One Day In San Francisco – The Perfect Itinerary From A Local (2025)
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Wondering how to spend one day in San Francisco?
I’m lucky enough to live across the Bay from the Northern California gem of San Francisco.
It’s a magnificent city with so much to see and do. You might think that spending just one day will make it impossible to see enough. Not to worry, I’ve got a plan that willl help!
Trust me on this, spending one day in San Francisco can offer the best blend of gorgeous views, rich history, contemporary culture, and trendy city life.
You can’t beat the food, the colors, the music, the shopping, and the California vibe. You’ll feel completely transported to another zone when you spend one day in San Francisco.
You can’t beat the food, the colors, the music, the shopping, and the relaxed vibe. You’ll feel completely transported to another zone when you spend one day in San Francisco.
And if you have some extra time, visit the famous Mission Street Murals of San Francisco.
And if you have more than one day, check out more things to do in San Francisco!
I’ve curated this itinerary over the decades of living here. We have lots of out of town visitors who only have one day to spend in the city, so I’ve figured out a way for them to see as much as possible without going crazy!
The success of this full day itinerary hinges on using a car or a ride share service in addition to a lot of walking. If you choose to take public transportation, you will definitely save money, but not time!
For public transportation information, use the Golden Gate Highway and Transportation website.
Start Here!
If you see these sites in the following order, its bound to make your one day in San Francisco memorable! You’ll hit lots of great photo spots along the way.
#1 Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
First things first. Grab breakfast and start with the most iconic spot of the city – the Golden Gate Bridge!
I suggest you walk on the bridge for a while to really soak in the magnitude of this great structure. Being on the Golden Gate Bridge in fog or sun, and looking up at those towers from the road below is special every time I do it!
There’s a shop, a café, and bathrooms at the foot of the bridge.
Every angle is photo worthy! It truly is spectacular!
Transportation Details
- Drop off at the south end of the bridge.
- If driving – park in the lot at the Southeast end of the bridge. There are only 26 general spaces in that lot, but people are often leaving, so be patient and you’ll eventually score a spot!
- Sometimes an additional lot is made available up the hill.
- It is strongly recommended by the Transportation District, and me, not to drive if you can be dropped off instead.
- Next stop – Drive through the Presidio, the former army base, to Ocean Beach.
#2 Explore Sutro Baths, the Cliff House, and Ocean Beach
The Sutro Baths National Park is the site of the historic public saltwater swimming pool that was built in 1894. This is known as Lands End and is guaranteed to take your breath away with its beauty!
Walk down to the water and explore the ruins of the old bath house.
Continue walking past the Cliff House, a former famous restaurant and arcade, and look out at the famous Seal Rock. Count how many seals you see sunbathing on the rock.
Stroll on the sand and take lots of photos of the Pacific Ocean!
Across the street from the beach, you can have lunch at the Beach Chalet at the entrance to Golden Gate Park. I recommend the Seared Tuna Salad with one of their local brews!
Finish lunch and walk to the entrance of Golden Gate Park for a photo at the Dutch Windmill, overlooking the ocean.
Transportation Details
- Drop off at the Sutro Baths National Park.
- If driving – park in the lot at the Lands End parking lot in the National Park.
- Next stop – Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.
#3 Visit Golden Gate Park
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, with its 1017 acres of unincorporated land, is home to the most treasured spots.
The Japanese Tea Garden
While there are many things to see and do in Golden Gate Park, with limited time I highly recommend the Japanese Tea Garden.
Admission is $12 March through September and $10 during off months. San Francisco residents, seniors, youth, and children are discounted.
You can also choose from seeing the Conservatory of Flowers, the DeYoung Museum, or the California Academy of Sciences.
Transportation Details
- Its a 2.5 mile walk from the windmill to the Japanese Tea Garden, so you can walk or get dropped off at the Japanese Tea Garden.
- If driving – park in the lot at the Academy of Sciences Parking Garage.
- Next stop – Walk to Haight & Ashbury.
#4 Wander The Iconic Haight & Ashbury Neighborhood
Don’t miss “The Haight” because it offers a peek into what was the center of the Summer of Love and the birth of the hippie culture.
Simply walk in and out of the shops, take photos, grab some souveniers, and get some ice cream at Ben and Jerry’s before moving on.
Transportation Details
- Exit the park at Stanyan St. and walk 1.5 miles to the corner of Haight St. and Ashbury St.
- If driving – park on Haight St.
- Next stop – Lombard St. a 20 minute ride to the iconic crookedest street.
#5 Wind Down Lombard Street
Lombard Street is known as the “crookedest street in the world,” and yes, it’s a crazy tourist attraction, but has an interesting history.
In the 1920’s, streets in San Francisco were too steep for cars, so the landowners created a wildly curvy street for cars to maneuver.
A photo of curvy Lombard Street ended up on a post card in 1961 when the hydrangeas were in full bloom. Just like an Instagram pic gone viral, the street became one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist spots.
After you’ve had your fill of the views, take the 15 minute walk down toward the Bay to Ghiradelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Transportation Details
- Drop off at the top of Lombard St. and walk down.
- If driving – drive down Lombard and park at the bottom to take photos.
- Next stop – Walk down the hill to Ghiradelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf.
#6 Enjoy Fisherman’s Wharf & Ghiradelli Square
Your one day in San Francisco must include Fisherman’s Wharf. Experience the street entertainment, the seals, the shops, the chowder, the sourdough bread, and the Ghirardelli Chocolate.
Grab snacks and souvenirs and head to the line for the cable car ride at Hyde and Beach Streets.
While you’re waiting, you might want to get a famous Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista across from the Cable Car ticket booth.
Transportation Details
- Walk to Ghiradelli Square.
- If driving – drive down to Fisherman’s Wharf and park in one of the public lots.
- Next stop – A Cable Car to Chinatown.
If you have more time, get a reservation for the boat ride and a tour of Alcatraz. The boats leave from the wharf and you can get tickets right there, or online. It’s an iconic San Francisco experience not to be missed.
Grab snacks and souvenirs and head to the line for the cable car ride at Hyde and Beach Streets. You may want to get a famous Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista across from the Cable Car ticket booth.
#7 Take a Cable Car Ride
Get in line at the Hyde and Beach Street Cable Car stop.
Get your tickets first! They cost $7 and you can book online in advance, or buy tix at the stop.
The line can take a while and the wind kicks up there, so Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista might warm you up for the wait!
When you hop on the Cable Car, try to score outside seats, so you can really get the full experience of hanging on while riding down the crazy San Francisco hills.
The Cable Car is the last remaining, manually operated cable car system in the US.
This line will take you all the way to Chinatown. So, hang on and enjoy! Tell the conductor that you want to hop off in Chinatown. If you don’t, no need to panic, it is just a short walk from the final car stop at Market Street back into Chinatown.
Transportation Details
- Ride the Cable Car to Chinatown.
- Next stop – Chinatown.
#8 Visit the famous Chinatown
Last stop of the day! When you hop off the Cable Car, you’ll be in the area of downtown San Francisco known as Chinatown.
It’s literally as though you have been transported into another city all together.
This is the oldest, most established Chinatown in the US.
Take the iconic photo at the Dragon Gate, wander through, shop, and make sure you eat!
The Best Places To Stay in San Francisco
→ Best Bargain Boutique Hotel In San Francisco
The Hotel Triton
Right in the heart of Union Square and at the base of Chinatown is this fabulous, eclectic hotel with local art, unique rooms and fun vibe. Known for great service, awesome location, and the best French restaurant in town, Cafe De La Presse.
→ Best Mid Range Boutique Hotel in San Francisco
1 Hotel San Francisco (formerly Hotel Vitale)
In an excellent location, the 1 Hotel San Francisco is across from the Ferry Building and has views of the city skyline and the Bay. Known for its style with local and reclaimed natural materials and sustainably sourced linens.
→ Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in San Francisco
Hotel Drisco
This luxury boutique hotel sits at the top of San Francisco’s prized Pacific Heights neighborhood. A turn of the century, Edwardian style hotel is known for its beautiful decor, superb service, complimentary breakfasts and generous wine time.
→ Best Comfy Boutique Hotel in San Francisco
Hotel Zeppelin
This is a great bargain in the beautiful Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. The Zeppelin features a celebration of the city’s avant garde era with a bold style. Known for being a comfy, funky, and affordable spot in a great location.
PRO TIP
Choose your location based on your transportation preferences.
Are you are up for a lot of walking on hills?
How comfortable are you with navigating the public transportation system?
Are you renting a car?
Will you be using ride share apps?
(If you’re renting a car, please know that parking can be a bit of a hassle!)
Here are my top neighborhood choices for a first time visitor:
~ Pacific Heights for views and quiet.
~ Fisherman’s Wharf for access to lots of activities.
~ Haight Ashbury for Victorian homes and hip neighborhood.
~ Downtown San Francisco to be in the hub of the city, close to Chinatown, stores, and shows.
When Is The Best Time To Go To San Francisco?
Don’t stress about the weather in San Francisco and come whenever you can! It’s unpredictable due to the Bay, the hills, and the micro climates. There’s plenty to do in San Francisco rain or shine. Just think layers and comfortable shoes!
The warmest months are June through October.
The fall is ideal!
The coldest months are December through February.
What’s The Best Way To Get Around San Francisco?
San Francisco has a public transportation system called Muni. Its not the easiest to navigate, but there are many bus stops everywhere and you can purchase a Clipper Card for your visit.
Prices for the The Muni buses and trolleys: Adults: $3.00 (Clipper card/MuniMobile: $2.50) Seniors: $1.50 (Clipper card/MuniMobile: $1.25)
***Anyone under 19 years of age rides buses and streetcars free (not cable cars).
You will want to take a Cable Car as part of your visit, so plan on $8. per person for that part of this one day adventure.
If you want to see a lot in one day in San Francisco, Make sure you have rideshare apps downloaded before you venture out.
→ This is a 4 trip, ride-service day, if you don’t rent a car. Budget accordingly!
Be prepared with a portable phone charger, and get going early!
Special Add On – Day Trips From San Francisco
Take a short trip down the coast to one of everyone’s favorite California beach towns, Carmel-By-The-Sea and enjoy the stunning Point Lobos Natural Reserve or hike the famous Dipsea Trail.
You spent your one day in San Francisco!
In a nutshell..
Follow this itnerary to get the most of your one day in the city by the Bay, the gem of Northern California. Hopefully it gives you a taste of all there is to see and enjoy here and you’ll want to spend more days in SF!
After dinner you can head back home and collapse! You did it! You spent one fabulous day in San Francisco!
Got more days? Check out our 2 days in SF itinerary, and 3 days in SF itinerary.
xx,
Carrie
