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Perfect Weekend in San Francisco

Golden Gate views, cable cars, and Victorian charm by the bay

📍San Francisco, USA⏱️2 Days

San Francisco is a compact city packed with iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and a unique fog-kissed charm. This weekend itinerary takes you from the Golden Gate Bridge to Fisherman's Wharf, through colorful Victorian streets and innovative tech culture. Experience the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and California cool.

📅Saturday

🌅Morning

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7:00 AM - Golden Gate Bridge 🌉 Start at Battery Spencer viewpoint in Marin Headlands for sunrise photos (often above the fog).
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8:30 AM - Walk the Bridge 🚶 Walk or bike across (1.7 miles one way), return via bike or Uber ($30-40).
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10:00 AM - Breakfast in Fisherman's Wharf 🦀 Try Boudin Bakery for clam chowder in sourdough bread bowl.

☀️Afternoon

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11:30 AM - Alcatraz Island 🏛️ Tour the infamous prison (book ferry tickets 2-4 weeks in advance, $41 including audio guide).
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2:00 PM - Lunch at Ferry Building 🥖 Gourmet marketplace with Hog Island Oysters, Cowgirl Creamery cheese, and Blue Bottle Coffee.
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3:30 PM - Cable Car Ride 🚋 Take Powell-Hyde line from Powell Station to Lombard Street ($8 cash, expect lines).

🌆Evening

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5:00 PM - Lombard Street 🌸 See the "crookedest street" with 8 hairpin turns and beautiful gardens.
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6:00 PM - North Beach Dinner 🍝 Little Italy neighborhood - try Tony's Pizza Napoletana or Mama's for Italian.
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8:00 PM - Twin Peaks 🌃 Drive or Uber up for 360° night views of the entire city (bring warm layers!).

📅Sunday

🌅Morning

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9:00 AM - Painted Ladies 🏘️ Visit Alamo Square for iconic Victorian "Full House" houses with skyline backdrop.
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10:00 AM - Haight-Ashbury ☮️ Explore the birthplace of 1960s counterculture with vintage shops and colorful murals.
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11:30 AM - Golden Gate Park 🌳 Visit Japanese Tea Garden (oldest in US), California Academy of Sciences, or de Young Museum.

☀️Afternoon

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1:00 PM - Lunch in Outer Sunset 🌮 Try Tacos El Patron or head to Outer Lands for California coastal cuisine.
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2:30 PM - Castro District 🏳️‍🌈 Historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood with vibrant culture, Castro Theatre, and Harvey Milk Plaza.
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4:00 PM - Mission District 🎨 See stunning murals at Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley, browse Valencia Street boutiques.

🌆Evening

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6:00 PM - Dinner in Mission 🌯 Best Mexican food in SF - try La Taqueria (cash only!) or Tartine Bakery.
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7:30 PM - Dolores Park 🌅 Join locals at this hilltop park with sunset views and vibrant weekend energy.
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9:00 PM - Cocktails 🍸 End at Smuggler's Cove (tiki bar), Trick Dog, or rooftop bar at Charmaine's.

💡Essential Tips

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Muni Pass - Get 3-day visitor passport for unlimited buses, streetcars, cable cars ($32)
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Layer Up - SF weather changes by neighborhood. Bring jacket, even in summer (Mark Twain quote applies!)
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Book Alcatraz Early - Tickets sell out weeks in advance, non-negotiable for first-time visitors
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Parking Nightmare - Street parking is nearly impossible. Use public transport or pay for garages ($30-50/day)
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Cash for Cable Cars - Exact change needed, or buy Muni passport in advance
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Steep Hills - Wear comfortable walking shoes, city is VERY hilly
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Fog Season - June-August is foggy ("June Gloom"), Sept-Oct has best weather
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Safety Awareness - Avoid Tenderloin at night, don't leave valuables visible in cars

💰Budget Guide

Budget Breakdown: Expect $600-850 per person for the weekend (excluding accommodation). Accommodation: $180-350/night (hostels $70-100). Food: $90-130/day (cheap eats $15-20, nice dinner $40-60). Transport: $32 for 3-day Muni pass. Alcatraz: $41. Museums: $25-35 each. SF is expensive but manageable with planning.

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