Four Days in San Francisco: From the Golden Gate to Alcatraz
There’s something truly magical about San Francisco—a city where fog rolls in like a slow-moving wave, historic cable cars climb impossibly steep streets, and the scent of fresh sourdough drifts through the air. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to rediscover its charm, four days in this iconic city will give you just enough time to explore its famous landmarks, hidden gems, and unbeatable food scene.
From the Golden Gate Bridge to the eerie corridors of Alcatraz, this itinerary will take you through the city’s most exciting neighborhoods, scenic waterfronts, and delicious eats. Pack layers (the weather changes fast!), wear comfy shoes, and get ready to fall in love with San Francisco.
Day 1: Exploring the Golden Gate and Beyond
Start your trip with one of the most breathtaking experiences: walking or biking across the Golden Gate Bridge. The 1.7-mile span offers jaw-dropping views of the bay, and if the famous fog clears, you’ll see all the way to Alcatraz. For a peaceful escape, make your way down to Crissy Field, where you can enjoy a beachside stroll with the bridge as your backdrop.
In the afternoon, head to Golden Gate Park, a sprawling urban oasis larger than New York’s Central Park. Visit the de Young Museum for incredible art exhibits or explore the futuristic California Academy of Sciences, home to a living rainforest and an aquarium under a single roof. If the weather’s nice, rent a paddle boat at Stow Lake or simply wander the park’s hidden gardens.
Day 2: Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz
No visit to San Francisco is complete without a stop at Fisherman’s Wharf. Start your morning with a classic clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery, then stroll along the waterfront to Pier 39, where playful sea lions lounge on the docks. If you’re up for a quirky adventure, explore the oddities inside Musée Mécanique, a vintage arcade filled with antique coin-operated machines.
In the afternoon, take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, one of the most hauntingly fascinating places in the city. The self-guided audio tour, narrated by former inmates and guards, brings the prison’s eerie past to life. Walk through Cell Block D, stand inside a solitary confinement cell, and imagine what it must have been like to attempt an escape. Book your tickets in advance, as they sell out fast!
Day 3: Chinatown, North Beach, and Lombard Street
Begin your day in Chinatown, the oldest and largest of its kind in the U.S. Wander down Grant Avenue, stopping at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to see fortune cookies being made by hand. For lunch, grab dim sum at Good Mong Kok Bakery or sit down for a classic Cantonese meal at House of Nanking.
From there, walk to North Beach, San Francisco’s vibrant Italian district. Enjoy a cappuccino at Caffe Trieste, a favorite of Beat poets, or indulge in a slice of legendary Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. On your way to Lombard Street, the “crookedest street in the world,” take in views of Coit Tower and the city skyline. If you’re up for a challenge, climb the Filbert Steps, a steep but rewarding staircase with lush gardens and stunning bay views.
Day 4: Mission District, Haight-Ashbury, and Twin Peaks
For your final day, head to the Mission District, where colorful murals and incredible food await. Stop by Balmy Alley to admire some of the city’s best street art, then grab a breakfast burrito from La Taqueria, hailed as one of the best in the country. If you have time, check out Mission Dolores Park, a lively spot perfect for relaxing with locals.
Next, make your way to Haight-Ashbury, the epicenter of the 1960s counterculture movement. Browse funky vintage shops, record stores, and bookstores, and stop by The Red Victorian, a historic landmark from the Summer of Love. Before you wrap up your trip, take a drive or hike up to Twin Peaks for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city—the perfect way to end your San Francisco adventure.
