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Planning a San Francisco Itinerary can be quite the task. Especially if you only have 3 days in San Francisco over a long weekend. The Northern California city by the bay boasts iconic sights, delectable food and an abundance of fun activities. The numerous attractions make it difficult to choose what to see – and what to skip – with just 3 days in San Francisco for sightseeing.
We understand the struggle. We’ve made countless weekend trips to San Francisco – always eager to visit our favorite SF spots and seek out something new. Using our experience, we created this guide to the Perfect San Francisco Weekend Trip to help you plan your best SF vacation!
Why Take a Weekend Trip to San Francisco?
San Francisco has long ranked as one of our favorite cities in the world. In addition to the sights and the food (both of which are fabulous things to do in San Francisco), we relish the fun atmosphere and casual vibe of the city. Spending a long weekend in San Francisco is a great way to get an introduction.
On weekend vacations in San Francisco, travelers can see the top sights, seek out lesser-known locales, indulge in the tasty fare and spend time in nature. The city is incredibly diverse – and a weekend getaway to San Francisco is an ideal way to experience it!
How To Plan a Trip to San Francisco
We know how challenging it is to plan a trip to San Francisco. During the many years that we lived in Phoenix, Arizona, we often escaped the heat to the cool coastline on quick San Francisco weekend trips. The more we visited the bay area, the more we fell for it…and our list of what to see in San Francisco grew.
In order to make the most of our limited time, we had to meticulously plan our weekend trips to SF. Eventually planning the absolute Best Itinerary for San Francisco.
Having done all the tedious research, planning a trip to San Francisco should be breeze for you. We have fit as much sightseeing as possible into our San Francisco Weekend Itinerary. Plus, we include a helpful San Francisco map of attractions at the end of the article.
Stay Organized on a 3 Day Trip to San Francisco
Our San Francisco Itinerary 3 Days Trip Plan is packed with tips and advice for your West Coast vacation. However, as you begin to make reservations, staying organized is key. We recommend using our Trip Planning Printables – to stay on top of all the details!
3 DAYS SAN FRANCISCO ITINERARY
Our San Francisco 3 Day Itinerary covers the all the top sights. Additionally, we include other essential information – like a SF map of attractions, how to get there, get around and where to stay.
Day 1 of your 3 Day Itinerary San Francisco
On the first day of your 3-Day San Francisco Itinerary spend time enjoying the iconic sights – and feasting on classic SF cuisine.
Shop at Ferry Building Marketplace
A symbol of SF, the Ferry Building opened in 1898 and has long been the city’s entry point for ferryboat passengers. In the early 2000s, the building was transformed into an upscale marketplace featuring a variety of regional goods. It’s the perfect place to kick off visiting San Francisco in a weekend.
Recchiuti Confections, Acme Bread Company and Stonehouse Olive Oil are a few of the popular shops in the Ferry Building. Additionally, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, an artisan farmer’s market is held in the Ferry Building Plaza.
Pro Tip: Enjoy breakfast at the marketplace coffee shop, Blue Bottle Coffee. Then assemble items to eat later as a picnic lunch.
Ride the Ferry to Sausalito
Hop on a Golden Gate Sausalito Ferry (from the pier at the Ferry Building Marketplace) for a 30-minute ride to Sausalito. If weather permits, find a spot on the bow of the ship for the best SF Bay views. Passengers will also get a look at Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Angel Island.
Top Tip: The SF to Sausalito Ferry has room for 200 bikes, so bring one along if you want to spend your day pedaling around San Francisco Bay Area!
Explore Sausalito
The small seaside town of Sausalito is well-known for its artistic flair and houseboat community. It’s a fabulous place to spend some time during a weekend in San Francisco. Visitors are invited to stroll along the waterfront, wander through the marina, shop at Sausalito galleries and browse the unique boutiques.
Travel Tip: After exploring Sausalito, get an Uber/Lyft to Vista Point at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge, which is the next stop on our San Francisco 3 Days Itinerary.
Walk Across The Golden Gate Bridge
As one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, taking a walk on the Golden Gate Bridge is an essential activity for every San Francisco Itinerary! The two-tower, steel-cable orange bridge was built in the 1930s and stretches 1.7 miles across SF Bay. We think it is best to walk from north to south, so that you have a view of the San Francisco skyline.
Beginning at Vista Point, the walk across the bridge takes about an hour. This allows plenty of time to take in the San Francisco Bay views and look for sea lions in the water below.
Pro Tip: The Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center on the south end of the bridge offers exhibits and information. It’s worth stopping in during your weekend San Francisco trip. Also, if you didn’t bring lunch or just want a beverage, pop into the art deco Equator Coffee (aka the Historic Round House Café).
Picnic Lunch in Crissy Field Park
Once a military airfield, Crissy Field was converted into a national park in the early 2000s. Marked with trails, beaches, lookout points and picnic areas, it’s the perfect spot for an outdoor lunch on your 3 Day San Francisco Itinerary.
Eat what you brought with you from the Ferry Marketplace (or Round House Café), enjoy the view and rest your feet. Then walk east along the water towards The Palace of Fine Arts (and detour out to The Wave Organ, if time allows).
Alternatively, take one of the hikes diagonally through The Presidio toward the southeast corner to the famous Lyon Street Steps – which offers more phenomenal views.
Pro Tip: To get to the next destination, visitors can take an Uber to the SF cable car station at Hyde and Broadway Streets. It’s one of the top highlights of a weekend trip to San Francisco!
Hop on a SF Cable Car
The famous San Francisco cable cars have been in operation since 1873. At one time, there were a total of 8 lines, but only 3 remain today. Our favorite route is the northbound Powell-Hyde Line that terminates near Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf – passing Lombard Street along the way.
Riding one of the cable cars should definitely be on your 3-day San Francisco Itinerary. However, catching a ride on the SF historic trolleys can be time consuming, as wait times at the most popular stops can stretch up to 3 hours in the summertime.
For shorter lines, we recommend hopping on the cable car in the middle of the line at one of these Hyde Street stops: Broadway, Vallejo, Green or Union. Check current SF Cable Car Ticket info on the official site.
Top Tip: Those who want to walk down Lombard Street – the Crookedest Street in the World – could skip the cable car and Uber/Lyft there directly from Crissy Field. Then walk down the 8 hairpin turns and on to Fisherman’s Wharf. However, we think the cable car is a San Francisco must do. Plus, the ride down the backside of Russian Hill (after passing Lombard Street) offers spectacular views of the SF Bay and Alcatraz Island.
Drink an Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista
Established in 1916, The Buena Vista Café in San Francisco is legendary. Your San Francisco travel plan is simply not complete without stopping by. In 1952, the saloon owners created their own version of an Irish Coffee – a concoction of coffee, whiskey, sugar and cream. The delicious (and potent!) drink is an ideal afternoon warmer – and a must-try in SF!
Travel Tip: The classic San Francisco café is located just across from the end of the Powell and Hyde trolley line.
Get a Sundae on Ghirardelli Square
If your San Francisco trip itinerary is for family and kids, then an afternoon sundae might be a better option than the Irish Coffee.
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company opened a factory in San Francisco in 1852. Although the factory long ago moved from Ghirardelli Square, an ice cream shop and the gigantic landmark Ghirardelli sign still grace the space. Tourists flock to the Ghirardelli Experience for ice cream sundaes covered in chocolate and to buy gifts and souvenirs from the shops.
Pro Tip: The complex of brick buildings dates to the 19th century and is listed on the National Historic Register. Even if you don’t want a chocolaty treat, it is worth navigating your way here on your San Francisco three day itinerary.
Stroll Through Maritime National Historical Park
The shoreline SF Maritime National Historical Park is an interesting place to visit during a weekend in San Francisco. The site hosts a fleet of historic vessels, the 1929 Muni Pier, the Maritime Museum (ticket required) and an informative (and free) Visitors Center.
Top Tip: Visitors who are interested in learning about military ships can take a tour of the USS Pampanito. The World War II submarine that is docked at nearby Pier 45. Get the details!
Eat a Clam Chowder Bread Bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf
Eating clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl is an essential experience that needs to be on your San Francisco Itinerary. We would wager that just about every restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf has bread bowl clam chowder on their menu. So, there are plenty of places to choose from – including classic seafood restaurants and kiosk take-away spots.
The Boudin Bakery Café is one of the most popular places to get sourdough bread bowl clam chowder. Another hot spot for clam chowder is Scoma’s Restaurant, a SF institution.
Pro Tip: Not a fan of clam chowder or seafood, but still want a classic California dining experience? Head to In-N-Out Burger for a Double-Double, fries (ask for them Animal Style) and a shake!
See the Sea Lions on Pier 39
Pier 39 is a hub of entertainment – and a fantastic place to end the first day of your SF weekend. Featuring shops, restaurants, street performers, a carousel and aquarium, Pier 39 is crowded and touristy, but it’s also a must-see for your vacation planner San Francisco.
For us, the top reason to visit Pier 39 is the sea lions. Since 1989, California Sea Lions have taken up residence on the floating docks on the west side of Pier 39 – and they are hilarious to watch and listen to!
Travel Tip: Other attractions at Fisherman’s Wharf are Madame Tussauds, Musee Mecanique (a fun museum featuring old school arcade games), evening Sunset Cruises and Alcatraz Tours.
Day 2 of Your San Francisco Weekend Trip
On the second day of your itinerary in San Francisco discover the Chinatown/North Beach area and explore a couple of iconic SF neighborhoods. At the end of the day, attend a game or theater performance in San Francisco.
Eat Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square
Opened in 1951 as an ice cream shop, Mama’s has evolved into an iconic breakfast spot featuring classic American, homestyle eats. French toast, omelets and eggs benedict are the featured stars of the menu.
Top Tip: Mama’s is an absolute hotspot on San Francisco weekends, so expect a line to get a seat in the quaint diner.
Go to the Top of Coit Tower
The next stop on your San Francisco 3 Day Itinerary is Coit Tower. Standing atop Telegraph Hill, it offers stunning 360-degree views of the bay and bridges. The landmark tower was built in 1933 as a monument to the city’s firefighters. Visitors can go inside the tower (with a ticket) and ride the elevator up to the observation deck.
Pro Tip: There is a Memorial to Volunteer Firefighters in nearby Washington Square that was funded by the same benefactor, Lillie Hitchcock Coit.
Buy a Book at City Lights Booksellers
The most famous bookstore in SF, City Lights Booksellers is an independent shop and publisher that was established in the 1950s. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, it is worth swinging by on your three days in San Francisco.
Known for selling and publishing progressive literature, the store is often acknowledged as being an integral part of the San Francisco counter-culture that blossomed in the 1960s. The City Lights bookstore business was bestowed the honor of an Official Historic Landmark in 2001.
Travel Tip: From City Lights, cross Jack Kerouac Alley and step inside Vesuvio Cafe. The charming and nostalgic dive bar is decorated with 1960s memorabilia and local artwork.
Walk Through Chinatown
Considered to be the oldest and largest in the United States, the San Francisco Chinatown dates to 1848 and covers 24 square blocks. In our opinion, Chinatown is an absolute must on your San Francisco weekend itinerary.
It was within the streets of Chinatown that the American version of Chinese Food was created. In addition to eateries and bubble tea shops, top attractions include ornate temples, the decorative Dragon Gate and sign-filled Ross Alley.
Foodie Tip: Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company for a behind-the-scenes look at how fortune cookies are made. Plus, you have the chance to eat warm-from-the-oven treats from the famed fortune cookie factory. The Golden Gate Bakery, where they make authentic moon cakes and exquisite custard tarts, is just around the corner, too!
Shop at Union Square
If you have time in your San Francisco trip planner for shopping, then Union Square is the place to go! The 2.6-acre Union Square is at the center of San Francisco’s renowned shopping and theater district.
Designed in 1850 and named for the Civil War pro-Union rallies held here, the space features the 85-foot-tall Dewey Monument at its center. Another important place to see is the iconic Westin St. Francis Hotel on Powell Street.
Travel Tip: To get to the next stop on our San Francisco in a Weekend Itinerary, you can use an Uber/Lyft or ride the BART.
Tour the Mission District
The Mission District – or simply, The Mission, ranks as one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco. It is another must-see on your weekend in San Francisco.
When you visit San Francisco Mission District, seeing the namesake Mission San Francisco de Asis chapel (often called Mission Dolores) is a must! Built in 1776, the building is the oldest structure in San Francisco, surviving many devastating earthquakes. The modest chapel sits in the shadow of the striking Mission Dolores Basilica.
Mission Dolores Park is another top place to include in your San Francisco travel itinerary. Attracting hippies, picnickers, dog walkers, and people watchers, the park is a place to kick back, relax and take in the SF skyline view.
Pro Tip: In addition to the two main sights, we recommend exploring The Mission on foot. Seek out street art and cool shops on Calle 24 and in the Valencia Corridor.
Sink Your Teeth into a San Francisco Burrito
There may be no greater love in San Francisco than the burrito. The Mission-style burrito – meat and rice stuffed into a flour tortilla – was born in San Francisco in the 1960s. As such, it would be a shame to visit SF and not get one!
Taquerias all over the city sell burritos, but The Mission is where you get the best burritos in San Francisco. The top recommended spots for an epic burrito are Taquería El Farolito and the famed La Taqueria (although, expect a line).
Foodie Tip: If you are not in on the burrito craze, check out Tartine Bakery instead. In addition to their excellent hot pressed sandwiches, they offer delectable sweet treats.
View the Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies are one of the interesting San Francisco sights that shouldn’t be missed. The term ‘Painted Ladies’ refers to the colorful Victorian and Edwardian-style houses that were built from the late 1800s until 1915.
SF’s famous row of Painted Ladies is on Steiner Street, across from Alamo Square Park. The row of homes is often featured in movies and ads but is probably most recognized from the TV show Full House.
Pro Tip: The best view of the Painted Ladies is from the top of the hill at Alamo Square Park.
Go to a Game or the Theater in San Francisco
The ideal way to end the second day of your 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary is with an entertaining game or theater performance.
San Francisco Sporting Events
Catching a game in San Francisco is a fabulous way to spend time in the city. In fact, on more than one occasion we have created an entire San Francisco travel itinerary that revolved around watching baseball!
For now, the San Francisco Bay Area is home to 6 professional sports teams. NFL Football 49ers, MLB Baseball Giants and Oakland Athletics (moving to Las Vegas in 2025). As well as the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS Soccer), Golden State Warriors (NBA Basketball) and San Jose Sharks (NHL Hockey).
Budget Tip: Attending an SF sporting event is quite the spectacle…but tickets are pricey. If it is not within your trip budget, join the locals at one of the bars around the stadium. The atmosphere is charged and always entertaining.
San Francisco Theaters
Spending an evening at the theater is one of the top San Francisco things to do. The San Francisco Theater District hosts numerous stages for an array of performances, including everything from Broadway plays to musical acts to comedians. The best venues are the Orpheum Theater, The Curran and The Strand.
Top Tip: Grab a bite to eat before your evening entertainment. There are numerous bar and grills surrounding most of the sports venues and plenty of restaurants in the Theater District for a meal.
Day 3 of Your 3 Day San Francisco Itinerary
On the last day of your itinerary for San Francisco, check out an infamous district – and then stretch your legs in a city park. Wind down your San Francisco weekend watching the sunset from a popular beach.
Get Groovy in Haight-Ashbury
The Haight Ashbury district – centered on Haight and Ashbury Streets – has long played a significant role in modern culture…not only of San Francisco, but of the world. Exploring Haight-Ashbury is one of the top activities to include in your weekend itinerary for San Francisco.
The location that kicked-off the 1967 Summer of Love, Haight-Ashbury was the epicenter of the hippie movement in the 1960s. In addition to the smoke shops and the free society Diggers community group that flourished in the area, several musicians – like members of the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane as well as Janis Joplin – lived in Haight-Ashbury.
What To Do in San Francisco Haight-Ashbury District
Start your morning at greasy spoon Pork Store Café for a hearty breakfast of comfort classics. For a lighter option try Coffee to the People.
Stroll through the neighborhood admiring the beautifully restored Victorian homes. As you walk, seek out the famous residences (you can find Jerry Garcia’s former house at 710 Ashbury Street). Also keep an eye out for colorful SF street art and pop into shops – like the classic Amoeba Music, Love on Haight, Piedmont Boutique.
Do you really want to feel the groove of the 60s and 70s in San Francisco? Take the Love Tour aboard a 1970s VW Van.
Pro Tip: In the 1980s, the comedy clubs of Haight-Ashbury were all the rage. Many famous comedians – like Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg – got their start at The Other Café.
Hike Twin Peaks for the Best View of San Francisco
Standing at nearly 1000 feet, the San Francisco Twin Peaks (Eureka and Noe) are the best place to go on a clear day for an outstanding view. As there is no charge, we think it is one of the best free things to do in San Francisco!
The popular 1.5-mile roundtrip trek takes hikers to the summit for unsurpassed vistas. Although the trail is steep, it is well-worth the climb to get the best San Francisco landmarks – like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Other points of interest at Twin Peaks are Christmas Tree Point (a third summit that offers fantastic downtown San Francisco views) and Mission Blue Butterflies (an endangered butterfly species that thrives on the Twin Peaks).
Top Tip: The weather on Twin Peaks is often windy and cool. Make sure you are prepared with a jacket or umbrella. You can also drive up Twin Peaks, however parking is very limited.
Take a Photo of the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
Located in the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood, the mosaic-tiled staircase is a product of a community project and ranks as one of the off-the-beaten-path SF attractions. If you can make room in your San Francisco Itinerary to see them, we highly recommend it.
The 163 steps are adorned with colorful tiles depicting a scene of ‘Sea to Stars’ and gardens line the staircase. It’s a fun spot for photo ops and a cool place to stretch your legs.
Pro Tip: The nearby Hidden Garden Steps are the result of another collaborative community art project. It’s another secret San Francisco gem!
Visit Golden Gate Park
The 3-mile-long Golden Gate Park, which is bigger than New York’s Central Park, is an expansive green space in the middle of the busy city.
Top attractions are the SF Botanical Garden, the Japanese Tea Garden, Dutch windmills, the Music Concourse and the Academy of Sciences. Additionally, visitors can follow the trails to lakes, statues, memorials, a carousel and even a bison paddock.
Top Tip: Rent a bike to discover Golden Gate Park on two wheels during your San Francisco 3-Day Itinerary!
Walk Ocean Beach and Watch Sunset at Baker Beach
It’s time to wind down your weekend in San Francisco – and Ocean Beach is the perfect place to do it. Ocean Beach sits at the west end of Golden Gate Park and stretches for 3.5 miles.
Although the water is cold and the waves are dangerous, the beach is an excellent place to take a long walk in the sand, watch skilled surfers and see a sunset around a roaring firepit.
Alternatively, Baker Beach, which is further north near the Presidio, is another popular spot that offers fabulous views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is especially stunning at sunset.
Foodie Tip: Cap off your 3-Day San Francisco Itinerary with dinner at the Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant. Housed in a historic building within Golden Gate Park, it offers fine views of the Pacific Ocean.
San Francisco Itinerary Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our San Francisco Map of Attractions below.
More Things To Do in San Francisco
We included some of our favorite activities in our Weekend in San Francisco Itinerary – but there is actually more to do in the city!
Ride a Bike in SF
Despite the hills, riding bikes in San Francisco is a popular activity. You can reserve your 24-hour bike rental in advance online.
49 Mile Scenic Drive
If you are planning a trip to San Francisco with a car, then take in the sights on the classic 49 Mile Scenic Drive. Designed as a counter-clockwise route around the best San Francisco sights, the trip is a fantastic way to tour the city.
Hike in Muir Woods
Muir Woods is a magnificent redwood forest just north of San Francisco. Within the national monument park there are 6 miles of trails that wind through epic nature. Visitors can plan their own trek or let a guide lead the way on a hiking tour.
Those willing to travel further for amazing nature can join an organized SF Day Trip to Yosemite National Park to see the Giant Sequoias. Get the details!
California Wine Tours
California is a known worldwide for its wine production. Two of the best CA wine regions – Napa Valley and Sonoma – are easily reached on day trips from San Francisco. The prime way to truly experience California’s wine country is on this highly rated tour that includes both regions!
Pro Tip: Combine your Muir Woods hiking trip with a Wine Country tour and gourmet lunch on a combo super saver day trip. Get the details!
More Tours for your SF Itinerary
Hiking and wine tours are among the most popular day trips from San Francisco – but there are many, many more options! Other top tours include a Monterey and Carmel Day Tour, a Seaplane or even a Helicopter tour.
How Many Days in San Francisco?
As many as possible! Honestly, determining how many days to spend in San Francisco will depend on numerous factors. The most important things to consider are your personal interests, overall time and your SF trip budget.
Sample San Francisco Itineraries
We have outlined the best way to experience San Francisco in 3 days for weekend. However, we are offering our advice for shorter and longer Bay Area Itineraries.
San Francisco Itinerary 1 Day
The simplest way to create an easy flowing San Francisco 1 Day Itinerary is to use our SF weekend trip plan as a guideline. Depending on your interests, we recommend following either Day 1, 2 or 3 of our outlined SF Weekend Trip. On the other hand, an ambitious traveler could combine elements from all 3 days, creating an ideal San Francisco 1-Day Itinerary.
2-Day Itinerary San Francisco
In an effort to see the top city sights plus the surrounding region, travelers can condense our trip plan. We recommend choosing all the activities that are most appealing for your first day of sightseeing.
On the second day, join a guided half-day tour – like Muir Woods – in the morning. In the afternoon squeeze in any more SF sightseeing from our Bay Area trip plan that you previously skipped.
San Francisco Itinerary 4 Days
One recommendation for visiting San Francisco in 4 Days would be to use our outlined 3-Days San Francisco Itinerary – then take a day trip! Alternatively, rather than leaving for the day, add other top city of San Francisco activities. Such as going shopping, visiting a museum or delving deeper into a favorite (or missed) neighborhood.
California Coastal Road Trip From SF to LA
While San Francisco weekend trips are absolutely fabulous, so is the California Coast. If time allows, we suggest extending your California vacation with a classic SF to LA road trip, with stops at Monterrey, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara and Malibu.
Read all the details in our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip guide!
How To Get to San Francisco
We think the best way to travel to San Francisco is to fly. In fact, most weekend visitors will arrive by plane at either the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK).
SFO offers flights from around the country and top destinations worldwide with nonstop service from Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Lisbon (plus many more!).
Across the bay, OAK is dominated by low-cost Southwest Airlines and offers very few international flights. Primarily all the same domestic markets are served from both OAK and SFO.
Start your search for the best deals on flights to SFO or OAK at Skyscanner!
OAK or SFO Airport to San Francisco
There are a few different ways to get from OAK or SFO to San Francisco. The BART – Bay Area Rapid Transit – is the best public transportation route from either into the city. The OAK or SFO BART ticket costs about $10. Travelers can also use Uber or Lyft, which will run at least $50. Private transport to/from either Bay Area Airport can also be booked online.
How To Get around SF
Our San Francisco travel itinerary covers some ground! While we think the best way to see San Francisco is on your own two feet, we understand other travelers may not want to spend so much time walking.
San Francisco has a good public transportation system, including the BART, Muni Trams, classic trolleys and ferries. The Hop On Hop Off double-decker bus is another option for getting around to see the top SF tourist sights. Pre-book your tickets!
We do not recommend driving in San Francisco – as parking is very limited and extremely expensive. However, those who want to travel beyond the San Francisco city limits may want to rent a car for the day.
Top Tip: Read our hacks for Renting Cheap Cars first!
Where To Stay in San Francisco
On a quick weekend trip to San Francisco, we believe it is best to stay in the city center. It should be mentioned, that while staying at Fisherman’s Wharf puts you in the heart of the action, it is also incredibly expensive and generally a poor value.
On our San Francisco weekend trips, we prefer staying in the Financial District. It’s close to the Ferry Building, Coit Tower, Chinatown and Union Square. The many hotels (and Airbnb’s) in the area cater to business travelers – and often offer better rates on weekends. The Financial District is also well-connected with public transport options.
San Francisco Hotels
The 4-Star Hyatt Regency San Francisco is a luxury property that is situated just a five-minute walk from the Ferry Marketplace. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and some have bay views. Check availability!
Hotel Griffon offers an excellent location on the Embarcadero just steps from the Ferry Building. Top features are the onsite restaurant, free coffee in the lobby and delightful employees. Check rates!
Use our Tips for Booking the Best Hotels – then start your search for hotels in SF on Booking.com!
What You Need For Your Trip to San Francisco
We have a few final travel tips and packing hacks for what you will want to bring with you on your weekend trip to San Francisco!
Layer Up for Your Trip to San Francisco
Although California has a reputation for warm, sunny weather, it isn’t necessarily true in SF. More than once, I arrived without enough clothes and had to purchase a sweatshirt to keep warm during our stay!
San Francisco weather changes quickly and can be unpredictable. Summers are cool, while autumn actually has the warmest temperatures. We recommend wearing layers while sightseeing in SF (or be prepared to buy a I LOVE SF sweatshirt as a souvenir!).
Proper Shoes
Our 3-Day San Francisco Itinerary includes a ton of walking! Make sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes. I wear these NB Trainers, while Kris prefers Merrell trail shoes.
Travel Camera
San Francisco is beautiful – so bring an actual camera to capture the stunning landscapes and city sights! We use a Canon Rebel with an 18-135mm lens. This set-up takes excellent photos and comes bundled with tons of great accessories that are perfect for beginner photographers!
Anti-Theft Bag for SF Sightseeing
Like most big cities, pickpocketing and petty crimes can be an issue in SF – and tourists are a prime target. I carry a Timbuk2 Messenger Bag that has numerous interior zippered pockets. Travelon is another good brand that specializes in anti-theft travel handbags.
US Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may help with cancelled flights or lost luggage, but it can also be useful in the event of illness or injury. Find out more about coverage and rates at World Nomads.
Looking for more US Weekend Getaways?
Start planning your next trip! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more advice Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Visiting Other Top Destinations in the USA?
We’ve had the good fortune of being able to travel extensively around the United States. Now we want to help you do the same!
Want to avoid the crowds? We’ve created a guide to visiting some for the most Underrated US Destinations as well!
Looking for a US Big City adventure? Use our complete guides for visiting Philly, DC, NYC, Boston and Chicago!
Eager to see more of the US West? We have top tips for trips to Seattle, Spokane and Vancouver WA, as well as Portland, Bend and Florence OR. You can also dive into our itineraries for Austin TX, Denver CO, San Diego and Flagstaff, AZ!
Is a Road Trip beckoning? In addition to our California Coast Guide, we also have detailed trip plans for the Coast of Oregon, Columbia River Gorge and the incredible state of Montana!
Find all of our US Destination Guides on our USA Travel Page!
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