I spent a quick 24 hours in San Francisco after my Big Sur Road trip, it was just enough to see the highlights but I would have loved to soak more in! I left the Monterey area in the morning around 9am to head to San Francisco in my rental car. Here’s what I did, where I stayed, and what I ate in 24 hours in San Francisco, California.
WHERE I STAYED:
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133
The Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds was the only room type available when I booked and it was great!
I have no complaints, it was very clean, breakfast was included and I would definitely stay here again. The location right by the water was so perfect.
WHAT I DID:
Golden Gate Bridge
I saw the bridge from two different places and would recommend both vantage points!
- Battery Spencer Park
- This view is to see the bridge from above and it’s gorgeous
- There was a parking lot, ample street parking, bathrooms, and a pathway (parking was free when I went!)
- Here’s the address!
- Golden Gate Overlook and Visitors Center
- This view is to be up close and walk on the pedestrian pathway actual bridge (which is very noisy with all the cars!)
- There is parking across the street and a pathway to get to the bridge with an amazing view
- Here’s the address!
- Here’s the place I parked (parking was free when I went!)
Palace of Fine Arts
- This is a really pretty area but not a must. If you have extra time, it could be a nice place to visit. The structure and park are beautiful and it’s right by the marina and Presidio of San Francisco
- Here’s the address. Parking was not free.
Alamo Square
- This is NOT a must and is out of the way, so I would skip it if you’re not SUPER interested.
- It is a cute place to chill out and you can see the houses where the T.V. show ‘Full House’ was filmed which are called the painted ladies.
- Here’s the address! I took an Uber here
The Cable Cars
- You can ride them or just get a photo and the experience. I just got a photo even though I really wanted to ride one but couldn’t because of time.
- I was planning to start at the Powell/Mason Turnaround which and for more information on the routes, check the SFMTA website.
WHERE I ATE
I had Lunch at Delarosa Marina. The pizza was good here and the appetizer was ok. Overall, average food and I probably would not go back.
I had Dinner at Abrazo. It was so good and I would definitely go back. I believe the menu is seasonal so it changes often. I took an Uber there.
THE MORNING BEFORE I LEFT SAN FRAN
The morning of my flight was so peaceful. I grabbed a hot chocolate, had a long walk along the water/pier, and saw some of the places below before heading to the airport
- Fisherman’s wharf
- Sea Lion Viewing Area
- Ghirardelli Square and Aquatic Park Bleachers
- Pier 35
- Viewpoint Pier 7 here and Pier 14 here
PLACES I MISSED
These are places that I did not get the chance to see, but maybe if I’m in SF again, I’ll get the chance!
- Lyon Street Steps
- Lombard Street
- Muir Woods
- Japanese Tea Garden
- If it’s warm out, there should be plenty of activities by the piers near the hotel as well as boat rides that you can check out
Would NOT recommend:
- New England Lobster Market & Eatery
- I ate here after I landed at SFO before heading to Big Sur, and the lobster roll was not good
WEATHER
- I went mid-October and the weather was similar to fall weather but in the mornings it was cold and cloudy with a break of sun and sunshine mid-day before becoming cold in the evening again. Fortunately, it was not raining, but it was colder than I expected. Similar to the Big Sur part of this trip, the weather does change significantly throughout the day which can be seen throughout the photos.
GETTING TO SFO AIRPORT
Taking the BART from Embarcadero BART Station to San Francisco International Airport using the Yellow-S line (or Red-S line) for ~$11 USD per person (check the BART website for more details and view the maps) or take an Uber for ~$50 USD.
I really enjoyed my time in San Francisco and can’t wait to go back when I have a little more time. I was so grateful for the time and opportunity to go.
