I had an exciting opportunity to travel to the United States with my family for the first time. During our first four days, we explored San Francisco. In this post, I am excited to recount our itinerary in detail and provide tips and guides for first-time visitors.
Located in the northern part of California, San Francisco is known for its iconic landmarks, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Fisherman’s Wharf, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this beautiful city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, San Francisco has something for everyone.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and purchase an item, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
- San Francisco Weather
- Public Transportation
- Trip Preparation
- Where we stayed in San Francisco
- Things to do in San Francisco
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and purchase an item, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It will be used to support the website. Thank you
San Francisco Weather
San Francisco is situated in a location that makes it cooler than other areas in California. So it’s advisable to pack some long sleeves and a jacket. The temperature is cooler in the mornings and at night.
Many people suggest that the best time to visit San Francisco is from September to November when the weather is warm. However, I believe that April is also a good month to visit as it marks the end of the rainy season. During our visit in mid-April, the weather was around 10°C to 17°C.
Public Transportation
During our trip to San Francisco, we visited most attractions by car. But, you can get around the city easily by taking the Muni. The Muni network covers light rail Metro trains, buses, streetcars, and cable cars.
During your research, you may stumble across another term called BART. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is a regional train different from Muni. The main difference between the two is that BART allows you to travel outside San Francisco, while Muni is mainly for getting around San Francisco. We took the BART when we headed to the airport.
To plan your trip and check for arrival times, you can download the MuniMobile App. You can pay the fare using a Clipper Card or purchase it directly from the app. Additionally, there are Visitor passports available for purchase that offer unlimited rides on Muni, Muni Metro, historic streetcars, and cable cars. You can choose from 1-Day, 3-Day, or 7-Day options depending on your travel needs.
If you are driving around San Francisco like us, I would like to highlight some of the disadvantages of driving in San Francisco. It includes difficulty in finding street parking, paying expensive parking fees, and a risk of a break-in.
Trip Preparation
1. If this is your first time traveling to the United States, you may need to apply for a visa or an ESTA to enter, depending on your passport.
2. Purchase an eSIM to avoid roaming charges.
If you haven’t tried an eSim before, I recommend using Airalo. Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo when you use the code “OIKWAN1737” to sign up or apply it at checkout.
3. Bring a jacket or scarf to keep warm in the mornings and evenings.
4. Bring cash, as some places, such as gas stations, do not accept international credit cards. However, be reminded that if you bring more than USD 10,000 into the country, you have to declare it.
5. Bring a reusable eco bag to save money and help the environment.
6. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking a lot in San Francisco.
7. Bring a power bank to keep your phone charged. Using navigation apps can drain your battery.
8. Download the MuniMobile app to help plan your trip.
9. Purchase the Clipper Card
Where we stayed in San Francisco
Since it was our first time in San Francisco, we had difficulty deciding on where to stay during our visit. After some research, we opted for a tranquil hotel in downtown San Francisco, Orchard Garden Hotel. The hotel’s location was very convenient, located beside Chinatown and the street outside the hotel wasn’t too steep.
Things to consider when looking for a place to stay in San Francisco
If you are planning a trip to San Francisco and are searching for a good place to stay, here are some tips that can help you out:
– Union Square and Chinatown are the best neighborhoods to stay for sightseeing, as it is conveniently located near the most popular tourist attractions.
– Avoid neighborhoods like the Tenderloin and Mission District, which have high crime rates and a large homeless population.
– Make sure to check the street view of your hotel’s location on Google Maps to see if it’s on a steep street. Streets in San Francisco can be really steep.
– If you plan to drive in San Francisco, consider staying at a hotel with a secured parking garage. Note that most hotels charge a high overnight parking fee of around USD 70-90, which can be quite expensive.
Things to do in San Francisco
Here is our 4-day itinerary in San Francisco. We did not have a jam-packed itinerary because we were traveling with elders. In terms of transportation, we took the cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf, and all the other attractions were visited by car. Again, I want to emphasize that it is completely possible to get around the city without a car.
| Day 1 | Arrival |
| Day 2 | Explore Downtown San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf, etc. |
| Day 3 | Explore Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach, Haight Ashbury |
| Day 4 | Muir Woods, Sausalito, Twins Peak |
Day 1 – Arrival
After an almost 13-hour flight, we arrived in San Francisco around 5:30 pm. We checked in to our hotel and headed to a restaurant near Japan Town.
After dinner, we checked out the mall in Japan Town. Most shops were already closed when we finished dinner, but some boba shops and restaurants were still open. The place is popular with young people even at night.
Day 2 – Explore Downtown San Francisco
The next day, we explored downtown San Francisco. We visited popular attractions such as Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, and Lombard Street.
Union Square
During our visit in mid-April, we came across a few cherry blossom trees near Union Square. We decided to do some shopping at Macy’s Union Square, because the nighttime temperature was cooler than we expected. We were hoping to purchase a jacket or hoodie, but unfortunately, we couldn’t find them in our sizes. While shopping, we noticed that there were not many staff members available to assist customers, unlike the malls we visited in Asia.
After some window shopping, we had lunch at an Italian restaurant called Dela Rosa. The food was great – we ordered some pasta and pizza. Later, we planned to take the cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf, but the cable car in front of us experienced technical difficulties and we had to wait for half an hour or more. So, we ended up walking to Fisherman’s Wharf instead.
If you’re staying in Chinatown, it’s easy to walk to Union Square from there. Otherwise, you can take the Muni, BART, or CalTrain to get there.
Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39
If you are visiting San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 are two must-visit places that offer a lot of exciting things to do and see. Pier 39, in particular, is the most popular part of Fisherman’s Wharf. I enjoyed the vibrant and lively atmosphere here and I’m sure you will love it too.
The pier has a lot of interesting shops that sell a wide range of products such as souvenirs, clothing, and more. You can also enjoy various entertainment options here, such as street performers, and rides, that will keep you entertained during your visit.
Pier 39 is also home to several top-notch restaurants where you can indulge in delicious seafood, gourmet burgers, and other mouth-watering dishes. You can take a break from exploring the pier and enjoy a relaxing meal while taking in the stunning views of the bay.
One of the most spectacular views from the Pier is that of Alcatraz Island, a former maximum-security federal prison that is now a popular tourist attraction. From the Pier, you can enjoy a clear and uninterrupted view of this historic landmark.
Another highlight of Pier 39 is the sea lions that have made it their home. You can see them basking in the sun and hear them barking and lounging on the floating docks. Watching them in their natural habitat is an experience that you should not miss.
Overall, Pier 39 is a great place to visit, and you can easily spend a whole day here exploring and having fun.
Getting here
You can take the cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Powell-Hyde Line: Get off at Hyde and Beach Street. This stop is near Ghirardelli Square
- Powell-Mason Line: Get off at Taylor and Bay Street. This stop is in the middle of Fisherman’s Wharf.
Ghirardelli Square
At our next stop, we visited Ghirardelli Square, which is home to three distinct stores: Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience, and Ghirardelli On-The-Go. At the square, you can pick and choose from a wide variety of chocolates at the largest Pick & Mix, and even customize them as per your liking if you want to gift them to your loved ones.
Although the prices of the chocolates are a bit higher than what you would find in the supermarket, the flavors are more varied. From the square, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a perfect place to have a picnic and satisfy your chocolate cravings!
Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is a stunning architectural masterpiece. Its Greek-style pillars and picturesque surroundings make it a popular destination for wedding photography, and we even saw some people having a photo shoot when we arrived. It’s an underrated attraction in San Francisco that is worth visiting if you’re looking for free things to do. The Palace provides a serene environment where you can relax and admire its beauty. By the lake, you’ll see turtles and ducks, and it’s the perfect place to slow down and be in the moment.
Getting here
The Palace of Fine Arts is near the Presidio, you can walk there. Otherwise, you can take the Muni buses 30, 43, 28, and 29 that stop nearby.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most popular bridges in the world, and as a result, parking near the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center fills up quickly. During our trip, we stopped by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which is just a 5-minute drive from the Palace of Fine Arts. Seeing the Golden Gate in person is truly a surreal experience. I will provide more information about the various locations to view this iconic bridge in a separate post. If you are visiting for the first time, I recommend dropping by the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, which offers a wealth of resources about the bridge. In addition, the center sells a variety of souvenirs, including magnets, postcards, hoodies, and more. All proceeds go towards supporting the parks.
Lombard Street
For our last attraction of the day, we made a point to stop by Lombard Street, the most crooked street in the world. The houses on either side of the street were gorgeous, but the place was very crowded in the late afternoon. It was hard to imagine living there with tons of tourists at your doorstep every day, though. The cars lined up to drive down the eight steep curves, while pedestrians could use both sides of the stairs to reach the bottom of the block. It’s best to arrive early in the morning if you want to get a good photo.
Getting here
Take the Powell-Hyde cable car and get off at Hyde Street
Day 3 – Explore Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach, Haight Ashbury
The next day, we checked out the oldest Chinatown, the largest park in the city – Golden Gate Park, the Ocean Beach, and a hippie neighborhood, Haight Ashbury.
Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States. The streets are filled with bright red lanterns and colorful art murals, creating a festive atmosphere. You can find some of the colorful mural art on Commercial Street, Washington Street, and Grant Street.
I personally love the atmosphere here. As most people here also speak Cantonese, it feels like home to me. Additionally, the food is good too!
If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of Chinatown, you can join a walking tour. There is also a tour for foodies who want to embark on a culinary expedition.
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
As we were staying near Chinatown, we had ample time to explore it at our leisure. We visited the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, a cozy little shop situated in an alley. The aroma of freshly baked fortune cookies wafted through the air as we entered the shop. We watched as the cookies were being made and even got to taste some complimentary samples.
I love their sesame-flavored cookies. We also purchased a box of fortune cookies with different flavors (original, green tea, and strawberry).
Cable Car Museum
During our trip, we visited the Cable Car Museum to explore the history of cable cars. It was fascinating to witness the moving cables in action and learn about how the cable cars were controlled. The museum provides interesting facts about the operation of cable cars and how they work. Additionally, it also highlights the efforts that went into saving these iconic vehicles.
Cable Car Museum Information
Admission: Free
Opening Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10 am to 4 pm
- Friday to Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
Getting here
You can get here by taking a cable car. The cable cars have three routes:
- Powell-Hyde Line: Get off at Washington Street or Jackson Street. Walk for 1 minute
- Powell-Mason Line: Get off at Mason St. Walk for 1 minute
- California Line: Get off at Mason St. (by the Fairmont Hotel), the museum is 3 blocks north.
Golden Gate Park
After exploring Chinatown, we headed to Golden Gate Park, which is the largest park in San Francisco. Initially, I had assumed that Golden Gate Park was just a short distance away from the Golden Gate Bridge. However, I was mistaken, as the park is quite vast. It may be challenging for seniors to walk the entire park, so it’s best to decide which attractions you want to visit. The park has several points of interest such as the California Academy of Sciences, Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, Botanical Garden, and more. We decided to visit the California Academy of Sciences, a science and natural history museum with numerous exhibitions.
To get around the enormous park, you can rent a bike or join a Segway tour. There’s also a free shuttle bus that operates along the JFK promenade from Transverse Drive to Haight Street (at Stanyan Street), with stops at museums, gardens, Conservatory of Flowers, and more in between.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is a stunning 3.5-mile stretch of sandy coastline located on the western border of San Francisco. During our visit, we noticed that there were only a few locals around, likely due to the cold weather. However, the chilly air didn’t stop us from taking a stroll on the beach and admiring the serene views of the Pacific Ocean.
One of the main attractions of Ocean Beach is the old Cliff House which stands tall at the end of the beach. The building has a rich history and has been a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
We spent some time at the beach before heading to our next destination – Haight Ashbury.
Haight Ashbury
Haight Ashbury is a neighborhood in San Francisco that is known for its hippie vibe, Victorian homes, and colorful shops. During our visit, we enjoyed some delicious ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s and went for a walk. This street has become one of the most popular in San Francisco and was particularly popular in the 1960s with hippies. I am fond of the colorful Victorian houses in the area, and the vintage shops are really interesting too.
Music fans also love this location because of the legendary guitar genius Hendrix and the historic Grateful Dead House where the band used to live and play together. Afterward, we return to Chinatown for dinner and call it a day.
Day 4 – Muir Woods, Sausalito, Twins Peak
During our last day of the trip, we visited Muir Woods and Sausalito in the morning, before heading to Twin Peaks to see the city skyline.
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is a popular tourist destination, known for its coastal Redwood trees. The Muir Woods Visitor Center is open from 8:00 am until 30 minutes before the park closes, and there is a $15 per person entrance fee. The Muir Woods is situated on Mount Tamalpais, near the Pacific coast, in southwestern Marin County, California. Many of the redwoods in the area are nearly 1000 years old. It is an awe-inspiring experience to be surrounded by such tall trees. If you have an opportunity to visit, I highly recommend it.
There are several trails to choose from in Muir Woods. The Main Trail is suitable for kids and seniors alike and offers the chance to enjoy the sound of the creek and the chirping of the birds. We chose the Main Trail that goes to Bridge 4 and returned to Hillside, a path that is easy and flat with only a few steps at Bridge 4. If you are traveling with elders, wheelchairs are available for rent to make it easier for them to explore the park.
Tips when planning a trip to Muir Woods
- If you are driving to Muir Woods, make sure you make a parking reservation in advance.
- There’s no cell phone service or WiFi at or around the Muir Woods National Monument, if you have reserved parking, download your parking reservation in advance.
- Having a parking reservation does not guarantee that you will have a parking spot, it only allows you to park there.
- Arrive early to secure a parking spot.
- Since there is no phone service and WiFi around Muir Woods, it is difficult to call Uber or Lyft to return home, hence it is not recommended to take Uber to Muir Woods.
- There are small group half-day tours that go to Muir Woods and Sausalito, you can check the tours here.
Sausalito
After enjoying a leisurely hike amidst the lush greenery of Muir Woods, we decided to head to the lovely town of Sausalito, which is only a 20-minute drive away. As we strolled around this charming little town, we were mesmerized by its picturesque architecture and breathtaking waterfront views. We took a walk along the Bridgeway and then returned to downtown.
Twins Peak
Later on, we made our way to the renowned Twins Peak, where we were treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of downtown San Francisco. The view was truly mesmerizing, with a sea of low-rise buildings stretching out as far as the eye could see, punctuated by a few towering skyscrapers that stood out against the skyline. We spent around 20 minutes soaking in the mesmerizing view from Twins Peak before heading back to our hotel to prepare for our upcoming flight to Los Angeles the next day.
Towards the end of our US trip, we returned to San Francisco to fly back to Hong Kong. Stay tuned as I’ll share the rest of our journey in a separate post.
Meanwhile, I hope you find this post helpful, if you still have time, you can check other things to do in San Francisco here.