San Francisco, CA
Follow us on an unforgettable three days in San Francisco, where we sailed under the Golden Gate at sunset, rode the iconic cable cars, explored the notorious Alcatraz, wandered through Chinatown, and soaked in stunning bay views from Angel Island and Tiburon. Along the way, we indulged in incredible meals—from fresh seafood to dim sum and Mediterranean feasts.
To see a longer itinerary that includes San Francisco check out: California.
Day 1
Itinerary:
We kicked off our San Francisco adventure by checking into the iconic Fairmont San Francisco, a stunning hotel perched atop Nob Hill with unbeatable city views. After settling in, we set out on a San Francisco Love Tour, cruising through the city’s most iconic neighborhoods in a funky, vintage VW bus. From the Painted Ladies to Haight-Ashbury, every stop felt like stepping into a postcard.
Next up, we hit the Lands End Trail, a breathtaking coastal hike with sweeping views of the Pacific and the Golden Gate Bridge. After working up an appetite, we headed to the Presidio where we indulged in flavorful, authentic Mexican cuisine at Colibri Mexican Bistro.
After lunch, we wandered through the Presidio, a former military post turned national park, where towering eucalyptus trees, scenic overlooks, and historic architecture created a perfect blend of nature and history. We took in breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and strolled through the Main Post before diving into a bit of nostalgia at the Walt Disney Family Museum, a must-visit for any Disney fan, showcasing the incredible journey of Walt Disney through interactive exhibits and rare memorabilia.
As the sun dipped lower, we embarked on a two-hour sunset sail on the San Francisco Bay, watching the city skyline light up as we glided under the Golden Gate Bridge.
To wrap up the day, we enjoyed an unforgettable dinner at Kokkari Estiatorio, where warm Mediterranean flavors and cozy ambiance made for the perfect ending to our first day in San Francisco.
Hotel: Fairmont San Francisco
Reviews: Trip Advisor
Hike the Lands End Trail
Lunch: Colibri Mexican Bistro
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Explored the Presidio
2-Hour Sunset Sail on the San Francisco Bay
Dinner: Kokkari Estiatorio
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 2
Itinerary:
We started the day the classic San Francisco way—riding a cable car down to the Ferry Building, taking in the city’s charm along the way. From there, we caught a ferry to Angel Island, where we hiked to panoramic views of the bay and learned about the island’s fascinating history as an immigration station.
Next, we hopped on another ferry to Tiburon, a charming waterfront town with a laid-back vibe. Lunch at Malibu Farm was the perfect choice—fresh, California-inspired dishes with stunning bay views.
In the afternoon, we took the ferry back to San Francisco, where we had some time to relax before catching a separate ferry to Alcatraz. Wandering the eerie prison halls and hearing stories of its infamous inmates made for an unforgettable experience.
For dinner, we headed to Terzo, a cozy Mediterranean spot in the Marina, where we enjoyed a delicious spread of small plates, from warm pita and dips to perfectly grilled lamb. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure!
Note: download the Clipper app which you will use for all public transportation including the cable cars and the ferries.
Cable Car Ride to the Ferry Building (catch the California cable car line at the intersection of California & Mason Streets)
Ferry to Angel Island
Ferry to Tiburon
Lunch: Malibu Farm
Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise
Dinner: Terzo
Day 3
Itinerary:
On our final day in San Francisco we decided to try a ride in a Waymo self-driving car—an experience that felt straight out of the future. With no one behind the wheel and serene music playing, we sat back as the car effortlessly navigated the city’s streets, handling hills, traffic, and pedestrians with ease. Before we knew it, we had arrived at Fisherman’s Wharf, ready to explore.
After strolling Pier 39, watching the sea lions bask in the sun, and soaking in the lively waterfront atmosphere, we headed to the Exploratorium—a hands-on science museum that made us feel like kids again. For lunch, we indulged in some of the best dim sum at Yank Sing, where every bite—from the soup dumplings to the crispy Shanghai dumplings—was perfection.
Next, we wandered through Chinatown, taking in the vibrant markets, ornate temples, and hidden alleyways. Our final adventure? An urban hike, where we climbed the city's iconic hills for one last breathtaking view of the Bay.
For our farewell dinner, we dined at Delfina, a beloved neighborhood spot known for its incredible handmade pasta and cozy ambiance—a perfect ending to an unforgettable three days in San Francisco.
Pier 39
Lunch: Yank Sing
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Chinatown
Dinner: Delfina
Day 4
On to the next adventure...
