How to spend 3 Days in San Francisco: The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay

You’re planning to spend 3 days in San Francisco and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you the perfect itinerary to visit San Francisco in 3 days.

It’s perfectly optimized to allow you discover all must-see attractions of the city such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz island, Lombard Street and all the famous districts.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in San Francisco in 3 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

My Best Tips to Save Time and Money at San Francisco’s Must-See Attractions

San Francisco, one of the most touristic cities in the world, welcomes more than 20 millions tourists per year.

And they all want to discover the incredible attractions and activities the city has to offer.

But you know what it means: endless waiting lines at all the must-see attractions!

But don’t worry: there are 2 very simple solutions that will allow you to save a lot of time (and money!) during your 3-day trip to San Francisco.

1. The San Francisco All inclusive Pass

Your first option to save time during your 3-day stay in San Francisco is to get the San Francisco All inclusive Pass.

This Pass is very convenient as it will grant you access to about 30 different activities!

Another advantage: the San Francisco Pass is 100% digital. After ordering, you will receive an email with your pass, and you can present it directly on your smartphone at the entrance of the attractions.

As you won’t need to exchange this voucher for an entrance ticket at each attraction, you will save a lot of time: it’s really super convenient!

It’s of course also cheaper than buying the tickets for each visits and acitivites separately.

The San Francisco Pass includes:

• Cruise around Alcatraz Island
• San Francisco Bay Cruise
• Aquarium of the Bay
• Fisherman’s wharf walking tour
• Mission district tour
• Castro district walking tour
• Entrance to the museums.

The pass is valid for a period of between 1 and 5 days (depending on what you choose when booking). This is simply the most complete pass to visit San Francisco in 72 hours!

To buy your San Francisco All inclusive pass and see the full list of attractions included, just click on the green button below:

2. Buying online tickets for San Francisco’s best tourist attractions

Your second option is to buy your skip the line tickets one by one, according to the visits you have planned for your 3-day stay in San Francisco.

You will find tickets online for the main monuments and museums as well as guided visits and activities. 

Simply click on the orange links for more information and to book:

3 Days in San Francisco – Must-See Attractions

• Entrance to Alcatraz with return ferry ticket
• Golden Gate Bay Cruise
• San Francisco Bay cruise on a catamaran 
• A 1h30 cruise at sunrise or sunset 
• A dinner cruise on San Francisco Bay (top!)
• 2.5 hour guided tour of the Golden Gate Park by segway
• California Academy of Sciences
• Mission district guided tour 
• Chinatown guided tour
• Day trip to Muir Woods and Sausalito
• Exploratorium
• Walt Disney Family Museum
• SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art)
• Madame Tussauds
• De Young Museum and Legion of Honor
• Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour
• GoCar tour of downtown San Francisco (really fun!)
• Guided tour of San Francisco by minibus + photo stops
• Guided bike tour of the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito
• Segway guided tour along the waterfront
• Guided electric tuk tuk tour
• Visit famous film locations such as Mrs Doubtfire
• Ghost Tour
• Bike hire
• Admission to San Francisco Zoo
• 3D film to fly over San Francisco’s main landmarks without leaving your seat
• Fly over San Francisco Bay by plane.

One Last Tip for a Perfect 3-Day Stay in San Francisco

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!), you should really book your accommodation.

As San Francisco is one of the most touristic cities in the world, the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in San Francisco by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at traveler’s favorite hotels in San Francisco.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in San Francisco, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

San Francisco in 3 days: the best itinerary

Let’s now plan your 3-day itinerary in San Francisco!

For each day of your stay, I will give you all the details you need to organize your visits, as well as a map showing the attractions of the day.

I assume that you’ll be spending 3 full days in San Francisco and that you’ve purchased your San Francisco All inclusive pass  or skip the line tickets.

It’s the best way to make the most of your stay!

And if you have any questions or just need help planning your holiday, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the end of this article.

So, what are the best places to visit during your 3 days in San Francisco?

Day 1 – The must-sees in San Francisco

Day 1 visits:

A. Presidio and the Golden Gate Bridge
B. Optional: Walt Disney Museum family
C. Alcatraz or San Francisco Bay Cruise
D. Fisherman’s wharf
E. Madame Tussauds or Aquarium of the Bay
F. Lombard street
G. Coit tower
H. Chinatown
I. Ferry Building Marketplace

A. Presidio’s Viewpoints Over the Golden Gate Bridge

You should start your 3-day trip to San Francisco with a visit to the Presidio.

This park, once a military post, offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Take a walk along the many trails and soak in the picturesque surroundings.

You shouldn’t miss:

• Battery Spencer: Perhaps the most famous viewpoint, Battery Spencer offers a panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Ideal for capturing the perfect photo!
• Fort Point: Located right beneath the bridge, Fort Point gives you a unique perspective on the Golden Gate.
• Crissy Field, perfect for those who want to admire the bridge while enjoying a leisurely walk along the beach.
• Baker Beach: Known for its stunning beachside views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Baker Beach is also a great spot for a picnic or just to relax and take in the scenery.
• Marshall’s Beach: A bit more secluded, Marshall’s Beach offers a serene spot to view the bridge.

Each of these viewpoints offers a unique angle of the Golden Gate Bridge, allowing you to fully appreciate its grandeur and beauty.

B. Optional Visit: Walt Disney Family Museum

If you’re a fan of Disney or interested in the history of animation, the Walt Disney Family Museum should be the second stop on your first day in San Francisco.

Nestled in the Presidio, this museum showcases the life and legacy of Walt Disney.

Discover the man behind the magic through interactive exhibits, early drawings, and classic Disney artworks.

You can access the Walt Disney Family Museum for free if you have the San Francisco All inclusive pass.

If not, you need to book your tickets online in advance to avoid long waiting times:

C. Palace of Fine Arts

Then make your way to the Palace of Fine Arts.

This architectural marvel, originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, is really worth a look!

The classical Roman-style rotunda and colonnades, set against a beautiful lake, offer a quiet escape in the city.

D. Alcatraz Island or San Francisco Bay Cruise

You can’t visit San Francisco in 3 days without going on a trip to Alcatraz Island.

This infamous former federal prison is located in the middle of San Francisco Bay and is accessible by ferry, departing from Pier 33.

The audio tour of the cellhouse provides a gripping insight into the prison life of notorious inmates like Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz. This is really a fascinating visit to do during your 3-day trip to San Francisco!

The ticket to Alcatraz includes the return ferry ticket + entrance to Alcatraz + audio guide to the prison.

You just need to click on the green button below to purchase your excursion to Alcatraz:

Please note that the entrance to Alcatraz isn’t included in the San Francisco pass.

But, if you prefer a more scenic experience, you can opt for a boat tour around Alcatraz or a San Francisco Bay Cruise.

These cruises offer stunning views of the city skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and a close-up of Alcatraz Island.

Both are included with the San Francisco All inclusive pass, but don’t worry if you don’t have it, you can also book the boat tours online in advance:

And for a more upscale experience, you can also do the San Francisco Bay cruise on a catamaran. Click here for more information and to book!

All these boat tours depart from Fisherman’s Wharf.

E. Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39

After your morning adventures, it’s time for a delicious lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf.

This bustling area is renowned for its numerous dining options, especially fresh seafood.

You should try the clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, a San Francisco classic. You can also stop by one of the local seafood vendors for some fresh crab or shrimp.

Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk along Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.

This vibrant area is filled with shops, street performers, and you will enjoy stunning views of the bay. Don’t miss the chance to see the famous sea lions lounging on the docks at Pier 39.

You can also pass by Ghirardelli Square, home to the famous Ghirardelli chocolatery. It’s the perfect way to complete your lunch.

F. Visit Madame Tussauds Museum or the Aquarium of the Bay

In the beginning of the afternoon, choose between 2 popular attractions at Fisherman’s Wharf.

For a fun, interactive experience, visit Madame Tussauds Museum. Here, you can pose with lifelike wax figures of celebrities and historical figures.

Alternatively, if you have kids or love the ocean, the Aquarium of the Bay is a great option.

This aquarium focuses on local aquatic animals and offers a walk-through tunnel, allowing you to experience the underwater world up close.

G. Lombard Street

Your next destination is the famous Lombard Street, often referred to as the “crookedest street in the world”.

This one-block section, with its eight hairpin turns, is surrounded by beautiful landscaping and lovely Victorian mansions.

Walking up and down Lombard Street offers great photo opportunities. But you will get the best view of the street from the bottom, looking up.

H. The Coit Tower

Continue your day with a visit to Coit Tower, located atop Telegraph Hill.

This 210-foot tower offers a nice 360-degree view of San Francisco.

The murals inside the tower, painted during the Great Depression, are also worth seeing.

The road leading to Coit Tower is a bit steep, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it. And if you’re tired or can’t walk much, you can take a bus, a taxi, or drive to the top.

I. Chinatown

After that, make your way to San Francisco’s Chinatown, one of the oldest and most vibrant Chinatowns in the United States.

Immerse yourself in the bustling streets, adorned with colorful lanterns, unique shops, and authentic Chinese eateries. You should try some traditional Chinese pastries from one of the local bakeries.

Be sure to visit the famous Dragon’s Gate at the entrance to Chinatown on Grant Avenue, and simply wander through the streets and alleys, discovering historic landmarks, and cultural exhibits along the way.

J. Dinner at Ferry Building Marketplace

Conclude your first day in San Francisco with a delightful dinner at the Ferry Building Marketplace.

This historic building houses some of the city’s best food vendors, offering a variety of local and artisanal foods.

From gourmet sandwiches and fresh oysters to artisanal cheese and organic desserts, the Ferry Building offers something for every palate.

Enjoy your meal while taking in the view of the Bay Bridge, beautifully lit up at night.

That’s it for the first day of visits, so enjoy a good dinner, go back to your hotel and be ready for the next day!

Day 2 – What to do and see in 3 days in San Francisco?

Day 2 visits:

A. Golden Gate Park
B. De Young Museum or California Academy of Sciences
C. Haight Ashbury Ditrict
D. The Painted Ladies
E. The Mission district
F. Castro district
G. San Francisco Museum of modern art
H. Union Square

A. Golden Gate Park

Start the second day of your 3-day itinerary in San Francisco with a visit to the Golden Gate Park.

This park, about 20% bigger than Central Park in New York, is a haven for nature lovers, offering a variety of attractions, gardens, and picturesque landscapes.

You can rent a bike to explore the park or simply enjoy a leisurely walk. And if you want to do a fun activity, you should book this 2h30 Segway guided tour of the park (click here!)!

Be sure to visit the Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States. The serene pathways, koi ponds, and traditional tea house offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city. It’s my favorite area of the park!

Alson you shouldn’t miss the Conservatory of Flowers and the San Francisco Botanical Garden, located within the park. Both are home to an exquisite collection of plants and flowers from around the world.

B. Optional: Visit de Young Museum or the California Academy of Sciences

Still inside the Golden Gate Park, you have 2 options for your next stop: the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences.

The de Young Museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, featuring a diverse collection of fine arts from different eras and continents.

The museum’s observation tower also offers stunning views of the park and city.

Entrance to this museum is included with the San Francisco Pass. Without it, book your tickets directly here!

Alternatively, the California Academy of Sciences is perfect for those interested in natural history.

It boasts an aquarium, planetarium, and a rainforest dome, making it an educational and fun experience for all ages. If you’re visiting San Francisco in 3 days with kids, this is the perfect choice!

Admission is included with the San Francisco All-inclusive pass by Go City.

If you don’t have the pass, you need to book your tickets in advance by clicking on the button below:

C. The Haight-Ashbury District

Your next stop is the Haight-Ashbury district.

Known for its central role in the 1960s hippie movement, this neighborhood is a colorful and eclectic mix of vintage clothing stores, indie boutiques, and murals.

Take a stroll through the streets of Haight-Ashbury to experience its unique vibe.

You’ll find plenty of photo opportunities with the district’s iconic Victorian homes and psychedelic art.

D. The Painted Ladies and Alamo Square

Continue to explore and head to the famous Painted Ladies facing Alamo Square.

These Victorian and Edwardian houses are known for their distinct colors and are one of the most photographed locations in San Francisco.

Alamo Square Park, right across from the Painted Ladies, offers a perfect vantage point for photos.

It’s also a great spot to relax and enjoy a scenic view of the city, including the Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower.

E. Mission District

As the afternoon progresses, head over to Mission District.

This neighborhood is famous for its rich cultural heritage and stunning street art.

The Mission’s murals, found on building walls and fences, are a vivid display of the area’s history and artistic talent.

Be sure to walk along Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley, where some of the most impressive murals are located. Each piece tells a story, whether it’s about social justice, local history, or cultural identity.

F. Castro District

Continue the day with a visit to the Castro District, known as the heart of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community.

This lively neighborhood is full of history, colorful Victorian homes, and unique shops.

Walking through the Castro, you will notice the Rainbow Honor Walk plaques embedded in the sidewalks. These plaques honor notable LGBTQ+ individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields.

Don’t miss the historic Castro Theatre, an iconic landmark, known for its beautiful architecture and classic movie screenings.

The San Francisco Pass includes a guided tour of the Castro.

G. Optional: the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

If you’re an art enthusiast, you should visit San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).

This museum is renowned for its impressive collection of contemporary and modern art, including works by artists like Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock.

The SFMOMA’s dynamic exhibitions and installations are sure to inspire. The building itself, with its striking architecture, is a work of art, offering a visually stunning experience both inside and out.

After exploring the galleries, don’t forget to visit the museum’s rooftop garden. It’s a beautiful spot to relax.

H. Union Square

To end you day, you should go to Union Square, the heart of San Francisco’s shopping district.

Here, you’ll find everything from high-end boutiques and department stores to unique local shops.

If you’re looking for souvenirs, Union Square has also plenty of options. From San Francisco-themed gifts to designer fashion, you’ll find something to remember your 3-day tour in San Francisco.

Union Square is not just about shopping; it’s also a great place for dining. The area boasts a wide array of restaurants and cafes, offering cuisines to suit every taste and budget.

Day 3 – Discover San Francisco’s surroundings

Day 3 visits:

A. Muir Woods national monument
B. Sausalito
C. Viewpoints over the Golden Gate Bridge

A. Muir Woods National Monument

Start the final day of your 3-day stay in San Francisco with a visit to Muir Woods National Monument.

Located just a short drive from San Francisco, this park is famous for its towering old-growth redwood trees.

Walking among these giants, some of which are over 600 years old, is a unique experience.

Muir Woods offers several easy-to-walk trails that wind through the forest. The main trail is a boardwalk, making it accessible for all ages and abilities.

You should really arrive early to avoid the crowds and fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest.

And don’t forget to visit the visitor center to learn about the park’s history and ecology.

You also have to check the park’s website for parking reservations or shuttle service options, as parking spaces are limited.

B. Sausalito

After exploring Muir Woods, make your way to the charming town of Sausalito.

This picturesque seaside town offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Bay.

Stroll along the waterfront, explore the boutique shops, and enjoy a meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants.

Sausalito’s relaxed atmosphere provides a perfect contrast to the bustling city vibes of San Francisco.

C. Stop Off at the Vista Point and/or Battery Spencer Viewpoints

On your way back from Sausalito, make sure to stop at Vista Point and/or Battery Spencer for some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.

These viewpoints offer a different perspective compared to what you would see from the city side.

Vista Point is located at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge and provides a panoramic view of the bridge with the city of San Francisco the background.

Battery Spencer, a bit higher up, offers a more elevated view and is particularly stunning at sunset.

Both of these spots are perfect for photography enthusiasts! You will love to see the bridge and city starting to lit up for the night, creating a breathtaking scene that’s worth capturing.

After this last stop, your 3 days in San Francisco are now almost over. Spend one last night at your hotel before your flight home the next day.

Where to stay in San Francisco

You now know all the best places to visit during your 3-day trip to San Francisco!

However, you still need to do 1 important thing before leaving: booking your hotel.

In order to help you out, I have prepared a list of the best hotels in San Francisco depending on your budget.

As always, you should book as early as possible to get the best prices. The hotels that offers the best value for money in San Francisco are often fully booked months in advance!

Here is my selection of the best hotels to stay in San Francisco:

• HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel: Youth hostel located in Union Square. Beds in dormitories from €50. Strong points: location, warm welcome, friendly atmosphere. An excellent choice for cheap accomodation in San Francisco!
• Grant Hotel: Located 5 minutes’ walk from Union Square. Rooms are decorated in a slightly old-fashioned style but are spacious and clean from €105 per night. Strong points: location, free coffee and biscuits, friendly staff.
• Greenwich Inn: Located between Presidio Park and Fisherman’s Wharf. Double room from €150 per night. Strong points: free parking, warm welcome, spacious room, plenty of restaurants in the area.
• Handlery Union Square Hotel: Located in Union Square. Very spacious and comfortable double room with large windows from €210. Strong points: outdoor swimming pool, perfect for visiting San Francisco, comfortable beds.
• Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf: Located in Fisherman’s wharf. Modern, comfortable double room from €270, breakfast included. Strong points: outdoor swimming pool, location, good breakfast, very helpful staff.
• Hotel Nikko San Francisco: Located in Union Square, this 5-star hotel offers tastefully decorated rooms from €500. Strong points: indoor pool, spa, attentive staff, design, valet parking.

Visit San Francisco in 3 days with your family

You’re planning to visit San Francisco with your children for 3 days?

Well, even with kids, you can easily follow my 3-day itinerary.

Activities they are sure to enjoy include:

• Alcatraz island: you’re sure they’ll behave if you explain to them that the bad guys end up in these cells 😅
• San Francisco Bay Cruise: kids always loves a boat tour
• See the sea lions at Pier 39
• Aquarium of the Bay
• California Academy of Sciences at the Golden Gate Park
• Take a ride on the San Francisco Cable car.

More things to do during your 3 days in San Francisco

If you want to adjust this 3-day itinerary in San Francisco and would like to include different tours or activities, you should read my detailed guide of the city: The 27 best things to do in San Francisco.

It might even make you want to extend your stay in San Francisco by a few days so you have enough time to fit it all in. In that case, you should check my other itinerary right there!

Map of your 3-day itinerary in San Francisco

To help you visualize your daily itineraries during your 3 days in San Francisco, I have created this map with all the places to visit day by day. You can view the map’s legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow.

You can thus see the suggested itineraries for each day.

Find the best flight prices for your 3 days in San Francisco

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to San Francisco, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

Need help planning your 3 days San Francisco itinerary?

Don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below, I will be happy to help you plan your stay.

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