AMAZING 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary (Perfect Weekend in San Francisco)

San Francisco skyline seen from the San Francisco Bay in California

Spending 3 days in San Francisco and wondering how to enjoy your weekend in the city by the bay? This guide and San Francisco itinerary have you covered!

San Francisco is a city that is on the bucket list of many travelers. It captivates and entices people from all ages and backgrounds because of its quirky nature, open-mindedness, and booming tech industry.

The beauty of the surrounding bay, the copper-hued Golden Gate Bridge, and the exciting foodie and art scene only add to the allure, as well as the countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors without having to leave the zip code.

Although you could spend years exploring all the best things to do in San Francisco and never see all there is to see in the city, a few days is enough time to give yourself a good introduction to why it is such a lovable place that has a way of bringing people back to its shores.

This is the ideal itinerary for first-time visitors to enjoy a full 3 days in San Francisco, from the touristy to more local experiences whether you’re on a San Francisco weekend getaway or stopping on a longer California journey like driving from San Francisco to San Diego!

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How to Spend a Weekend in San Francisco

3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary: Day 1

Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman's Grotto in Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco California

There’s no better way to start your 3 days in San Francisco than by enjoying the sights and smells of all the best Fisherman’s Wharf attractions.

This is basically the place that people imagine when they first think of visiting San Francisco, and that is reflected in how touristy it is. Regardless of the crowds, there is a lot to keep you busy for an entire afternoon in this neighborhood, which is why we will give you the best highlights.

Start your day in the early afternoon with the famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery at Pier 39. These guys are San Francisco’s oldest continuously operated business and their sourdough bread bowls are the original (and are worth the hype) since 1849 and put San Francisco sourdough on the map.

Once you’re full of clam chowder, walk around the corner to watch the lazy seals bathing out on Pier 39, and pop into The Candy Baron for an old-school candy bar or fresh salt water taffy.

Finish off your time in the area by walking further along the wharf and admiring the talented (and usually hilarious) street entertainers, and visiting some of the unique shops on the piers.

Check out the seafood stands on Taylor Street if you want something different to eat or go to the Buena Vista Café for their famous Irish coffee, they actually are the reason why this became popular in the US and this is one of the most quintessential things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf and a perfect addition to your weekend in San Francisco.

Last but not least, another fun stop in Fisherman’s Wharf to check out during your San Francisco itinerary is Musée Mécanique and its captivating collection of antique arcade machines and mechanical musical instruments. Not only do you get a nostalgic glimpse into the past of entertainment and games, but you can actually play them and marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of these mechanical and historic wonders.

Take a Tour of Alcatraz

view of Alcatraz in San Francisco California

Leave the wharf behind and hop on a boat and visit Alcatraz to explore this famous prison island only a short boat trip away from the mainland.

Because of how popular it has become, it’s recommended that you buy your tickets online ahead of time. Tickets to Alcatraz include ferry transportation from Fisherman’s Wharf as well as access to the prison and island grounds. You can book an Alcatraz tour here.

As soon as you arrive, you’ll get lost in the eerie nature of the island and the history of its prisoners, as well as its earlier history as the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast.

Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, you should plan to spend at least a few hours on Alcatraz. The main attraction is the prison, but the grounds surrounding the penitentiary and the island itself are peaceful to walk around and they provide an impressive view of the cityscape and Golden Gate Bridge.

Climb up to Coit Tower & Visit Lombard Street

view of Coit Tower from Lombard Street in San Francisco

Once you’re back on the mainland, it’s time to find another view of the city from a different famous landmark, Coit Tower.

Coit Tower, perched atop Telegraph Hill, has stood as a prominent symbol of San Francisco’s skyline since its construction in 1933 and is a must-visit during your weekend in San Francisco itinerary.

The slender white concrete column serves as a welcoming beacon to both locals and visitors, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and bay from its observation deck, accessible via elevator (tickets available in the gift shop). The vistas include iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges.

If you have time on your way to the tower, make a stop at Lombard Street at Russian Hill to watch the cars drive down the eight hairpin turns of  “the crookedest street in the world”. It’s a unique photo op that only reasserts the fact that San Francisco is a weird city, and proud of that fact.

Once you arrive at Telegraph Hill, get your calf muscles ready because Coit Tower lies at the top of a very big hill, in fact, you’ll be experiencing a lot of these hills during your San Francisco itinerary so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes! Its lofty height means that it gives one of the most beautiful views over the city from its perch.

The Art Deco tower was built in 1933 in an effort to beautify San Francisco and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition to looking out over the city from the observation deck, take time to look inside at the colorful fresco murals, painted by 27 different artists, depicting life in California during the Depression and the importance of racial equality (a radical idea at the time). This is also a great spot to watch the sunset if you time it right.

Before you leave Telegraph Hill, look out for its most famous residents – a flock of parrots featured in the 2005 film “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.” You’ll probably hear them before you see them. 

Spend Your Evening in North Beach & Telegraph Hill

view of the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco California

The end of your first out of 3 days in San Francisco itinerary may be coming to an end, but the night is still young. Whether you’re looking for a raucous or more chill night out, the North Beach/Telegraph Hill area has a little something for everyone.

North Beach is a place that changes drastically once the sun sets. It’s where you’ll find San Francisco’s red light district alongside upscale Italian eateries, and its busy streets bring locals and tourists in droves to enjoy the many good bars and foodie spots in the district.

Start off the night at Original Joe’s, an upscale Italian restaurant that has become somewhat of an institution in San Francisco since 1937. Watch the cooks work their magic in the open kitchen, chat with the friendly staff at the bar, and order one of their pasta or seafood dishes, you won’t be disappointed!

Or check out Tony’s Pizza Napoletana for the best pizza in the city. In fact, they have seven different pizza ovens serving up everything from coal oven pizzas Roman-style pizza. They even hold multiple Guinness World Records titles too! The pizza is worth the hype here and definitely worth checking out during your weekend in San Francisco.

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to where to go out in North Beach/Telegraph Hill at night because it’s one of San Francisco’s most eclectic nightlife spots. There are jazz bars, dive bars, pubs, dance clubs, and cabaret shows, as well as plenty of family-style restaurants where you can grab a quiet drink at the bar if that’s more your style.

A few options could include The Saloon to experience live blues and one of San Francisco’s oldest bars, Vesuvio Cafe or 15 Romolo for cocktails, Comstock Saloon for a retro feel and live jazz, and Mr. Bing’s for a classic dive bar.

3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary: Day 2

Check Out Haight-Ashbury

corner of Haight Ashbury in San Francisco California

Start off your second of 3 days in San Francisco itinerary in the hippie Haight-Ashbury district that’s known for its weird and colorful characters.

The district is filled with vintage shops, tattoo parlors, record stores, and provides prime people watching opportunities. This is where the counterculture movement thrived in the city in the 1960s and 70s, and where the ‘Summer of Love’ took place in 1967.

Grab a hearty breakfast at the neighborhood staple diner, Pork Store Cafe, and admire the funky pink decor inside while enjoying a meal alongside locals. You may have to wait a while for a table if you’re there on a weekend, but it’s worth it to try any of their breakfast specialties.

After breakfast, head over to Amoeba Music – the largest independent music store in the world – and take a selfie with The Famous Legs at Piedmont Boutique, an iconic landmark in the district.

Pop into a few of the unique vintage shops and record stores, and admire the colorful Victorian homes (the highest concentration in the city) before you leave for your next sightseeing spot on your 3 days in San Francisco itinerary.

You can also customize your San Francisco itinerary by adding on Golden Gate Park while visiting Haight Ashbury, this massive 1,000 acre park not only has numerous gardens like the Japanese Tea Garden and Botanical Garden to explore, but museums like the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences (which has a planetarium, aquarium, and natural history exhibits), along with plenty of places to picnic with views, pedal boat rentals, and other historic landmarks you could easily spend an entire day here alone!

See the Painted Ladies

The famous Painted Ladies view with the San Francisco skyline from Alamo Square Park

Before heading down to Union Square on your 3 days in San Francisco from Haight Asbury, make a stop at Alamo Square Park and see the famous Painted Ladies and skyline views of San Francisco!

The colorful row of Victorian and Edwardian houses are meticulously preserved architectural gems, showcased prominently in Alamo Square, have become synonymous with the city’s charm and are a must-see addition to any San Francisco itinerary.

And for those who were kids in the 90s, you’ll love having your “Full House” moment looking at the ladies! In fact, the stunning view of these meticulously restored Victorian homes against the backdrop of the city skyline has graced countless postcards and movie scenes, forever etching them into pop culture.

Walk Around Union Square & Ride a Cable Car

riders enjoying a historic ride on a San Francisco Cable Car

Grab a quick Uber or hop on the bus to get to Union Square, the throbbing heart of the city. It’s always busy and packed with people rushing to their next destination. This is one of the most touristy areas of San Francisco, but it’s worth experiencing, if only for the energetic atmosphere.

If you need to get any shopping done, this is the place to do it during your 3 days in San Francisco. You’ll find everything from H&M to high-end designer stores and everything in between.

This is also where you can catch a ride from the famous San Francisco Cable Car, which has been around since 1873. From Union Square, you can ride the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable car lines. These lines provide a scenic route that takes you through the bustling streets and iconic neighborhoods of San Francisco.

To ride the cable car you’ll either need exact change, $8 per person, or pay in advance using one of these methods.

The wait time to hop on one of these iconic cars can sometimes be upwards of an hour, so make sure to bring some patience with you (and maybe a good book), it’s also sometimes worth walking along the route you want to go a few stops and hopping on there.

From Union Square you can also hop aboard another historic transportation option during your weekend in San Francisco, the F Line street car! The F line streetcar in San Francisco is a vintage streetcar line that runs along Market Street and the Embarcadero. It uses restored historic streetcars from around the world, offering a nostalgic and scenic transportation experience.

Unlike the iconic cable cars, the F line streetcar is powered by electricity and operates on tracks embedded in the street.

To board, look for a Muni stop with a sign for the F Line, you can pay using the MuniMobile app, Clipper Card, or cash.

There are plenty of food options around here too, grab a quick bite so you can keep exploring more on your San Francisco itinerary and continue your day!

Spend the afternoon at the SFMOMA

It’s a 10-minute walk from Union Square over to the edge of the SOMA district, where you’ll find the SFMOMA, or the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Actually, some of the best museums in the city can be found near Union Square, including the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the California Historical Society, Museum of African Diaspora, as well as the SFMOMA.

I encourage you to go to as many as you can fit in, but if you only have time for one museum it should be the SFMOMA. The world-renowned museum showcases some of the best modern and contemporary art in the world.

There are currently over 33,000 pieces of art in the museum – including paintings, sculptures, photography, architecture, design, and media arts. They also often have well-done and interesting exhibits on rotation.

You could easily spend a whole afternoon here. At the very least, you should devote a couple of hours to perusing the many works of art, and save time by purchasing your tickets in advance.

Dinner & A Show

Once you’ve had your fill of vintage hippies, shopping, and culture, it’s time to eat at one of the most popular restaurants in the city, Brenda’s French Soul Food.

They only do dinners Wednesday through Sunday, so if you’re in the city on a Monday or Tuesday you’re out of luck (although you can still go for breakfast or lunch). Just as a side note, they’re actually more well-known for their breakfast and brunch, but their dinner is just as good and less of a long wait for a table.

If you manage to grab a seat for dinner, you’ll be delighted with po’ boys and other New Orleans specialties – including fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and a flight of beignets for dessert. 

After dinner, head over to either Bourbon & Branch for a fun speakeasy experience, you’ll want a reservation though. (you have to give a password to the bouncer)

This bar as well as Brenda’s, are in the Tenderloin, which isn’t the best neighborhood to walk around in San Francisco, especially at night. Just be aware of your surroundings and take an Uber if you feel uncomfortable.

There are so many good places to eat and drink in the Tenderloin, so you would be amiss to pass it up just because of the location.

Similar to New York, you can’t spend 3 days in San Francisco and not go to a Broadway show. Grab tickets for a show at the Orpheum and be wowed by the amount of raw talent that can be found in the city and the ornate 1920s theater that houses that talent.

The best way to get cheap tickets is to go on a weekday and ask at the box office if they have last minute ‘rush’ tickets for today’s show. Sometimes you can get tickets for as low as $40 this way, but not for every show.

3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary: Day 3

Spend the Morning in the Mission

vibrant-mural-in-the-mission-district-of-San-Francisco
Editorial credit: Kobby Dagan / Shutterstock

Satisfy your sweet tooth by starting off your 3rd day in the city at the Tartine Manufactory. They have tasty coffee and a chic industrial space that is oh-so-San-Francisco. The service can be a bit cool at times, but the bakery has everything from soft brioche jam buns to delicious strawberry jam and ricotta toast.

After getting your fill of hipster baked goods, it’s time to explore another side to the Mission through the Mission Murals. The murals are spread out throughout the district, so it’s a good excuse to spend the morning exploring the free outdoor gallery by foot.

The murals are famous for their colorful variety and touch on everything from cultural heritage to political statements. A few keys spots to find the murals include Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley, and the Carnaval Mural (24th St., and South Van Ness Ave) and The Women’s Building MaestraPeace Mural (3543 18th St.) are ones not to miss. Some of them date back to the 1970s.

There are also tons of cool boutiques here like Nooworks and Jenny Lemons along with vintage shops if you’re looking to do some shopping. Nooworks is a really cool California-based brand that creates a funky line of limited-edition clothing pieces that feature emerging and diverse artists.

Enjoy the Sunshine (or Karl) at Mission Dolores Park

view-of-San-Francisco-from-Mission-Dolores-Park

A favorite local pastime in the city is grabbing a picnic and a bottle of wine and enjoying the view from Mission Dolores Park.

You’ll find people lounging here no matter what the weather decides to do, but especially if it’s a sunny day in San Francisco, the atmosphere becomes intoxicatingly happy.

There are plenty of cute dogs running around, people throwing frisbees, and usually, a group of hippies starting a drum circle or strumming guitars nearby. Dolores Park brings the best parts of the city to its grassy hill, and it’s an experience not to miss during your 3 days in San Francisco.

There are plenty of little shops near the park to grab your drink of choice and fixings for a picnic. Spread out a blanket, bring a book, make new friends, or simply cherish the people watching at the park – it’s one of the best ways to spend an afternoon in the city, even if it’s not sunshine, but Karl greeting you at the park!

PS: The term “Karl” is used by some residents of San Francisco to personify the fog that often rolls into the city.

Walk through the Castro

rainbow-crosswalk-and-building-in-the-Castro-District-of-San-Francisco

Once you’re done with Dolores Park, walk over to the Castro District a little further on from the other side of the park.

Similar to Haight-Ashbury, the Castro brings all types of quirky characters to its streets (are you noticing a theme here in San Francisco?). The last time I was there, I passed by an elderly man only wearing a sock and nothing else. And believe me, that’s not a surprising sight around the streets of the Castro!

The Castro is the main LGBTQ+ district in San Francisco, it was actually one of the first openly gay neighborhoods in the United States and a hub for gay rights activism. There are colorful rainbow crosswalks, used bookstores, and vibrant shops shouldn’t be missed.

The neighborhood’s history includes pivotal moments, such as the Harvey Milk era and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, making it an important destination for understanding and celebrating the progress made in the struggle for equality.

It’s also one of the best districts to go out at night, especially if you want to dance and party until the wee hours at some point during your 3 days in San Francisco itinerary.

Tacos at La Taqueria & Live Music

Make your way back over to the Mission for dinner at La Taqueria, known as one of the best places to grab tacos in San Francisco (and that’s not a label that is just thrown around – we take our Mexican food seriously in California).

This is where you’ll find inexpensive and authentic Mexican food. It’s an eatery that has become somewhat of an institution in the Mission. The 40-year-old taqueria was even labeled as having ‘the best burrito in America’.

After filling up with delicious Mexican food, as you do in California, you’ll find that the Mission offers a variety of nightlife options. One of the best ways to enjoy the bars in the Mission is through live music.

Check out The Chapel music venue which is actually located inside a former chapel, the Rickshaw Stop (which is actually in Civic Center, but not far away), and Atlas Cafe offers live jazz.

Also, check out the best breweries in California.

Extra Time During your Weekend in San Francisco?

view of Chinatown in San Francisco California

If you’re lucky enough to have more than 3 days in San Francisco, don’t miss out on these other gems around the city!

Baker Beach

view-of-Golden-Gate-Bridge-from-Baker-Beach-in-San-Francisco

A mile-long beach located in at the edge of the Presidio, Baker Beach isn’t the best beach for swimming due to strong currents and riptides, but it does give you one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

This is the place to do your quintessential San Francisco photo shoot, and to watch the sunset with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.

Land’s End

One of the most popular walks in San Francisco, Land’s End is one of those places to enjoy nature without having to leave the city.

The walk to Land’s End from the Legion of Honor gives impressive views looking out over the gulf and the Golden Gate Bridge, and the area around the Sutro Baths is another ideal place to watch the sunset in the city.

Chinatown

view down the street in Chinatown in San Francisco

San Francisco’s Chinatown is a maze-like neighborhood full of good food, frenetic energy, and the Fortune Cookie Factory (where the fortune cookie was invented!).

It’s the oldest Chinatown in North America and where the largest Chinese community lives outside of Asia, so you can bet that the restaurants and shops are as authentic as they come outside of China.

Since the food is amazing here you can opt for a food tour of Chinatown! Check out this Chinatown food tour that includes tons of great stops and bites to eat.

Ghiradelli Square

Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco California

Nestled along the scenic San Francisco waterfront, Ghirardelli Square is another popular and historic landmark for visitors and a great addition if you have more time on your San Francisco itinerary. This is the birthplace of the renowned Ghirardelli chocolate and where you want to get one of their iconic ice cream sundaes.

There are also a plethora of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants that grace the square’s historic brick buildings along with breathtaking views of the bay and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.

Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge

view of Golden Gate Bridge from boat tour below in San Francisco California

And finally, if you have the time, one of most classic things you can do during your trip to San Francisco is walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Just make sure to bring a jacket and bundle up because it’s always windy up there!

Try a San Francisco Tour

Greetings from San Francisco Mural in Umbrella Alley

There are so many great tours to check out during your weekend in San Francisco. In fact, it may be worth adjusting your 3 days in San Francisco itinerary to fit a few in as tours can be a great way to not only get the lay of the land, but learn a ton of information with a local guide.

Here are a few worth checking out.

Getting Around San Francisco

vintage F Line Street Car in San Francisco California

During your weekend in San Francisco you won’t be able to walk everywhere. The hills are STEEP and while certain areas of San Francisco are walkable, you won’t be able to walk everywhere.

You have a few options for getting around during your 3 days in San Francisco, which we advise taking advantage of their public transportation options since you’ll want to do as much as possible during your time here!

Before we break down how to use San Francisco’s public transportation, you always have the option to also use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft too.

Believe it or not, the public transportation here is a bit confusing, BUT can be really convenient if you do understand how to use it.

There are two main transit providers, MUNI and BART.

MUNI operates the street level transportation options including buses, cable cars, and street cars and BART is the underground subway system.

Unfortunately, if you transfer between BART and MUNI, you have to pay twice as they do not honor transfers between the two services.

If you plan on using both the subway and street level transportation options (street cars, cable cars, and busses) you can use the Clipper Card, which you can download and add value to on your smart phone. 

You can also use the MUNIMobile app to pay for MUNI services or have exact change in cash. The prices vary depending on what cable car, street car, or bus you take so paying in cash can be really confusing and frustrating, so we advise to use the MUNIMobile App or Clipper Card.

You can pay for BART using the Clipper Card too. 

TLDR: The Clipper Card is the easiest way to pay for both MUNI and BART transportation options.

Where to Stay During Your San Francisco Itinerary

inside the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco
grand lobby of Fairmont San Francisco

Need to find somewhere to stay during your 3 days in San Francisco itinerary? Don’t worry, here are some excellent hotels for your weekend getaway for every budget in great locations.

$ Music City Hotel

This is the perfect budget-friendly option for your 3 days in San Francisco. Music City Hotel is a hotel/hostel is located above a downtown music studio and less than 5 minutes walk to the nearest bus and cable car stop and only a 15 minute walk to Union Square. There are dorm options with shared bathrooms or private rooms available with wifi and cable TV. Upgrade to a private suite to have access to a full kitchen. Great location for a great price.

Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Read Trip Advisor Reviews

$$ Beacon Grand Hotel

The Beacon Grand Hotel is perfect for anyone wanting to stay in the heart of Union Square, which is excellent for navigating around during your weekend in San Francisco itinerary and right off a cable car stop. This historic hotel has been recently renovated and features stately and ornate rooms formerly know as the Sir Francis Drake Hotel.

Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Read Trip Advisor Reviews

$$$ Omni San Francisco Hotel

The Omni San Francisco Hotel is a beautiful hotel in the Financial District was once a former bank building dating back to 1923. Conveniently located across the street from a cable car stop you can’t go wrong with this location. The rooms are decked out with traditional decor with high ceilings and some with terrific city views. Don’t miss out on the elegant bar and steakhouse on site as well as the fitness center and business center.

Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Read Trip Advisor Reviews

$$$ Fairmont San Francisco

The Fairmont San Francisco is an incredible, historic 4-star hotel is the perfect choice for luxury travelers for your 3 days in San Francisco. Located on Nob Hill at the former Millionaire’s Row, you are in a great destination for exploring the city. This historic hotel has not only been where presidents stay in San Francisco but it is also one of the best options during the holidays as the hotel gets decked out (its even worth visiting if you’re not staying here).

Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Read Trip Advisor Reviews


Is 3 days enough to visit San Francisco?

While 3 days in San Francisco can provide a taste of the city’s highlights, more time allows for a deeper exploration of the city’s diverse neighborhoods, attractions, and cultural offerings.

How long does it take to walk the Golden Gate Bridge?

Walking the Golden Gate Bridge takes around 30-40 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 1.7 miles, depending on your pace and the time spent enjoying the views along the way.

When is the best time of year to visit San Francisco?

The best time to visit San Francisco is generally during the fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the city experiences fewer crowds compared to the summer months.

Is San Francisco walkable?

San Francisco is a walkable city, particularly in its downtown and many neighborhoods. However, some areas have steep hills, and public transportation may be needed for longer distances.


About the Guest Author
Mimi McFadden author's profile picture

Mimi McFadden is a travel blogger and freelance writer. Originally from California, she has been slow traveling the world since 2013. When she’s not writing, you can probably find her sipping on a pint of craft beer, chasing waterfalls, or planning her next crazy adventure in a foreign land. After living abroad for five years in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Greece, and Portugal she has finally found a home in San Francisco, California. You can find her on InstagramFacebook, and her blog, The Atlas Heart.


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