There's something about San Francisco. Something that sets it apart from other major world cities. Is it the natural setting: a hilly peninsula surrounded on three sides by indigo Pacific waters? Perhaps it’s the postcard-perfect aesthetic: the parade of ornate pastel Victorians alongside a riot of street art? Or maybe it’s the culture: an energy and ideology that pushes ever forward, testing the edges of what society deems normal, from polyamory to self-driving cars.
Whatever it is, many have tried to describe the magic that makes San Francisco feel so singular. Few have succeeded. But with this guide to 24 hours in the City by the Bay, you’ll get a taste of it—perhaps before or after your Backroads trip in California.
8 a.m.
Make your way to the bustling Ferry Building, a year-round marketplace where some of the Bay Area’s finest purveyors of locally sourced, organic goods gather under one historic roof. Sample cheeses, baked goods, and seasonal produce as you stroll the stalls. Then grab a cup of coffee from Blue Bottle—arguably the best brew in the city—and sip it while watching ferries glide across the Bay.
After breakfast, it’s time to get your blood pumping.
Stroll north along the Embarcadero toward the hidden Filbert Street Steps of Telegraph Hill. Up, up, up you go—climbing through secret gardens, lush greenery and houses somehow clinging to the hillside. Keep your eyes peeled for the famous Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill (yes, they're real!). After about 400 steps, you’ll reach the base of iconic Coit Tower, where sweeping views of the city, Marin County, Alcatraz, the East Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge stretch out before you.
11 a.m.
Grab a quick-but-classic lunch at Molinari Delicatessen, where the scent of cured meats and fresh focaccia fills the air. This old-school deli has been slinging legendary sandwiches since 1896—don’t forget to take a number!
After lunch, walk a block south to iconic City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, the beating literary heart of San Francisco. Founded in 1953, it’s where Allen Ginsberg’s Howl first found the light of day and where generations of readers and rebels have come to linger among the stacks.
Next, step into another world—San Francisco’s Chinatown, one of the largest and oldest outside of Asia.
One step through the iconic Dragon Gate and you're in a different world entirely—one filled with dim sum, hidden alleyways and more than a few irresistible trinkets.
Be sure to visit the tiny-but-iconic Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where you can watch cookies being folded by hand—and maybe even create your own custom fortune. Trust us, you’ll leave forever changed.
3 p.m. Get a culture-and-nature twofer in Golden Gate Park.
Start at the de Young Museum, where bold architecture houses a world-class collection of art spanning centuries and continents. Then, if time and curiosity allow, explore the serene paths of the Japanese Tea Garden or dive into the natural wonders at the California Academy of Sciences—both just steps away.
6 p.m. ¡Vamos a la Misión!
In the ever-vibrant Mission District, your rooftop destination is Cubita, where city views pair perfectly with fresh Cuban fare and a margarita so good, you’ll thank your past self for making that reservation back at the Ferry Building (wink wink). Think ropa vieja, plantains and mojitos under the open sky—it’s a vibe.
After dinner, wander over to Clarion Alley, a technicolor corridor of street art that captures the city’s creative spirit in full, raw form. It’s one of the most striking public art installations on the West Coast—and it’s always changing.
9 p.m. Let the night roll on at The Chapel.
This Mission favorite is part music venue, part gothic cocktail haven and all-around mood. Whether it’s an indie darling, local legend or a surprise DJ set, the intimate stage and stained-glass ambiance make every show feel like something special.
A Final Thought…
This whirlwind tour hits the highlights, but if you can, give yourself more than 24 hours. Each neighborhood in this guide warrants an entire day of wandering on its own. So by all means, if you can, wander without a map. Watch the fog roll in. Let each neighborhood tell its story.
And if you want the perfect soundtrack to your San Francisco adventure, queue up the California Backroads Spotify playlist—curated to match the rhythm, sunshine, and soul of the Golden State.
