The Perfect Day In San Francisco, California - Budget Friendly
In April 2023 I let my Mom fly in from Germany to California. California is my favorite place to be and I wanted to show her what I love so much about it. I figured a trip to San Francisco can not be missing so we Roadtriped from Southern California up to San Francisco to spend 24 hours there. And since I wanted my mom to see the best parts about it I asked a very good friend of mine for help. He was a local to San Francisco most of his life (he realized at some point south Cali is better and moved there, where we met and become friends) but he sure does know all the good spots. He gave us a map with specific instructions on how to drive since San Francisco offers many amazing views just by driving around. Another great aspect, besides for food you don’t have to spend any money, all destinations mentioned on here are free of charge to see.
If you want to skip all the fluff and see the map right away, CLICK HERE.
I want to say, this map and day is best if you have a car available. But you can also do it without a car and get a electric bike from the city to do the hilly parts. Let’s get started.
Breakfast
To start the day right you will get Breakfast. Not a breakfast person? I don’t care. I promise you want to eat this. Drive to Devil's Teeth Baking Company. Order the special breakfast Sandwich and add the sausage patty. It's with a Biscuit and it's the best thing you will ever have. I would suggest to take it with you to eat with a view. Probably next spot, twin peaks. Don't forget napkins! You need them.
Special Breakfast sandwich with Sausage patty
Address: 3876 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122
First viewpoint - TWIN PEAKS
With the Breakfast Sandwich in your pocket you will make your way to the Twin Peaks. From the top you have a great overview from San Francisco, you can even see the Golden Gate bridge on a clear day. Make sure to stop first and climb on one hill for the view (and breakfast) but also drive all the way around it where the bathrooms are for another great view.
Overview from the very top (where the bathrooms are)
Address: Twin Peaks, San Francisco, CA
Next viewpoint: Painted Ladies
It is very hard to find parking around here, but it's worth it. You see 6 Houses painted in pastel colors, in the background you see San Francisco. It's famous from the TV show 'Full house'.
After you’ve seen it and get back to the car it’s very Important to drive exactly like shown on the map. Go to Divisadero St as soon as you leave painted ladies. The views are insane, on the drive to Marina Blvd to your next destination.
Address: The Painted Ladies, San Francisco, CA
The view on Divisadero St to the Palace Of Fine Arts
Next Viewpoint: Palace Of Fine Arts
Park the car on the street, get out and go around the little lake. You get nice views from every single angle and a lot of Photo Opportunities. This place is truly stunning and at no cost you can walk around.
Palace of fine Arts
Address: 3601 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Next Viewpoint: Marine Headlands
But get ready on the way you will cross THE Golden Gate Bridge. l mentioned the TV show before but if you watched “Full House” than you know why this bridge is extra special. Plus it’s a iconic Landmark from the US.
Driving up to the Marine headlands: Pick your Poison (fancy for pick whatever you prefer) this drive is full of amazing views, so stop where you like and take pictures with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
One of many view points
Address: Marine Headlands, Sausalito, CA 94965
Next Viewpoint: Golden Gate View Point
This is the most popular view to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Photo you see all over Instagram. Its a short walk up the hill to get to it. Oh and remember it's on a one way street, if you pass the parking lot you can't turn around and drive back You have to drive a big round to get to the point again.
My mom and me on the Golden Gate View Point
Address: Old Conzelman Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Next Stop: Sausalito
This one has so many pretty views but it's also more about the driving experience. You have to follow the exact way on the map and you get a driving experience that you will not forget. I still have the image of my mom shocked face and hands holding on in my mind. I hope you have some driving experience. Haha, no really it’s fun. I don’t have a picture of this since my fingers were busy holding the steering wheel tight and my mom was too shocked too move.
Address: Sausalito, CA 94965 (Harbor)
Next Stop: Fisherman’s Wharf
Hungry yet? It's time to explore. But I would head straight to Pier 39. On the way if you're are lucky you will see Street Hot Dogs. It looks suspicious with there little carts, but they are amazing and a staple to the American culture. Get a bacon wrapped hot dog with grilled veggies. It's a must! This is just a snack there is more to come!
Street Hot Dog
Address: Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA
Next Viewpoint: Pier 39
Here is so much going on. Cute little shops, buckets of donuts, sea lions and so much more. If you like Clams you have to get a Clamshowder soup from Boudins in a bread bowl (they have also chili) or get a really cute shaped bread from them. I got a turtle, don't taste as good as German bread but looks really cute. On the Pier is also a old school carousel which is nice for pictures. Up the stairs you should hold your breath, but go and watch the many many sea lions. So cute!
Address: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
California Mural
Right here on Pier 39 hides one of the cutest California Murals. Mural is a fancy word for Graffiti/ Art. It is located right behind the bakery Boudin, down the Stairs.
Next Viewpoint: Lombard Street
Known as the “Crookedest Street in the World”, this street is so curvy and narrow it will take your breath away. But careful, I recommend only really good drivers to go down the road, it is really tricky and lot's of cars getting scratched by trying it. I drove down safe, it's a blast for the passenger in your car. Also fun with an electric scooter and you don't need to worry about scratching it.
Lombard Street
Address: Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
LAST STOP: Baker Beach
At this time it should be really close to sunset, so it’s the perfect timing to visit this beach. You get the most amazing views from here at the Golden Gate Bridge!
Baker Beach, perfect for sunset
Address: Baker Beach, San Francisco, CA
THE END.
Of course there are many more things to see in San Francisco that I haven't mentioned yet but if you just have one day than this is a good selection of things.
Once you opened the link and you have a Google account the map will be saved under maps in your Goggle Maps App. Here is how to find it:
1. Click on the Map down below.
2. Open the App.
3. Click on ‘Saved’
4. Go to ‘Maps’
5. It should be right there.
I hope this map will help you to plan a perfect day in San Francisco.
Love, Michelle
