Making the Most out of Your Day in SF
Today is the perfect day to arrange a day trip to San Francisco; with the quarter nearly done, what better way to unwind after a long week of studying and finals than to escape to the city? To alleviate any added stress, I've written this guide covering everything you want to see and do in San Francisco, so you won't miss out on the greatest sites or waste time looking for places to eat that aren't worth it. I have connected with locals who grew up in the city, and I have visited the city numerous times, so you can trust that this is an account of fantastic locations to visit and dine at.
In terms of transportation, if you're traveling with a group of friends, the Caltrain is a good alternative because you won't have to worry about finding a parking spot or driving in San Francisco's terrible traffic. However, it limits you because you will spend more time waiting for an uber or walking than you might like, so keep that in mind. If you don’t have your own vehicle, one option is to rent a Zipcar. If you want to remain on a budget, I believe renting a car or bringing your own vehicle is the best option. The only costs would be parking and gas, and there would be the added benefit of not having to uber everywhere. My experience with renting a Zipcar was that it cost $100 for the day, which if shared among four friends is about the same price as Caltrain tickets. It is good to have the option of driving to the next place and not being reliant on ride service availability, and at the end of the day, you’ll avoid the stress of rushing to catch a train.
8:00 am: Depart for San Francisco
9:15 am: Arrive in San Francisco and eat breakfast
Rose’s Cafe | 2298 Union St San Francisco, CA 94123
Hours: 9 AM-9 PM
This is the place to swing by if you're looking for affordable breakfast food in a welcoming environment. This restaurant is conveniently located near shopping and is close enough to drive to other attractions such as parks and vantage points for viewing the Golden Gate Bridge. Rose's café serves Italian cuisine in addition to breakfast, and it is encouraged that you try their pizzas, soups, and pasta for lunch.
Homeplate | 2150 Lombard St San Francisco, CA 94123
Hours: 7 AM-3 PM
Home Plate is another viable choice if you're looking for a fairly priced American breakfast. This establishment is notable for its warm and clean ambiance, which provides a relaxed experience with a focus on food presentation and customer care. After breakfast, you can go shopping and take a stroll around the lovely neighborhood.
Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters | 1580 Folsom Street San Francisco, CA 94103
Hours: 7 AM-6 PM
If you're searching for a quick coffee and pastry fix, Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters is the place to go. If you appreciate skillfully brewed coffee with a variety of options, this is the place to go. There are no long lines, which is also a plus.
9:15am- 12:00pm Enjoy breakfast + shop
12:00-3:00 pm Explore around San Francisco
Fort Point National Historic Site
Fort Point National Historic Site, located near Union Street's shopping and breakfast, is a must-see on your trip up to San Francisco. You may get to the spot by driving or using an uber, and you'll get a free view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Hiking up the nearby trail to a small lookout, which is undoubtedly an instagrammable area with views of Alcatraz, was something I really appreciated.
Palace of Fine Arts
Walking through the Palace of Fine Arts is one of my favorite places to visit, and since I enjoy saving money, this is another free attraction. The exhibition features beautifully sculpted domes and columns, and it attracts a large number of tourists and visitors every day. Keep in mind that parking is limited, but it's still worth a visit.
Chinatown
We briefly drove through Chinatown on my day trip to San Francisco, but if you want to do more sightseeing and shopping, this is the place to walk and explore. Be sure to stop at the Dragon Gate, the entry to Chinatown for a great photo opportunity. Also, you can buy gifts and souvenirs if you walk down Grant Avenue.
Coit Tower
To get to Coit Tower, you'll need strong legs to climb the hill or a car, and it's a great place to go sightseeing. You can view the entire city from here, and it's yet another instagrammable location. We didn't go inside the Coit Tower, but there are tours available for $10 per person to explore the tower and see the murals.
Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral, near Chinatown, has doors that were replicated from molds created from the original 1452 doors in Florence, Italy. It's a quick stop where you can get out and take photos or even go inside, but the doors are exquisitely constructed and worth viewing.
3:00-5:00 PM Head to Washington Square for a quick bite to eat
Washington Square Park is a quaint town square near the base of Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower, and there are a variety of food options here. In the park, there is frequently live music or other people-watching activities going on. Also, keep an eye out for parrots in the park trees; sometimes they all take off at once, which makes for a great photo opportunity.
5:00-6:30 PM Watch the sunset
Baker Beach
Baker Beach, which spans about half a mile, is one of the greatest places to see the Golden Gate Bridge. This is a prime place for a picnic, relaxing and watching the sunset, and keeping an eye out for wildlife. On a nice day, this area can fill up quickly, so plan ahead for parking and crowds. One hour after sundown, the parking lot closes.
Alta Plaza Park
This park is located in PAC Heights neighborhood and is close to shopping and dining. When you arrive, there is a staircase that leads to the top of the park, which provides a panoramic view of the city.
Ocean Beach
This beach is comparable to Baker Beach, however, it extends over five miles and there are no parking issues. You can bring a volleyball or Spikeball and set up a game on the beach, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy a bonfire.
6:30 Head to dinner and eat
Noosh | 2001 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Hours: 11:30 AM-9 PM
If you're searching for healthy Mediterranean cuisine presented in a modern setting, Noosh is the place to go. Falafels, flatbreads, and salads are recommended items to order. This restaurant is on the more expensive side, but if you're ready to indulge, this is the right destination.
The Dorian | 2001 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Hours: 4:00 PM-12AM
This restaurant is located on Chestnut Street, which is a popular nightlife spot and serves modern pub fare and specialty cocktails. This is a terrific spot to hang out with friends because it has a great vibe and energy, as well as a lively interior. A highlight is an excellent service and imaginative presentation of the cuisine. The ahi poke tacos, flatbread, and short rib are all items I would recommend.
Note: These are only two restaurants that I recommend, but there are many more in the area. The advantage of being in the midst of a vibrant town with new restaurants going in and changing the culinary game is that you can just walk down and see what looks tasty. This is also a pretty safe place, which is something I appreciated.