Postcard From San Francisco: 6 Top Ways To Spend 24 Hours or Less

 

If you’re looking to make the most of a visit to San Francisco, I’ve got you covered.  During my latest jaunt to 'The City by the Bay', I took in six highlights that will make your visit unforgettable for all the right reasons.  And did I mention that you can do it all in a day or less?!

Here’s my itinerary for some of the best loved sights, attractions, and food, in the city—replete with memories to last a lifetime:

1. Ghirardelli Square - chocolate lover or not, this San Francisco staple is worth a whiz.  Serving beautiful views, quaint shops, and, of course, Ghirardelli goodness (think delectable candies, hot chocolate, ice cream sundaes, and more), it’s a scrumptious slice of the San Francisco pie.

2. Fisherman’s Wharf -  from my first visit to San Francisco many years ago, to my most recent visit, a stroll around Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-do.  Beyond the water and boat views, there is the matter of restaurants serving up seafood, the famous sourdough bread, clam chowder and more!  I went for a classic lunch of clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin, but the options are seemingly endless, for whatever whets your appetite.  Final tip: come hungry and prepare to linger a while.

3. A short bay cruise to take in views of the San Francisco cityscape, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz is a surefire delight and bang for your buck.  One hour and $20 later, you’ll have great photos, a bit of history under your belt, and lasting postcard memories in-hand.

4. Hop on a cable car to Union Square.  A repeat indulgence of mine when I visit, cable cars are quintessential San Francisco and a charming way to make your way to key attractions in the city.  Conveniently located at the Wharf and other city points, you can hop on a one-way or round trip car.  For all day travel, you can also opt for a visitor passport.  I enjoyed a one-way ride to Union Square for $8, proving it’s also a more affordable way to go than local taxis and ride shares.

5. Strolling and shopping in trendy Union Square.  If you’re looking to do some shopping while visiting, there’s no better place to get it in than in Union Square.  Spanning several blocks, enjoy the outdoors while walking from shop to shop and taking in more of the San Francisco landscape.

6. The Ferry Building.  A destination within a destination, the Ferry Building is expansive and, as the name implies, is home to San Francisco’s ferry, along with coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores, and more, with water views and ferry rides awaiting, to boot.  I wrapped my evening in San Francisco with an al fresco dinner at the Hog Island Oyster Company (recommended as a must-try by Eater San Francisco), that was the perfect seal to a great day of casual delights.

Whether you visit for several hours, a day, or beyond, you’ll enjoy these San Francisco staples that continue to delight visitors again and again with lasting postcard memories.

Happy Travels!