How to Spend One Day in San Francisco

A few years back I was awarded the opportunity to travel out to California for a work trip. We would spend our working days in Oakland and work basically sun-up through mid-night. Due to a misunderstanding with out hosts, my coworkers and I found ourselves with an entire day free of work obligations. We decided to take the BART over to San Francisco and explore.

San Francisco has A LOT to offer and one could definitely spend a week here if not more. But what can you see when you only have a day to spend there? Here are the highlights that I hit when I had one day to explore San Fran.

The Golden Gate Bridge

When visiting San Francisco the top of the list item should be a visit to Golden Gate National Recreation Park. This bridge is a sight to be seen, at a mile long it connects San Francisco to Marin County.

Alamo Square Park AKA The Hill Featured on Full House

Whatever happened to predictably? Growing up in the 90's Full House was an integral part of my childhood. ABC's lineup on Friday nights back then was pure fire, TGIF! With a day in San Fran how could I not checkout THE HILL that is featured in the opening credits of Full House and now, Fuller House? Alamo Square Park is about 4 "city" blocks overlooking downtown San Francisco. That infamous row of houses? Those are known as the "Painted Ladies" and face Alamo Square Park from Steiner Street. 

Full discourse, none of the houses seen here are actually THE house that it appears the Tanners live in, though that isn't too far away. That house is about a mile away  at 1709 Broderick. Back when I visited the famous red door was painted over (sad face) which is why I didn't bother heading over there but now that the creator of Full House and Fuller House owns it, he painted the door red again! So if you have the time, check it out! 

Take a Trolley Ride

This surprisingly is not for the faint of heart. A trolley ride through San Francisco is quite the thrill ride! I don't know how people were hanging on while standing up OUTSIDE of the car, I was seated inside (in the front row) and that was terrifying enough for me, thankyouverymuch! The hills are definitely alive in San Francisco!

Eat at In N Out Burger

Ya know what "they" say, when in Rome... I didn't eat In N Out Burger the day I explored San Fran but I did have it for the very first time on this trip! There are a ton of locations all over California, and other states on the West Coast and if this joint isn't in your hometown and you see one in your travels it is definitely worth the pitstop. 

Have more than one day to spend in San Fran?

History buffs - take the tour of Alcatraz.
Got a sweet tooth? Head to Ghirardelli Square - the Original Chocolate Manufactory.
Sports lovers - Check out Levi Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49er's and AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.