Deplane, clear baggage/ground transport and head to the rental/car pickup area; allow time for lines and luggage. This sets realistic expectations for when you can depart the airport.
Collect your vehicle and drive north toward San Francisco proper; typical drive to Chinatown is 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Keep traffic in mind—I-280/US-101 are the usual routes into the city.
Good Mong Kok Bakery on Stockton is famous for fresh char siu bao and quick, authentic bites (great if you want to grab-and-go). If you prefer a sit-down dim sum with more variety, Great Eastern (Broadway/Clayton area) offers classic Cantonese dishes and is open for late lunch; either choice will satisfy dim sum/char siu cravings. Check current hours; Good Mong Kok typically closes early evening, Great Eastern is usually open into the evening.
Walk a short loop through the main Chinatown streets to see markets, bakeries, and murals — a quick cultural stroll and photo stop right after dim sum. Most street shopping is open well into the evening but individual businesses vary.
Drive or walk a few minutes to the waterfront to see the lively Pier 39 sea lions, souvenir shops, and waterfront views; Pier 39 and the wharf area are open to visit year-round while shops and attractions generally operate from late morning to evening (often ~10am–8pm, variable).
A short walk from Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square is great for a classic hot fudge sundae or grabbing chocolate souvenirs; the Ghirardelli shop and sundae counter commonly stay open into the evening (hours vary seasonally).
Drive toward the bridge for a 20–30 minute photo stop. For classic head-on photos, park at the south vista/Crissy Field or Fort Point (limited parking); for sweeping skyline + bridge shots, cross to the north side and try Battery Spencer (parking limited, popular at sunset). These outdoor viewpoints are open 24/7, but arrive with buffer time for parking and crowds.
Cross the bridge and follow signs into Sausalito. Allow time for bridge traffic and to find parking near the waterfront—metered parking and public lots vary by location and time of day.
Your reserved waterfront table at Scoma’s is a great finish: classic fresh seafood and harbor views; arrive a few minutes early to be seated, enjoy the house specialties, and soak in the sunset over the bay if timing allows. Scoma’s is typically busy—your reservation time is ideal.
After dinner, enjoy a short stroll along the Sausalito waterfront (charming at night) or head back to your hotel/SFO; the drive back to SFO typically takes 35–55 minutes depending on route and traffic. If returning to SF, Sausalito has some evening cafés and galleries open later seasonally.