Help planning a short trip please!

Question

Hello,

I am in the process of planning a short visit to San Francisco and would like some feedback on my itinerary please. I wonder if I'm trying to do too much. Hotel not booked yet, so not sure here exactly we will be staying, but it will ideally be somewhere not too far from the North beach area, to facilitate easy exploring on day 1. We are fit and active, up for some walking and public transport. May take the odd Uber if we really need to, but trying to keep costs down too!

Day 1

Land in the early afternoon from the UK, hope to be at the hotel by late afternoon.

If we are very tired/jetlagged, may have a short nap then head out to explore Chinatown/North beach areas. Nothing too rigid planned, just try to stay awake as long as possible and have a look around.

Day 2

Union Sq

Ferry building/market

Lombard St

Ghirardelli Sq

Fishermans Wharf

Pier 39

Evening Alcatraz tour

Day 3

Palace of fine arts (may skip this if we are short on time)

Golden gate bridge. (Would have liked to visit Golden Gate park also, but don't think we have time)

Painted ladies

Haight-Ashbury (How long is needed here? There is nothing in particular we want to do, just explore and generally soak up the vibes of the area).

Mission (maybe to Dolores park for sunset and explore the neighbourhood afterwards - is this a good area to explore in the evening, or better done in the daytime?)

Does this sound okay or is it too much? Depending on how flights work out, we might have the possibility of adding one additional day. If we did this, how would you spend this day, would you re-arrange the above pans or add something new?

Thanks in advance.

Answer

Your San Francisco itinerary is ambitious but manageable if you prioritize walking, public transport, and strategic timing. Since you’re fit and active, most of your plan is doable, but some adjustments can make it more enjoyable without feeling rushed.

Day 1:

Arriving early afternoon from the UK, plan to check into your hotel and take a brief rest if needed. Staying near North Beach is ideal as it puts you close to Chinatown, Telegraph Hill, and the waterfront.

Explore Chinatown and North Beach in the late afternoon/evening. Walking around Columbus Avenue and Grant Avenue will give you a feel for both neighborhoods. Grab an early dinner at a local Italian or Chinese restaurant.
Keep activities light to adjust to jet lag and avoid overexertion on your first day.

Day 2:

This is your busiest day with key tourist areas:

Start at Union Square for shopping or coffee and enjoy the urban energy.
Walk or take Muni to the Ferry Building for local food and artisanal products.
Visit Lombard Street for photos, then head to Ghirardelli Square for a chocolate treat.
Continue to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. Allow enough time to explore, but you can shorten stops if pressed for time.
Evening Alcatraz tour: Book in advance, as these tours can sell out. Plan to have dinner before the tour or bring snacks.

Tips: Consider grouping nearby sites together to minimize back-and-forth. For example, Ferry Building, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf are all within walking distance along the Embarcadero.

Day 3:

You’ve listed several iconic spots. Here’s a suggested order and timing:

Palace of Fine Arts: Short visit (~30–45 minutes) for photos.
Golden Gate Bridge: Walk or drive across, or visit viewpoints on either side.
Painted Ladies: Quick stop and photo opportunity at Alamo Square (~15–30 minutes).
Haight-Ashbury: Walking around to soak up the vibe may take 1–2 hours depending on interest.
Mission District and Dolores Park: Afternoon into sunset is ideal. The area is lively in the evening, but Dolores Park is best visited in daylight; you can enjoy nearby restaurants and bars afterward.

Tips: Since you won’t have a car, using Muni or rideshare strategically will save time, especially for the Golden Gate Bridge and Haight-Ashbury, which are spread out. Walking between Painted Ladies and Haight-Ashbury is possible but may be tiring with children.

Optional 4th Day:

If you can add an extra day, you could:

Explore Golden Gate Park fully, including Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, and de Young Museum.
Take a day trip to Sausalito or Muir Woods for redwoods and coastal views.
Spend more time in neighborhoods you enjoy, like the Castro or Marina District.
Relax with a slower-paced day visiting smaller museums or strolling along the Embarcadero.

Overall, your plan is feasible, but prioritizing the must-see sites and grouping nearby attractions will reduce travel fatigue. If you feel pressed for time, you can skip Lombard Street or Ghirardelli Square for more flexibility. The key is pacing and strategic use of public transport and occasional Uber.

Help planning a short trip please!

More San Francisco Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions