Arguably the best city to visit in the west coast of US, San Francisco has so much to offer tourists that 2 days is usually not enough to experience the place.
However, if that is all you have, then I have tried to create an itinerary that allows you to experience San Francisco’s rich culture, explore its history and visit the must-see attractions.
Tourists with a bit more time on their hands can also check out our best day trips from San Francisco post for a memorable excursion from the city.
Also note that those of you visiting San Francisco for only a day or maybe a few hours can also use this guide. Just pick and choose the experiences that appeal to you and you are good to go.
Day 1 Itinerary of San Francisco
Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most famous tourist attractions. It is a vibrant and lively neighborhood with a massive number of things to do for all kinds of tourists.
It is also San Francisco’s most family friendly destination with loads of options for kid’s entertainment.
You need to start your day at Pier 39. This is the most popular pier within Fisherman’s Wharf for a number of reasons.
Firstly, you get the best views of The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay Waters from Pier 39.
This is the place from where you can see so many of the city’s most famous attractions making it the must-visit location regardless of how much time you have in San Francisco.
You also have loads of brilliant restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops etc., that operate from 10am to 9pm daily.
In terms of entertainment, Pier 39 will keep you coming back for more.
Best Entertainment Attractions and things to do at Pier 39
- Sea lions hub with over 300 sea lions.
- Aquarium of the Bay
- Pier 39 Marina
- The famous San Francisco Carousel
- Brilliant performances by street performers and artists
- Music performances
- Wine tasting
- Whale watching tours
- Arcades, games, escape rooms, mazes etc.
- Sailing and boat rides
These were just some of the things you can expect at Pier 39. As you can see, there is lots to do at this single point itself.
My must-do would be clicking lots of pictures of the Golden Gate bridge and Alcatraz Island, checking out the incredible sea lions hub, take a ride on the carousel and indulge in some great food while admiring the bay waters.
Journey to Alcatraz Island from Pier 33
Next you need to visit Pier 33 at Fisherman’s Wharf to take the ferry to the famous and historical Alcatraz Island.
Pier 33 is just a few minutes walk from Pier 39 and is about 1 kilometre or 0.6 miles away.
Alcatraz Island is a place of significant historical importance housing the infamous Alcatraz military prison.
You must visit the island to get an understanding of San Francisco’s history and why it was considered as one of the most notorious prisons ever in The United States.
The ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island takes only about 10 to 12 minutes. However, suggested time to spend at the island checking out all of its attractions is between 2 to 3 hours including the ferry ride back.
Don’t forget to take photos during the ferry ride as it provides great views of San Francisco and its beautiful waters.
Exploring Golden Gate Bridge
Next on the itinerary is to explore San Francisco’s most famous landmark – The Golden Gate Bridge.
Now you have a few options here. You can take a cab ride across the bridge. Opt for a Golden Gate Bridge Transit Bus ride or take a ferry tour from the waters of San Francisco.
If you are up for it though, it is a real thrill to walk across the bridge. It takes 30 minutes to walk across and it may take a bit more depending upon your speed and cycle traffic.
If you choose to walk, you need to reach the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center which is open from 9am to 6pm on all days.
From here, ask for how to get to the pedestrian walkway of the Golden Gate Bridge.
If you can walk, I do suggest you do it. Apart from the thrill of it, once you reach the other end, known as the Vista Point, you get some breath-taking views of San Francisco city.
Note that you could walk one way and if you are too tired or pressed for time, cab it up for coming back towards San Francisco. The walk one-way is about 1.7 miles.
Climb to Twin Peaks
I realize you would be tired by now with all the walking but a climb to Twin Peaks early evening is totally worth the pain.
Twin Peaks is right in the middle of San Francisco, providing the best 360 degree views of the entire city at a height of 282 metres. Mount Davidson is the highest point of Twin Peaks.
Note you could easily take the bus or if you have a car rental, the drive is quite easy to teach Twin Peaks. Many visitors do prefer to reach a certain point and then use the hiking trails to walk up.
Twin Peaks sits on a total area of 64 acres and is one of the best spots for sunsets in San Francisco.
The entire hilltop park area is gorgeous, peaceful and full of excellent views of the city. Just note that it can get crowded as Twin Peaks is quite a popular tourist attraction in San Francisco.
Day 2 Itinerary of San Francisco
Your first day in San Francisco was all about sightseeing and visiting the most popular attractions of the city.
Day 2 is going to be about life in the city, it’s culture and history.
Lombard Street
You can start your day at another iconic landmark of San Francisco – Lombard Street.
This is the famous zig-zag hilly road that you see in so many movies and shows. Lombard street comprises of eight sharp hairpin bends coming one after the other in quick succession.
Lombard street is a sight to behold and by car, you are going downhill on the one-way street.
Ideal way to experience Lombard Street is by car or taxi. However, there are some that walk down as well.
If you choose to walk, know that it is quite an uphill climb to get to the top and then come down the street. Most make it up without much complaints but do know you will be tired.
Mission District
Little over 3 miles away from Lombard Street, lies Mission District. An important neighborhood of San Francisco in terms of its history and culture.
You need to walk around this colorful and vibrant neighborhood to experience life in the city, both now and what it was like decades or even a century ago.
The area is named after Mission Dolores which was constructed in 1776. It was built by Spanish settlers and is the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco.
You need to visit Mission Dolores and the Mission Dolores Park to learn about the incredible history of not just the locality but of San Francisco itself.
Today, Mission District as a neighborhood is famous for a number of things. Firstly, you need to check out the various historic structures in the place including the Women’s Building famous for its murals and of course it’s human rights activities.
Second, you just have to try one of the incredible chef-run restaurants. You also have interesting ice-cream parlours which are supposed to be a must-have in San Francisco.
There are art galleries and various other commercial spaces that you can explore.
Walking around Mission District will give you an idea of the Latino heritage of San Francisco.
The Castro and Haight-Ashbury District
After Mission District, it is time to explore The Castro and Haight-Ashbury District.
These are districts that are equally important to understand San Francisco culture and how the city has evolved over the years.
Starting with The Castro, this is a district that is famous for its gay culture being the first publicly LGBTQ+ neightborhood.
The Castro Theatre and GLBT Historic Museum are the two main attractions here that you need to check out.
As you walk, next you will find yourself at the Haight-Ashbury District. This place is famous for its hippie and flower power movement. It is also popular as the main nightlife hub of San Francisco.
Both The Castro and Haight-Ashbury District have a rich history and a walk down these districts will help you learn more about San Francisco’s past and its present.
Golden Gate Park
Just a short walk away from Haight-Ashbury District is the Golden Gate Park.
Spanning over 1000 acres, Golden Gate Park is a great place to unwind but also check out some of the park’s famous attractions at a leisurely pace.
Golden Gate Park is often compared to the famous Central Park in New York.
It does have a similar vibe to it and there are so many things you can do within Golden Gate Park which are important attractions by themselves.
The most important attractions in Golden Gate Park
- Japanese Tea Garden
- De Young Museum
- Conservatory of Flowers
- Golden Gate Park Windmills & Tulips
- Strybing Arboretum
- Strawberry Hill
- Golden Gate Park Carousel
- Golden Gate Park Aquarium
- Golden Gate Park Children’s Playground
- California Academy of Sciences
- Buffalo Bison Paddock
There are lots more to do at the park and you could simply walk around marvelling the natural wonders and sights the place has to offer.
I personally suggest checking out at least the Japanese Tea Garden, De Young Museum and walking around the various water bodies including lakes in Golden Gate Park.
Final thoughts
Whether you have 2 days or 2 hours in San Francisco, it is a great place to be and you can try and maximize your time there using the itinerary provided.
You can also see the city via various ferry tours or using the hop-on, hop-off buses that cover the most popular destinations.
If you are embarking on a boat journey that is covering a number of places, do be prepared for any delays that may arise.
Many tours can be booked online and it is recommended to do so to avoid crowds, tourist lines and last minute disappointment.
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