A travel writer’s guide to the best places to stay, eat, and explore in San Francisco
By Teddy Danielson
I am a little bit in love with San Francisco. I’m not leaving my heart there or anything, but it is one of my favorite cities to visit. As someone who grew up (and stayed) in Santa Cruz, CA, SF is just about a 1.5-hour drive from my hometown, and it’s an ideal place to visit when you’re craving a city fix.
This 3-day itinerary is loaded with my favorite restaurants, attractions, landmarks, and experiences. It’s perfect for a first-timer in the city.
San Francisco at a Glance
- Ideal Trip Length: 3 days
- Best Time to Visit: September–November or April–May
- Nearest Airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Need a Car? No
- Best For: First-time visitors, couples, food lovers, girlfriends’ getaways
- Don’t Miss: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Ferry Building, Mission District and North Beach
Know Before You Go
A few tips that will make your first San Francisco trip even better:
- Dress in layers—the weather changes quickly.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Book Alcatraz tickets before your trip.
- Skip the rental car if you’re staying in the city.
- Reserve an e-bike ahead of time if you plan to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Lodging and Transportation
San Francisco comprises 35+ unique neighborhoods. The neighborhood you choose to call home base will set the tone for your stay. Let me walk you through a few of my favorite neighborhoods (for lodging) and where to stay:
Financial District
San Francisco’s financial district is chock-full of historic architecture and luxury hotels, and it’s incredibly convenient in terms of access to public transport. It’s also right on the water. Here’s where to stay:
- Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero: With luxurious rooms and panoramic views of the bay and the Golden Gate from the top 11 floors, this is the perfect place to splurge. The hotel boasts fabulous dining options and convenient access to activities through your concierge.
- Club Quarters: For something more affordable but equally well located and plenty comfortable, consider Club Quarters. With its mix of standard rooms and suites, a lovely restaurant, gym, and friendly staff, it’s a top choice for couples looking to explore the city.
The Mission
The Mission District is one of San Francisco’s artsier neighborhoods. Home to Mission Dolores Park, the famous Tartine Bakery, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and colorful murals, it’s a nice place to rub elbows with locals:
- Parker Guest House: Set in two beautifully restored historic homes, this charming inn boasts lovely gardens, complimentary breakfast, and a nightly wine social (great for solo travelers).
- Noe’s Nest Bed & Breakfast: This colorful Victorian B&B, with its eclectic décor, peaceful garden, and fabulous breakfast buffet, is hard to beat. It feels more like staying in a charming local home than a traditional hotel.
The Presidio
One of San Francisco’s prettiest neighborhoods, the Presidio is a former military post turned national park. It’s for those who wish for a little more nature during their city visit:
- Inn at the Presidio: Set in a historic building in the heart of the Presidio, this peaceful boutique hotel is surrounded by eucalyptus trees and walking trails.
- Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast: This beautifully restored Victorian bed-and-breakfast sits just a block or so south of the Presidio. Guests can expect a generous breakfast, lovely gardens, and a rooftop deck with panoramic city views.
Transportation
You don’t need a car in San Francisco. Parking is limited and expensive, and traffic can be a drag. The city is easy to explore using a combination of walking, rideshares, public transit (Muni and BART), and the occasional cable car ride. You can also easily rent an E-Bike at Dandyhorse SF or through Bay Wheels using the Lyft App.
Day 1
Morning
Rise and shine and head on over to Bon Délire to get the day started. Their French-inspired brunch is arguably some of the best in the city. Order the Croque-Madame. Trust me.
Fed (and maybe Mimosa-ed)? Take a stroll to Pier 39. This iconic SF pier is home to more sea lions than you can count, all barking and singing their songs. The views of the bay aren’t half bad either.
Nearby, the Exploratorium awaits. Explore science, art, and human perception through hands-on exhibits. Kids and adults will love it. After, get a workout in by climbing to the top of Coit Tower. The tower’s jaw-dropping panoramic views are well worth the 400 steps to the top.
Afternoon
Once you catch your breath, check out the Ferry Building’s renowned marketplace. Here, you’ll find everything from artisan food stalls to a fabulous little book shop to local artisans selling everything from ceramics to skincare. It’s a great place to grab lunch and a souvenir or two.
Next stop? Alcatraz. This world-famous historic prison sits on an island in the bay. It’s no longer in use, but man, is it still spooky. If you can swing it, splurge on a Behind-the-Scenes Tour from Alcatraz City Cruises to see the lesser-visited corners of the prison.
Evening
As the sun starts to set, head back to your place of lodging and get ready for dinner. The Palette Tea House has some of the best dim sum in the city. The Pekin Duck and Pork Xiao Long Bao are must-orders for meat-eaters. After, take a walk (or grab an Uber) over to Bix. This dark, moody, upscale jazz club is the perfect place to sip on your favorite bev and enjoy a live performance.
Editor’s Tip: Reserve your Alcatraz tour before your trip. The Behind-the-Scenes Tour often sells out first and is well worth the upgrade.
Day 2
Morning
Day two in San Francisco is full of activities. First things first, grab some coffee and a bite to eat at Cinderella Bakery. This beloved Russian bakery boasts the best Blinchik (a kind of Russian crepe) in town, with fillings ranging from Nutella to caviar. Their pirogi and almond cake are also hard to beat.
Once the caffeine hits, head on over to Dandyhorse SF to rent an e-bike. The peddle from Dandyhorse to the Golden Gate Viewpoint on the other side of the bridge takes roughly 50 minutes, and every single one of them is worth it. The views from the Bridge itself (and the viewpoint, of course) are breathtaking, and it’s one of those fun bucket list items you get to check off.
Afternoon
Lunch time! And Dalida has to be one of my top picks for lunch. This Eastern Mediterranean spot in the Presidio is famous for its Octopus, but I’m crazy about their Midye Dolma, too.
Since you’re in the Presidio already, it makes sense to spend the afternoon exploring. The kids will love The Walt Disney Family Museum and the iconic Yoda statue at Letterman Digital Arts Center. Walking trails weave through the city’s largest public collection of outdoor artwork by Andy Goldsworthy, and the historic Montgomery Street Barracks are more than worth a visit.
Evening
Freshen up and treat yourself to a multi-course tapas-style meal at Coqueta in the Embarcadero. This waterfront restaurant, with its cured meats and Iberian cheeses, will transport you to some cute corner of Granada, Spain. Do me a favor and order some Paella and Pilpo a la Parrilla while you sip your Albarino.
From Coqueta, feel free to call it a night, OR consider some live music at The Fillmore or Great American Music Hall. Both venues are steeped in history and attract some pretty impressive acts.
Day 3
Morning
For your last day in San Francisco, we’re going a little more artsy and off the beaten track. Kick things off at the original Tartine Bakery in the Mission District. Tartine is very famous for its naturally fermented sourdough and crave-worthy pastries. Pick up a giant morning bun or breakfast sandwich and sprawl out on the grass at Mission Dolores Park across the street to enjoy.
After breakfast, take a stroll through Clarion Alley. Here, you’re surrounded by colorful, community-driven murals. Take the time to appreciate each and every thoughtful piece. Afterward, take a short walk to Castro Street. This vibrant, historic street features rainbow crosswalks, colorful Victorians, and a plaza dedicated to Harvey Milk. It’s the heart of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community and a place where everyone feels welcome.
Afternoon
You’ve probably worked up an appetite by now, so pop on over to Foreign Cinema for lunch/brunch. This fabulous establishment features a beautiful courtyard and a seasonal California-inspired menu. The last time I went, I ordered a duck confit with poached eggs. Highly recommend. In the evening, they project films in the courtyard while patrons dine, but I have other plans for you for dinner.
Walk your lunch off with some window shopping on Valencia Street. This charming area features unique shops such as the Pirate Supply Store and Paxton Gate. Part gardening store, part natural history museum/taxidermy shop, part art bookshop, Paxton Gate is a little creepy, but it sure is a unique experience.
Evening
Time to head back to your hotel to get ready for a night on the town. Tonight, we’re visiting Cobb’s Comedy Club for some incredible standup. Since I trust Foreign Cinema fed you well, opt for an earlier show (~7 pm) and save dinner for later.
Cobb’s has been hosting everyone from up-and-coming talent to big-name comedians since 1982. The intimate venue lends itself to lots of entertaining crowdwork from the talent, so sit up front if you want to be made fun of!
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, take an evening stroll through Little Italy. This hub for Italian restaurants is home to Golden Boy Pizza, the perfect place to grab a slice (or two) of focaccia-style pizza. Prefer a sit-down meal? Da Flora is a must. Everything about this intimate Italian restaurant screams “30 years of history,” and homemade focaccia? Delicious.
San Francisco packs a lot into a relatively small city. In just three days, you can bike the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy pretty much any cuisine you can think of, visit one of the world’s most notorious prisons, laugh your face off at a comedy club, and so much more. Bring comfortable shoes, a jacket, and leave room for a little spontaneity. Some of the best moments in this colorful city are the ones you never plan.
Continue Exploring California
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