Last updated on July 29th, 2026 at 03:23 pm
An amazing 4 days in San Francisco is possible but you will need to make choices! There is just so much to do in the Bay Area. Whether it’s history, nature, coastline, food & drink or shopping you’re after, San Francisco delivers in spades!
I spent 4 days in San Francisco ahead of a group hiking trip that I and a friend from Canada were joining. In that time, I managed to see and do quite a bit of what this amazing city has to offer.
In this post I’ll share what you can do in 4 days in San Francisco. I’ll give you some further options to add to your itinerary and offer up a general travel guide and some tips for visiting the City by the Bay.
Best Time to Visit San Francisco
When you think of California, you probably think of endless sunshine. In San Francisco however, the weather is influenced by the cold Pacific Ocean. This means that the city is a little cooler in Summer and a little warmer in the Winter in comparison to surrounding areas.
It’s the cold Pacific Ocean that plays a key role in creating the fog that San Francisco is known for (that fog has a name you know, Karl!).
That said, you can visit San Francisco year round, however September to November (Autumn) is generally regarded as the best time to visit as the temperatures are a little higher and fog season is over around October. When you decide to visit however will also depend on what it is you want to do – for example, December for Christmas shopping, Summer and Autumn for camping.
Here’s a quick, high level summary of San Francisco’s seasons:
Spring: March to May
Temperatures are starting to climb after winter and there is less rain. Fog season begins in April.
Summer: June to August
This is the high season so expect bigger crowds and higher prices. The weather can be changeable however with windy days and fog. I visited in July and experienced sun, wind and fog!
Autumn: September to November
Temperatures can trend a little warmer during Autumn although a chilly breeze isn’t uncommon. Nevertheless, as I mentioned above, Autumn is generally regarded as the best time to visit San Francisco.
Winter: December to February
The Bay Area experiences most of its rain during this season and temperatures are cooler than at other times. Hotel deals may be more plentiful at this time.
Getting to San Francisco
Travelling to San Francisco will of course depend on where you are coming from. With that in mind, there are 2 main options available:
1. Air
Most international visitors located outside of North America will arrive into San Francisco by air. The main airport is San Francisco International airport (SFO) although some international destinations are served by Oakland airport (OAK) and San Jose Mineta airport (SJC). Domestic travellers will use any one of these 3 airports.
I flew to San Francisco with British Airways on a direct flight from London to SFO – the flight time was around 10.5/11 hours.
Check your flight options and book here:
2. Land – Rail or Car
It is also possible to arrive into San Francisco by car, bus or by train. For train journeys, check the Amtrack website. For those planning a bus journey, check the Greyhound website. Alternatively, you can compare flight, train and bus options here:
Getting To/From San Francisco International Airport
Given that most air travellers to San Francisco arrive into SFO I have set out below the options for getting into the city from that airport. Those arriving into OAK and SJC should check the official Oakland airport website and San Jose Mineta airport website for up to date ground transportation options.
The options for getting from SFO into the city are:
1. Public Transportation
One of the best ways of getting from SFO into Downtown San Francisco is by using the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) rail system. The SFO BART station is easily accessible in the airport and the trip to Downtown takes about 30 minutes. To pay BART fares you can use an all in one transit card known as the Clipper Card or pay using a contactless bank card.
The Clipper Card operates in the same way as London’s Oyster Card in that you load funds on to it and pay for fares by scanning or tapping (referred to on BART as ‘tagging’) your card on the readers at the gates as you enter and exit.
You can either purchase a Clipper Card at the ticket machines in stations or you can add Clipper to your mobile wallet for free. Check the Clipper Card website for more information and instructions.
You can top up your card at any time, but getting a refund involves calling the number on the back of the card or completing an online form. Try to manage your card balance to avoid any last minute hassles.
2. Transfer
If you prefer not having to negotiate public transport, then you should consider pre-booking a transfer.
2. Taxis/Ride Sharing Apps
Taxis are available at SFO or you can pre-book a ride using Uber or Lyft. Check the official San Francisco airport website for details of pick up locations.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
As with most big cities, San Francisco has a range of accommodation options available to visitors. I actually stayed in 5 different hotels during my time in the city. I am happy to recommend all of them, although I would suggest that the first 3 offer a more central and therefore convenient location for those keen to spend time in the main areas of the city:
1. StayPineapple – located in the Union Square neighbourhood, I spent my first 2 nights here
2. Holiday Inn Golden Gateway Hotel – located in the Nob Hill neighbourhood, I spent my next 2 nights in the city here when my friend arrived ahead of our group hiking trip
3. Stanford Court – located in the Nob Hill neighbourhood, I spent 1 night here ahead of the start of our group hiking trip
4. The Catrina Hotel – located in San Mateo, I spent 1 night here following the end of our group hiking trip and ahead of a road trip my friend and I were taking. This hotel is located close to the airport and is therefore less convenient for those wanting to spend time in San Francisco’s main tourist areas
5. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – located in San Carlos, I spent 1 night here following the end of our road trip. This hotel is also located close to the airport and, as with The Catrina Hotel, is less convenient for those wanting a more central San Francisco location. Both hotels suited us however as we were picking up and dropping off a rental car.
You can explore further accommodation options and book here:
How to Get Around San Francisco
As you can imagine, there are a variety of ways you can get around San Francisco including:
1. Walking
I love to get out and walk around a city and my time in San Francisco was no different. Despite the warm temperatures and all the hills, I managed to walk my 10,000+ steps easily every day!
2. BART
I mentioned the BART system above in the context of getting from the airport, however you can also use it once you’re in Downtown San Francisco. Check the BART website to learn more and to plan your trips.
3. Bus
The bus system is operated by MUNI – look out for the red logo. It’s easy to use and fares are paid for using your Clipper Card or contactless card.
4. Metro
The metro is also operated by MUNI and fares are paid using your Clipper Card or contactless card. Check the official MUNI website for a lot more information about getting around San Francisco.
5. Cable Cars
Riding a cable car just has to be done when in San Francisco. A single ticket will cost $9 (concessions available) and can be paid for using your Clipper Card or contactless card. Some fares need to be paid in advance – check official MUNI website for more details.
6. Streetcars
Cable Cars and Streetcars are not the same, however both are operated by MUNI. The historic F Market and Wharves streetcar is popular with tourists and operates between Castro and Market Street and Fisherman’s Wharf. It stops right in front of the Ferry Building. Fares can be paid using your Clipper Card or contactless card.
7. Bikes and Scooters
Bikes are popular in San Francisco and you can hire them easily enough from docking stations via sharing arrangements such as Bay Wheels. Check also with your accommodation as some hotels offer guests free use of bikes.
E-scooters are also available, with Lime seemingly fairly popular.
8. Shuttles
Free shuttles operate in Golden Gate Park and the Presidio.
9. Taxis, Uber, Lyft
Taxis, Uber and Lyft operate across San Francisco. Alternatively, you may also want to try the autonomous ride-hailing service operated by Waymo. I saw quite a few of these cars but did not travel in one so if you do, let me know how it goes!
10. Ferries
There are a couple of ferries operating from San Francisco to take you to destinations outside of the city, namely:
- Golden Gate Ferry – for trips to Angel Island State Park, Sausalito and Tiburon
- San Francisco Bay Ferry – for trips to various destinations including Oakland, Richmond, Vallejo and Treasure Island
Fares are detailed on the relevant website (highlighted above) and are paid using your Clipper Card or contactless card.
11. Rental Car
If you prefer to have access to your own vehicle or you are planning to travel outside of the city, perhaps into Yosemite National Park or down the Californian coast, then you may want to consider renting a car.
Currency
San Francisco is located in the State of California on the West Coast of United States and therefore the US Dollar (USD) is the currency used.
Tipping is an essential way of life in the USA and therefore I would suggest carrying some banknotes in smaller denominations, especially $1 bills, for use in bars, shops, cafes, hotels, tourist attractions etc.
Staying Online in San Francisco
If you like to stay online when travelling, either to keep in touch with family and friends, update social media, make bookings or use google maps, but you don’t want to incur roaming charges from your home provider, then consider an eSim from Airalo.
Easy to install, an eSim avoids the need to buy a local Sim card (and risk losing your home Sim when taking it out!) and allows you to continue using your own phone number for calls and texts.
I have used data packages purchased from Airalo on several occasions now, including in the United States, and can highly recommend them. When time is of the essence as it can be when travelling, accessing online resources can be a real time saver. For solo travellers, it can also be a comfort to know you have online access all the time.
Is 4 Days in San Francisco Enough?
There is so much to do in San Francisco and the surrounding area that frankly, you could spend weeks visiting! That said, you can definitely create an amazing itinerary if all you have is 4 days in San Francisco.
Prioritise what interests you and be prepared to make choices as to what you see and do. Your days will be busy and you will need comfortable shoes but 4 days in San Francisco is enough to get a good feel for the city.
14 Activities To Include In Your San Francisco 4 Day Itinerary
Making choices is never easy. Here then is my list of 14 activities you can definitely experience in 4 days in San Francisco:
1. Climb Coit Tower
You will likely see Coit Tower when you are out and about in the city. It’s the 64 metre (210 foot) high white concrete tower on top of Telegraph Hill. It was built between 1932 and 1933 and is surrounded by Pioneer Park. You can walk up to the tower for free but if you decide to climb all 13 flights of stairs (234 steps in total) to get to the top, then it will cost $10 (concessions are available).
The views from the top are amazing and on your way up you will see a wonderful collection of murals dating from the 1930s (although they have been restored since then) depicting Californian life in the Great Depression.
Although it is a bit of a climb, I would highly recommend doing it! I understand that there is an elevator, although this was not in use when I visited.
2. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts
Did you know there’s a palace in San Francisco? The Palace of Fine Arts was first built in 1915 for an international exposition to exhibit art. It was rebuilt in the 1960s and columns were added in the 1970s. It’s designed to appear like a ruin of Ancient Rome.
The open rotunda is 49m high and the columns, which form a large pergola, are huge. There’s an adjacent lagoon where I spotted quite a bit of bird life and a turtle!
Today, the site is home to a theatre and the rotunda, columns and lagoon are popular spots for wedding photos etc.
Not only is it one of the best places to see in San Francisco, it’s also one of the free things to do in San Francisco!
3. Eat Clam Chowder!
When I first visited San Francisco many years ago, I tried clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and it was so good that I made sure to have it again on my recent trip. I am happy to report that it was every bit as yummy and filling this time as it was the first.
If seafood and bread are things you can eat, then be sure to include this in your San Francisco itinerary!
4. Visit Alcatraz Island
A visit to Alcatraz is a no brainer if you’re spending 4 days in San Francisco. A small island about 2km offshore from San Francisco, Alcatraz has been the site of a lighthouse, fort, military prison and maximum security Federal Penitentiary. The latter opened in 1934 but closed in 1963. Some of its more famous inhabitants include Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz (although he never kept birds there).
Alcatraz Island was occupied for 19 months from November 1969 by Indians of All Tribes in the name of freedom and Native American civil rights.
Today, Alcatraz is managed by the National Park Service and is one of the most visited sites in San Francisco. To get there you need to buy a ticket for Alcatraz City Cruises. Tickets are priced from $47.95 for adults and cruises depart from Pier 33, not far from the well known Pier 39. The ticket price includes an audio tour.
If you are interested in combining a visit to Alcatraz with another activity, you can review available options and book here:
These are my tips for visiting Alcatraz:
- places sell out reasonably quickly so book in advance
- weather can be unpredictable and change quickly so wear layers and take a jacket (I did not!)
- wear comfortable shoes and be careful as some surfaces are uneven. Be aware too that some roads and paths are quite steep
- for those with mobility issues, there is a free shuttle however it operates on a first come, first served basis
To learn more about visiting Alcatraz, read my post How to Explore the Rock – Is Alcatraz Worth Visiting?
5. Wander through Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in North America and definitely worth including in your San Francisco itinerary. It was founded in 1849 during the Gold Rush and rebuilt after the San Francisco earthquake of 1906.
Take a walk along Stockton Street to see Chinese foods and fish markets and don’t forget to stop by the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Established in 1962, it makes traditional and flavored fortune cookies. The factory is located in Ross Alley.
There is street art to admire, food to eat (especially Dim Sum) and various museums to stop by if you have time. If you prefer to join a walking tour of this neighbourhood, then consider these options:
6. Eat Ice Cream at Ghirardelli’s
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company was incorporated in 1852 and is the 3rd oldest chocolate company in the USA. Famous for both its chocolate and its ice cream sundaes, there is plenty to choose from at its stores in Ghirardelli Square.
To learn more about the company, read this Wikipedia article and to learn more about its products check the official Ghirardelli website.
I can recommend both the ice cream and milk chocolate squares (research for this blog post you understand!).
7. Visit the Painted Ladies
Located on the eastern side of Alamo Square Park (Steiner Street) you will find the Painted Ladies, a line of pastel coloured Victorian Houses. They were built between 1892 and 1896 and have appeared in numerous movies and TV programs. There is a very good view of the San Francisco skyline behind them.
Alamo Square Park is a nice area with plenty of grassy spaces to sit and relax. There’s a coffee truck in the park and the area was busy with locals and visitors alike.
Overall, I thought the colouring of the Painted Ladies a little more subdued than I was expecting. I was there before 11am however and suspect that the sunny conditions and timing of my visit may have impacted my photos. That said, a visit to this iconic spot should be on your San Francisco itinerary!
8. Explore the Presidio
The Presidio of San Francisco is a National Park site and a National Historic Landmark. Once home to Native people and later a military post, today it is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It’s 1491 acres in size and is located next to the Golden Gate Bridge.
There are so many things to see and do in the Presidio…I feel I barely scratched the surface! I entered through Chestnut Gate and explored this area (which has something for Star Wars fans!) but there is so much more to see and do. Hiking trails, beaches, history and more….there’s enough to keep you busy for more than one day!
Check the official Presidio website for more information and help in planning your visit. Once there, keep an eye out for coyotes!
9. Go Shopping in Union Square
The shoppers out there will love Union Square! There’s an abundance of upmarket department stores and boutiques to spend time (and money!) in. Fortunately, there are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to relax and recover in.
Iconic views of the city abound and with cable cars clattering past and neighbourhoods such as Chinatown and Nob Hill nearby, you will definitely feel that you have arrived in San Francisco! For a great view over the area, head to The Cheesecake Factory and dine on the balcony.
For those who aren’t keen shoppers or would rather spend their time on other things, Union Square is still worth including in your San Francisco travel itinerary, even if you just take some time to wander through it.
10. Explore Golden Gate Park
Comprising over 1,000 acres of land and measuring 3 miles long, you will definitely find something to do in Golden Gate Park! Gardens, hiking trails, Bison, woodlands, a Japanese Tea Garden, historic sites…the Golden Gate Park has it all.
There’s a free shuttle operating in the park and a car free route along which there are art installations, rest stops, a piano! I would highly recommend visiting the park at some point during your 4 days in San Francisco.
11. Take a Hike!
San Francisco is blessed with quite a few hiking trials including (but in no way limited to) the Twin Peaks Trail, numerous trails within Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the one that I did, the Lands End Trail.
My hike was the first in a series of hikes I did as part of a group hiking tour. This was the only hike within San Francisco however, the others being in Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada. You can learn more about my experience hiking the trails in those areas in the various blog posts on my USA page.
We began our hike of the Lands End trail by climbing the Lincoln Park Steps, one of a number of tiled staircases in the city, and making our way around the the Lincoln Park Golf Course before arriving at the start of the trail. The trail itself is predominantly flat, although there are some stairs. The trail offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the coastline before ending at the Sutro Baths.
The Sutro Baths were a large ocean-fed public swimming complex built in 1894. There were 7 swimming pools at various temperatures and the complex could accommodate 10,000 people at one time. The commercial success of the baths dwindled over time however and in 1964 developers began demolishing the structure which housed them. In 1966 a fire destroyed what was left of the baths. To learn more about the baths, read this National Park Service article.
Adding a hike to your 4 days in San Francisco trip itinerary will allow you to experience the city in a different way, get out and about in nature and appreciate the natural beauty of this part of California. I can highly recommend it!
12. Visit Pier 39
If you’re spending 4 days in San Francisco, or any amount of time to be honest, then you will likely head for Pier 39…and you should! In addition to the various shopping and dining options available, Pier 39 is famous as the home to a group of sea lions. Head to K-Dock to see (and hear!) them. According to the official Pier 39 website, the number of sea lions hit an all time record of over 2,100 in May-June 2024.
I visited the sea lions during my first trip to San Francisco so made the decision not to visit them again this time, however there are plenty of statues and sculptures around the pier to remind you of their presence.
13. Spot the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic sights in San Francisco….even if, or especially if, it is shrouded in the famous fog that often coats the city. I’ve seen the bridge both without the fog and half covered by it and it really is an amazing site. Once you see it, you’ll know you really are in San Francisco.
The bridge spans an area of water known as Golden Gate (hence the name) which connects San Francisco Bay with the Pacific Ocean.
Construction of the bridge began in 1933 and was completed in 1937. The bridge is a suspension bridge and measures about 2.74 kilometres (1.7 miles) long and 27.4 metres (90 feet) wide.
For those wanting a closer experience, pedestrian or bicycle access is permitted but only at specified times – check the official Golden Gate Bridge website for up to date hours. Alternatively, you could join this hop on hop off bus tour which stops near the bridge or take this harbour cruise option which sails beneath it.
14. Stop by Washington Square Park
Located in the North Beach neighborhood, Washington Square was established in 1847 and as such, is one of the oldest parks in San Francisco. There are cafes and restaurants nearby as well as the imposing Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. It was on the steps of this Church that Marilyn Monroe and Joe Dimaggio had wedding photos taken.
The park is a great spot to people watch and was still fairly busy when I visited just after 6pm. It’s not far from Chinatown and if you’ve been walking a bit, it’s a good place to take a rest!
More Time in San Francisco?
If you have more than 4 days in San Francisco or you’re looking for some different activities to include in your itinerary, then you may want to consider the popular options I’ve set out below or those activities included as part of the GoCity San Francisco Pass:
1. Take a Day Trip to Napa
Visiting vineyards and wine tasting…what could be better! Day trips from San Francisco to Napa Valley are popular, as are the half day trips. Start your research with these options:
2. Take a Day Trip to Muir Woods
Fancy hiking amidst some coastal redwoods? Then check out these options to Muir Woods:
3. Take a Day Trip to Yosemite National Park
As someone who has now been to Yosemite National Park I can tell you that it is worth the hype and is as beautiful as you imagine it to be. Its proximity to San Francisco makes a day trip there possible – check out these options:
4. Join a Food Tour in the Mission District
Travelling and eating often go hand in hand so check out these options in one of San Francisco’s oldest neighbourhoods:
5. Join a Ghost Tour
Ghost tours are always fun….if you’re brave enough! Take a look at these options:
6. Join a Bus Tour
San Francisco is a hilly city, make no mistake about it! If hills aren’t you’re vibe, then consider a bus tour:
7. Enjoy a Californian Sunset
Sunsets are beautiful at the best of times, but even more so when you’re somewhere other than at home. Check out this very popular sunset cruise option:
8. Everything Else!
There really is an incredible choice of activities to enjoy in San Francisco. Check all available options and book here:
Final Thoughts
San Francisco is one of the most visited cities in the US and it’s easy to see why. Its history, architecture, undulating landscape, huge parks, coastal position, resident sea lions and offshore former penitentiary (amongst many other attractions) all combine to offer something for all tastes, interests and ages. The challenge is deciding what to include in your 4 day San Francisco itinerary!
If you have the luxury of a slightly longer stay in the city, then there is a great deal more you will be able to enjoy. I hope that some of my suggested further activities will fit nicely into your plans.
Be sure to read my post 13 Hidden Gems and Unique Things to do in San Francisco too and if you need any general assistance with planning a trip to San Francisco then check out my Resources page.
Disclaimer – Information correct at the time of writing but do check before visiting.
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