San Francisco 6 Day Itinerary

Title: 6-Day San Francisco Itinerary

Day 1 - Explore Downtown and Iconic Landmarks

  • Morning: Start with a visit to the Fisherman’s Wharf. Don’t forget to see the sea lions at Pier 39!
  • Lunch: Grab a delicious clam chowder bread bowl at Boudin Bakery.
  • Afternoon: Head to Ghirardelli Square for some chocolate treats and continue to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.
  • Evening: Take a leisurely stroll along the Embarcadero, offering panoramic views of the Bay.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Slanted Door (Vietnamese fusion cuisine) or Waterbar (seafood with stunning bay views).
  • Accommodation: Stay in a hotel near Union Square, such as the Westin St. Francis San Francisco, for easy access to downtown attractions.

Day 2 - Visit Golden Gate Park and Surrounding Neighborhoods

  • Morning: Explore Golden Gate Park. Must-sees include the California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, and Japanese Tea Garden.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Magnolia Brewery & Cafe inside Golden Gate Park or Park Chalet, an iconic restaurant near Land’s End.
  • Afternoon: Visit the quirky neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury and check out the “Painted Ladies” Victorian houses.
  • Evening: Dinner at Zuni Cafe (seasonal American cuisine) or Richmond District’s Great Eastern Restaurant ( dim sum).
  • Tips: Don’t miss the sunset view from the Concrete Slipper bench in Golden Gate Park!

Day 3 - Explore Chinatown, North Beach, and Mission District

  • Morning: Discover Chinatown, visit Fortune Cookie Factory and the Dragon’s Gate.
  • Lunch: Savor some authentic Chinese cuisine at Golden Unicorn Restaurant.
  • Afternoon: Head to North Beach (Little Italy) and check out Coit Tower, Washington Square Park, and City Lights Bookstore.
  • Evening: Explore the vibrant Mission District, try Mission Burrito from La Taqueria, and catch some live music at The Milk Bar.
  • Tips: Grab a cup of coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee in North Beach, famous for its single-origin brews.

Day 4 - Discover the Art Scene and Museums

  • Morning: Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) or the Exploratorium. Both offer interactive exhibits that will fascinate visitors.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite from one of the food trucks near the museums, or visit Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen for sandwiches.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through Yerba Buena Gardens and check out the Contemporary Jewish Museum.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Foreign Cinema, where you dine while watching classic films on a screen.
  • Tips: Check the latest exhibitions before visiting museums, as offerings may vary.

Day 5 - Day Trip to Alcatraz Island and Sausalito

  • Morning: Take an Alcatraz ferry tour from Pier 33. Book tickets in advance for a guaranteed spot!
  • Lunch: Have lunch in Sausalito, a scenic waterfront town across the bay, at Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar.
  • Afternoon: Explore Sausalito’s charming shops and galleries or rent a bike to explore the nearby Bay Area Trail.
  • Evening: Head back to San Francisco and enjoy dinner at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants, such as Aziza (Mediterranean fusion) or HRD Coffee Shop for tasty burgers.
  • Tips: Be aware that Alcatraz tickets sell out quickly, so book well in advance!

Day 6 - Visit Presidio and the Painted Ladies

  • Morning: Explore Presidio, home to the Walt Disney Family Museum, Lucasfilm, and numerous hiking trails.
  • Lunch: Grab a sandwich or salad from Mrs. Doubtfire’s House, located in the Presidio Heights neighborhood.
  • Afternoon: Visit the iconic Painted Ladies houses on Alamo Square, then stroll through Hayes Valley.
  • Evening: Farewell dinner at Zarzuela (Spanish tapas) or Flour + Water (Italian).
  • Tips: Spend your last evening enjoying the city lights from one of the viewpoints like Twin Peaks or Baker Beach.