After an unforgettable few days in Seattle, we hopped on a flight to San Francisco — the second stop on our honeymoon and one we were both incredibly excited about. With only two nights here, we knew our time was limited, but we were determined to make the most of every hour. What followed was a full-on, fast-paced, but completely unforgettable 24 hours in the City by the Bay.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the Handlery Union Square Hotel, right in the heart of downtown. It wasn’t our favourite hotel of the trip — the quality and location weren’t quite ideal for what we had planned — but it worked as a comfortable place to sleep and served as a convenient base for our whirlwind adventure.

Arrival and First Impressions

We arrived late in the evening and decided to keep things simple. After a quick wander around Union Square, exploring a few shops and soaking up the atmosphere, we headed for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. It’s perched on top of Macy’s and offers great views over the square, making it a fun and relaxed way to start our time in the city.

A Day of Non-Stop Exploring

With only one full day to see everything we wanted, we set out early and hit the ground running — literally. We started with something that had been on our bucket list for years: running across the Golden Gate Bridge and back. The morning was crisp and clear, and the views were nothing short of spectacular. There’s something special about seeing that iconic red structure up close and taking in the skyline from the middle of the bay.

From there, we made our way to the Palace of Fine Arts, a stunning architectural gem surrounded by peaceful water and gardens. It’s a beautiful spot for a slow stroll and some photos, and it offered a calm moment before we continued our adventure.

Next up was a visit to the Yoda Fountain outside Lucasfilm headquarters — a fun detour for any Star Wars fan — followed by a trip to the famously crooked stretch of Lombard Street. Winding down the steep, zig-zagging road is a classic San Francisco experience, and it’s even more impressive in person than in pictures.

We couldn’t skip the iconic Painted Ladies, the colourful Victorian houses made famous by TV and film. From there, we grabbed a Waymo self-driving taxi back to the hotel — an experience in itself — to get changed and head out again for the evening.

Our next stop was the lively Pier 39, a bustling waterfront filled with sea lions, street performers, and shops. It’s touristy but fun, and the perfect place to soak up the city’s atmosphere before the grand finale of our trip: a visit to Alcatraz Island.

The Highlight: Alcatraz at Night

We booked the evening tour of Alcatraz, and it was easily the highlight of our time in San Francisco. Visiting after dark added an extra layer of atmosphere to an already haunting and fascinating place. Wandering through the prison blocks, listening to the stories of former inmates, and watching the sun set over the bay as the city lights began to twinkle was a surreal and unforgettable experience.

This had been on our travel bucket list for years, and finally stepping foot on the island — hearing the echoes of its history and imagining life within those walls — was everything we hoped it would be.

Food Highlights

Food wasn’t a big focus during our whirlwind visit — we were too busy exploring — but we still managed a few memorable stops. Along with our dinner at the Cheesecake Factory on the first night, we grabbed a classic seafood meal at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. during our busy sightseeing day. On our final morning, we treated ourselves to a hearty breakfast at Pinecrest Diner, the perfect old-school American diner experience to fuel up before we moved on.

If You Go: Our San Francisco Tips

🚉 Getting around: You’ll need a Clipper card for public transport, but note that the day pass does not cover Golden Gate Transit buses. You’ll need to top up your account or pay cash for those.

📱 Use tech to your advantage: Pair Google Maps with (of course) ChatGPT to navigate the city easily and know exactly where to hop off for sights and stops.

🚗 Try Waymo early: If you want to experience a self-driving taxi, download the Waymo app. Prices climb significantly as the day goes on, and by evening, Uber is often cheaper — so try it earlier in the day.

🦟 Alcatraz tip: If you’re visiting in September, brace yourself for swarms of flies on the ferry over to the island — even the staff wear nets. A hood or cap makes a big difference.

🌉 Plan for a fast pace: With so much to see, you can pack a lot into one day, but expect it to be full-on. Comfortable shoes, layers for changing weather, and a loose plan will help you make the most of it.

Final Thoughts

San Francisco was a whirlwind — intense, fast-paced, and absolutely worth it. In just over 24 hours, we saw everything on our list, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Painted Ladies, and even ticked a long-standing dream off our bucket list with the Alcatraz evening tour.

While our time was short, the city’s character, history, and stunning views made a big impression. Whether you’re planning a quick stop like ours or a longer stay, San Francisco rewards every minute you spend here — and leaves you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.

Exploring San Francisco: A Quick Guide to the Golden City

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