Today I want to share my itinerary for 1 day in San Francisco, California with you. The City by the Bay is one of the most popular places to visit in the Golden State, and there’s a lot you can see and do here. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Union Square and Alcatraz, San Francisco has something for every traveler. Read on for my itinerary. I’ve included a map as well.
1 Day in San Francisco
I’ve been visiting San Francisco since I was born. Having grown up in the Bay Area, I came to the city for day trips throughout my childhood and teenage years.
After college I lived in SF for 3 years, and now I spend a lot of time here. I know this place well, and when people ask me how to spend a day in San Francisco, I have plenty of firsthand recommendations to offer them.
The great thing about San Francisco is that it’s compact in size and there’s loads to and see do. Whether you want to get out on the bay, see the major sights, shop, eat, or delve into the city’s history, you’ll find loads to entertain you during your visit.
My itinerary covers the top things to do in San Francisco in a day. It’s ideal for first-time visitors and those who haven’t been to the City by the Bay in a while. It’s a great introduction to the highlights, and I hope it makes you want to come back and see more of SF on a future trip.
Where to Stay
If you’re here for an overnight visit, there are plenty of places to rest your head in the city. You can take a look at my guide to the best area to stay in San Francisco to get an idea of which one might work best for your travel style and preferences.
If you want to take my word for it, my favorite place to stay for a night in San Francisco is Hotel Triton. It’s in a central location downtown, and I love the decor. I’ve stayed here before and I can personally vouch for it. If that sounds good, you can book a room here.
If you want to see more options, you can take a look at some of the most popular hotels in the City by the Bay here. There are lots of good ones to choose from.
Tips for Visiting San Francisco
Before you look through my San Francisco itinerary, it’s worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with top tips for visiting the city.
First, don’t make the common mistake of thinking San Francisco has good weather year-round. Many new visitors assume that because it’s on the California coast, it’s going to be sunny and warm in summer (and the rest of the year, for that matter).
The reality is that summer in San Francisco can mean thick fog and cold weather (for at least part of the day). If you want the best chance of sunshine, come in September or October (but still bring layers). October is my favorite month of the year in SF.
Second, keep in mind that San Francisco can be expensive compared to many other cites around the world (if you live in London, you’ll be used to it).
Booking things like accommodation, rental cars, and sell-out activities like Alcatraz well in advance can help you find better rates and stay within your travel budget.
Third, as with many cities, San Francisco’s beauty is in the details. Remember to look up, admire the Victorian houses the city is famous for, and take in the views.
Itinerary for 1 Day in San Francisco
My itinerary for 1 day in San Francisco starts on the Embarcadero. This waterfront area on the San Francisco Bay is a great place to soak up the views of the Bay Bridge.
Ferry Building
Once on the Embarcadero, you can start your morning at the Ferry Building. If you’re here on a Saturday, you’ll be able to enjoy the beloved Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market (there’s also a smaller version on Tuesdays and Thursdays).
This is one of my favorite markets in all of California, and you can find a wide variety of prepared foods, drinks, and fresh produce here. The chilaquiles from the Primavera stand are my favorite breakfast in the world.
Even if it’s not a Saturday you’ll be able to get your caffeine fix at places like Blue Bottle Coffee or Red Bay Coffee. You can grab something for breakfast at one of the many shops, cafes, or restaurants as well.
Fisherman’s Wharf
From the Ferry Building, it’s easy to board the F train streetcar and make your way north along the waterfront. You’ll be treated to views of the piers along the Embarcadero as you go.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to ride in a historic carriage from a city around the world. The F line is famous for them, and they come in a range of bright colors.
Once you arrive in Fisherman’s Wharf, you can either explore the area on foot or walk over to the Aquatic Park and Ghirardelli Square.
The Wharf is home to everything from souvenir shops on Pier 39 to restaurants serving local Dungeness crab and classic clam chowder in a bread bowl. The SkyStar Wheel is here, too. You can ride it to take in the views over the waterfront. You can book tickets here.
Locals don’t usually frequent Fisherman’s Wharf since it’s seen as a bit touristy, but it’s popular with visitors (especially children), so I’m including it in my itinerary. If nothing else, it’s worth a trip to spot the famous resident sea lions at Pier 39 (you’ll smell them before you see them!).
The Wharf is also home to the only branch of California’s famous In-N-Out Burger in the city center. It’s a fun place to stop if you want to eat the Golden State’s most beloved fast food (it’s worth looking up the secret menu before you go).
I’m also including this area on my itinerary because while you’re in Fisherman’s Wharf you can take a ferry to Alcatraz or go on a bay cruise.
They’re two of the most popular things to do in San Francisco. You’ll need to book in advance (especially for Alcatraz), as tickets sell out. You can book Alcatraz here and a bay cruise here.
Aquatic Park & Ghirardelli Square
Whatever you choose to do, make your way to Aquatic Park and Ghirardelli Square when you’re done. There are beautiful waterfront views and a crescent beach in front of the park where you can take in the pier, the tall ships, and the maritime highlights.
Behind the beach, Ghirardelli Square is famous for its historic ice cream factory. There are plenty of cute boutiques, restaurants, and cafes here as well. If you’re hungry, it’s a good place to stop for lunch (and dessert!).
Cable Car
After visiting Ghirardelli Square, continue your itinerary for 1 day in San Francisco by boarding the Powell / Hyde cable car on the corner of Hyde Street and Beach Street.
While you wait, you can pop into The Buena Vista for one of their famous Irish coffees if you want to. It’s a local tradition.
Once on board the cable car, you can ride it all the way up the hill and out to Union Square. If you’re up for it, you can alight at the famous Lombard Street and walk down the stairs past its eight dramatic curves.
This block of Lombard claims to be the “crookedest street in the world” (although Vermont Street in Potrero Hill is curvier). It has sweeping views of Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill from the top. The beautiful houses on this part of Lombard Street are worth admiring as well.
Union Square
Once you’re back on the cable car, you can take in the scenery as you ride through Russian Hill and Nob Hill to get to Union Square.
When you arrive, you can walk through the square to see what’s on. There are lots of seasonal events and installations, including a giant festive tree if you’re visiting San Francisco at Christmas.
This part of downtown SF is a fun place to shop, eat, and drink as well. Whether you want to browse some of the city’s high street shops and department stores, sit down for lunch, or stop for a coffee, you can spend your time however you please.
Chinatown
When you’re done discovering Union Square, you can walk up to Grant Avenue and pass through the Dragon Gate to get to Chinatown.
This part of the City by the Bay has rich history and more shops and restaurants to check out. There’s great street art here, too.
North Beach
You can walk all the way down Grant until you reach Broadway and Columbus. Here you’ll find yourself in North Beach, one of San Francisco’s most famous neighborhoods. This part of the city is known for both its Italian heritage and its Beat Generation connections.
If you look to your right, you’ll see the famous Transamerica Pyramid and the flatiron Columbus Tower (Sentinel Building). It’s a great place for photos.
You’ll also see City Lights bookshop on the corner of Broadway and Columbus. It’s an institution, and it’s worth going inside to have a browse. Next to it is the famous Vesuvio Cafe, a colorful bar Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg once frequented.
When you’re done, walk northwest down Columbus to get a feel for the atmosphere. It’s worth veering off to explore the stretch of Grant Avenue while you’re here. It’s home to some of my favorite shops, restaurants, and bars in the area.
If you have time, Washington Square is worth a look as well. This green space is a pleasant place to soak up the scene and rest your legs if you need to take a break.
Golden Gate Bridge
When the sun starts to sink, continue your day in San Francisco by doing one of two things: going to the Golden Gate Bridge independently or taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour that will take you to the bridge.
If you choose the former, you can drive or take a taxi to the bridge. It’s worth making a quick stop at the Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina on the way.
This place was built for a 1915 world’s fair called the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. It’s known for its stunning architecture (and for being a filming location for many movies set in San Francisco).
Either way, when you get to the Golden Gate Bridge you’ll have a chance to admire it in all its glory. The bridge is beautiful at sunset, and it’s worth a special trip to see it up close. Some of my favorite views of it are from Battery Cranston and Battery Marcus Miller on the west side.
If you choose to go on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, you can book a ticket here. You’ll be able to ride though the city at sunset to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Haight-Ashbury, Alamo Square, the Palace of Fine Arts, and more.
The Mission
Whether you see the bridge independently or on a tour, you can head to The Mission afterwards. This part of San Francisco is known for its hipster scene, delicious Mexican food, and fun bars. It’s the perfect place to spend an evening in SF.
If you want a burrito, La Taqueria on Mission Street is hard to beat. If you’re after something unique, Good Good Culture Club serves inventive dishes and creative cocktails. And if you’re in the mood to splurge on a cool Michelin-starred experience, Lazy Bear is one of my favorite restaurants in the city.
After dinner, there are lots of bars to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a trendy spot or a classic dive, The Mission has you covered.
From institutions like Lone Palm to craft beer places like Southern Pacific Brewing and cocktail havens like True Laurel and Trick Dog, you’re spoiled for choice.
San Francisco Map
If you want to follow my itinerary for 1 day in San Francisco, you can find an interactive Google map of all the places I mentioned here. I hope it helps give you a feel for the route so you can have a good time visiting the City by the Bay.
1 Day in San Francisco
I hope my itinerary for 1 day in San Francisco has helped you plan how to spend your time in the city. This is one of my favorite places in California, and it’s worth a special trip.
There’s a lot more to do and see here, too. If you have the chance, it’s worth staying a bit longer. From local areas in the city to great day trips, road trips, and overnight getaways, there’s plenty to entice you to extend your visit.
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