How to Spend 3 Days in San Francisco

If you’re thinking of traveling to San Francisco or making it a solo trip – Do it. From hopping on a Cable Car to stopping by the Pink Ladies, and visiting Alcatraz – San Francisco has plenty to offer! This was my first solo trip and I couldn’t be happier with my choice. Although San Francisco has been on my bucket list for several years now, I decided to not wait on anyone and just book the flight. As a 25-year-old Latina who still lives at home, my parents were definitely worried about me traveling alone– especially across the country. At the time I was under so much stress with work that I decided to take the two days I had off during the week and book this mini getaway. I just knew I had to do it. (Not considering the redeye I would have to catch and then going to work a couple of hours later) My plan to spend 3 days in San Francisco seemed a bit rushed but I knew I would go at my own pace.

Since I was going alone I didn’t want to rent a car so I just made sure the location that I would stay at was centrally located to everything I wanted to see and do. After searching through dozens of places from rooms to hostels, I was able to book a hostel right on Lombard Street through Airbnb. The location and details of the room were as described and I had no issues with check-in. The employee at the front desk was very generous and showed me a map of the city telling me what spots I should check out and what places to avoid at night. As it was my first time staying at a hostel and hearing horror stories, it exceeded my expectations, I even made a friend from the Philippines of which I still talk to! 

If you’re planning a short visit to San Francisco– here’s how to spend three days in the lovely city.

Day 1 

• Lombard Street
  • Lombard Street is known for its eight turns- making it the most crooked street in the world, It’s cool to experience if you rent a car. Since the hostel I was staying in was near the street I decided to walk to it early in the morning. There is access on the sides as there’s a regular sidewalk but of course, I didn’t get to see the popular bird’s eye view of the turns. 
• Visit Alcatraz 
  • For those crime junkies – how about visiting the ultimate maximum security prison where some of the most notorious prisoners were held- including Al Capone also known as Scarface. 
• Fishermans Wharf
  • If you’re looking for a place to buy some souvenirs, grab a quick bite, and watch sea otters up close stop by Fishermans Wharf. Not to mention you can also treat yourself to a biscoff cookie. 
• Ride a cable car
  • If you want to ride a cable car in San Francisco there are two cable car lines. The Powell-hyde line is near Ghiradelli Square and the other is near the Powell-Mason line near Fisherman’s wharf. Both lines will take you around and up to Union Square.  Adult and kid fares are $8 per ride and can be purchased at ticket booths near the line. 
• Catamaran Ride
  • Jump on a catamaran cruise to take a tour of the San Francisco Bay, learning some of its history as well as Sausalito and Alcatraz Island. If you decide to I **highly** recommend taking something to cover up! The wind is no joke.

Day 2

• Day trip to Wine Country (Napa Valley and Sonoma)
  • Take your pick from a half or full-day tour where you can taste fresh wine– right where it’s made. I booked my tour with Viator and was picked up right outside my hostel in the morning. The guide took us to both Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley where we were able to see the different types of wineries there are whether they’re family-owned or luxurious. Read more about my day trip to wine country here. 
• Watch the sunset at Baker Beach or Marshall Beach
  • End the day watching the sunset over at Baker Beach or Marshall Beach.  Both locations give you an astonishing view of the Golden Gate Bridge. 
• Visit Ghiradelli Square
  • For a sweet treat stop by Ghiradelli Square, a milkshake is a must!

Day 3

• Hop on and off bus – Since I didn’t rent a car, I gave in and joined a Hop on and off bus. In my opinion, since I was there for such a short amount of time it was worth it- as I saw major popular landmarks all in one seating. I did get off on Alamo Square to see the painted ladies. Here are some of the places you can check out if you decide to go on the bus: 
  • Chinatown
  • Alamo Square (Painted ladies)
  • Palace of Fine Arts
  • Golden Gate Park 
  • Haight Ashbury (Hippie District of San Francisco)
• Umbrella Alley 
  • Umbrella alley is located at 757 Beach St. In this small alley, you can find California-themed street art and murals painted by talented artists. Here you can also find the Greetings from San Francisco Mural.
• Battery Bluff Trail Viewpoint
  • I stumbled upon this trail after walking through the golden Gate Viewpoint. Luckily I got there as the sun was setting and in my opinion, made the view one hundred times better. 

If you’re visiting for more days here are some things to add to your list!

• Muir Woods. 
• Sausalito
• Chinatown
• Haight Ashbury
• Golden Gate Park
• Palace of Fine Arts
• Walt Disney Family Museum
• Watch a San Francisco Giants Game