How to Spend 48 Hours in San Francisco

Are you off to the Golden State and looking for some unique ideas on how to spend 48 hours in San Francisco? As someone who lived in the city for four years, I’m excited to share with you the best experiences and activities you won’t want to miss. This guide offers a local perspective on the top things to do in the city, so you can make the most of your time in San Francisco!

Is two days enough in San Francisco?

Having lived in San Francisco for four years, I know firsthand how easy it is to feel like you haven’t seen enough of the city. If you only have 48 hours to spend in San Francisco, you’ll likely find yourself wanting more. This guide offers a variety of suggestions based on your interests, so you can prioritize the activities that appeal to you the most. While you may need to come back another time to fully experience everything the city has to offer, this guide will provide you with a great starting point for your visit!

Top tourist attractions in San Francisco

• Alcatraz Island: Take the enjoyable ferry ride across the San Francisco Bay to explore the former prison and learn about its interesting history (definitely get the audio guide).
• Fisherman’s Wharf: A waterfront neighborhood that is a popular destination for tourists. You can visit the sea lions at Pier 39, take home fresh seafood or shop for souvenirs. 
• Painted Ladies: A row of colorful Victorian houses located on Steiner Street that have been famous in many movies and TV shows like Full House.

Outdoor activities in San Francisco

• Baker Beach: A beautiful view of the Golden Gate and a perfect place for a picnic while watching the sunset! Definitely a must see if you spend 48 hours in San Francisco!
• Fort Mason: A popular gathering area on Saturday’s and Sunday’s for locals to play spike ball, toss the football around or have a picnic. Additionally, this is the ideal place to grab a coffee at the iconic Philz truck and walk along the water towards the GGB.
• Golden Gate Bridge: No trip to San Francisco would be complete without checking out the base of the GGB. This is a must do activity while you spend 48 hours in San Francisco. 
• Golden Gate Park: This park covers over 1,000 acres of land, making it one of the largest urban parks in the world (even beating Central Park). At all times of the day you can find locals running, having a picnic and enjoying the sunshine. Spot the herd of Bison that have been living there since 1891 or check out the Japanese Tea Garden within the park. 

• Walk along Union or Chestnut street: Located in the Marina and Cow Hollow neighborhoods in the city, they have multiple shops, bars, restaurants and events.
• Watch the Giants play baseball at AT&T Stadium
• Farmer’s Market: There are multiple farmer’s markets throughout the city at any given time, but I’d recommend the one at the Ferry building every Saturday from 8am-1pm (they have great samples).
• Walk along Hayes Street: Located in the Haight Ashbury neighborhood, this area was extremely popular in the 60s and has fantastic shops, restaurants and street art.

Beautiful hikes near San Francisco

• Muir Beach Coastal Hike: (10.1 km, 507 m, loop) This hike is roughly 20-30 minutes from the city by Marin. There are multiple trails in the area but we’d recommend this trail because it’s closest to the coast!
• Mt. Tamalpais East Trail: (6.4 km, 423 m, out & back) Mt Tam has multiple trails but this is a popular one that offers an incredible view of the San Francisco skyline. It’s quite steep in the beginning, which can make it challenging, but it’s worth it!

Where to Eat and Drink in San Francisco

Drinks:

• Peacekeeper – Latin themed bar with retractable roof
• Balboa Cafe — Iconic for their espresso martinis
• Charmaine’s – Rooftop cocktail bar on Market St.
• Radhaus – Beer Garden in Fort Mason
• Palm House — In the Marina, get the fish bowl
• Water Bar — Nice view of the Bay Bridge

Dinner:

• Flour + Water – Italian in the Mission
• Hog Island Oyster Co. – Oysters in the Ferry Building
• House of Prime Rib – Iconic SF steakhouse on Van Ness
• Foreign Cinema – West coast food in an artsy venue
• Cotogna & Trestle – Close to downtown in North Beach
• Souvla — Casual greek in the Marina or Hayes Street
• A Mano — Italian on Hayes

Dessert:

• Salt and Straw – Always a great idea, multiple locations
• The Baked Bear – The best cookie, multiple locations

There’s so much more I could recommend but if you’re only there to spend 48 hours in San Francisco I don’t want to tempt you with more options! Enjoy some of these suggestions while you’re in the city and definitely return for more. Leave a comment below on what you’re most looking forward to and don’t forget to subscribe for more adventures!

Adios, chicos!