San Francisco California 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Traveling in San Francisco, California

Day 1: Exploring Downtown San Francisco and Fisherman’s Wharf

  • Morning: Start your day at the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, a bustling waterfront area filled with street performers, seafood restaurants, and stunning views of the Bay Bridge. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo in front of the historic Pier 39.
  • Lunch: Head over to Alioto’s for some fresh seafood and enjoy it on their outdoor patio overlooking the water.
  • Afternoon: Visit the iconic Ghirardelli Square, a historic square filled with shops, restaurants, and chocolate makers. Be sure to try some of Ghirardelli’s famous chocolate!
  • Evening: Catch the Bart (San Francisco’s metro system) to Union Square, one of San Francisco’s most popular shopping destinations. Explore the high-end boutiques and department stores.
  • Dinner: Try The Slanted Door for a delicious Vietnamese meal in a beautifully designed space.

Day 2: Golden Gate Park and Haight-Ashbury

  • Morning: Start your day at Golden Gate Park, one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions. The park is home to several museums, including the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences.
  • Lunch: Grab some food at The Park Chalet in Golden Gate Park or head over to Haight-Ashbury, a historic neighborhood filled with eclectic shops and restaurants. Try Aunties Cafe for some delicious breakfast burritos.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant streets of Haight-Ashbury, including Haight Street and Ashbury Street. Be sure to check out the Red Victorian Bed & Breakfast, a historic mansion that was once home to the 1960s counterculture movement.
  • Evening: Catch some live music at The Independent, a popular music venue in the Mission District.

Day 3: Exploring the Mission and Castro

  • Morning: Start your day in the vibrant Mission District, known for its street art, restaurants, and nightlife. Explore Valencia Street and 16th Street, which are filled with shops, cafes, and galleries.
  • Lunch: Try some delicious Mexican food at La Taqueria, a popular spot for tacos and burritos.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Mission Dolores, a historic mission that dates back to 1776. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and check out the historic church.
  • Evening: Head over to the Castro District, San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Explore the vibrant streets, which are filled with shops, restaurants, and bars.

Day 4: Exploring the Presidio and Golden Gate Bridge

  • Morning: Start your day in the Presidio, a former military base that is now a national park. Take a hike through the beautiful woods and check out the historic buildings.
  • Lunch: Try some delicious food at The Presidio Cafe, which is located inside the Presidio.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Walt Disney Family Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of Walt Disney. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and check out the interactive exhibits.
  • Evening: Catch some stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Presidio’s Presidio Point.

Day 5: Exploring Chinatown and North Beach

  • Morning: Start your day in Chinatown, San Francisco’s oldest neighborhood. Explore the vibrant streets, which are filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
  • Lunch: Try some delicious Chinese food at R & G Lounge, a popular spot for Szechuan cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Tong temple, a historic building that was once home to San Francisco’s Chinese community. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and check out the interactive exhibits.
  • Evening: End your trip with some delicious Italian food in North Beach, San Francisco’s oldest neighborhood. Try Caffè Trieste, which is famous for its coffee.

Where to Stay

San Francisco has many great hotels, including:

  • The Fairmont Hotel
  • The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
  • The Palace Hotel
  • The Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco
  • The Parker House

Tips and Transportation

  • The best way to get around San Francisco is by walking or taking public transportation. Try to avoid driving in the city!
  • Use the SFMTA (San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency) website to plan your route.
  • Be sure to check out the SFMTA app for real-time information on buses and trains.
  • Try to avoid eating at touristy restaurants. Instead, try some of the local spots that are listed above.

Things to Know

  • San Francisco is known for its foggy weather. Be sure to bring a jacket!
  • The city has many hills, so be prepared for some steep walking.
  • Try to take advantage of the free museums and galleries on Sundays.
  • Be respectful of the local neighborhoods and communities.

Other Tips

  • Try to avoid eating at touristy restaurants. Instead, try some of the local spots that are listed above.
  • Don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo in front of the Golden Gate Bridge!
  • Take advantage of the free museums and galleries on Sundays.
  • Be respectful of the local neighborhoods and communities.

Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Food: $500 - $1,000
  • Transportation: $100 - $200
  • Attractions: $200 - $500

Total budget: $2,000 - $4,700

Note that this is just a rough estimate and the actual cost may vary depending on your specific travel plans.