4 Days San Francisco, USA Itinerary
This 4-day itinerary provides a balanced exploration of San Francisco's iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and culinary scene. It caters to a moderate budget, offering a mix of free activities, affordable dining options, and essential experiences to make your trip memorable.
Duration
4 days
Budget
$800-1200
Best Time
San Francisco's weather is famously unpredictable due to its microclimates
Activities
19
Daily Avg
$250/day
Pace
Moderate
San Francisco offers a unique blend of iconic landmarks, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. From the Golden Gate Bridge to vibrant neighborhoods, there's something for everyone to enjoy, making it a must-visit destination.
Your itinerary covers 4 of 10 must-have experiences
A Panoramic Vista
e.g., Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point (Marin Headlands)
A Distinctive Neighborhood Stroll
Day 1: Explore North Beach
An Expansive Urban Oasis
Day 3: Golden Gate Park Exploration
A Classic SF Culinary Treat
e.g., Sourdough Bread at Boudin Bakery, Mission Burrito (e.g., La Taqueria)
A Ride on Historic Transit
Day 2: Cable Car Ride
A World-Class Museum
e.g., California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum
A Secret Urban Stairway
e.g., Lyon Street Steps, Filbert Steps (Greenwich/Montgomery)
A Quintessential San Francisco Bar
e.g., Smuggler's Cove, Vesuvio Cafe
A Coastal Nature Escape
e.g., Lands End Trail, Ocean Beach
A Bustling Market Hall
Day 2: Cable Car Ride
San Francisco's food scene is a vibrant blend of global influences and fresh, local ingredients, particularly seafood. From Michelin-starred restaurants to casual eateries, there's something for every palate and budget. Expect diverse flavors and innovative culinary creations.
Must-Try Dishes
A creamy, comforting clam chowder served inside a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl, a San Francisco staple. The tangy bread perfectly complements the rich chowder.
📍 Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Boudin Bakery
A large, overstuffed burrito packed with rice, beans, meat (carnitas, carne asada, pollo), salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese. A San Francisco Mission District original.
📍 Mission District taquerias (e.g., La Taqueria, El Farolito)
Fresh, succulent Dungeness crab, often served steamed or grilled. A true San Francisco delicacy, especially during crab season (typically November to June).
📍 Fisherman's Wharf, seafood restaurants throughout the city
A hearty seafood stew originating from San Francisco's Italian-American community. It typically includes a variety of seafood like clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari, and fish in a tomato-based broth.
📍 North Beach Italian restaurants (e.g., Sotto Mare, Tony's Pizza Napoletana)
Food Neighborhoods
known for Mexican food, especially Mission-style burritos and tacos.
known for authentic Chinese cuisine, dim sum, and tea houses.
known for Italian food, cafes, and historical charm.
known for seafood, especially clam chowder and Dungeness crab.
San Francisco is very accommodating to dietary restrictions. Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available. Many restaurants offer gluten-free menus and are knowledgeable about allergies. Halal food can be found, especially in areas with Middle Eastern and South Asian communities.
Tipping is customary in San Francisco restaurants (18-20% for good service). It's polite to wait to be seated. Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends. California is a casual state, so dress codes are generally relaxed.
Stern Grove Festival
June-AugustFree outdoor music festival in Stern Grove Park.
Outside Lands
AugustLarge music and arts festival in Golden Gate Park, expect higher prices and crowds.
Chinese New Year Festival and Parade
FebruaryCelebration of Chinese New Year in Chinatown.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From Fisherman's Wharf, take the F-Market & Wharves streetcar to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center.Free (Bike rental: $30-40)
9:00 AM - Golden Gate Bridge Exploration
Start the day with a walk or bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Rent a bike near Fisherman's Wharf or Crissy Field. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the bay. Arrive early to avoid crowds and fog.
Book on Klook - 🚗Drive or take a bus (e.g., Muni Route 28) from the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center back towards Fisherman's Wharf.$15-25
12:00 PM - Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf
Grab a clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery or one of the many seafood restaurants at Fisherman's Wharf. Be mindful of seagulls!
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- 🚶Pier 39 is within walking distance of Fisherman's Wharf.FREE
2:00 PM - Sea Lions at Pier 39
Visit Pier 39 to see the famous sea lions basking in the sun. It's a noisy and entertaining spectacle. Afterwards, explore the shops and attractions on the pier.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk or take a short bus ride (e.g., Muni Route 39) from Pier 39 to North Beach.$5-10
4:00 PM - Explore North Beach
Walk from Fisherman's Wharf to North Beach, San Francisco's Little Italy. Browse City Lights Bookstore, a literary landmark, and enjoy a cappuccino at a local cafe.
Book on Klook - 🚶North Beach is easily walkable, so explore on foot. Dinner options are plentiful within the neighborhood.$20-35
7:00 PM - Dinner in North Beach
Enjoy a delicious Italian dinner at Tony's Pizza Napoletana (reservations recommended) or a more casual meal at Mama's on Washington Square.
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Fisherman's Wharf
Close to many attractions, restaurants, and transportation options.
📅 Best Time to Visit
San Francisco's weather is famously unpredictable due to its microclimates. The best times to visit are typically spring (April-May) and fall (September-November), when the weather is mild, sunny, and less foggy, offering comfortable temperatures. Summers (June-August) are often surprisingly cool and foggy ('Fogust'), though they host many outdoor festivals. Winters (December-March) are mild but bring more rain. Crowds are highest in summer and around major holidays.
San Francisco's weather is mild year-round. Expect cool mornings and evenings, with sunshine during the day. Fog is common, especially in summer.
Spring and fall offer the best balance of mild weather and fewer crowds.
Major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's can impact travel and accommodation prices.
Getting Around
Car-centric; major cities have transit
City-specific
Uber/Lyft work nationwide. Rent a car outside major cities.
Travel
$200-400 (Flights vary; assume $50 for local transport)Accommodation
$400-600 (4 nights in a budget-friendly hotel or Airbnb)Food
$200-300Activities
$100-200Explore San Francisco's many free attractions like walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting Golden Gate Park, or enjoying the views from Dolores Park.
Treat yourself to a unique experience like a scenic bay cruise, a helicopter tour for unparalleled city views, or a splurge meal at one of SF's renowned restaurants.
Utilize Muni public transport extensively. While cable car single rides are pricey, a 1-day or 3-day Passport offers unlimited rides and better value if you plan to use it often.
Pack your own snacks and drinks, or buy groceries for picnics from local markets to save on frequent dining out costs, which can add up quickly.
Invest in a visit to Alcatraz Island for its historical significance and incredible bay views; it's a quintessential San Francisco experience worth the cost.
Look for happy hour deals, especially in neighborhoods like the Financial District or North Beach, for more affordable food and drink options after a day of sightseeing.
- Dress in layers: San Francisco's weather can change dramatically within hours or even blocks, so a jacket, sweater, and t-shirt are essential.
- Utilize public transportation (Muni): Buses, streetcars, and iconic cable cars are excellent ways to navigate the city's steep hills and diverse neighborhoods. Consider a Clipper Card for convenience.
- Be prepared for hills: San Francisco is built on many steep hills. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be ready for inclines if exploring on foot.
- Tipping is customary: Expect to tip 15-20% for good service at restaurants, bars, and for taxi/ride-share drivers. A few dollars for hotel staff is also common.
- Book popular attractions in advance: Highly sought-after experiences like Alcatraz tours sell out weeks or even months ahead, especially during peak seasons.
- Stay aware of your surroundings: While generally safe, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport, to deter petty theft.
- Carry a valid ID: It's good practice to have a government-issued photo ID on you, especially for purchasing alcohol or if requested by authorities.
- Understand neighborhood vibes: Each district has a distinct character; research areas like Mission, Castro, North Beach, and Haight-Ashbury for experiences tailored to your interests.
- 1Warm jacket or windbreaker (even in summer)
- 2Comfortable walking shoes (water-resistant is a bonus for winter)
- 3Layers of clothing (sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts)
- 4Small umbrella or light rain jacket (especially October-April)
- 5Reusable water bottle
- 6Portable power bank for charging devices
- 7Sunscreen and sunglasses (UV rays can penetrate fog)
- 8Small backpack or daypack for daily excursions
- 9Cross-body bag or money belt for securing valuables
- 10Camera or smartphone with good camera for scenic views
Flights & Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance for better rates and availability, especially during peak seasons or holidays.
ESTA / Visa
Ensure your travel authorization (ESTA for eligible countries or a US visa) is secured well in advance of your trip.
Alcatraz Tickets
Must be booked 1-3 months in advance (sometimes more), as tickets sell out quickly due to limited capacity.
Popular Museum Tickets (e.g., SFMOMA, Exploratorium)
Consider booking timed entry tickets online a few weeks ahead, especially for weekends or popular exhibitions, to avoid queues.
Rental Car (if planning day trips)
Book in advance if you plan to explore outside the city; parking in San Francisco can be expensive and difficult to find.
Clipper Card
While available on arrival, consider pre-loading the Clipper Card onto your phone or purchasing upon arrival for seamless public transport use.
Restaurant Reservations
For popular or fine dining restaurants, make reservations several weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 T-Mobile stores, authorized retailers (e.g., Best Buy)
📍 GlocalMe website or rental locations at airports
Free WiFi is widely available in San Francisco, especially in hotels, cafes, and public areas like parks and libraries. However, the quality and speed can vary. Check reviews before relying on free WiFi for important tasks.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing an eSIM before your trip for convenient connectivity upon arrival. Download offline maps for areas with potentially spotty service. Public WiFi is generally safe for basic browsing, but avoid entering sensitive information on unsecured networks. Check with your mobile carrier about international roaming options before you leave home.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
120V
60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
18–20% (before tax)
15–20%
$2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping
Tipping is expected. 18–20% is standard at restaurants.
Safety & Travel Advisories
San Francisco is generally safe for tourists, but be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
911
911
911
911 for all emergencies
Payments
Cards preferred everywhere
Universally accepted
Common
Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available.
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How was this itinerary?
The best times to visit San Francisco are spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summers can be foggy and cool, while winters are mild but rainy.
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