Our former home and still one of my favorite cities in the world, we found it a bit challenging to create a San Francisco itinerary that hit the highlights in just three days.
As a result, what we present below gives you choices, the main one being to either rush and get the highlights of each location or to take it slow but not see it all. Of course, there is a third option, and it’s my personal choice when I visit: stay longer.
However, if you are looking to create a San Francisco three-day itinerary, read on. We will help you include significant city icons like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, as well as ride the cable car.
Plus, you can explore some of the most impressive spots, like the Palace of Fine Arts or any of the visual or hands-on museums. There is nature at its best in the form of a sea lion colony that took over a pier and a huge open space park in the middle of the city.
Whatever you choose to do, if it’s your first visit to San Francisco, prepare to be impressed by every corner of this coastal city built on some surprisingly steep hills.
San Francisco itinerary day 1: Fisherman’s Wharf
World-famous, Fisherman’s Wharf is a family-friendly area with plenty of things to include on any San Francisco itinerary. As a result, one can easily take days to explore the wharf area. We featured our favorites below.
The area is roughly defined as the northern waterfront area from Ghiradelli Square to Pier 35.
Fisherman’s Wharf highlights
- Pier 39 (Free)
A major tourist pier featuring shops, restaurants, attractions, and even a colony of sea lions that have chosen to take up seasonal residence on the docks. - Alcatraz Island (visit through the parks department or as part of a waterfront walking tour).
On the bay
A must-visit for many tourists, the Alcatraz Island prison sits in the middle of the bay. While it may seem like a lovely location, in reality, it gave its prisoners a view of freedom out of its windows. Now, it is a National Recreation Area. It was once “home” to Al Capone and George “Machine-Gun” Kelly. - Blue and Gold Fleet Bay cruise (on Go City pass)
At Pier 39
This one-hour narrated San Francisco Bay Cruise will get you out on the water to enjoy the fabulous San Francisco skyline. It starts at and sails past Pier 39, along the historic waterfront, around Alcatraz, and under the Golden Gate Bridge. Reserve your Blue and Gold cruise here. - Aquarium of the Bay (on Go City pass)
On Pier 39
With 300 feet of tunnels, we get a diver’s view of over 20,000 marine animals, including sharks, bat rays, skates, sturgeon, and more. There is also an opportunity to see river otters and jellyfish, plus a touch pool with sea stars and anemones. Reserve your aquarium entry ticket here. - Buena Vista Cafe
2765 Hyde St
Irish coffee at the Buena Vista is a bit cliché, but I can never resist. The Buena Vista Cafe opened in 1886, serving Irish coffee since 1952, when a travel writer accepted the challenge to create a coffee similar to those he enjoyed in Ireland. And in 2003, bartender Frank Silloti was named the world Irish coffee-making champion. - Musée Mécanique (Free to enter)
At Pier 45
A fascinating step back in time allows the use of over 300 coin-operated mechanical musical instruments (like orchestrions) and antique arcade artifacts. It’s one of the world’s largest family-owned and operated collections. Read their fascinating history.
San Francisco itinerary day 2: Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park
Spend the morning near the Golden Gate Bridge
- Golden Gate Bridge (Free)
Always open
An icon of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge connects the city to Marin County to the North. Once the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge, this engineering feat opened in 1937 after taking four years to complete. It’s on every visitor’s San Francisco itinerary. On Sunday or Thursday, enjoy a free walking tour on the bridge and delve into history, hear interesting stories, and enjoy impressive views. - Palace of Fine Arts (Free)
3601 Lyon St
The Palace of Fine Arts is my favorite relaxation spot. This monumental structure is the remaining building from the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Built in Greco-Roman style, it exhibited works of art. It was rebuilt in 1965 and retrofitted in 2009 and is now on the US National Register of Historic Places. It covers 17 acres in San Francisco’s Marina District, which is bound by Baker Street, Palace Drive, and Bay Street.
Spend the afternoon in Golden Gate Park
- California Academy of Sciences (on Go City pass)
55 Music Concourse Dr, Golden Gate Park
A fabulous museum describing itself as the ‘world’s only aquarium-planetarium-rainforest-living museum.’ If you have more time, rather than rushing through, this can easily be an all-day adventure. The four-story rainforest dome was a highlight, as was the aquarium. Our best tip: get your timed planetarium ticket when you first arrive so you don’t miss out. Also, don’t miss the live penguins in the back of the African Hall. Reserve a California Academy of Sciences entry ticket here. - De Young Museum (on Go City pass)
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., Golden Gate Park
This is the city’s fine arts museum and the most visited art collection west of the Mississippi. It features paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects from the 17th century to the present and includes couture designs by Coco Chanel and Christian Dior. Your ticket also allows free same-day general admission to the Legion of Honor Museum. Reserve your De Young Museum entry ticket here. - San Francisco Zoo (on Go City pass)
Sloat Blvd & Upper Great Hwy
A bit farther out of the way, the San Francisco Zoo was my children’s favorite spot when they were young. It’s no wonder, with over 2,000 endangered, exotic, and rescued animals surrounded by serene gardens and the Pacific Coastline. It’s another spot you could rush through or spend all day. Reserve a SF Zoo entry ticket here.
San Francisco itinerary day 3: Union Square to Embarcadero
- Cable car (on Go City Explorer pass)
Since the 1870’s, San Franciscans have ridden on these first-in-the-world cars pulled by an underground cable up and over the city’s largest hills. Now an icon in the city, riding the cable car is on most San Francisco itineraries. And it’s easy to use the cable car. - Exploratorium (on Go City pass)
Located at Pier 15
A hands-on experimental museum with more than 600 interactive exhibits, that, in my opinion, is one of the top things to include on any San Francisco itinerary that includes school-aged children. Of course, with late-night Thursdays being 18+, you know there is plenty to keep adults interested too. Reserve your Exploratorium ticket here - Chinatown (Free)
413-401 Grant Ave
The Dragon Gate welcomes tourists to Chinatown along Grant Ave (at the intersection with Bush Street). Filled with shops, Grant Ave tends to attract tourists. Locals wanting Chinese goods tend to do their everyday shopping one block to the west on Stockton Street. - Coit Tower
1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard
Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill overlooks the city, offering 360º views from its observation deck. The tower itself is named for Lillie Hitchcock Coit who left a substantial bequest “for the purpose of adding to the beauty of the city I have always loved.” It is the stories behind the 1934 controversy over some of the frescos inside the tower’s base that makes this such a fascinating place to visit. - San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (on Go City pass)
151 3rd Steet
SFMOMA is home to over 33,000 modern and contemporary artworks from some of the world’s most renowned artists. We found that the building itself was part of the eclectic mix. My personal favorite is the floor dedicated entirely to photography. Reserve your SFMOMA entry ticket here.
A few photo stops along the way
Three more icons of the city don’t easily fit into any of our itineraries and are just photo stops.
- The Transamerica Pyramid (white) is the tallest building in San Francisco. The green building in the foreground is the Sentinel Building, home to American Zoetrope – the film studio founded by Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas.
- Lombard Street, once universally considered the crookedest street in the world. Now, there is some debate as to whether or not Vermont Street in the Potrero Hill neighborhood is more crooked.
- The Painted Ladies are a row of beautifully maintained Victorian and Edwardian houses symbolic of the famous California Gold Rush.
Looking for a secret adventure? Check this out: Hidden SF – Prohibition Secrets Remain in a San Francisco Hotel
Get around on the hop-on-hop-off bus
San Francisco’s hop-on-hop-off bus not only provides passengers with commentary about and transport to the key city locations, but it also crosses over the Golden Gate Bridge. Reserve your spot on the hop-on-hop-off bus.
Denise
I haven’t been to the museums in SF in forever! Thanks for the reminder!
Yvonne
Great recommendations!! I took Buddy to San Francisco when he was younger (maybe Kinder or 1st grade) and he LOVED the Exploratorium and the Ferris wheel at Fisherman’s Warf. And of course, the sweets at Ghirardelli.
Kat
San Francisco looks like such a dream to visit! So many cool things to do and 3 days seems like the perfect amount of time. Thanks for sharing this itinerary! 🙂
sammi swinton
I ABSOLUTELY ADORE SAN FRANCISCO!
Wish I had found your itinerary before visiting, I didn’t realise how much there was to actually see here! This is a great guide, thank you!
Josy A
I can see why you love it. San Francisco is such a varied and beautiful city to explore! Do you know why they created such a wibbly street for Lombard Street? I wonder why the road builders fancied a wobble!?
Travel A-Broads
San Francisco has been sitting on my bucket list for far too long! I need to plan a trip here soon, and your itinerary will be invaluable when I do so. Thanks so much for sharing your experience and recommendations! Xx Sara
Linda (LD Holland)
There is so much to see and do in San Francisco. We like to pick a few new things on each visit. Your post reminded me that we need to plan to visit some of the museums and art galleries on a future visit.
Lasma
I would so love to visit San Francisco! Such a beautiful city! this is a great guide to plan a trip! Thanks for sharing!
Bea
I’ve only been once to San Francisco and for a very short time while there for work. I didn’t have time to see much and I’ve been pining for the city ever since. Your guide is inspiring me to book a trip to this amazing city!
Erin
Your itinerary brought back some great memories of San Francisco. I would love to go again and see the aquarium you mentioned. It looks spectacular.
Michele
Thanks for the itinerary and suggestions on using the CityPASS. I went to San Francisco years ago on the way back from Hawaii. I only spent 24 hours, but now I feel like a trip back is needed!
simplyjolayne
On our last trip to SF, my daughter and I who are both photographers, raced from one side of the Golden Gate bridge to the other at sunset to capture some of the best shots. That will stay in my memory bank forever I think.
Nancy
Hope you had a wonderful time – it sure looks like you did!
Tina
I loved San Francisco when I was there a couple years ago. I wasn’t able to make it to Alcatraz island though, I’d like to return to visit it.
Billy
Have you seen the murals of the Mission District? If not, check them out on your next SF visit. Off the standard beaten tourist path, but they are amazing! Nearby Dolores Park and Mission Dolores are also fantastic.
Rhonda Albom
I used to live in San Francisco, so most of what we do isn’t touristy. I will add this to my mental list for my next visit.
Villroses hage
Oh yes 🙂 Went there and took these pictures back in 1979!
Rhonda Albom
Yes, classic pictures. Some things really don’t change much.
TheChieftess
San Francisco is a beautiful city!! You captured snippets of it well! Love your Golden Gate Bridge photos!
Rhonda Albom
I took the photo of the Golden Gate Bridge on the side across from the city.
Martha Z
Great views of San Francisco, brought back many memories.
Trekking with Becky
Great shots! 😀 I love seeing the classic shots (that I know) as well as the others. 😀
Rhonda Albom
There is no shortage of photo opportunities in San Francisco. Although I didn’t get to take a shot of my sourdough rolling down the hill. I was in shock and disbelief.
indah nuria
classic but beautiful, Rhonda..I can’t never get bored with it 🙂
Merlinda Little ( @pixiedusk)
Lovely photos and the Architecture ones are my favorites!
Jay @CraftySpices
Definitely The Golden Gate Bridge image is one of San Francisco must have shots. Not to say you did get some really nice pictures all together.
We have never been to San Francisco but it’s a place that I would like to visit one day.
Thanks for sharing !
Rhonda Albom
I agree, that’s why I added the older shot.
Kathe W.
one of my favorite places- we’ll be there in August!
Rhonda Albom
Have fun, and remember a jacket. The fog rolls in on August afternoons.
Deb Nance
You did great! Hope you stopped by City Lights Bookstore, though.
Rhonda Albom
Missed it this time.
Brooke
Your photos made me miss San Francisco! It must have been wonderful to photograph a city with so much color and vibrant designs. I always have a special place in my heart for this city.
Rhonda Albom
It’s a wonderful city for just about everything. I miss living there.
Sharon
One of my favorite cities! You’ve captured it well! My last visit, we rented bikes and rode across the Golden Gate Bridge. Such a fun adventure! Thank you for taking me on a photo journey to lovely San Fran!
Rhonda Albom
Bikes across the bridge, I haven’t done that since I was single. Quite a long time ago.
Stacy Uncorked
Awesome shots, Rhonda! Brought back so many memories of my visits there – it’s been waaaaay too long since we’ve been there, might have to talk the hubby into revisiting all our favorite spots! 🙂
Rhonda Albom
That was how I felt, way too long. Yet for us it was only a few years.
Buckeroomama
We were just there a few weeks ago and looking through your pictures brings back memories. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Good memories, I hope.
Parent Club
San Francisco is on my bucket list
Rhonda Albom
I hope it moves to the top quickly.
Kristin Aquariann
Awesome photos! I hope I get to visit San Francisco again some day with a digital camera – the last time I was there I was still using film.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – was that a really long time ago, or did you hang on to your favorite technology?
Teresa Kindred
You make such great pictures! Wish I had your talent!
Teresa
Karren Haller
Beautiful shots, I had the opportunity to vacation in San Francisco and had a wonderful time including Lombardie Street, that was when it was still open to drive down.
Rhonda Albom
Without a car, climbing the hill to photo Lombard Street just felt like too much.
stevebethere
Brilliant shots Rhonda and I agree with Alex 🙂
That Green Sentinal building is amazing, whenever I see photos of San Francisco it always reminds me of that series “Tales Of The City” from the 80’s
Have a santastic day and I like that photo of you both too …cheers 🙂
Terri Vanech
great shots!
Nancy
Great shots of some San Francisco icons!
Rhonda Albom
There are so many icons in SF.
Amila @Leisure and Me
Beautiful views from San Francisco.The bridge is really wonderful!
Rhonda Albom
It is a beautiful city 🙂
Patrick Weseman
Very shots of the place I was born in and the place I work in.
Carola Bartz
Wonderful images of this beautiful city. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge still gives me goosebumps every time – after 15 years! My favorite image is the one of the Chinese lanterns. The red really pops.
Rhonda Albom
That’s what I was trying to explain to my friends who were trying to pull me away, the lanterns were a shot to be taken.
L. Diane Wolfe
You captured it beautifully. That Sentinel Building has so much personality.
Rhonda Albom
Such a cool building, with the added fun of wondering what is going on inside.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
great photos! they’re classic for a reason:)
Rhonda Albom
Very true.
Comedy Plus
I love any shot of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a beautiful sight from the land and especially on the water. Been under it in our boat several times.
Have a fabulous day Rhonda. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I have been directly under it in a boat, but never crossed completely. Our insurance only covered us to the center.
Janie Junebug
My favorite place in San Francisco is City Lights Bookstore, but I also love the Museum of Modern Art.
Love,
Janie
Rhonda Albom
Two that I missed. MOMA only just reopened after three years being closed, so I just imagined the queue to be too long.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Awesome shots! You need to make your own book on traveling through San Francisco.