Influencer Olga (@liolaliola) walks across the beach in a jumper and leggings, with a hazy Golden Gate Bridge in the background
Influencer Olga (@liolaliola) walks across the beach in a jumper and leggings, with a hazy Golden Gate Bridge in the background

For all its steep streets and tightly packed neighbourhoods, San Francisco knows how to give you space.

Olga (@liolaliola) explored the city's outdoors, from cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge to hiking the coast from Lands End to Presidio Tunnel Tops. Along the way: sea air, Bay views, and a city that feels even better with the wind in your hair.

View from onboard a sailboat passing under the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset

Day 1

Take the scenic route

Get straight into San Francisco’s outdoors with a guided e-bike ride from local, family-owned Blazing Saddles. Follow the waterfront towards the Golden Gate Bridge, with the Bay on one side and the city skyline on the other, before cycling across to Sausalito. The e-bike takes some of the work out of the hills, so you can save your energy for enjoying the ride.

 

Slow the pace in Sausalito with time by the waterfront, then take the ferry back across the Bay. Later, head out on the water for a 1.5-hour Adventure Cat sunset sail, passing Alcatraz and travelling beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. A day of fresh air, with some fairly spectacular scenery thrown in.

 

Back on dry land, refuel at Crab House at PIER 39 with seafood and sizzling skillets, then stretch your legs with a wander around Fisherman’s Wharf.

The Golden Gate Bridge is seen in the distance from rocky parkland

Day 2

Take the long way round

Yesterday was a taste of San Francisco outdoors. Today, go further. Follow Section 5 of the Roundabout Trail on a self-guided hike from Lands End to Presidio Tunnel Tops, taking in some of the city’s most striking coastal scenery. From the ocean views and dramatic cliffs of Lands End, pass the former Sutro Baths before following the Coastal Trail through Sea Cliff, China Beach, and Baker Beach. The Golden Gate Bridge slips in and out of view as you climb towards it, eventually passing beneath it and continuing towards Crissy Field.

 

There’s history underfoot too, from the native Yelamu Ohlone who once lived along this coastline to Gold Rush-era Chinese American fishermen and Crissy Field’s former life as an airfield.

 

Then enjoy a national park experience without leaving San Francisco at Presidio Tunnel Tops - part of Presidio National Park, right in the city. Stop for lunch at Dalida for Mediterranean cooking or Il Parco for focaccia pizza and café dishes, then slow things down with a stroll through Crissy Field to the Overlook, where the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge fill the view.

 

Come evening, head to Club Fugazi for Dear San Francisco, an acrobatic celebration of the city, before dinner at Original Joe’s in North Beach.

A cable car moves through the streets of San Francisco towards the camera. The trees lining the street are lit with fairy lights.

Day 3

Market morning, martinis later

After yesterday’s miles, ease into the day at the Ferry Building. Grab breakfast from one of the food spots, then step outside and browse the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market (open on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays), where local growers, producers and makers take over the space. Wander at your own pace, pick up something seasonal, and enjoy a different side of San Francisco.

 

Then fill the afternoon with whatever you fancy. Take a long lunch, follow the waterfront, dip into a neighbourhood you’ve not seen yet, or simply slow things down before the evening begins.

 

For your final night, head to Absinthe for French-Mediterranean cooking and creative cocktails, then follow San Francisco’s Martini Trail to Holbrook House. If you fancy one last stop, Starlite pairs cocktails and sweeping city views with a suitably glamorous setting.

One last stop: SFO

There’s still a little more San Francisco to squeeze in before your direct Virgin Atlantic flight home to London Heathrow. Get to SFO with time to spare and explore the Aviation Museum & Library, catch one of the changing SFO Museum exhibitions or settle in for a short film at Video Arts – all located pre-security in or near the International Terminal.

And once you're through security, keep an eye out for the Wag Brigade, SFO’s team of certified therapy animals, for a four-legged send-off before your direct Virgin Atlantic flight to London Heathrow.

Looking for more inspiration?