SF for 1.5 days - Quick Itinerary

Question

Coming to SF on coming weekend for a business trip, I’ll have half Sat and full Sun with me and then work week will start. What all touristy places should I visit? I’ve been to SF 10 yrs back and seen Golden Gate, Coit Tower, Fishermen Wharf, Twin Peak, but don’t mind going to some of these again. Want to go to lively areas, have good food.

Don’t have much time left to search and plan a good itinerary, so looking forward for good suggestions to quickly create a plan

Answer

With just 1.5 days in San Francisco, you’ll want to focus on highlights that are lively, iconic, and convenient to fit in good food along the way. Since you’ve been before, you can skip some areas or do quick stops rather than full explorations.

Day 1 (Half Saturday): Afternoon & Evening

Start at Ferry Building Marketplace – great for quick bites and local food vendors. Enjoy artisanal cheeses, fresh bread, and coffee.
Walk along Embarcadero towards Pier 39 and for the lively atmosphere, sea lions, and street performers.
If you’re up for a short ride, take the historic cable car from Powell-Hyde line to Union Square for shopping and city vibes.
Dinner options in the area include fresh seafood at Fog Harbor Fish House or Italian food at Sotto Mare.
Evening walk around North Beach (SF’s Little Italy) – lively cafes, gelato, and historic charm.

Day 2 (Full Sunday)

Morning: Visit Golden Gate Park – you can do a quick stroll to see the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, or just enjoy the park scenery.
Late morning: Drive or ride to Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint – either Battery Spencer or Marin Headlands if time allows for classic photo spots.
Lunch: Try Crissy Field Cafe or head back into the city for Mission District tacos or burritos at La Taqueria.
Afternoon: Explore the Mission District murals and vibrant streets, or stop at Haight-Ashbury for a quick look at historic counterculture.
Late afternoon: Quick visit to Chinatown for colorful streets, shops, and snacks.
Evening: If time allows, enjoy drinks or small plates in Union Square or North Beach before wrapping up your visit.

Tips:

Use ride shares or MUNI for faster transit between key spots if you want to maximize sightseeing in limited time.
Prioritize areas based on your interest: food-focused (Ferry Building, Mission), iconic views (Golden Gate, Twin Peaks), or lively neighborhoods (North Beach, Haight).
Pack comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers; SF weather can be unpredictable, especially near the water.

This itinerary gives a mix of iconic landmarks, lively streets, and food stops, allowing you to experience San Francisco’s character even in a short 1.5-day window.

SF for 1.5 days - Quick Itinerary

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