San Francisco 5 Day Itinerary

San Francisco 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Downtown & Iconic Spots

  • Breakfast: Mrs. Doubtfire’s House & Cafe Gratitude (3100 Fillmore St.)
  • Morning: Visit the Ferry Building Marketplace for local food, artisans, and a farmers market. Explore nearby Embarcadero and snap a pic of the Fish Alley Mural.
  • Lunch: The Slanted Door (1 Ferry Building)
  • Afternoon: Tour Alcatraz Island, book tickets in advance to ensure availability.
  • Evening: Explore Fisherman’s Wharf, visit the sea lions at Pier 39, and dine at Scoma’s Restaurant (1658 Hyde St.) for fresh seafood.
  • Overnight stay: Hotel Zephyr (250 Beach St.), a stylish hotel with great views of the Bay.

Day 2: Golden Gate Park & Surroundings

  • Breakfast: Tartine Bakery (600 Guerrero St.)
  • Morning: Visit California Academy of Sciences and DeYoung Museum within Golden Gate Park.
  • Lunch: Park Chalet Restaurant (1000 MLK Jr. Drive) offers picnic lunches to enjoy in the park.
  • Afternoon: Explore Japanese Tea Garden and stroll through the park. Head to nearby Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.
  • Evening: Dine at Zuni Cafe (1658 Market St.), known for its famous roast chicken, then enjoy a drink at Pabu Izakaya (201 2nd St.).

Day 3: Mission District & Twin Peaks

  • Breakfast: Tartine Manufactory (595 Alabama St.)
  • Morning: Walk through the Mission District, admire the colorful murals, and visit the famous Painted Ladies.
  • Lunch: Mission Chinese Food (2234 Mission St.), contemporary Sichuan cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Head to Twin Peaks for breathtaking views of San Francisco.
  • Evening: Dine at Rich Table (1950 4th St.) in the nearby Potrero Hill neighborhood.
  • Overnight stay: Hotel G (55 Fifth St.), a boutique hotel with modern design and convenient location.

Day 4: South Beach & Chinatown

  • Breakfast: Brenda’s French Soul Food (652 Gough St.)
  • Morning: Visit the Exploratorium at Pier 15 along the Embarcadero for interactive exhibits.
  • Lunch: Hog Island Oyster Co. (The Ferry Building) or Salt & Straw Ice Cream (745 Gough St.)
  • Afternoon: Explore South Beach Harbor and walk through Chinatown, one of the oldest in North America.
  • Evening: Dine at Foreign Cinema (2534 Mission St.), featuring a unique movie screenings backdrop.
  • Overnight stay: Hotel VIA (138 King St.), a contemporary waterfront hotel with stunning views.

Day 5: Castro & Painted Ladies

  • Breakfast: Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen (3150 24th St.)
  • Morning: Visit the Castro Theatre and learn about LGBTQ+ history in the area. Walk to see the famous Painted Ladies.
  • Lunch: Mama’s on Washington Square (2224 Buchanan St.)
  • Afternoon: Relax at Golden Gate Park’s Japanese Tea Garden or explore The Presidio and its museums.
  • Evening: Farewell dinner at ZaSu Zsu Kitchen & Bar (1101 Sutter St.), a cozy spot featuring Mediterranean dishes.

Things to Know:

  • San Francisco has a cool, temperate climate, so pack layers and comfortable shoes.
  • Public transportation is provided by Muni buses and light rail. Consider purchasing a CityPASS for unlimited rides on public transport and admission to top attractions.
  • Renting a bike or scooter can be an efficient way to explore the city.
  • Tipping in restaurants is customary, typically 15-20% of the total bill.