Visiting SF in 2 Days

I would spend both days in San Francisco if I were you, unless you like spending most of your time on the road. San Francisco is a city better visited on foot (or bus). Taking the cable car can also get to many scenic places. Take it slow and you will appreciate it more. I lived there 3 years and still go there at least once a month. And believe it or not, I can still spend a whole week in the city without running out of things to do/see.

Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Carmel would be really nice to visit if you have more time. But since you only have one day for outside the city and considering the shorter and rainier winter days, I do not recommend going there, unless you want to spend most of the time on the road. San Jose does not have a whole lot to see, except for the Winchester Mystery House, Great America Park, and Stanford U.
- Legion of Honor Museum - a great place to visit even if you do not go into the museum. Nice views of the city and Golden Gate Bridge. I do think it is one of the best museums, especially if you like Rodin.
- For decent Chinese food, skip Chinatown and go to Richmond district around Geary and Clement out in the avenues. That's where the locals go for decent Chinese food. It's not very far from the Legion of Honor Museum.
- Fisherman's wharf
- Golden Gate Bridge (there are many places to view the bridge, Baker beach is a nice place to take a walk on the beach and get a nice view of the bridge)
- Presideo
- Coit tower for city views day and night
- Lombard Street (the crooked street)
- Museum of Modern Art (rainy day plan) If you do not like to visit the museum itself, the museum is still architetually unique and interesting.

If you want to get outside the city, Sausalito immediately north of GG Bridge is a nice option. You can easily take the ferry from San Francisco to get there. This would also give you a nice view of the city from water. Only do this if the weather is nice. Considering the latest weather pattern in the Bay Area, I would have a rainy day plan just in case you are hit by rain. Enjoy your trip.