How to spend 3 days in San Francisco

San Francisco is located on the western coast of the United States in the sunny state of California. Despite it’s location however, San Francisco is best known for its cool summers, fog, steep streets and bucketlist landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the infamous Alcatraz Island and Chinatown, which was located just around the corner from our hotel. I had the best 3 days in San Francisco so make sure you use this San Francisco Itinerary to help plan your trip.

San Francisco is also the headquarters of five major banking institutions and various other companies including Levi Strauss, Pinterest, Twitter and Airbnb. If that’s not enough, the city and surrounding Bay Area is a global centre of the sciences and arts and is home to a number of educational and cultural institutions, so it’s a great city for students too!

Things to do in San Francisco

Take a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge
Check out Fisherman’s Wharf and see the sea lions
Have a picnic in Golden Gate Park
Tour Alcatraz Island
Browse the shops around Union Square
Explore Chinatown
Travel by traditional tram
Discover the sea life at Aquarium of the Bay
Indulge your tastebuds at the Ferry Building Marketplace
Enjoy the views from Twin Peaks
Get lost amongst the Redwood Trees in Muir Woods
Enjoy the Walt Disney Family Museum

San Francisco is a hugely popular tourist destination and attracts over 25 million international tourists. Is it any wonder considering the city’s frequent portrayal in music, film, and popular culture?

San Francisco Itinerary – Planning a trip to San Francisco

How to get to San Francisco

Arriving in San Francisco from the UK is very straightforward, and usually requires only one flight in order to do so. Jack and I flew to San Francisco with American Airlines from London Heathrow which was perfect for us as we aren’t based too far from London. American Airlines seemed to be the best deal for us (having scouted out the various options on Skyscanner) but there are so many options depending on your dates and budget.

Our experience with American Airlines went smoothly – the check in process was easy, the staff were friendly and surprisingly there were no long queue when it came to dropping off our bags.

On arrival, we found the airport at San Francisco easy to navigate, and you will be able to find your pick-up with no issues. I would definitely recommend booking transport to your hotel ahead of time however, as usually this is a lot cheaper than a taxi. Speak to your hotel beforehand and see if they do any kind of shuttle. The airport is about 20 minutes away from the city centre, but with the excitement this will pass in no time at all!

When to go to San Francisco

San Francisco is a year round destination. We visited at the start of spring and were met by pleasant weather and temperatures in the low twenties. Between September and November is surprisingly ideal as fall offers some of the city’s warmest weather and fewer crowds than during summer.

Where to stay in San Francisco

Located just a five minute walk away from Union Square and Chinatown, the Orchard Hotel is in prime position for reaching the city’s main sights. We found the hotel whilst browsing Booking.com but soon discovered that this was a particularly special find.

The Orchard Hotel is a boutique hotel which treats its guest to spacious and sophisticated rooms, alongside high-tech amenities and a friendly, personalised service. This, along with its location made it the perfect choice for 3 days in San Francisco.

Another great thing about the Orchard Hotel is its commitment to the environment. The hotel was recently named among the Top 10 Best Eco-Friendly Hotels in the United States and certainly helps to set the standards for green hotels.

San Francisco Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in San Francisco

Top 12 Things to do in San Francisco

In San Francisco, you are never short of things to do. Whether that is seeing some of the most iconic Californian landmarks, or treating yourself to some incredible food, there is plenty to keep you busy in the Golden City. Here are just 12 of my favourite things to do in San Francisco, in reality, the list is probably endless!

3 days in San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge

It wouldn’t be a trip to San Francisco without a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge – a true icon of the city, if not the United States itself. Our first day in San Francisco was spent walking along the Bay front with the bridge as our final destination and it was definitely worth the 6 mile walk for the views we were greeted with.

Depending on how you want to view the bridge you have a number of options. Visit in the morning for the bridge shrouded in fog, take a picnic along for lunch or to watch the sunset. Climb up the Presidio for views of the bridge and across the bay, or for something different head across the Bay to the Marin Headlands – something I would love to do next time we visit for a different perspective.

During your trip to San Francisco, you need to see this bridge. No ifs or buts.

3 days in San Francisco: Fisherman’s Wharf

Located on the northern waterfront, Fisherman’s Wharf district is one of San Francisco’s busiest shopping and tourist centres. Here you can find everything from restaurants and a video arcade, to souvenir shops and a colony of sea lions hauled out on docks on Pier 39’s marina.

The pier is also home to a two-storey carousel and the Aquarium of the Bay, a stunning aquarium with multiple marine species ranging from sharks to otters (see below). This is also the place to book a whale-watching experience – the price is quite reasonable too, starting at around $40.00 per person.

We didn’t get the time to do this unfortunately, but with some spectacular creatures in and around the Bay such as humpback whales and dolphins, I would certainly recommend doing it and it’s definitely on my list for next time.

3 days in San Francisco: Golden Gate Park

Essentially San Francisco’s Central Park, Golden Gate Park is a large urban park on the western side of the city. Despite it’s name the park is not adjacent to the famous bridge, but nevertheless is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and can be combined with an explore of the Haight Ashbury district, known as the birthplace of the hippie culture of the 60s.

The park offers over one thousand acres of open space which is actually 20% bigger than Central Park in New York, and is filled with landscaped gardens, museums and art, as well as many flowers, trees, lakes, birds and wildlife.

Golden Gate Park can even transport you out of San Francisco. Dive under water at the Aquarium, imagine you’re in the Netherlands and visit the Windmills (perfect in February March when the Tulip Garden is in bloom) or head to the Japanese Tea Garden and awaken your senses.

3 days in San Francisco: Alcatraz

Another San Francisco must in my eyes is the infamous prison island of Alcatraz, located in San Francisco Bay 1.25 miles offshore from the city.

The small island was developed with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison, and a federal prison from 1934 until 21st March 1963. It was seen as almost impossible to escape due to the high water currents and the threat of shark infested water. The perfect prison.

The island is really easy to reach, and involves a short cruise (roughly 45 minutes each way) which on a sunny day is a great experience, offering not just transportation to the island, but also great views back to the city. I would however strongly recommend booking your tickets well in advanced – the tickets sell out really quickly and you don’t want to end up disappointed. We had a great time on our visit to Alcatraz Island and I would definitely recommend it as something to do during your 3 days in San Francisco.

3 days in San Francisco: Union Square

Union Square is at the heart of the city of San Francisco. Getting its name from the rallies that occurred here for the Union Army during the civil war, the square now is a major tourist destination and is home to one of the largest shopping facilities in the United States.

The range of shops is incredible, from top designer outlets such as Macy’s (which offers fab views over the Square), to a large Disney Store just around the corner. It is also right next to one of the main cable car stations in the city, meaning that you can easily get on there to explore. Around the area there is a whole host of different restaurants, ranging from unique fine dining experiences, to the Cheesecake Factory.

3 days in San Francisco: Chinatown

San Francisco is home to arguably the most well-established and oldest Chinatown in the United States. Famed for its traditional Chinese-feel and the invention of fortune cookies (yes, you read that right!), this is one part of San Francisco which you won’t want to miss! As you enter through the majestic Dragon’s Gate you are transported from the Californian city into the Far East.

The first thing you should do is just explore! Go into as many different shops as you can, try some of the local food and just go completely nuts! The food here is arguably the best Chinese food I’ve had, so if ever you wanted an opportunity to pig out, this is it. Make sure that you explore the back-alleys too. It is here that you will find the original Fortune Cookie Factory where you can buy bags of original (and chocolate!) fortune cookies. I myself bought a bag of flattened ones and essentially ate them like crisps whilst walking around. I would thoroughly recommend the experience.

3 days in San Francisco: The Trams

Trams and San Francisco are as synonymous as me and sausage dogs; one cannot exist without the other. Trust me, you are going to need them! When people come back from San Francisco and tell you that it is rather hilly, you do not know the half of it! You will definitely find yourself needing to jump on a tram to get you up some of the steepest of hills, especially if you are in a food coma from brunch at Mama’s (see below if you’re slightly confused and think my mother was with us…). These trams offer a unique experience and are genuinely fun to ride. The drivers also give it their all and make it an incredible experience for all. I would say that, whilst practical, these trams are expensive. Just be sure to choose your tram journeys carefully, especially if you could have walked up that hill in the first place!

3 days in San Francisco: Aquarium of the Bay

Ever want to see the sharks that are lurking around Alcatraz? The Aquarium of the Bay offers a unique glimpse into the marine wildlife surrounding San Francisco. From colourful jellyfish to sharks lurking in the gloom, there is something here for everyone. There are also some river otters too, some of the cutest animals in the world in my humble opinion!

Once you have seen everything there is to see in the aquarium, you can go and see the local sea lions around Fisherman’s Wharf, as I mentioned above. There are hundreds of them just chilling on rafts in the bay, all making the classic sound effects which I am sure you are thinking of right now! It is hard to believe that so many of these rather large animals are gathered in the heart of one of California’s biggest cities. Also, you have probably been told about the infamous smell of these animals; I am sorry to report that this particular myth is true…

3 days in San Francisco: Ferry Building

The Ferry Building is perhaps one of the more famous landmarks in the city. Opening in 1898, the building served as the primary transportation port for anybody arriving to the city by train. The building’s waterfront location is iconic and its impressive clocktower is known by many across the world. Nowadays, as well as serving as a tourist attraction, it is home to a small market which convenes here most days. From chocolate treats to accessories, there really is something for everyone here, all at a very reasonable price. Lastly, you can step out onto the decking behind this building and admire one very pretty view of the bay.

3 days in San Francisco: Twin Peaks

The Twin Peaks (known as Eureka and Noe) are two large hills in the heart of the city. They have an elevation of around 925 feet and are the second highest point in the city (after Mount Davidson). Climbing up these hills offers incredible views across the cityscape, as well as an opportunity to burn off all those calories after binge-eating in the Ferry Building market or visiting Mr Holmes’ Bakehouse. The top of the hills is part of the Twin Peaks Natural Area, which is preserved land and home to many native species of wildlife. This includes some very pretty butterflies and, if you get lucky, hummingbirds. There is no public transport all the way to the top, however you can get rather close and then walk the rest of the way. I think that this way you get a sense of achievement when you are on the trek and makes the day so much more worthwhile.

3 days in San Francisco: Muir Woods

When people think of California, they think of redwoods. Growing up, I was told tales of trees so big in California that roads have been built through them. Of course, I was not going to miss out on seeing these. Easily accessible from the city and just a short drive away over the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods is a must-see when you are staying in the city. If you are from Europe, like me, it will completely defy your expectations of the word ‘woods’. The trees are unlike anything we have here and give you some of the most beautiful views in California. This place can get rather busy, so make sure that you get there early to avoid disappointment. The woods are also rich in wildlife and you have some animals, like white-tailed deer and turkeys, that you will see often. Some however, like the elusive bobcat or river otter, are rarer to see and in all honesty would be a highlight of any holiday.

3 days in San Francisco: The Walt Disney Family Museum

Located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Walt Disney Family Museum is a more leisurely day out in San Francisco. Here, you will uncover the story of Walt Disney and his subsequent media empire. This place is completely fascinating and gives you a completely different perspective of, not only the company, but Disney himself. The museum is non-profit and boasts some of the most impressive Disney displays anywhere in the world. If, like me, you grew up with Disney classics in your life, this museum is a must-see on your trip to California.

Where to eat and drink in San Francisco

Food in America is amazing and San Francisco is no exception. Whether you are after some absolute greasy, yet wonderful, filth or a bit of a healthy treat, the city has you covered. Pizzerias in San Francisco are everywhere but I can whole-heartedly recommend Tony’s Pizza. This little gem was near our hotel and we were more than impressed when we ventured into this little restaurant. The pizza was easily 10/10 and, if you are looking for high-quality, thin pizza, this one is for you.

A real highlight of the trip for me was brunch and the sheer variety of it. One morning in our hotel, we had some incredible pancakes served with golden syrup and chocolate chips and you will find that most hotels offer this service. If you are eager to get out of the hotel room as quickly as possible, you NEED to go for brunch at Mama’s. This gem located in Washington Square always is busy and when you get in there, it will come as no surprise. You need to get here early, and I mean at least half an hour before it even opens. We were in the queue for a good hour, which was exceptionally boring but soooooo worth the wait.

I found that the better food was located further away from the centre of the city and the tourist trail. Souvla is a quirky little Greek place about 15 minutes walk away from Union Square. It has some of the best wraps that you will ever eat and I immediately felt so much cooler just sitting in there. Just around the corner is Smitten Ice Cream who, get this, make their ice cream using liquid nitrogen – how amazing is that?! Lastly, you just have to go to Japan Town. One little treat that I had there, other than the sushi, was sesame seed ice cream and the delicious mochi. Trust me though, you will not be disappointed.

Drinking in San Francisco is easy; there are so many bars to choose from that I cannot possibly list them all. What I would say is you need a good view and a tasty drink. As you walk along the Bay to the Golden Gate Bridge, there are lots of quirky little coffee places and bars, all of which have lovely views across the bay, making them perfect evening chill places. The most famous bar in San Francisco is the bar Top of the Mark, which is located at the vert top of the, you guessed it, Mark Hopkins hotel. Whilst the drinks here are far more expensive than other places, you get arguably the best drinking view in all of San Francisco. If that is not worth an extra few dollars, I don’t know what is! If you’re a bit thrifty like me, you will be pleased to hear that many of these places have free WiFi, meaning that you can read my awesome posts whilst you drink; win win.

My Travel Tips and Recommendations

Flights

My usual go-to for booking flights is Skyscanner, the flight search engine. What I love about Skycanner is that you have various options depending on your situation. If you know where you want to go it’s easy – all you need is to search for your destination and dates, and you are provided with all flight options to choose from. If you haven’t decided on your next trip yet, you can use the Everywhere tool for inspiration and to find the cheapest places to fly to.

Accommodation

Whenever I plan my travels Booking.com is my best friend. The website is super easy to use and provides a whole range of accommodation from fancy resorts to budget hotels. Jack and I also regularly use Airbnb – in particular, for staycations in the UK.

Things I can’t travel without

As a travel blogger and keen photographer I never travel without my trusty technology. Always packed are my

Canon
GoPro Hero black
Gorillapod tripod
I’m also saving for a DJI Mavic Pro

Travel Insurance

It is so important to be prepared for all possibilities when travelling and you simply shouldn’t travel without insurance. When looking for cover I would personally recommend World Nomads or the Post Office – both are affordable and certainly won’t break the bank.