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There’s something about San Francisco that grabs you from the moment you arrive. For me, it’s the salty breeze rolling off the bay, the pastel-painted houses stacked on steep hills, the clang of the cable cars moving through the streets. With just 48 hours to explore, you might think it’s impossible to see and taste the best of the city. If you plan it right, two days in San Francisco can feel like a complete adventure.
I have lived near San Francisco and have been visiting the city for over 30 years. I’ll share a 2-day itinerary that blends San Francisco’s most iconic sights, like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, with some of my favorite local flavors that make this city unforgettable. This trip is just as much about savoring the city’s flavors as it is about experiencing it.
2 Days in San Francisco Overview
🦭 Day 1: Wharf Vibes, Foodie Neighborhoods & Sunset Views
🚢 Day 2: City Highlights & Alcatraz by Night
Planning a quick weekend in San Francisco? With just 2 days, albeit two packed days, you can still check off the most iconic attractions on your bucket list.
Tours you should pre-book for San Francisco
If you really want to make the most of your trip, add one (or all!) of these tours to your itinerary. They’re super popular and tend to fill up fast, so pre-book to avoid missing out:
➡️Alcatraz Night Tour Option
This tour tends to book up 2-3 months in advance, especially on weekends and during the busy Summer season, so I suggest booking early. Hop the ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz, where the audio tour shares intriguing stories from inmates and guards. Explore beyond the cell blocks to discover gardens and the island’s layered past. Choose the night tour option for fewer crowds, glowing sunsets and an eerie vibe.
➡️ Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour
Book the same 4-hour walking and eating tour that my family and I took, and you’ll really love hearing the insider perspective from the guide.
➡️Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
With 17 stops that cover all the significant sights like Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Chinatown, and even a drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, you can see a ton without worrying about parking or public transit. I love that you can hop off whenever something catches your eye and explore at your own pace, then catch the next bus when you’re ready. It’s a stress-free way to soak up the city’s highlights.
🦭Day 1: Wharf Vibes, Foodie Neighborhoods & Sunset Views
You’ll need to wear comfortable shoes today because you’ll be getting your steps in as you walk down Fisherman’s Wharf and two famous foodie neighborhoods.
Morning: Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39
Start your day with a classic San Francisco breakfast like sourdough toast or a crab omlet at Boudin Bakery Café.
Then, watch the sea lions basking on the docks at Pier 39, snap photos of the Golden Gate Bridge peeking through the fog and browse local shops.
Afternoon: Chinatown & Little Italy Food Tour
You’ll take the Powell-Hyde Cable Car line from Fisherman’s Wharf to Chinatown and meet your food tour guide at the Dragon Gate in Chinatown. It also makes for a great photo opportunity.
➡️Here’s a map of where all of the Cable Car lines are and where the free Cable Car Museum is, which is fun to run through.
This is the same Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour that I went on with my family and we enjoyed eating our way through Chinatown and neighboring North Beach (Little Italy). You’ll taste everything from handmade dim sum at the oldest dim sum restaurant in Chinatown, the best BBQ pork buns, and cannoli to the best Nepalese pizza and gelato. I never would have been able to find these spots on my own. I really enjoyed walking through this neighborhood with a guide who lived in Chinatown and could point out all the interesting places and fascinating history that went along with it.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket.
Evening: Sunset Views and Sundaes
Catch the perfect sunset from Twin Peaks or Baker Beach, both offering picture-perfect views of the bridge glowing at golden hour. Cap your night off at Ghirardelli Square for a famous hot fudge sundae.
🚢Day 2: City Highlights and Jail Views
You’ll get to see San Francisco by land and by sea today as the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour whisks you all over the city and over the Golden Gate Bridge. There are so many stops and activities at each that you’ll need to pick and choose what you want to do within your limited time, especially when visiting Golden Gate Park. Then, explore the city from a different vantage point on an Alcatraz Island Cruise.
Morning and afternoon
Spend your day exploring more of San Francisco’s iconic landmarks at your own pace. Here are just a few of the highlights:
- Golden Gate Park- a sprawling urban oasis filled with the Japanese Tea Garden (also a lovely place to have lunch), Conservatory of Flowers, Botanical and Rose Gardens, take a paddle boat across Stow Lake (now Blue Heron Lake) as well as visit the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences where you can experience a simulated earthquake and my favorite, the Bison Paddock, a hidden gem where a herd of bison has roamed since the 1890s.
- Union Square- known for its upscale shopping, historic hotels and art-filled plaza
- Haight-Ashbury- vintage shops, colorful Victorian homes and tie-dye vibes keep the spirit of the 1960s counterculture alive
- Palace of Fine Arts- built for the 1915 World’s Fair, it’s an architectural marvel, where gorgeous columns and a grand rotunda reflect beautifully over a tranquil lagoon
- Lombard Street- the famously crooked street lined with gardens
- Alamo Square- the classic skyline of the Victorian Painted Ladies
- Golden Gate Bridge- travel across the famous Golden Gate
Hop off wherever something catches your eye, then hop back on the next bus to visit your next stop, as that’s the joy of the Hop-on Hop-Off Bus.
Evening
Head to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing for the Alcatraz Night Tour, which sails out just before sunset. The evening tour has smaller crowds, which makes the experience extra haunting. Wander through the prison blocks, listen to real stories from former inmates and guards through the audio tour, and soak up the panoramic skyline views on the ferry ride back.
🎟️Pro Tip: Be sure to reserve early, as I mentioned earlier, Alcatraz tours tend to sell out 2-3 months in advance, especially during the busy Summer months.
➡️Bonus for Day 3: If you can stay for an extra day, I recommend a day trip to Muir Woods. This tour will take you roughly 30 minutes to walk over the Golden Gate Bridge, amongst the giant ancient redwood trees, and then to the city of Sausalito.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
San Francisco is truly a city of neighborhoods, and choosing where to stay significantly shapes the entire feel of your trip, whether you’re looking for old-school elegance, funky charm, or something budget-friendly.
Here are some tried-and-true places that stand out:
📍Union Square & Nob Hill:
Classic & Central. If you want to be in the thick of things, especially shopping, then Union Square and Nob Hill deliver that quintessential San Francisco energy.
Best Budget Option: Hotel Adagio, The Autograph Collection
✨Centrally located just a block from Union Square
✨Spanish colonial charm blended with contemporary style, built in 1929, with chic, updated rooms
✨Home to a lively cocktail lounge and welcoming atmosphere
Best Mid-Range Option- The Marker
✨Prime location steps from Union Square
✨Playful boutique style with a mix of historic charm & colorful design
✨Stylish without being stuffy
Best Luxury Option: Fairmont San Francisco
✨Iconic location perched high on Nob Hill with sweeping city views
✨Timeless luxury and grandeur from the moment you step inside
✨Legendary afternoon tea featuring elegant service in the Laurel Court with finger sandwiches, scones and fragrant teas
✨The Tonga Toom & Hurricane Bar is legendary for being a tiki paradise with a floating band stage, tropical cocktails and surprise rainstorms
✨This is a visit that makes you feel like royalty
📍Fisherman’s Wharf – On the Waterfront:
If you’re traveling with kids or want to be right by the water, Fisherman’s Wharf is a fun choice and one of my favorite places to stay because you can take evening strolls on the Bay and watch the sunset behind the Golden Gate Bridge.
Best Budget Option: Kimpton Alton Fisherman’s Wharf
✨Boutique-style hotel with a fun, retro vibe
✨Spacious rooms with luxe touches like Frette linens and rain showers
✨Pet-friendly and includes perks like evening wine hour
Best Mid-Range Option: The Argonaut
✨Nautical-themed hotel inside a historic brick warehouse
✨Right on the waterfront with sweeping views of the bay
✨Family-friendly and steps from the cable car turnaround
Best Luxury Option: The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square
✨Luxury residences with full kitchens and living space—great for families or longer stays
✨Located within Ghirardelli Square itself, with views of the bay and Alcatraz
✨Offers valet parking, concierge service, and a daily wine & cheese hour
Getting Around San Francisco
🚗 Do You Need a Car in San Francisco?
Short answer: No. San Francisco is incredibly walkable and the city has tons of reliable public transportation options. Plus, parking at hotels and garages can be very expensive and navigating those steep hills and tight streets isn’t always fun. Skip the rental car and use these ways to get around:
- BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)– best for airport transfers. It’s super easy, take the free AirTrain from your terminal to the Bart Station. You can purchase a Clipper card at a kiosk or pay with a credit card/phone. Take a red or yellow line train into downtown San Francisco. This is the cheapest option, but make sure you’re up to carrying all your luggage through any transfers you may have.
- If you’re staying near Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll need to get off at the Embarcadero station, then walk to the street level near the Ferry building, where you’ll catch the F-line streetcar to Fisherman’s Wharf. This can take up to 60 minutes, depending on wait times and connections and costs about $12 at the time of this writing.
- If you’re staying near Union Square, you can take BART to the Powell Street station and walk to your hotel. This will take about 30 minutes and at the time of this writing costs about $12.
- Ride shares and traditional taxis– takes about 30 minutes and costs around $45-$55.
- Muni Buses– affordable and with extensive coverage throughout the city. Check this map to view the bus routes. You can pay using a Clipper Card, via the MuniMobile App or cash.
- Cable Cars– this is the classic San Francisco experience that you must do during your trip. Here is a map of their routes.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour– I suggested this tour earlier as it will take you to major attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts and Golden Gate Park.
- Waymo (Self-Driving Ride Service)– a futuristic driverless ride that is great for quick hops around the city, and yes, it will drive you down the twistiest street, Lombard Street. You’ll need to download the Waymo app on your phone.
- Streetcars (F-line Trolleys)– vintage streetcards along Market Street and the Embarcadero. It’s a fun way to travel to Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Ferries– Scenic and relaxing rides across the Bay to places like Sausalito, Tiburon, Alameda and Alcatraz with epic skyline views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2 days enough in San Francisco?
Yes, 2 days is the right amount of time to experience San Francisco’s highlights. You won’t see everything, but you’ll hit the must-sees and get an excellent feel for the city’s charm. If you can’t add any additional days to your visit, San Francisco has a way of convincing you to come back for more and you can explore more then.
Where to park in San Francisco?
Parking in San Francisco can be pricey and tricky, especially near major attractions where spots fill up quickly. If you’re driving into the city, plan to park once and explore using public transportation, which is excellent and well-connected or by walking. Many visitors choose to leave their car at their hotel’s garage or use secure paid garages near Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square. For the best deals and to reserve a spot in advance, use an app like Spot Hero to compare pricing and lock in parking before you arrive.
What’s the best month to go to San Francisco?
San Francisco is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is in the Fall from September through November. The weather is surprisingly warm, the skies are clear and there’s less fog covering the Golden Gate Bridge. Spring from April through June is another great option with mild temperatures and blooming parks. Summer is the most popular season, but contrary to most Summer destinations, it can be chilly and foggy, so be sure to pack layers as San Francisco weather loves to keep you on your toes.
What should I pack for 2 days in San Francisco?
San Francisco’s weather can change in a heartbeat, so layers are your best friend. Pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes for hills and city exploring, a lightweight jacket or fleece for breezy evenings and a stylish outfit for a nice dinner out. Don’t forget sunscreen (even on foggy days), a portable phone charger and a crossbody bag to keep essentials secure while navigating busy hotspots. With the right layers and comfy shoes, you’ll be ready to conquer SF’s sights in just 48 hours.
Final Thoughts
Two days in San Francisco may fly by, but the city has a way of leaving lasting impressions. You’ll cherish your time digging into a steaming bowl of clam chowder, savoring pork buns in Chinatown and gelato in North Beach, listening to the barking of the sea lions at Pier 39 and traveling over the Golden Gate Bridge.
But beyond the sights and flavors, the real magic of San Francisco is in the myriad adventures waiting around every corner. So, what will your first step be? Which hilltop will you climb first to take in the panoramic views? Pack your bags, set your itinerary, and get ready for an unforgettable journey, where every moment feels like a discovery waiting to happen.
