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Would you like to visit an iconic city on the U.S. West Coast? Why not dive into the heart of San Francisco? San Francisco tells a fascinating story around every corner. When you set down your bags, you’ll have the chance to explore neighborhoods with distinct characters, lose yourself in architectural marvels and let yourself be captivated by the unique atmosphere of this legendary city.
Not sure how to organize your stay? I’ve already mentioned some of the things you can do in San Francisco. Today, here’s a detailed program to make sure you don’t miss a thing and discover all the city’s hidden treasures in just three days.
San Francisco Downtown
Day 1: experience a cultural and natural immersion!
1ʳᵉ activity: San Francisco Botanical Gardens
For your first Franciscan day, what better way to reconnect with nature than by visiting the city’s botanical garden? This place is a true haven of peace. It’s home to over 8,000 species of plants from all over the world, offering a global botanical journey. The various themed gardens, such as the Magnolia Garden or the Succulent Plant Garden, will enable you to discover the diversity of the world’s flora.
How do I get there?
The Botanical Gardens are located in Golden Gate Park and are easily accessible by public transport. Bus lines 5, 7, 21 and 33 stop nearby. For those who prefer to drive, pay parking is available close to the garden entrance. Convenient, isn’t it?
How long is the tour?
Are you a botany enthusiast or simply looking for a moment of relaxation? If so, count on 2 to 3 hours for a complete visit. You’ll have the pleasure of strolling through the different gardens at your own pace, without feeling rushed.
How to book and how much does it cost?
Admission to the Botanical Gardens is free for San Francisco residents. For non-residents, tickets cost :
- 9 for adults ;
- 6 for youths aged 12 to 17 and seniors over 65;
- 3 for children aged 5 to 11.
Tickets can be purchased at the garden entrance, and reservations are generally not required, except for special events.
Where to eat?
After your visit to the Botanical Gardens, head to the iconic Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant at the western end of Golden Gate Park. With its breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, it’s the ideal place for a lunch break. Enjoy tasty Californian cuisine, accompanied by craft beer brewed on site. The art deco setting and historic murals add a unique touch to your meal.
Address: 1000 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121.
Access: Just a few minutes by car or bus from the Botanical Gardens. If you like walking, a stroll through the park will take you there nicely.
2ᵉ activity: Mission District for street art enthusiasts
As you stroll through this vibrant, historic district, you’re guaranteed to get an eyeful! Known for the impressive colorful murals adorning its buildings, you can’t help but fall under its spell. These works of art often tell local stories, social struggles and cultural elements of the community. A stroll through the district will allow you to discover colorful works of art and soak up the bohemian, creative atmosphere of the area.
How to get there
The Mission District is easily accessible via the BART subway lines. Get off at the 16th Street Mission or 24th Street Mission stations. Several bus routes also serve the district, including routes 14 and 49.
How long does it last?
The messages conveyed by this street art are veritable invitations to reflection. So it’s only natural that you should want to stroll around or soak up the lively atmosphere of the local streets, so allow around 2 hours. If you need a moment to relax, nothing could be easier. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants in the area, where you can enjoy a break with family or friends! I urge you to make the most of it!
How to book and how much does it cost?
Visits to the murals are free and do not require a reservation. Guided tours are available, however, if you’re keen to learn more about the history and significance of the various works on display. Prices for guided tours vary. However, expect to pay between $20 and $30 per person.
Where to dine?
To round off your day in style, I recommend dinner at La Taqueria, a culinary treasure trove in the Mission District. This Mexican restaurant is renowned for its legendary burritos and tacos bursting with authentic flavors. The warm, friendly atmosphere adds the perfect touch to the experience. If you’re curious to try a local specialty, opt for the rice-free burrito, a particularity that has earned the establishment numerous distinctions.
Address: 2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110.
Access: Just a few steps from the murals, this restaurant is ideal for rounding off your exploration of this vibrant, artistic district.
Day 2: continue to honor art and nature!
1ʳᵉ activity: the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Are you a fan of modern and contemporary art? Then the SFMOMA will fill you with happiness! There, you’ll have the privilege of admiring masterpieces by world-renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock and Frida Kahlo. The museum also offers an immersive experience, with dynamic temporary exhibitions and impressive permanent collections.
How to get there
Located at 151 Third Street, SFMOMA is easily accessible by bus on routes 30 and 45, for example, or by BART subway to Montgomery Street station.
How long should I allow?
For an attentive tour of the galleries and exhibitions, allow between 2 and 3 hours. Take your time to analyze the works and enjoy the relaxation areas!
How to book and how much does it cost?
Tickets are available online on SFMOMA’s official website or on Get Your Guide !. Prices are as follows:
- 25 for adults ;
- 22 for seniors over 65 ;
- 19 for young people aged 19 to 24;
- free for children under 18.
I can only advise you to book before you go to save time, but above all to be sure of being able to visit.
San Francisco Financial District
Where to eat?
After your morning of artistic exploration at SFMOMA, I suggest lunch at Café 5, located directly inside the museum. This café offers an elegant, casual setting with an open-air sculpture garden, perfect for a gourmet break. The menu offers light, inventive Californian cuisine, with options such as fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches and vegetarian dishes, all prepared with local, seasonal ingredients.
Address: Inside SFMOMA, 151 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.
Access: No need to leave the museum to eat, so you can continue your day in peace.
2ᵉ activity: Twin Peaks
Photography lovers, don’t miss out on this extraordinary place! I invite you to visit the Twin Peaks. These two hills are the second highest points in the city. They offer breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the city and the bay.
How to get there
Twin Peaks is accessible by car via Twin Peaks Boulevard. By public transport, take the 37 Corbett bus from the Castro District to the Twin Peaks Blvd & Panorama Dr stop, then walk to the top.
How long will it take?
Ultimately, it all depends on how fit you are and what you want to do! Most visitors opt for a tour and a short hike. If you’re planning to do the same, I’d recommend 1 or 2 hours. To avoid disappointment once you’ve reached the top, be sure to check the weather forecast before you set off for optimal views.
How do I book and how much does it cost?
The Twin Peaks tour is free and open all year round. No need to book, just enjoy the natural spectacle the town has to offer.
Where to dine?
After a panoramic visit to Twin Peaks, there’s nothing like dinner in a cozy setting to round off the day in style. I recommend The Castro District, just a short drive or bus ride from Twin Peaks, where you’ll find a wide range of restaurants to suit all tastes.
My suggestion: Harvey’s!
This iconic Castro restaurant is an excellent choice for casual dining. It offers contemporary American cuisine with options such as gourmet burgers, hearty salads and vegetarian dishes. The atmosphere is friendly, with historic touches paying homage to Harvey Milk, an important figure in the neighborhood.
Address: 500 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114.
Access: Directly accessible from the Castro District after your visit to Twin Peaks.
Budget: $$ – Main courses between $15 and $30.
Enjoy a good meal while taking in the lively atmosphere of this iconic San Francisco neighborhood.
Day 3: Experience a day of cultural escape and serenity.
1ʳᵉ activity: the Museum of the African Diaspora
Want to explore the culture, the history of the African diaspora? Then this museum is a must! I promise you, you won’t be bored! Featuring both permanent and temporary exhibitions, the MoAD offers a highly educational visit. You’ll learn about the many contributions of Africans and their descendants around the world.
How do I get there?
The site is located at 685 Mission Street in the Yerba Buena district. It’s easily accessible by public transport, via the BART metro lines to the Montgomery Street station. You can also get there via bus routes 14, 30 and 45.
How long will it take?
Don’t want to compromise between permanent and temporary exhibitions? Would you also like to take part in the interactive activities on offer? Then it’s a good idea to leave a good 2 hours in your diary, so you don’t have to rush!
How to book and at what price?
Tickets can be purchased on the MoAD’s official website. Prices are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, students and young people aged 13 to 18. Admission is free for children under 12. This museum is regularly a victim of its own success. I therefore recommend reserving your tickets, especially if you’re planning a weekend visit.
Where to eat?
After your cultural immersion at MoAD, stay in the Yerba Buena district for a variety of delicious culinary options. My recommendation: Samovar Tea Lounge – Yerba Buena Gardens
Ideally located just a few steps from the museum, this restaurant is perfect for a soothing, tasty lunch. Enjoy light, well-balanced dishes such as salads, vegetable rice bowls and gourmet sandwiches. Accompany your meal with a refined selection of teas from around the world for a relaxing touch after your visit.
Address: 730 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Access: 5-minute walk from MoAD, through Yerba Buena Gardens.
Budget: $$ – Dishes between $12 and $20.
The peaceful setting of Yerba Buena Gardens adds a note of serenity to your lunch break, allowing you to recharge your batteries before continuing on with your day.
2ᵉ activity: the Japanese tea garden
You probably don’t know it, however, the Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest Japanese public garden in the United States. With its pagodas, bridges, stone gardens and ponds filled with koi carp, it’s a place of absolute tranquility and beauty. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a traditional tea ceremony.
How to get there
This jewel, like the Botanical Gardens, is located in Golden Gate Park. Planning to get there by public transport? There are several options! You can choose between bus routes 5, 7, 21 and 33.
How long will it take?
Please allow 1 hour 30 minutes for the tea ceremony, and don’t rush through the gardens. After all, you’ll be in a place that rhymes with zenitude!
How to book and at what price?
To discover the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco, it will cost you $10 per adult, $7 for people over 65 and teenagers aged 12 to 17. Children over 5 pay $3. Tickets are on sale at the entrance. As the site regularly hosts special events, I invite you to check the schedules and days open to the public on the official website.
Where to dine?
To stay in the peaceful, zen spirit of your afternoon, I recommend a restaurant that perfectly complements this cultural experience: Ebisu
Located just a few minutes’ drive from Golden Gate Park, Ebisu is a local institution for fans of Japanese cuisine. This restaurant offers exceptionally fresh sushi, traditional Japanese dishes and a friendly atmosphere that extends your immersion in Japanese culture.
Address: 1283 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
Access: Approx. 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the Japanese Tea Garden.
Budget: $$ – Dishes between $15 and $30.
Nearby alternatives
If you’d rather stay in Golden Gate Park for more casual dining, Park Chalet Coastal Beer Gardenoffers American fare in a relaxed setting overlooking the gardens.
Whichever you choose, these options will guarantee a pleasant and delicious end to the day!
