Perched on more than 50 hills, on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco is known as the city by the bay. It is an atypical American metropolis known for plenty of things, like for being much colder than any other California cities, for hippies and hipsters and everything in between, and for food worth waiting in lines for. Plan a day trip to San Francisco- the city that has been inhabited by about 1 million people and visited by more than 25 million tourists.
It will be unfair for San Francisco if you think that one day is enough to visit this beautiful city. You certainly have to skip some popular landmarks and tourist attractions if you have only one day at your disposal. You can even get a rental car to make the most of your San Francisco day trip. To get the best of San Francisco in 24 hours, read this complete day trip guide to San Francisco.
One Day in San Francisco Itinerary
Start Your Trip at Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a perfect place to start your day trip to San Francisco. The epicenter of tourism, with an abundance of museums, souvenir shops, restaurants, this place is worth your time. With many old buildings plus the cute little shops filled with tourists make it perfect for a stroll around. It is also a favorite place for backpackers and budget travelers as there are many free museums and more than 200 antique musical instruments. Another popular activity to do in Fisherman’s Wharf is watching the sea lions hanging on the dock. You can also get the amazing views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge from here.
Explore Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco’s most famous site has to be the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge, whose total length is 2.7 km, and its height reaches 227 meters. Built-in 1933, this iconic landmark is considered to be the most photographed bridge in the world. Depending on the time you have, you can choose a walk, rent a bike to cycle, or cross it by the car. There are many points from which you can get the gorgeous view of the bridge that connects The Fog City to the town of Sausalito.
Head to Pier 39
Located on Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 is a shopping center that deserves a special mention. From the Pier, you can see the many sea lions. You can also see Alcatraz Island from here, and even book a tour if you have some extra time to spare. There are plenty of activities to indulge in at Pier 39. Although very touristy, but with balloons, street food, cotton candy, souvenirs, and whatnot, every day is a big festival here. This touristy spot is usually quite busy and is better to explore in the early hours when it opens.
On the east side of Pier 39 is the Pier 35 – the largest cruise terminal in San Francisco, and close by it is the Ferry Building- constructed and opened in the latter part of the 19th century.
Onto Union Square & Have Lunch at Chinatown
Union Square is another main shopping square and the busiest place in San Francisco. The center is filled with shopping options, affordable restaurants, hotels, street carts and music, and many more. Each corner of the union square has heart statues painted with unique designs. You can grab your lunch from Chinatown that is within walking distance from Union Square. It is the oldest Chinatown in North America, which was built in the mid 19th century and portrays the stories of Chinese immigrants to the country. It is not the prettiest thing in San Francisco, but the red lanterns that are hanging all over the neighborhood, along with the dragon gate are a delight to watch. If you love shopping or want to eat cheap, it is worth taking a stroll here and enjoying the ambiance.
Wander Around North Beach
After walking through Chinatown, head to North Beach, a traditional Italian neighborhood. Meander along the narrow street and enjoy the charming vibe of this place packed with local history. This place is also known as ‘Little Italy’. Isn’t it amazing? It is a lively little place full of different kinds of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. If you are an Italian food lover, then you are here for a treat.
Explore Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz is another one of the most popular tourist spots in San Francisco, California. Located on a small island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, this historic prison is popular for being inescapable and a must-see place in San Francisco. With this one-day San Francisco itinerary, you won’t have time to visit Alcatraz as the Alcatraz tour will take a minimum of 4 hours to get there and to walk around the place. To get to Alcatraz Island, visitors have to book a tour, and then a ferry will take you to the island.