Ultimate 2-Day San Francisco Itinerary for First Timers
Looking for a perfect 2 day itinerary for San Francisco? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
As part of a larger spring break trip to California, my daughter and I enjoyed a 2 day itinerary San Francisco!
We made every moment count in this super entertaining and diverse urban oasis on the West Coast. And with this itinerary, you can too!
The first time I went to San Francisco, I was a teenager myself. I traveled with my own family (my parents, brother, an uncle, and his family).
Me on my first trip to (a very windy) San Francisco. Wasn’t I cool?!
So I was soooo excited to go again with my daughter. It was really nostalgic to go with her to the places I remember loving as a kid.
And because of our experiences, I can say for sure that, whether you’re a first-time visitor (like my daughter) or returning to rediscover the city’s charms (like me!), you can get the best of San Francisco, even in a brief but memorable adventure.
Short on time? Check out my top tips for how to spend 2 days in San Francisco:
- Iconic San Francisco: Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, and riding the cable cars were both my and my daughter’s favorites
- Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park
- Japanese Tea Garden and Academy of Sciences
Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge ~ Fisherman’s Wharf ~ Chinatown ~ Michelin Star Restaurants
Golden Gate Bridge
Maybe a little out of order, but for us we started off the day by going over the Golden Gate Bridge. We pretty much had to…my daughter is kind of terrified of bridges, so the minute she mentioned that she was actually willing to go over it, I needed to take advantage of the moment before she changed her mind.
(From where we were staying in the Financial District/Embarcadero area, if it weren’t for the need to account for my daughter’s bridge phobia, we likely would’ve started our day off at Fisherman’s Wharf. But we get there later in Day 1.)
And I’m glad we went when we did.
The Golden Gate Bridge is everything you’ve heard about and more. It really is beautiful. Not at all ‘golden’, more of an orangey-red. The ‘golden’ comes from the fact that the bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait.
It took a bit of coaxing, but I was able to convince my daughter to check out one of the overlook points so we can get a good look of the bridge and the surrounding area. And we really got a great day for it.
I didn’t push our luck too hard, or stay too long, because we still had to get back over the bridge and my daughter’s anxiety was rising at the thought of it. But, still I’m glad we made that our first stop because it truly is one of those iconic landmarks that makes a place a place. And I know we would’ve regretted it if we didn’t go at all.
Fisherman’s Wharf
To congratulate ourselves for our bravery, we then went over to the Fisherman’s Wharf area, where we went to the famous Boudin’s Bakery. Not only did we get to see how the sourdough bread is made, we tasted some. I had the crab melt and my daughter had the clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. And it was as delicious as we heard it was.
After breakfast, we headed over to Pier 39. Unfortunately, we didn’t see the sea lions that the area is known for. But we did enjoy the lively atmosphere, and browsed through the shops and boutiques.
Alcatraz Island
We then got on a ferry to Alcatraz Island. Make sure to arrive early to allow time for ticketing and boarding. It was such a scenic ferry ride across the bay to Alcatraz Island. We saw the (now infamous) Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, and the bay.
Once on the island, we spent the next 2 hours exploring Alcatraz Island at our own pace. We took the self-guided audio tour of the prison cellblock, visited the museum exhibits, and wandered around the island’s historic buildings and gardens.
Aquarium of the Bay
After returning from Alcatraz, we grabbed a quick lunch and then decided to visit the Aquarium of the Bay where we saw marine life native to the San Francisco Bay.
What was really cool about the Aquarium – including the 200 species of marine animals present – was the underwater tunnels. It was a special experience. And also a nice break from the crowds on the pier.
Ghirardelli Square and Lombard Street
After a bit more soaking up the Wharf, I was excited to take my daughter to see Lombard Street. But first we walked about 15 over to Ghirardelli Square to Ghirardelli’s flagship chocolate factory.
We were mesmerized by the whole Ghirardelli Square area. It is not just a shop to get ice cream or chocolate. It’s an entire experience where you learn about the brand’s history, taste test some of the best chocolate you’ve ever had, and take in a great view of the bay at the same time.
After we got some chocolate bars to go, we got on a Cable Car, which was both public transportation and perfect way to see more of the city in a fun and unique way.
That took us right to the top of Lombard Street, which is called the crookedest street in the world, at Hyde Street.
We took the 600-foot long walk down the crookedest part of Lombard Street, and it was another must-do in our San Francisco experience.
Once at the bottom of the street, we called a car to take us back to the hotel.
Chinatown
We had plans to visit Chinatown next, because we wanted to explore traditional specialty shops, and enjoy the colorful decorations all around the streets. Not to mention the authentic dim sum!
But we were exhausted and wanted to get back and rest before our special night plans. So we asked that we be driven to the hotel through the Chinatown area so we could at least lay our eyes in it.
If you have more stamina that us, and you want to spend some real time in Chinatown, some suggestions include:
1. Explore Grant Avenue and Stockton Street: Wander through the bustling streets of Chinatown, lined with colorful storefronts, markets, and traditional Chinese architecture. Grant Avenue is known for its souvenir shops and restaurants, while Stockton Street offers a more authentic glimpse into daily life in Chinatown, with bustling markets selling fresh produce, seafood, and herbs.
2. Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory: Take a tour of this historic factory and watch as workers hand-make fortune cookies using traditional methods. You can even customize your own fortune inside a cookie!
3. Discover Temples and Pagodas: Explore the neighborhood’s temples and pagodas, which offer a glimpse into Chinese religious and cultural practices. Visit the Tin How Temple, one of the oldest Taoist temples in the United States, or the ornate Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
4. Take a Guided Walking Tour: Join a guided walking tour of Chinatown to learn about its history, culture, and architecture from knowledgeable guides.
Michelin Star Restaurants
San Francisco’s culinary scene is also home to Michelin star restaurants that offer a truly exquisite dining experience. Whether you’re craving innovative flavors or classic dishes served with a modern twist, there’s something for every discerning palate to enjoy in this vibrant city.
So after resting from a very full first day of our 2 day itinerary San Francisco, we got ready for a very special culinary night out
We love food. It sounds weird to say, but it’s true! And while Philadelphia (which is the closest major city to where we live) has tons of incredible restaurants, it has no Michelin star restaurants.
And we’ve been dying to try our first one. So it made perfect sense for us to take advantage of the opportunity of trying our first Michelin star restaurant in a city absolutely dripping with them!
A friend of mine who lives in the area recommended Gary Danko, an intimate one-Michelin-star restaurant that serves food that is a mix of French, Mediterranean, and American cuisine.
And it did not disappoint! We tried the 5 Course menu, which was great because the restaurant offered various selections to choose from at each course. So we really got to tailor the menu to our specific tastes.
The food was really ‘accessible’, if it makes sense, for both me and my teenage daughter. And the portions were not the miniature sizes you may sometimes expect from a high-end restaurant.
Now, of course, this was a splurge…but we loved it. As foodies, it really helped make the San Francisco experience for us. And, it was also an incredible experience for the patrons at the table next to ours. They got engaged! 💍😍
Day 2: Museums and Culture: Golden Gate Park ~ Japanese Tea Garden ~ California Academy of Sciences ~ Painted Ladies ~ San Francisco Museum of Modern Art ~ Ferry Building Marketplace
Golden Gate Park
After a great night sleep on very full stomachs, we started the second day of our 2 day San Francisco itinerary in Golden Gate Park.
The park is known to be filled with beautiful greenery and gardens, and to houses some of the city’s most popular attractions. While it’s called a ‘park’, it’s definitely unlike any park we’ve ever seen.
First of all, it’s massive, at over a thousand acres. But also, in addition to the expected walking and biking trails, picnic spots, and playgrounds, there are vast green open spaces, museums, tailored gardens, culture immersion opportunities and more.
It was a gorgeous day when we visited so we could really enjoy just being outside enjoying the fact that we were actually there! After a while just wandering around and taking it all in, we used our GPS to help us find our way over to the Japanese Tea Garden inside the Park.
Japanese Tea Garden
We were super-excited to visit the Japanese Tea Garden. This felt like a mini-immersion into the culture.
For starters, the entry to the Garden is beyond words beautiful. And it only gets better from there. From the koi ponds, to the Buddha statue, the 5-story pagoda, and the beautiful native flowers and trees – it’s almost overwhelming how authentic it all feels.
Of course, we also visited the tea house so we enjoy authentic Japanese tea and snacks. That experience made us even more excited for our upcoming trip to Tokyo and Kyoto.
We ended our visit with a stop at the gift shop. We didn’t end up buying anything, thinking we’d prefer to get Japanese souvenirs in the real Japan. But it was still fun to look at the traditional dolls and ceramic tea sets.
If you ever have plans to visit the actual Japan, check out these posts discussing a couple of the most fun neighborhoods in Tokyo; sharing a one-day itinerary for Kyoto; and an showcasing our epic visit to Mount Fuji.
California Academy of Sciences
Next we headed over to the Academy of Sciences, which is also inside Golden Gate park. It was about a 5 minute walk away.
The Academy of Sciences is interesting because it contains so many different aspects of the scientific world. An aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and more, all in one huge space.
This was perfect for my science-loving daughter.
Because we’d done the Aquarium of the Bay the day before, we bypassed the aquarium at the Academy. Instead we spent our time in the planetarium and natural history museum. We especially enjoyed Tusher African Hall and seeing the live penguins.
All in all, we spent quite a bit of time in the Park. And still we didn’t see everything there was to see. Not even close! You probably could spend all day there – maybe checking out a concert or looking for that herd of buffalo we learned lived there. But we had so much more San Francisco to check out, and we only had two days!
Alamo Square and Painted Ladies
After a quick but yummy lunch at the cafe onsite at the Academy, we decided to head to Alamo Square. That was about a 10 minute walk away.
And while Alamo Square was a nice park, we were really there to see the famous Painted Ladies, several pastel-colored Victorian homes that are synonymous with San Francisco charm and beauty.
It was really cool to see the houses in person, not just in pictures. We found it especially interesting to experience this sort of old world charm with the city high-rises and skyline right behind it. It felt sort of like being in olden times, while knowing the modern world was just a few steps away.
There were definitely people there to enjoy Alamo Square, not just the Painted Ladies. But we’d gotten our fill of parks at Golden Gate Park. So once we laid our eyes on the house and wandered around a bit, we headed over to our next stop.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
After taking in the charming architecture, we grabbed an Uber and went to San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). SFMOMA is in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood of the city.
SFMOMA is one of the largest modern and contemporary art museums in the United States. It features a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
My daughter has a particular interest in Germany these days. So we spent most of our time in the Gerhard Richter galleries. But, honestly, the possibilities are absolutely endless. There is something there for all ages and interests.
As I always say, I’m a bit of a ‘museum zoomer’. Meaning that although I enjoy experiencing museums wherever I go, I definitely don’t need to be there all day. Under the right circumstances, I can be in and out in 90 minutes flat! Haha. So, if you’re like me, you’ll be able to fit in another few activities on day 2.
But if you love to take your time in museums – sitting, reflecting, and really letting all that beauty soak in (like my best friend) – then you should plan to spend at least 2-3 hours at SFMOMA.
Between the permanent collections and whatever rotating collections and special exhibitions they have on display when you’re there, you’ll need at least that long to get the full experience.
Note that the museum is open from 10a to 5p on some days, from 12p to 8p on others. And it’s closed on Wednesdays. So keep that in mind when you are planning your visit.
Explore the Ferry Building Marketplace
By this point, we weren’t done, but we were starting to wind down. So we decided to head back towards the Ferry Building area, so we could be nearer to our hotel.
We made our way to the Ferry Building Marketplace, located along the Embarcadero waterfront. That area of the city has many food markets and we got to sample some gourmet treats from local vendors. it was also a great area to do some wandering and take in more of the city’s unique vibe.
Plus, we got to enjoy panoramic views of the bay and the Bay Bridge from the Ferry Building’s outdoor promenade.
And finally, after another full day of exploring San Francisco’s cultural and culinary highlights, we headed back to our hotel to reflect on the day. And pack for our flight home the next morning. 😭
So there you have it – the best of San Francisco in 2 days! Enjoy!
Whew! So that was our itinerary for 2 days in San Francisco! We loved this city along the Pacific Ocean coastline.
We enjoyed the high energy of Fisherman’s Wharf, the quirkiness of Lombard Street, the stunning sea views, the incredible food, and everything in between. I’m as excited for you to visit San Francisco as I was to explore it with my daughter! You’ll love how much there is to see and experience there.
Other things to do if you have more time
If it turns out you have more time, or if you just want to swap out some of the activities we did for some different ones, here are some great options:
🥾 Enjoy a scenic hike in the Presidio for stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean in this former military base turned national park.
🌺 Visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden or the de Young fine arts museum, both located inside Golden Gate Park
🚤 Take a Bay Cruise, a scenic cruise on the bay, passing by Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline.
🍝 Check out the North Beach section of the city, known for its Italian restaurants, cafes, historical landmarks, and lively atmosphere.
🌯 Try lunch at the Mission District for delicious Mexican cuisine, including famous Mission-style burritos.
🎶 Take in some live music at The Fillmore, one of San Francisco’s legendary music venues.
🏖 Head to Ocean Beach, one of San Francisco’s most picturesque beaches.
🐒 Visit the San Francisco Zoo for an afternoon of animal encounters and family-friendly fun. Explore exhibits featuring wildlife from around the world and enjoy interactive activities for all ages.
Where to stay in San Francisco
Hyatt Regency San Francisco 5 Embarcadero Ctr, San Francisco, CA 94111
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. It was beautiful and very comfortable. The hotel has incredible waterfront views, and a great view of the Bay Bridge and the city lights at night
The staff was super helpful. They even helped us get our Gary Danko reservation when we struggled to do it on our own.
Plus, it’s a great location. In the Embarcadero area, right near the Ferry Building. If you’re feeling energetic, it’s only about a 30 minute walk over to Pier 39 from the hotel.
* Notably, the lobby was not on the street level of the hotel. That made it a bit awkward when the concierge was trying to give us directions to get to certain places. I’m a very visual person – and not naturally great with directions anyway.
So it would’ve been been easier to see the street to better understand what was being explained. But all in all, it was a really great choice for us – both in terms of location, and the feel of the hotel.
Other Hotel Options:
If you’re interested in staying near Fisherman’s Wharf:
Argonaut Hotel, 495 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94109 is a great option. It is a themed but classy hotel close to Ghirardelli Square, Alcatraz and Pier 39. The on-site seafood restaurant gets consistently excellent reviews.
If you’d like to stay in downtown San Francisco, near Union Square:
Consider Hotel Nikko San Francisco, 222 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102. It’s known for being clean and comfortable, with a lovely pool. Nikko also has one of the most courteous staffs around! Plus, the hotel is also pet friendly, if you don’t want to leave your furry friend at home.
Have More Questions About Your Trip To San Francisco?
Can you visit San Francisco in 2 days?/Is two nights in San Francisco enough time?
There’s definitely a lot you can fit into a 2-day trip to San Francisco. You’ll be able to hit many of the highlights the city is known for, start to get a feel for the vibe, and try some of the incredible, world-class restaurants.
If you’ve never been to the area, and you don’t know when you’ll have another chance, then you absolutely should spend time in San Francisco.
What is the cheapest month to visit San Francisco?
As you may expect, the winter months – specifically January and February – are the cheapest months to visit San Francisco. It’s pretty chilly there and relatively rainy (by California standards) in the winter, so there is generally less tourism. As a result, both flights and hotels are less expensive during those months.
Want more 2-Day itineraries? These will help you have the best experience you can in a new city in limited time:
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How to Spend 2 Days in Philadelphia: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary