3 nights stay and itinerary

Question

I'm flying into Oakland to do some touring of the area before heading to a conference in San Diego. I would like to see the sights in SF such as Alcatraz and Golden Gate. Any suggestions on safe and affordable place to stay as well as other must see sights? (I'm a HS history teacher) I'll be in the area Thurs - Sunday in mid June; will have no car, and traveling solo.

Answer

Hello,

Since you’ll be flying into Oakland and won’t have a car, staying near public transportation with easy access to San Francisco is ideal. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) makes travel between Oakland and San Francisco convenient, so you can stay in either city depending on your preferences for budget, safety, and amenities.

Safe and affordable areas to stay:

Downtown Oakland: Convenient to the airport and BART. Several budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses. Safe in populated areas, especially near Jack London Square.
Jack London Square: Waterfront area with restaurants, cafes, and shops. Easy BART access and generally safe for solo travelers. Offers a scenic, relaxing vibe after long touring days.
San Francisco—Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square: If you prefer to stay directly in SF, these neighborhoods have many hotels and are safe with lots of tourist amenities. Union Square is central with easy public transit to Alcatraz, Golden Gate, and other attractions.

Suggested itinerary for a 3-night stay (Thursday–Sunday):

Day 1 – Thursday:

Arrive in Oakland, check into hotel.
Walk around Jack London Square or Downtown Oakland to get oriented.
Have dinner at a local restaurant and rest for the next day’s SF exploration.

Day 2 – Friday:

Take BART or ferry to San Francisco.
Morning: Visit Alcatraz Island (book tickets in advance). Tour the prison and learn about its history—perfect for a history teacher.
Afternoon: Walk along Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and the waterfront. Optional visit to the Maritime National Historical Park.
Evening: Return to Oakland or stay in SF for dinner near Union Square.

Day 3 – Saturday:

Morning: Golden Gate Bridge—walk or bike part of the bridge, then explore Golden Gate Park if time permits.
Afternoon: Visit historical neighborhoods such as the Mission District (murals and cultural history) or the Presidio.
Optional: Cable car ride or visit the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences.
Evening: Enjoy local cuisine—consider North Beach for Italian fare or Chinatown for historic neighborhoods.

Day 4 – Sunday:

Leisurely morning in Oakland—perhaps visit the Oakland Museum of California (history, art, and culture).
Check out of hotel and travel to the airport for your onward trip to San Diego.

Additional tips:

Book Alcatraz tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly, especially in June.
Use BART or ferries to avoid parking and city traffic.
Carry a backpack with water, snacks, and sunscreen, as SF often has variable weather.
Walking shoes are essential—SF streets are steep in some areas.
Explore historical sites like the Cable Car Museum or Angel Island if time allows.

Overall, staying near Jack London Square in Oakland gives a safe, budget-friendly base with easy transit to SF, while staying in Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf puts you directly in the center of tourist attractions if you prefer SF nightlife and more convenience. Both options will allow a comfortable, solo-friendly itinerary for your short trip.

3 nights stay and itinerary

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