Perfect Weekend in San Francisco Itinerary (12 Things You Can’t Miss)

A weekend in San Francisco packs in more than you’d think—iconic landmarks, world-class food, ridiculously steep streets (the city’s hilliest has a 31.5% grade!), and, of course, Karl the Fog, who loves to make a dramatic entrance. It’s a city where you can walk through the oldest Chinatown in North America, see the most crooked street in the world, and watch sea lions lounge at the waterfront—all in just a couple of days.

If you’ve only got a weekend, this itinerary will help you make the most of it. You’ll hit the must-sees, find some local gems, and, most importantly, eat well!

Getting around San Francisco is pretty easy, but the best way to do it depends on where you’re staying and how you like to travel.

Whether you’re walking, taking public transit, or driving, each option has its perks (and a few things to keep in mind).

• Walking

San Francisco is a surprisingly walkable city—if you don’t mind some hills! If you’re staying in a central area like Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, or Nob Hill, many of the top sights are within walking distance.

Strolling through the neighborhoods is the best way to soak up the city’s vibe, whether you’re admiring the Victorian houses in Alamo Square or wandering through Chinatown’s bustling streets.

Just wear comfy shoes—some of these hills are no joke!

• Public Transportation

San Francisco has a solid public transit system with Muni buses, light rail trains, and the iconic cable cars.

A single cable car ride costs $8, but if you plan on using public transportation a lot, grab a Muni Visitor Passport, which gives you unlimited rides for 1, 3, or 7 days. It’s a great deal and saves you from having to buy tickets every time.

BART (the Bay Area Rapid Transit) is another option, though it mainly connects downtown SF to the East Bay and the airport.

• Driving

If you’re staying outside the city or want the flexibility of a car, driving is an option—but be warned, parking is pricey and hard to find in popular spots like Fisherman’s Wharf and downtown.

Also, the Golden Gate Bridge has no cash tolls, so if you’re crossing it, you’ll need FasTrak or be ready to pay online later.

PRO TIP: The best areas to explore on foot are Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, and Union Square. But if you’re heading to Golden Gate Park, Lands End, or Twin Peaks, public transit or a rental car will make the trip much easier.

You’ve made it to San Francisco! Whether you flew into SFO or OAK or drove in, it’s time to get settled and start your adventure.

For easy access to all the action, try booking a place near Union Square, Nob Hill, or Fisherman’s Wharf. These areas are prime spots because you’re within walking distance of tons of sights, and you can easily hop on public transit or catch a cable car to explore even more.

Here are some of our favorite places that’ll put you right in the heart of the city:

• The Marker Hotel (Union Square)
  The Marker Hotel (Union Square) has pretty much everything you need to dive straight into SF. It’s in Union Square, which is super central. You’re close to cable cars, public transit, and plenty of shops and restaurants. The hotel itself is stylish and comfy, so you can recharge after a busy day of sightseeing. Plus, Union Square is just a short walk to areas like Chinatown, so you can explore on foot without hassle.

• Hotel Nikko (Union Square/Nob Hill)
  Hotel Nikko (Union Square/Nob Hill) is perfect if you’re after a more modern spot with a touch of luxury! It’s also in the Union Square area but a bit closer to Nob Hill. Think sleek, chic, and cozy with easy access to everything. You can catch a cable car from just outside the hotel to head up to Nob Hill or hop on a bus to explore other neighborhoods like North Beach.

• Hotel Zephyr (Fisherman’s Wharf)
  If you’re a fan of the water and want to stay close to Fisherman’s Wharf, Hotel Zephyr is hard to beat. It’s close to the waterfront, so you can easily walk over to places like Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square. The hotel’s vibe is laid-back with cool, quirky touches. And if you want to take the cable car, it’s just a short ride away. Plus, it’s easy to rent bikes from here if you want to ride along the waterfront or explore more of the city.

Alright, now that you’re all checked in, it’s time to get out and soak up the city—starting with one of our favorite neighborhoods, North Beach (aka Little Italy). This place just has a vibe. It’s got that perfect mix of old-school charm and city energy, with cozy cafés, family-run Italian restaurants, and streets that make you want to wander. It’s the kind of spot where you can take it slow but still feel the buzz of San Francisco around you.

We always start with a stroll through Washington Square Park. It’s one of those places where you can just sit on a bench, people-watch, and feel like you’re part of the city. Right on the edge of the park, you’ll spot Saints Peter and Paul Church—a North Beach landmark that’s been in countless photos (and even a few movies).

Saints Peter and Paul Church

Saints Peter and Paul Church

If you need a little pick-me-up, Caffe Trieste is a must. It’s been around since 1956, serving up strong coffee and serious old-school Italian vibes. Grab an espresso, a pastry, and take a moment to just soak it all in.

Caffe Trieste / Weekend in San Francisco

Now, let’s talk food—because North Beach does it right. If pizza is calling your name, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana is the place to be. Whether you go for a classic Neapolitan or something more creative, you really can’t go wrong. Another spot we love? Original Joe’s. It’s been around since 1937, serving up hearty Italian-American dishes in a warm, old-school setting.

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana

Original Joe’s

After dinner, if you’ve got a little energy left, take a walk up to Coit Tower. The climb is a bit of a workout, but trust us—it’s worth it. The views of the city are absolutely stunning!

When you reach Coit Tower, you’ll be treated to a 360-degree view of San Francisco!

Coit Tower / Weekend in San Francisco

If you’re up for it, you can also go inside the tower for an extra fee to see the murals and get even better views from the top.

View from Coit Tower / Weekend in San Francisco 

Once you’re done at Coit Tower, it’s time to head back to your hotel and we suggest grabbing your car (because, let’s face it, you’ll want it for this next part)!

From your hotel, go to the Golden Gate Bridge for a drive you won’t forget.

Now, here’s the thing about the Golden Gate Bridge—it’s iconic, and driving across it feels like something out of a movie. As you approach the bridge, get ready for amazing views of the city skyline, the bay, and the bridge itself.

Golden Gate Bridge / Weekend in San Francisco 

Golden Gate Bridge / Weekend in San Francisco 

GOOD TO KNOW: Here’s a heads-up: there’s a toll when you come back into the city, so make sure you’ve got a FasTrak pass, or you can pay online later. It’s easy to forget, but the toll is only for southbound traffic heading into the city, so you won’t have to pay on the way out to Marin.

This concludes your Friday in San Francisco! Time to head back to your hotel, rest up, and get ready for a jam-packed Saturday. Tomorrow’s full of iconic sights, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Painted Ladies, and a whole lot more that’ll make your weekend unforgettable.

Start your Saturday with one of the most iconic SF experiences—walking across the Golden Gate Bridge!

If the weather’s nice (and it usually is in the morning), we highly recommend walking across instead of driving.

The bridge is about 1.7 miles long, so it’s a bit of a trek, but totally worth it for the amazing views. From the bridge, you’ll get the best panoramic shots of the city, the bay, and the rolling hills.

Golden Gate Bridge / Weekend in San Francisco 

It’s a pretty windy spot, though, so make sure you’re dressed for the breeze, especially if it’s chilly. The walk can feel a little challenging at times due to the wind, but the views will keep you going. You’ll also pass some info signs along the way that tell you about the bridge’s history and how it was built—definitely worth reading if you have a minute.

Golden Gate Bridge / Weekend in San Francisco 

If you’re not feeling like walking, don’t worry. You can always drive across the bridge instead. But we still say, if the weather’s cooperating, walking gives you a whole different perspective and a chance to take it all in up close. Either way, the Golden Gate Bridge is something you can’t skip.

After your bridge walk, head over to Golden Gate Park—one of our favorite spots in the city.

The park itself is huge, with plenty to explore, but we always recommend stopping by the Japanese Tea Garden. This tranquil spot is a little oasis within the park, featuring beautiful Japanese landscaping, koi ponds, and peaceful walking paths.

Entrance Gate to Japanese Tea Garden / Weekend in San Francisco 

Japanese Tea Garden / Weekend in San Francisco 

It’s the oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S., and it’s full of serene beauty—perfect for a relaxing stroll after the bridge. You can wander through the garden, take in the views, and snap a few photos along the way.

If you’re up for it, grab a tea at the Tea House inside the garden. The matcha tea and traditional snacks are a perfect little treat to enjoy while taking in the peaceful surroundings.

Next, it is time to head over to Lombard Street—one of SF’s most famous streets. Known as the “crookedest street in the world,” Lombard is a fun spot to visit and take in the winding, zig-zagging path down the hill. It’s a short stop but one of those things that feels iconic to San Francisco.

Lombard Street / Weekend in San Francisco 

After you’ve checked out Lombard Street, head over to the Painted Ladies—the row of colorful Victorian houses near Alamo Square Park. You’ve probably seen them in postcards and movies. The view of these houses against the backdrop of downtown SF is a must-see, especially with the gorgeous park in front of them.

Painted Ladies / Weekend in San Francisco

Painted Ladies / Weekend in San Francisco

By now, you’ll have worked up an appetite, so it’s time for lunch in Chinatown. We love wandering through the alleys and streets here. The vibe is always lively, with tons of spots to grab a bite.

Dragon Gate in Chinatown / Weekend in San Francisco

A place we highly recommend is R&G Lounge, known for its famous salt and pepper crab. If you’re in the mood for dim sum, Yank Sing is a great choice, too.

Also, we like House of Nanking and their sesame chicken. And last but not least, Golden Gate Bakery – if you’re lucky and they’re open, their egg tarts are legendary.

R&G Lounge in Chinatown

Golden Gate Bakery

By now, you’ve covered a lot of ground and checked off some of San Francisco’s must-see spots—time to head back to your hotel for a well-earned breather before the evening fun begins!

No matter where you’re staying—whether it’s near Union Square, Nob Hill, or Fisherman’s Wharf—you’ll have plenty of great dinner options close by. If you’re up for something special, Foreign Cinema in the Mission District is always a favorite, with its romantic outdoor screenings and delicious California-Mediterranean menu.

Foreign Cinema Restaurant / Weekend in San Francisco 

Or, for a true SF classic, Zuni Café on Market Street serves up legendary roast chicken and wood-fired dishes in a cozy, historic setting.

After dinner, you can wind down with a nightcap at a stylish cocktail bar or take a slow walk through the city’s twinkling streets. However you choose to end the night, you’ve just wrapped up an incredible Saturday in San Francisco!

PRO TIP: If you still feel adventurous and want incredible views of San Francisco from the water, the Golden Gate Bay Cruise is the way to go. We 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 the deck. The best part? The open ticket lets you go whenever it fits your schedule!

Start your morning early with a trip to Alcatraz Island. This is one of those San Francisco experiences that’s unforgettable.

The ferry ride to the island itself offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city skyline, and the bay. Once you get there, you can take a self-guided tour of the famous Alcatraz prison. It’s eerie, fascinating, and packed with history.

Alcatraz / Weekend in San Francisco

Alcatraz / Weekend in San Francisco

The audio tour is a standout, narrated by former guards and inmates, giving you an insider look at what life was like on “The Rock.” It can take a couple of hours to explore, so make sure to set aside time for the full experience. If you’re interested in history, there are some cool exhibits on the island about its time as a military fortress and later a federal prison.

The ferry to Alcatraz leaves from Pier 33 (right near Fisherman’s Wharf), so it’s easy to head there after breakfast.

Once you return from Alcatraz, head straight over to Fisherman’s Wharf. This is the quintessential San Francisco spot—touristy, yes, but still fun to check out.

You’ll see tons of street performers, quirky shops, and those famous sea lions lounging near Pier 39.

Pier 39 / Weekend in San Francisco

PRO TIP: We love grabbing a bowl of clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from one of the stands here. It’s a classic San Francisco snack, and there’s something about eating it while looking out over the bay that just feels right.

Pier 39 itself is great for wandering, shopping, and taking in the views. There’s also a cool aquarium if you’re into marine life, and plenty of quirky shops for souvenirs. You can ride the carousel or grab some sweet treats at Ghirardelli Square just nearby.

Ghirardelli Store / Weekend in San Francisco

PRO TIP: If you would like to find out more, then take Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour. It will take you beyond the usual spots to uncover hidden gems, like a WWII-era submarine, a historic fruit cannery, and a vintage arcade museum filled with quirky games from the past.

After spending the day exploring Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Pier 39, it’s time to sit down and enjoy your last meal in San Francisco before heading back home. Luckily, there are a ton of great dining options right around Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39—whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood or something a little different.

If you’re craving seafood, you can’t go wrong with Scoma’s, a San Francisco classic that’s been serving up fresh fish right on the water for decades. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but it’s worth it if you’re in the mood for a special meal. For a more casual experience, The Crab House at Pier 39 is another fantastic option. Their garlic crab is famous, and the views from the restaurant are great too.

Scoma’s / Weekend in san Francisco 

After dinner, if you have a little extra time, consider taking a short stroll along the Embarcadero—the waterfront pathway that runs from Fisherman’s Wharf down to Mission Bay. You’ll catch some beautiful sunset views over the bay, especially with the city lights reflecting off the water. It’s a peaceful way to soak in your last moments before heading home.

Bay Bridge from Embarcadero / Weekend in San Francisco

Bay Bridge from Embarcadero / Weekend in San Francisco

And that’s a wrap on your weekend in San Francisco! You’ve hit some of the city’s biggest highlights and experienced its unique charm. Whether you spent your days soaking in the sights, sampling delicious food, or just enjoying the views, we hope you leave with some unforgettable memories. Safe travels, and remember, San Francisco’s always here for your next visit!

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