San Francisco, California, USA

I'd always wanted to visit San Francisco. In all of the USA, it was the place that intrigued me the most. I wasn't sure why. Maybe it was the view of the Golden Gate Bridge, spanning across the San Francisco bay, or the amazing views and terrains in places like Muir Woods and Yosemite. Something about the place just struck me. When, in 2024, I was fortunate enough to visit, I LOVED it. San Francisco has a lot to do, and it can be hard to work out the best ways to see everything. Furthermore, San Francisco is pricey, so how can I get the best deals on everything, while still doing what I want? That's why I'm here! So, shall we get into it? Where to stay? San Francisco has a lot of great locales that could, depending on your needs, work best for you. Best for First-Timers: Union Square

This is the heart of the city, with shopping, dining, and public transportation all within walking distance. The BART (from the airport) and the cable cars all stop here, making it easy to get around.

For a Classic San Francisco Feel: Nob Hill

This area is famous for its steep streets, grand hotels, and old-fashioned charm. It’s a bit pricier but offers stunning city views and a quieter atmosphere than Union Square.

Where to Avoid: The Tenderloin

This neighbourhood, unfortunately, has high rates of homelessness and crime. While some streets just outside the Tenderloin are fine, I’d recommend staying elsewhere for a safer experience. Day One: San Francisco's Classics Morning: Cable Car Ride Start your trip right with a traditional San Francisco 'classic' - the iconic cable cars. The hand-crafted wooden carriages are one of the most fun ways to get around the city. Grab a seat and see some great views - and if you're feeling brave, hold onto the rail! There are three major cable car routes. If you're staying close to Union Square, the most scenic and closest one to catch is Powell-Hyde. This route will take you directly to Fisherman's Wharf and the San Francisco Bay. Tips for getting the cable car:

✅ Buy a Muni Passport for unlimited rides. A single ticket is $8, but a day pass is more cost-effective.

Mid-Morning: Fisherman's Wharf Step off the cable car and onto Fisherman's Wharf, the city's waterfront. Catch a live performance from the street musicians or grab a ride on the Ferris Wheel for some amazing views of the bay. If you're feeling peckish, grab a bite to eat at the Boudin Bakery. I recommend their clam chowder, served in the famed San Franciscan sourdough. Or, if seafood isn't for you, then go for their waffles and cream breakfast. Just a warning: it is not for the faint of heart. Afternoon: The Golden Gate Bridge After a stop at Fisherman's Wharf, take a stroll down the bay and enjoy a long afternoon with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. I know you've seen it in so many films, but trust me, it doesn't compare to real life.

Stops along the way:

• Palace of Fine Arts – A peaceful monument, visited by street performers.

• Baker Beach – One of the best viewpoints for the Golden Gate Bridge.

Finally, it's time! Head to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point for the view of the landmark. First, experience crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Wind the windows down and stare out at the bay waters. When you're at the other side, stop at the view point. It may be crowded, but if you wait, you'll have an incredible view of the bridge, Alcatraz Island, the city skyline, and all of the bay.

The view of the Golden Gate.

Day Two: Exploring the Bay Morning: Pier 39 Start your day right - at Pier 39! One of my favourite places in San Francisco, I recommend experiencing it separately to Fisherman's Wharf. There's so much to do, especially if you're with little ones. Things to do:

• See the Sea Lions – Head to the west side to see endless platforms of sea lions. Trust me, it is addictive.

• For the Little Ones – Grab a gelato from one of the kiosks, and stop at one of the many arcades!

• Enjoy the Views – Enjoy some great views of the bay and, for lovers, place a padlock on the gate.

You will fall in love with these little guys.

Afternoon: Alcatraz Island From Pier 39, walk to Pier 33, where you can take a boat to Alcatraz Island, the former high-security prison. The self-guided audio tour is filled with history: see the conditions the prisoners lived in, see the cells the prisoners infamously escaped from, and learn how some of the prisoners changed their lives from behind bars.

Tips for Alcatraz Island:

✅ Book well in advance. Alcatraz Island tickets fill up FAST!

✅ Remember to bring a form of ID (passport, driver's license, etc.)

Evening: American Diner Dinner For the evening, have a quintessential American dinner - at an American diner! I personally recommend Lori's Diner, located at 500 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94102. The vibes are immaculate: jukeboxes play sixties music and the chairs are made from classic cars. Grab a burger and a 'shake, just make sure you have space in your stomach!

Day Three: The Vibrant Neighbourhoods Morning: Coit Tower This morning, prepare for some exercise. Hike up Telegraph Hill to reach Coit Tower, which offers a 360°, panoramic view of the city. Coit Tower is a memorial dedicated to volunteer firefighters, hence why it is shaped like a firehose. The murals inside are also worth checking out.

Tips for Coit Tower:

✅ Bring appropriate footwear. The hike to Coit Tower can sting, so wear comfortable, flat shoes.

Coit Tower, as seen from Pier 39.

Afternoon: City Centre After exploring Coit Tower, take a short Muni (or Uber) ride to the city centre. You might spot a few driverless cars - if you're lucky, you may get a ride with one! First, stop at Union Square, the city's commercial heart. Enjoy some high-end shopping, snap a picture in the main plaza, listen to the street performers, and visit Alexander Book Co.—a three-story independent bookstore near Market Street! Next, walk to the Ferry Building for a spot of lunch, and walk along the Embarcadero for some views of the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge's underrated sister. The bridge was built before the Golden Gate, and is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, yet it still doesn't have a proper name. Go and show it some love! Night: Drinks in the City After a day of exploring the city, now you have to experience it's nightlife. Depending on your budget and preferences, you could visit one of San Francisco's famous rooftop bars, or you could make it more lowkey, and check out one of San Francisco's famed speakeasies. Best Bars:

• Top of the Mark (Nob Hill) – Panoramic views of the skyline with classic cocktails.

• Pagan Idol (Financial District) – A tropical tiki bar with Polynesian-themed drinks.

Or, if going to bars is not your thing, I've got you covered! Check out a comedy show at Cobb's Comedy Club. Tickets can vary wildly depending on the performer and season, so check out their website for more information!

Day Four: Yosemite National Park After a busy few days in the heart of the city, escape to nature. Head to Yosemite National Park – one of the most iconic and breath-taking national parks in the U.S. Yosemite is a fair distance from San Francisco, but is more than worth it.

Getting to Yosemite from San Francisco:

By Car (Recommended Option)

• Drive Time: ~4 hours each way

• Cost: $35 per vehicle (National Park entrance fee, valid for 7 days)
  

By Guided Tour (No Car Needed) If you don’t want to drive, a guided tour is the best way to see Yosemite in one day; however, these can be pricey.

Best Tour Options:

• Extranomical Tours (~$199) – Includes a Yosemite Valley tour and free time for exploring.

• Incredible Adventures (~$199) – A small-group eco-tour with stops at waterfalls and viewpoints.

• Greyhound Bus + YARTS Shuttle – Take a Greyhound to Merced, then hop on a YARTS bus to Yosemite ($50 round trip, less flexible).
  

Day: Yosemite Park Wake up before sunrise, to start the drive to Yosemite. While the drive is long, savour the experience of driving through the Californian countryside, and enjoy the views from the winding mountain and forest trails of the national park. Stop on the way to enjoy the many viewpoints, or grab breakfast at a local, roadside restaurant. I personally recommend the Tunnel View viewpoint. One of the most iconic viewpoints, and for good reason – from Tunnel View, you can see the entire valley, the mountains, and even the Half-Dome. The unspoiled scenery can help you imagine what it looked like, thousands of years ago. If you're feeling active, explore one of Yosemite's hiking trails. Forget the hustle and bustle, and escape to nature. Mirror Lake Trail is about a two-hour round trip to a reflective lake nestled in the mountains. If you're travelling in mid-late February, witness the Fire Fall - a natural phenomenon where Yosemite's tallest waterfall glows red due to the sun. Tips for Yosemite National Park:

✅ Fuel up before entering the park. The last gas stations before Yosemite are in Groveland or El Portal.

✅ Some roads (like Glacier Point Road) close in winter and early spring due to snow, so check the weather. Evening: Heading Home If driving, start heading back by 5:00 PM to arrive in SF around 9:00 PM. If you fancy breaking up the journey, stop in a motel mid-journey, towards San Jose (spoiler alert: that's tomorrow's location). Some good locations include Mariposa and Los Banos.

Day Five: San Jose Next up is a trip to San Jose, a neighbouring city located just south of San Francisco. You may be tempted to miss out San Jose, but don't. It has some underrated and hidden gems that were, honestly, the highlights of the trip. The easiest and cheapest method to get there is via the the bus. It takes around an hour and a half and costs $4 (one-way). You can check schedules on Greyhound and FlixBus. Morning: Breakfast You'll need to stop for a bite to eat in San Jose - and I have only one place you can go. I more than recommend The Breakfast Club at Midtown. Arrive early, as there can be long cues. The food is massive (the waffles were bigger than my face) and the staff are incredibly friendly. They regularly refill your juice, sauces, and drinks, all complimentary. This was my favourite restaurant from the whole of the trip and I hope you feel the same. Afternoon: The Winchester Mystery House The Winchester Mystery House is a sprawling labyrinth of hidden staircases and doors that lead to vertical drops. Book a guided tour through the mansion, and hear the story of Sarah Winchester: a woman, convinced she was being haunted, who set out on a mission to endlessly construct a mansion to evade the ghosts. While you may head in with preconceptions about her sanity, you'll come to discover that Sarah Winchester was an incredibly smart woman who made advancements in construction and design. This odd, haunted, yet fascinating house was my favourite part of the trip.

Tips for the Mystery House:

✅ Book Early - while we were lucky enough to book a ticket on the day, the tickets FILL UP quick. Book at least a month in advance.

Day Six: Exploring the Hidden Gems Day: Muir Woods Muir Woods is home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world. Walking among these is a surreal, peaceful experience, making it a must-visit for nature lovers. The entrance fee is $15 per person (but free for kids under 16). Tips for Muir Woods:

✅ No Cell Service - Download maps beforehand. ✅Dress in Layers -  The forest is cooler than SF, even in summer. Afternoon: Sausalito Sausalito is a picturesque and peaceful town in the Bay Area, with Mediterranean-style houses, waterfront cafés, art galleries, and a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy the waterfront and watch the crabs emerge from beneath the rocks and visit a community of colourful floating houses. Grab a spot of lunch too - Sausalito has endless opportunities for food. Tips for Sausalito:

✅ Book a Joint-Trip -  I booked a joint trip for both Muir Woods and Sausalito through Get Your Guide. The group trips allowed me to see both places with plenty of time - and helped solve the hassle and cost of arranging travel between them!

Evening: Chinatown After returning from a day in the surrounding bay areas, head back into the heart of San Francisco's vibrant city. San Francisco is a melting pot of different cultures, and I recommend exploring one of its neighbourhoods: Chinatown. Enter through the iconic Dragon Gate on Grant Avenue, and watch fortune cookies being made in the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. For a more cultural experience, visit the Tin How Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in the U.S. Grab some traditional Chinese food at one of their restaurants, before winding in for the night.

A photo from Chinatown. Unfortunately, I don't have any good photos!

Day Seven: Saying Goodbye Morning: Japanese Tea Gardens The Japanese Tea Gardens is a somewhat overlooked part of San Francisco, but definitely worth it for those looking for an escape. The gardens are tranquil and quiet, and so authentic it made me want to visit Japan! It features tranquil koi ponds, pagodas, cherry blossom trees, and a tea house where you can sip traditional Japanese tea. Tips for Sausalito:

✅ Plan Appropriately -  The entrance fee is $14 (adults) and $7 (kids 5-11); however, entry is FREE before 10AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so plan well to take advantage of this! ✅ Cherry Blossoms -  If you're visiting in March or April, the cherry blossom trees may be in bloom.

Afternoon: Haight-Ashbury & The Painted Ladies If you want another iconic San Franciscan Instagram photo, head to the nearby Painted Ladies - a row of multicoloured, Victorian houses in Alamo Square Park, made famous by Full House. The entire neighbourhood is full of beautiful houses like this, so take your time to enjoy them! Later, head to Haight-Ashbury - it's time for a slice of San Francisco's famous hippie community! This colourful, free-spirited neighbourhood is full of vintage stores, tie-dye shops, record stores, and murals dedicated to rock legends.

Evening: Boat Ride To end your trip the right way, take a boat trip on the San Francisco bay at sunset. It is a perfect way to reflect on your trip and plan your next, while passing under the Golden Gate Bridge and see the city as the sun sets behind it. Tickets for the boat are priced at, approximately, $39 for adults and $29 for youth aged 5-17. Tips for the boat trip and departure: ✅ Boats leave from Pier 39 or the Ferry Building. ✅ When leaving for the airport the next day, remember to arrive early! The airport is far outside the city, and San Francisco can be packed with traffic.

Final Thoughts San Francisco is a city that has left an imprint on my heart. Even now, I'm thinking about going back. Honestly, I was thinking about going back from the moment I left. I can't wait to take my fiancé one day, so he can share the city with me! The friendly vibes, the laidback atmosphere, the incredible sights, all make San Francisco worth it.