48 Hours in San Francisco: Your Perfect Weekend Itinerary 

San Fran. Frisco. The City. City By The Bay. San Francisco has many nicknames bestowed on it by locals and travelers alike. With its photo-esque bay-front views, San Francisco has a hustle mentality with a balance of delightfulness and enjoyment. From incredible cuisine and shops to stunning architecture and events, San Francisco is a city for every traveler of all ages alike.

Here’s how to voyage to The Golden City for the ideal 48-hour weekend.

ITINERARY 

Friday

3:00 PM: Check-In at Club Quarters Hotel, Embarcadero

Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District, Club Quarters Hotel is the perfect home base for business travelers and city explorers alike. Each guest room has incredible bay views and is equipped with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TVs, plus yoga mats, dedicated workstations, tea and coffee machines, and more. 

Surrounded by top restaurants, shops, and parks, the hotel is just steps from the Embarcadero Center, Jackson Square, and the Ferry Building.

4:30 PM: Stroll Through Chinatown 

As well as being the oldest Chinatown in North America, it is one of the top tourist attractions in San Francisco. As you pass through the iconic Dragon’s Gate, you’ll find yourself immersed in a bustling maze of streets and alleys and tantalizing aromas from restaurants that are a true testament to the rich culinary heritage of Chinatown. Explore the vibrant array of foods, cultural experiences, and herbalists, where ancient remedies are still sought after for their healing properties.

7:30 PM: Savor Dinner at R&G Lounge

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Chinatown, this celebrated restaurant has delighted taste buds since 1985. Only steps away from the Club Quarter Hotel lobby, you’ll be transported to a world where traditional Cantonese dishes take center stage. Serving signature cocktails and plenty of vegetarian options, order up their salt and pepper crab, which they’re famed for.

10:00 PM: Grab a Nightcap at Cold Drinks Bar
An obscure second-floor cocktail den, Cold Drinks Bar at China Live offers an exceptional drinking experience like no other. Named one of the “Six Best Cocktail Bars in San Francisco” by Newsweek Magazine, their prized mixologists not only use the finest of ingredients, but the entire bat-signed entryway to the interior vibe is an experience. Open seven days a week, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, book in advance to ensure the best seats in the house.

Saturday

8:00 AM: Wake Up with Breakfast at Fish & Farm

Fuel up for your day with breakfast at Fish & Farm. Located on-site at Club Quarters Hotel, Fish & Farm serves French and California-influenced American cuisine. Their clever menu offers organic produce, all sustainably farmed fish and organic meats, and an award-winning wine list. Book Club Quarters Hotel’s Bed and Breakfast offer and receive a $20 complimentary breakfast which includes a choice of entrée, coffee, or tea and juice.

10:00 AM: Explore the San Francisco Botanical Garden

Step into a living museum where every turn reveals a new and captivating sight. From vibrant flowers to towering trees, the garden showcases a stunning array of botanical wonders. Take your time exploring the various themed gardens within the park, each offering its unique charm. Discover rare and exotic plants, learn about their fascinating origins, and marvel at their intricate beauty.

1:00 PM: Grab Lunch at Fiorella Sunset
Fiorella Sunset is a hidden gem must-visit for all food enthusiasts, renowned for its mouthwatering pasta dishes and impeccable service. Step into their inviting and relaxing atmosphere, where you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and an ambiance that instantly transports you to Italy. Conveniently situated in the vibrant retail hub of the Sunset District, Fiorella Sunset’s prime location is just half a block away from the iconic Golden Gate Park. 

3:00 PM: Visit Golden Gate Park
Lace up your walking shoes and get ready to explore. This iconic park, spanning a whopping 1,017 acres, is as fantastic as the rumors suggest. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking some outdoor escapades, Golden Gate Park has it all.

The city’s largest park is home to some of its biggest outdoor attractions conveniently located within the park, including the San Francisco Botanical Garden, the DeYoung Museum, and the Academy of Sciences.

6:00 PM: Catch the Alcatraz Island Night Tour

You can see it by day, but why not mix it up and see it by night? The Alcatraz Island Tour has a night event worth taking and something to share stories and memories on once you return home. Departing at 6 PM, the tour includes a personally narrated boat tour around the island with guided tours from the dock to the main prison building.

8:30 PM: Eat Dinner at Fog Harbor Fish House
After a day of exploring, tantalize your taste buds at Fog Harbor Fish House, one of the top 5 restaurants in San Francisco. Savor the freshest and most delicious 100% sustainable seafood. Whether you choose to dine in the elegant dining room or enjoy the breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge from the outdoor seating area, you’re in for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Sunday

8:00 AM: Kickstart the Day With Red Bay Coffee 

Committed to sustainability, Red Bay Coffee is brewing with local love. Founded in 2014 by famed artist and successful food entrepreneur, Keba Konte, Red Bay Coffee is effortlessly located in the Ferry Building Marketplace. Grab a turmeric latte, Vietnamese cold brew, or for a sweet fix, a vanilla charcoal latte to start your Sunday with a caffeinated buzz.

9:00 AM: Take a Stroll Down the Embarcadero

Spanish for “The Embarkment” the Embarcadero is a waterfront walkway that boasts an array of fantastic events and attractions. This famous spot is a haven for food lovers, housing renowned restaurants like the acclaimed Slanted Door. Inside you’ll also find gourmet shops and a bustling farmers’ market, making it a must-visit destination for culinary enthusiasts and hungry travelers alike.

11:00 AM: Browse and Brunch at the Ferry Building Marketplace

Located on the Embarcadero, the Ferry Building Marketplace has stood as an iconic landmark in San Francisco since 1898. Conveniently central to the Club Quarters Hotel, The Ferry Building Marketplace is visited annually by millions of tourists and is home to over 50 local artisan food merchants, restaurants, and small eateries, with options for every palate to wallop in coffees, bakeries, savory produce, and more.

1:30 PM: Tour the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Home to more than 50,000 pieces of artwork, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is committed to preserving and showcasing an internationally recognized collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Visitors to SFMOMA can explore a wide range of mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, video art, installations, and more. The museum’s collection spans iconic works by influential artists from around the world.