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Exploring the Best of San Francisco: A 3-Day Itinerary
It's been a long time coming, but we've finally made it to the West Coast! It just so happened our daughter's dance competition brought us to Southern California, giving us the perfect chance to explore. I'm so glad we stopped talking about it and made the trip. I can't wait to come back and make up for all the things we didn't get to do during our first visit!
We enjoyed a 7-day fly-drive adventure from San Francisco to Monterey Bay, California. However, I want to highlight our time in San Francisco in this blog! I dedicated a significant amount of time to research before our trip, and I was thankful for all the helpful insights I found. They truly played a key role in making our journey unforgettable!
With just three days to spare, our trip to San Francisco was packed with activities. There are many things to do in this vibrant city, so deciding on an itinerary had a few challenges. I'll provide some suggestions, but ultimately, the choice is yours!
Wow, what an experience with the weather! It was quite chilly during our visit, and despite my research and preparations for the cool weather, it turned out to be even colder than I anticipated, especially with that brisk wind. Coming from the warmer East Coast at the start of summer, I was caught off guard by the chill despite checking the forecast. We arrived in San Francisco in early July, so pack some extra layers or be ready to snag some cozy sweatshirts or jackets as we did! Generally, it doesn't warm up until later in the summer. But, despite the chilly weather, we had an absolutely amazing time!
We decided to stay in the Fisherman's Wharf area. This spot is incredibly family-friendly, especially since it’s so close to all the attractions we wanted to explore. While it's undoubtedly a popular tourist destination in San Francisco, being near the waterfront added to our experience. Fisherman's Wharf is particularly famous for Pier 39, which boasts a wide array of shops, attractions, and restaurants (lots of delicious seafood!), as well as bars and stunning views of the bay. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some seals! Unfortunately, we missed seeing the seals during our visit, but they always return to Pier 39 from late July to mid-May.
Staying in Fisherman's Wharf has countless perks. Besides being within walking distance of numerous attractions and eateries, you'll be treated to amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. And if you're fortunate, you might encounter Carl the fog—yes, that's right, the fog has a name! The latest highlight is the city's first Sky View Ferris Wheel, offering stunning panoramic views of San Francisco! Although this can be an energetic and lively area, if you want to stay right in the heart of the action without the hassle of transportation, this is the ideal location.
After extensive research, we booked Hotel Zephyr for our three-night adventure in San Francisco! And let me tell you, this turned out to be a fantastic choice! Hotel Zephyr exceeded all our expectations with its outstanding family-friendly amenities. The location couldn't be more perfect, placing us just steps away from iconic attractions like Pier 39, a variety of restaurants, Golden Gate State Park, Ghirardelli Square, and the famous cable car turnaround at Powell Street, but wait, there's more! This hotel is a gem when it comes to family fun, offering activities from a cool indoor game room to a huge outdoor play area filled with larger-than-life games, quirky statues, and cozy fire pits, there's never a dull moment. My son loved playing these games any chance he got and we all loved tube ping-pong! Plus, upon check-in, we were greeted with complimentary S'more kits from the front desk staff. This was a sweet and thoughtful touch that truly added to the hotel's undeniable charm. My only concern about this hotel was the rooms were a bit small- however, since you will most likely be out exploring, it really wasn't a hassle. The pros outweighed the cons for sure!
After a day packed with adventures, Hotel Zephyr provided us with the perfect haven to relax, unwind, and bond as a family. We spent quality time together playing games and enjoying our S'mores around the fire pits. We loved staying at Hotel Zephyr : )
Our 3- Day Itinerary:
**Day 1:
On the first day of our trip, we finally arrived at the hotel in the afternoon, feeling a mix of excitement and relief that we were finally here. After checking in, we took a stroll around the area and stopped for lunch at Boudin Bakery, known for its sourdough bread- and let me tell you their sandwiches and soup bowls are delicious!! After lunch, we sought out the sea lions at Pier 39, which to our surprise, they visit later in the summer months! Later, we returned to the hotel, played a few games together, shared a quick and casual dinner, and wound down for the night, ready to rest for the busy and adventure-filled day ahead.
**Day 2:
Today, we explored the city, beginning at Pier 39, a popular tourist destination. The views of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island were amazing! This area is vibrant with interesting shops, lively bars, and restaurants at every corner. We hopped on the carousel, indulged in some sweets, wandered through the mirror funhouse, and picked up some unique—well, actually quite touristy—souvenirs, the kind you want to get from these shops. We simply enjoyed strolling around. To avoid the crowds, arrive early—you won't regret it!
After visiting Pier 39, we made our way to the cable cars and enjoyed a ride on the iconic Powell-Hyde line. The line to board the cable cars seemed to stretch on endlessly, but as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait! The ride was exhilarating, offering breathtaking views, especially during the heart-stopping descent down the steep hills. My kids and I were gripping on for dear life! We passed by beautiful parts of the city, including one of the most famous and winding streets: Lombard Street.
After enjoying our time on the cable cars, we (okay, fine, mainly my husband) thought it would be a brilliant idea to conquer the uphill trek back to Fisherman's Wharf on foot. As soon as we started, I quickly realized these hills were no joke - the kids were less than enthusiastic and not impressed and who could blame them?! Somehow, we all made it one piece. After our steep adventure, we were starving and decided to stop at the first place we saw: In-N-Out Burger. The food was great and refueled us after that epic climb. (We still laugh at how we huffed and puffed up those hills- I guess it made for a great memory).
Next, we headed to Golden Gate Park, and wow, what a gem! This park is a treasure - you could easily wander around all day We explored the beautiful botanical gardens, soaking in the vibrant colors and, even found a charming Japanese tea house. There were bikes to rent and Segway tours available too—maybe we’ll try our hand at a Segway next time!
For dinner, we had a delicious meal at Cioppino's Restaurant. Everyone was super happy with their choices; the food was fantastic! After that, we returned to the hotel to relax around the fire. We enjoyed our evening with a few games and roasting S'mores around the cozy fire. It was such a long day filled with activities and we were looking forward to the next day's adventures!
**Day 3:
For our 3rd and final day, we decided on a Muir Woods Tour, with lunch in Sausalito and a tour around San Francisco. We started the Muir Woods Tour with a beautiful stop at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. We were blown away by how gorgeous it looked, with its bright orange-red color standing out against the blue sky. The views of the bay and the green hills were amazing and we took lots of photos trying to capture the beauty and magnificence of this bridge.
Our next destination was the breathtaking Muir Woods, a stunning natural sanctuary known for its towering ancient redwoods and vibrant ecosystems. This tour allowed us a window of 1½ to 2 hours to explore the park and its amazing trails. We thoughtfully chose a trail that gave us enough time to return to the designated meeting area. Experiencing the majestic beauty of Muir Woods was truly the pinnacle of my trip, far surpassing all my expectations! As we stepped into this enchanting forest, the crisp, fresh air enveloped us, invigorating our senses. We were in total awe walking along the trails and surrounded by towering redwood trees that stretched endlessly toward the sky.
Each majestic tree had its own unique character, some looked twisted and ancient, while others stood tall and straight, their bark rich with texture and history. As I stood in awe beneath these canopies, I was truly captivated by the magnificence of these trees. Their grandeur was overwhelming, leaving me with a deep sense of appreciation for this serene and natural sanctuary.
*Side note - On one of the trails back, you find yourself elevated high in the trees before descending to the main path. The trail is quite narrow, and my son had us on edge as he ran ahead, thinking he was invincible! This information isn't included on the map, so if you're traveling with little ones, it may lead you to take a different trail.
On our way back, we stopped in the picturesque town of Sausalito Bay for lunch. This adorable town is filled with charming boutiques, and cozy cafes and provides stunning views of San Francisco across the sparkling bay. We found a quaint deli that offered something for everyone, complete with wine for Mom and Dad! We enjoyed having lunch outside, soaking up the sunshine, and admiring the bay. The warmth of the sun made the day feel even more magical.
*Side note- Sausalito Bay is a town north of San Francisco and is much warmer because it's situated between the bay and the cliffs which helps shield this town from the fog- making it more of a Mediterranean climate
After lunch, we strolled through some lovely boutiques, each filled with unique finds and local crafts. It was such a fun way to soak in the local charm! When we hopped back on the bus, we were excited to continue our exploration of San Francisco, diving deeper into the city's rich history.
Although, we had the option to visit the famous Alcatraz Island and learn about its notorious past, we decided to take it easy instead. We headed back to our hotel for a little downtime to unwind and relax. It felt great to recharge and enjoy some quiet moments before our last evening in this incredible city!
On our 3rd and final evening, we decided to have dinner at the Fog Harbor Fish House, where both the cuisine and the bay views were incredible. The seafood was extremely fresh, and all our dishes were delicious—the clam chowder is exceptional! Following dinner, we strolled down to Ghirardelli Square, where the scent of chocolate filled the air. There, we indulged in chocolates and some of the finest ice cream we've ever had, a perfect ending to a perfect day!
The following day we wrapped up our amazing time in San Francisco, rented a car, and headed down the coast to explore the cities of San Jose and Monterey!
I genuinely enjoy sharing our vacation experiences and hope they might inspire ideas for your family adventure! Remember, this trip is all about you, so feel free to customize it to suit your interests and schedule. There were a few activities I wish we had more time to enjoy, like exploring Alcatraz Island- what’s exciting is knowing that you’ll have the chance to return and explore the sights and tours you might not be able to squeeze in.
Happy planning—your unforgettable adventure awaits!
The following is an outline of our trip- however, it's not a suggested itinerary. I wanted to include an example so you can capture the essence of what we planned!
Outline of our 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Exploration
1. Arrival at Hotel
- Check-in and settle into accommodations.
2. Lunch
- Dine at Boudin Bakery
- Enjoy signature sourdough bread and local specialties.
3. Neighborhood Exploration
- Stroll around the local area
- Discover nearby parks, shops, and attractions.
4. Visit to Pier 39
- Walk to Pier 39
- Observe and take photos of the Sea Lions. (wish they were there!)
5. Evening Activities
- Engage in games at the hotel.
- Enjoy a quick and casual dinner nearby.
- Early bedtime to rest after the long flight.
Day 2: Pier 39 and San Francisco Highlights
1. Visit to Pier 39
- Explore shops, activities, and attractions.
- Enjoy views of the bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island.
2. Cable Car Experience
- Take a ride on one of San Francisco’s iconic Cable Cars.
3. Fitness Challenge
- Walk back up the steep hills of the city.
4. Lunch
-Enjoy burgers at In-and-Out Burger
5. Afternoon at Golden Gate Park
- Explore the park’s gardens, museums, and scenic spots.
6. Dinner with a View
- Dine at a restaurant overlooking the bay.
7. Evening Entertainment
- Return to the hotel for larger-than-life games.
- Roast marshmallows at the hotel.
Day 3: Nature and City Tour
1. Optional City Tour
- Choose a tour that includes Sausalito Bay and explore the sights of San Francisco.
- Visit and explore Muir Woods and its majestic redwoods.
2. Dinner Experience
- Enjoy a beautiful dinner with a view.
3. Ghirardelli Square
- Explore boutiques and shops at Ghirardelli Square.
- Indulge in delicious ice cream from the famous chocolate company.
Follow my next blog post where I list all the "Must Do" activities in San Francisco!!
Some Important Tips:
Check weather trends for the month you're visiting- San Francisco can tend to be a bit windy and chilly.
Book reservations for dinner ahead of time, it can be hard to get into some of the more popular restaurants.
Buy Cable Car tickets in advance for boarding at Powell and Market, Bay and Taylor, and Hyde and Beach Streets from 8 AM to 8 PM daily. ***You can also use the MuniMobile app to purchase these tickets.
Bike rentals are available to ride over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Stay tuned for my next blog on the must-do activities in San Francisco!
Cheers - xoxo
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