San Francisco-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Fisherman’s Wharf

• Morning
  • Arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and take a taxi or public transportation to your hotel
  • Check-in at the Hotel Zetta (or similar) in the SoMa neighborhood, within walking distance to many attractions
• Afternoon
  • Visit the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can:
    • Take a stroll along the pier and enjoy the sea lions and street performers
    • Grab lunch at Alioto’s (seafood) or The Crab Shack (casual seafood)
    • Explore the shops and markets, including the Pier 39 shopping center
• Evening
  • Enjoy dinner at Gary Danko (fine dining), a Michelin-starred restaurant with an upscale atmosphere
  • Take a sunset walk along the waterfront to enjoy the views

Things to know:

• Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots
• Don’t miss the street performers and live music along Fisherman’s Wharf
• Consider purchasing a CityPASS, which grants you discounted admission to several attractions

Day 2: Golden Gate Park and the Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood

• Morning
  • Start your day with breakfast at The Original Pancake House (brunch spot)
  • Visit Golden Gate Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US:
    • Explore the beautiful gardens, including the Japanese Tea Garden
    • Visit the De Young Museum or the California Academy of Sciences (optional)
• Afternoon
  • Head to the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, famous for its 1960s counterculture movement:
    • Explore the charming streets and shops, including vintage clothing stores
    • Visit the Red Victorian Bed & Breakfast (historic home turned B&B)
• Evening
  • Enjoy dinner at Zuni Cafe (Mediterranean cuisine) or Nopa (California-inspired)

Things to know:

• Golden Gate Park is a massive park, so plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore
• The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood can be quite crowded on weekends, especially during peak tourist season

Day 3: Exploring Chinatown and North Beach

• Morning
  • Start your day with breakfast at R&G Lounge (Chinese dim sum)
  • Visit the vibrant Chinatown, one of the largest in the US:
    • Explore the colorful streets, shops, and markets
    • Visit the Chinatown Gate or the Tang Museum
• Afternoon
  • Head to the North Beach neighborhood, known for its Italian-American culture:
    • Visit the famous Columbus Tower ( historic lighthouse)
    • Explore the charming streets and shops, including bakeries and coffeehouses
• Evening
  • Enjoy dinner at Swan Oyster Depot (seafood) or Quince (fine dining)

Things to know:

• Chinatown can be quite crowded, especially on weekends
• Be respectful of the local culture and traditions

Day 4: Alcatraz Island and Pier 39

• Morning
  • Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island, the infamous former prison:
    • Explore the island and learn about its history through audio guides or guided tours
    • Don’t miss the stunning views of the San Francisco Bay
• Afternoon
  • Visit Pier 39, which offers:
    • A aquarium with a large variety of marine life
    • Street performers, live music, and shopping
    • Enjoy lunch at The Crab Shack (casual seafood)
• Evening
  • Enjoy dinner at Foreign Cinema (movies screened during meals) or Buck’s Landing (seafood)

Things to know:

• Book your Alcatraz Island tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly
• Be prepared for crowds and lines at Pier 39

Day 5: Exploring the Mission District and Civic Center

• Morning
  • Start your day with breakfast at La Bodeguita del Medio (Cuban cuisine)
  • Visit the vibrant Mission District, known for its street art, music scene, and diverse culture:
    • Explore the colorful streets and shops
    • Visit the famous El Farolito (Mexican food) or Taqueria El Fogoncito
• Afternoon
  • Head to the Civic Center, which offers:
    • A beautiful park with public art installations
    • The historic City Hall building and surrounding buildings
    • Visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (optional)
• Evening
  • Enjoy dinner at Nopa (California-inspired) or La Taqueria (Mexican food)

Things to know:

• Be respectful of the local culture and traditions in the Mission District
• Explore the vibrant streets and shops, but be aware of any demonstrations or protests

Day 6: Exploring Presidio and the Marina District

• Morning
  • Start your day with breakfast at The Marina Green Cafe (breakfast spot)
  • Visit the scenic Presidio, a former military base turned national park:
    • Explore the beautiful parks, gardens, and walking trails
    • Visit the Walt Disney Family Museum or the Presidio Officers’ Club
• Afternoon
  • Head to the upscale Marina District, known for its shopping and dining scene:
    • Visit the famous Golden Gate Bridge and take a stroll along the waterfront
    • Enjoy lunch at The Marina Green Cafe (breakfast spot) or The Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood Bar
• Evening
  • Enjoy your last dinner in San Francisco at Gary Danko (fine dining) or State Bird Provisions (new American cuisine)

Things to know:

• Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the Presidio
• Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots

Additional tips and recommendations:

• Take a scenic drive along Hwy 1, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Coast Highway
• Visit the Painted Ladies (colorful Victorian houses) in Alamo Square Park
• Explore the many street art installations throughout the city, including the Mission District and Fisherman’s Wharf

Transportation:

• Public transportation: Muni buses and BART trains cover most areas of the city
• Ride-hailing services: Uber and Lyft are widely available
• Taxis: Available at airports and major intersections

Tips and recommendations for shopping:

• Visit Union Square, a popular shopping district with high-end boutiques and department stores
• Explore the many vintage clothing stores in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood
• Don’t miss the Pier 39 shopping center, which offers a variety of souvenir shops and market stalls