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An sincere, lifelike itinerary & information that can assist you plan your two days in San Francisco with out making an attempt to suit an excessive amount of in!
Once I was researching my very own two-day journey, I discovered a number of nice weblog posts with itinerary concepts. However as soon as I bought to San Francisco, I shortly realised that each one the weblog posts I had learn had been very optimistic when it comes to timings! Both that or the bloggers may stroll on the pace of sunshine!
All of them packed a lot in that doing every little thing within the itinerary would have exhausted me, so I made a decision to write down a barely extra lifelike and affordable information to seeing as a lot of San Francisco as doable – with out draining your self of all power!
In case you’re quick on time and want fast solutions, you’ll discover a quick model of your complete itinerary (plus a map) on the backside of this web page. Use the contents menu under or scroll proper down to search out it. In any other case, please hold studying for my detailed itinerary and information to planning your time in San Francisco. Take pleasure in!
Is Two Days Sufficient?
Let me say proper off the bat that two days isn’t actually sufficient time for San Francisco. There’s quite a bit to see and do, and so many alternative neighbourhoods to find, that you may simply spend every week or two exploring the town.
However generally, two days is all you’ve – and fortunately, that’s nonetheless loads of time to tick off all the primary vacationer sights and discover a few completely different neighbourhoods. Simply don’t attempt to pack an excessive amount of in – and keep in mind that it’ll take time to get between every attraction (I’ve included timings within the itinerary under).
High 6 Sights in San Francisco
I’ll kick off with a fast checklist of all of the “principal” sights in San Francisco – good for those who solely have a few days to discover.
NOTE: This checklist doesn’t embody the town’s many museums or the most important neighbourhoods, like Chinatown, as I’ll cowl these in additional element additional down the web page.
Golden Gate Bridge
Alcatraz
Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39
Hyde-Powell Cable Automotive
Ferry Constructing
Fairly streets and homes: Lombard St, the Painted Women, and the Mrs Doubfire Home.
Getting Round San Francisco
All of the blogs I’d learn promised that San Francisco’s centre may be very walkable – however I’d say that is solely partly true. Every neighbourhood is simple to discover on foot, however most of the metropolis’s sights are fairly unfold out – for instance, Union Sq. is a few 40-minute stroll from the Alcatraz Ferry.
San Fran can also be VERY hilly, so even comparatively quick walks could be fairly tiring (for me no less than!). Fortunately, there’s a good public transport community in place…
Transport Choices
Trams/Cable Vehicles: the town’s well-known cable automobiles have a reasonably in depth community. You should purchase a Customer Passport ticket which permits limitless rides on Muni, Muni Metro, historic streetcars, and cable automobiles for 1, 4 or 7 days. The one-day passport prices $13 – extra data right here.
Bus: once more, the bus community is in depth. I discovered that Google Maps wasn’t all the time correct, so that you’re finest off utilizing the SFMTA’s Journey Planner. A $5 Day Go permits for limitless journeys on buses, trains and historic streetcars.
Uber: I discovered Uber fairly costly for brief journeys (in contrast with the UK): for instance, a 10-minute drive price me $12. For longer distances it felt extra economical: the 5-mile drive out to Golden Gate Bridge was about $16. Nevertheless, I took a bus again from the bridge customer centre for $3 – so it’s far cheaper to take the bus!
Large Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: it’s possible you’ll discover it simpler to get round through the hop-on, hop-off bus tour from Large Bus. This double-decker bus calls at a lot of the metropolis’s common sights, and consists of an audio information – so it’s a good way to cowl a variety of floor for those who’re quick on time. Click on right here for costs and extra data.
The best way to Spend Two Days in San Francisco
Select ONE museum
There are a variety of nice museums in San Francisco – most of which have to be visited for no less than an hour or two to do them justice. If you wish to see a variety of the town, the sincere fact is that you simply’ll most likely solely have time for one or two museums.
Decide those that attraction probably the most and make these your high precedence. I’ll present you the place you possibly can match them into your day one or day two itinerary under – for now, right here’s an inventory of a few of the high museums in San Francisco:
de Younger Museum – historic artwork museum (and probably the most visited in SF)
Walt Disney Household Museum – devoted to the life and work of Walt Disney.
San Francisco Museum of Trendy Artwork (SFMOMA)
Asian Artwork Museum – greater than 18,000 works from each area of Asia.
The Exploratorium – artwork and science museum full of interactive displays.
Musée Mécanique – a unusual assortment of coin-operated mechanical devices and vintage arcade machines.
Cable Automotive Museum – devoted to the town’s iconic cable automobiles.
READ MORE: All Museums & Galleries in SF
Decide ONE of those neighbourhoods to discover in-depth
There are some wonderful, distinctive neighbourhoods and cultural districts dotted round San Francisco. After studying a extra jam-packed metropolis itinerary, I truthfully thought I’d have time to discover all of them – however by the point I used to be executed with all the primary vacationer websites, I solely made it to Chinatown!
You’ll discover a few of San Fran’s main neighbourhoods as you go to the vacationer sights or wander the town – nevertheless it’s value choosing one to discover in-depth. Right here’s a fast checklist of the highest neighbourhoods to go to:
Chinatown
North America’s oldest and largest Chinatown; full of wonderful eating places, vibrant road artwork, and a few improbable galleries and museums. Don’t miss the Fortune Cookie Manufacturing unit to see the magic that makes these iconic snacks, or the free Chinese language Tradition Middle.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Chinatown Culinary Strolling Tour
Haight-Ashbury
This was the birthplace of the Nineteen Sixties “flower energy” motion, and the Summer season of Love lives on in streets of vibrant Victorian homes, funky murals, and a complete heap of impartial companies to discover.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: True Crime Tales from the Haight
Castro
The Castro District was one of many USA’s first homosexual neighbourhoods and stays the hub of SF’s LGBTQ+ tradition. Look out for the rainbow crosswalks – and the Rainbow Honor Stroll outdoors the long-lasting Castro Theatre: golden plaques celebrating LGBTQ+ pioneers.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Castro LGBTQ Strolling Tour
READ MORE: Information to San Francisco’s Neighbourhoods
Two Days in San Francisco: Itinerary
Beneath, I’ve mapped out a two-day itinerary, grouping collectively the actions which might be best to go to on the identical day. However after all, you are able to do these in any order.
Brief on time? There’s a fast model and a map on the backside of this web page.
Day One
Golden Gate Bridge
How a lot time: 1-2 hours (extra for those who stroll throughout the bridge)
Consider San Francisco, and also you’re most likely picturing the town’s iconic rust-red bridge. That is the one factor you actually shouldn’t miss while you go to!
Head straight to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Centre to be taught concerning the bridge’s historical past and development. Behind the centre, you’ll discover a number of viewpoints to get some nice images of the bridge. I simply hope you get barely higher climate than I did!
High tip: In case you have time, you may bike or stroll throughout the bridge and climb as much as one of many viewpoints on the northern facet. The stroll throughout takes round an hour – or you possibly can take a 3-hour guided tour throughout the bridge to Sausalito with Blazing Saddles. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39
How a lot time: 1-2 hours (longer for those who resolve to go to the aquarium or Madam Tussauds)Journey Time from Golden Gate Bridge: 15-min drive / 20-min bus
One of the visited neighbourhoods in San Francisco is Fisherman’s Wharf, a vibrant district unfold alongside the bay with quite a few piers, scenic marinas, working fishing harbours, a improbable meals scene, and a few of the metropolis’s high sights.
It’s a really touristy space: there’s a complete strip with the likes of Madame Tussauds, Applebee’s, Onerous Rock Cafe, and many others. However the scenic marinas are value exploring – and there are many enjoyable issues to do within the space.
Don’t miss Pier 39, house to an enormous colony of sea lions who could be seen lazing on wood platforms. The ocean lions moved into the marina following an earthquake in 1990 and by no means left – presumably as a result of the marina provides them safety and considerable meals provides. Finally, the town gave up the marina for the ocean lion’s unique use – at this time, you possibly can see them of their tons of all through a lot of the yr.
Eat cioppino – an Italian-American “fisherman’s stew” crammed with the catch of the day.
The Musee Mecanique – I extremely advocate this small, quirky museum on Pier 45. It’s full of vintage arcade video games and coin-operated mechanical toys, most of which nonetheless work.
Pier 39 – in addition to the well-known sea lions, the pier itself is lined with arcades, eateries and kitschy memento outlets.
Ghirardelli Sq. – this stylish buying and eating space makes a great spot to seize lunch (I like to recommend Barrio for tacos with a view!). Don’t miss the unique Ghirardelli Chocolate and Ice Cream Store – house to the world-famous scorching fudge sundae.
Aquarium of the Bay – a Smithsonian-affiliated aquarium with one of many longest saltwater tunnels within the USA.
Madam Tussauds – common wax museum with movie star likenesses. It’s not my cup of tea, however I do know lots of people adore it.
High tip: you possibly can simply take a bus to Fisherman’s Wharf from the Golden Gate Bridge. They cease proper outdoors the Welcome Centre and the workers shall be pleased that can assist you determine which one you want.
Experience a Cable Automotive
How a lot time: 1 hour (extra if the queue is lengthy. I waited about 40 minutes to board and it was a weekday).Journey Time from Fisherman’s Wharf: 10-min stroll
San Francisco’s cable automobiles are iconic – and extremely historic, relationship again to the late 1800s. There are three historic routes to select from; the most well-liked (and probably the most scenic) being the Powell-Hyde cable automotive which runs between Fisherman’s Wharf and Market St (through Chinatown and Union Sq.)
From Fisherman’s Wharf, hop on the Powell-Hyde cable automotive line (a single ticket prices $8) and trip it so far as Lombard St for epic views from the highest of the hill. From right here, you can begin the tour I’ve outlined under. In order for you an extended trip, take all of it the way in which to the top earlier than heading again to Lombard St – a good way to absorb the sights!
Tour of San Francisco’s Scenic Streets and Vibrant Homes
How a lot time: 1.5 – 2 hoursTravel Time: Lombard St is a 10-min stroll or a couple of minutes by cable automotive
San Francisco’s steep hills and fairly, townhouse-lined streets are iconic. Chances are high, you’ll recognise no less than a couple of of them from the Silver Display. Many a film has used these scenic streets as a backdrop, together with the likes of Herbie, Bullitt, Ant-Man, Mrs Doubtfire, and extra.
You may go to three of the primary sights on a stroll that takes round an hour. It’s a stunning stroll that takes in a number of engaging streets and a few lovely structure alongside the way in which!
Cease 1 – Lombard St: This super-steep east-west road is known for a one-block part with eight hairpin turns – dubbed the “crookedest road on this planet”. There are vibrant flowerbeds planted within the gaps between the turns, and from the highest, the views are fairly spectacular. This ridiculously flexible highway has additionally been the setting for some iconic film chase scenes, together with Herbie’s first movie The Love Bug.
Cease 2 – Mrs Doubtfire Home: The home used within the 90’s basic Mrs Doubtfire is an actual place, at 2640 Steiner St (on the nook of Broadway St). It’s a personal house, so you possibly can’t go to it, and the homeowners have grown a big tree outdoors which makes it tougher to see than it was once. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless value strolling by for those who’re a fan of the film.
Cease 3 – Painted Women: This pastel-painted row of Victorian homes on Steiner (instantly reverse Alamo Sq.) is among the most well-known sights in San Francisco. Nicknamed the “Painted Women”, these homes had been made well-known by the sitcoms Full Home and Fuller Home.
Take the tram from Fisherman’s Wharf to Lombard St. Absorb the gorgeous views from the highest of the road, then stroll down the block to get a view wanting again up on the hairpin turns.
Take Larkin St, then Broadway for ten blocks to search out Mrs Doubtfire Home. From right here, merely observe Steiner St all the way in which to Alamo Sq. for improbable views of the Painted Women and throughout the town.
High Tip: If you wish to pace issues up, hop on the 22 Fillmore tram from the Mrs Doubtfire home to the Painted Women.
Night
I’ll be sincere, as a solo traveller who tires simply, I used to be in my lodge room with an Uber Eats supply by 7pm each night time! However for those who nonetheless have power, San Francisco has an awesome nightlife scene. Take a look at these guides for more information:
Day Two
Ferry Constructing
How a lot time: 1 hour (longer if the farmers market is on)
Begin your day with a espresso or brunch on the iconic Ferry Constructing. This historic ferry terminal was in-built 1898 and was as soon as the gateway to the town. At the moment, it’s house to a strip of impartial eating places and outlets, together with quite a few artisan meals suppliers. Don’t miss the improbable Guide Passage bookstore!
There’s additionally a year-round Farmer’s Market held in entrance of the constructing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – the place you’ll discover a few of the area’s finest farmers and cooks. Don’t miss it!
High tip: In case you choose to go to Alcatraz (under) first, the ferry constructing is lower than a 20-minute stroll away and makes a superb lunch spot for while you get again to the mainland.
Alcatraz
How a lot time: no less than 2.5 hours (together with ferries to/from the island)Journey Time from Ferry Terminal: 20-min stroll + 15 min ferry
No journey to San Francisco is full with out visiting Alcatraz Island and its notorious jail. I really thought of skipping this as I believed it is likely to be just a little boring – nevertheless it turned out to be the most effective issues I did in San Francisco!
This tiny island 1.25 miles offshore from SF has a captivating historical past. It’s been house to a fort, then a navy jail, then the utmost safety penitentiary most individuals affiliate with Alzactraz. In 1969, a bunch of Native People referred to as the Indians of All Tribes occupied the island for 19 months as an act of political resistance (learn extra right here).
You may solely attain the island by ferry, organised by Alcatraz Metropolis Cruises: the round-trip ticket begins from $45.25 and consists of entry to the island and the Cellhouse. It additionally consists of the wonderful Cellhouse Audio Tour, narrated by former officers and inmates, which brings to life the historical past of the jail – I extremely advocate listening to this!
High tip: Lots of people recommend doing Alcatraz early to beat the crowds, however this actually relies on the day and season: I visited on a weekday in April and the noon ferry was lower than 1 / 4 full.
Go to your chosen museum
See the part close to the highest of this web page for more information about one of the best San Francisco museums. You need to have time to go to one or two museums at this time.
Discover one or two neighbourhoods
How a lot time: 1-2 hours (longer if you wish to take a tour)
See the part close to the highest of this web page about one of the best neighbourhoods to discover in San Francisco.
In case you have extra time
With just a little extra time in San Francisco, you may spend extra time exploring the town’s completely different neighbourhoods or go to a couple of extra of the museums (see the sections masking this earlier on the web page). Alternatively, you may take certainly one of these enjoyable excursions or get out of the town for a day journey:
Fast 2-day Itinerary Information for San Francisco and Map
Day 1
Golden Gate Bridge (roughly a 15-minute drive or 30-minute bus from the town centre).
Welcome Centre and viewpoints
In case you have time, you may bike or stroll throughout the bridge and climb as much as one of many viewpoints on the northern facet. The stroll throughout takes round an hour, so take that under consideration when planning.
Fisherman’s Wharf (20-minute bus trip from the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Centre). Whilst you’re right here don’t miss:
Musee Mecanique
Pier 39 sea lions
Ghirardelli Sq.
Experience the historic Hyde-Powell Cable Automotive
Tour fairly streets and homes: Lombard St, Mrs Doubtfire Home, Painted Women
Day 2
Ferry Constructing – nice for breakfast/brunch or a espresso overlooking the bay. Even higher if the Farmer’s Market is on.
Alcatraz – take a ferry to the notorious jail island referred to as “The Rock”.
Decide one Museum (see checklist above). You’ll have time for 2 museums relying on how lengthy you spend exploring.
Decide one neighbourhood to discover (see checklist above).
Learn Extra
Causes to Go to Tuolumne County
11 Stops for a Tuolumne County Itinerary
So, that’s my information to spending two days in San Francisco with out exhausting your self! Acquired a query (or a tip of your individual)? Scroll down to go away a remark!
