San Francisco is more than just a postcard-perfect city with steep hills, historic cable cars, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. It’s also a place where culture, community, health, and family intersect in refreshing ways. In recent years, wellness tourism has grown rapidly, and the City by the Bay is embracing the trend with open arms.
With revitalized parks, innovative dining, bike-friendly roads, and family-friendly attractions, San Francisco is the ideal destination for a balanced getaway.
Here’s how to spend 36 hours in this vibrant coastal city, blending sightseeing with health, relaxation, and unforgettable food experiences—including the popular food tour San Francisco.
Friday
3:30 PM | Golden Gate Views and Maritime History Start your weekend with a stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf. While touristy in parts, it offers treasures like the nearly century-old Mùsée Mécanique on Pier 45—a free museum packed with antique arcade games and musical machines. It’s ideal for all ages and great for families.
Walk west toward the Golden Gate and visit the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center. It’s a free, educational stop full of engaging displays about the city’s rich port history. End at Aquatic Park, where brave swimmers dip into the cold bay waters—a reminder of the invigorating power of nature.
6:00 PM | Seafood and Future Visions At Fort Mason, visit The Interval at Long Now, a blend of cocktail bar and science museum. Here, you can sip wellness-inspired drinks while learning about long-term thinking. It’s a great space for adults while kids can enjoy the interactive displays.
Head to Anchor Oyster Bar in Castro for a nourishing bowl of cioppino, a historic San Francisco seafood stew. This family-run gem emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients that support both health and flavor.
8:00 PM | Healthy Nightlife and Jazz After dinner, hop on a Muni cable car to Lower Nob Hill and check out Propagation—a cozy, plant-filled cocktail bar that exudes calm. Later, catch live music at the Dawn Club, where jazz echoes the city’s artistic soul. Both venues are low-key and ideal for a relaxing yet uplifting evening.
Saturday
9:30 AM | Bike Through Golden Gate Park Rent a BayWheels bike and ride through the Wiggle, a cyclist-friendly route that avoids steep hills. Golden Gate Park is your oasis of wellness: 405 hectares of trees, lakes, trails, and gardens.
Stop at Breadbelly, an Asian-American bakery, and try their kaya toast or egg salad sandwich with Japanese greens. The mix of wholesome ingredients and culinary innovation is perfect to start the day.
10:30 AM | Coastal Hike and Ocean Air Head west to Lincoln Park and the Legion of Honor. Relax with a family picnic on the museum’s lawn. Then hike the Lands End Trail, one of the most breathtaking urban paths in the U.S., known for its coastal views, ocean breeze, and restorative energy.
12:30 PM | Richmond Food Adventure Cycle into the Richmond District, where diverse cuisines reflect the city’s multicultural fabric. Stop by Fleetwood for fun souvenirs and then grab a sandwich at Lou’s Cafe. This area is also a great stop on a food tour San Francisco, which blends culinary enjoyment with walking exercise and cultural discovery—a perfect mix of wellness and exploration.
2:00 PM | Museums for the Mind and Soul Return to Golden Gate Park and visit the California Academy of Sciences, a family-favorite museum that emphasizes sustainability and science.
From rainforest walks to the living roof, the exhibits inspire curiosity and respect for the environment. End with panoramic views at the de Young Museum’s Hamon Tower.
5:30 PM | Creativity and Culture in the Mission Walk down Valencia Street in the Mission District. From indie comic shops to Paxton Gate’s natural oddities, it’s a quirky, engaging experience. These stores offer a screen-free way to stimulate creativity in both kids and adults.
6:30 PM | Wholesome Burrito Dinner Dine at La Taquería, famous for its flavorful burritos without rice—a lower-carb twist that still satisfies. Take your meal to-go and head to Standard Deviant, a local brewery with a casual vibe and outdoor seating. Try a horchata cream ale while the kids play games. This is family bonding at its best: laid-back, delicious, and nourishing.
8:00 PM | Dessert and Connection Finish the night at Foreign Cinema, a Mission District icon with an open-air film screening and a dessert menu that includes lavender ice cream and apple galette. Dining here is more than a meal—it’s a multisensory experience that brings everyone together.
Sunday
9:30 AM | Japantown Morning Calm Begin your day in Japantown with a matcha pastry and hojicha latte at Jina Bakes. The neighborhood offers a peaceful, community-focused start to the day. Check out Paper Tree for origami workshops and Japan Center Malls for traditional crafts.
11:30 AM | Brunch and Nature Play at the Presidio Reserve a table at Dalida for a Mediterranean-inspired brunch on a scenic porch with views of Alcatraz. Afterward, explore the new Tunnel Tops park, where kids can climb natural play structures and adults can enjoy tranquil gardens and clean air. This green space is perfect for families prioritizing health, fresh air, and movement.
1:00 PM | Bay Breeze and Island Views Take the free shuttle from the Presidio to the Ferry Building Marketplace for locally made wellness products, ceramics, and artisan snacks. Then board the ferry to Treasure Island. Enjoy live music and fresh juices at Mersea, or walk to Panorama Park for spectacular views and serenity under the towering Infinity Point sculpture.
A City that Nourishes Body and Soul
San Francisco invites travelers to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect—not only with the city’s beauty and culture, but with themselves and their loved ones. Whether you’re savoring healthy eats on a food tour San Francisco, cycling through eucalyptus-scented parks, or simply enjoying a picnic with a view, every moment contributes to your well-being.
This is a city where wellness isn’t a trend—it’s a lifestyle. And after 36 hours here, you’ll leave not only with great photos and full bellies but with a sense of balance and joy that lasts far beyond your visit.