San Francisco, USA-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Fisherman’s Wharf

  • Morning: Arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and take the BART train ($9.65) or a taxi/Uber to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Check-in at the Hotel Zeppelin on Beach Street, near Fisherman’s Wharf.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Pier 39: Walk along the pier and see street performers, sea lions, and take in the Bay views.
    • The Aquarium of the Bay: Explore the marine life exhibits and get up close with sharks and stingrays. ($29.95)
    • The Sea Lions’ Playground: Watch the colony of California sea lions at play.
  • Food:
    • Dine at Alioto’s, a classic seafood restaurant on the wharf, for fresh fish and pasta dishes.
    • Grab a slice of pizza or a bagel from one of the many food vendors.
  • Transportation: Use public transportation (Muni buses) or walk/bike along the scenic waterfront promenade.

Day 2: Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio

  • Morning: Start at the Golden Gate Bridge Overlook, for a panoramic view of the bridge.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge ($7.25 for pedestrians and bicyclists) for spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay.
    • The Presidio: Explore this former military base turned national park, featuring hiking trails, museums, and historic sites.
    • Walt Disney Family Museum: Learn about Disney’s life and career at this unique museum. ($25)
  • Food:
  • Transportation: Use public transportation (Muni buses) or walk/bike along the scenic waterfront.

Day 3: Chinatown, Union Square, and the Theater District

  • Morning: Visit Chinatown Gate, a vibrant entrance to the largest Chinese community outside of Asia.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Explore Chinatown’s streets and alleys for unique shops, markets, and restaurants.
    • Union Square: Browse high-end boutiques and department stores in this upscale shopping district.
    • The Orpheum Theatre: Catch a performance or take a guided tour of the historic theater. ($10)
  • Food:
  • Transportation: Use public transportation (Muni buses) or walk/bike through the scenic streets of San Francisco.

Day 4: Haight-Ashbury and Golden Gate Park

  • Morning: Visit Haight Street, the epicenter of San Francisco’s 1960s counterculture.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Golden Gate Park: Explore this massive urban park, featuring lakes, gardens, museums, and the famous Japanese Tea Garden. ($8.50)
    • The de Young Museum: Discover art and cultural exhibitions from around the world in this unique museum. ($15)
    • The California Academy of Sciences: Visit a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest all under one living roof. ($35.95)
  • Food:
    • Lunch at The Alembic, offering American cuisine in a historic bar.
    • Dine at Foreign Cinema, serving global cuisine with a side of old movies.
  • Transportation: Use public transportation (Muni buses) or bike through the scenic streets and parks.

Day 5: Alcatraz Island

  • Morning: Take a ferry ($29.95) to Alcatraz Island, the infamous former prison.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Explore the cellblock, watchtowers, and island grounds of this historic prison.
    • Learn about the island’s history through guided tours or audio recordings. ($29.95)
  • Food: Enjoy a picnic lunch on the island or grab food from the ferry departure area.
  • Transportation: Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island; use public transportation (Muni buses) for other activities.

Day 6: Exploring the Mission District

  • Morning: Visit The Mission Dolores, the oldest surviving building in San Francisco.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Explore the vibrant streets and alleys of the Mission District, featuring street art, murals, and shops.
    • The Castro Theatre: Catch a performance or take a guided tour of this historic theater. ($10)
  • Food:
    • Lunch at El Farolito, offering delicious burritos and Mexican cuisine.
    • Dine at La Taqueria, serving creative tacos and dishes.
  • Transportation: Use public transportation (Muni buses) or walk/bike through the scenic streets of San Francisco.

Other Tips

  • Be prepared for variable weather in San Francisco, with layers for cooler mornings and warmer afternoons.
  • Take advantage of SF’s bike-sharing program, Ford GoBike, to explore the city on two wheels.
  • Consider purchasing a San Francisco CityPASS, which includes discounts and perks for attractions and public transportation.

Getting Around

  • SF has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses (Muni) and trains (BART).
  • Use the SF MTA app to plan your trips and track schedules.
  • Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available in San Francisco.

Accommodations

  • Consider staying in hotels or hostels that offer free breakfast, such as the Hotel Zeppelin.
  • Use travel websites like Booking.com to find affordable accommodations throughout the city.
  • Be aware of local regulations and fees for short-term rentals, including a 14% hotel tax.