San Francisco is one of the best destinations in California, and it’s perfect for a girls’ getaway. So I created this guide on how to plan a girls’ trip to San Francisco.

The Ultimate California Travel Guide

My favorite way to explore the city is with Bin 415, a fantastic tour company. Read about My Experience With Bin 415.

Here’s what you need to know to plan the perfect girls’ trip to San Francisco!

When To Go

September – November has some of the warmest and sunniest weather all year. And the crowds and prices will be much lower after the peak summer months end. Fall is your best chance for beach days in San Francisco, but always bring some layers because the bayside breezes can be chilly.

December – February sees low accommodation rates, and you won’t be competing with many other tourists for the best photo spots at top attractions. But make sure you bring plenty of warm clothes and rain gear if you’re visiting during these months.

March – May is the city’s shoulder season, so tourist numbers and prices will be on the rise, but not at their peak. I do recommend avoiding popular Spring Break weeks from late-March to Early-April. Temperatures will be in the mid-’60s (around 18ºC) during the day and a bit cooler at night, so still bring layers.

June – August. Because these are summer break months in the U.S., this is the peak travel season for San Francisco. Prices and tourist numbers will be at their peak, and you’ll want to book accommodation and tours in advance. And to many people’s surprise, San Francisco is quite chilly, damp, and foggy during the summer. So always have a layer with you, and bring a raincoat.

Must-Do Activities

Stroll through China Town and visit The Dragon Gate

Take pics from the top of Nob Hill

Drive down Lombard Street

Visit Alamo Square

Shop and dine at The Marina on Chestnut & Union Streets.

Visit the Lyon Street Steps and Billionaire’s Row

Marvel at the Palace of Fine Arts

Walk along Marshall’s Beach 

Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge

Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Ride the Famous Cable Cars

Where To Eat

New American/New Californian: State Bird Provisions, Rich Table, Sons & Daughters, Tartine Manufactory.

Brunch: Rose’s Cafe, Rusty’s Southern, Breadbelly, Lokma.

East Asian: Mister Jiu’s, LihoLiho Yacht Club, Empress by Boon, Nari.

Rooftop Dining: Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge (pictured above), The View Lounge, Top of the Mark

Italian: Fiorella, Sotto Mare, Cotogna, Acquerello.

Omakase Sushi/Sashimi: Ju-ni, Kusakabe, Omakase, Akiko’s.

Seafood: Angler, Waterbar, La Mar, Tadich Grill, Swan Oyster Depot.

My Favorites: Farolito (Burritos), Hog Island Oyster Co., Aziza (Mediterranean), Super Duper Burgers, Wildseed (Vegan).

Where To Stay

Your accommodation is one of the most important parts of your trip, so I’ve rounded up the best hotels in San Francisco. From historic lodges and boutique hotels to modern highrises and urban oases, I’ve got the perfect hotel for you.

If you have an RV or motorhome, I recommend Kirby Cove Campground, Bicentennial Campground, or Hawk Campground.

Best Day Trips

Napa and Sonoma. I highly recommend spending a few days in both of these wine regions, but they are also leisurely day trips from San Francisco. You can drive to one of the hotels or towns and catch the wine shuttles that serve Napa and Sonoma. Or you can visit one or both of the regions as a guided tour from San Francisco. Either way, make sure you’re using good transportation judgment after each tasting.

Here’s my Getaway Guide To Napa Valley

Point Reyes National Seashore. Point Reyes is a beautiful cape just 30 miles northwest of San Francisco. Here, you can take those iconic Northern California Coast Instagram pics! I recommend visiting Point Reyes Lighthouse, Drakes Beach, and hiking to a view of Chimney Rock.

Monterey. The Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur area is worthy of its own trip. But if you can only visit this area as a day trip, then I recommend you do the 17-Mile Drive in Monterey and hike the McWay Waterfall Trail in Big Sur.

Pier 7

Coit Tower

Alamo Square Park

Twin Peaks Summit

Golden Gate Overlook

Bernal Height Park

Hawk Hill

Alcatraz Island

If-You-Have-Time Activities

Browse City Lights Bookstore, walk through Jack Kerouac Alley, and visit the Beat Museum

Visit the Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood – “birthplace of the hippie counterculture”

Take pictures at Grace Cathedral, Huntington Park, the James Flood House,and the Pacific Union Club

Sail to Alcatraz Island

Relax at Golden Gate Park

Explore the Union Square Neighborhood

Visit the Aquarium of the Bay

Tour the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Have a picnic at Washington Square Park

YOUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST

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This post is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this article about the guide for planning a girls’ trip to San Francisco are entirely my own. Some of these links are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this guide for planning a girls’ trip to San Francisco.