The Perfect Weekend in San Francisco

There’s no end of activities to keep you entertained in San Francisco, one of the world’s most diverse cities. It’s a city full of culture, history and incredible views. It’s a city of tourist attractions. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the isolated prison cells of Alcatraz, the golden sands of Baker Beach to the glitzy shops at Union Square, there’s something for everyone!

The good news is that even if you’re short on time, you can still enjoy the best bits of San Francisco in just a weekend. Here’s a guide for making the most of your 48 hours in the city:

Cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge

Make your first port of call the Golden Gate Bridge – the one landmark every visitor to San Francisco needs to see. The best way to get a feel for its size and grandeur is by renting a bike and cycling across it.

Tip: Opt to rent your bicycle from Fisherman’s Wharf – you also have the option of renting one at Union Square but San Francisco’s infamous hills are likely to leave you exhausted before you even reach the bridge! The ride from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge is flat and easy for cyclists.

Get some sun on Baker Beach

After you’ve finished snapping photos from the Golden Gate Bridge, spend a few hours sunbathing on Baker Beach located a mile south. The beach provides a panoramic view of the bridge, and you’ll be able to lay back and relax your legs after your bike ride.

Tour of Alcatraz Prison

Devote your afternoon to a tour of Alcatraz – but remember to book your ticket several weeks in advance! Tickets do sell out early and you’ll struggle to find one if you show up on the day you want to visit.

There’s plenty to keep you busy on this famous rock. Peer inside a prison cell, sit and listen to the haunting audio tour in the dining hall, stroll through the exercise yard or simply gaze out at the San Francisco skyline. Aim to spend a minimum of three hours at Alcatraz.

Clam Chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf

After the ferry ride back to the mainland, wander along the waterfront to Fisherman’s Wharf for one of San Francisco’s culinary delights. For the perfect end to your day, head straight to Fishermen’s Grotto for their thick, creamy clam chowder in a crusty bread bowl.

Shopping at Union Square

The following morning, ease into your day with a spot of shopping at Union Square. This single block square is packed full of department stores, restaurants, gift shops and clothing stores.

Tip: Make sure to snap a photo of the painted heart sculptures in the square – from 2009 onwards, different artists have painted these hearts each year, in a variety of styles.

Hippie Culture at Haight-Ashbury

From Union Square, hop aboard San Francisco’s famous cable car and head to Haight-Ashbury for some people watching. Once the heart of San Francisco’s hippie scene, Haight-Ashbury still retains its psychedelic vibe almost fifty years on. Check out the music selection at Amoeba records, one of the largest music stores in the world, wander over to Hippie Hill to watch the weekend drum circle, and see the homes of many famous 60s musicians.

The Crookedest Street!

To finish up your time in San Francisco, head to Lombard Street and take a look at the world’s “crookedest” street. If you’re feeling particularly brave you could even try to drive it!

And that wraps your weekend in the city! Whether you came for culture, history, food or scenery, I think you’ll agree that San Francisco has it covered.