The DL: San Francisco –  Whether you are stopping through on a road trip, flying in for a long weekend, or planning a day trip from Napa, there is so much to check off the list you will be planning a second trip to San Fran soon. It is a city that has something to do for everyone and this guide touches on the must do’s. Here is a first-timers guide to San Francisco for a long weekend:

Day 1: First-timers guide

Golden Gate Bridge

• • Get the classic Golden Gate Bridge Picture, the one above is from the side on the way into San Francisco. You can get up close depending on the traffic that day.

Tip: We rented a car and drove over the bridge on our way into San Fransico (we were coming from Napa), we stopped in the town of Sausalito a cute little waterside town with shops and floating homes to grab a snack and just explore. This also allowed us to get pictures on both sides of the bridge. The signs will direct you on where to go to park the car and get pictures.

Palace of Fine Arts Theater

Originally built in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific exposition, this was the host site of the great world’s fair to honor the completion of the Panama Canal. It has been rebuilt and renovated over the years but is a picture-perfect spot that is a nice place to take a walk, sit and people watch, or grab a snack at the cafe.

Other places to explore: 

• Sutro Baths
• Ocean beach – Visitors can bring their own firewood for beachfront campfires in permanent concrete rings.
• Hayes Valley – shopping and dinner

Day 2: First-timers guide

• Painted Ladies
  

  • Located on Hayes street, these iconic Victorian homes will give you all the San Fran (full house tv show) vibes.

Tip: Grab a spot in the park across the street in alamo park, plan to hang out and people watch

• Lombard Street
  

  • Known as one of the “most crooked streets in the world”, Lombard street can be found in between Hyde and Leavenworth street. Your best option is to walk down the sidewalk from Leavenworth street and then look up to get the famous picture.

Tip: This won’t take very long. You are close/walking distance to the Fishermans Warf, Art Institute, Coit Tower, and North Beach if you want to plan to head there next.

• Fishermans Wharf

  •  Touristy but a classic stop for a first-timer, this waterfront community is home to well-known seafood restaurants and shops but beware of the overpriced touristy scams.                          

• Once you leave the wharf walk over to Ghirardelli Square, home to of course lots of Ghiradelli chocolate, restaurants and a brewery, and shops. I would plan to spend more time here, there is also a large open park – San Fran Maritime National Park – in front of the square overlooking water that is nice for a picnic or just people watching.

Explore what is left on your list:

• Alcatraz
• Chinatown
• Coit tower
  
• Ride the historic F-Line streetcar along the Embarcadero, or up Market Street into the Castro—a great alternative to avoid the long lines for the Powell Street cable car.
• 16th ave tile project
  
• Golden Gate Park, Botanical Garden
• Boat Ride by Golden Gate Bridge if you dont have a car
• Twin peaks summit – hiking
• Sporting events -catch a game at many of the professional sports team like golden states warriors, 49ers game

Tip: Pretty close to Napa if you want to do a day trip or quick overnight trip there

Where to grab a drink:

• The view – Marriott marquis hotel- get there right as they open so you can get a spot in the window we got snacks and drinks and loved just looking at the view of downtown. Chinatown and Powell car are close.

• The Riddler Champagne Bar – a small and quaint must go champagne bar and one of our favorite spots. They have free popcorn with seasonings based on celebrity favorites. Get the “A Joan” its the house glass of champagne they literally filled to the top of the glass.

Where to Eat:

• Souvla in Hayes Valley – good greek food
• Smitten Nitrogen Icecream – hayes valley
• Ryokos
• Nopa – Brunch
• Chowder in a Bread Bowl at Boudin Bakery
• Oysters at Swan Oyster Depot
• Breakfast | Brunch – Mr Holmes bakehouse open 8-2:30 (popular, lots of Instagrams here)
• Brenda’s French Soul food
• Fog harbor fish – at fisherman’s wharf – good lunch spot if you get a window seat
• LA TAQUERIA- Carne asada
• Hard water in San Fran– a whiskey bar
• Tartine
• A16 – pizza need reservations
• Leo’s oyster bar
• Tonga Room

• Swensen’s original ice cream shop, which is located on the corner of Union and Hyde, does not have seating inside but you are close to Lombard Street and can explore the neighborhood its in.
• Apple Fritter at Bob’s Donut & Pastry Shop – hole in the wall

Thanks for checking out the first-timers guide to San Francisco!