Right here is the final word sooner or later in San Francisco itinerary. In case you solely have 24 hours in San Francisco (or much less!), it’s potential to fill your day with so many great actions and well-known sights. Though there are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in San Francisco, you may get a great really feel for town in solely a day.

After I visited town of San Francisco with my sister, we travelled there on a cruise ship. The cruise docked in San Francisco for a full day, from morning till night time (8:00am to 11:00pm). With so many hours in port, we set out early for an thrilling and full day in SF.

Irrespective of in case you’re visiting San Francisco on a cruise, a highway journey of Northern California, otherwise you’re solely taking a day journey to San Francisco, you’ll discover this journey information tremendous useful. It is a nice weblog submit for any first time guests to San Francisco, too. Even you probably have two days in San Francisco, you possibly can take a leisurely method and slowly verify off every little thing on this listing.

Whereas this San Francisco itinerary might sound packed, it’s completely doable! I did every little thing precisely as listed in San Francisco in a day. In case you begin within the morning and proceed by way of till the night, it is possible for you to to see and do the entire issues listed on this San Francisco journey information.

One Day in San Francisco Itinerary: Getting Round

First issues first, let’s get to San Francisco. In case you’re touring from afar, I recommend flying to the San Francisco Worldwide Airport. Right here’s the place you’ll discover one of the best costs on flights.

I don’t typically advocate renting a automobile in SF. Parking could be tough to seek out, and it’s finest to discover town by public transportation or by yourself two ft. Nonetheless, if you’re beginning a highway journey of California and would really like your individual automobile, right here’s the place you’ll discover the finest charges on automobile leases in San Francisco.

For first timers, you could want to expertise a tour that can assist acquaint you with town and showcase the highlights. The San Francisco Love Tour does precisely that. You’ll trip in fashion in a Nineteen Seventies VW bus on a two-hour sightseeing tour to see town’s finest landmarks and iconic spots.

One other nice technique to get from attraction to attraction is by taking the Hop On Hop Off Bus. This double-decker sightseeing bus travels between probably the most well-known landmarks in SF. Journey at your individual tempo, hop off at any of the stops, and hop again on while you’re finished.

San Francisco Map

Right here’s a list of one of the best issues to do in San Francisco in a day. You’ll discover all of them plotted out slightly properly on this map. Go by yourself self guided strolling tour of San Francisco.

use this map: Click on on every icon to be taught extra about every location. To reference this map at a later date, click on the star subsequent to the map’s title. It can save the map to your Google Maps account. Then, open Google Maps and go to “Your locations” within the menu to see this map.

One Day in San Francisco Itinerary: Pier 39

We began our day at Pier 39 in San Francisco as a result of we wished to go to the native sea lions. California sea lions are loud and hilarious creatures. You’ll witness them piled up collectively on the docks, taking part in with one another and barking away. Actually, you’ll in all probability hear them earlier than you see them as they’re fairly noisy!

How did a bunch of sea lions find yourself at Pier 39? After the Loma Prieta earthquake in October 1989, just a few California sea lions started to collect on Pier 39’s Okay-Dock. Okay-Dock was fully swarmed by sea lions a few months later.

The marina workers reached out to The Marine Mammal Middle (a company that rescues and rehabilitates marine mammals), they usually advisable that the ocean lions keep at Pier 39. Whereas the variety of sea lions rises and falls with the seasons and meals provide, they reached an all-time report of 1701 in November 2009!

In case you go to Okay-Dock on Thursday – Monday from 11:30am to five:00pm, you possibly can meet with conservation specialists from The Marine Mammal Middle about one of the best measures we will take to guard the ocean lions and our oceans. In spring 2024, The Marine Mammal Middle’s Sea Lion Spot will open behind the ocean lion viewing space at Okay-Dock, that includes an informative and academic exhibit and retail area.

One Day in San Francisco: Fisherman’s Wharf

After you’ve seen the California sea lions, proceed strolling round Fisherman’s Wharf. Fisherman’s Wharf is the world between Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Sq.. It is a very touristy space with costly memento outlets and crowds of individuals, although it’s an iconic place you must see while you spend sooner or later in San Francisco.

Even in case you don’t spend a lot time right here, merely go for a wander round Fisherman’s Wharf and take within the sights and sounds. I’ve to confess that we solely spent a brief period of time strolling round right here, although we did love the waterfront views.

At Fisherman’s Wharf, we hopped aboard the cable automobile, which I’ll clarify in additional element within the subsequent part. As we walked down the road, we even noticed some previous decommissioned cable vehicles, together with a TTC cable automobile from Toronto! We weren’t anticipating to see somewhat piece of house in SF.

That is additionally the place boats depart to Alcatraz Island in case you’ve determined to take a tour there. Wander over to the ferry constructing at Pier 33 to seek out your boat tour to Alcatraz. Be sure to e book your Alcatraz tour upfront.

Trip the Cable Automotive to Lombard Avenue

Subsequent, we’re going to make our technique to Lombard Avenue. One of the simplest ways to journey there’s by cable automobile. While you consider San Francisco, this well-known mode of transportation could come to thoughts. It’s top-of-the-line issues to do in San Francisco in a day. Plus, San Francisco is so hilly that you just’ll save your self some hill strolling within the course of.

First, you’ll need to obtain the MuniMobile app in your smartphone. That is the best technique to buy tickets for public transportation, so that you received’t should fumble round in search of actual change. In case you assume that you just’ll trip the historic streetcars, trains or buses greater than as soon as in a day, it’s value getting a day cross.

A day cross ensures limitless rides on all types of Muni public transportation in San Francisco all through the day. It’s one low value for the day and you should buy a day cross by way of the app simply as you’d a bus / historic cable automobile ticket.

Stroll to the Friedel Klussmann Memorial Turnaround, the cable automobile terminus on Hyde Avenue. It’s named for Friedel Klussmann who saved the San Francisco cable automobile system within the Forties and Nineteen Fifties. She additionally pioneered the San Francisco Lovely group in 1947. We boarded the cable automobile and rode it to Lombard Avenue.

San Francisco in a Day: Stroll Down Lombard Avenue

Even in case you solely have sooner or later in San Francisco, it’s essential take a look at Lombard Avenue. It’s one of the crucial distinctive, curvy, and crooked streets on this planet. Lombard Avenue covers one metropolis block down a steep hill with eight hairpin turns. Imagine it or not, Lombard Avenue is among the prime vacationer sights in SF.

Lombard Avenue is flanked by mansions and manicured gardens that can depart you in awe. Because it’s so extremely picturesque and wildly curved, it is among the most photographed streets on this planet. Don’t miss experiencing this zig zag avenue for your self.

From the highest of Lombard Avenue wanting down, you’ll be capable to admire beautiful surroundings of town looking to San Francisco Bay. Because the naturally steep grade of the road was too harmful for vehicles, the highway was tailored to incorporate eight switchback turns. It’s additionally a lot safer for pedestrians, too.

Persist with the sidewalks along side the highway and be conscious of the vehicles which are slowly driving across the corners. A few of them could by accident hop the curb at occasions, so be looking out when vehicles cross by. Make your method all the way down to the underside of Lombard Avenue and gaze upwards for a brand new perspective.

Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower

One of the vital recognizable buildings when viewing San Francisco’s cityscape is Coit Tower, which sits atop Telegraph Hill. Coit Tower, also referred to as Coit Memorial Tower, is the primary characteristic at Pioneer Park. It stands at 210 ft tall and it was accomplished in 1933.

We walked from the underside of Lombard Avenue to Telegraph Hill, which is a couple of 20 to 25 minute stroll. On Google Maps, the jaunt appears to be like fairly easy, although there are some uphill climbs that may be anticipated nearly anyplace you go within the metropolis. San Francisco could be very hilly!

From the commentary deck at this historic constructing, you possibly can take pleasure in sweeping panoramic views of town and the Pacific Ocean. Visiting the tower itself is free. Be sure to try the murals inside the bottom of the tower. They have been painted in 1934 by artists employed by the Public Works of Artwork Venture. They showcase life in California throughout the Melancholy.

It’s free to take a look at the tower’s commentary deck, so long as you don’t thoughts taking the steps to the highest. There’s a charge to make use of the 90-year previous elevator. You may as well pay a small charge for a guided tour of Coit Tower, together with extra thorough explanations of the intriguing murals that have been fairly controversial on the time. Extra particulars can be found on the San Francisco Recreation & Parks web site.

Lunch at Wildseed

Wildseed is a vegan restaurant in San Francisco the place consuming effectively will not be solely nutritious, but in addition scrumptious. Their lunch menu options small bites, corresponding to spicy cucumbers, smoked white bean hummus and baba ghanoush.

For the primary course, you possibly can select between sharable plates, full plates, salads, bowls and pizza. Whether or not it’s spicy yellow curry, a plant-based rooster sandwich, or a spicy sausage pizza, you’ll absolutely uncover some tasty and particular dishes at this San Francisco plant-based restaurant.

Espresso at Wrecking Ball Espresso Roasters

Wrecking Ball Espresso Roasters will not be too removed from Wildseed, so you possibly can go for a espresso both earlier than or after lunch, relying in your schedule. In my case, I went for a espresso after lunch for somewhat pick-me-up earlier than I continued the remainder of my day in San Francisco.

Situated within the Cow Hole neighborhood of San Francisco, Wrecking Ball Espresso affords a full-service cafe with a full menu of espresso drinks, brewed espresso, hand-crafted pour-over espresso, in addition to a collection of teas and natural tisanes. I needed to strive one in all their hand-crafted pour-over coffees, and it was heavenly.

One Day in San Francisco Itinerary: The Painted Girls

After lunch and low, it’s time to embark on the second half of our day in San Francisco. First up, it’s the Painted Girls, a row of colourful homes made well-known from their look within the intro for Full Home. From Wrecking Ball Espresso Roasters, it’s a couple of 40 minute stroll by way of city. Though we walked, you could possibly simply take the bus as an alternative.

The Painted Girls, also referred to as the Seven Sisters or Postcard Row, is the row of Victorian homes at 710–720 Steiner Avenue throughout from Alamo Sq. Park. While you stroll up the hill at Alamo Sq. Park, you’ll be handled to a view of those brightly painted homes with a formidable metropolis skyline backdrop.

Whereas these are among the many most well-known “Painted Girls”, the time period refers to any Victorian or Edwardian home (or any historic house, actually) painted in three or extra colours. These previous properties started to be painted within the Sixties throughout the “Colorist Motion”.

Whereas San Francisco’s Painted Girls are a brilliant and cheery location to go to, most individuals acknowledge them from the opening credit of Full Home. Some vacationers even refer to those properties because the Full Home homes. It’s even potential to e book a tour inside one of many Painted Girls. The home-owner of the blue house (#712) affords guided excursions of the highest three flooring of their house.

24 Hours in San Francisco: Haight-Ashbury

From the Painted Girls, we walked to the nook of Haight Avenue and Ashbury Avenue, the middle of the counterculture motion within the Sixties. As somebody who studied English and historical past at college and even took some programs about countercultures, I used to be actually excited to go to Haight-Ashbury in individual.

Again within the day, the group and neighborhood surrounding Haight-Ashbury was a gathering spot for hippies and the middle of the hippie subculture and the psychedelic rock motion. The Summer time of Love occurred throughout the summer time of 1967 when 100,000 younger individuals descended upon Haight-Ashbury.

There have been overwhelming messages supporting free love, no battle, residing communally, and dropping out of society (therefore the phrase “activate, tune in, drop out”). This additionally concerned taking psychedelic medication and listening to hippie music.

Flower energy and the spirit of the Summer time of Love are alive and effectively in The Haight. I beloved seeing the entire colourful murals and brightly painted Victorian properties. There are fairly just a few outlets that includes every little thing from classic items to luxurious wares. There’s no scarcity of tie dye clothes. Pop by Amoeba Music, a well-known report retailer the place there are sometimes free stay live shows.

Japanese Tea Backyard at Golden Gate Park

Whereas Golden Gate Park is a gorgeous inexperienced area in San Francisco and I extremely advocate seeing as a lot of it as potential, don’t miss visiting the Japanese Tea Backyard. That is the oldest working Japanese Backyard in North America the place you’ll expertise somewhat slice of Japan in San Francisco.

Go to the standard Japanese tea home for a cup of tea or a light-weight chew in a serene setting. Wander across the tranquil surroundings of this botanical backyard, surrounded by Japanese maples, flowering azaleas, and cherry bushes. Cherry blossom season arrives in March and April, so you possibly can time your go to to San Francisco accordingly.

Some well-known landmarks on the Japanese Tea Backyard embrace the Buddha (forged in 1790 in Japan and donated to the backyard), the Zen Backyard, the Arched Drum Bridge and the Pagoda. You may take a 60-minute guided tour of the backyard or discover by yourself. I like peaceable gardens and really feel this is among the finest locations to go to in San Francisco.

Baker Seashore at Sundown (Views of Golden Gate Bridge)

Let’s finish our good day in San Francisco with a bang! From Golden Gate Park, stroll to Baker Seashore for epic sundown views. It’s a couple of 30 minute stroll or you possibly can take public transportation for a 13 minute trip. Baker Seashore affords among the most wonderful views of the enduring Golden Gate Bridge at sundown.

Not solely are you able to witness among the finest views of the Golden Gate Bridge, however the sundown right here is magnificent. Watch the solar drop down under the horizon on an extended stretch of seashore that doesn’t get too busy.

Dinner at Nourish Cafe

After taking in these good sundown views, it’s time for a nourishing meal at Nourish Cafe. They’ve two areas in San Francisco, so take your decide between their institution within the Richmond District or Nob Hill.

It is a 100% plant-based cafe that makes use of natural, entire meals and non-GMO elements to create wholesome and flavorful meals. The menu options bowls, sandwiches, toasts, smoothies, smoothie bowls, a soup of the day and extra.

We ordered two hearty and scrumptious bowls, the Nourish Bowl and the Bap Bowl. These have been stuffed with veggies and topped with savory dressings. After an extended day trip exploring, these meals have been each filling and energizing. There’s no scarcity of excellent meals in SF, particularly in terms of vegan eats.

The place to Keep in San Francisco

In case you’re solely spending sooner or later in San Francisco, you’ll need to be sure to are centrally positioned close to all of the motion. In any case, you’ll want as a lot time as potential to expertise town to its fullest.

For a lodge within the coronary heart of Fisherman’s Wharf (the place I start this sooner or later in San Francisco itinerary), I like to recommend staying in a single day on the Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf. This extremely rated, four-star property is just a 10-minute stroll from Pier 39. You may as well take pleasure in an out of doors swimming pool, outside hearth pits, and spacious rooms.

The Lodge Nikko San Francisco is one other wonderful alternative. Located in the course of San Francisco close to Union Sq., Lodge Nikko affords an excellent location for an incredible day in San Francisco. It’s a five-star lodge with many facilities, like a terrace, an on-site restaurant with plant-based choices, and metropolis views out of your room. This is among the finest luxurious inns within the metropolis that received’t break the financial institution.

Lauren is the full-time journey blogger and content material creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She began Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ nations around the globe. Lauren is an knowledgeable on vegan journey as one of many very first vegan journey bloggers. She additionally focuses on outside journey journey, eco and sustainable journey, and creating wonderful journey itineraries for cities and small cities.