San Francisco Travel Day 1: Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39 & City Views

Our first day in San Francisco was all about getting oriented, soaking in iconic views, and enjoying incredible food — the perfect start to a San Francisco trip. 🌉✨

We kicked things off with a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, one of the best ways to see San Francisco on your first day. It’s a great introduction to the city’s neighborhoods, steep hills, and major landmarks — and it helps you decide what areas you want to explore deeper later in the trip.

One of the highlights was visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most photographed landmarks in the world. We stopped at multiple viewpoints, took in the fog rolling through the bay, and walked part of the bridge to truly appreciate its scale and history.

Next, we headed down to Pier 39, walking along the waterfront, watching the famous sea lions, and enjoying views of Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge. Pier 39 may be touristy, but it’s still a classic San Francisco experience — especially on your first visit.

We wrapped up the day with an amazing Korean dinner, reminding us why San Francisco’s food scene is one of the best in the country. From casual spots to high-end dining, the city is a dream for food lovers.

📍 Stops Featured in This Video:
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints & walk
• Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf
• Korean dining in San Francisco

🍽 Adult Travel Tips for San Francisco:
• Use Day 1 to orient yourself — bus tours save time and energy.
• Dress in layers; San Francisco weather changes fast.
• Walk the Golden Gate Bridge if it’s clear — it’s worth it.
• Pier 39 is busiest midday; mornings or evenings are calmer.
• SF is one of the best food cities in the U.S. — plan dinners intentionally.

🌁 Fun San Francisco Facts:
• The Golden Gate Bridge is actually painted “International Orange.”
• SF has more restaurants per capita than any other U.S. city.
• The city is built on more than 40 hills.
• Fog has a nickname: “Karl.”
• Pier 39 sea lions have lived there since 1989.

This was the perfect way to kick off our San Francisco trip — iconic sights, easy pacing, and unforgettable food.