Amazing One Day in San Francisco (9 Things You Can’t Miss)

If you’ve only got one day in San Francisco, you’re in for a treat. Whether it’s your first time or you’re just passing through, you’ll want to hit the city’s most famous spots.

From walking across the Golden Gate Bridge to checking out Chinatown, this city is full of sights you won’t forget. Let me help you make the most of your time in SF, so you can see the best in just one day.

1. Golden Gate Bridge
2. Golden Gate Park
3. Painted Ladies
4. Cable Car Ride
5. Lombard Street

6. Pier 39

7. Coit Tower

8. Chinatown

9. Ferry Building

First up on our itinerary is the Golden Gate Bridge, and no trip to San Francisco is complete without seeing it. It’s the city’s most famous landmark, and whether you drive across it or walk along it, it’s something you just have to experience.

Golden Gate Bridge / One Day in San Francisco 

GOOD TO KNOW: Spanning 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, the bridge was completed in 1937 and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time.

It was designed to withstand powerful winds, earthquakes, and strong ocean currents, and despite its name, the bridge is actually painted in a shade called “International Orange” to help it stand out against the fog.

On a clear day, you’ll get postcard-perfect views of the bay, but even when the fog rolls in, the bridge has a dramatic beauty that makes it one of the most photographed spots in the world.

Golden Gate Bridge / One Day in San Francisco 

• Driving Across the Bridge

If you’re in a car, driving across the Golden Gate Bridge is the fastest and easiest way to take in the sights. As you cross, you’ll get to see the massive red towers rising above you, and on a clear day, the views of the bay are breathtaking.

PRO TIP: Just a heads-up! The toll is only charged when driving into San Francisco from the north (Marin County). If you’re leaving the city, it’s free. The toll is cashless, so there are no booths to stop at. Instead, it’s collected electronically via FasTrak, a license plate account, or a one-time payment. If you’re renting a car, check if your rental company includes toll processing, as they may charge extra fees. Otherwise, you can pay the toll online at bayareafastrak.org within 48 hours of crossing. The standard toll for most cars is $9.50 as of 2024.

• Walking the Bridge – Worth It, But Windy

If you are up to it, then walking the Golden Gate Bridge is a great experience. It’s about two miles each way, so walking the full length and back will take some time. If you’re pressed for time, though, just walking to the first tower and back will still give you incredible views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the city skyline.

But be prepared—it’s almost always windy, and even on sunny days, it can get chilly. A jacket is a good idea, even if it seems warm when you start.

Golden Gate Bridge / One Day in San Francisco 

• Where to Park If You Walk

Parking near the bridge can be tricky, as it’s a popular spot. There’s a small paid parking lot by the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center on the southeast side, but spots fill up quickly.

If that one is full, there are other parking areas a little further away, but be prepared to walk.

Metered street parking is available, but it depends on the time of day.

If you want to skip the parking hassle, you can take a Golden Gate Transit bus (routes 30, 70, or 101) to the Toll Plaza stop, which drops you right near the bridge.

PRO TIP: If you want incredible views of San Francisco from the water, this Golden Gate Bay Cruise is the way to go. I hopped on and loved sailing past Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Marin Headlands—all while getting up close to the Golden Gate Bridge from below. You can sit inside or out on deck. The best part? The open ticket lets you go whenever it fits your schedule.

Next up on our itinerary is Golden Gate Park—San Francisco’s massive green oasis. This place is even bigger than Central Park in New York, stretching over 1,000 acres with gardens, museums, lakes, trails, and even a herd of bison (yes, actual bison).

GOOD TO KNOW: Golden Gate Park was created in the 1870s on what was once a stretch of windswept sand dunes. Today, it’s one of the most visited parks in the U.S., with over 24 million visitors a year.

• What to See and Do: 

Gate Park is huge, so walking from one end to the other takes time. Biking is a great option, and there are rentals available near the entrance. Also, you’ll want to focus on just a few key spots. Here are my top choices, but you need to decide which is the best for your interests:

1. Japanese Tea Garden – The oldest Japanese garden in the U.S., complete with koi ponds, pagodas, and a stunning arched bridge. Stop by the tea house for a traditional cup of matcha.

Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park / One Day in San Francisco 

Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park / One Day in San Francisco 

2. De Young Museum – A world-class art museum featuring everything from American paintings to African sculptures. Even if you don’t go inside, the observation tower is free and offers an awesome panoramic view of the city.

3. California Academy of Sciences – A science museum, planetarium, aquarium, and indoor rainforest all in one. The living roof is covered in native plants and blends right into the park.

4. Stow Lake – Rent a paddle boat and cruise around this lake, or walk up Strawberry Hill for waterfalls and great views.

Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park / One Day in San Francisco 

Huntington Falls in Golden Gate Park / One Day in San Francisco

5. The Bison Paddock – There’s a small herd of bison living in the park! They’ve been here since the 1890s, and while you can’t get super close, it’s still fun to see them grazing.

6. Conservatory of Flowers – A gorgeous Victorian-era greenhouse filled with rare and exotic plants.

PRO TIP:  Golden Gate Park is huge—way bigger than I expected—so the first time I visited I joined the Golden Gate Park Tour. It was great to have a guide to show us the hidden trails and cool spots I would’ve missed. We saw the National AIDS Memorial and took in amazing views from the de Young Museum observation tower. The best part? Ending the walk at the Pacific Ocean, where the park opens up to stunning coastal views. If you want to see more than just the main attractions, this tour is the way to go!

• Parking

If you’re driving, parking can be tricky, especially on weekends. There’s a parking garage beneath the de Young Museum, but it fills up fast. Free street parking is available, but it’s hit-or-miss.

Public transit is an easy option—the N-Judah or 5-Fulton Muni lines will drop you near the park.

Next up on our itinerary: the Painted Ladies—one of San Francisco’s most picture-perfect spots! If these colorful Victorian houses look familiar to you, it’s probably because you’ve seen them on postcards, TV shows, or Instagram.

Painted Ladies / One Day in San Francisco

GOOD TO KNOW: The Painted Ladies refer to a row of Victorian and Edwardian houses along Steiner Street, right across from Alamo Square Park. These houses were built in the late 1800s to early 1900s, but what makes them special is their vibrant colors and intricate detailing—a style known as “painted ladies” architecture.

San Francisco once had over 48,000 Victorian homes, but many were lost in the 1906 earthquake and fire. The ones that survived, like these, have become some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Painted Ladies / One Day in San Francisco

The Painted Ladies are private homes, so you can’t just walk in. But if you’re curious to see the inside of a real San Francisco Victorian, check out the Haas-Lilienthal House, a fully restored Victorian mansion that’s open for tours.

Painted Ladies / One Day in San Francisco

PRO TIP: The best place to admire the Painted Ladies is from Alamo Square Park. From the top of the hill, you get an amazing view of the houses with the downtown skyline behind them—a classic San Francisco shot!

• Getting There

By Car: Street parking is available but can be tricky, especially on weekends.

By Public Transit: Take the 5-Fulton or 21-Hayes bus—both stop near Alamo Square Park.

If there’s one thing that is just iconic San Francisco, it’s riding a cable car. And, it is the next up on the itinerary.

These vintage trolleys have been climbing SF’s steep hills since the 1800s, and honestly, they’re still one of the coolest ways to see the city. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B—it’s the whole experience. The clang of the bell, the wind in your face, the views as you roll over the hills—it’s classic SF.

• Best Cable Car Route to Take

My recommendation is to go for the Powell-Hyde Line. It starts at Union Square and winds through some of the city’s most famous spots—Nob Hill, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square—before dropping you off near Fisherman’s Wharf. But, you can hop off and on at any stop.

PRO TIPS: 

• The best places to hop on is at the turnaround stations like Powell & Market, Hyde & Beach, or Mason & Bay, but these can get crowded. If the line at Powell & Market is crazy long, walk up a few blocks to a different stop and catch a car there.
• Tickets are $8 per ride, and you can pay with cash or use the MuniMobile app to buy ahead of time.
• If you’re sitting inside, grab a seat on the right side for the best views heading toward Fisherman’s Wharf.

Next up on our itinerary is Lombard Street—the most famous (and probably the windiest) street in San Francisco!

GOOD TO KNOW: San Francisco is known for its steep hills, and back in the 1920s, residents on Lombard Street realized their street was just too steep for cars. The solution? Add eight sharp turns to make it safer to drive down! The result is the famous, brick-paved, flower-lined switchbacks that now attract millions of visitors every year.

Lombard Street / One Day in San Francisco 

It’s often called the “crookedest street in the world,” but fun fact: it’s actually not! (That title technically belongs to Vermont Street in SF’s Potrero Hill neighborhood—but Lombard is definitely the prettiest.)

Lombard Street / One Day in San Francisco 

• Best Way to Experience It

Driving Down – If you have a car, you can actually drive down Lombard Street yourself. Just be prepared for a slow crawl—only one car at a time can go down each turn, and there’s usually a line of tourists waiting for their turn.

Walking Up or Down – If you’re up for a bit of a workout, walking gives you the best views. It’s 253 steps from bottom to top, but along the way, you’ll get amazing views of Coit Tower, Alcatraz, and the bay.

Best Photo Spot – The most iconic shot is from the bottom of the street at Leavenworth and Lombard, where you can see the full zigzag pattern.

Lombard Street / One Day in San Francisco 

• Getting There

By Car: If you’re driving, enter from Hyde Street, since Lombard is a one-way street going downhill.

By Cable Car: The Powell-Hyde cable car line stops right at the top of Lombard—perfect if you don’t want to hike up!

After Lombard Street, make your way down to Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the most famous waterfront areas in San Francisco. It’s packed with seafood spots, souvenir shops, and some of the best views of the bay.

Pier 39 / One Day in San Francisco

Right in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf is Pier 39, the city’s most famous pier. This is where you’ll find street performers, unique shops, and—most importantly—the sea lions.

These loud creatures took over the docks in the early ‘90s and never left. Watching them bark, nap, and shove each other off the floating platforms is one of the fun-free attractions in the city.

Seals at Pier 39 / One Day in San Francisco

PRO TIP: If you know me, you know I love finding the little details that make a place special so I joined this Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour. Sure, I saw the famous sea lions at Pier 39, but I also explored a WWII-era submarine, an old fruit cannery, and a quirky vintage arcade museum I never would’ve found on my own. It’s a fun way to see a different side of this iconic neighborhood!

Also, don’t forget to grab a Bread Bowl of Clam Chowder – A must-try! Boudin Bakery serves up creamy chowder in their famous sourdough bowls.

Delicious Chowder at Pier 39 / One Day in San Francisco

• Getting There

By Cable Car: One of the most fun ways to get there is by hopping on the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable cars. These will take you directly to the Wharf. The cable car stops just a short walk from Pier 39.

By Car: If you’re driving, there’s a parking garage at Pier 39, but it can get pricey, especially on weekends. It’s best to be prepared for the cost, and finding a spot can be a challenge during peak times. You can also park at nearby garages, but walking a bit further.

By Public Transit: Muni buses #47 or #49 will drop you near Fisherman’s Wharf. If you’re near a BART station, you can hop on the F-Line streetcar and get off right at Pier 39.

After soaking in the waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, it’s time to head uphill to Coit Tower, one of the best places in San Francisco for panoramic city views.

Sitting atop Telegraph Hill, this 210-foot-tall white tower has been a city landmark since 1933 and offers 360-degree views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz.

Coit Tower / One Day in San Francisco 

View from the Coit Tower / One Day in San Francisco 

GOOD TO KNOW: Coit Tower was built thanks to Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy San Francisco socialite and lifelong fan of the city’s firefighters. She left a fortune to beautify the city, and part of it was used to build this tower in her honor. Some say its shape resembles a fire hose nozzle—a fitting tribute!

Inside, you’ll also find Depression-era murals painted in the 1930s as part of a public art project. These colorful frescoes depict life in California during the Great Depression.

• Getting There

By Foot: A steep but scenic walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.

By Car: There’s a small parking lot, but it fills up quickly—ride-sharing or public transit is easier.

By Bus: Take Muni’s #39 Coit Tower bus from North Beach.

Now, it’s time to head to Chinatown, one of the most vibrant and historic neighborhoods in San Francisco.

GOOD TO KNOW: San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest Chinese communities outside of Asia. Established in the mid-1800s, it’s a bustling neighborhood filled with colorful shops, markets, temples, and restaurants. You’ll find street vendors selling fresh produce and traditional Chinese herbs, all while street signs are written in both English and Chinese, giving the place a unique atmosphere.

PRO TIP: I need to mention, that the first time I ventured into Chinatown, I decided to join this walking tour: Chinatown Walking Tour. It was really a good introduction to Chinatown and I loved getting an insider’s look at the neighborhood’s history, hidden spots, and local culture. Our guide took us through secret alleys, a traditional herbal pharmacy, and lively markets filled with exotic foods. We got to sample fresh fortune cookies.

Chinatown / One Day in San Francisco

Chinatown in San Francisco / One Day in San Francisco

• What to Do and See: There’s so much to do in Chinatown, and I always make sure to hit these highlights when I’m there:

Explore Grant Avenue – This street is the heart of Chinatown, lined with shops selling everything from Chinese trinkets to fresh seafood. It’s a great place to stroll, shop, and soak in the sights.

Stop by the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory – Want to take home a piece of Chinatown? This place is the perfect stop for fresh, hand-made fortune cookies. They even let you create your own personal fortune.

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory / One Day in San Francisco 

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory / One Day in San Francisco 

Stop by Chinatown Gate – The iconic red and gold Dragon Gate marks the entrance to Chinatown and is one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Dragon Gate / One Day in San Francisco

Eat Dim Sum – I’m all about dim sum when I’m in Chinatown. I head to Yank Sing for their delicious dumplings, buns, and other bite-sized treats. Trust me, it’s a must-try experience.

Dumplings at Yank Sing Restaurant in Chinatown / One Day in San Francisco 

• Getting There

By Cable Car: The Powell-Mason line will drop you off near Chinatown, so it’s easy to catch a ride.

By Car: Chinatown is easily accessible by car, but be prepared for narrow streets and limited parking. You might want to consider parking outside the area and walking in.

By Muni: Muni buses #1 or #2 stop close to Chinatown. It’s a quick and easy way to get there.

Now, let’s wrap up your San Francisco adventure at the Ferry Building—one of my favorite spots in the city!

Located right on the waterfront at the foot of Market Street, it’s the perfect place to end your day with amazing food, local flavors, and a great view of the bay.

Ferry Building / One Day in San Francisco

GOOD TO KNOW: The Ferry Building has been around since 1898 and was once the busiest transit terminal in the world, serving ferries that connected San Francisco to nearby towns across the bay. After years of decline, it was transformed into a foodie haven, now home to gourmet shops, artisan vendors, and one of the best farmers’ markets in the city.

Ferry Building / One Day in San Francisco

• Things to Do and See: Here are some of my favorite stops whenever I visit:

Grab Coffee at Blue Bottle – If you’re a coffee lover like me, Blue Bottle is a must. Their coffee is smooth and rich, perfect for a little pick-me-up while you explore.

Indulge in Fresh Oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co. – If you’re into oysters, this place is heaven. Enjoy super fresh oysters with a gorgeous view of the bay. Not a fan of oysters? No worries—they have other fantastic seafood dishes too.

Pick Up Sourdough from Acme Bread – You can’t leave San Francisco without trying its famous sourdough. Acme Bread is the go-to spot for fresh, chewy, and perfectly tangy sourdough. Grab a loaf for snacking or to take home.

Yummy Breads at the Ferry Building / One Day in San Francisco

Stop by Far West Fungi – This little shop is all about mushrooms—seriously, every kind you can imagine. Whether you’re a mushroom enthusiast or just curious, it’s fun to check out their fresh and dried varieties, plus some cool mushroom-based snacks.

Far West Fungi / One Day in San Francisco 

Sip Some Tea at Imperial Tea Court – If you need a break from all the walking, this tea shop is a perfect stop. They serve incredible traditional Chinese teas, and the atmosphere is peaceful—a nice escape from the bustling marketplace.

Imperial Tea Court / One Day in San Francisco 

• Getting There

By Muni: The T-Third line or F-Market streetcar will drop you off right near the Ferry Building, making it super easy to reach.

By Car: Parking is available nearby, but it’s pricey. If you can, take a ride-share or public transit to avoid the hassle.

It’s the perfect way to wind down your trip, soak in the waterfront views, and sample San Francisco’s local flavors before heading out!

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