My epic 3 days in San Francisco Itinerary (by a local!)
Looking for the perfect itinerary for your 3 days in San Francisco? I’ve got you covered! San Francisco, commonly referred to as SF or the “City” by us locals, is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, iconic landmarks, and diverse culture. It is the most famous and densely populated city in Northern California.
Having spent most of my adult life in the suburbs of San Francisco, I have explored the city quite a bit. Additionally, I have worked in the Financial District of San Francisco for a few years.
My love for the city has only grown after my numerous visits over many years. San Francisco is not just a tourist destination to me; it is my home, and it holds a special place in my heart.
San Francisco has a huge variety of sights and activities, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, the touristy Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, historic cable cars, the famous crooked Lombard Street, unique neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury, North Beach, and Chinatown, and various other attractions.
I have created the perfect 3-day itinerary that covers all the must-see and must-do attractions! Plus, I have also added a few bonus alternative suggestions if you would like to take a day to explore popular places nearby!
3 days in San Francisco: Overview
Below is a quick overview of my San Francisco 3 day itinerary with some alternate itinerary options for day 3:
- Day 1: Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, Sunset Cruise
- Day 2: Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39
- Day 3: Ferry Building, Chinatown, North Beach, Union Square
- Alternate Itinerary Option 1: Day trip to Muir Woods + Napa Valley
- Alternate Itinerary Option 2: Day trip to Yosemite National Park
- Alternate Itinerary Option 3: Day trip to Pacific Coast Highway, Monterey, 17-mile scenic drive.
Let’s get into the details of each of these awesome days to build your perfect San Francisco itinerary.
San Francisco itinerary for 3 days
This 3 day itinerary is jam-packed with taking in the sights and visiting the most popular attractions in San Francisco.
There is enough in here to keep you busy, but if that is not how you roll, just pick a few excursions each day that are most suited for your group. Make sure to indulge in experiences unique to San Francisco!
The main 3-day itinerary below covers the city highlights, but I have also provided some alternatives if you want to venture out of the city on the last day and visit popular nearby places.
There are many amazing full and half-day excursions from San Francisco, like Muir Woods, Napa Valley, and Sonoma Valley wine countries, and the Pacific Coast Highway drive.
After reading the various itinerary suggestions, you might be tempted to add another day or two to your visit or even spend a week in San Francisco! And you should, as San Francisco has so much to offer in the city and nearby, with some best getaways from San Francisco.
Day 1: Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, Sunset Bay Cruise
On your very first day in San Francisco, visit the iconic San Francisco landmark – Golden Gate Bridge, in the morning.
Then, explore the picturesque coastal town of Sausalito and end your day with a relaxing sunset cruise with epic views of San Francisco Bay.
Alternatively, if you want to cover a lot more San Francisco highlights in one day and use the other days for out-of-the-city excursions, I highly recommend either taking a Hop-On Hop-off Bus that will take you to major attractions or taking a San Francisco city tour, as it can cover a lot more than you can do on your own.
➡️ If you have limited time, I highly recommend taking a city tour like this highly-rated small group tour, which includes San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Sausalito with an option to add Alcatraz
➡️Read here about my experience taking the San Francisco hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Golden Gate Bridge
If you can only see one thing in San Francisco, make sure it’s the Golden Gate Bridge! This engineering marvel, once the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world, connects the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County.
But beyond its technical achievements, the Golden Gate Bridge is simply stunning. Its vibrant red color contrasting with the blue ocean and white sky makes it an iconic sight and my favorite attraction in San Francisco!
Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints
There are several vista points from where you can fully appreciate the panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Dana Bowers Rest Area and Vista Point, located on the northeast end of the bridge, is the largest parking lot and closest to the Golden Gate Bridge. From this spot, you’ll enjoy clear and stunning views of the bridge. You can also proceed to walk on the bridge from this location.
There are several vista points on Conzelman Road, located in the Marin Headlands. Battery Spencer has a bigger parking lot and offers an elevated perspective of the bridge with the city skyline as a backdrop.
Recently, I visited the new Presidio Tunnel Tops park in Presidio neighborhood, and it has amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, a seating area to admire the bridge, plus a nice park with a kid’s play area and food trucks.
Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge
If you or someone in your group enjoys biking, a popular activity in San Francisco is to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge.
The bike route begins at Fisherman’s Wharf and follows the path along the water, leading you to bike across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge itself. Once you cross the bridge, you’ll arrive at the delightful town of Sausalito on the other side.
From Sausalito, you can either bike back or take the ferry back to Fisherman’s Wharf.
For first-timers to San Francisco, I highly recommend taking a bike tour, as figuring out the route on your own can be a bit challenging. And get an electric bike as the route is quite challenging and hilly.
➡️ I recommend this guided bike tour from Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito
Sausalito
In the afternoon, explore the charming coastal town of Sausalito. There are plenty of paid parking lots near the Sausalito Ferry terminal, and there is street parking as well. We are always able to find paid parking here, even on weekends.
Downtown Sausalito has a relaxed vibe with its quaint streets lined with charming stores, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants. I love the town’s Mediterranean-like atmosphere and taking a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.
Take some time to explore the unique boutiques and art studios that showcase local craftsmanship and creativity. Walk along the waterfront, enjoy a delicious meal, or relax at a waterfront café while taking in the scenic views of the bay.
Make sure to stop at Lappert’s ice cream shop for a delicious treat. I love their tropical flavors! This is a must-do for us while here.
Sunset Bay Cruise
End your spectacular first day in San Francisco by taking a boat tour in San Francisco Bay from Pier 39 dock. The water offers the finest vistas of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline!
The cruise goes under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island, and has exceptional views of the San Francisco skyline! There wouldn’t be a more perfect way to end your day!
➡️ I recommend this highly-rated San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Day 2: Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Pier 39
On your second day in San Francisco, head over to the Fisherman’s Wharf area and visit the famous zig-zag Lombard Street.
Later, take a tour of Alcatraz Island (if you are intrigued by this famous prison) and then explore the waterfront hub called Pier 39.
Lombard Street
Start your day at San Francisco’s famous Lombard Street, known for its unique crooked street with eight hairpin turns. This one-of-a-kind street is open for traffic and is lined with houses on both sides.
If you’re feeling adventurous and have a rental car, you can drive down the one-way street by entering from the Hyde and Lombard intersection.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a great view of the entire street from below by standing at the intersection of Leavenworth Street and Lombard Street.
I find that morning is the best time to visit as it tends to have fewer tourists, allowing you to capture better pictures.
Fisherman’s Wharf
After exploring Lombard Street, you can walk to Fisherman’s Wharf and discover the vibrant northern waterfront.
This bustling tourist hub is filled with souvenir shops, restaurants, and various activities for visitors. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Ghirardelli Square and indulge in their delightful ice cream. Another must-do for us is having an ice-cream sundae at Ghirardelli chocolate shop!
Continue your walk along the Aquatic Park and Aquatic Park Pier, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Ghirardelli Square and San Francisco Bay. If you are interested in historic ships, make sure to visit the Hyde Street Pier.
San Francisco Cable Car
At the intersection of Hyde and Beach St is the Cable Car turnabout, from where you can board the historic San Francisco Cable Car.
If you’re keen on experiencing the iconic San Francisco Cable Car, this is one of the two boarding locations at Fisherman’s Wharf. The other one is at the intersection of Bay St and Taylor St.
I recently rode the cable car, and it was so much fun! Make sure to sit on the outside seats (not for young kids, though, as there are no seat belts) and hold on tight as it goes up and down the hilly streets!
We paid for $8 cash for one-way fare to the conductor in the cable car. There is also a 1-day visitor passport for $13 that allows you unlimited Muni rides and cable car rides for a day.
Alcatraz Island
Visiting Alcatraz Island and touring the Alcatraz prison and its grounds is a very popular attraction in San Francisco. This infamous former prison once held some of the most notorious criminals.
To visit Alcatraz Island, you can book an Alcatraz Island tour that starts at Pier 33 in San Francisco. Enjoy a scenic boat ride across the bay as you approach the historic island.
Once you arrive on the island, you can explore the grounds, visit the prison cells, and learn about the intriguing history of Alcatraz. The tour includes a self-guided audio tour that is around 90 minutes long. You can listen to the audio recording and explore at your own pace.
The official website to buy the Alcatraz tickets is Alcatraz City Cruises and I highly recommend buying them online ahead of your trip, as they sell out during the summer months. If they are sold out for your date, there are many tour companies that usually hold tickets.
➡️I recommend this combo tour of Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise
Pier 39
In the evening, make your way to Pier 39 in San Francisco, which is a vibrant waterfront destination teeming with attractions and activities for tourists. It definitely has a touristy vibe, but I like how lively it is.
Here, you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and souvenir stores. Indulge in delicious local seafood, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes, or satisfy your sweet tooth with some delectable treats.
The carousel and the Aquarium of the Bay are fun for families, and you can often spot street performances.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the resident sea lions lounging on the docks of Pier 39. If you are lucky you might see lots of them!
Pier 39 provides stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, including landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
Some popular restaurants at Pier 39 are Boudin Bakery Café, Fog Harbor Fish House, Crab House, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Make sure to try the Clam Chowder Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl at Boudin. It is a signature dish here. They also have a tomato soup version of the Bread bowl. It was delicious!
➡️ From Pier 39, you can hop on this 1-hour scenic San Francisco Bay Cruise, which is very popular here.
To truly capture the essence of San Francisco Bay, I highly recommend doing this cruise. This cruise takes you under the Golden Gate Bridge, which is pretty cool!
Day 3: Ferry Building, Chinatown, North Beach, Union Square
On your third day in San Francisco, explore San Francisco’s Embarcadero area and Ferry Building, Chinatown, and Union Square neighborhoods.
These neighborhoods showcase the city’s financial district, and you can occasionally catch stunning glimpses of the Bay Bridge as a picturesque backdrop.
Bay Bridge, a double-decker bridge, is the second most famous bridge here after Golden Gate Bridge and is used by locals to commute to the city for work.
Alternatively, you can skip the city touring on Day 3 and pick from one of the alternate itinerary options listed below and do a day trip to see the redwoods and wine country or tour the Pacific coast.
San Francisco Ferry Building
Start your day at the Ferry Building, a haven for foodies and a great place to have breakfast or brunch.
This historic building, built in 1898, has a beautiful exterior with a famous Clock Tower. Inside, you’ll find a restored interior with a curved ceiling that lets in lots of natural light.
From the Ferry Building terminal, ferries depart to go across the bay to Sausalito, Tiburon, and Larkspur.
It’s also a great spot for dining and shopping. There are food stalls from local farmers, bakeries, breweries, and more.
You can shop for wines, cheeses, baked goods, fresh produce, and picnic food for your day. If you’re interested, you can take a food tour with an expert guide to try unique foods.
➡️If you are in the mood for a food tour, I recommend this San Francisco food tour at the Ferry Building
Some popular places to eat at the Ferry Building include Gott’s Roadside, Hog Island Oyster Co., Blue Bottle Coffee, and Humphry Slocombe ice cream.
Take a walk along the Pier 14 boardwalk, which is south of the Ferry Building. You’ll have fantastic San Francisco skyline and Bay Bridge views. At the end of the boardwalk, you can sit and enjoy the 360-degree views.
Families can check out the Exploratorium, an indoor science museum where kids can have fun and learn at the same time. There are lots of hands-on activities and exhibits that spark creativity and curiosity. We had annual memberships to the Exploratorium when our kids were young.
Chinatown
In the afternoon, you can visit San Francisco’s Chinatown, one of the oldest and biggest Chinatown neighborhoods in the US. You can spend a few hours or even a whole day exploring the shops, restaurants, and attractions.
The most popular places for tourists are along Grant Avenue, between Bush Street and Broadway. Locals often shop for Chinese groceries and fresh produce on Stockton Street.
A must-see in Chinatown is the Dragon Gate, located at the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue. It’s a great spot to take photos. You’ll also find the historic Sing Chong and Sing Fat buildings at Grant and California Street, which showcase traditional Chinese architecture.
While you’re there, check out the souvenir shops and restaurants. Vital Tea Leaf is nice for trying some tea varieties. You might end up buying some of their delicious teas.
For tasty dim sum and baked goods, the Good Mong Kok Bakery on Stockton Street is a popular choice. House of Nanking is a very popular Chinese restaurant.
➡️ I recommend this Chinatown food tour to sample some authentic Chinese cuisine!
North Beach
Right next to Chinatown is Columbus Ave, which is the start of the North Beach or Little Italy neighborhood of San Francisco.
This lively neighborhood is one of my favorite in San Francisco. It’s perfect for a walk and trying out popular restaurants and cafes.
Key attractions include Washington Square Park, Saints Peter and Paul Church, the Little Italy intersection at Union and Stockton Streets, and strolling along Columbus Avenue.
Caffe Trieste and City Lights Bookstore are also iconic, reflecting the Beat Generation era. The cheesecake at Caffe Trieste was the best I ever had!
We enjoyed the award-winning Margherita pizza at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, and it was fantastic. Highly recommend though wait times can be long. We waited in Washington Square Park across the street and checked out the art gallery on display in the park.
➡️ You can also take this Little Italy and North Beach Walking Food Tour and sample a lot of treats at bakeries and cafes.
Don’t miss climbing the Filbert Steps (or taking the bus as we did) to Coit Tower for 360-degree city views and historic murals inside the tower.
➡️ Check out my detailed articles here about visiting North Beach and Coit Tower.
Union Square
In the evening, explore the vibrant Union Square area of San Francisco. It’s the city’s main shopping hub, with a mix of high-end stores and souvenir shops surrounding the iconic Union Square.
You’ll find a range of luxury hotels in this area, such as The Westin St. Francis San Francisco, Hotel Fairmont Union Square, Beacon Grand, and more.
At the heart of Union Square, you’ll come across the iconic Dewey Memorial, a tribute to American hero Admiral George Dewey.
There are several shopping destinations to explore, including the expansive Macy’s, The Westfield Center, and Crocker Galleria, as well as high-end stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co.
A few blocks away from Union Square, you’ll find the starting point of the historic Cable Car at Powell and Market.
If you’re looking for a place to eat, popular options include the rooftop Cheesecake Factory, which offers stunning views of Union Square, and Barlett Hall, a restaurant with a sports bar theme.
I highly recommend trying some cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory. They have so many flavors to choose from! I love the chocolate mousse cheesecake; it’s so good!
During the holiday season, Union Square transforms with an enchanting ice skating rink and a magnificent Christmas tree, creating a festive atmosphere.
I love to visit Union Square during the holidays, go to the rooftop dining area of the Cheesecake factory, and admire the panoramic views of Union Square’s huge Christmas tree and the ice rink!
Alternate option 1: Muir Woods + Napa Valley
You can take a combo day tour from San Francisco and explore both Muir Woods and Wine Country on the same day.
Visiting Muir Woods, a breathtaking redwood forest near San Francisco, is a must if you are a nature lover, love forest hikes, or just want to see the majestic redwood trees.
Muir Woods has a variety of hiking options suitable for all levels of hikers and nature enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a more challenging trek, you’ll find well-maintained hiking paths among the towering ancient trees.
Muir Woods is just a 40-minute drive from San Francisco, making it ideal for a half-day or early morning trip. Parking is on a reservation basis and gets booked months in advance.
➡️ If you are looking for a tour that covers both Muir Woods and Napa wine country in a day, I recommend this highly rated full-day combo tour – Muir woods and Wine Country day trip tour
If you’re a wine enthusiast, the world-famous Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley wine regions are just a short drive away from San Francisco, making them perfect for a day trip.
These regions are renowned for their beautiful vineyards, top-notch wineries, and breathtaking scenery.
When you visit, make sure to indulge in wine tasting. It’s a fantastic experience where you can try a wide variety of exceptional wines.
Additionally, you can treat yourself to delicious farm-to-table cuisine, gourmet restaurants, and delightful food and wine pairings.
You can also enjoy activities like scenic drives through the picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and vineyards, hot-air balloon rides, cycling, and hiking in the area.
Alternate option 2: Yosemite National Park
Situated in the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park is a must-see destination on any Northern California trip.
This incredibly popular National Park showcases breathtaking natural beauty that will leave you in awe. It is my favorite National Park in California!
Yosemite is renowned for its iconic features, such as towering granite cliffs, magnificent waterfalls, and pristine meadows.
There are numerous hiking trails to explore, catering to all skill levels. Some easy trails with epic views are the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, Bridalveil Falls Trail, and Mirror Lake Trail.
You can also enjoy camping, rock climbing, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives, immersing yourself in the park’s wonders.
Yosemite is a three to four hour drive from San Francisco, and I personally think it is best enjoyed as an overnight stay in Yosemite National Park.
But I also think that seeing it is more important than not seeing it at all, especially if this is your only visit to California. In that case, it is possible to visit as a day trip if you start your journey really early in the morning, like at 6 AM. You must book a rental car or a tour to go to Yosemite from San Francisco.
➡️ I recommend this highly-rated Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
Alternate option 3: Pacific Coast Highway + Monterey
The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Big Sur is an incredibly beautiful journey along the California coastline. It’s considered one of the best drives on the West Coast of the US and is worth dedicating a whole day to.
Our favorite weekend getaway is driving on the Pacific Coast and exploring all the stunning sights and coastal towns along the way. The Pacific Coast Highway drive is known for its dramatic cliffs, rugged coastline, and lovely beaches.
Along the way, you’ll pass by many famous landmarks like Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls, beaches, cities like Santa Cruz, and popular coastal towns like Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, where you can take a break and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
To explore the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Monterey/Carmel, you would need to book a rental car or a guided tour. If you can, I recommend renting a car and exploring at your own pace.
➡️ If looking for a tour, check this highly-rated Full Day Pacific Coast Highway Tour from San Francisco covering Monterey, Carmel, and 17-Mile Drive
Where to stay in San Francisco
For your stay in San Francisco, the best areas to stay are Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. They offer a wide range of hotels, from well-known brands to mid-range options.
These neighborhoods are close to most sightseeing places and public transportation. Between the two, Fisherman’s Wharf is more suited for first-time visitors due to its proximity to tourist attractions.
Best Hotels in Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf area is close to many popular attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, Lombard Street, Ghiradelli Square, and the numerous ferries that provide access to Sausalito, Alcatraz, Angel’s Island, and Tiburon. I recommend staying here for first-time visitors and families.
Hotel Fairmont Heritage Place is a luxury hotel in Ghirardelli Square with awesome ocean views.
San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf is a mid-range hotel within walking distance of Ghiradelli Square and Pier 39. We stayed here once during a staycation in the city, and it was perfect to walk to attractions.
Best Hotels In Union Square
The Union Square area offers the convenience of being easily accessible via BART, San Francisco’s metro train system.
This is advantageous for seamless airport transfers, as you can take the BART train from San Francisco Airport to Powell Station, just a few blocks from Union Square.
Luxury hotels in the Union Square Area:
Palace Hotel San Francisco: This historic heritage hotel is located near the BART train station and a few blocks from Union Square. The lobby and pool areas are stunning.
The Westin St. Francis: Situated right at Union Square, this historic heritage hotel showcases impressive architecture.
Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square: Enjoy excellent views of the Union Square area at this hotel, which is part of the renowned Hyatt chain. We stayed here once for another staycation in the city.
Mid-range Hotels in Union Square Area:
The San Francisco Marriott Marquis is renowned for its rooftop bar, The View Lounge, which offers magnificent city views. The hotel also boasts an excellent location.
The Chancellor Hotel, situated on Union Square, offers a prime central location and provides friendly service. It is a good choice for a no-frills hotel.
Travel Tips for Visiting San Francisco
The travel tips below will help you make the most of your visit to San Francisco!
Best time to visit San Francisco
San Francisco is a fantastic travel destination throughout the year, as we do not get snowfall here in the city.
Spring, summer, and fall offer excellent weather for outdoor activities and are considered the ideal seasons to explore the city. Summer can ironically be very windy in the city.
While summer is the busiest tourist season, for those looking to avoid crowds, the fall months of September to November are better.
Winter, although occasionally cold, rainy, and windy, still offers a great experience in San Francisco. The city comes alive with holiday cheer and dazzling lights. Union Square is my favorite place in the city during the holidays, with its enormous Christmas tree and the added attraction of an ice rink for skating fun.
Are 3 days enough in San Francisco?
Wondering if three days are enough in San Francisco?
While three days in San Francisco are not enough to cover all the attractions and neighborhoods in San Francisco, they are enough to cover the main sightseeing places like Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, Sausalito, and some popular neighborhoods.
If you want to explore nearby places like Muir Woods, Angel Island, Napa Valley, Pacific Coast Highway, etc., you should plan for at least 5 to 7 days.
➡️ Check my detailed post about this topic here – How many days do you need in San Francisco?
How to get to San Francisco
The most convenient way to travel to San Francisco is by flying into and out of San Francisco International Airport.
The city’s public transport system, BART, offers connections between the airport and various locations within the city.
Additionally, you can book a taxi or use a rideshare service like Uber/Lyft to reach your hotel.
You should also check with your hotel to see if they provide a shuttle service for transportation.
How to get around San Francisco
When traveling within San Francisco, you have several ways to get around, including public transport like Muni, taxis, rental car, and rideshare services like Uber.
If you want to see all the famous sightseeing places in San Francisco in a day or two, I highly recommend taking the Hop-on Hop-off bus. It stops at all the major tourist spots, and you can ride the bus all day long and get on and get off at your convenience.
➡ I recommend this Big Bus Hop on Hop off day pass
It’s important to note that finding parking can be challenging and expensive in popular tourist areas, and using public transport can be time-consuming, especially if you have limited time.
Do you need a rental car in San Francisco?
You do not need a rental car if you plan to do sightseeing within the city and tours for locations outside the city.
Parking in San Francisco can be a challenge at popular attractions and is expensive.
Additionally, San Francisco has many steep and hilly roads that can be difficult to navigate, especially during busy traffic times.
For convenient rides around the city, rideshare services like Uber, Lyft and Waymo (autonomous cars) are widely available, with quick response times.
If you plan to explore destinations outside of San Francisco, such as Muir Woods, Napa Valley, or the Pacific Coast Highway, you can choose to either book guided tours or rent a car for more independence.
➡️ Check rental car rates and availability with Discover Cars as they check top car rental brands and provide the best rates.
What to pack for a trip to San Francisco
For a trip to San Francisco, it is essential to pack clothing that allows for layering, as the city experiences occasional strong winds, particularly in coastal regions.
Safety in San Francisco
During daylight hours, San Francisco is generally a safe city to explore. I have never felt unsafe exploring it with my family. We enjoy walking around the touristy areas and the ethnic neighborhoods.
However, it is advisable to avoid deserted alleys. San Francisco has a considerable homeless population, but they usually mind their own business.
Keeping valuables out of sight in your vehicle is important, as car break-ins and petty theft are common in the city. We usually only park in paid garage buildings and do not leave anything visible on the seats.
In the evenings, popular neighborhoods with restaurants and clubs are generally considered safe.
Nevertheless, it is always wise to rely on your own judgment. If a situation appears unsafe, it is likely best to err on the side of caution.
Final Takeaways: San Francisco itinerary for 3 days
While three days may not be enough to fully explore all that San Francisco has to offer, it provides a reasonable glimpse into the city’s most iconic landmarks, popular attractions, and diverse neighborhoods.
I hope you are able to visit again and stay longer next time to explore the excellent places near San Francisco.
Here are some of my other San Francisco itineraries:
⭐ Got questions about your trip?
Join my private Facebook group – California Travel Advice & Tips! It’s the perfect spot to connect with me and other California locals, as well as past visitors. It’s a great growing community and the quickest way to get answers for your visit!
Here are my experiences visiting San Francisco attractions:
