San Francisco Express: A Half-Day Adventure Itinerary Guide

San Francisco, located in northern California is a popular city known for its iconic landmarks, steep hills, sea lions, and diverse neighborhoods. I recently stopped in San Francisco for half a day before heading to Napa Valley for the weekend. With only half a day to spend in such a large city, I wanted to check out some of the best things to see in the city including some famous landmarks. In this post, I’ll share my itinerary for a half-day adventure in SF. This itinerary is the perfect day trip guide for a first-time visitor or a serial San Francisco Bay Area explorer.

1. Start your morning with a visit to one of San Francisco's local and delicious brunch spots! San Francisco's brunch scene reflects the city's multiculturalism and culinary innovation.  One thing I realized when researching places to eat in San Francisco, is that brunch is a staple! You can find brunch spots offering a wide range of cuisines, from classic American diner fare to globally inspired dishes. During my trip, I went to brunch at Four Chairs, a friend and family-owned restaurant in the Bernal Heights district. The atmosphere was lively, good food and overall it was a good experience.

Pancakes at Four Chairs

1. Next, head over to the iconic Lombard St. 

Lombard Street in San Francisco, California, is known for its steep, winding road with eight sharp turns. Tourists flock to see and drive down this iconic street, enjoying its picturesque city views! From the top of the crooked section, you can see Alcatraz Island, Coit Tower, and the Transamerica Pyramid, among other landmarks. It's a must-visit spot for anyone exploring San Francisco for the first time!

It’s a major tourist attraction, and many tourists choose to drive down Lombard Street to experience the thrill of navigating its hairpin turns. However, traffic can be heavy, especially during peak tourist seasons.

There is also a stop for the historic cable cars directly across the street. If you have never had the opportunity to ride a cable car, I recommend adding this to your itinerary.  The fair is $8.00 each way. 

View of Lombard St

Cable Car

1. Next up, visit Chinatown.

San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, tracing its origins back to the mid-19th century during the California Gold Rush. It was established by Chinese immigrants who came to the city seeking opportunities and faced discrimination and social exclusion, leading them to create a tight-knit community in this neighborhood.

Walking through Chinatown's narrow streets, visitors are immersed in a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and aromas. Colorful storefronts adorned with Chinese characters line the bustling sidewalks, offering an array of goods and services, including traditional herbal shops, souvenir stores, bakeries, and restaurants.

I recommended stopping by the historic Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory where fortune cookies have been made by hand since 1965. 

Me in Chinatown

A Street in Chinatown

1. View The Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies represents a classic example of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, popular in San Francisco during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The houses feature intricate woodwork, elaborate trim, bay windows, and decorative embellishments, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the era. The homes are situated on a sloping street facing Alamo Square Park, providing a picturesque backdrop for photos.

The Painted Ladies have been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying their status as cultural icons. Perhaps most famously, they appeared in the opening credits of the television series "Full House," showcasing the quintessential San Francisco backdrop.

The Painted Ladies

1. Golden Gate Bridge View Point: Battery Spencer  

If you're looking for a scenic viewpoint to admire the  Iconic Golden Gate Bridge from the San Francisco side, one of the most popular and iconic spots is Battery Spencer. To reach Battery Spencer, you can drive or hike up Conzelman Road from the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Visitor Center. The road winds up the hillside, offering glimpses of the bridge along the way. Battery Spencer is located near the top of the hill, and there's a small parking area where you can leave your car. Make sure you lock your car door and hide any valuables. 

The viewpoint is situated high above the bridge, providing a unique perspective and plenty of opportunities for photos. You can see the full span of the bridge stretching across the bay, with the city skyline in the background and the rugged coastline of the Marin Headlands in the foreground.

A View of the Golden Gate Bridge

Embarking on a half-day adventure in San Francisco is like stepping into a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. From indulging in a delicious brunch to winding through the iconic twists of Lombard Street, immersing yourself in the bustling streets of Chinatown, admiring the charming Painted Ladies, and finally, soaking in the awe-inspiring views from Battery Spencer's Golden Gate viewpoint, every moment is filled with wonder and excitement.

If you follow this itinerary during your next visit, leave a comment on this post and let me know how it went!