San Francisco California 2 Day Itinerary

San Francisco 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Just For You Cafe in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. Try their famous waffles or omelets.
  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the iconic Golden Gate Park. Explore the Japanese Tea Garden, the California Academy of Sciences, and the de Young Museum.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Foreign Cinema, a unique restaurant that screens classic films while you dine.
  • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury, known for its 1960s counterculture history and eclectic shops.
  • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Walk to the top of Lombard Street, also known as the “crookedest street in the world.”

Evening

  • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Scoma’s Restaurant, a San Francisco institution serving fresh seafood.
  • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Take a sunset stroll along the Pier 39 waterfront, where you can also spot sea lions.

Day 2

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Start the day with breakfast at Fisherman’s Grotto, a historic seafood restaurant located on the waterfront.
  • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the former prison turned national park.

Afternoon

  • 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Grab lunch at Delarosa, a popular spot for Roman-style pizza.
  • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore the iconic Chinatown neighborhood, one of the largest and oldest in North America.

Evening

  • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Visit the famous Painted Ladies Victorian houses on Alamo Square.
  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Zuni Cafe, a San Francisco institution serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Where to Stay

Consider staying in the following neighborhoods:

  • Fisherman’s Wharf: Convenient for waterfront activities and sea lion spotting.
  • Haight-Ashbury: Ideal for those who want to experience the city’s counterculture history.
  • Union Square: Central location with access to shopping, dining, and public transportation.

Things to Know

  • San Francisco can be chilly, even in summer, so pack layers.
  • Be prepared for steep hills and stairs when exploring the city on foot.
  • The city has a rich cultural heritage; respect local customs and traditions.

Transportation

  • BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): A convenient way to travel between neighborhoods and to/from SFO airport.
  • Muni Metro: A light rail system that connects many popular attractions.
  • Cable Cars: A classic San Francisco experience, but be prepared for long lines.

Tips

  • Buy a Clipper Card for convenient travel on public transportation.
  • Take advantage of free museums and attractions on certain days of the week or month.
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas like Fisherman’s Wharf.

Other Things of Interest

  • LGBTQ+ Community: San Francisco is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community; explore the Castro District for bars, clubs, and shops.
  • Wine Country: Take a day trip to Napa Valley or Sonoma County for wine tastings and vineyard tours.
  • Silicon Valley: Visit the tech capital of the world, located just south of San Francisco.