Spend Three Days in San Francisco

It's difficult to see all the major sites and get acquainted with a city in three days, especially with a city like San Francisco where there is so much to do and see. But if you only have three days, there are steps to ensure that you have a great visit!

Steps

  1. Consider some of the things you have heard about San Francisco and what things attracted you to the city. Was it the history? The impressively colored Victorians? The time of year may have an impact on what you want to see or do, September and October are generally the warmer months in the city, while January and February can be quite rainy.
  2. Set realistic objectives. It would be impossible to see and do everything in three weeks, let alone three days. Do research on the city and upcoming events at SF Gate. In particular, research the area where you'll be staying, and avoid booking hotels online that are located in the Tenderloin district. Although the Tenderloin is endearing in its own right and the hotels may be cheaper, dealing with the local conditions of the neighborhood may not be worth the trouble.
  3. Be sure to walk over the Golden Gate Bridge. A suggested plan is to first visit the Legion of Honor Museum and then take the hike around Land's End. This will bring you up through Seacliff and by Baker's Beach to the Golden Gate Bridge. You could also take a bicycle ride along the waterfront and over the Bridge to Sausalito. Lastly, rent a GoCar/ Bike and take a tour around the Presidio, it's an interesting more park-like part of San Francisco, has some great views, and it's an easy ride to reach the Golden Gate. Note: if you do ride across the bridge you will ride on the East side from Sunrise to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and on the West side from 3:30 p.m. to Sunset and on the Weekends. Also when riding be very alert at the towers as there are blind turns and there can be many riders on the bridge during nice weather.
  4. Decide if you want to see Alcatraz. Tickets should be booked in advance, but try not to get caught up in the fun at Pier 39; San Francisco has too much to offer for you to spend much time at this well known tourist trap.
  5. Check out a baseball game. Depending on the season, the San Francisco Giants have games in South of Market quite often. Tickets range in price from $11 to as high as you want to pay to see a ballgame. The 49ers play south of the city and tickets are harder to come by. Similarly, the Oakland A's play a Ride Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) ride away in Oakland and the Raiders play at the same stadium.
  6. Drive or take a cab to the top of Twin Peaks. The twisting road leads to the top of Twin Peaks - and the 360 degree view from the top is a site you will never forget.
  7. Visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. With an impressive permanent collection (including works by Rene Magritte, Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol) and frequent exhibits, SFMOMA is one of the most impressive art museums on the US West Coast.
  8. Spend some time at Haight & Ashbury. Have a stroll down Haight Street admiring both all of the eccentric shops and even more eccentric panhandlers. Have a pint of a local microbrew at Magnolia. Continue west to Haight Street until you've reached the edge of Golden Gate Park.
  9. Head to North Beach, an area that offers excellent Italian Food and a nice nightlife.
  10. Remember San Francisco offers some of the best Mexican food in the US. There are plenty of Mexican restaurants in the Mission district.
  11. Walk along Fisherman's Wharf and have some Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl; make your way to the Buena Vista for world-famous Irish Coffee.
  12. Eat some Chinese food and browse the shops in Chinatown, or in the "new" Chinatown on Clement (pronounced 'clu-MENT')in the Richmond District.
  13. Stroll along Chestnut Street in the Marina neighborhood.
  14. Take a hike through the beautiful Japanese Gardens at Golden Gate Park, or if you're visiting with kids stop by the Academy of Sciences for a fun museum experience (also located in Golden Gate Park).
  15. Ride the cable cars. Either pay cash on board or, if there are others in your group, let them buy tickets while you wait in line. If you are offered transfers, take them. They are good for 2-3 hours and can be used to go any direction after you get off.
  16. Go to Ocean Beach. Here you can see the Sutro Bathes remains and eat at the famous Cliff House. Take a walk down the beach, watch some surfers, or enjoy the view.

Tips

  • Dress in layers. San Francisco is full of micro-climates causing the temperature to change frequently in just a few blocks and a few hours.
  • San Francisco is a walkers' town, so hoof it. A car is a liability here, not an asset. (Be aware, however, when you are near one of the famous hills. Some inclines can be difficult.)
  • Don't call it "Frisco".
  • Use Yelp.com to find the good spots to eat. You might discover the places that your friends have boasted about might not be as great as the place next door for half the price.
  • Ask people of their experiences who have been to San Francisco!
  • Bring plenty of cash with you on your trip. San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the country, but it's also one of the most tourist friendly ones.
  • Don't call it "San Fran". Around here we call it "The City."
  • Watch out for pickpockets! Every big city has them SF is no exception, therefore keep your valuables (phones, wallets, etc.) in a safe spot.

Warnings

  • Twin Peaks is over {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} and can be a steep road to drive up.
  • If you are driving, prepare to hunt for parking spaces. San Francisco's parking is varied and tends to be unsuccessful in tourist neighborhoods. The streets alone can be hard to find parking and make sure you park in a safe area.
  • Don't try to do everything in just three days!
  • When driving, set aside cash for parking alone. There are garages in more heavily populated and tourist-friendly neighborhoods, but they can be expensive with some charging on an hourly basis of $10.00 or more to a flat daily fee. If you're parking on the street, remember to bring plenty of quarters with you as the city's parking is expensive (usually $0.25 for 7 minutes), with meter maids routinely checking the meters on an hourly basis. If you are using a meter, make sure you're within walking distance as the meters are limited to one hour.
  • Driving in San Francisco is a nightmare and is very costly (expensive) unless you are experienced and used to all the cost. If you're not comfortable with driving in ST take public transit as tolls and the price for renting the car can be expensive and traffic can be crazy at peak hours on expressways.

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