San Francisco, California 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day San Francisco Travel Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival & Exploring Downtown

  • Morning: Arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Check-in at your hotel in the downtown area, such as Hotel Vitale or The Westin St. Francis.

  • Afternoon: Visit Union Square, a popular shopping district with iconic buildings like the Westfield Shopping Centre and the historic Tadich Grill. Take a leisurely stroll to Chinatown for some unique souvenirs and authentic Chinese food at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory or Great Eastern Restaurant.

  • Evening: Head to North Beach, the city’s Little Italy neighborhood, for dinner at one of the many excellent Italian restaurants, such as Sotto Mare or Mama’s on Washington Square.

Day 2 - Iconic Landmarks & Pier 39

  • Morning: Visit Golden Gate Park, home to attractions like the California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, and Japanese Tea Garden.

  • Afternoon: Take a drive over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and explore Sausalito. Return to San Francisco and visit Pier 39, where you can see sea lions, visit Aquarium of the Bay, or enjoy street performances. Have lunch at Boudin Bakery for their famous sourdough bread bowl clam chowder.

  • Evening: Take a sunset cruise around the bay with Blue & Gold Fleet or Red and White Fleets for breathtaking views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island.

Day 3 - Alcatraz Island & Fisherman’s Wharf

  • Morning: Book a ferry tour to Alcatraz Island. Explore the infamous prison and learn about its history on a guided tour.

  • Afternoon: Return from Alcatraz and head to Fisherman’s Wharf. Visit attractions like the Maritime National Historical Park, Madame Tussauds San Francisco, or Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum. Try clam chowder in a bread bowl at Alioto’s or Franciscan Crab Restaurant for lunch.

  • Evening: Take a stroll along the beach at Aquatic Park or catch a performance at the Beach Blanket Babylon theater. Have dinner at Anchor Oyster Bar, famous for its fresh seafood dishes.

Day 4 - Exploring The Mission District & Golden Gate Park

  • Morning: Head to The Mission District, known for its vibrant street art, colorful murals, and delicious Mexican food. Visit Dolores Park or Mission Dolores Basilica.

  • Afternoon: Return to Golden Gate Park and visit the de Young Museum (if you missed it on day 1) or the Conservatory of Flowers. Explore the nearby Koret Children’s Quarter if traveling with kids.

  • Evening: Dine at one of the Mission District’s many excellent restaurants, such as La Taqueria, El Farolito, or Rich Table for a modern California cuisine experience.

Day 5 - Exploring Haight-Ashbury & The Painted Ladies

  • Morning: Head to Haight-Ashbury, the historic district associated with the 1960s counterculture movement. Visit the Grateful Dead House, Haight Street Antique Center, or Amoeba Music, a legendary record store.

  • Afternoon: Walk to the Painted Ladies, a row of colorful Victorian houses made famous by television. Continue to Alamo Square Park for a picnic lunch and stunning city views.

  • Evening: Visit The Buena Vista Cafe for their famous Irish Coffee or have dinner at Zuni Cafe, known for its delicious roast chicken and farm-to-table ethos.

Day 6 - Exploring Chinatown & Embarcadero

  • Morning: Return to Chinatown for a more in-depth exploration of its history, art, and culture. Visit the Chinese Culture Center or Fortune Cookie Factory for a tour and cookie-making demonstration.

  • Afternoon: Head to Embarcadero, where you can visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum, or simply enjoy the views of the bay and Bay Bridge. Have lunch at HRD Coffee Shop or Epic Steamer for some delicious Dim Sum.

  • Evening: Take a stroll along the waterfront, watch the sunset, and have dinner at Slanted Door, a Michelin-starred Vietnamese restaurant.

Day 7 - Departure

  • Morning: Spend your final morning in San Francisco exploring any missed attractions or neighborhoods. Have a leisurely breakfast at Cafe du Soleil or Mama’s on Washington Square (if you didn’t go there on day 1).

  • Afternoon: Check out from your hotel and head to San Francisco International Airport for your departure flight. Safe travels!

Tips & Transportation

  • Purchase a Muni Passport, which offers unlimited rides on Muni buses, light rail, historic streetcars, and cable cars for 1, 3, or 7 days.

  • Use Lyft or Uber as alternative transportation options when needed.

  • Be mindful of the city’s hills, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for unpredictable weather.

Enjoy your trip to San Francisco!