4-day San Francisco essentials

Day 1 – Fisherman's Wharf and cable car

Fisherman's Wharf, cable car, Ghirardelli

Morning at Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. Cable car to Union Square or Nob Hill. Afternoon Ghirardelli and waterfront. Evening in North Beach or Chinatown.

Tips:

Buy a Muni pass for cable cars and transit. Book cable car in advance in peak season.

Day 2 – Golden Gate and Presidio

Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio, Crissy Field

Morning at Crissy Field and walk or bike toward the bridge. Presidio and bridge views. Afternoon Sausalito ferry or return to city. Evening in the Mission or Castro.

Tips:

Rent a bike to cross the bridge. Dress in layers; fog can roll in quickly.

Day 3 – Alcatraz or neighbourhoods

Alcatraz, or Mission, Castro, Haight

Option A: Alcatraz (book ferry well ahead). Option B: Mission murals, Castro, Haight-Ashbury. Evening in Mission for food and nightlife.

Tips:

Alcatraz ferries sell out; book at least a week ahead. Night tour is atmospheric.

Day 4 – Last neighbourhoods and departure

Japantown, Pacific Heights, or last shopping

Morning in Japantown or Pacific Heights. Last lunch and departure. Allow time for airport (BART or car).

Tips:

SFO is 30–45 minutes by BART from downtown. Traffic to Oakland can be heavy.