The Perfect 3-Day San Francisco Itinerary (From a Travel Pro)

After five visits trekking up and down San Francisco’s hills (my calves are still mad at me), I’ve finally nailed down the perfect 3-day adventure in this beautifully chaotic city. From watching fog dance around the Golden Gate Bridge with the best coffee I’ve ever had, to finding those tiny dim sum spots in Chinatown where the actual locals eat – this place just gets better every time I visit.

Look, San Francisco is weird and wonderful, and that’s why I love it. Where else can you watch sea lions act like complete goofballs at breakfast, feast through the biggest Chinatown outside Asia for lunch, and catch the sunset next to a random Dutch windmill? Let me show you my San Francisco – the one that keeps making me come back for more.

San Francisco in 3 Days – At a Glance

Here’s a high-level overview of my tips for visiting SF for a weekend. I’ll cover each section in greater detail below.

• How to Get Around San Francisco 🚋 – Best transit options, bike rentals, and ride-sharing tips.
• Where to Stay in San Francisco 🏨 – Best neighborhoods for first-time visitors, luxury travelers, and foodies.
• Day 1: Around the World in 20,000 Steps 🌎 – Lands End Lookout, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, and the iconic Painted Ladies.
• Day 2: Paradise at the Presidio 🌲 – Presidio Park, Golden Gate Bridge views, and historic landmarks.
• Day 3: San Francisco Seaside 🌊 – Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and Lombard Street.
• Must-See Places Outside San Francisco 🚗 – Sausalito, Muir Woods, and Half Moon Bay for easy day trips.

How to Get Around San Francisco in 3 Days 🚋🚴‍♂️🚕

San Francisco is compact but packed with steep hills, quirky neighborhoods, and iconic sights, making transportation a key part of your trip. Here’s the best way to get around SF efficiently and affordably while soaking in all the sights.

1. Public Transit (Muni Passes & Cable Cars) – Best for Budget Travelers

San Francisco’s Muni system (buses, metro light rail, and cable cars) is a budget-friendly way to get around without dealing with parking headaches.

💰 Muni Passes You Should Consider:

• 1-Day Visitor Passport: $13 (includes unlimited cable car rides)
• 3-Day Visitor Passport: $31 (best value for a weekend trip!)
• 7-Day Passport: $41 (if extending your stay)
• Clipper Card: Best for pay-as-you-go riders (works on Muni, BART, Caltrain, and ferries)

🛑 Why Get the Pass? Cable cars alone cost $8 per ride, so an unlimited pass is a steal if you plan on riding more than once.

📍 How to Get It: Buy a pass at kiosks (Powell & Market, Hyde & Beach, etc.), inside Muni stations, or via the MuniMobile app.

⏳ When to Use It?

• Cable cars: Great for experiencing classic SF vibes but often packed during peak hours.
• Muni buses & metro: Best for getting across town (e.g., take the N-Judah line from downtown to Golden Gate Park).
• Trolleys (F-Line): A fun, scenic ride along Market Street and the Embarcadero to Fisherman’s Wharf.

2. Biking – Best for Active Explorers 🚴‍♂️

SF is one of the best biking cities in the U.S., but beware of the hills. If you’re up for an adventure, renting a bike is perfect for:
✅ Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge (highly recommended!)
✅ Exploring Golden Gate Park (easy, flat paths)
✅ Cruising along the Embarcadero to Fisherman’s Wharf

🚲 Where to Rent a Bike

• Blazing Saddles: One of the most popular bike rental shops near Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Bay City Bike: Great for guided tours & e-bike rentals.
• Lyft e-Bikes (Bay Wheels): SF’s official bike-sharing system, available via the Lyft app (electric assist makes hills manageable).

💡 Pro Tip:

• If biking the Golden Gate Bridge, take the ferry back from Sausalito instead of cycling both ways (your legs will thank you).
• E-bikes are the best choice for tackling SF’s steep hills without breaking a sweat.

3. Ride-Sharing & Taxis – Best for Convenience

🚕 Uber & Lyft are everywhere in SF, making them the easiest way to get between neighborhoods when public transit isn’t ideal.

📌 When to Use Ride-Sharing?

• Late nights: Muni & BART have limited service after midnight.
• Going to Twin Peaks or Sutro Baths: Public transit options are limited.
• Avoiding super steep hills: Some areas (looking at you, Nob Hill) are brutal on foot.

🚨 SF Ride-Sharing Tips:

• Use UberX Share or Lyft Line to save on fares if you’re flexible on timing.
• Skip SFO airport Ubers – take BART instead (much cheaper).

4. Walking – Best for Neighborhood Exploration 🏙️👟

San Francisco is extremely walkable, with charming streets, hidden alleys, and amazing city views.

🥾 Best Walkable Areas:

• Chinatown → North Beach → Coit Tower (historical & foodie-friendly)
• Fisherman’s Wharf → Ghirardelli Square → Lombard Street (classic SF sights)
• Mission District Murals → Dolores Park → Castro (vibrant culture & views)

🚧 Watch Out For:

• Hills! Some areas (Russian Hill, Nob Hill) are intense to walk.
• Tenderloin District: Avoid walking here, especially at night, due to safety concerns.

5. Car Rentals & Parking – Not Recommended 🚗❌

If you’re staying in SF for only 3 days, skip the rental car. Parking is a nightmare, garages are expensive, and public transport is way more convenient.

🔹 When Does Renting a Car Make Sense?

• Day trips to Napa Valley, Muir Woods, or Big Sur
• If your hotel has free parking (rare in SF)

🚘 Alternative to Renting?

• Turo (Airbnb for cars) – Rent a car for a single day instead of paying for full trip rental fees.
• Zipcar – Car-sharing option for quick day trips.

Final Thoughts on getting around SF

🚋 Best Overall? Get a Muni 3-Day Pass + use Uber/Lyft when needed.
🚴‍♂️ For Adventurers? Rent a bike for Golden Gate Bridge + ferry back from Sausalito.
🚕 For Convenience? Use ride-sharing for late nights & hard-to-reach spots.
🏃‍♂️ For Walkers? Pick a neighborhood and explore on foot!

San Francisco’s compact layout makes getting around a breeze, as long as you plan ahead. Stick to a mix of public transit, biking, and ride-sharing, and you’ll see the best of SF in 3 days without the stress! 🚀

Where to Stay in San Francisco for a 3-Day Trip

San Francisco is compact but diverse in neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience. Whether you want easy access to top attractions, a quieter escape, or a luxury stay with epic views, here’s where to stay in SF based on your budget and travel style.

🏙️ Best Overall: Union Square – Central & Well-Connected

💰 Budget to Luxury | 🚶 Walkable | 🚋 Great Public Transit

Best for: First-time visitors, public transit access, shopping, theatergoers.

Union Square is the heart of SF and the most convenient base for a short trip. It’s packed with shops, restaurants, and hotels, plus easy access to cable cars, Muni, and BART.

🏨 Top Hotel Picks:

• 💰 Budget: HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel – Great for budget travelers, free breakfast, social vibe.
• 💵 Mid-Range: Handlery Union Square Hotel – Comfortable rooms, great value, and a pool.
• 💎 Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco – Historic elegance, top-tier service, and a serene escape in the city.

⚠️ Downsides: Can be crowded and touristy, some areas near the Tenderloin can feel sketchy at night.

🌊 Best for Views & Seafood: Fisherman’s Wharf

💵 Mid-Range to Luxury | 🎡 Touristy | 🚋 Cable Cars Nearby

Best for: Families, foodies, first-timers who love waterfront vibes.

Fisherman’s Wharf is touristy but fun, with easy access to Pier 39, Alcatraz tours, and seafood spots. If you love walking along the bay and don’t mind crowds, it’s a great base.

🏨 Top Hotel Picks:

• 💵 Mid-Range: Argonaut Hotel – Nautical-themed boutique hotel with bay views.
• 💎 Luxury: Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square – Stunning suites in a historic chocolate factory.

⚠️ Downsides: Can feel overcrowded, less central for exploring non-waterfront areas.

🏰 Best for a Classic, Elegant Stay: Nob Hill

💎 Luxury | 🌆 Stunning Views | 🚋 Historic Cable Cars

Best for: Couples, luxury travelers, history buffs.

Perched on SF’s highest hill, Nob Hill is old-school elegance with historic hotels, swanky bars, and amazing skyline views.

🏨 Top Hotel Picks:

• 💎 Luxury: Fairmont San Francisco – SF’s most iconic hotel, famous for its grandeur.
• 💵 Mid-Range: Stanford Court Hotel – Stylish and modern with old-world charm.

⚠️ Downsides: Steep hills (walking here is a workout!), fewer budget options.

🌿 Best for a Quieter Stay: Presidio / Marina District

💵 Mid-Range | 🌲 Nature-Focused | 🏡 Chill Vibes

Best for: Nature lovers, couples, those wanting a relaxed escape.

For a peaceful, local experience, stay near the Presidio or Marina District. You’ll be near Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, and beautiful waterfront trails.

🏨 Top Hotel Picks:

• 💵 Mid-Range: Inn at the Presidio – Historic charm, nature, and tranquility.
• 💵 Mid-Range: Cow Hollow Inn – Affordable and close to the Marina’s great restaurants.

⚠️ Downsides: Farther from downtown, best for travelers who don’t mind taking Uber or biking to key sights.

🎭 Best for Nightlife & Culture: Mission District / Hayes Valley

💰 Budget to Mid-Range | 🎨 Hipster & Artsy | 🍽️ Best Food Scene

Best for: Foodies, young travelers, nightlife lovers.

The Mission District is SF’s coolest neighborhood, filled with street art, Latin culture, and incredible food (hello, best burritos in the city!). Nearby Hayes Valley offers a trendier, boutique-style vibe.

🏨 Top Hotel Picks:

• 💰 Budget: 1906 Mission – Eco-friendly and cozy, great for solo travelers.
• 💵 Mid-Range: Hayes Valley Inn – Cute, European-style B&B.

⚠️ Downsides: Some areas near the Mission can be sketchy at night, farther from tourist hotspots.

🚆 Best for Business Travelers & Easy Airport Access: SoMa

💰 Budget to Luxury | 🏙️ Modern & Sleek | 🚄 Near BART for Airport Access

Best for: Business travelers, digital nomads, those who need quick airport access.

SoMa (South of Market) is SF’s business hub, filled with skyscrapers, trendy bars, and cultural hotspots like SFMOMA. BART trains run directly from here to SFO airport, making it super convenient.

🏨 Top Hotel Picks:

• 💰 Budget: Yotel San Francisco – Compact, high-tech rooms at a budget-friendly price.
• 💵 Mid-Range: Hotel Zetta – Modern boutique hotel with a fun, artsy vibe.
• 💎 Luxury: The St. Regis San Francisco – Five-star luxury with world-class service.

⚠️ Downsides: Less touristy charm, more of a corporate feel.

Final Recommendations: Best Neighborhoods Based on Travel Style

✔ First-time visitors: Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf
✔ Luxury travelers: Nob Hill or Presidio
✔ Foodies & nightlife seekers: Mission District or Hayes Valley
✔ Families: Fisherman’s Wharf or Marina District
✔ Business travelers: SoMa
✔ Nature lovers: Presidio or Sausalito (just across the bridge!)

🏆 Best All-Around Pick: Union Square (super central + easy transport)

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re here for only 3 days, pick a location close to public transport to maximize your time. 🚋

Day 1: Around the world in 20,000 steps

We flew into San Francisco on Friday night, so we could hit the ground running first thing Saturday morning. Given the enormous area we wanted to cover during our 3 days in San Francisco, we decided to first explore the city by bike. Beginning at Ocean Beach, we rode our bikes along the coastline to the scenic vantage point of Lands End Lookout. The view of the rocky cliffs overlooking the waterfront was impeccable, and well-worth the agonizing ride up the hill.

Golden Gate Park

From there, we pedaled downhill to Golden Gate Park, where we witnessed San Francisco’s international perspective on full display. The Dutch Windmill offers a picture-perfect introduction to the park. I was even lucky enough to get a picture of a biker next to it (so Holland).

From there, we intensely rode eastward past the Bison Paddock and picnic areas to our next stop: the Japanese Tea Garden. If it weren’t for all the English-speaking tourists around us, I would have thought we were in an idyllic Japanese village. The Japanese Tea Garden is comprised of scenic walkways, structures, and plants that strikingly resemble Japan. The gentle streams and pristine atmosphere make this garden a must-see in the heart of the Golden Gate Park.

San Francisco city center

After biking several miles within the 1,000-acre Golden Gate Park, we ventured towards the city center on foot. We then decided to make our way to the iconic Painted Ladies, which are nearly 2 miles away. The walk flew by, and we were pleased to see the magnificent St. Ignatius Church and University of San Francisco campus along the way. As one of San Francisco’s largest churches, St. Ignatius exhibits an intriguing mix of Italian Renaissance and Baroque architecture that mesmerizes and dwarfs those who stand beside it.

Upon arriving at Alamo Square, it immediately became clear why Full House chose the Painted Ladies for their opening credits. Perched high above the city, this row of colorful houses offers scenic views of the San Francisco skyline. Thankfully, these Victorian and Edwardian homes survived the notorious 1906 earthquake, and now stand as a focal point between two parallel worlds.

After having a mid-afternoon picnic in Alamo Square, we made our way downhill towards Japantown for dinner, capping off what was an extraordinary first day in San Francisco.

Day 2: Paradise at the Presidio

We began our second day strolling around our hotel in Union Square. This public plaza is home to an array of shops, restaurants, and galleries. We then ventured to Chinatown – the largest of its kind outside of Asia. For the best souvenir deals in San Francisco, I definitely recommend checking out Chinatown.

The Presidio

By around noon, we ubered to our next hotel in Presidio Park. The Inn at the Presidio— a National Historic Landmark situated in the heart of this acclaimed park— was unlike any hotel I’ve ever visited. With its untouched hiking trails and scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Inn at the Presidio is the ideal retreat away from the commotion of downtown. With only 22 guest rooms, the Inn at the Presidio offers an intimate lodging experience that is perfect for relaxation.

During mid-afternoon, we set out to explore the plethora of trails and vantage points within this majestic park. Interestingly, the Presidio is 1,400 acres, which is nearly 40% larger than New York City’s Central Park. Needless to say, we got lost a couple of times on our way to the Golden Gate Bridge. However, we didn’t mind one bit, given the serene landscape and breathtaking views surrounding us.

Inn at the Presidio

In addition to the remarkable wildlife surrounding the hotel, the Inn at the Presidio is also a fascinating historical site. This boutique hotel was previously part of a U.S. army base led by the revered General John J. Pershing. Prior to California becoming a U.S. state in 1850, the Presidio was a military garrison commanded by Spain and Mexico. These barracks, once part of a fortified military base, have been transformed into the charming Inn we see today.

After a long day of hiking and learning, it was great to unwind at the Inn’s complementary wine and cheese reception. A very nice touch to an already ideal stay at the Inn at the Presidio.

Spending a night at the Inn at the Presidio was the highlight of my trip to San Francisco. My only regret was not spending more time there. I can’t wait to return someday to further explore its endless trails and beautiful nature. During your visit to San Francisco, I highly recommend staying at the Inn at the Presidio to gain a unique perspective on this diverse city.

Day 3: San Francisco seaside

Fisherman’s Wharf

After exploring San Francisco’s parks and green-spaces, it was only fitting to make our way towards the San Francisco waterfront. We began the day at Fisherman’s Wharf, indulging in clam chowder bread bowls and artisan pastries at Boudin Bakery.

(Looking for a destination with amazing seafood, check out these weekend getaways in New England)

This bakery also has some of the best chocolate croissants I’ve ever had. We returned to the bakery multiple times on our last day in San Francisco.

It was a neat experience to stroll around Fisherman’s Wharf and see/smell the fresh catches of the day.

Aside from its delectable eateries, this seaside promenade also has the best views of Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay. Though Alcatraz appears to be a short distance from the shore, legend has it that no prisoners successfully escaped the island – due to the treacherous waves and vicious sharks in their path.

Pier 39

After eating one too many sourdough bread bowls, we then headed to Pier 39, a convenient 10-minute walk away. Known for its waterfront dining and boutique shopping, Pier 39 is a must-see in San Francisco. In addition to harboring an array of restaurants and shops, Pier 39 is also home to a sea lion colony. The boisterous ensemble of sea lions are at the very end of the pier, and cannot be missed.

Ghirardelli Square

Once we finished eating and watching the sea lions at Pier 39, we made our way back down the pier toward Ghirardelli Square.

The Ghirardelli Factory—a historic landmark that was first opened in 1862— offers free samples of its chocolate squares. Admittedly, I walked in there more than once to properly inspect the chocolate quality and devour a hot fudge sundae.

Cable car ride

After our intensive culinary expedition, we set off for the cable cars, which depart 5 minutes away from the square. Interestingly, San Francisco’s manual cable car system is the last of its kind in the world. Because it was off-season, we didn’t have any issues with the lines in the afternoon. However, if you’re planning to visit SF during peak season, I recommend arriving early to avoid long lines. Both the Powell/Hyde and Powell/Mason Lines offer breathtaking views of the San Francisco cityscape and Bay.

(Check out this list of the world’s most livable cities)

Lombard Street

On our way back to the Wharf, we hopped off at the world’s “crookedest” street, Lombard Street. I’m glad the cable car dropped us off at the top, as I would not willingly make the trek up that steep hill.

Must-see places outside of San Francisco in 3 days

We spent our last night visiting Sausalito and Berkeley, where we enjoyed local craft beers and Eritrean food. Only a $15 Uber ride from the city, Sausalito was well-worth the trip to watch the sun set over the bay. If I had more than 3 days in San Francisco, I would undoubtedly spend more time in Sausalito and the nearby Redwood Park and Muir Woods.

Read next: 9 Best Airbnbs near Muir Woods CA

(Looking for a day trip from San Francisco? Check out Half Moon Bay!)

San Francisco in 3 days: An eclectic experience

During our short trip to San Francisco, we experienced the global, eclectic mix of activities and attractions. Though exploring San Francisco in 3 days was daunting, it was perfect for gaining a high-level overview of the city. From its tranquil urban parks and coastal charm, to its international cuisine and diverse community, San Francisco is truly a shining city on a (steep) hill.