San Francisco-2-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown San Francisco

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Start your day at the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, a bustling waterfront district filled with street performers, seafood restaurants, and souvenir shops. Take in the sights and sounds of the sea lions at Pier 39.
  • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Walk to the nearby Ghirardelli Square, a historic chocolate factory turned shopping center, and grab a coffee or snack.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Slanted Door (5-minute walk from Ghirardelli), a popular Vietnamese restaurant with stunning views of the Bay Bridge.
  • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), one of the largest modern art museums in the country. Admission is free on Thursdays.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at Zuni Cafe, a San Francisco institution serving Mediterranean cuisine.
  • 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Take a romantic sunset stroll along the Pier 39 waterfront and enjoy the street performers.

Accommodations

Stay at the upscale Hotel Zeppelin (4-star), located in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, with stunning views of the Bay Bridge.

Transportation

  • BART: Take BART to the Montgomery Station (5-minute walk to Fisherman’s Wharf) or the Embarcadero Station (10-minute walk).
  • Muni Metro: Use the Muni Metro T-Line to access Fisherman’s Wharf.
  • Walking and cycling: San Francisco is a very pedestrian-friendly city, making walking and cycling a great way to explore.

Tips and Essentials

  • Weather: Be prepared for foggy mornings and cooler evenings. Bring layers!
  • Reservations: Book reservations in advance for popular restaurants like The Slanted Door and Zuni Cafe.
  • Safety: As with any major city, be mindful of your belongings and avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas.

Day 2: Exploring Golden Gate Park and the Haight

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Start your day at the beautiful Golden Gate Park, a massive urban park with gardens, lakes, and plenty of outdoor activities. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden, a serene oasis in the midst of chaos.
  • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Explore the De Young Museum (adjacent to Golden Gate Park), which showcases art and cultural exhibitions from around the world.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Plant Cafe, a healthy eatery with options for vegetarians and vegans.
  • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Visit the iconic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, known for its hippie history and trendy boutiques. Take a stroll down Haight Street and explore the many vintage shops.

Evening

  • 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Nopa, a popular restaurant serving seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine.
  • 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM: End your day with a nightcap at The Buena Vista Cafe, a historic bar famous for its Irish coffee.

Accommodations

Stay at the trendy Hotel Tommaso (3-star), located in the heart of the Haight, within walking distance to Golden Gate Park and De Young Museum.

Transportation

  • Muni Metro: Take the Muni Metro N-Line to access the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.
  • Walking and cycling: As with Day 1, walking and cycling are great ways to explore San Francisco’s neighborhoods.

Tips and Essentials

  • Weather: Again, be prepared for foggy mornings and cooler evenings. Bring layers!
  • Parking: Be aware that parking can be challenging in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.
  • Shopping: Explore the many vintage shops on Haight Street, but don’t forget to leave some room in your luggage for shopping souvenirs!