2 Days in San Francisco - A Weekend in San Francisco Itinerary

By Casey Makovich

Planning a weekend in San Francisco, but unsure what to do to maximize your time? We’ve put together a fun itinerary for 2 days in San Francisco that will show you the best of this beautiful area in just one weekend! From sightseeing tours and museums to historical buildings and beyond, the City by the Bay has so much to offer that we know you’ll love your trip. This weekend itinerary includes:

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour
  • SFMOMA
  • Chinatown (free!)
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • Golden Gate Park (free!)
  • San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
  • GoCar Tour

We’ve also put together a 1 day and 3 day itinerary, and 5 days in San Francisco - for an amazing and relaxing vacation.

Save on Attraction Admission

Pick up a 2-Day Go San Francisco Card and save off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 2 days in San Francisco itinerary is just one of many ways to experience The City by the Bay. The Go San Francisco® Card gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.

DAY 1 Stop #1: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour

A ride aboard a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is the perfect way to start off your weekend in San Francisco. With 20+ different stops to choose from and tons of sightseeing options along the way, this is an ideal way to see all the major sights. Some tour highlights include Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square, the Financial District, and many more. It might also be tempting to use this bus to navigate the city -- which can work -- but keep in mind that the traffic might be bad and could hold you up more than using public transit, for example. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus San Francisco Bus Tour tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card.

Stop #2: SFMOMA

Image of Art, Art Gallery, Bag, Handbag, Modern Art, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Male, Man, Painting, The renovated San Francisco Museum of Art (or 'SFMOMA') is a must-see attraction in the Bay Area. It's undergone a multi-year expansion project recently and has been hailed as one of the premier art museums on the west coast. Dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary art - with a special focus on living Bay Area artists - SFMOMA is a wonderful destination for art lovers from around the globe. They have pieces from all the greats, and unique favorites from artists like Klee, Calder, and Stieglitz. You'll also want to check out their stellar rotating exhibitions, which feature a wide variety of topics from big-name artists to local up-and-comers. Getting In: SFMOMA tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card.

Stop #3: Chinatown

The Chinatown in San Francisco is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia! Modern San Francisco has been particularly influenced by their Asian heritage and a visit to this area will really shed some light on their cultural history. Head to the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue to get a photo under the Chinatown Gate. Explore the streets, sights, and shops, and be sure to venture off Grant Avenue (the main street) a bit to discover some hidden gems. There's also some really beautiful authentic Chinese architecture in the neighborhood, so be sure to have your camera ready. Leave yourself about 30 minutes to an hour to explore this neighborhood. Getting In: As a neighborhood, Chinatown is totally free to explore, but you'll probably find yourself picking up a souvenir or two.

DAY 2 Stop #1: California Academy of Sciences

Image of Animal, Bird, Penguin, The California Academy of Sciences is one of San Francisco’s premier attractions and is well worth a few hours of your time. It’s the only museum that’s actually comprised of four different areas: a natural history museum, the world’s largest all-digital planetarium, an aquarium, and a four-story rainforest! The possibilities for learning are endless at this popular institution, and it’s a must-see for any San Francisco visitor. You’ll have many chances to interact with some of the animal inhabitants, engage with fascinating, state-of-the-art exhibits, and even to see their famous green roof! Since there is so much to see and do at this attraction, we recommend reserving at least 2 hours for this attraction, perhaps more if you have scientifically-inclined members in your party. Getting In: California Academy of Sciences tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card.

Stop #2: Golden Gate Park

Because you’ll already be in the park visiting the California Academy of Sciences, why not take some more time to explore its beautiful expanses? There are tons of other attractions to see and do there, a few of which are also free to explore. Be sure to bring your camera! Getting In: There’s no fee to enter the park itself, although any additional attractions you want to visit may incur admission costs. We recommend leaving at least an hour to explore this beautiful urban park.

Stop #3: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

Image of Animal, Bear, Mammal, Wildlife, Brown Bear, Since you're already in Golden Gate Park, why not take an hour or so to explore the charming San Francisco Zoo? With a wide variety of exhibits that showcase animals from all across the globe, this zoo is the perfect place to meet your favorite critters and learn all about their history, habits, and more. Featured exhibits include "African Savanna," "Australian WalkAbout," "Bear Country," and others. Kids and adults alike will get a lot out of a visit here. Be sure to save some time and funds for the gift shop! Getting In: San Francisco Zoo and Gardens tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card.

Stop #4 - GoCar Tour

Image of Car, Vehicle, Person, Helmet, This half-hour self-guided tour aboard a super smart GoCar is a fun alternative to trekking up and down the San Francisco hills on foot. The vehicle is GPS-directed, making it incredibly easy to navigate your way around an otherwise complex city. As you drive along, you'll be treated to fascinating storytelling narration by the GoCar, making for a truly fun experience. Your GoCar rental is good for 1 hour, so feel free to pause and explore a neighborhood as you go along with the tour - the narration will resume where it left off when you get back in. Getting In: San Francisco GoCar 30-Minute Tour tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card.

Let’s Recap

So there’s your perfect weekend in San Francisco – tours, museums, and much more. This itinerary for 2 days in San Francisco will introduce you to the best of city and give you a taste of what it’s like to experience the City by the Bay as a local. Purchase a 2-Day Go San Francisco Card and save on combined admission prices when you hop aboard an interactive GoCar Tour, use the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, explore the California Academy of Sciences, pal around with the animals at the San Diego Zoo, and visit the amazing SFMOMA.

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San Francisco in December

Already one of the United States’ most recognizable cities for its iconic architecture, vibrant culture, complex history and wealth of excellent activities, San Francisco adopts a whole new festive persona throughout December. Whether you’re keen to explore one of California’s most culturally diverse cities or cash in on some unique festive spirit, a trip to San Francisco in December could be just the ticket. Visiting San Francisco in December Average Temperature: 46 - 55°F • Average Rainfall: 10 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day As the winter period begins to unfold, San Francisco waves off the final few shoulder-season tourists enjoying the idyllic conditions of fall, while beckoning in a whole new wave of holiday season revelers. Though certainly quieter than the peak months of the year, San Francisco in December remains a bustling metropolis. Airfare and hotel rates tend to rise throughout this period, though may still come at something of a discount on summertime rates. Entering into December, the Golden City adopts a more modest climate, with temperatures averaging between cool and mild. Though you can expect somewhat regular sunshine, you’ll want to pack appropriately for the likelihood of at least two days of rainfall per week. For those looking to experience a festive wonderland, San Francisco unfortunately tends to see very little snow throughout December. Things to do in December Families and the inherently inquisitive alike are bound to get a kick from the Golden City’s wealth of educational hotspots. The California Academy of Sciences, for example, boasts a digital planetarium, an aquarium, a natural history museum and even an immense indoor rainforest. Meanwhile, the Exploratorium stands as the intersection between art and science, offering a wide range of engaging interactive exhibits to scratch your curiosity. Those looking to embrace their inner Dolittle should head to the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, home to over 2,000 endangered and rescued creatures from around the world, alongside 100 acres of tranquil gardens populated with stunning plant species both local and exotic. If you’re keen to get up close and personal with some 20,000 beautiful marine animals, then follow up with a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay. If you’ve a hunger for the arts, San Francisco has you covered there, too. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art explores various mediums of contemporary art, hosting established artists such as Andy Warhol alongside more experimental pieces. And nestled among much of the largely Asian influence throughout the city, the Asian Art Museum exhibits over 17,000 art pieces from across the continent, complemented by a selection of delicious and traditional cultural dishes served at the in-house café. History buffs should find their way to the California Historical Society, exploring various facets of the state’s history, with a general focus on San Fran itself. The USS Pampanito and USS Hornet each offer unique insights into American naval and nautical history, while the Contemporary Jewish Museum explores various aspects of Jewish pop culture, history and art. Of course, much of what San Francisco has to offer comes in the form of its architecture and landscape. If you’re looking for an engaging way to explore the city, then a Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour offers both flexibility and expert insight throughout the day. For something a little more authentic, you simply can’t go wrong with a Bay Cruise, allowing you to sit back while you glide past many of the city’s top waterfront landmarks. With the holiday season in full swing, why not make the most of the festive spirit by exploring Union Square? Each year, Union Square becomes the epicenter of San Francisco’s holiday scene, boasting an awe-inspiring Christmas tree alongside a popular ice skating rink, making for an overall warm and jovial winter atmosphere. Round of the experience with a trip to Westfield Mall around the corner to bag yourself some holiday bargains! What’s On in December Dickensian Festivities Credited for having pioneered modern holiday spirit, Charles Dickens has permanently etched his place among worldwide Christmas tradition. In San Francisco, locals and visitors alike celebrate the holiday season with tickets to a Christmas Carol theater performance. Each year, the American Conservatory Theater puts on a delightful adaptation of the popular story, complete with a bubbly cast, vibrant costumes and a host of spooky ghosts. Tickets sell out very fast, so be sure to act quickly if you’re interested in catching one of these lauded performances. That isn’t the end of San Francisco’s Dickens-mania, though. For a series of weekends throughout the holiday season, the city hosts The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, complete with festive market stalls among an impressive replica of Victorian London. Visitors can enjoy various Victorian-themed events and pick up some treasures while exploring the world which so inspired the famous nineteenth-century writer. SantaCon You’d better watch out, as Santa Claus is coming to town in his masses! Each December, Union Square and its surrounding streets, bars and venues become overtaken by a colossal procession of Christmas characters, most of which end up in quite the drunken state as the day rolls on. This Santa-themed celebration comes complete with caroling, costume contests and stockingfuls of merriment. Though entirely free to enter, SantaCon asks that visitors bring unwrapped toy donations of any size and value to help local charity drives aimed at disadvantaged families across the city. And, of course, festive fancy dress is highly encouraged! New Year’s Eve The Golden City is considered to be among the top five destinations in the United States to spend New Year’s Eve, and that certainly isn’t without merit. Like many cities, San Fran veritably lights up with activity for the twilight hours of the year, with many of its top restaurants, bars and venues filled to the brim with jovial revelers. Throughout the night, the city hosts a number of popular live events and concerts to beckon in the turn of the new year. As the night reaches its peak, many flock to the waterside to watch as barges 1,000 feet out in the bay set off a magnificent firework display, illuminating their surroundings in a blaze of vibrant color. The most popular site to catch the show is typically just south of the Ferry Building near Pier 14.
Robert Heaney
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Solo Travel Tips in San Francisco

Traveling alone can be intimidating for some. You won’t have someone to read you the directions, someone to split that massive ice cream sundae with, or someone to frame that perfect Instagram photo of you by the pier. But relax! It’s easy to enjoy solo travel in a place like San Francisco. You’ll find that this city has everything from convenient public transit to many selfie-worthy spots. To make it even smoother for you, we’ve put together a quick guide to traveling solo in this fantastic American city. Should you be planning any solo travel in San Francisco, read these tips before your trip... 1. Use Public Transit San Francisco is a compact city, with many of its top attractions grouped together in neighborhoods like Golden Gate Park or Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll still need to get between those neighborhoods, however, and that’s where public transit comes in. Driving by yourself is not only difficult but inadvisable in San Francisco, where parking is at a premium and directions are pretty confusing. Their Muni system, run by the SFMTA, has a trip planning feature that can help you navigate the city and figure out which routes to take. You’ll pay less than you would for repeated Uber rides, too. 2. Take a Bus Tour of the City Solo travel in San Francisco could feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the city. The best way to familiarize yourself with the city and learn more about the top neighborhoods and attractions is with a bus tour. We like this hop-on hop-off tour option from Big Bus, which showcases everything from Chinatown to Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square. Included with your ticket is a complimentary city map and a free walking tour of Chinatown. Just be careful when consulting the map in public—it may be better to look discreetly at a map on your phone. 3. Visit the Best Museums Museums are some of the best attractions for solo travel. You can truly tailor your explorations to your own tastes and no-one else’s—no need to worry about what your wife, your best friend, or your kids would rather be doing. So spend hours roaming the SFMOMA, snap endless selfies in the café at the de Young Museum, or film make short videos of tiny creatures in the indoor rainforest at the California Academy of Sciences. All of these are good options for folks traveling alone, with plenty to do and relaxed atmospheres with no pressure to be social. 4. Explore Different Restaurants We know dining alone can be intimidating, but this is the perfect opportunity to try that new fusion cuisine, or indulge in a little cheat day. Explore different culinary hotspots in San Francisco like the Richmond, the Mission, Hayes Valley, North Beach, SOMA, and Marina/Cow Hill. If you’d prefer to avoid sitting at a table by yourself, opt for a booth or a seat at the bar. Most restaurants these days serve their full menu to patrons at bar seats, and you don’t need to order anything alcoholic to sit there. 5. Allow for a Little Spontaneity While planning is key to a successful vacation, it’s equally true that a little flexibility can be invaluable. Sometimes plans change, sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate (especially relevant in San Francisco), and sometimes we just change our minds. So leave a little wiggle room in case you want to take in a baseball game after your tour of Oracle Park, do a little shopping in Union Square, or pop into a restaurant in Nob Hill for an afternoon drink and snack. Tip: if you’re looking for a good shopping area, read our guide to San Francisco shopping. 6. Find a Hotel in Union Square You’ll find hotels all over the city, but there are multiple factors to consider when traveling solo. While you won’t be splitting the cost with someone, it’s still important to think beyond price. Stay within your budget, certainly, but it’s often a better idea to spend a little more for a hotel that’s clean, safe, and convenient. We like Union Square as a place for those traveling alone—there is plenty of shopping, dining, and night life there, as well as easy access to mass transit. And be sure to choose a place with plenty of good reviews! 7. Try Something New So you’ve never been much of a wildlife person, or really seen a lot of historical pieces of art. Push your boundaries a little when traveling alone! Go see the impressive array of colorful marine life at the Aquarium of the Bay and reflect on the marvels of biodiversity. Stroll through the Asian Art Museum and wonder how such ancient work has been so carefully preserved. Hop on a cruise to see the Golden Gate Bridge, or just snap photos of the sea lions on Pier 39. Whatever you do, try to fit in at least one thing you wouldn’t normally do per day. 8. Take Lots of Pictures Our last tip is a simple one—take plenty of photos! As a solo traveler you won’t have someone with you who can help you remember the things you did and saw. And although programs, maps, and guidebooks can be helpful, they don’t tell the whole story of your amazing adventure. If you’re relying upon a smartphone, turn on your cloud storage. For those with a digital camera, be sure to bring extra memory cards (or one with a lot of storage). Don’t forget any chargers, either! Save on Things to do in San Francisco While Traveling Solo Make the most of your solo travel in San Francisco with Go City You can save up to 60% vs buying your tickets individually. Plus, you’ll get included admission to the city’s best museums, tours, cruises, and more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too.
Katie Sagal
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San Francisco Family Vacation Ideas - Attractions, Activities & Things to Do for Summer Vacation

Summertime is one of the best times to visit San Francisco. The weather is at its best, nature is thriving, and the best attractions are open and ready for business. If you’re planning a family trip to San Francisco but aren’t sure which attractions are right for you, check out this list of our favorite family-friendly attractions. Curated by industry experts, they’re the best activities, tours, and museums for family vacations in San Francisco. The top San Francisco summer family vacation ideas include: Big Bus San Francisco Sightseeing Tour California Academy of Sciences SFMOMA Fisherman’s Wharf Madame Tussauds San Francisco Bike Rentals Exploratorium Aquarium of the Bay Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Golden Gate Park Muir Woods Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour   One of the best ways to introduce the family to San Francisco is with a guided bus tour of the city. A hop-on hop-off option is both fun and flexible, allowing you to get off when something intrigues you, and get back on when the kids get tired. See the sights from the top deck and then simply hop off to explore the streets. This tour from Big Bus includes more than 20 different stops in all the city’s hot spots, plus a selection of free, guided walking tours that begin at selected stops. Madame Tussauds San Francisco   Speaking of Fisherman’s Wharf... Located in an area of the city we’re sure you’re already exploring, Madame Tussauds is a fun attraction for families. It’s the only place outside of Hollywood where you’ll see so many celebrities. Take a selfie with your favorite A-list celebs – nobody will know the difference! A visit here is a good opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of San Francisco, too. Their Spirit of San Francisco exhibit highlights famous figures from art, music, and literature. The San Francisco Dungeon Learn all about San Francisco's shadier side of history, brought to life in a fun and campy way at this attraction that's part thrill ride, part theatrical experience. You'll see a number of live theatrical performances that re-enact true, local history and take you back in time to the dark days of San Francisco. This is one of the more creepy things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf. But if your kids are interested in history, it's a fun and entertaining way to learn about it! Six Flags Discovery Kingdom A theme park is a great summer idea for families, so why not take a quick drive a bit north of the city to reach the delightful Six Flags Discovery Kingdom? This popular park combines all your favorite amusement park rides – like roller coasters, bumper cars, water rides, and much more – with the educational fun of animal exhibits. Visit the animal inhabitants of Discovery Kingdom all throughout the park, like the playful creatures of Dolphin Harbor, Seal Cove, and the Butterfly Habitat. You also have the opportunity to upgrade to a number of animal encounters to make the day a truly special one. Muir Woods For those families looking to explore the expansive natural world around San Francisco, a trip up to Muir Woods is non-negotiable. Home to the majestic redwood trees, Muir Woods National Park is a wondrous place to explore. You’ll immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of this ancient forest, and get to see an incredible diversity of plant and wildlife all throughout the park. Remember to bring a camera to Muir Woods for pictures – you’ll get no cell reception and this may drain your phone’s battery. Remember to Save on Family Friendly Admission There you go. A few suggestions for attractions and activities for your upcoming San Francisco family vacation. Regular admission to a number of these family friendly attractions are available with a pass by Go City. We hope you consider adding some of these fun ideas to your family vacation itinerary. Learn more about our San Francisco passes, attractions and prices.
Katie Sagal

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