This is a sample itinerary for a client who wanted a 3 day trip to SF. The client shared that they had been to SF before, so had seen many of the key sites. They wanted to focus on nature, the ocean, art, boutique shopping, and food.
The main difference between this and the LUXE itinerary is that it does NOT have any reservations set. It also offers a few more hotel and dinner options, in case the main recommendation is not available (and since the seller won't be able to confirm availability).
SF's international airport. Be sure to check driving times to and from AT YOUR FLIGHT TIME because traffic can vary hugely depending on commuter hours. The 101, the highway the airport is off of, is the main commuting artery down to Silicon Valley.
Yes, it's a fast food restaurant. But it's a California classic! I like this as a stop on the way to or from the airport.
Only go on the way FROM the airport if you're driving a rental car or being picked up by a friend.
If you're in an Uber, go on the way TO the airport so that you aren't paying airport pickup prices to go a few blocks.
The Hotel Kabuki is in a central part of the city, tucked into atmospheric Japantown and it spares you the indignity of being stuck in the consumery Union Square or too deep into the not-very-pleasant downtown area.
In a less central location, but a nice part of town, close to the Bay. This is a mid-range hotel that can go up in price based on events at the ballpark and Chase Center.
Centrally located, but near to the part of town that's seen the most decline since the pandemic. It's a nice, boutique hotel though, once you're inside.
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PM: Explore the street art & trendy vibes of the Mission.
On the plane ride over, dig into the SF MOMA's recent project on murals of the mission. This online publication will give you a sense of the history of this art form in the Mission District, and will help you appreciate the street art you see on your walk.
A great bookshop that sells overstock from other booksellers, meaning you can get new books for a fraction of their retail price. I often find the not-quite-so-famous books of well-known authors, and it can be a joy to find an unexpected read there.
Nearby to buzzy Trick Dog, but a bit lower key and with excellent cocktails and snacks. The street its on can sometimes be a bit ... San Francisco-y ... so just slip in the front door and let yourself be transported.
Lively atmosphere and beautiful, unique dining room. Part of the broader Flour + Water hospitality group, so you know they've got delicious takes on modern Italian meets California cuisine.
Tip: Opt for their 'dinner party' option, it's a great value and a lot of fun!
A causal, lightly tiki-esque bar with good light bar bites. Nice outdoor area.
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Day 2:Â Day Trip to Marin
Wake up around 8am to maximize your day north of the city.
Snag coffee and breakfast at Jane the Baker. Pick up a sandwich to share - you'll have lunch later in the day, but you may get hungry after your hike! If you don't stay at the Kabuki, then stop here *after* you pick up your car on your way out of town.
Instead of getting stuck in the traffic heading up to the famous Hawk Hill landmark, plan to make a quick stop at the Vista Point directly after you cross the Golden Gate Bridge. You can snap some pictures of the bridge and take in the view of SF across the windswept bay.Â
Park in the parking lot and plan to hike a 4ish mile lollipop - go along the coast until the trail heads down into Pirate Cove and then up steep steps back to the bluff. Here, you'll turn inland and head back in the direction you came. Eventually, you'll intersect the trail you were on before, and will return to your car.
This spot is a more casual option - it’s first come first serve, and it’s a great place to enjoy oysters and some beer after exploring Point Reyes. They serve raw and bbq’d oysters, as well as some other menu items such as soup, sandwiches, local cheeses, an some other seafood. Save room for some soft serve ice cream too! The seating overlooks the water.
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Drive onward to take in the coastal views, heading inland just north of Tomales bay. Check out the farmland and beautiful pastoral scenes.
Get to downtown Petaluma, park the car and wander the streets, taking in the cute town. Check out the shops near In The Making.Â
Upscale, but still somehow rustic, Californian cuisine in pastoral Petaluma.
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After dinner, head back to your hotel for a well-deserved night's rest! Return your car according to your Turo policy.
If you're back before 10pm, and still feeling festive, try a drink at the cute hotel bar.
Day 3 - San Francisco
Wake up and grab an Uber directly out to the Sunset for a morning by the coast. This is a charming neighborhood that's home to long-time SF residents, young surfers, and a great vibe!
Set your Uber for Damnfine Coffee to get things started.
The inheritors of Sunset classic, Trouble Coffee, Damnfine is a new local coffee shop that will get you set up for your morning at the beach. They also have toasts on offer - cinnamon is the Trouble Coffee classic, but their avocado toast is meant to be delicious as well.
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Then walk down Judah St straight out to Ocean Beach to go for a walk.
There's a long stretch of beach to walk along San Francisco's coastline. Here, you can make a loop along the beach, and then back up the now-closed Great Highway which is frequently covered with sand.
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If you want to spend a bit more time soaking in the Sunset atmosphere, browse a few of the favorite local boutiques, which should start to open around 10 am:
An adorable book shop with great options for kids and adults. They also sell homewares and plants. And have coffee and pastries. What more could you want?
The name of the game here is adventure: go outside of your comfort zone and order dishes you haven't tried before at the Chinese restaurant that focuses on food from central China.
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Next, we'll head into Golden Gate Park to get our art fix!Â
If you have the energy and you want to keep moving, you can walk through Golden Gate Park to ehe de Young Museum. Otherwise, hop in an Uber to get as close as you can.
Originally created for the 1894 California Midwinter Exposition as a 'Japanese Village' this is a beautiful Japanese style garden tucked into the middle of Golden Gate Park! You do have to buy a ticket to enter.
Stylish room and incredibly complex food. Small plates are key here - don’t waste stomach space on curries. Great cocktail program and you can usually snag a seat upstairs in the bar if the dining room is full.
This is co-founder Abby West's favorite restaurant!
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Thus ends your final night in San Francisco. Pack your bags and get ready for your early flight out in the morning!
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