San Francisco California 6 Day Itinerary

San Francisco 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring The City

  • Stay at: Hotel Zelos (Union Square) - Centrally located, modern, and well-reviewed.
  • Breakfast: Cafe Reveille (Multiple locations) - Delicious coffee and breakfast bites.
  • Activities: Visit Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and catch a glimpse of the sea lions. Stroll along Ghirardelli Square.
  • Lunch: Anchor Oyster Bar or Scoma’s (both at Fisherman’s Wharf) - Fresh seafood options.
  • Evening: Take a sunset walk at Land’s End Lookout, Golden Gate Park, or the Presidio.
  • Dinner: Rich Table (Mission District) - Innovative California cuisine.
  • Tips: Download Citymapper for seamless transportation around SF.

Day 2: Iconic San Francisco Sites

  • Breakfast: Tartine Bakery (Mission District) - Famous for its pastries and bread.
  • Activities: Visit the Painted Ladies, Alamo Square, and explore Haight-Ashbury. Take a picture at Lombard Street (the Crookedest Street).
  • Lunch: Gracias Madre (Mission District) - Vegan Mexican cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Explore Chinatown, North Beach (Little Italy), and Coit Tower.
  • Dinner: Boulevard (Embarcadero) - Upscale American restaurant with stunning views of the Bay.
  • Evening: Catch a movie at the historic Castro Theatre or take a nighttime stroll in the Mission District.

Day 3: Cultural Exploration

  • Breakfast: Mr. Holmes Bakehouse (Mission District) - Famous for the “I Got Bakery” croissants.
  • Activities: Visit the California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, and the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.
  • Lunch: The Plant Café Organic (Golden Gate Park) - Healthy, organic options with a view of Stow Lake.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant murals in the Mission District. Visit the Mission Dolores and Pioneer Square.
  • Dinner: Flour + Water (Mission District) - Delicious Italian cuisine with a California twist.
  • Tips: Check out free events at SF Public Library or the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

Day 4: Ferry to Sausalito and Muir Woods

  • Breakfast: Foreign Cinema (Mission District) - A brunch spot with a charming courtyard.
  • Activity: Take a ferry to Sausalito, explore the town, then hop on a bus or drive to Muir Woods National Monument.
  • Lunch: Sausalito’s Trident Restaurant or Marinwood’s The Farmhouse Thai Kitchen.
  • Dinner: Poggio (Sausalito) - Italian cuisine with stunning views of the Bay.
  • Tips: Reserve a ferry ticket in advance and bring layers for Muir Woods as it can be chilly.

Day 5: Day Trip to Napa Valley

  • Breakfast: The Mill (Mission District) - Artisanal toast and coffee.
  • Activity: Full day trip to Napa Valley - Wine tasting, vineyard tours, and picnicking.
  • Lunch: Bouchon Bistro (Yountville) - Thomas Keller’s classic French restaurant.
  • Dinner: Back in SF: Zuni Cafe (SoMa) - Grilled California cuisine.
  • Tips: Designate a driver or hire a limo service for the day trip.

Day 6: Farewell San Francisco

  • Breakfast: Mama’s on Washington Square (North Beach) - Classic diner with delicious breakfast dishes.
  • Activities: Visit any remaining sights you missed or revisit your favorites. Pick up souvenirs in Union Square or the Ferry Building Marketplace.
  • Lunch: Swan Oyster Depot (North Beach) - Iconic seafood spot for sandwiches and oysters.
  • Departure: Head to the airport, taking one last look at this beautiful city!