Must see/do in San Fran/Santa Carla!
Hi all-
We arrive around midnight on a Thursday night in September. Looking for a hotel relatively close to the airport (SFO) to stay for one night. Any suggestions? We have a car rented to pick up Friday morning from the airport and then want to do some sightseeing before heading to our hotel near Levi Stadium. Any must sees? We definitely want to see the Golden Gate Bridge, possibly a photo op at Full House but what else is nearby? Saturday our plan is to go to the Santa Cruz boardwalk where the Lost Boys was filmed! Anything else near there or the stadium worth checking out? We have tickets to a 49ers game Sunday.
TIA!
For your late-night arrival at SFO, there are several convenient hotels near the airport that offer easy access and comfortable accommodations for a one-night stay:
- Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport – Modern, comfortable, direct airport shuttle, good for late arrivals.
- Grand Hyatt at SFO – Close to terminals, upscale, convenient if you arrive late and want minimal transit.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport – Spacious rooms, free breakfast, and shuttle service.
On Friday, after picking up your rental car, you can start sightseeing around San Francisco before heading to your hotel near Levi Stadium. Key highlights and photo opportunities:
- Golden Gate Bridge – Iconic views, you can walk or drive partway across; consider a stop at Battery Spencer or Marin Headlands for photo ops.
- Full House House – 1709 Broderick Street in San Francisco’s Lower Pacific Heights for a quick photo in front.
- Palace of Fine Arts – Beautiful architecture, scenic lagoon, perfect for photos.
- Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39 – Sea lions, shops, and classic San Francisco waterfront experience.
- Lombard Street – The famous crooked street, short stop for pictures and fun driving experience.
If time allows, consider a short drive to:
- Coit Tower – Great city views, murals inside, quick visit.
- Chinatown – Walk through colorful streets, grab a snack or souvenir.
- Exploratorium or Ferry Building – Interactive museum or foodie stop depending on interests.
On Saturday, for your trip to Santa Cruz and the Boardwalk:
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – Classic amusement park, seaside fun, and Lost Boys filming locations.
- Downtown Santa Cruz – Shops, cafes, and coastal vibe; quick stop for coffee or lunch.
- Natural Bridges State Beach – Short detour for scenic ocean views and tide pools.
Additional points of interest near Levi’s Stadium for Saturday/Sunday:
- Great America Theme Park – If you have extra time and enjoy rides.
- Levi’s Stadium 49ers Museum – Pre-game exploration if you arrive early.
- San Jose Municipal Rose Garden – Peaceful spot for photos if you’re passing through San Jose.
This itinerary balances classic San Francisco sights, photo ops, and fun stops along the way to Santa Cruz and the 49ers game, while keeping driving reasonable between locations. Prioritize Golden Gate Bridge and Full House photo for iconic San Francisco memories, then enjoy the coastal vibe of Santa Cruz before heading to Levi’s Stadium.
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