3 Days in San Francisco – The Perfect Itinerary for First Timers From a Local (2024)

Looking to spend 3 days in San Francisco?

Follow this 3 days in San Francisco itinerary and you’ll be whistling the famous theme song all the way home – I left my heart…

I moved to San Francisco about 40 years ago and have never looked back! San Francisco is the gorgeous gem of Northern California with so much to see and do, your trip can be as packed as you want it to be!

While I now live across the Bay, I’m in the city many times each week and always love spending time there.

Follow these 3 daily itineraries in any order to see why I love it!

I’m giving you info, not just about what to see, but how to actually organize your 3 perfect days in San Francisco in a way that makes sense. This should help you relax, have fun, and do as many things on your list as possible!

Itinerary for 3 Days in San Francisco

Pack your bags and get ready for your trip to the City By the Bay! San Francisco is so worth it!

Notes before we get started:

1. I think it’s really important that visitors to SF understand that transportation in this city can be a little challenging for tourists. So, I’ve tried to give you walking choices, as well as rideshare and driving. Public transportation is available, but I’m gonna be honest, it’s not very easy to navigate and I don’t recommend it.

If you choose to drive, know that parking can be a bear. If you choose to take Uber, Lyft, or Waymo (driverless cars) you’ll pay more but might stress less!

2. Buy theater tix before you go. Make decisions about which Broadway show, comedy show, or San Francisco Symphony, Ballet, Opera, or Jazz performance you want to see and reserve seats online in advance.
(I use the Today Tix App.)

Now lets dive in!

Day One of 3 Days in San Francisco:
Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cable Car Ride, Chinatown, & North Beach

This is gonna be a great day! Put on your walking shoes and  start early!  Walk the most iconic spot in all of San Francisco – The Golden Gate Bridge – then work your way along the Bay to Fisherman’s Wharf, then catch a delightful Cable Car to explore Chinatown, and wrap the day up with dinner and a comedy show in North Beach.

Morning:

Breakfast at the Round House Cafe – The Round House Cafe is the famous art deco round restaurant at the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s been open since 1938 serving coffee and meals to bridge walkers just like you! Grab a cup and put on your layers and head out!

(If you’re driving, you’ll find parking lots at the bridge entrance. It may require some circling around looking for a spot, but don’t give up!)

Walk on the Golden Gate Bridge  – I love a chilly walk on the GG Bridge and make sure I bring all my visitors to see this marvel up close. Stroll on the famous bridge for a while and take in the majestic structure, the views, and feel the history under your feet! The bridge is 1.7 miles long, so you won’t really have time to walk the whole bridge and back again, but take as many photos as you like. It’s quite something!

Mid-Morning: 

See Lombard Street – The “crookedest street in the world” –  Leave the bridge and head to Lombard St. I’ve been up and down this street dozens of times, in all seasons, and it’s always fun. Busy, but fun!

If you’re the driver, you’ll travel all the way up Lombard St. to the very top of the hill at the cross street of Hyde ( About a 10 minute drive from the bridge, traffic dependent).

The hill leading up to Hyde St. is VERY STEEP!!! So, braking and starting again can be pretty nerve wracking. 

When you reach the top, be sure to look to your left and enjoy the view. It’s a very popular tourist spot, so there will be a long line of cars waiting to drive down –  be patient. 

If you’re dropped off and walk down the crookedest street, enjoy the homes and stop for photos. Be sure to catch the shot from the bottom of the street looking up. Even with a million tourists in the view, it’s really special! Remember people actually live in these homes, so be respectful.

Afternoon: 

Fisherman’s Wharf & Ghirardelli Square & Pier 39 – At the foot of Lombard, you’ll be on Leavenworth. Walk all the way to the Bay.  To your left will be Ghirardelli Square and to your right will be Fisherman’s Wharf and further down will be Pier 39. This is a super busy tourist area. It’s fun to hang out and is great if you’ve got kids with you. You can get clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, fresh crab, and fish and chips. But, if touristy shops and street performers aren’t your thing, feel free to make this a brief part of your visit.

Buena Vista Cafe – 2765 Hyde St. – If you haven’t had lunch somewhere on the Wharf yet, and you are adult travelers, I highly recommend you find a seat at the one and only Buena Vista. 

Serving guests since 1916, this is the world famous place for Irish coffee. It’s fun just to watch the bartender making them, and trust me, this is unlike any Irish coffee you’ve ever had! Delicious!! So, plan on a cup along with lunch, or at least just some fries.

Cable Car Ride  – Directly across the street from the Buena Vista Cafe at Hyde and Beach Streets is the Powell/Hyde Cable Car. Buy your tickets at the booth or online with the Clipper Card.  Then queue up for the next car. The best positions are to catch a seat facing the outside of the car so you can really experience the ride. These are the popular seats so they fill up first. Do your best, but don’t stress, you’ll enjoy the ride no matter what!

Chinatown – When you hop off the cable car at the turn around on Market St. then head back up the hill into Chinatown. San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the oldest and most established Chinatowns in the country.  It’s a densely packed neighborhood filled with traditional Chinese shops, markets, ornate temples, and restaurants.

Late Afternoon: 

Union Square – Union Square is San Francisco’s upscale downtown shopping area surrounding a lovely central plaza. It’s from here that you can access the theaters, the luxury hotels, and the exclusive department stores and boutiques in the city.

North Beach – Wrap up the day in one of my favorite parts of the city. North Beach is San Francisco’s Little Italy and just like in NYC, it’s adjacent to Chinatown. The streets have a European charm. Look for the historic landmarks along Columbus Avenue, and have fun exploring this haven for artists, writers, and big thinkers from the Beat Generation in the 1950s and 1960s that made San Francisco famous.

The area is also known for its lively nightlife, with a plethora of bars, clubs, and live music venues catering to a diverse crowd. Washington Square Park, situated in the heart of North Beach, serves as a communal gathering space where locals and visitors alike can enjoy the outdoors, with stunning views of the surrounding city and Coit Tower in the distance.

Evening: 

Dinner in North Beach – Since the food in North Beach is ahhhmazzing! I suggest you have dinner here at one of the great Italian restaurants. This neighborhood is a gastronomical paradise! It’s also a great place for fun bars and nightclubs, so enjoy the nightlife atmosphere of North Beach.

Some dinner suggestions:

Tosca Cafe – 242 Columbus Ave.

Cafe Zoetrope – 916 Kearny St.

The Stinking Rose – 430 Columbus Ave.

Cafe Sport – 574 Green St.

Get tix for a Comedy Club –  San Francisco is famous for its love of comedy and its launching of some of the best comedians ever. FromThe Smothers Brothers, Lenny Bruce, and Phyllis Diller, to the beloved Robin Williams, Paula Poundstone, Dana Carvey, and Margaret Cho. The list goes on and on. This, however, is definitely an adult only evening activity. Read reviews of the headliner before you buy tix and give it a whirl.

The most famous clubs are:

Cobbs Comedy Club 915 Columbus Ave. right in North Beach

The Punch Line 444 Battery St. at Fisherman’s Wharf

Day Two of 3 Days in San Francisco:
Painted Ladies, Haight/Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, & Seal Rock

You’ll absolutely love this day – Exploring my old neighborhood in the Haight, Golden Gate Park, and the majestic Pacific Ocean. After breakfast, put your walking shoes on!

Morning: 

Breakfast at Sweet Maple – 2101 Sutter St. 

Sweet Maple is an easy going great breakfast place in the lovely neighborhood of Lower Pacific Heights. Expect a classic American breakfast with a little Asian flavor. 

The Painted Ladies – Your next stop is Alamo Square to see the famous “Painted Ladies” houses –  (10 min walk from Sweet Maple). The Painted Ladies are a row of Victorian and Edwardian houses on Steiner St. at Alamo Square Park. These houses are famous for their bright colors and have become a symbol of San Francisco. Be camera ready because this is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city!

Haight/Ashbury –  (20 min walk from Alamo Sq.) The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco is probably best known as the birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement and the Summer of Love. This is the neighborhood I lived in when I first moved to San Francisco in the 80’s. The streets are alive with gorgeous Victorian architecture, and fun and eclectic boutique shops. There’s a diverse mix of cafes and music venues. The Haight has retained its bohemian vibe and is still a hub for “free spirits.”

While the Haight/Ashbury district is a symbol of social change and freedom of expression, it also has another side that includes a homeless population and drug culture that may make some visitors uncomfortable. Safety is not a concern, just be aware. 

Golden Gate Park – You’ll find an entrance to Golden Gate Park at the corner of Haight and Stanyan Streets. You’ll enter into the 1000 acres of gardens, meadows, and lakes that border the Pacific Ocean at Ocean Beach. The park is part of the Golden Gate National Park Service and truly the city’s treasured green space.

At over 3 miles long and half a mile wide, the park sees thousands of visitors each year. 

Golden Gate Park is safe and has an infinite number of things to do and see. I’m suggesting Day Three to include a museum afternoon, so you can spend this day in the outdoor activities of the park. Walk all the way through the park to the beach or take the Free Golden Gate Park Shuttle in the park to get to the different locations.

Afternoon: 

Lunch at The Beach Chalet -1000 Great Highway – I want you to have lunch here, not just because of the views of the ocean while you dine, and not just because its a historic landmark built in 1925, but also because the food is really spectacular! The Beach Chalet is a Spanish revival restaurant that was also once an Army headquarters. The first floor is adorned with frescoes painted by the famous Lucien Adolphe Labaudt in 1936. Climb upstairs for your memorable lunch!

Ocean Beach – Take a walk on the beach and dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean after lunch. Part of the National Park Service, this 3.5 mile stretch of beach on the western most edge of the city is a terrific city beach. The views are great and the sand stretch is really wide. The water is pretty chilly most of the year, but you might see some surfers and horseback riders.

Late Afternoon: 

Cliff House & Seal Rock – On the northern end of the beach is the famous restaurant and former arcade, The Cliff House. The Cliff House is the historic restaurant perched on the cliffs with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and its rugged coastline. First built in 1863 and later rebuilt a few times after fires and earthquakes, the Cliff House is a landmark destination for over a century. 

Just off from the cliff of the Cliff House you’ll see Seal Rock, the home of many sea lions basking in the sun. 

Sutro Baths – Just beyond the Cliff House in Lands End of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area are the remains of the Sutro Baths. The Sutro Baths were a large, privately owned public saltwater swimming pool complex in 1896. Former mayor Adolph Sutro included a museum, concert hall, and restaurants as part of the entire complex. There were seven different pools of varying temperatures for thousands of visitors to swim and bath and relax. Eventually the baths closed and were demolished and then in 1966 the whole site was ruined by a fire. What remains today is a place to climb and explore the site as the waves crash in. 

This is a great spot to watch the sunset before heading to dinner.

Evening:  

Dinner Suggestions –

Kaiyo Rooftop at 701 3rd Street, San Francisco, SOMA, on the 12th floor of Hyatt Place Hotel. OR Kaiyo Cow Hollow at 1838 Union Street, San Francisco, Cow Hollow.

Kaiyo is a lively restaurant with Nikkei cuisine, a blend of Peruvian and Japanese flavors. Known for its creative sushi and ceviche. We absolutely LOVE this restaurant!!!

Gary Danko at 800 North Point Street (@ Hyde Street) 

If you have a special ocassion to celebrate or want to splurge on your vacation – Gary Danko is the acclaimed fine dining establishment in Fisherman’s Wharf, serving sophisticated American cuisine with a choice of fixed-price menus. This is a very pricey, but totally worth it, luxury expereince, not just a meal!

Theater – San Francisco is home to several theaters that host Broadway-style productions, offering a variety of performances ranging from touring Broadway musicals to local productions.

Here’s where to look:

• Orpheum Theatre: A historic theater located in the Civic Center district, known for hosting major Broadway musicals and touring productions.
• Golden Gate Theatre: Another iconic venue in the Civic Center area, it presents a mix of Broadway tours, concerts, and other live events.
• Curran Theatre: Situated close to Union Square, the Curran has a rich history of presenting pre-Broadway premieres and large-scale Broadway shows.

Day Three of 3 Days in San Francisco:
The Mission, 16th Avenue Steps, & A Museum

On your last day in the city, you’ll get to explore San Francisco’s Latin district, and  one of the many gems of the city – a tiled staircase, then spend your afternoon at a museum of your choice!

Morning: 

Breakfast – Rose’s Cafe – 2298 Union St. – Rose’s is a city favorite in the Cow Hollow neighborhood. Rose’s Café is a local  hangout with indoor and outdoor dining featuring Italian fare. Everything is organic, locally sourced, fresh and humane.

16th Avenue Stairs – (16 minute drive from Rose’s Cafe) – Moraga St. between 15th & 16th Ave. – The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps is a community collaboration project that was finished in 2005. The stairs are decorated with gorgeous tile designs showing the sea to the skies. There are 163 steps to climb and stunning views. You’ll see a view of the city, the Pacific Ocean, and the Golden Gate Bridge from the top.

Mission District Murals – (18 min drive from 16th Ave. Steps). -The Mission District is San Francisco’s Latin district filled with amazing food and street festivals. It’s home to some of the world’s leading musicians and is the hub for some of the most colorful and powerful murals in the world. The murals of  the Mission are about political turmoil, social injustices, and cultural themes. For all the details for where to find the best murals, click here. I really love touring the murals, a highly recommend in my book!

Afternoon: 

Lunch in the Mission is a must. The Mission is filled with places for traditional Mexican and Central American food. 

Here are some recs from a local:

• Bon Nene: 2850 21st St.
• West of Pecos: 550 Valencia St.
• Lolo: 974 Valencia St.
• Taqueria El Castillito: 136 Church St.

Pick a Museum or Activity!

This is the afternoon for an activity of your choosing. This will depend on your preferences, your travel companions, and the weather!

I am a HUGE fan of the art museums in San Fran, and there are also great choices for science and animal lovers here too!

Evening: 

On your final night, I recommend a dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco and an evening at the symphony – or whatever floats your boat!

Dinner BAIA 300 Grove St.  I can’t recommend this restaurant enough. Whether you are  vegan or a meat lover, you won’t regret this dining experience! BAIA is a plant based Italian restaurant with comfort food in a beautiful and chic atmosphere.

All this in Hayes Valley, close to City Hall, the SF Jazz Center, Davies Symphony Hall, the Opera House, and the Ballet, as well as downtown theaters.

Whatever you have tickets for, you’ll be happy to be so close after this amazing meal.

Where to stay in San Francisco

San Francisco is a huge tourist and convention destination, so there are literally dozens of hotel choices. I like to recommend boutique hotels because the locations are great, they reflect the vibe of San Francisco, and offer some good deals. 

Getting Around San Francisco

I’m not the only person to complain about transportation in SF! As a visitor, you may not find the public transport system very easy to use. Even us locals have complaints about navigating the buses and trains. 

Walking Around San Francisco

WALK!!! Whenever you can and wherever you can. You’ll see more, get tons of exercise, and save money! There are plenty of hills to climb, so bring great shoes! 

San Francisco’s Public Transportation System

BART or the Bay Area Rapid Transit is a rail system that takes people from the East Bay and Peninsula into and out of the city. This is primarily for commuters.

MUNI or the Municipal Transit Agency includes the buses, electric bus trolleys, light rail trains, and cable cars and street cars. These are the transports to use for getting around the city. Load the MuniMobile App to plan your route and pay for your tickets. A 3 day visitor Pass on Muni Mobile is $31.

The Clipper Card is available for download on your phone, or you can purchase a physical card. The beauty of the Clipper Card is that it is good for ALL Bay Area transit – BART, Muni, and even the Cable Cars. 

San Francisco By Uber, Lyft, Taxi or Waymo

Uber and Lyft are San Francisco based companies and are the most popular choices for getting around. I highly recommend these services. I think it’s money well spent to avoid rental car fees, parking hassles and fees, and is much more convenient and efficient than public transportation, especially if traveling with a family or group. If you don’t have the apps on your phone yet, download now!

ARRO, YoTaxi SF, and FlyWheel are apps to load on your phone for taxi service. I have heard that they are more expensive and slower to respond than Uber or Lyft.

You might be interested in autonomous cars as a way to get around San Francisco! The driverless cars by Waymo are available around the city. You need to load the app on your phone, join the waiting list, and when you are accepted, you can start using it. They avoid the freeways however, and the wait time for pick up is longer than Uber and Lyft. People love using Waymo, just order the car about 20 mins before you want to be picked up.

Rental Car

ONLY IF you plan on taking day trips out of the city, you should consider renting a car. Otherwise, parking, especially when you don’t know where you’re going, can be a big problem. And honestly, not worth it in my book, if your goal is the enjoy and sightsee, you don’t want the ordeal of being responsible for a car.

Best Time To Visit San Francisco

San Francisco is a year-round great destination with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, and lively cultural scene being available in all seasons.  However, the best time to visit depends on your preferences for tourist crowds, weather, cost, and the activities available. 

My Pick for the best combination of pleasant weather, manageable tourist crowds, reasonable expenses, and a variety of activities, is the Fall – the months of September – November.

Tourist Crowds: If avoiding crowds is important to you, then January – March and September – November are the times to go. These shoulder seasons are outside of the peak tourist times. Most people visit in the summer, from June to August. But the holidays are really fun and festive here!

Weather: If you think you’re coming to a warm and sunny California when you visit San Francisco, think again. We have fabulous weather in Northern California most of the time, but San Francisco is notorious for its micro climates, fog, chilly marine layer, and unpredictable sunshine. So, don’t expect the Southern California, hot beach days that the Beach Boys sang about.

Weather is definitely the best from September – November. San Francisco has its warmest temperatures, less fog, and very little chance of rain. You may experience smoke from wildfires in Northern California during these months, but that’s not a reason to avoid the Fall in San Francisco.

The Spring (March – May) is also pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer rainy days than in winter.

The rainy season is typically December – February. The Fog and the Marine Layer are real things and can cause lots of fluctuation in the weather. SO be prepared with layers! There is plenty to do in the rain in San Francisco.

Costs: As with any tourist town, accommodations and flight prices tend to be higher during the peak tourist seasons – the summer and winter holidays. For better deals, consider visiting during the spring and fall, when demand is lower.

Activities Available: San Francisco is a hub for lots of great festivals and events throughout the year. Summer brings outdoor concerts in Golden Gate Park, Pride celebrations in June, and the Fourth of July fireworks over the Bay. The Fall brings the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and the exciting Fleet Week. Winter, of course has its charm with holiday lights and then the Chinese New Year Parade is in February when it’s cooler and rainier. 

Now You’re Ready with the
Perfect Itinerary for
3 Days in San Francisco

In a nutshell…

It’s clear that 3 days in San Francisco, as a first timer, or repeat customer, is always a great idea! From the fog at the Golden Gate Bridge to the busy piers of Fisherman’s Wharf, the historic streets of Chinatown, and the beautiful landscapes of Golden Gate Park, San Francisco has something for everyone. Food, culture, and friendly people make San Francisco a memorable place to visit.

This itinerary has only scratched the surface of what the city has to offer, but it’s a solid foundation for you, my traveling friend. With one day or 3 days in San Fran, you’ll leave wanting more!

The charm of San Francisco is made obvious with its iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and international feel. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, the city’s dynamic character and diverse neighborhoods ensure there’s always something new to discover.

I think we can all agree, San Francisco is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that resonates long after you’ve left its hills behind. Until next time, San Francisco awaits your return.