Three-Day Itinerary for San Francisco: Make the Most of Your 72-Hour Visit

Explore the city on my three-day itinerary for San Francisco. It includes visits to top SF attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Chinatown.

You will also get the chance to ride a cable car, take in the views from Coit Tower, and marvel at the centuries-old trees in Muir Woods.

All three days are packed full of activities and include plenty of walking, so you get the chance to explore the city like a local. You can also mix and match the days to create a full three-day plan that works best for you. 

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Day One: San Francisco Icons & Waterfront Vibes

Highlights of Day One include the best of SF's tourist attractions and districts: the indispensable Alcatraz prison tour, Fisherman's Wharf sights and eats, a cable car ride, and dinner in Union Square.

Here is what you can expect on day one:

• Morning: Alcatraz Prison Tour
• Midday: Fisherman's Wharf for Lunch and Activities
• Late Afternoon: Cable Car Ride to Union Square
• Evening: Union Square for Dinner and Drinks

1. Ferry Over to Alcatraz Island

What makes this a must-see? Alcatraz Island and the former federal prison that once housed the country’s most notorious criminals is perhaps the most intriguing of San Francisco’s landmarks for visitors, due to its dramatic past, eerie atmosphere, and unbeatable views of the San Francisco Bay and skyline.

Why kick off your San Francisco adventure here? There’s no better way to dive headfirst into what this city has to offer: get out on the water right away and immerse yourself in its iconic history. I recommend the early morning tours as they tend to be less crowded, and you’ll return to the city energized and ready to explore the waterfront.

How to get here? All ferries to Alcatraz depart from Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing) in Fisherman’s Wharf. If you're staying nearby, it's an easy walk. If you're coming from Union Square or other downtown areas, you can catch the historic F-line streetcar and get off at Bay Street and Embarcadero. 

Another option is to take the #8 bus to North Point and Kearny, then walk two blocks. Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can also drop you right at the pier.

Jill's Alcatraz Tips: Alcatraz City Cruises is the only official provider of tickets. Be sure to book in advance, as they can sell out. Morning departures usually start around 8:30 am. Dress in layers and bring water, as the island can get windy and there's a fair amount of walking. Discover more insider tips about taking the ferry to Alcatraz.

What to do here? Your ticket includes the ferry ride, access to the island, and a compelling audio tour of the main prison block, featuring firsthand stories from former guards and inmates. You’ll also find photo exhibits, a short documentary film, and rotating exhibitions. Stay as long as you like, then hop on any return ferry to get back to the city.

Estimated Time: 9 am to 12 pm

>> Find more details about planning for your Alcatraz prison tour

2. Lunch and an Afternoon in Fisherman’s Wharf

What makes this a must-see? Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most popular neighborhoods among visitors, known for its fresh seafood, quirky shops and museums, and family-friendly attractions. 

Why come here next? Once your Alcatraz ferry drops you off at Pier 33, you'll be ready to head west right into the heart of Fisherman's Wharf. As you enjoy great views and get a taste of San Francisco's personality on these vibrant streets, you can browse your many lunch options. Or you can plan ahead with my map of the district below.

How to get here? Walk from Pier 33 (#1 on my Fisherman’s Wharf map below).

What to do here? There is so much to do in this popular district that I couldn't possibly name it all. I've listed options for lunch as well as spending the afternoon exploring the area.

As you walk west along the waterfront, you'll soon hit Pier 39 (#2 on the map), a two-level marketplace with sweeping bay views that is home to a colony of sea lions, eccentric street performers, and the Aquarium of the Bay. Here, you can peruse candy shops, souvenirs, magic shops, and more.

In this area, you'll also find many favorites among the young ones: a carousel, bungee trampolines, piano stairs, the 7D Ride Experience, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum.

Another iconic stop in Fisherman's Wharf is the Buena Vista Cafe (#3). Here you'll find all-day American breakfasts and tasty Irish Coffee.

More treats can be found at Boudin Bakery (#5)—think steaming clam chowder in a freshly baked sourdough bread bowl—and Ghirardelli Square (#6)—San Francisco's beloved historic chocolate factory, now full of boutique shops and restaurants.

Another fantastic and free option that is popular with the whole family is Musee Mecanique (#7), which houses over 300 coin-operated vintage arcade machines.

>> Find even more ideas on my Fisherman’s Wharf page

Estimated Time: 12:30 pm to 4 pm

3. Cable Car to Union Square

What makes this a must-do? Riding a historic San Francisco cable car is practically a rite of passage. Climbing up and down the city’s steep hills on a wooden trolley with clanging bells and open-air views is both scenic and exhilarating. Plus, it’s a fun and direct way to reach Union Square from the Wharf.

Why do this next? Late afternoon is the perfect time to hop on a cable car—before dinner, after you've done lots of walking, and while the sun is starting to dip behind the city skyline.

How to get here? Head to one of the two cable car turnarounds (#4 and #8 on the map above). Both of these lines (Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason) will take you on slightly different routes up and over the hills to Union Square. 

>> Read my tips on riding the cable cars, including how to pay

Estimated Time: 4 pm to 5 pm (with wait time and ride)

4. Dinner and Nightlife in Union Square

What makes this a must-see? Union Square is San Francisco’s central shopping and entertainment district, surrounded by classic hotels, theaters, high-end stores, cocktail bars, and restaurants. At night, it buzzes with energy.

Why end your first day in San Francisco here? After a full day of sightseeing, Union Square is the perfect place to unwind with a nice meal and, if you have the energy, check out the nightlife or grab dessert at a late-night café.

Known as the heart of the city, it is also a popular area to stay, so if you've chosen a hotel here, you'll be all set to hit the sack after an exciting first day. 

>> Discover the best hotels in and around Union Square

What to do here? For dinner, you can try a local favorite like John’s Grill for steak and seafood with history, or Bartlett Hall, which serves elevated pub fare and craft beer. See my list of top Union Square restaurants for every budget. 

Nightlife options range from high-rise lounges like CityScape with incredible skyline views, to tiki bars like Zombie Village and speakeasies like Bourbon & Branch. Check out more of my favorite Union Square bars.

If you're still in the mood to explore, consider walking around the square, popping into flagship stores, or enjoying public art installations and lit-up buildings.

Estimated Time: 5 pm onward

Day Two

Day Two allows you to get a better lay of the land (and bay) by exploring more on foot, appreciating the views from atop different hills, and getting to know the ins and outs of our uniquely colorful and cultural districts.

Here's what to expect on day two:

• Morning: Coit Tower & Lombard Street
• Afternoon: Chinatown for Lunch, Shopping, and Exploring
• Evening: North Beach for Dinner and Drinks

1. Climb to Coit Tower

What makes this a must-see? Perched atop Telegraph Hill (between North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf), Coit Tower is one of San Francisco’s most recognizable landmarks. It offers panoramic bay and city views from the observation deck.

This 1933 building's first floor, which is free to access, also houses colorful WPA-era murals depicting life in California during the Great Depression.

Why start today here? Kicking off Day 2 here means you avoid long wait times that come with the later crowds, and you get soft light for photos. If you love to get your blood pumping in the mornings, climbing up to Coit Tower is a great way to experience San Francisco’s famously hilly geography.

How to get here? If you’re up for some exercise, I definitely recommend the walk up the Filbert Street Steps or Greenwich Steps—beautiful stairways flanked by gardens, hidden cottages, and even SF's resident parrots. 

You can also take the #39 bus from Fisherman's Wharf. It will do the climbing for you and drop you right at the entrance. 

Jill's Coit Tower Tips: The tower opens at 10 am year-round with closures on major holidays. Arrive early to beat the line. Bring $10 per person for the elevator ride to the top. Don’t miss the murals on the ground floor—they’re free to view and full of fascinating historical detail.

There is no food or drink for sale at Coit Tower or in the neighborhood directly around it, so plan to eat a hearty breakfast near your hotel before setting out on your Day 2 adventure.

>> Discover more details about Coit Tower

Estimated Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am

2. Snap Photos at Lombard Street

What makes this a must-see? Nicknamed “the crookedest street in the world,” this one-block brick-lined stretch of Lombard Street twists down a steep hill with eight sharp turns, beautifully landscaped flower beds, and views of the bay and city below.

Why come here next? It’s a short trip (less than a mile) from Coit Tower and makes for a quick but memorable stop on your way to Chinatown and North Beach. Plus, the lighting for photos of this SF icon is better earlier in the day.

How to get here? If you're up for a hilly walk, head west downhill towards Columbus Avenue, then continue uphill onto Lombard Street. It takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Take it slow and enjoy the scenery.

Alternatively, you can always catch an Uber or Lyft to the top of Lombard at Hyde Street.

What to do here: Stand at the bottom (Lombard and Leavenworth) to take your best postcard shot of this very photogenic street. As you watch the cars wind down the hairpin turns between the gardens, you can take your time climbing up the steps on either side to make your way to the cable car stop at the top.

>> More on visiting Lombard Street

Estimated Time: 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

3. Lunch and an Afternoon in Chinatown

What makes this a must-see? San Francisco’s Chinatown—a bustling city within a city—is a sensory feast: lantern-strung alleys, markets, temples, bakeries, herbal medicine shops, and historic sites all packed into a vibrant neighborhood.

Why come here next? This is the liveliest time of day in Chinatown, with open storefronts, lunch crowds, and a lively energy perfect for exploring on foot.

By now, you will have worked up an appetite, and lucky for you, there are delicious treats at every turn.

How to get here? One fun way to get here is to hop on the Powell-Hyde cable car at the top of the crooked street and ride it down the hill to Bush Street. From there, you can walk two blocks east to Grant, where you'll find the famous Dragon Gate entrance.

Alternatively, from Lombard Street, you can walk four blocks north towards the waterfront to take the #30 bus from North Point Street. This will take you into the heart of Chinatown.

What to do here? You can try one of my favorite dim sum spots in the city for inexpensive small plates of dumplings, pork buns, sesame balls, and more. Or check out some of the other famed restaurants in the area, such as the Hong Kong Clay Pot Restaurant or the House of Nanking.

When you've had your fill, walk along Grant Avenue for window shopping. Another fun stop is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where you can see cookies being made by hand.

Finally, pay a visit to the Tin How Temple, watch a game of mah-jong in Portsmouth Square, or peruse the Chinese Historical Society for a true cultural experience.

>> Check out more of my Chinatown recommendations

Estimated Time: 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm

4. Evening in North Beach

What makes this a must-see? North Beach is San Francisco’s historic Italian district, famous for its Old World charm, Italian cafés, jazz clubs, and literary history. 

Why end your day here? After a full day of walking, you’ll love the cozy, flavorful offerings of North Beach. It’s the perfect place to wind down from a day of sightseeing over pasta and wine at sidewalk tables. It also offers plenty of nightlife options for after dinner.

How to get here? North Beach and Chinatown are neighbors. In fact, they overlap. Walk north from your Chinatown adventure until you hit Columbus Avenue. As you cross into North Beach, you’ll notice Italian flags painted on lampposts.

What to do here? You may have snacked your way through Chinatown, but eventually you'll want to make some room to try the delicious Italian food in North Beach. (It's no wonder these two districts are popular for food walking tours—you can check out the best ones below!)

Top Food Walking Tours of These Top Cultural Districts

All three of these tours offer an insider's look at both Chinatown and North Beach (and the first two include FOOD!):

• Food Walking Tour of Chinatown and North Beach: What I love about this tour is that you get to sample different foods and learn about them as you go. More here.
• North Beach & Chinatown Food History Tour: This tour offers a similar experience, but with a deeper dive into the history of each district. And, of course, you will get to sample quite a bit on this one. More here.
• Chinatown and North Beach Highlights Tour: This is a great highlights tour for those looking to learn more about each district, but don't have time to stop and sample along the way. Find out more here.

Where to eat? Head over to Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (and be prepared to wait) if you want to try fun varieties of award-winning pizza. You can also stop by the beloved, casual, grab-and-go Golden Boy Pizza, or try a true SF invention, the cioppino fish stew, at Sotto Mare.

After Dinner: There is so much to do in North Beach, beginning with a twilight stroll to Saints Peter and Paul Church in Washington Square Park, where Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe took their famous wedding photos.

You can retrace the steps of the Beat Generation at the City Lights Bookstore and next-door Vesuvio Cafe, attend a comedy show at Cobb's, or watch a dazzling performance of 'Dear San Francisco' at Club Fugazi. 

>> Explore the best North Beach has to offer

Estimated Time: 5:30 pm onward

Day Three

On Day Three, you will venture out of the city by crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to walk among Muir Woods' giant redwoods. On your way back, you'll have the chance to soak in even more waterfront attractions.

Here is what to expect on day three:

• Morning: Muir Woods (with Lunch in Sausalito or Fisherman's Wharf)
• Afternoon: Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts
• Evening: Dinner in the Marina

1. Take a Trip to Muir Woods

What makes this a must-see? Muir Woods National Monument is home to one of the last remaining old-growth coastal redwood forests. You won't believe that these towering trees, some over 1,000 years old and nearly 300 feet tall, are just a short drive from the San Francisco metropolis.

Why start Day Three here? After two intense days of urban sightseeing and water tours, this morning's trip to the peaceful forest allows you to start the day with fresh air, nature, and calm before returning to the city.

How to get here? Muir Woods is located about a 45-minute drive north of San Francisco. If you don't have a car, the most convenient option is to take a half-day guided tour. 

However, if you plan ahead during the summer season, you can enjoy the cheaper shuttle option from either Sausalito or Larkspur (after a short ferry ride from SF). Find details on all options to get to Muir Woods.

Jill's Muir Woods Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers—the forest is cool and damp, even in summer. There’s no cell service in the park, so download maps and passes in advance.

The entrance fee is $15 per adult (sometimes included in the tour price). If you choose to drive, make sure you reserve parking in advance, or you will be turned away. 

What to do here? Stroll the main, flat boardwalk trail through the redwood grove (30–60 minutes), or take a longer loop for great elevated views. Stop at the visitor center to learn more about the park’s history and ecology.

>> Discover details about this amazing natural attraction

Estimated Time: About 7 am to 12 pm with a tour; this can vary if you go on your own

2. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge

What makes this a must-see? This orange beauty is an engineering marvel and San Francisco’s most iconic structure. Whether photographing it from the shore or standing right under the towering suspension cables, it is a sight you won't soon forget.

Why come here next? Since you return from Muir Woods via the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s a natural and unmissable next stop. Early afternoon usually offers better visibility as the morning fog will have burnt off, making for better photos.

How to get here? Many Muir Woods tours include this as a stop on the way back to SF. If you're driving, you can either head to Vista Point on the Marin side or continue across to the Golden Gate Welcome Center on the San Francisco side for parking and access to the pedestrian walkway.

What to do here? Walk part of the bridge for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of standing more than 200 feet above the rocky waters where the SF Bay and Pacific Ocean meet. Visit the small museum and stop by the Round House Cafe for a quick meal and warm drink with great views. 

Estimated Time: 2 pm to 3:30 pm

3. Marvel at the Palace of Fine Arts

What makes this a must-see? Originally built as a temporary structure for the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts is a dreamy architectural gem with a Roman-inspired rotunda, grand rows of columns, and a peaceful reflecting pond.

Why visit in the afternoon? Coming down from the thrill (and chill—it gets breezy up there!) of the bridge, this picturesque stop is great for a romantic walk, family photos, or just enjoying a quiet moment in a spectacular, historic setting.

How to get here? If you enjoy walking, it's a scenic downhill walk from the Golden Gate Bridge through the Presidio. This takes about 45 minutes, give or take. (You might want to stop at Crissy Field Beach on your way in!)

If you've already done enough walking for today, you can catch the #28 Muni bus heading toward Fisherman’s Wharf from the Golden Gate Bridge parking area. Be sure not to board the one going south toward the Richmond District.

As the bus descends from the bridge, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Palace of Fine Arts ahead and slightly to the left. That’s your cue to hop off at the next stop: Richardson Avenue and Francisco Street.

What to do here? Take your time and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You might want to pick up a picnic lunch from a nearby café and relax on the grassy lawn by the lagoon, or just stroll around and take in the intricate architectural details.

Although the Palace of Fine Arts includes a theater, the interior isn’t open to the public unless you have tickets to a performance. This spot is all about the outdoor experience—ideal for watching birds, people, or capturing great photos.

Estimated Time: 4 pm to 5 pm

4. Dinner in the Marina District

What makes this a must-see? The Marina District is known for its lively energy, trendy boutiques, and scenic views of the bay. In the evening, it transforms into one of SF’s most inviting neighborhoods for dining and nightlife, with everything from cozy Italian trattorias to hip cocktail bars.

Why end your trip here? After a full day of nature, scenery, and history, the Marina offers a stylish and welcoming atmosphere to wind down with dinner and drinks. You’ll be close to the waterfront, with the glow of the Golden Gate just a short stroll away.

Where to go here? The main commercial area of the Marina District is on the stretch of Chestnut Street between Divisadero and Fillmore. Here, you'll find several boutique shops and unique galleries to browse, as well as trendy restaurants and cafes.

Some of my favorite places include Causwells, Pacific Catch, and Blackwood, depending on what I'm in the mood for.

If you want to go all out on your last night and splurge on an unforgettable upscale meal, you can try A16 for pizza and wine, or Atelier Crenn for a fine dining experience—the only one in the city with three Michelin stars (reserve well in advance).

After dinner, the nightlife options in this neighborhood are plentiful. You'll find fun bars such as Balboa Cafe, Bus Stop, Campus, and more.

>> Discover the best of the Marina District

Estimated Time: 5 pm onward

More Top Picks Around San Francisco

Uncover the Best Places to Stay in SF

This part of the itinerary is more centrally located. You can stay in either Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square to easily get to your starting destination. 

Both offer stays at a variety of price points. You can also save on your hotels by checking out the great deals before you book. 

Click the links below to check out my recommendations in both districts.

• Fisherman's Wharf
• Union Square
• Tips to Select Between the Two Districts

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