Known for its innovative tech scene, historic Victorian homes and counterculture, the city by the bay has something for everyone. There is a lot that San Francisco does well, but in particular, food, the outdoors, and a vibrant, pulsating arts scene. Experience it all with two action-packed days in one of the most beloved cities in the U.S.


DAY 1

Photo via Jym Dyer on Flickr

9 AM BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE

1 FERRY BLDG. STE 7 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111

San Francisco has almost too many fantastic local options for a quick java fix to get you going, but you can’t go wrong with Blue Bottle Coffee. The most picturesque outpost is located in the Ferry Building, with others dotted across the city. Grab a pastry and enjoy your breakfast out on the benches by the water.

10 AM EXPLORE THE FERRY BUILDING MARKETPLACE

1 FERRY BLDG. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111

Enjoy the city’s finest cuisine and California’s famous fresh produce together in this stunning location by the bay. Stroll through stalls of fruits and vegetables or sample local meats, cheeses, and breads as you meander. It’s simply the best way to taste favorite local vendors under one roof.

Photo via Johnny Stewart on Flickr

12 PM WAN OYSTER DEPOT

1517 POLK ST. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109

Though San Francisco is always pushing the envelope when it comes to cuisine, this local institution has been simply serving the classics for more than a century. Fresh seafood, including the area favorite, Dungeness crab and their signature oysters, are the way to go. Seating is limited at the old marble bar, so be prepared to wait, but it will be worth it

2 PM TOUR ALCATRAZ

GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA FORT MASON, B201 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123

Visible from the shoreline, “the Rock” was a small island that once held the world’s most intimidating prisoners. Today, it’s managed by the National Park Service and an interesting look back at the history of San Francisco. There are a variety of tours offered each lasting a few hours, but the skyline views from the ferry are worth it in themselves.

Photo via Ricky Romero on Flickr

Photo via Kathy Vitulano on Flickr

4 PM HEAD TO CHINATOWN

GRANT AVE AND BUSH ST. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94101

Back on dry land, head to the oldest and largest Chinatown outside of Asia. Watch fortune cookies be made at the factory, soak in some of the Chinese culture, and stroll the colorful streets full of unique shops, stopping to snack or shop along the way.

7 PM THE SLANTED DOOR

1 FERRY BLDG. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111

One of the city’s favorite restaurants, The Slanted Door serves elegant Vietnamese fusion with California style. It doesn’t hurt that it also has one of the best views of the Bay. If you didn’t get your fill of Dungeness crab at lunch, make sure you order the glass noodles here.

Photo via Lockhart Steele on Flickr

Photo via star5112 on Flickr

9 PM DRINKS AT BOURBON AND BRANCH

501 JONES ST. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102

You’ll need a password to enter this 1920s style speakeasy, but behind closed doors resides the city’s best mixology. The Library Bar has hundreds of books for a cool ambiance and hipster-vibe. With a cocktail in hand you’ll feel like you just discovered the city’s best secret with libations that are second to none.

DAY 2

8 AM MAMA’S ON WASHINGTON SQUARE

1701 STOCKTON ST. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133

Ask any San Franciscan about their favorite brunch spot, and the answer is bound to be Mama’s. Everything is good here — from eggs benedict to mimosas to French toast with house-made jam, it’s a San Fran institution in the heart of North Beach that shouldn’t be missed.

Photo via Kent Kanouse on Flickr

Photo via Wally Gobetz on Flickr

10 AM LOMBARD STREET AND CABLE CAR RIDE

1000-1099 LOMBARD ST. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133

Drive down the “crookedest street in the world,” winding through the steep hills and harpin turns of one of the city’s most posh neighborhoods. You’ll get great views as you go, and once you reach the bottom, hop a cable car and see the city from its most famous mode of transportation.

12 PM MISSION BURRITO AT EL FAROLITO

2779 MISSION ST. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110

If you’ve saved any room, you’ll want your next stop to be a famous Mission burrito, best served up at a local taqueria in the District. Many will debate the particulars, but El Farolito has been named “the best burrito in America,” just saying. It also resides in an adorable B&B for ambiance.

Photo via Rick on Flickr

Photo via KP Tripathi on Flickr

2 PM GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE AND PRESIDIO

103 MONTGOMERY ST. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94129

You simply can’t leave San Francisco without getting up close and personal with its architectural icon, the Golden Gate Bridge. Looking more dark red than golden, the impressive sight connects the city to the Marin Headlands across the bay. The best way to see it is to rent a bike or take a picnic to the beautiful park grounds of the Presidio, part of the Golden Gate Recreation Area, the largest urban national park in the country.

6 PM MISSION CHINESE

2234 MISSION ST. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110

Inventive uses of traditional Asian ingredients have made Mission Chinese the go-to spot for a creative, delicious dinner in the city. Don’t miss the Ma Po tofu, but for the carnivores, the thrice-cooked bacon is to-die-for. Did someone say Chinese food and bacon? Yep.

Photo via Roland Tanglao on Flickr

Photo via Morgan Glines on Flickr

8 PM GHIRARDELLI SQUARE

2 NEW MONTGOMERY ST. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105

Treat yourself at the end of a long day sightseeing with a succulent sundae and some chocolate at the city’s most iconic chocolatier right by Fisherman’s Wharf. Satisfy your sweet tooth as you begin planning your next trip back to the bay.

WHERE TO STAY: HOTEL ZETTA

55 5TH ST. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103

Modern and sleek, yet also infused with the character of the city, Hotel Zetta is conveniently located downtown just off of Union Square. Rooms are equipped with smart technology, while the stairwells are decorated with street art commissioned by one of the city’s most famous graffiti artists. There’s even a 30-foot Plinko board in the lobby.