San Francisco, USA 6 Day Itinerary

San Francisco 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City

  • Arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK).
  • Check into your hotel in Union Square, a central location with easy access to public transportation. Some popular options include The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square, Hyatt Regency San Francisco, and the Hilton San Francisco Union Square.
  • Lunch: Head to Ghirardelli Square for a taste of classic chocolate sundaes or grab a sandwich from Boulevard Bakery & Café.
  • Afternoon: Visit Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Aquarium of the Bay. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the sea lions!
  • Evening: Explore North Beach neighborhood, known for its Italian American heritage and vibrant nightlife. Dine at one of the area’s many restaurants, such as Mama’s or Sotto Mare.
  • Transportation: Muni Metro, buses, or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the city.

Day 2: Iconic San Francisco Landmarks

  • Morning: Visit the Painted Ladies (Victorian houses) and Alamo Square Park. Grab breakfast at Café Majestic or Tartine Manufactory.
  • Mid-Morning: Ride a cable car from Powell Street to California Street, with breathtaking views of the city.
  • Lunch: Stop by Grateful Dead’s old haunt, The Magic Hour at Golden Gate Park.
  • Afternoon: Explore Golden Gate Park, including the de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, and Japanese Tea Garden.
  • Evening: Dinner in the Mission District, with options like Flour + Water for Italian or Rich Table for farm-to-table cuisine.
  • Nightcap: Check out some of the city’s famous speakeasies, such as Pagan Idol, Bourbon & Branch, or The Vestry.

Day 3: Exploring Neighborhoods

  • Morning: Visit Haight-Ashbury, the birthplace of the Summer of Love, and stop by the Grateful Dead House. Grab breakfast at Magnolia Pub & Brewery.
  • Afternoon: Head to the Castro District, known for its LGBTQ+ history and vibrant nightlife. Explore Harvey Milk Plaza and grab lunch at Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine.
  • Evening: Stroll along the beautiful streets of Pacific Heights and stop by La Folie or Café des Amis for dinner.

Day 4: Outdoor Adventures

  • Morning: Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and tour the former prison. Be sure to book tickets in advance!
  • Afternoon: Visit the Presidio, a park and former military base with beautiful trails and Golden Gate National Recreation Area views. Lunch at Warming Hut.
  • Evening: Dinner at Anchor Oyster Bar or Hog Island Oyster Company in Sausalito (accessible by ferry from the Ferry Building).

Day 5: Tech & Art

  • Morning: Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive museum on the Embarcadero.
  • Afternoon: Head to SOMA (South of Market) and explore Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), and the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Lunch at Delfina or Cotogna.
  • Evening: Grab dinner at Rich Table or Richmond District’s Outerlands before catching a comedy show at Cobb’s Comedy Club.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Enjoy your last few hours in San Francisco by visiting any missed sites or relaxing in Golden Gate Park.
  • Lunch: Stop by Tartine Bakery for a final treat, or grab a slice of pizza from Tony’s Pizza Napoletana before heading to the airport.
  • Departure: Depending on your flight time, explore more of the city, visit the Ferry Building Marketplace, or simply head to the airport and say goodbye to San Francisco!