Steal My Guide: 4 Day San Francisco Itinerary

ByAmber Hours
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San Francisco is a city full of hills, fog, charm, and surprises. I spent a few days here for a wedding and made the most of my time by exploring iconic sights, eating my way through the neighborhoods, and even venturing into wine country and the redwoods.

If you’re planning a trip, here’s the exact itinerary I followed — and I’d recommend it to anyone visiting for the first time.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission — at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are my own. Please note: the information provided on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional if needed.

☕ Day 1: Chinatown, the Pier & Alcatraz Sunset

Morning: Coffee & Chinatown Stroll

Start your day in Chinatown with coffee and breakfast — I loved Home Coffee Roasters. Then just wander. You’ll find colorful lanterns strung above the streets, little markets, and plenty of quirky shops. Don’t miss the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where you can watch cookies being folded by hand.

Late Morning: Ride the Trolley to the pier

From Chinatown, try to catch one of the famous trolleys to head toward the waterfront.

Afternoon: The Pier & Lombard Street

At Pier 39, spend some time watching the sea lions bark and flop around. Then stroll toward Umbrella Alley for fun, colorful murals and on to Ghirardelli Square for a scoop of ice cream.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can walk uphill to Lombard Street — but honestly, consider calling an Uber to avoid the climb. Lombard is fun to see once, though it’s always crowded.

Evening: Sunset at Alcatraz

Book the evening ferry to Alcatraz for an unforgettable experience. The self-guided audio tour is excellent, and the sunset views of the city on the ride back are magical.

🎒 Tip: Bring layers — the evening ferry can get chilly!

🌄 Day 2: Bridge Views, Neighborhoods & Nostalgia

Sunrise: Marin Headlands Viewpoints

Start your day early with a sunrise view of the Golden Gate from the Marin Headlands. Battery Spencer and Hawk Hill both have incredible angles and are worth the drive up into the hills.

Morning: Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge

After sunrise, walk across the bridge itself — it’s about three miles round-trip, fairly flat, and one of my favorite moments of the trip. I started on the Sausalito side and ended up back at the visitor center on the San Francisco side, where you can grab a coffee.

Afternoon: Little Italy & the Painted Ladies

Back in the city, head to Little Italy (North Beach) for early lunch. I had delicious Persian food at Maykadeh, but you can also try pizza at Golden Boy (which is fantastic) or grab cannoli at Stella Pastry

Then make your way to Alamo Square Park to see the famous Full House houses (Painted Ladies). Bring a blanket and sit on the lawn for a bit — it’s a lovely spot to relax and take in the city skyline.

Evening: Japantown Dinner & Matcha

For dinner, head to Japantown. I picked up some snacks at Nijiya Market, enjoyed sushi, and finished the night with a warm, comforting matcha. Unfortunately, the Peace Pagoda was under construction when we went. Although smaller than the other neighborhoods, it was great to feel the familiarity with my recent trip to Japan.

🍷 Day 3: Wine Country

All Day: Napa or Sonoma Wine Tour

Dedicate a full day to wine country — most wineries close around 4–5 PM, so it’s best to get an early start. If you plan on driving yourself, check the time of the last tasting at each stop. It will be earlier than their closing time!

I booked a trolley wine tour through Napa, which was fun even though our trolley broke down before we had gotten on for the day (they sent a bus instead — classic SF quirk). To our fortune, the bus had air conditioning! My favorite stop was Monticello Winery.

If you want a more laid-back experience, rent bikes in Sonoma and visit wineries at your own pace. Since it was our first time here, we opted for the classic Napa trip. Either way, it’s a bucket-list day trip worth taking.

🎒 Tip: Eat a good breakfast, bring water, and don’t plan to drive yourself if you’ll be tasting all day.

🌲 Day 4: Muir Woods & Farewell

Morning: Muir Woods

Before heading home, take a quiet morning to walk among the ancient redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument. You’ll need a parking reservation, but it’s close to the city and the perfect peaceful end to your trip. We were able to book just a few days in advance. If you have time, I’ve heard Muir Beach is well worth checking out after!

Still want more? On your way back to SF head through Saulsilito and grab lunch at Fish. Then walk around downtown Saulsilito or consider grabbing the ferry to San Fran!

💤 Where to Stay

We split our stay between the city and Sausalito, which gave us two very different experiences. In the city, we stayed at the Beacon Grand Hotel in Union Square. I loved its old-school charm and how central it was — right across from the trolley line.

Later, we stayed at a bed & breakfast in Sausalito. It was quiet, scenic, and a little more relaxing than the city. The steep, winding roads took some getting used to, but the ferry ride back to San Francisco was one of the coolest ways to cross the bay.

💡 Tips & thoughts

  • 🧥 Dress in layers — it’s windy and cooler than you’d expect, even in summer.
  • 👟 Wear comfy shoes & watch your knees, the hills are steep.
  • ⏰ Plan for early nights, many places close by 8–9 PM.
  • 🚗 Don’t leave valuables in your car – break-ins are common.
  • 🚲 Public transportation is accessible (try Waymo for a self-driving car experience)!

San Francisco really did surprise me. What I ended up liking most was its distinct coastal vibe — it reminded me of coastal towns on the East Coast, but this with more rolling hills and diversity. Foggy mornings, colorful neighborhoods, salty air, and a slower pace than I expected all gave it a character that grew on me the more I wandered.

If you’re visiting for the first time, pack your walking shoes, bring a jacket, and let the city show you what it’s really about.

Hi, I’m Amber —

A Michigan native now living in Washington with a deep love for travel and the outdoors. What started with church mission trips and traveling across the U.S. as a nurse has grown into a passion for exploring the world through hiking, food, culture, and the beauty of God’s creation. Sometimes I’m joined by my goldendoodle, Millie, but I’m always traveling with my camera. My goal is to help you feel inspired and confident that travel is possible — no matter where you’re starting from.

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