San Francisco, United States-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Boudin Bakery Cafe (9am-3pm) where you can try their famous sourdough bread.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, a bustling waterfront district filled with street performers, seafood restaurants, and souvenir shops. Be sure to take in the stunning views of the Bay Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Alioto’s (11am-9pm), a San Francisco institution serving up fresh seafood and delicious pasta dishes.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore Pier 39, a popular tourist destination featuring street performers, sea lions, and stunning views of the Bay. Don’t miss the Pier 39 Sea Lion Center (10am-6pm) to learn about these charismatic creatures.
  • Evening: End your day with dinner at The Slanted Door (5:30pm-9pm), a critically-acclaimed Vietnamese restaurant in nearby Ferry Building Marketplace.

Accommodation: Consider staying at the Hotel Zeppelin (from $200/night) in Fisherman’s Wharf for easy access to attractions and restaurants.

Tips & Transportation:

  • Take Muni Metro line N or T from the hotel to reach Fisherman’s Wharf.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines during peak season.
  • Take a stroll along the Embarcadero, which offers beautiful views of the Bay Bridge.

Day 2: Exploring Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, and the De Young Museum

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at Baker Street Bistro (8am-3pm) in the heart of Haight-Ashbury, a historic neighborhood famous for its hippie culture.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the De Young Museum (from 5:30 PM), a fine arts museum showcasing art and cultural exhibitions from around the world. Don’t miss the stunning views of Golden Gate Park from the museum’s rooftop garden.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Chez Panisse (11am-2pm), a renowned California cuisine restaurant with a focus on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore Golden Gate Park, one of San Francisco’s largest green spaces. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden (9am-5pm) and take in the beautiful views from the park’s many lakes and walking trails.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Zuni Cafe (11:30 AM-10 PM), a San Francisco institution serving up Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Accommodation: Consider staying at the Hotel Tomo (from $180/night) in Japantown, which offers easy access to Haight-Ashbury and Golden Gate Park.

Tips & Transportation:

  • Take Muni Metro line N or T from Fisherman’s Wharf to reach Haight-Ashbury.
  • Explore Golden Gate Park on foot or rent a bike for the day.
  • Be prepared for crowds at Chez Panisse during peak season.

Day 3: Exploring Chinatown, North Beach, and the Bay Bridge

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at R&G Lounge (11am-2pm), a popular spot in Chinatown for dim sum and traditional Chinese dishes.
  • 10:00 AM: Explore Chinatown, one of the largest and oldest Chinatowns in the United States. Visit the Dragon’s Gate (24/7) and take in the vibrant street life and culture.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Cafe Roma (11am-10pm), a cozy Italian deli in nearby North Beach.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the iconic Bay Bridge, which offers stunning views of San Francisco and the Bay. Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the street performers and live music.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Swan Oyster Depot (11am-10pm), a renowned seafood restaurant in North Beach.

Accommodation: Consider staying at the Hotel Des Arts (from $150/night) in Chinatown, which offers easy access to attractions and restaurants.

Tips & Transportation:

  • Take Muni Metro line N or T from Fisherman’s Wharf to reach Chinatown.
  • Explore North Beach on foot or take a short taxi ride.
  • Be prepared for crowds at R&G Lounge during peak season.

Day 4: Exploring the Mission District, Dolores Park, and the Painted Ladies

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at La Taqueria (10am-10pm), a popular spot in the Mission District for Mexican cuisine.
  • 10:00 AM: Explore the vibrant streets of the Mission District, known for its street art, murals, and eclectic shops. Visit the El Techo de Lolita (11am-2am) rooftop bar for stunning views of the city.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at El Faro (10am-10pm), a popular spot for Salvadoran cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the iconic Painted Ladies, a row of colorful Victorian houses that have become one of San Francisco’s most photographed landmarks. Take a stroll through the nearby Alamo Square Park and enjoy the stunning views of the city.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Nopa (5:30pm-10 PM), a critically-acclaimed restaurant serving up seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine.

Accommodation: Consider staying at the Hotel Zeppelin (from $200/night) in Fisherman’s Wharf for easy access to attractions and restaurants.

Tips & Transportation:

  • Take Muni Metro line N or T from Chinatown to reach the Mission District.
  • Explore Dolores Park on foot or take a short taxi ride.
  • Be prepared for crowds at La Taqueria during peak season.

Day 5: Exploring Alcatraz Island and Pier 23

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at Pierre’s Bakery (8am-3pm), a popular spot in the Financial District for fresh pastries and sandwiches.
  • 10:00 AM: Take the ferry to Alcatraz Island (9am-5pm), a former maximum-security prison turned national park. Be sure to book tickets in advance as spots fill up quickly.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Pier 23 (11am-8pm), a casual seafood restaurant on the waterfront with stunning views of the Bay Bridge.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore Pier 39, which offers beautiful views of the Bay and a chance to see sea lions up close. Visit the Sea Lion Center (10am-6pm) to learn about these charismatic creatures.

Accommodation: Consider staying at the Hotel Zeppelin (from $200/night) in Fisherman’s Wharf for easy access to attractions and restaurants.

Tips & Transportation:

  • Take Muni Metro line N or T from Chinatown to reach Pier 23.
  • Book tickets for Alcatraz Island in advance as spots fill up quickly.
  • Be prepared for crowds at Pierre’s Bakery during peak season.