After a “short” 4-hour flight from Chicago, we landed in vibrant San Francisco, ready for a weekend full of adventure, exploration, and breathtaking sights. A 20 minute Uber ride from the airport took us to our hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Our home base for the trip was the chic and conveniently located Kimpton Alton Hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf. With its modern amenities and prime location, we found it easy to access iconic landmarks all while enjoying the lively vibe of the Wharf.
Day 1: Golden Gate Bridge and Beyond
We kicked off our first day with a visit to one of the most famous landmarks in the world: the Golden Gate Bridge. Whether we were walking along the bridge, capturing panoramic photos, or simply marveling at the engineering masterpiece, the experience was unforgettable. The area offers a blend of natural beauty and city life, perfect for an exciting introduction to the city.
We started our day late with a mid morning brunch at Darren’s Cafe, a restaurant a block from our hotel at the Wharf. Travelling with family with different palettes, this place was perfect because they offered an array of food from waffles, pho, teriyaki, and other delights that suited our group of 6. We were ready for the day!
From here, off we went to see the Golden Gate Bridge. Along Fisherman’s Wharf, one would see lots of boat tours that to get up close to the Bridge. However, we opted to hike instead enjoying the scenery. If you are adventurous and able, you can find one of the many companies that offer bike rentals. There are several of them near the Marina District. We rented ours near the Presidio, making it an ideal spot before heading towards the bridge. All of the shops offer rentals by the hour or day and provide directions to make the ride more enjoyable. They also offer a variety of bikes including hybrids, electric bikes, and even tandem bikes.
Make sure when you get to the welcome center, you explore the many different areas. The Welcome Center is located at the south end of the bridge in Presidio. It’s best to visit the Golden Gate Bride in the morning as the fog is known to set in the afternoon, and at times covering your entire view.
San Francisco’s Chinatown
In the afternoon, we took a trolley and got off in Chinatown. San Francisco’s Chinatown is a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and cuisine, making it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to rediscover the area, spending an afternoon here is a delightful experience. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this iconic neighborhood.
Our adventure begins at the Dragon Gate, the iconic entrance to Chinatown. As we walk through, we just absorb the bustling atmosphere filled with sights, sounds, and the tantalizing aroma of delicious food wafting through the streets. We strolled along Grant Avenue, the main thoroughfare of Chinatown. Lined with shops, art galleries, and street vendors, this vibrant street is perfect for leisurely exploration. From traditional Chinese goods to unique souvenirs, we just explored. One of our highlights is a food break of dim sum delights. We Indulged in a variety of bite-sized dishes, from steamed dumplings to savory buns. Be sure to sample the classic fare—the flavors will leave you craving more. No visit to Chinatown is complete without a stop at Golden Gate Bakery. Famous for its flaky egg tarts, this bakery often has a line out the door—but trust us, the sweet reward is worth the wait! After wards, we just walked around Portsmouth Square, a historic park where locals gather for leisure and recreation. It is a great spot to people watch. Many Chinese elders enjoy their board games, and a number of families are on the playground with their children or some families practicing Tai Chi. Bustling with activities, this is a great spot to sit back and enjoy the ambiance of Chinatown.
San Francisco’s Chinatown is a treasure trove of culture, food, and history. With this guide, you’re set for an unforgettable afternoon in one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Enjoy your exploration!
**Day 2: An Alcatraz Adventure**
On Day 2, we ventured to Alcatraz Island, delving into the intriguing history of one of America’s most notorious prisons. The ferry ride over was scenic, offering stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the bay. Pier 33 where the ferry departs from is about a 15-20 minute walk from our hotel. Exploring the eerie yet fascinating prison cells was a highlight, and the island’s incredible views made the day feel surreal. Upon getting to the island, you will have to go up a hill. Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes as it could be quite a trek. More importantly, bring a jacket/hoodie as it can get very cold and windy on the island even in the summer.
**Day 3: Muir Woods and Sausalito**
Another convenience I found by staying at the Kimpton Alton is its proximity to the rental car companies. A block from where were staying were many different car rental companies (Avis, Enterprise, Alamo, etc..) On our 3rd day, we picked up a rental car that we would take to venture out of the city. We opted not to rent a car from the airport upon our arrival because parking in San Francisco is very expensive. Since we knew we would not be needing a car within the city, we wanted to save money in parking. Parking most days are $75 and some days even go up to $90 when there is a baseball game in town.
Our nature-filled morning began with a hike through the towering redwoods of Muir Woods. Having a parking reservation is a must, so plan ahead—trust me, it saves a lot of hassle! Surrounded by ancient trees, the serenity of the forest was the perfect break from city life. Afterwards, we crossed the bridge to the charming town of Sausalito, where we enjoyed a relaxing lunch with waterfront views before heading back to the city.
**Day 4: Berkeley’s Charm**
On our final day, we took a short trip over to Berkeley. With its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and the energy of the University of California campus, Berkeley provided a laid-back, youthful atmosphere to round out our weekend. My young adults wanted to check out a spot where Green Day, one of their favorite musical groups used to play. Then on we went to check out the campus for my soon to be college freshman.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, San Francisco and its surrounding areas offer endless excitement and discovery for travelers of all ages.