3 days in San Francisco
by
TravelMuse West Coast , JillRobinsonWhether you’re new to San Francisco or left your heart here long ago, this trip plan will help you discover—or rediscover—some of San Francisco’s landmarks and lesser-known gems. From the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island to the Mission District murals and the Ferry Building marketplace, San Francisco's charms will keep you coming back time and time again.
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Read our insider’s guide to planning your San Francisco vacation and San Francisco family travel: Golden Gate Park, recommended San Francisco hotels, San Francisco restaurants and plenty of charming neighborhoods to explore.
Hotel vitale is an ideal location for business in the financial district and for leisure as it is on the embarcadero waterfront and across the street from the landmark ferry buildingthe hotel boasts 200 spacious guestrooms and suites many with spectacular views of the water and bay bridge Hotel vitale is a full-service luxury hotel offering a spa with outdoor rooftop soaking tubs - a signature restaurant - and outdoor patio Also offers 24 hour room service - outdoor event space and conference space - fitness center - business center - and complimentary wired and wireless internet in all guestrooms and public space.
Contact Information: 8 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States 415-278-3700
Ferry Building Marketplace is a must-see for San Francisco visitors. This multi-million dollar development has an abundance of activities for the entire family. Take a tour of the historical Ferry Building, browse through antique shops, enjoy a view by the bay and a bowl of chowder at Ferry Plaza Seafood, or buy organic produce at the Farmer's Market. Enjoy the sights and sounds of what makes the Ferry Building one of the Bay's most popular destinations for entertainment, food, and fun.
Contact Information: 1 Ferry Building, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States +1 415 693 0996
No longer a prison for some of America's most dangerous offenders, Alcatraz is part of the National Park Service and is a must-see for visitors to the city. Once on the island, you will certainly be captivated by its history and its incredible beauty. Take your camera because regardless of where you're situated, a photo opportunity awaits. Also, dress in layers (even during the summer months) because the island can be breezy and inside the prison it is cold and damp. If you want to scare your kiddies into good behavior, there is a cellhouse audio tour of Alcatraz. Ferries to Alcatraz depart from Pier 33, and are run by Alcatraz Cruises. All tours start at 9 a.m. See the website for up-to-date scheduling and complete visitation particulars.
Contact Information: Off 201 Fort Mason, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States +1 415 705 5555
Fisherman's Wharf remains one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations. The Wharf consists of a long, coast side row of seafood restaurants, street vendors, souvenir stores, and beautiful ocean scenery. Fisherman's Wharf was originally a major fishing pier, and although the fishing industry is still alive today, the main focus of this specific coastal area is its historic tourist attractions. Parking is limited on the Wharf itself so parking downtown or taking a cable car to the Wharf is recommended. Ferry rides are offered for those who would like to visit Marin County. There are numerous attractions and great places to eat (see the other entries for Tourist Attractions and Fisherman Wharf restaurants). Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, even during summer months, the breeze off the ocean can be quite chilling. And take your camera--the photo opportunities are fabulous.
Contact Information: Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States +1 415 391 2000 (Tourist Information)
An engineering masterpiece, this bridge, built in 1937, towers with sturdy grace over the Golden Gate. Stretching over 4,200 feet, it is every bit as awesome an accomplishment in suspension-bridge engineering today as it was over half a century ago. Pedestrians and bike riders can access the east entrance for a jaunt on one of the world's most famous corridors. For photos, or to view the bridge in its entirety, try the spectacular lookout points located at the southeast and northeast ends. Don't miss the historic Roundhouse, a gift shop and visitors center, which boasts a fine selection of souvenirs, and an informative exhibit about the bridge's construction and history.
Contact Information: Lincoln Boulevard & Doyle Drive, US Highway 101, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States +1 415 921 5858
With a gorgeous view of the Oakland Bay Bridge, the interior of Epic Roasthouse is a stunning accomplishment by famed restaurant entrepreneur Pat Kuleto. There are large windows, rich fabrics, and a large fireplace making the restaurant warm and inviting. A very busy place, if you don't have reservations the wait can be quite long. Luckily there is a full bar upstairs at which you can wait and have a selection of fine wines or cocktails. For dinner try Lemon Rosemary Garlic Chicken Under Stone with Toasted Brioche Salad or New York Strip with Coriander, Black Peppercorns, and Coffee Beans.
Contact Information: 369 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States +1 415 369 9955
One of the busiest areas of the city, Chinatown is a hodgepodge of shops, restaurants and businesses of every kind. The vibrant and close-knit community that lives within this neighborhood has also made it one of San Francisco's top tourist destinations. Thankfully, there are many side streets, quiet shops and traditional restaurants that provide some relief from the bustle outside. Try your luck at one of the hundreds of dining options in the area, especially those serving Dim Sum, as they can be some of the best in the city. Also make sure to stop in some of the small herbal shops for some unusual trinkets and art. Grant Avenue is one of the oldest streets in Chinatown.
Contact Information: Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States +1 415 391 2000
It’s great to visit North Beach and Chinatown together—they are right next to each other, and it really gives you a sense for how distinct each neighborhood is in San Francisco.
Despite the popular misconception, Joe DiMaggio did not marry Marilyn Monroe in this opulent church (that was at City Hall). He did, however, marry his first wife, starlet Dorothy Arnold, here and it was this church that celebrated his funeral mass. Dating only from 1922, this Roman Catholic church is awash in marble, gilding and ornately carved wood, starting with the life-size marble angel at the entrance. Inside the hushed sanctuary, redolent with the aroma of burning candles, is an elaborately carved and painted ceiling glinting with gold leaf. Pendant chandeliers in aged brass and frosted glass hang from the arches of the colonnade on either side of the nave. The altar is an explosion of marble carved with the titular saints of the church, plus cherubs, angels and all the niches and domes needed to contain them. Statues and shrines, including one to Our Lady of Lourdes that features a faux grotto, line the walls and the elaborate chapels.this church is located near the Washington Square which is an outdoor meeting hall and a social center.
Contact Information: 660 Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States +1 415 421 5219
This independent North Beach icon, founded by an icon of another sort, Beat writer-mentor Lawrence Ferlinghetti, goes beyond your average bookstore by shelving beat literature, anthologies, and fiction from Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and much more. Experience San Francisco through the words written by some of the area's most famous, and sometimes hard-to-find, writers. The store has its own publishing house, City Lights, which has enriched the San Francisco community since 1953 by promoting emerging writers with an edge.
Contact Information: 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States +1 415 362 8193
Beach Blanket Babylon started 30 years ago, springing from the creative mind of impresario Steve Silver, as a rag-tag collection of bizarrely costumed street theater performers. It is a fairy tale for adults, wherein Snow White takes a fast-paced musical journey in search of her Prince Charming. Along the way, Snow White encounters a star-studded, always changing, always contemporary line up of hilarious pop culture characters like Rush Limbaugh, Oprah Winfrey, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart, George W. Bush, Britney Spears and the gang from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, just for good measure! This preposterous romp is music, mayhem, madness and altogether an amazing night of nut-cake cabaret and razor sharp satirical wit. Beach Blanket Babylon is a must see for San Francisco tourists and locals.Club Fugazi is a permanent home for them as all their shows are performed here. Beach Blanket Babylon is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8pm.
Contact Information: 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States +1 415 421 4222
In the late 1800s, a Scotsman named John McLaren transformed more than 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of sand dunes into a wondrous haven in the midst of busy city life. Stretching over 50 blocks from Stanyan Street to the Pacific Ocean, the lush landscaping features ever-changing settings at every turn. There are trails for walking, jogging, biking, horseback riding, as well as a golf course, lawn bowling greens, a lake with paddle boats, soccer fields and a baseball diamond. For those seeking less strenuous diversion, check out the California Academy of Sciences and an authentic Japanese Tea Garden. For families with children, there are playgrounds, a live buffalo reserve and a carousel. You can also find the Shakespeare Garden by going down a hidden lane in the park.
Contact Information: Stanyan and Haight Street, Eastern Entrance, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States +1 415 581 2559
The California Academy of Sciences has undergone a complete makeover. Located in Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is one of the "greenest" buildings in the city and has a platinum certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The museum features the state of the art Steinhart Aquarium, complete with the beloved hands-on tidepool, as well as the well-known alligator swamp, in addition to the incredible and expanded rest of the aquarium. Other exciting features of the museum are the Morrison Planetarium, the new, four-story rainforest dome, and the Hall of African Mammals, a beloved exhibit preserved from the old Academy. The Hall of African Mammals also features a live penguin exhibit. In addition to these interactive exhibits, the museum features other natural history exhibits as well as exhibits about global warming and helping our environment. The Academy also features the Academy Cafe with many, varied options of styles of cuisine, as well as the elegant Moss Room restaurant, the only dining option available in the park past museum closing time. Don't miss Thursday nights in Spring and Summer when the Academy hosts Nightlife, with special lecturers, DJs, cocktails, and mingling for the 21 and up crowd.
Contact Information: 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States +1 415 379 8000
The historic Mission District is home to many internationally famous murals. See 75 murals in just 6 blocks in an informative tour given by a professional muralist. Tours also include historic sites of community mural art and other points of interest. Check website for private tours, bicycle tours, and additional information.
Contact Information: 2981 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States +1 415 285 2287
The colorful Mission District we can say is the capital of murals in San Francisco, as it has the greatest number of murals in this vibrant city. San Francisco has kept its tradition rich and diverse with murals painted on building walls, garage doors, fences and facades. The Latino community that resided in the neighborhood of Mission District in 1970s bought this unique tradition with them.
Contact Information: 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States +1 415 391 2000 (Tourist Information)
Delfina is tiny but very popular as well, which generally means it is packed and quite loud inside. Luckily, you will not need to say much except, "This is really good!" and "I would like another order of this," both of which can be conveyed with hand gestures and facial expressions. Seafood dishes are the highlights of the menu. So are the pastas, risottos and vegetarian specialties. Save room for dessert, which features the awe-inspiring Panna Cotta that is home made and is an almost religious experience. The service is terrific.
Contact Information: 3621 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States +1 415 552 4055
This impressive Neo-Gothic structure crowning Nob Hill was built on the site of the Crocker Mansion after the 1906 earthquake and fire. The interior features stained glass windows in celestial blues and vibrant reds and yellows. There are also frescoes depicting the history of San Francisco and scenes from the life of San Francisco's patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi. The gilded bas-reliefs that adorn the doors of the main entrance are cast from Ghiberti's original molds for the Gates of Paradise that adorn the Baptistery in Florence. This facility also boasts an indoor and an outdoor labyrinth.It has the outdoor labyrinth made up of Terrazzo stone and the indoor one made up of limestone.
Contact Information: 1100 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States +1 415 749 6300
Haight-Ashbury is a district in San Francisco named after the intersections of the Haight and the Ashbury street. Its neighborhood generally covers the Golden Gate Park , Oak street, Baker street and the Buena Vista Park. This district is famous for its role in the 1960s hippies movement. Many who could not find space to live in San Francisco's northside found it cheaper here.
Contact Information: Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States +1 415 391 2000 (Tourist Information)
Opened in 1995, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art houses a permanent collection of over 15,000 works, including 4,700 paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and 9,000 photographs. The museum has exhibited the works of Henri Matisse, Richard Diebenkorn, Dorothea Lange, Paul Klee, Cindy Sherman, Matthew Barney and many contemporary artists. Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, the space itself is a wonder to behold. The lobby floor, for instance, is a massive chessboard. Gargantuan sculptures hang from above. This art gallery is located near the Yerba Buena Gardens. Admission is free the first Tuesday of each month, and Thursdays between 6-8:45 p.m., admission is half price.
Contact Information: 151 Third Street, Between Howard and Mission Streets, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States +1 415 357 4000
People watch and indulge in the fabulous dining at this San Francisco favorite. Known equally well for its affluent clientele and its Oven-Roasted Chicken, this Deco Ghetto hot spot is worth the wait to be seated. Dinner entrees are nominally priced, though specials are a bit more pricey. If you are not enamored with the dinner scene, try visiting late mornings or early afternoons when you can sip a latte (or scarf a Gorgonzola-topped burger) and watch the fog lift.
Contact Information: 1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States +1 415 552 2522
Delicious southern American fare is served at this eatery located at the junction of Tenderloin and Union Square. Fresh organic ingredients are used to prepare some divine creations. Visit with family to gorge on a satisfying weekend brunch or opt for a peaceful dinner. Start off with the soup of the day and then go for the poached prawn & roasted jalapeno cocktail sauce. A good range of entrees, sides, desserts, and teas, along with wine, beer, cocktails and more are on offer. Parking is available, adjacent to the venue.
Contact Information: 25 Mason Street, At Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States +1 415 409 3276
