Campervanning In California - What To Do With 48 Hours In San Francisco
San Francisco has a way of leaving an impression; one that lingers long after you've gone. It’s a city that welcomes you with open arms and endless surprises.
Author:Sophia HarperReviewer:Liam JonesJul 31, 202541.5K Shares569.8K Views
There’s so much to do and see in California, you may feel like your journey is a little rushed without proper planning. Don’t worry - if you’ve only given yourself two days to explore San Francisco, you’ll still have plenty of time to get a taste of the city’s charm and iconic sights. Whether you’re stopping over before starting your big California campervan trip or simply squeezing in a long weekend, our two-day itinerary covers the essentials while still leaving room in case you want to spontaneously go exploring.
Today we’re looking at how you can make the most of two unforgettable days in the City by the Bay.
Day One
On your first day, we’ll be taking you around some classic icons and beautiful views by the coast.
Morning: Golden Gate Bridge And Crissy Field
Start your day nice and early by going to see one of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks - the Golden Gate Bridge. You can walk or cycle across it, but for the best views and fewest crowds, we recommend heading to Crissy Field. The wide promenade along the bay gives you a gorgeous view of the bridge, with Alcatraz and Marin in the background. Grab a coffee at one of the local cafes and take your time soaking in the scenery!
Late Morning: The Presidio And Palace Of Fine Arts
Just beyond Crissy Field is the Presidio, a national park that used to be a military base. If you’re short on time, you can take a quick drive or ride through its winding eucalyptus-lined roads - but if you want to spend longer here, lounge outside with a picnic or take one of the relaxing hike trails.
Next, stop by the Palace of Fine Arts where you’ll see the elegant structure surrounded by a tranquil lagoon - perfect for photos or a peaceful stroll.
Afternoon: Fisherman’s Wharf And Pier 39
After your relaxing warning, you might be craving a bustling tourist zone to get your energy back up. If so, let us introduce you to Fisherman’s Wharf - home of Pier 39’s sea lions, Boudin Bakery, and the Musée Mécanique, which is a quirky arcade museum full of vintage coin-operated games. Why not take a ferry cruise around the bay while you’re here? There’s no better way to see the skyline from the water!
Evening: North Beach Dinner And Coit Tower View
Walk or take a cable car to North Beach, San Francisco’s Little Italy. Grab dinner at one of the local pizzerias before heading to Coit Tower at sunset. Climb the hill or drive up to the top and enjoy the divine panoramic views over the city and the bay!
Day Two
After a busy day checking out San Fran’s hotspots, your second day will be slightly more relaxing with neighbourhood hopping and hidden gems.
Morning: Painted Ladies And Alamo Square
Start the second day off right with a visit to the Painted Ladies, the colourful row of Victorian houses you might recognise from the hit show Full House! Head to Alamo Square Park to get the best view for a picture. Bring a takeaway coffee and enjoy the quiet morning vibe of this residential gem.
Late Morning: Haight-Ashbury And Golden Gate Park
Next, head west to the Haight-Ashbury district - the heart of 1960s counterculture. You’ll find lots of vintage shops, record stores, colourful murals, and quirky cafes to spend most of your morning at.
From here, it’s just a short walk into Golden Gate Park, which is bigger than Central Park and packed with surprises. Choose your adventure: explore the Conservatory of Flowers, wander around the Japanese Tea Garden, or rent a bike and do both!
Afternoon: Mission District And Murals
After a quick lunch break, head to the Mission District, one of San Francisco's most vibrant and culturally rich neighbourhoods. Walk down Valencia Street for cool shops and street art, check out Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley for powerful murals, and grab a legendary burrito from La Taqueria or El Farolito.
Evening: Twin Peaks Sunset
For your final evening, make it memorable by watching the sunset over Twin Peaks. You can drive or hike up to the top, getting the best views of the city. Take a picnic or bottle of bubbly for dessert and look back on all the memories you made on your short and sweet San Fran trip!
Start Your Road Trip Planning Today
San Francisco is a city of contrasts - old-school charm and modern innovation, fog and sunshine, city breaks and coastal views. If you’re short on time, you can still make the most of your time by focusing on the most iconic sights and unique neighbourhoods. When planning your road trip through California, San Francisco is the perfect stop-off to make the most of the culture. Rent an RV in San Francisco today and get started - what are you waiting for?!
Sophia Harper
Author
Sophia Harper’s photography acts as a portal to the soul of the places she visits. Drawn to South America’s landscapes and cultures, she has spent years capturing everything from the majesty of ancient ruins to the vibrancy of urban streets.
Sophia’s work isn’t just about documenting moments; it’s about evoking the emotions and stories behind them. A dedicated photographer, she has worked with local communities across South America to capture their rich cultural narratives through her lens.
Liam Jones
Reviewer
Liam Jones has made it his mission to prove that adventure doesn’t need a hefty budget. Having traveled to over 40 countries, he specializes in finding affordable ways to experience the world, from the best street food in Bangkok to hidden gems in Lisbon.
Liam’s travel tips have reached thousands of readers, empowering them to see the world on a shoestring budget without sacrificing quality. With a deep passion for local cultures, he continues to share his travel hacks, ensuring adventure remains accessible to all.
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