Did you know that you can do incredible things in San Francisco in just 4 days? Check out all the things to do in the city during this period.
First day in San Francisco
Our first tip for making the most of your short trip to San Francisco is to choose a hotel close to the sights you want to see. That way, you’ll save time and money getting to them.
Also, don’t forget to wake up very early in the morning, put on your most comfortable clothes and have a hearty breakfast, so you’ll have plenty of energy to spend all day out and about.
The first destination on our itinerary is Lombard Street, a popular spot for tourists. The highlight of the area is its curve and zig-zag shape, which amuses everyone who drives down it. You can also rent the famous yellow trolleys to ride along the street with your friends or family. During the tour, you’ll be enchanted by the beautiful gardens in the area, which make for great photo opportunities.
- Important tip: San Francisco is a city with many tourist attractions, such as museums and tours. That’s why our tip is to always buy your tickets in advance. We buy everything on this website that has the best price.
Afterwards, it’s worth taking the San Francisco cable car to the next attraction. Riding it is a must for all visitors to the city. The streetcars run through all areas of the city, making it the locals’ favorite form of transport.
You’ll hop off at Ghirardelli Square, one of the largest chocolate factories in California. On its side is Fisherman’s Wharf, which offers an incredible view of the famous Pier 39, a relaxing spot in San Francisco.
For the evening, how about cycling across one of the most beautiful bridges in the world, the Golden Gate? The construction is a true masterpiece of the city, offering a magnificent view of San Francisco. There’s nothing better than ending your day with a lot of excitement. Visit one of San Francisco’s bars and try the best of Californian cuisine, with lots of delicious drinks.
Second day in San Francisco
On your second day, our tip is to visit Pier 39, which we mentioned earlier. It is an entertainment and shopping center that has been around since the 1980s, attracting millions of people from all over the world who want to shop, be entertained and eat incredible food. And the best thing is that it’s all built under a pier on San Francisco Bay, giving it even more charm.
One attraction you’re sure to find is the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, where everyone has fun learning more about the local marine life. And your lunch could only be at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, a restaurant famous in the region for being built for the filming of the classic Forrest Gump.
In the afternoon, our recommendation is to take a tour of Alcatraz Island, the site of the most secure prison in the United States. The site is of great interest to tourists looking to find out more about how the most famous prison on the planet, which housed gangsters such as Al Capone, worked.
Third day in San Francisco
This day is the perfect time to do some shopping and secure some souvenirs of the city! So there’s nothing better than going to San Francisco’s main shopping center: Union Square. The area is one of the most beautiful and bustling in the city, with many visitors passing through its streets throughout the day. In this sense, a stroll there is a must to get to know more of the city and enjoy some good shopping.
It’s worth noting that there are many options for hotels, restaurants and cultural centers, making it an area that offers much more than just shopping, if that’s not your thing. However, if you want to do a lot of shopping, Union Square offers great options, beating the big outlets and malls in the city. First of all, it has many department stores, such as Macy’s, Barneys New York, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale and Saks Fifth Avenue.
And for those who crave the big international brands, you can visit the area with peace of mind as you’ll find plenty of variety. Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Armani, Tiffany & Co., Chanel and Prada, for example, are some of the names to be found there.
If after your visit you still have products that you couldn’t find, stop by one of the best malls in the city: Westfield San Francisco Centre. Known for being the largest shopping mall in the western United States, Westfield San Francisco is home to many sought-after stores: J. Crew, Bloomingdale, Adidas, Hugo Boss, Coach, Guess, Rolex and many others.
However, the real highlight of the mall is the famous Nordstrom department store, which carries many products for the whole family at great prices. If you want to visit, know that it is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8.30pm and on Sundays from 11am to 8pm. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit it, as it’s certainly one of the best places to shop in San Francisco.
- Important tip: to make the most of your trip to San Francisco, staying in the best areas is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the main areas, the hotels and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
Fourth day in San Francisco
How about ending your trip by relaxing on one of San Francisco’s most beautiful beaches? For your last day, enjoy the sea and the sand at beaches such as Crissy Field Beach or Baker Beach. And if you like exercising, the beach is the ideal place for physical activity and group sports.
California residents in general are known for being healthy, always taking the opportunity to do something active. In this sense, it’s well worth enjoying your last day in true Californian style, enjoying the best of nature and taking care of your health.
How to save on paid attractions in San Francisco?
San Francisco offers many free and diverse attractions, but there are also paid tours that are not to be missed – such as its incredible museums. To do these, we recommend that you book them in advance, online and with reliable companies – like the one we used on our trip to California. With this company, you’ll be able to visit the most popular places.
And because we always use the same tour company on our trips, we’ve been able to get a special discount for our readers. So, to get access to the discount and already secure tours at a great price, just click here on tickets to San Francisco.
Save money on your trip to San Francisco:
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in San Francisco. You will find out the best areas and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
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