Unfortunately we only had 24 hours in San Francisco due to a major delay on our flights to San Francisco. Too bad for us, but because of that, here is a blog about what to see if you have 24 hours in San Francisco!
But hopefully you have more time, because there is a lot more to see …
Painted Ladies
Start your 24 hours in San Francisco by walking past the Painted Ladies!
Then take the public transport to:
Alcatraz
The former prison island Alcatraz is located 2km offshore from San Francisco. For me personally, this was the most special visit in our 24 hours in San Francisco.
It is best to buy the tickets online in advance, otherwise they might be sold out or you have to wait in a long queue.
At the reserved time, a ferry will take you to Alcatraz Island, where you can stay as long as you want and then take a ferry back to San Francisco.
There is a really cool audio tour on the island. With headphones on your head, you walk through the former prison with kind of a radio play in your ears. They have a lot of languages available (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Mandarin).
Pause your audio tour when you are outside and enjoy the view. You will see the skyline of San Francisco in front of you and to the right the Golden Gate Bridge. Photo moment for sure!
When you are back at the main land, take a short walk of about 10 minutes and you’ll arrive at:
Pier 39/Fisherman’s Wharf
Pier 39 is part of Fisherman’s Wharf, an entertainment area of San Francisco. At Pier 39 you will find shops, a fair, a lot of noisy seals and much more.
When you’ve seen enough, it’s time to look for a lunch spot (on the pier).
Have a big lunch, because after this it is time for some exercising!
Rent a bike and our first destination is the:
Golden Gate Bridge
Because the Golden Gate Bridge cannot be missed during your 24 hours in San Francisco! The famous bridge of the Full House intro!
We rented our bike at Bay City Bike Rentals (location Leavenworth street), because we will be near here again later.
We cycled to the Welcome Center of the Golden Gate Bridge and walked the stairs uphill. It was a bit too steep for cycling (for us).
Before going up the stairs, take a moment for some photo’s. There are some nice spots in front of the Welcome Center.
Seen enough? Bike to the next location:
Lombard Street
During your 24 hours in San Francisco you should also make time for the most winding road in the world! Lombard Street.
This street is way more beautiful by daylight. So check when the sun sets and if neccessary swap this visit with the Golden Gate Bridge. I was there in October and unfortunately the sun was already going down.
Be sure to look for the Lombard Street / Leavenworth Street intersection on your cycling map or navigation. Lombard street is a long street, but only a small part is this winding.
Stay there at least till you see some cars come down, you can probably see who has done it more often….. The less experienced driver is funnier to see ;- ).
Time to return your bike! You are close by.
Union Square
Union Square is the next point. And we travel there in old San Francisco style: with the cable tram.
You get on at Hyde Street & Beach Street stop. And then enjoy the view and the hard working people on the tram! Get off at Powell Street & Post Street. You are close to Union Square.
Union Square is your last stop during your 24 hours in San Francisco. Well, at least of the ones I suggest …. You can shop here or if you are not tired yet go to a show. But also, choose a nice restaurant to eat.
Good bye San Francisco
This full, fun and varied day came to an end! There are certainly many more beautiful things to see and experience in San Francisco. 24 hours in San Francisco is really short, so going back is definitely on my mind. But for now, we had a blast!
Let us know if you have more tips for (24 hours in) San Francisco.