48 Hours in San Francisco

If you think 48 hours in San Francisco isn’t enough time to enjoy this fabulous city, you couldn’t be more wrong! Although it’s true you could spend weeks exploring this historic metropolis and still need more time to get to know its multifaceted personality, a single weekend is a great opportunity to spend some time away with the family and see some of the city’s best sites.

Start your trip off with a visit to Alcatraz, the island prison located in the San Francisco Bay. The entire trip should take about three hours including the tour and transportation to and from the island. Not only does this island offer tours of the legendary prison, but it is also home to the first lighthouse built on the West Coast.

Back in town, head to the nearby Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 to enjoy some shopping and a seafood lunch on the waterfront. This is a great place to spend the afternoon with the family enjoying the pier’s many attractions, like the two-story carousel and the amazing views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. It is also a great place to see some of the local wildlife, like the California sea lions that frequent the area.

As the afternoon winds down head to Ghiradelli Square

for a little shopping, dinner and an ice cream treat. In addition to the shops and restaurants located here, it is home to The Original Ghiradelli Chocolate Shop, serving up tempting treats and mouth-watering ice cream creations big enough to feed the whole family.

Start your second morning off with some outdoor adventure. They say you can’t go to San Francisco without visiting the Golden Gate Bridge so check this one off your list with a visit to Battery Spencer. This spot not only offers a great view of the bridge but it is the best place for that quintessential photo of your family with the famous bridge in the background.

Golden Gate Bridge, Marshall beach © Luckyphotographer | Dreamstime.com

After you’ve taken all your selfies with the bridge, head over to Golden Gate Park where you can explore more than 1,000 acres of gardens, playgrounds, interesting attractions and walking trails. This beautiful oasis within the city is a nice change of pace from the bustling metropolis surrounding it.

After building up an appetite strolling through the park, head to Chinatown for some sightseeing, shopping and dim sum. Notable as the oldest Chinatown in America, this neighborhood is a maze of shops, restaurants and homes that maintain the culture, language and flavors of China.

Round out your visit with a trip to Lombard Street, the “crookedest street in the world.” This iconic San Francisco landmark is famous for its impossibly steep slope and a one-block stretch consisting of hairpin, switchback turns.

Some important things to keep in mind — it’s best to dress in layers when you are in the Bay Area. The weather can get quite chilly so you want to be prepared for changing temperatures, especially if you plan to do a lot of walking and hiking. It is also a good idea to take advantage of the city’s excellent public transportation options, like the BART or the city’s famous streetcars, since traffic in the city can be brutal.