Lady’s Local Guide to 24 Hours in San Francisco

People always ask me for San Francisco travel tips. Having lived there for years, I love sharing recommendations for my favorite off-the-tourist-trail neighborhoods, sights, and restaurants. Now that I’m in California again, I’m excited to share my guide to 24 hours in San Francisco. Forget the visitor attractions. This is how locals do the city.

24 Hours in San Francisco

The City by the Bay is just seven miles by seven miles, so it’s easy to see a lot in 24 hours in San Francisco. From markets to modern art, there’s plenty to discover.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, there’s lots to keep you busy in SF. This itinerary is for people who’ve been to the city before, but if you want to see the big sights, you can take a look at my guide to spending 1 day in San Francisco.

Ferry Building

It’s Saturday, and I always start my Saturdays at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, San Francisco’s beloved waterfront foodie paradise.

I hit up the renowned Blue Bottle Coffee for my caffeine fix, then taste my way through juicy peaches to Primavera, where the chilaquiles are the perfect Mexican start to the day.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

A short walk away, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a hot destination for locals and visitors alike.

The museum has offered me and my boyfriend complimentary tickets to explore the space and collections, and I arrive looking forward to checking it out.

Norwegian architecture firm Snohetta’s addition is spectacular. I love the sweeping spaces, their lightness and movement, and the way the exterior is a perfect nod to San Francisco’s waterfront geography and tech economy.

I also like the openness of the reconfigured atrium, which used to be so dark and imposing it frightened me as a child.

The art itself is hit-or-miss. I love a couple of the Calders and some of the sculptures and photographs, but the building itself is the main event.

Lunch in the brand new restaurant, In Situ, is a bit strange, with cafeteria-style decor clashing with Michelin-starred food.

I love the concept—they’ve curated dishes from award-winning chefs across the globe—but nothing on the plate wows my taste buds.

24 Hours in San Francisco: Hayes Valley

Still on a high from the dazzling SFMOMA architecture, my boyfriend and I continue our 24 hours in San Francisco with a walk down to Hayes Valley.

Packed with stylish shops and adorable cafes, it’s one of my favorite neighborhoods in San Francisco.

Our first stop is La Boulangerie de San Francisco, a beloved local chain with great pastries and baked goods. Afterwards we walk down Hayes Street, soaking up the ambiance and popping our heads into cool travel shops like Flight 001.

Alamo Square Park in San Francisco

Eventually we end up at Alamo Square Park, home of the famous Painted Ladies. No, they’re not that kind of lady. They’re the brightly-colored Victorian houses San Francisco is known for.

But what’s funny is that while the Painted Ladies are pretty, the houses just down the street are even more attractive. We leave the crowds as they take pictures of the stars, focusing on the pink and green specials a block away instead.

24 Hours in San Francisco: The Marina

Soon we’re walking up the hill through Pacific Heights and down to the Marina, breathing in views of Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay as we go. It’s a great way to spend part of our time in San Francisco.

Once in the Marina, we head to Chestnut Street, the epicenter of neighborhood life. We’re not far from the Golden Gate Bridge, but it’s all locals at the cafes and shops here.

I used to live here and now we’re staying in the neighborhood. There are some great hotels in the Marina. For me, it’s the best area to stay in San Francisco.

After a glass of wine at the beloved California Wine Merchant we head over to Zushi Puzzle for dinner with friends. It’s the best sushi restaurant in San Francisco, and I go every time I’m home.

24 Hours in San Francisco

Dinner doesn’t disappoint, and soon my 24 hours in San Francisco come to an end. But perhaps yours are just beginning. I hope this guide will help you enjoy the city locals love.

What would you do with 24 hours in San Francisco?

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