Last Updated on December 14, 2025 by DIYbunker Team
From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the stunning vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Valley, there is an abundance of must-do activities to add to your San Francisco itinerary, especially if you are a first-time visitor.
The city also happens to be one one of the best vacation destinations to get around by walking and using public transit. On our recent trip to San Francisco, we opted to get from place to place by using a shuttle, hop on hop off bus, and walking.
With these three modes of transpiration, it was easy to hit up the area’s biggest attractions like the Painted Ladies, the Golden Gate Bridge, The Palace of Fine Arts, and even vineyards.
Quick Tip: San Francisco is a wonderful place to visit for families, but for this guide, you will want to find a place for the children to hang out if you plan to hit up the wineries.
Where to Stay
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Travelers looking for a hotel that offer maximum convenience will appreciate the Hilton. With conference rooms, convenience stores, on-site restaurants, and room service, you can get all of your basic needs met without stepping foot off of the property.
Staying at the Hilton Union Square will land you within walking distance to many restaurants and attractions. You can easily go for a stroll to China Town, Little Italy, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Pier 39.
The Lobby
Despite being a big business hotel, we found the experience cozy and relaxing. The scent of the lobby reminded us of a French cottage and was the perfect welcome home after a long day out on the town.
Next door, just off of the lobby is Urban Tavern, an upscale gastropub perfect for a quick bite at the bar or a full meal if it suits you. If you are tired at the end of your day of travel, this is a solid spot to stop by on your way back to your room.
The Guest Room
The room we stayed in was a king suite, which had a balcony and breathtaking view of the San Francisco skyline. Look to the right or the left, you will be greeted by the sparkling ocean water, or perhaps some fog.
If you love a high up view, try getting a room in tower one, as it’s the tallest. Be sure to upgrade to a balcony room for special occasions as it’s completely worth it.a
Fun Fact: The Hilton Union Square San Francisco Hotel is the largest hotel of the entire west coast and takes up an entire block!
Where to Eat
Toppu Ramen and Dim Sum
On our first day, we decided to walk from the hotel over to China Town to get a feel for the area and grab a bite to eat. Feeling a bit spontaneous, we walked into a welcoming looking establishment called Toppu Ramen.
Top Photo: Takoyaki (Fried Octopus)
Bottom Left: Assorted Dim Sum (Steamed Shrimp Dumpling, Steamed Pork Dumpling, and BBQ Pork Bun)
Bottom Right: Cutlet Pork Chop and Curry Rice
Ristorante Allegria
Taking a quick break from our wine tour, we decided to walk around Napa in search of food. We stumbled across a charming establishment called Ristorante Allegria, located nearby the Napa River.
The restaurant boasted soaring ceilings while giving off a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. The sauces were divine, and portions were on point to prep us for some more wine tasting!
Top Right: Wild Mushroom Ravioli
Bottom Right: Pappardelle Allo Zafferano
Poached
Each morning we had breakfast at Poached, located on the bottom floor of Hilton Union Square. Food here is served buffet style with servers who bring beverages such as juice and coffee. Freshly made omelets can be made-to-order, customized to your taste.
The location of Poached is super convenient, and the food delicious. I recommend getting your breakfast here if you are looking forward to a day packed with activities as you can eat to your heart’s content without having to travel too far from your room.
Boudin Bakery Cafe at the Wharf
Boudin Bakery Cafe is an immensely popular place to eat at Fisherman’s Wharf, and they did not disappoint. Their fish and chips were hands down the best I have ever had, and it perfectly paired with a nice glass of bubbles.
Top Right: Fish & Chips
Bottom: Crab Cake Sandwich
Stella Pastry & Cafe
After visiting Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, be sure to go through Little Italy on the way back to your hotel and check out this Italian bakery.
We had the pleasure of tasting these heavenly cannolis, and each had a shot of espresso. The atmosphere was laid back, and the staff is super friendly.
Urban Tavern
Urban Tavern can be found on the bottom floor of the Hilton Union Square. We initially stopped in here for a drink, but once I spotted these kimchi fries, I couldn’t stop myself. They were bursting with flavor, and it was exactly what I needed before going upstairs to the room for the night.
Akiko’s Restaurant
Let me start by telling you that is was some of the best sushi I have had in my entire life. I had heard fantastic things about this place, but there was no way to prepare myself for how mind-blowing everything would taste. This restaurant is definitely worth the splurge!
An important thing to note is that we got fortunate to even get seated here. Usually, Akiko’s only takes reservations in advance. Walking in expecting to be seated is not recommended.
What to do in San Francisco
Figuring out what to do in San Francisco is pretty difficult with all the options. Fortunately, it’s effortless to get around the city, and without a rental car. I recommend taking the Big Bus tour bus as it will get you to all the top destinations.
Napa Valley Wine Tasting With Green Dream Bus Tours
With San Francisco being so close to Napa Valley, we knew we had to take a wine tour. After checking out reviews on Yelp and Trip Advisor, it became clear that Green Dream Tours was the one for us. Their ratings are seriously great! Also, they make life a lot easier for you by picking you up at your hotel.
Green Dream Wine Tours offers five different tours at the moment:
- Napa Valley Full-Day Tour
- Sonoma Valley Full-Day Tour
- Napa Valley & Sonoma Combination Tour
- Half-Day Sonoma Valley Tour
- Alcatraz and Wine Country Tour
We decided on the Napa Valley tour and set aside our last day in San Francisco to enjoy it. Our tour guide was Ned, and we couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide. He was knowledgeable, funny, and kind.
1st Stop: Starmont Winery & Vineyards
Starmont was perfect for the first stop of the morning as we were given some time to explore the property on our own after some wine tastings. The vineyard was such a treat to wander around, and after we decided to take a look at the main store.
2nd Stop: Spelletich Family Winery
The second stop at Spelletich was a bit more structured of an experience, which was welcomed, as it allowed everyone to learn more about wine and the blending process. After the tastings, we were brought over to the back of the house, where all the magic happens.
In case you’re wondering, the adorable dog above belongs to the owner. You can expect to see him at the tasting, and he’ll try playing ball with you.
3rd Stop: Hagafen Cellars
The last stop at Hagafen Cellars allowed for the most personal experience, which we loved. You can take a menu and request wine straight from the bar. The staff here is very passionate and happy to answer any questions you may have.
After you are finished with tastings, be sure to wander around the property and take in the gorgeous scenery.
Sightseeing Tip: Big Bus Tours
Be sure to check out Big Bus Tours; they are the whole reason our sightseeing journey was made possible. They have a set route that goes to ALL of the popular sightseeing spots throughout the city, and you can expect to be picked up within 15 minutes at each of their stops.
Lombard Street
The challenging walk to get to the top of this street was well worth it, as you can see in these photos.
Pier 39
Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf are both perfect destinations to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the water view. There’s also plenty of shopping and sweet treats in this area.
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this place! The attention to detail in the architecture is something I could admire for hours if given the opportunity. I noticed lots of people on the bus tour skipped over this stop – big mistake! Trust me; you have to make time for this destination, even for only 20 minutes.
Painted Ladies at Alamo Square Park
This classic tourist spot at Alamo Square park offers incredible views of the city. There is a friendly laid back vibe to this area with lots of bikers and people flying their drones around.
Golden Gate
We were lucky enough to get a spot at the top of the bus for the drive to the Golden Gate Bridge. The reveal of the bridge was pretty dramatic and is something I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
As we pulled up to the area, the fog started clearing away from the bridge, giving it a mysterious vibe.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
I love gardens, and there’s no way of getting out of seeing a botanical garden while traveling with me if it looks like this. There are a ton of flowers and plants to see here, and they’re all organized by the area they originate from.
There is a lot to see here, so I recommend setting aside a few hours if you want to take in as much of this place as possible. If you are making a stop at Golden Gate Park, the gardens are a must-see. If you’re figuring out what to do in San Francisco on the weekend, definitely visit this side of town as it is jam-packed with activities.
A HUGE thank you to SF Travel, Hilton San Francisco Union Square, and Green Dream Bus Tours for making this guide possible. All opinions are always my own. : )
