Three Days in San Francisco is a bit of a whirlwind, but it’s a highly walkable city with great transportation throughout. From the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge to the charming homes in Nob Hill, there is plenty to see and get lost in. Whether it is your first time in the city or not, I’d still make a trip to see the bridge. It’s always breathtaking. While in the area, pop over to the Presidio and enjoy the view. You’ll be close to the Legion of Honor, which is always worth the visit. If you have the chance, spend one of your evenings at the San Francisco Ballet or Symphony. Both are an experience you won’t want to miss. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though. First we need to look at where you’ll be staying.
Below you’ll see the itinerary for each day while you’re in the city. The itineraries are a loose guide that mention some of my favorite spots, places to eat and things to do. You can click on any of the images and get a closer look at the images. If you’d like a more structured guide, send me a message on Instagram and I’ll help you out!
This is the outfit I’d wear to travel to San Francisco. The shoes are some of my favorite comfortable pairs and mean you’ll be ready to walk around the city as soon as you arrive. Get an early flight into SFO and leave your bags at the front desk of your hotel. Then it’s time to explore! If it’s your first time to the city, take a trip over to Lombard Street to see the chaos followed by a quiet moment at the Conservatory of Flowers. End the day with a dinner at Sotto Mare to warm you up after a day exploring the city.
Use this day to take in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and pop over to the Presidio afterwards. You’ll be close to the Palace of Fine Arts, so enjoy a coffee in this lovely space. Immerse yourself in the art world at the Legion of Honor. You’ll have time to get ready for a nice dinner at Sons & Daughters then an unforgettable performance by the San Francisco Ballet.
Get up early to watch the sun rise across the Bay from the Golden Gate Overlook and experience the city coming to life. When the fog lifts the views are spectacular, and there is nothing quite like it. After walking down to the wharf, you’ll be ready for a tea service at the St. Regis. End the day listening to a concert at the Davies Symphony Hall.
While I want to be comfortable while traveling, I also don’t like to look sloppy. Go with shoes that are easy to slip on and off as you go through security, though if you travel often definitely look into getting pre-check. Both standard and Clear are fantastic to have and well worth it in my opinion. Another great tip for travel, especially when it’s to a cold climate, is to wear your coat or jacket on the flight. They can take up a lot of space in your luggage, and this way you’ll save space and be ready for when you arrive.
I wanted to make packing as simple and straight forward as possible. I’m including suggestions for everything from skin care to make up and accessories. As things sell out, you might see a few swaps for items that are similar. The only other thing you’ll need to remember to bring is your underwear!
I’ve created The Essentials as a guide to a basic packing plan for your next holiday. Down to the most comfortable walking shoes, best bag to travel with and what toiletries you won’t want to leave home without. It’s got everything you’ll need so there will be nothing you miss.
