San Francisco, California-6-day-itinerary
San Francisco 6-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Fisherman’s Wharf
- Morning: Arrive in San Francisco and check-in to your hotel. Consider staying at Hotel Zelos or Hotel Zeppelin.
- Afternoon: Visit Pier 39 and take a stroll along the pier to see sea lions, shops, and restaurants.
- Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at The Crab Shack or Alioto’s.
Day 2: Alcatraz and Chinatown
- Morning: Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the former prison.
- Afternoon: Explore Chinatown, one of the largest and oldest in the US. Visit the Dragon’s Gate at the entrance to Chinatown.
- Evening: Enjoy Chinese cuisine at R & G Lounge or Z & Y Restaurant.
Day 3: Golden Gate Park and Haight-Ashbury
- Morning: Visit the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, which features art and cultural exhibitions.
- Afternoon: Explore the Japanese Tea Garden, a serene oasis in the park.
- Evening: Head to Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, known for its 1960s counterculture history. Enjoy dinner at The Pork Store Cafe or Foreign Cinema.
Day 4: Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio
- Morning: Walk or bike across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
- Afternoon: Explore the Presidio, a former military base turned national park. Visit the Walt Disney Family Museum or take a hike in the Presidio’s scenic trails.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Commissary or Off the Grid.
Day 5: Union Square and North Beach
- Morning: Visit Union Square, a bustling shopping and dining area.
- Afternoon: Explore North Beach, San Francisco’s historic Italian-American neighborhood. Visit City Lights Booksellers & Publishers.
- Evening: Enjoy Italian cuisine at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana or Il Casaro.
Day 6: The Mission District
- Morning: Explore the vibrant Mission District, known for its street art, independent shops, and Latin American culture.
- Afternoon: Visit the famous Balmy Alley, a pedestrian alley filled with colorful murals.
- Evening: Enjoy Mexican cuisine at La Taqueria or El Farolito.
Things to Know
- San Francisco is known for its foggy weather, so pack layers and waterproof gear.
- The city has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and iconic cable cars. Consider purchasing a Clipper Card for easy travel.
- Be prepared for steep hills and uneven sidewalks when exploring the city on foot.
Tips
- Book Alcatraz ferry tickets in advance to ensure availability.
- Take advantage of free museum admission days, such as the de Young Museum’s free admission on the first Tuesday of every month.
- Explore San Francisco’s many neighborhoods on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and unexpected delights.
Transportation
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is approximately 13 miles from downtown San Francisco.
- Take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft from the airport to your hotel.
- Use public transportation, walk, or bike to get around the city.
Other Things of Interest
- Lombard Street: Known as the “crookedest street in the world,” this scenic street offers stunning views of the city.
- Ferry Building Marketplace: A bustling marketplace with artisanal food vendors and restaurants.
- Ocean Beach: A popular beachside neighborhood with a laid-back surfer vibe.