If you haven’t been on a day trip in San Francisco before and are in the SoCal area, this is your sign to drive north! San Francisco is a lively city with something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re with friends, family, or a significant other, you’ll never be bored. However, traveling to a new area may be overwhelming, especially when trying to plan your day. We spoke with Content Writer Sofia Hathorn to find out her itinerary for a perfect day trip in San Francisco.

While visiting her boyfriend in San Francisco for the weekend, Hathorn went on a day trip that’s ideal for go-getters and those who want to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time. Their first stop was Outer Sunset District, a neighborhood located in the west-central area of San Francisco known for its restaurants and cafes. The pair used public transportation and Uber to get around, making it easy since they didn’t have to find parking. To start the day, Hathorn grabbed coffee and a bite at The Beanery. 

After getting some fuel in their system, the couple traveled to San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park. This park is 1,017 acres full of bucolic lakes and grassy meadows. Here, the couple walked the majority of the park and checked out Anglers Lodge, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Conservatory of Flowers, all located inside the park. 

While enjoying their experience at the park, Hathorn mentioned how she found the Victorian-styled Conservatory of Flowers to be quite remarkable. This beloved landmark is the oldest building in the park which houses 1,700 species of aquatic and tropical plants. If you’re visiting, don’t forget to check out the Butterfly Zone and the miniature garden railroad, which are popular and favorite special exhibits among travelers. 

During their walk through Golden Gate Park, the day-trippers also checked out the de Young Museum, a modern building surrounded by a striking copper-sheath. Designed by award-winning architects Herzog and de Meuron, the museum is loved for its superb art collections, architectural innovation, and the incorporation of the surrounding natural landscape. 

After exploring the park, they took a seat at the Music Concourse, a landscaped basin that is a vital civic and cultural space within the park. Be sure to visit the Music Concourse on a Sunday during the summer; you can even catch a free concert! Here, the two sat and people-watched while relaxing in the shade before heading to their next destination.

If you love thrifting, you know Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco is the place to be. This destination is a thriving neighborhood where cultures and eras meld together. Tourists and locals come to upper and lower Haight Street to shop and dine. The area is probably one of the most must-see iconic places to visit in San Francisco, and Hathorn and her date did not want to skip out on this experience either.  

“There’s really so much to do on Haight Street, and it’s a good way to spend the day with friends,” said Hathorn. “Haight-Ashbury shows the life of San Francisco and what San Francisco is all about.”

Hathorn described this part of her day trip as her favorite, as she visited some great second-hand and thrift stores. Some of these include Amoeba, Wasteland, Indigo Vintage, and Held Over. This city area is prominent, carries good vibes, and always holds something new to discover each time you visit. 

All that shopping and walking tired the two out, so they took a pit stop at Alamo Square. This spectacular hilltop park is known for the Victorian row homes — a.k.a. The Painted Ladies. Alamo Square is an iconic San Francisco site and features beautiful skyline views of the surrounding city. Hanging out in the park was beneficial for Hathorn and her date, “Resting here was really nice, after we were ready to go to dinner and see more things.” It’s small moments like this that can make a day trip much more memorable and relaxing. 

Hathorn and her date were then ready for dinner. They Ubered to the Richmond District, an area known for its plethora of Asian restaurants and markets. They came across Shabu House on Clement Street, which specializes in Japanese fondue. On a day trip, it’s essential to treat yourself and support the local small businesses in the area, and Hathorn did precisely that. After dinner, she and her date came across Genki, an Asian market that offers savory and sweet crepes and Japanese products. 

Overall, Hathorn’s most significant takeaway from spending a day in San Francisco was that she realized how much more of the city she would like to explore. This day trip only captured a glimpse of all the activities San Francisco has to offer. 

 “One thing that was really special about this trip was being able to see the city from someone who grew up around the area,” said Hathorn. “I never really felt like a tourist, so that was really nice.”

There’s so much to do in a lively city like San Francisco, but who you’re with on a day trip reflects what you end up doing. This day trip is perfect for friends, couples, and even family, so be sure to check out some of the places Hathorn recommended. Don’t forget to sign up for the Limon newsletter to learn about more California day trips in the areas you want to explore most, and tag us on Instagram of the destinations you explore!

Photo by @Sandrainthecity on Instagram