San Francisco began as boomtown in 1848 after the California Gold Rush, and has been a bustling cosmopolitan city ever since.
It is such a vibrant city with so much to do. You could easily spend an entire week exploring the city and still not see it all.
However, this itinerary will give you a good taste of the city if you only have one day in San Francisco!
How to Spend One Day in San Francisco
Table of Contents
- Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square
- See the Painted Ladies
- Take in the view at Twin Peaks
- See the Golden Gate Bridge from Battery Spencer
- Lunch in Sausalito
- Take a walk along Lovers’ Lane
- Play tourist for the afternoon
- Dinner at Boudin Bakery
Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square
Start your morning off at Mama’s on Washington Square. This family-owned restaurant has been a beloved landmark in the city since 1951.
Mike and Frances “Mama” Sanchez first opened a corner store ice cream shop on North Beach’s Washington Square. They soon expanded the menu to include breakfast and lunch dishes.
Their grandson, Mikey, has since taken over the restaurant and continues the family legacy using his grandmother’s recipes and hospitality.
You’ll always find a steady line of customers waiting to enjoy Mama’s signature omelets, buttermilk pancakes, pastries, freshly baked bread, and homemade jams.
Mama’s is open from 8 am- 2 pm Tuesday through Friday, and 8 am-3 pm on Sundays. It is closed on Mondays. The restaurant is small, so plan to arrive early and expect a wait.
See the Painted Ladies
After breakfast, head over to see the Painted Ladies.
These pastel-colored Queen Anne-style Victorian row houses line the eastern edge of Alamo Square Park. They are one of the most photographed sites in all of San Francisco.
The Painted Ladies are a San Francisco icon made famous by the classic 90’s sitcom, Full House, as well as several other box office movies.
This is also known as “postcard row” because the view truly is postcard-worthy. It’s the perfect juxtaposition of the old San Francisco charm with the modern city skyline as a backdrop.
The Painted Ladies are private residences, so unfortunately they are not open for tours.
However, it’s still worth a stop to capture a photo of the elegant exteriors of these multi-million dollar homes. It is estimated that each home is worth between $3-5 million.
The grassy hill of Alamo Square Park is also the perfect spot to have a picnic, take a walk, throw a frisbee, or just relax and soak in the view.
This is exactly what the Tanner family is doing in the opening credits of Full House when the Painted Ladies got their big debut.
The television family didn’t actually live in one of the Painted Ladies, you can find their house about a mile away at 1709 Broderick Street.
The Painted Ladies are located on Steiner Street. Free street parking is available all along the perimeter of Alamo Square Park.
Take in the view at Twin Peaks
For one of the best views of San Francisco and the Bay Area, take the winding road to the top of the nearly 1,000-foot summit of Twin Peaks.
The windswept 64-acre park spreads across the pair of peaks that were originally referred to as “Los Pechos de la Choca”, or Breasts of the Maiden, by early Spanish settlers.
It’s probably best that the voluptuous hills got a name change.
Twin Peaks is easy to access, and is only a short 15-minute drive from the Painted Ladies. Depending on traffic, of course.
Once you reach the top of Twin Peaks Blvd, you’ll find scenic overlooks and free parking at the Christmas Tree Point Viewing Area on the north peak.
On a clear day, you can see across the city skyline and all the way out to the bay.
Unfortunately, we visited on a notoriously foggy day and the city was blanketed in a cover of clouds.
But even on a cloudy day, it’s still a nice reprieve from the city congestion and crowds.
There is also a network of hiking trails at this city park. The most popular is the 0.7 mile trail that traverses across the summit of both peaks.
The southern peak actually offers a better view with unobstructed 360-degree panoramic views over the city.
If you have time, the 1.8-mile Creek to Peaks Trail takes you from the summit of Twin Peaks down to Islais Creek in Glen Canyon.
See the Golden Gate Bridge from Battery Spencer
If you only have one day in San Francisco, visiting the Golden Gate Bridge needs to be at the top of your bucket list.
After Twin Peaks, cross over the Golden Gate Bridge and head to Battery Spencer.
Here you’ll find one of the best places to take a photo of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Battery Spencer is located on the rugged coast of the Marin Headlands and offers one of the most iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Not only is the vista rewarding, but the area is steeped in rich military history.
From 1897-1942, this area was used as a military coastal defense fortification.
It was lined with 4 massive Rodman cannons and multiple M1895 12-inch caliber guns pointing toward the bay.
Today, visitors can still see the remains of the military bunker and read about its history on the posted plaques.
There is a short walk from the parking area to the lookout point. Here you can get unrivaled views of the Golden Gate Bridge as it stretches across the expansive Golden Gate Strait.
On a clear day, you can see all the way to the San Francisco skyline in the distance. But even on a cloudy day, the moody scene is still awe-inspiring.
Battery Spencer is located on the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge and is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
It is free to visit and the area is open 24 hours a day. Just be aware that parking is very limited.
There is a small parking area near the entrance of Battery Spencer and parking is available all along the one-way Conzelman Road.
Just be sure to never leave valuables in your car as there is a high concentration of vehicle break-ins in this area.
Lunch in Sausalito
After taking in the views of the bridge, head over to Sausalito for lunch.
Sausalito is a beautiful suburb of San Francisco that gives off Positano vibes. You’ll find dozens of luxury homes dotting the surreally steep topography of the surrounding hills.
Sausalito is located on the north side of San Francisco Bay just a short drive from Battery Spencer.
There are plenty of shops and restaurants lining Bridgeway Road, the main street through town.
Grab some lunch at Venice Pizzeria and enjoy a slice of pizza and soda at this outdoor street cafe.
It’s a great spot to people watch and take in the spectacular views over San Francisco Bay while you are eating.
Afterward, walk across the street for a scoop of ice cream and some homemade chocolates at Sausalito Sweets.
If you have time, check out the colorful Richardson Bay Floating Homes nearby.
Take a walk along Lovers’ Lane
A walk along Lovers’ Lane is the perfect place to stretch your legs while letting your lunch settle.
Lovers’ Lane is located in Presidio Park only a few miles from downtown San Francisco but it feels like it’s a world away.
Presidio Park is a historic 1,500-acre city park and former military post. It offers the largest green space in the city with several walking trails, including Lovers’ Lane.
Lovers’ Lane is a bit of a hidden gem inside Presidio Park. It has been around since the 1860s and is considered the oldest footpath in the park.
This 0.6-mile path leads through an enchanting eucalyptus forest.
It was once used by off-duty soldiers to walk from the military post to meet their sweethearts, which is how the name “Lovers’ Lane” came to be.
On the south end of the trail, you’ll find tree trunks lining the path in a zig-zag formation. This is actually a large-scale art installation by Andy Goldsworthy called “Wood Line”.
The trailhead to Lovers’ Lane is located within a residential neighborhood. Parking is along the street, just be respectful of the neighbors.
The closest access point to the Wood Line is from the cul-de-sac at the end of Liggett Avenue.
From here, you’ll even be able to catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge peeking above the houses and trees.
Play tourist for the afternoon
There are so many different options for how to spend the rest of your afternoon. Here is a list of some of the best things to do in San Francisco:
- Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf: Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s main tourist hubs. Here you’ll find waterfront dining, souvenir shops, and the infamous sea lions at Pier 39. The sea lions first made these docks their home in 1990 and their barks have been filling the sea air ever since.
- Trolley Ride: The San Francisco trolleys have been around since 1870. Download the MuniMobile app for the trolley schedule, then take a little sightseeing tour around the city. Tickets are $13 for the full day or $8 for a single ride. Tickets can be purchased on the app. If you’re looking for an iconic photo of the San Francisco trolley on the hilly streets, head to the intersection of California Street and Stockton Street.
- Alcatraz: Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island, also known as The Rock, and tour this infamous prison that once held Al Capone and other notorious prohibition-era gangsters.
- Crissy Field: Pick up some sandwiches from a local deli and have a picnic at Crissy Field. This park also made regular appearances on Full House and offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Marshall’s Beach or Baker Beach: These two beaches can be found next to each other along the coast just southwest of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a great spot to enjoy a summer day and take in the unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the beach.
- Lombard Street: Lombard Street is one of the most famous streets in San Francisco. It is known as the most crooked street in the world with 8 sharp turns packed into this steep city block. Visitors can walk or drive down this one-lane road.
- Ghirardelli Square: Ghirardelli Square is a collection of shops and restaurants housed in the original Ghirardelli chocolate factory that dates back to the late 1800s. Be sure to try one of Ghirardelli’s famous chocolate sundaes!
- Wave Organ: The Wave Organ is an acoustic sculpture that was installed on a jetty just off the shore of San Francisco Bay. At high tide, the crashing waves play music that sounds like the different notes on an organ. You can also get a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge from here.
- Four Season’s Houses: The Four Season’s Houses are some of the most photographed houses in San Francisco, after the Painted Ladies. These four neighboring Victorian row houses have been painted and decorated to represent Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
- Chinatown: Chinatown first became an enclave for Chinese immigrants back in the late 1800s. Today it is a vibrant neighborhood where you can find the best dim sum in town. Be sure to visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory where you can put your own fortune inside of a cookie.
- Ferry Marketplace: Ferry Marketplace is a foodie’s paradise. Try a carne empanada at El Porteño Empanadas, fresh oysters from Hog Island Oyster Co, an ice cream cone from Humphry Slocombe, and a cheeseburger from Gott’s Roadside.
- Sutro Baths: Visit the remains of these historic swimming pools that used to be one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist attractions.
- Salesforce Park: Take the gondola from Salesforce Plaza up to Salesforce Park. This leafy city park is located on the roof of the Transit Center building and stretches the length of four city blocks.
- Golden Gate Bridge: Renting bikes and riding across the Golden Gate Bridge is something that every tourist needs to do at least once!
- Golden Gate State Park: Visit the museums, play at the park, ride the carousel, visit the photogenic Conservatory of Flowers, and rent a row boat on Stow Lake. You can also rent bikes to ride around the park.
- Hawk Hill: Hawk Hill is another great spot to catch a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- Muir Woods: Muir Woods National Monument is located about 45 minutes north of San Francisco. Here you’ll find hiking trails that lead through towering redwood trees.
- Hyde Street Pier: Take a tour of the historic boats and learn about San Francisco’s seafaring history.
- Angel Island: Take a 10-minute ferry ride to Angel Island State Park, an old military reserve.
- Mission District: See the colorful street murals on Balmy Alley and check out the eclectic shops, such as 826 Valencia Pirate Supply Store for all your pirate needs.
Dinner at Boudin Bakery
After spending the day exploring the city, you will have worked up quite an appetite so head to Boudin Bakery.
Boudin Bakery is a San Francisco institution and the place to go for handmade sourdough bread.
There are several locations around the city, but I would highly recommend going to Boudin at the Wharf on Jefferson Street.
This is the original flagship location and you can actually see the bakers busy at work in the bread factory through a 30-foot observation window.
Boudin Bakery first opened in 1849 during the Gold Rush and is considered the oldest continually operating business in San Francisco.
In fact, the bread is made fresh daily using the same sourdough starter that originated from a gold miner over a century and a half ago!
Dining at Boudin Bakery is an experience in and of itself, but it is their sourdough that tourists and locals can’t get enough of!
Nothing hits the spot quite like tomato bisque soup served inside of a sourdough bread bowl. It warms you from the inside out on a chilly evening in San Francisco.
It’s the best way to end your day in the city!
San Francisco is the perfect jumping-off point for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip, so don’t miss these 11 stops from San Francisco to Big Sur.
These travel guides will also be helpful in planning a road trip:
- Prettiest Stops on a Big Sur Road Trip
- Best Things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea
- One Day in Monterey
- Unique Things to do in Santa Cruz
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I hope this guide has helped you discover the best way to spend one day in San Francisco!
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