The Perfect 3-Day Program to explore San Francisco

If you’re planning a road trip on the West Coast, you might wonder how many days you should stay in SF.

I know it because I’ve asked myself this question when I planned my trip. Should I stay an extra day in Los Angeles, 2 more days in Yosemite or should I extend my trip to Seattle…

Take whatever option you want but don’t spend less than 3 days in San Francisco. Because you’ll miss out on amazing activities… Here's what I did in SF during these 3 days (I've talked about it more extensively on my series of stories in this San Francisco-feed :

Day One

Start your day at the Golden Gate Bridge. i really hope it won’t be as foggy as it was for me… Anyway, this is still a marvel to watch and to cross. Beware of cyclists - some of them can be reckless.

Crissy Field is another area to visit. It’s near the bridge, features a beach with great views and a lot of food options. Try to get lunch there before you go to Alcatraz Island where sits the most famous federal prisons in the US before the 70s. (Make sure you book your tour in advance!).

That will take most of your afternoon. After that, walk to Fisherman’s Wharf and get dinner at Pier Market Seafood Restaurant. If you love seafood like me, you’ll be in heaven.

Day Two

In the morning, hop on a cable car on Market Street. Pay attention to the different neighborhoods you’ll cross as most of them are picturesque (also enjoy the fact that you won’t have to walk up these hills!). Get off at Lombard Street and prepare your camera! This is the famous shot you’re aiming for

From there you can head to the Coit Tower before getting lunch. I’d suggest you get lunch in Chinatown. After lunch, make sure you explore it - I think it’s one of the biggest Chinatown in the country.

After this afternoon, get dinner somewhere in Fog Harbor. Any restaurant would do, just enjoy the view on the Golden Gate.

Day Three

For this final day, head to the Golden Gate Park. There’s so much to explore there from Japanese gardens to moderate hiking trails. That will take your entire day, trust me (my feet were hurting bad at the end).