Two days in San Francisco in July
 

Never been in SF. It is very hard to figure out and plan the day, since I have only two, one of which is 4th of July. Please help.

If you're worried about stuff not being open on the Fourth of July - spend the day at Golden Gate Park, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, take the ferry from Sausalito, go to a Giants or As game, walk along the Embarcadero in San Francisco, watch the fireworks at Chrissy Field (unless it's too foggy to see).

The Fillmore Jazz Festival is held on Fillmore Street during that time period. It's always a fun time.
http://www.fillmorejazzfestival.com/

Don't worry - there will be plenty to keep you busy, no matter whether your other day is Thursday the 3rd or Saturday the 5th.

In my experience, not much is closed in San Francisco on the 4th of July.

Be sure to find yourself at Chrissy Field in the evening for the fireworks.

Are there fireworks around the Bay Bridge to see from Embarcadero?

I have a little list that you can pick and choose from:

Go up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower and after enjoying the view, go back down via the Filbert Steps.

Take the Wok Wiz Chinatown Walking Tour -- it's really wonderful and will take you places you'd never find on your own!

Depending on your age, you might want to make a pilgrimage to Haight Ashbury.

Cross the Golden Gate bridge and enjoy the view of San Francisco from the Marin Headlands. Better yet, ride a bike over the bridge, to Sausalito and take the ferry back!

Buy a loaf of Boudin's sourdough and a chunk of Ghirardelli chocolate.

Get tickets, well in advance, for Beach Blanket Babylon.

Sit on a bench in Washington Square and enjoy the Tai Chi exercises performed there most mornings.

Stop in at a little Italian coffee shop for espresso and a pastry. Have an Irish coffee or breakfast at Buena Vista.

Eat lots of seafood -- San Francisco does it superbly!

Explore the wonderful world of dim sum.

Take leisurely walks. If you have a car, drive down Lombard, the crookedest street. Then go back to the top and walk down and enjoy the gardens and architecture you didn't see driving.

Check out the Victorians at Alamo Square.

Go to the Top of the Mark (Mark Hopkins Hotel) for sunset drinks (Shirley Temples for the kids). If it's not foggy, you have a lovely GG Bridge view, along with the wonderful feeling you get being at Nob Hill.

Go to Ft. Point, Golden Gate Park, SFMOMA.

Drive to Twin Peaks for fabulous, fabulous bay area views!

Drive through the Presidio. It is a decommissioned army base being converted to civilian use. The Presidio overlooks bay and the Golden Gate. It meanders through Sea Cliff, a beautiful residential area, and over to Palace of Legion of Honor.

Shop at Union Square, Maiden Lane, Sacramento Ave and Chestnut Streets. Don't forget the SF Shopping Center.

Go to the top of the Bank of America Building to the Carnelian Room. Have some dessert and check out the panoramic views.

Head down to Fisherman's Wharf. Have a crab or shrimp cocktail and some clam chowder. Watch the street mimes, the interesting people, musicians etc. Do a little souvenir shopping, watch the sea lions at Pier 39.

Don't forget to ride the cable cars!

Whew!

Great list, Tess! I would add a hot fudge sundae at Ghirardelli's and a tour of the historic ships at Fisherman's wharf, especially the Balclutha and I just discovered the Golden Gate park last weekend after 30 years of traveling to SF!! it was stunning. Especially great for biking.