San Francisco 4 Day Itinerary

San Francisco 4-Day Itinerary

(Note: This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who wish to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, delicious food spots, and unique experiences. For transportation, consider buying a Muni pass or using rideshare services like Uber/Lyft.)

Day 1: Explore Downtown and Iconic Landmarks

  • Morning: Start with breakfast at Mrs. Doubtfire’s House, where the famous movie was filmed (3040 Steiner St.). Then, head to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 to see Sea Lions, Aquarium of the Bay, and the historic ships.
  • Afternoon: Visit Ghirardelli Square for a chocolate treat and continue to Alcatraz Island for a tour of the infamous prison (book tickets in advance).
  • Evening: Have dinner at Boudin Bakery (160 Jefferson St.), famous for sourdough bread bowls, then catch a show at The Magic Theatre or Beach Blanket Babylon.
  • Tips: Remember to dress in layers due to the city’s cool and foggy weather.

Day 2: Discovering Neighborhoods – The Mission & Castro Districts

  • Morning: Grab breakfast at Tartine Manufactory (595 Alabama St.) and explore the vibrant Mission District, admiring colorful murals along the way.
  • Afternoon: Visit the iconic Painted Ladies houses and the Haight-Ashbury district, then head to Golden Gate Park, where you can visit the California Academy of Sciences or De Young Museum.
  • Evening: Have dinner at Mission Chinese Food (2234 Mission St.), a popular destination for delicious and innovative Sichuan cuisine. Spend the night exploring the diverse bars in the Castro District.
  • Tips: The Mission and Castro districts can be quite hilly, so wear comfortable shoes.

Day 3: Exploring North Beach & Chinatown

  • Morning: Start with breakfast at Caffe Trieste (601 Vallejo St.), the birthplace of espresso in San Francisco, then explore North Beach’s charming streets and Little Italy.
  • Afternoon: Head to Chinatown, where you can shop for souvenirs, visit Fortune Cookie Factory, and grab lunch at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company (56 Ross Alley).
  • Evening: Visit Coit Tower, offering stunning views of the city, then have dinner at Slanted Door (1 Ferry Building Marketplace), featuring modern Vietnamese cuisine.
  • Tips: Exploring Chinatown can be crowded during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

Day 4: Relaxing in the Presidio and Sausalito

  • Morning: Have breakfast at The Plant Cafe Organic (101 Marina Blvd., Sausalito) and take a leisurely walk in the beautiful Presidio, home to the Walt Disney Family Museum and various art installations.
  • Afternoon: Hop on a ferry to Sausalito, a charming waterfront town with picturesque views of San Francisco. Spend time exploring the shops, galleries, and restaurants.
  • Evening: Return to San Francisco and have dinner at Zarzuela (2261 Union St.) in Cow Hollow, known for its Spanish tapas and wine selection.
  • Tips: The ferry to Sausalito operates frequently throughout the day, so you can adjust your visit accordingly.