Visit San Francisco, CA: The best travel guide to spend a day in SF
Have one day in San Francisco and want to stop by the famous places? With Getaround's guide we'll help you arrive with ease, and see the best the city has to offer.
San Francisco in one day: Where to tour and what to explore
Planning a trip to beautiful San Francisco? Here is your complete travel guide to spend one day in San Francisco, California. Visit iconic sights and see the famous attractions in and around the city. If you're planning one day in San Francisco, buckle up because there's a good deal of ground to cover! And trust us, there is a lot to enjoy.
Start off by renting a car in San Francisco
To get the most out of one day, start early and rent a car straight away. We recommend renting a car in San Francisco to have the freedom to explore upon arrival. If you land at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) you can pick up a car on site. There are also public transportation options, plus Getaround rental pickup points all around San Francisco. From here, you have the option to navigate your trip however you like.
With a car, it's simple to start exploring both in and around the city. What's great about San Francisco is that it's not just the city center that is worth seeing, it's everything around it too. Now, it's time to kick off your one day in San Francisco, starting with the Golden Gate!
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge
Begin the day with panoramic views by checking out the popular vantage points of San Francisco. Some great options are the Golden Gate Overlook or Golden Gate Viewpoint. Enjoy spectacular scenes of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. Plus, catch good views of Alcatraz, a historic former prison island.
Hard to miss, the Golden Gate Bridge is the icon of San Francisco. Built from 1933-1937, at the time of its completion it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Crossing the strait that connects the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, it is truly exceptional. Just a reminder, be sure to check the weather for visibility. Karl the fog might pay a visit (yes, the fog has a name)!
Once you've seen some sweeping views of the bridge and bay area, drive straight into the city. There are plenty of parking options for your car. Keep in mind the city is quite hilly, so it's that ideal to both drive and walk around.
Where to stop first in the city: take a walk on the wharf
The most popular areas are located in the northern parts of the city center. Here, you'll have access to the best neighborhoods and lots of free tours and attractions! These areas host many notable places such as Fisherman's Wharf, Marina District, Chinatown, Embarcadero, Nob Hill and South of Market.
Once you're in the city, Fisherman's Wharf is a great place to start your tour! The Wharf hosts spectacular views of the water. Check out Hyde Street and take a stroll down Pier 39, for a clear view of Alcatraz and the bay. This must-see area is full of seafood restaurants and souvenir shops. Plus, you can visit the sea lions and historic ships!
Don't miss out on the cable cars for a great view
Keep an eye out for cable cars across the city, they are icons of San Francisco. We recommend hopping on a cable car at the end of the line on Hyde street. You can ride up until Lombard Street for an overlook of San Francisco. Lombard street is famously steep, so it's best to walk down the winding roads afterwards. Don't forget to take a picture!
To continue, make your way to Marina District. If you're in the mood for something sweet, go to Ghirardelli Square! It's famous for their rather large hot fudge sundaes. This square is the location of a former chocolate factory, and hosts many restaurants and attractions along the waterfront. Afterwards, walk around the remarkable Palace of Fine Arts, located nearby.
Stop at legendary Golden Gate Park and see what's next
Our next stop takes you to Golden Gate Park, the city's largest park. Open since 1970, this park spans 1,017 acres (412 ha) and has millions of visitors annually. There is a variety of interesting things to visit within the park. Among them are cultural institutions, such as the De Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, and California Academy of Sciences. Plus, other attractions include the Conservatory of Flowers and the San Francisco Botanical Garden.
Once you've seen the park, on to the next attraction! Want to tour the renowned Coit Tower in the Mission district? Drive into Chinatown for lunch and stroll to the historic Dragon Gate afterwards? Visit the clock tower at The Ferry Building in Embarcadero? You can't go wrong in one of the most-loved cities in the United States.
Lead the way! Decide on the next place in your San Francisco itinerary
Seeing every key spot in San Francisco would be impossible in just one day, there is so much to enjoy. The good news is you can choose what speaks to you, and save the rest for next visit!
If it's not late, try and check out some other famed spots in the city. A few include the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square and the Presidio. Another option is to drive to Little Italy, North Beach or Haight-Ashbury to eat, shop & sightsee! Having a car gives you the flexibility to make the most out of one day in San Francisco.
Would you like to visit outside of the city? You could drive or take the ferry to Sausalito! Across the bridge, this historic waterfront town has plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops. There is a part of San Francisco for everyone to enjoy.
Interested in a museum? Or have a place you are on a mission to visit?
If you're keen to visit a museum, check out the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Theres also the Cable Car Museum and the Asian Art Museum. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance to plan your itinerary of must-see spots!
In case you're tired from walking, take a drive around the different corners of the city. There is plenty of historic architecture and charming views to see by car. However you spend time exploring, you are sure to find out why so many people love San Francisco.
Close out the day: Make the most out of your final hours by the bay
Finish the day off by watching the sunset at the beach! Try driving to Fort Point, Hawk Hill or Baker Beach for a scenic end to your day. Depending on where your trip takes you from here, it might be time to return your Getaround car!
While there are countless more experiences to be had in the Bay Area, we hope this guide shows you a good first look. May you experience all of the wonders of this classic Californian city, and have a truly extraordinary one day in San Francisco!
