You could spend weeks, months, even years exploring a place like San Francisco. I live here and still find new things to do all the time. If, however you find yourself with only one day in San Francisco, I’ve got an itinerary for you! In the past, I’ve shared both a whirlwind city tour and a neighborhood visit to Hayes Valley. Today’s addition to the One Day In San Francisco series takes us across the city hitting some great highlights along the way.

You may or may not be familiar with the iconic Bay to Breakers, the oldest annual footrace in the world that takes its colorful, costumed and energetic participants from the Embarcadero (the Bay) through the City to Ocean Beach (the Breakers). I thought it would be fun to do a similar tour across the City- on the one train that can take you the distance- the N Judah. Consider this your very own Hop On Hop Off bus tour- at a fraction of the price and curated by a local (me!).

Perfect Pancakes

N stop: Cole Street and Carl Street

Blueberry pancakes at Crepes on Cole have made my day on more than one occasion. Stop at this neighborhood cafe for a great breakfast to kick off your train adventure. Next stop, the beach!

Ocean Breezes and Sunshine

N stop: Judah and La Playa

Okay, so I can’t promise there will be sunshine- but I’m putting the hope out there for you! After breakfast hop back on an outbound train headed for Ocean Beach. An easy ride that takes you to the western part of the City, you’ll ride all the way to the end of the line (so you can’t miss your stop!) When you arrive at Judah and La Playa, hop off the train and walk across the street to the Great Highway.

This long stretch of beach can be chilly, so be sure to wear layers. Take a walk along the sand and enjoy the salty air and crashing waves.

Go Green

N stop: Irving and 9th Avenue

Keeping with the exploring nature trend, hop back on the train and head for Golden Gate Park. While you could walk to the western end of the park from the beach, entering on 9th Avenue puts you right near the SF Botanical Garden and the Japanese Tea Garden.

Ladies Who Lunch

After you explore Golden Gate Park, stop for a nice lunch at Nopalito on your walk back to the N stop at 9th Avenue and Irving. Fresh, organic, and locally sourced, Nopalito is fancy-ish Mexican without being pretentious.

Shop Till You Drop

N stop: Powell Street

After lunch, we’re hopping back on the N at 9th Avenue and Irving, headed downtown. From the peace and quiet of the beach and Golden Gate Park, back to the hustle and bustle of the City. The Powell Street stop is for the shoppers and the fashionistas. Those looking for a traditional SF selfie at the cable car turnaround on Powell at Market Street, or clothes and shoe shopping in the Union Square area.

N stop: Embarcadero

One last trip underground, headed for our last stop downtown- the Ferry Building. A marketplace known for restaurants and great gifts and souvenirs, you may choose to end your ride here. Look for the beautiful clock tower on the Embarcadero, that’s where you’re headed! There’s plenty to do, from cheese and wine tasting to souvenir shopping.

The Bonus Round

N stop: 2nd Street and King Street

Still got some gas in the tank? If so, hop back on the N at The Embarcadero and Folsom Street for your last stop of the day. Stop by happy hour at Tres SF. Margaritas, street tacos and other tasty bar bites are a great way to end your day.

Brown Lady Travel Tips

Watch for cars as you hop off the train in residential areas. Sometimes you’ll need to cross passing cars (and bikes!) to reach the sidewalk.

If you’re only using public transportation for the day, you can pay per ride, just by boarding the front car of the train (or purchasing a single ride at any station). If you’ll be visiting for a while, you may want to load money on a clipper card. 

Don’t forget to tag on when you board, if you have a clipper card. It scans your card and deducts the fare. The little machines are near the doors of the train.

If you plan to pay cash when you board, board the front train where the driver is. It’s $2.50 (bring exact change) and you’ll need to keep the paper transfer the driver gives you. It’s your proof of payment. The fine for not having proof of payment is nearly $200!?!

For curly girls like me, you may not want to wear your hair down for this whirlwind of a day- especially at the beach. If it’s a breezy day, your hair may end up a little windswept… like mine did!

Avoid heading downtown during rush hour if you’re exploring on a weekday (specifically between 8-10am). If you follow this itinerary and head to Ocean Beach in the a.m., you’ll be headed the opposite direction of traffic, so you’re golden. And you should be at happy hour during the evening commute hours. Wait it out, or take a Lyft at the end of your day.

I hope you enjoy the Brown Lady version of the hop on hop off bus. Let me know if and when you venture out. Ready, set, explore!