. 

Head over to SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art)

10am-10:30am (30 min)

Stop #2: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

10:30am-1:30pm (3 hrs)

San Francisco has one of the biggest modern art museums in the United States. This is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Here you can see paintings, sculptures, photography, architecture and more that revolve around contemporary art. There are various exhibits and events that occur here so check the website for details. 

It’s closed on Wednesdays. Purchase tickets on their website. You can save on admission if you have the San Francisco CityPASS or Go City. 

Walk to Union Square

1:30pm-1:45pm (allow 15 min to get there)

Stop #3: Union Square

1:45pm-3:45pm (2 hrs)

I have mixed feelings about this place. On one hand it can be a good place to go shopping and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city. But on the other hand, it has become run down and populated by homeless people. 

I’m including it in this itinerary because Union Square is still one of the more popular places to visit. The square itself is iconic with the tall monument in the middle surrounded by many high rise buildings. There are many stores, restaurants and other food establishments in the surrounding area.

At Union Square you will find mid to high end stores. Some of the big department stores are Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales. The whole shopping area is quite expansive. View the store directory ahead of time so you can plan your shopping route.

If you’re driving, there are a few parking lots that have reasonable rates. 

For the next stop, I provide a couple of choices. The first one, everyone can enjoy. The second one is good if you have kids. 

Stop #4: Big Bus Tour

3:45pm-6:15pm (2 hrs, 30 min)

For a nice overview of San Francisco, you can take the Big Bus Tour and hop on at the Union Square stop. The total bus ride takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes and it takes you all over San Francisco passing by many of the major tourist spots. It is a hop on hop off bus, but I would encourage you to not get off. Just ride the full route.

Most of the stops on the path are places you will have seen already if you follow this itinerary. But what’s nice about the bus tour is that they give you extra facts about each place. You get to learn more about the history of San Francisco and you’ll hear some interesting stories. 

Now that you’ve seen most of these places in the first few days of the trip, learning about each place on a deeper level can be more impactful. Also, the bus ride is a nice way to wrap up the trip. All you have to do is sit and listen. 

Take the Day Tour (Red Route). The bus comes around every 15 minutes. 

There is also a Night Tour (Blue Route) which allows you to see different places than what you’ve already seen. You’ll get a night view of the city which can also be really fun. But the starting point is close to the wharf at the Big Bus Visitor Center and there is only one start time (6:30pm). The total tour time of the Night Tour is 1 hr 15 min. 

Drive or Uber to restaurant

6:15pm-6:30pm (15 min)

Stop #5: Dinner

6:30-8pm (1.5 hrs)

San Francisco is a cultural hub of many ethnicities. It’s only fitting that you experience a variety of cuisines during your trip. Here are some more diverse options to round out your culinary dining adventures.

Que Viet Vietnamese Grill & Pho – Get the woven vermicelli with your choice of protein and the House Favorites which allows you to sample a variety of Vietnamese appetizers. 

Mariposas – Aside from its fun butterfly decor, this Peruvian restaurant has some delicious food like lomo saltado, ceviche, empanadas and arroz chaufa. Experience a taste of Peru and Latin American flavors. 

Montesacro SOMA – Indulge in Roman style pinsa pizza, salads and charcuterie boards. And don’t forget a glass of wine! Pinsa style pizza is where the dough is hand-pressed. It’s not thrown or spun to make a perfect circle. Get ready to carb load your way through this meal. 

San Francisco 4 Day Itinerary: Transportation

Getting around SF can feel a bit daunting. Luckily, there are several transportation methods you can take to get around the city. Considering you’re trying to see most of San Francisco in 4 days, you’ll need to determine the transportation situation and prioritize time or money. For this San Francisco itinerary, you are better off doing ride shares since you’ll be seeing and going to a lot of places. To be honest, you might not be able to do everything if you use public transportation as it will take longer to get from place to place. 

Transportation options:

1. Rent a car and drive
2. Take ride shares or a taxi
3. Take public transportation through the MUNI system
4. Take public transportation through the BART

Let’s talk about each of these in more detail. 

Renting a Car

Renting a car will get you to your destination quicker than public transportation options. But you will have to deal with finding parking, parking fees and of course the cost of the rental itself. These costs can add up quickly and might not be your best option.

Renting a car may be a good option if you have small children with you that need car seats and need to carry many things with you from place to place. 

If you rent a car, beware of car break ins. San Francisco is notorious for car break ins. Keep all valuables and anything that could be of value out of sight. 

Ride Shares or Taxis

Taking ride shares such as Uber or Lyft will be the fastest way to get from A to B and, therefore, the most convenient. But it will be costly. The cost of ride shares can decrease per person the more people you have in the car where you can possibly split the bill. But the prices can go up during peak hours or busy periods. 

If you encounter peak activity with ride shares, it’s best to take a taxi instead. 

Public Transportation

BART – the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is the best public transportation if you’re looking to get from SFO Airport to the city. But from there you will have to find another means of transportation if your accommodations are on the west side of SF. The BART only stops at Civic Center/Union Plaza, Powell St., Montgomery St. and the Embarcadero within the main city area. 

The BART is a rail system that connects San Francisco to East Bay, Oakland, Millbrae, Richmond, Antioch and several other places in the bay area. The BART will be a cheap and affordable option to get into the city. Use the Clipper Card to pay for your ride. 

The BART is best used for going to and from SFO airport. 

MUNI – The MUNI is a network of buses, light rail trains, streetcars and cable cars that operate across San Francisco for affordable public transportation options. You can take a combination of the various transportation options. 

Transportation using the MUNI system is cheap and the most affordable way to get around the city. However, you sacrifice time. It may take double the time to get somewhere using public transportation vs. renting a car, taking a ride share or taking a taxi. So weigh what’s most important to you…time or money.

To pay for MUNI fares, either download the Clipper Card App or MUNI mobile app. On the apps you can add funds and pay for your fares. You can view schedules and maps as well. It’s the easiest, no-hassle way to pay your fares. 

San Francisco 4 Day Itinerary: How to Pack

In general, San Francisco is on the cool side and often windy. The weather in Northern California is quite different from the weather in Southern California. That being said, prepare to pack layers and warmer clothing. Bring a jacket, possibly gloves, a scarf and something to keep your head warm if you tend to run cold.  

It’s quite common for fog to kick in from the ocean especially during the summer. On average the temperature in San Francisco hovers around 60 degrees fahrenheit. Nights can be pretty chilly especially if you are by the wharf or the water. 

San Francisco can also get a lot more rain than down south. Check the weather to see if rain is in the forecast and bring an umbrella and a poncho or other waterproof clothing. 

Don’t forget to bring good walking shoes. As you can see, this itinerary requires a lot of walking so your feet need to last all day. 

Lastly, although San Francisco remains on the cooler side, be sure to check the UV index as you can still get sunburned. Wear sunscreen on your face and exposed skin for protection. 

San Francisco 4 Day Itinerary: Accommodations

Where is the best area to stay in San Francisco? There are definitely good areas and bad areas in San Francisco. First let’s talk about the areas you should avoid staying in. The Tenderloin is a definite no-no and around Union Square is not advised. The Tenderloin is considered to be a dangerous part of San Francisco with high occurrences of violence, drugs, homelessness, theft and other criminal behavior. 

The Tenderloin area, which covers about 50 square blocks, is right next to Union Square. Many homeless people trickle into Union Square making it less safe.  

The best areas to stay in SF are Pacific Heights, the Marina District and Fisherman’s Wharf. These areas are closer to the water and tourist attractions.

Here are some hotels I recommend:

Hotel Kabuki, part of JdV by Hyatt – A close runner up is this centrally located hotel. It has a modern design and it’s clean & well-maintained.

Francisco Bay Inn – For a more affordable option, this inn is in a great location. It’s simple and clean and has friendly staff.

San Francisco 4 Day Itinerary: Tours

I get it. Sometimes doing everything yourself, figuring out where to go or how to get there is tiring, frustrating and stressful. If you’re one of those people who like to take tours because it takes the work out of your hands, I got you. Here are a few tours I would recommend that aren’t too long but give you something extra that you wouldn’t otherwise get if you did it yourself. Feel free to incorporate any of these tours into your San Francisco trip plan. 

Here are some tours I recommend:

San Francisco Love Tour – Ride in a 1970’s Volkswagon Bus for a 2 hour tour of popular sites. This is a small group with a guide.

San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour – Learn history and culture of Chinatown. Go off the beaten path and interact with local businesses.

San Francisco 4 Day Itinerary: FAQ

Is 4 days enough time in San Francisco?

Everyone asks how many days in San Francisco are necessary to get a good feel for the city. I would say at least 3 days if you maximize your days. But four is even better. In 4 days you can see many of the major attractions, experience the culture and eat a lot of great food.

There are a few other places that are popular to visit in San Francisco that aren’t included in this itinerary such as the Mission District, Dolores Park, Coit Tower and the Ferry Building. There’s also North Beach which is a neighborhood with Italian roots. If you wish to see everything in this itinerary plus these mentioned here, you’ll need more time. 

What is the best month to see San Francisco?

The best months to visit San Francisco are September and October when the weather is the warmest, it’s likely to be dry and less likely to have fog. These months are good for being outdoors.

Is San Francisco more walkable than LA?

San Francisco is significantly smaller than Los Angeles making it more walkable than LA. However, within any given area, there can be a lot of walking involved in both SF and LA. In both cities, to get from one area to another you will still need to take some other form of transportation to get there. 

What is the cheapest month to visit San Francisco?

The cheapest months to visit are in the rainy season which are January and February. However, this might not be the best time to go because the rain will be a pain if you plan to be outside a lot. It’s better to wait for a drier month.

What is the wettest month in San Francisco?

The wettest months in San Francisco are January and February. 

Is it better to walk or drive in San Francisco?

It is better to walk, take a ride share or take public transportation. Driving is costly, not only to rent but also for parking. Taking an Uber or Lyft will be expensive as well, but at least you won’t have to pay for parking or have to find parking. Public transportation is the cheapest but it will take you much long to get from place to place. 

What month is foggy in San Francisco?

Fog season is from April through October. 

What part of San Francisco has the most homeless?

The Tenderloin. 

What time does fog clear the Golden Gate Bridge?

The best time to see the Golden Gate Bridge without fog is early afternoon. The fog can return in the evening and be present through the morning. 

Looking to stay in San Francisco for more or less days? Check out my other San Francisco itineraries:

San Francisco itinerary 1 day

San Francisco itinerary 2 days which is also a good weekend San Francisco trip – coming soon!

San Francisco itinerary 3 days

San Francisco itinerary 5 days – coming soon!