Two Day Itinerary for San Francisco: The Best Activities for a Short Stay in SF

Only have a couple of days in the City by the Bay? This two-day itinerary for San Francisco will help you squeeze in as much as possible.

Day One will take you to Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, and Union Square and includes a ride or two on our famous cable cars.

Day Two will allow you to step on the Golden Gate Bridge and explore some of our most storied neighborhoods, including Chinatown and North Beach.

My guide will tell you what to do at each iconic place, how to get there from the previous stop, and a few options if you have a little extra time in each area.

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Day One

1. Take the Ferry to Alcatraz Island

What makes this a must-see? Alcatraz is one of the first things people equate with San Francisco. This national park is one of SF’s most visited attractions due to its fascinating history as a former maximum-security prison and its unique location, surrounded by the bay but visible from the city.

Why start your San Francisco adventure here? Since this symbol of the City by the Bay is the top item on many tourists’ bucket list, it’ll feel great to check it off first. Moreover, you’ll have the chance to get out on the water for a unique view of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

How to get here? To get to Alcatraz Island, you must catch the ferry at Alcatraz Landing (Pier 33) in Fisherman’s Wharf. Note that tickets often sell out in advance, so plan ahead—don’t expect to show up and buy them at the gate.

If you are coming from a hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf, one option is to walk. Another option, which also serves those coming from downtown SF, is to take the historic F Streetcar. Get off at the Embarcadero and Bay Street, right across from Pier 33.

Another transit option for those staying in the Union Square area is the #8 bus. You’ll get off at Kearny and North Point Streets and walk two blocks.

Alternatively, the fastest way to get here is by hailing an Uber or Lyft.

Alcatraz Tips: Alcatraz City Cruises is the only provider of tickets and transportation to The Rock. Discover my insider tips for riding this ferry, including what to bring and how early to get there.

What to do here? Your ticket includes a self-guided audio tour in which you’ll hear stories from former inmates and guards as you explore the main cell block for about 45 minutes. You can then check out the special programs offered that day.

You may also watch the history video shown every half hour and visit the museums, bookstores, and gift shops until you are ready to head back to San Francisco. You can hop on any of the return ferries.

Estimated Time: 9 am to 12 pm

>> Find out more about the Alcatraz prison tours

Alcatraz Combo Tour Packages

2. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

What makes this a must-see? Fisherman’s Wharf combines history, culture, entertainment, great food, bay views, and unique attractions all in one lively waterfront district.

Why come here next? When you step off the ferry from Alcatraz, you’ll be on the eastern edge of Fisherman’s Wharf. By this time, you’ll be hungry for some San Francisco treats, and you’ll find plenty of them to taste as you wander through this district’s attractions.

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 tourist district that the following suggestions barely scratch the surface. However, you can discover additional ideas on my Fisherman’s Wharf page.

As you walk along the water from Pier 33, you’ll soon run into Pier 39 (#2 on the map), full of seafood restaurants, shops, and entertainment, and also home to SF’s famous sea lions.

One classic San Francisco stop is the iconic Buena Vista Cafe (#3), where you can warm up with a tasty Irish Coffee and their all-day American breakfasts.

You will also find stops for two of our cable cars. #4 is for the Powell - Hyde line and #8 is for the Powell - Mason line.

There is also Boudin Bakery (#5), an attraction as well as a restaurant that is world famous for its fresh-baked sourdough and clam chowder served in a bread bowl.

Other fun things here include Ghirardelli Square (#6), which is an old chocolate factory that is full of fun restaurants and shops.

Another fun, free stop in Fisherman’s Wharf is the Musee Mecanique (#7), offering over 300 antique coin-operated arcade machines.

Families with children also enjoy the 7D Ride Experience and the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum, or "Odditorium."

Estimated Time: 12:30 pm to 3 pm

3. Visit Lombard Street

What makes this a must-see? This curved red-brick road is one of the most photographed places in San Francisco. It showcases the steep ups and downs of the city’s streets and the beautiful homes and gardens that line them.

Why come here next? The crooked part of Lombard Street is right on the cable car line that will take you to Union Square. As you’ve spent all day on the waterfront, making your way uphill to this spot will let you appreciate the great views from the Russian Hill district.

How to get here? The most practical way to get here from Fisherman’s Wharf is to walk. Lombard Street is just 5 blocks south of Buena Vista Cafe (but uphill).

If you don’t want to walk, you can let the Powell-Hyde cable car (#4 on the map above) pull you up the hill from the turnaround at Hyde and Beach Streets. If you are coming from the other end of Fisherman’s Wharf (like Pier 39), you can catch the 28 bus from Powell and Beach Streets.

What to do here? Start at the bottom, at Lombard and Leavenworth, to get a view (and plenty of photos) of the crooked street itself. Then make your way up the hill along the pedestrian steps on either side of the brick curves to Lombard and Hyde.

From the top looking down, you’ll get views of the city and the bay. You’ll see Coit Tower across the way, sitting on top of Telegraph Hill, and the Bay Bridge beyond that. This is also where you will catch the cable car.

Estimated Time: 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

>> Learn more about visiting Lombard Street

4. Cable Car to Union Square

What makes this a must-see? Union Square is San Francisco’s commercial hub, offering luxury shopping from Gucci to Louis Vuitton. But even if retail is not your scene, you’ll enjoy the street performers, art displays, and seasonal events in and around the plaza.

In this bustling central district, you’ll be surrounded by historic hotels with rooftop bars, venues for big theater and music shows, and plenty of options for dinner.

Why end your first day in SF here? It’s likely that your hotel will be located in this area, so you can wander around and soak in as much of the lit-up skyline as you want before hitting the sack after a long day of sightseeing.

Even if you’re not staying in this district, it’s a great place to end the day if you want to check out some local nightlife, including bars, concerts, and Broadway plays.

How to get here? It’s so much fun to cruise down the hill right into this downtown district on the Powell-Hyde cable car. After the 15-minute ride from the top of Lombard Street, you can get off right at the plaza, or go all the way to the end of the line at Powell and Market Streets.

What to do here? Indulge in some great food and drinks in this popular district. Below are just a few of my favorite places, but you can view the full list of Union Square restaurants here.

For those on a budget or looking for something quick and informal, grab a tasty meal at Super Duper Burger or SF Wraps.

Classic SF institutions in the area that serve seafood, steak, and Italian fare include John’s Grill, Morton’s Steakhouse, and Cesario’s.

Finally, those who want top-tier fine dining to match Union Square’s luxury shopping options can enjoy intimate experiences at O’, Sons and Daughters, or Parallel 37, to name a few.

Estimated Time: 5 pm to as late as you want

If you have extra time: If you plan to stick around for some after-dinner drinks, there are a number of bars I recommend in Union Square, ranging from upscale to tiki to dive bars.

The Cityscape Sky Bar on the 46th floor of the Hilton Hotel offers fantastic cocktails and unparalleled views. Those looking for a more “underground” (but classy) experience will love the real-life 1920s speakeasy that has been revived as Bourbon and Branch.

This part of San Francisco also offers world-class theater shows, which over the years have included long runs of Broadway hits like Mamma Mia!, Hamilton, and Wicked.

Check out my SF Nightlife page for more ideas on attending concerts, seeing a comedy show, going out dancing, and other nearby options.

>> Find out all you need to know about Union Square

Day Two

1. Walk on the Golden Gate Bridge

What makes this a must-see? No visit to San Francisco would be complete without stepping on the Golden Gate Bridge! This giant orange feat of architecture is the symbol of our great City by the Bay.

Why come here in the morning? The advantage of visiting the bridge first thing in the morning is avoiding the crowds! This free attraction tends to get busy later in the day. (If you are really a morning person and want the sidewalk to yourself, you can come as early as 5 am any day of the year!)

One caveat: depending on the season, mornings can be foggy at the Golden Gate Bridge, but there is a unique sense of awe and beauty to that experience as well.

How to get here? With the Muni Passport, you can catch the 28 bus from Fisherman’s Wharf and take it all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center.

If you’re coming from Union Square, first take the 38 bus along Geary Boulevard going west to Park Presidio Boulevard, and then transfer to the 28 heading north to the bridge.

If you don’t want to transfer, there are direct buses from downtown to the bridge: the 101, 130, and 150. They pick up along Mission Street.

However, they are not included in your Muni Passport because they are run by Golden Gate Transit. These cost $5.50 per person each way.

What to do here? When you arrive at the Welcome Center, you’ll find a plaza with an outdoor museum about the making of the Golden Gate Bridge. After learning about its history and admiring the view, you’ll want to actually step onto the masterpiece.

Walk along the eastern sidewalk to the first tower (or farther, if you want—the whole bridge is 1.7 miles long) to gaze up at the massive steel structure. (Note: cars pay to cross the bridge, but pedestrians and cyclists do not.)

Head back and warm up with a hot drink at the Round House Cafe before catching the bus.

Estimated Time: 9 am to 11 am

If you have extra time: If you love being active and want to make this an all-morning adventure, consider the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito Cycling Tour.

It starts from Fisherman’s Wharf, guides you to the best photo stops along the waterfront, and ends on the northern side of the bridge, where you can choose whether to bike or ferry back. This exhilarating ride is one you’ll never forget. Find out more here.

>> Discover more details on visiting the Golden Gate Bridge

2. Admire the Palace of Fine Arts

What makes this a must-see? The Palace of Fine Arts is another SF icon you’ll recognize from postcards. It is historically significant as the only structure still standing from the 1915 world’s fair that put San Francisco back on the map after the devastating earthquake and fire of 1906.

It was intended as a temporary exhibit, but the Roman-inspired dome and columns were just too beautiful to tear down.

Why come here next? You’ll pass by the Palace of Fine Arts on your way back to the city from the Golden Gate Bridge. Since it’s on the way and admission is free, there’s no excuse not to stop and stroll around this serene park.

How to get here? If you love to walk, you can make your way on foot from the bridge. It will take you about 45 minutes to walk through the Presidio, but the views are worth it! You could even stop at the beach at Crissy Field on the way.

Otherwise, from the Golden Gate Bridge parking lot, simply hop on the 28 bus headed toward Fisherman’s Wharf (rather than the 28 headed south to the Richmond District).

As you descend from the bridge, you’ll see the Palace of Fine Arts in the distance, and then off to the left. That’s when you’ll know to get off at the next stop (Richardson Avenue and Francisco Street).

What to do here? Relax and soak in the scenery! You could grab a picnic lunch nearby and sit on the lawn in front of the lagoon, or you can simply wander the grounds and admire the details of the stunning architecture.

While the Palace of Fine Arts is home to a theater venue, you won’t actually go inside the building unless you have tickets to a show. This is more a place to bird- (or people-) watch outdoors, and snap photos, of course!

Estimated Time: 11 am to 12 pm

If you have extra time: This attraction is located in SF’s hip Marina District. In this neighborhood, you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as boutique shops and galleries. To get to the commercial corridor, head two blocks south to Chestnut Street and walk east.

>> Find all the details about visiting the Palace of Fine Arts

3. Immerse Yourself in Chinatown

What makes this a must-see? This bustling area is famous for many reasons: it’s the oldest Chinatown in North America, the largest outside of Asia, and the city’s most densely populated neighborhood.

The original Chinese enclave sprang from the Gold Rush era of the 1850s. After the 1906 earthquake, it was rebuilt with the flamboyantly “Oriental” flare that it maintains today, boasting dragons, lanterns, glazed tiles, and more.

Why come here next? Chinatown is the spot to grab a delicious, inexpensive bite to eat. (Even if you already ate near the Palace of Fine Arts, I dare you to resist the temptation of the authentic Chinese pastries and other treats lining the shop windows!)

An immersive cultural experience, the neighborhood can be enjoyed on a quick walkthrough or a whole afternoon meandering its alleys and hopping between its free attractions.

Therefore, you can take as little or as long as you want before heading to North Beach (you may have a dinner reservation or a show to catch there).

How to get here? From the Palace of Fine Arts, walk north toward Crissy Field and the waterfront to pick up the #30 bus at Mason Street and Yacht Road.

Take it all the way to Stockton and Sutter Street. You’ll be just one block away from the famous Dragon’s Gate “entrance” to Chinatown.

What to do here? First, take your photo op at the Dragon’s Gate, your introduction to the uniquely ornate Chinese architecture of this district.

Walk up Grant Street, where you’ll find numerous shops selling the cheapest clothing, home goods, and souvenirs in town. Make sure to admire the colorful street art along the way.

You’ll probably want to wolf down some tasty dim sum or at least try some of the unusual produce and goods at the markets. Later, you can stop at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory for dessert.

Estimated Time: 1 pm to 4 pm

If you have extra time: For a more in-depth cultural experience, you can visit one of the Chinese temples that are open to the public.

If you have more time, then stop by Portsmouth Square or the Willie "Woo Woo" Wong Playground to watch community members playing mahjong or doing tai chi.

>> Get my insider’s scoop on the best of Chinatown, including where to eat

4. Go Out with a Bang in North Beach

What makes this a must-see? North Beach is a historic and beloved district in San Francisco. The charm of our ‘Little Italy’ is undeniable—no wonder why the Beat poets convened here in the 1950s!

In North Beach, you can climb up to Coit Tower and enjoy some of the best views in San Francisco from its Observation Deck.

Why end your two-day itinerary for San Francisco here? This classic San Francisco neighborhood has something for everyone to top off an amazing trip to our city. It’s especially lively after dark, so you can take your time walking around enjoying the SF sights on your last night.

What to do here? Start at Coit Tower to get there before closing (6 pm April - October and 5 pm November - March), and then work your way downhill. Inside, admire the controversial 1930s murals (free) and take the elevator (paid) to incredible 360-degree views of the city!

It will be fun to see how many places you recognize from your two-day visit.

Walk down Filbert Street towards Kearny and keep going towards the pointy white spires of the famous Saints Peter and Paul Church, where Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe took their wedding photos.

Check out City Lights Bookstore founded by Lawrence Ferlinghetti (they often host talks and book readings), and then relax with a drink and Jack Kerouac vibes at the Vesuvio Cafe.

Don’t forget to enjoy a delicious Italian meal at the Stinking Rose, Golden Boy Pizza, or another one of my recommendations, and admire the wonderful street art along the way.

How to get here? Walk from Chinatown. As you make your way north from the Dragon’s Gate, you’ll eventually run into Columbus Avenue, where the neighboring district of North Beach begins. From there, it’s less than a 15-minute walk uphill to Coit Tower.

Instead of walking up steep Telegraph Hill, you could head along flatter Columbus Avenue to Union Street and pick up the #39 bus from there to the Coit Tower parking lot.

Estimated Time: 4 pm until late

If you have extra time: If you have more time during the day, you can peruse the Beat Museum to learn more about the art movement that came alive in this area.

At night, you have so many options! Watch a comedy show at Cobb’s, catch a concert at Bimbo’s 365, or take in the acrobatic extravaganza “Dear San Francisco” at the legendary Club Fugazi.

>> Discover more of the best-kept secrets of SF’s North Beach

Find the Best Place to Stay

If you are only spending a few days in San Francisco, then the best place to stay is either in Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square.

It’s easy to access all of the stops included in this two-day itinerary for San Francisco, including great places to eat and hang out at night.

You will find a variety of options, from high-end hotels to budget-friendly beauties.

>> My top hotel recommendations for Fisherman's Wharf

>> My favorite lodging options in Union Square

Uncover Additional Itineraries

After reviewing all the fantastic things to discover in San Francisco, are you thinking you might extend your stay? If so, then check out my Three-Day Itinerary.

Your additional day in the City will allow you to explore our massive and beautiful Golden Gate Park, as well as more local neighborhoods, like the Sunset and Mission Districts.

Additional Ideas for Your Short Stay

I tried to fit in as many top attractions in this Two-Day Itinerary as possible, and my readers have told me they loved the amount of things they were able to see and do in such a short time!

However, if you’re looking for something more, or San Francisco adventures that are off the beaten path, then I recommend checking out my list of 10 fun things to do on one day in San Francisco.

The list includes our most popular museums, hidden gems, and unique city tours to mix things up.

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