San Francisco: Suggested itinerary for the perfect long weekend
Want to know how to spend your long weekend trip in San Fran? You got it dude! Besides being infamously known for the classic tv sitcom Full House, San Francisco has much to offer whether you’re a foodie traveler or looking to experience the culture and arts. The 16th most populous city in the States, San Francisco was founded in 1776 by Spain colonists. By 1849, the California Gold Rush brought rapid growth and increased immigration from the East. Today, The City by the Bay is comprised of hippies, liberals, hipsters, techies and one of of the oldest gay scenes in the United States.
You know that feeling you get when you travel someplace new and suddenly you’re thinking about moving there? Well, having just returned from my trip to the city I’m still running off that high. San Francisco gave me New York City vibes with California flavor and with San Francisco being the second most walkable city in the U.S., this is the perfect city to take in all the sights and sounds on your feet. If this is your first time visiting the city, I have the perfect itinerary for you to experience and taste all the best/touristy things the city has to offer.
Day 1: You’ve just hopped off the plane (hopefully landing in the morning or early afternoon) and you’re ready to eat well and do some light walking. Here’s how you can enjoy your first day.
Brunch at Sweet Maple. Self proclaimed the best breakfast and lunch in San Francisco, this restaurant hits the spot especially after a long flight. Their known for their millionaires bacon, but from my staring at everyone else’s dishes as the waiters passed by, you can’t miss with whatever you choose to order. I recommend the Blackstone benedict.
Since you’ll be plenty full after this brunch, you should walk off that food.
Take a short 15 minute walk to see the Painted Ladies. One of the most photographed locations in San Francisco, the Ladies are victorian houses in escalating formation with a backdrop of the downtown skyscrapers. Located in Alamo’s Square’s famous “postcard row”, sit back in the park and enjoy the views, take pictures and let the itis slip away.
Now it’s time to experience some of that culture that San Fran is known for.
Explore China Town. The most famous China Town next to New York’s and also the biggest, this area has some of the best dim sum in the country. Try new food, drink at the bars and buy some souvenirs at one of the many souvenir stalls. I recommend eating dim sum at the Good Mong Kok bakery and sesame chicken at Nanking.
In continuation of our cultural exploration we’ll visit this Roman-style remnant of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
Stroll around the Palace of Fine Arts. Another highly photographed area in the city, take a leisurely stroll around the lagoon or relax under the rotunda. Events are held here frequently, so check out the website before visiting.
Day 2: Wine. Need I say more?
No trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to the wine country and with it being close to the city it provides for the perfect day trip.
Escape to California’s famous wine country on this Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour. Begin the day by driving over the Golden Gate Bridge and taking in views of the bay. The tour stops at the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point allowing time for photos. The tour continues with visits to two wineries where you’ll taste a variety of red and white wines. For lunch, you’ll stop by the charming Sonoma Square Plaza where there are multiple restaurants and bakeries. Bring a blanket along if you’d like to eat in the park. You’ll then travel to the last winery and enjoy the rolling hills and vineyards on your ride back.
Day 3: Pack your best sneakers because you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Clearly San Francisco knows how to brunch and this restaurant drives that point home. Enjoy brunch at Son & Garden. Thai infused American dishes, this is another restaurant where no matter your choice you can’t go wrong. I recommend the Korean Benedict and also that you wear your best brunch fit as they have the best ambiance for photos.
Once again it’s time to walk off that food. See, you can eat well and still workout while on vacation.
Our next stop is a 20 minute walk to Japantown. Settled in the 1860’s, San Francisco’s Japantown is one of the three remaining Japantown’s in the United States. Make sure to check out the Japanese mall filled with dining and shops. You’ll feel like you’ve been to transported to Japan!
What’s a trip without some shopping?
Do some light (or heavy) shopping in Union Square. Similar to fifth ave in New York, this area is lined with high end shops and plenty of outdoor seating for you to stroll, shop, sit and enjoy that breezy San Fran weather.
Speaking of the weather, no California visit is complete without a trip to the beach. But beware, San Francisco is fairly cool even during the summer so if you’re thinking of bringing a bathing suit, think again. Unless 50 degree ocean water is your thing
To enjoy the sunset and have yourself a little picnic, grab some lobster rolls at Luke’s Lobster, whose rolls can only be described as fresh and fire af. Take those rolls and order a 20 minute ride to Baker beach. Bask in the ocean breeze, while eating and taking in views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the rolling hills behind it.
Day 4: Ending the trip with a bang
Didn’t I say we’d be eating and exercising on this trip?
Wake up early and grab some taco croissant sandwiches at Vive La Tarte. Make sure to check which locations are open or order for delivery. Then, take a hike up to Twin Peaks to see epic views of the city. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
Stroll along the waterfront
First stop by the water is the Ferry Building Marketplace. Opened in 1898, the Ferry Building is now a first class marketplace and farmers market on the weekends. Enjoy lunch and snacks here from various vendors and buy some artisanal goodies. I recommend the croquettes and chicken cutlets from Delica.
Continuing the walk along the waterfront you’ll past by the numbered piers. Pier 33 is where you can board the ferry to Alcatraz. If visiting is of interest to you, make sure to plan ahead as most tours require you to book a week in advance.
The last stop on this waterfront walk is Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Ghirardelli Square. The must see touristy stop, this area covers multiple blocks. Dine, shop, and explore here. Take in the views of Alcatraz and the sea lions and if kids are included in your group, they’ll enjoy the fair like games and attractions.
And there it is! Your perfect itinerary for a long weekend in San Francisco. Of course there is so much more to see and taste in this multicultural city, but this will get your feet wet! I know I’ll be back to gawk at the architecture, brunch and of course drink.