The “City by the Bay” is San Francisco, and indeed it really comes alive, first and foremost with its landmarks and famous sites, its neighborhoods which are just vibrant, the richness of culture, and stunningly beautiful scenery. Do you plan a visit to this one in all cities? Here’s what you need-an itinerary that presents to you the best of San Francisco. We have readied an in-depth San Francisco itinerary for such beautiful eyes, so nothing however minute goes unexplored by your eyes. No matter how many days you think about spending here-over 1, 3 or 5-this guide will help you get the most out of your visit to this beautiful city.
San Francisco Itinerary
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Day 1: The Must-Sees
Morning: Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio
Begin the day with one of the worlds great landmarks-the Golden Gate Bridge. This stunning orange structure is an absolute must-stop on any San Francisco itinerary.
- Golden Gate Bridge: One can walk and bike across the bridge, taking in sweeping views of the bay and city skyline while looking at Alcatraz Island. Take lots of photos!
- Presidio: This old military post has been turned into a park and lends itself beautifully for hikings; offers museums and historic sites. Take a pleasant saunter about the Presidio as you take in the views.
Midday: Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
Then, hail a taxi over to Fisherman’s Wharf. This waterfront area of entertainment and shopping is heavenly.
- Fisherman’s Wharf: Buy a bowl of clam chowder in one of the sourdough bread bowls from any of the vendors. This is the quintessential San Francisco experience!
- Pier 39 : Stroll along Pier 39, where you will find all of the sea lions basking in the sun on the docks. Good shopping, street acts, and the Aquarium of the Bay are also here.
Afternoon: Go to Alcatraz Island
No trip to San Francisco can ever be complete without visiting Alcatraz Island-anciently known as “The Rock”-one of America’s most infamous former prisons.
- Alcatraz Tour: You can buy advance tickets since this very popular tour sells out fast. You will take an audio-guided tour that will give you really interesting and unique insights into former inmates and the history of this infamous prison.
Dinner in North Beach
End your day in North Beach, San Francisco’s Little Italy.
- North Beach: Dine in one of the real, authentic Italian restaurants of the neighborhood. The bars and cafes are lively fun places to hang out also.
Day 2 Exploring the Neighborhoods of San Francisco
Morning: Chinatown and Union Square
Start your day in Chinatown, the largest outside of Asia.
- Chinatown: Walk the painted streets, pop in and out of the Fortune Cookie Factory and sample all those shops selling China’s authentic traditional wares. Of course, you have to stop by for dim sum breakfast!
- Union Square: Stroll from Chinatown over into Union Square, San Francisco’s shopping and cultural mecca. Here you will find high-end department stores, art galleries and theaters.
Mission District and Dolores Park: Midday
Mission One of the city’s more vibrantly colored neighborhoods, the Mission is an eye feast.
Murals Some of the world’s most fantastic murals are in the Mission District, and Balmy Alley is a best example. Take some time to wander this long outdoor art gallery.
Dolores Park Take a detour from the murals and head on over to Dolores Park for a great lunchtime picnic. Its views of the city are pretty sweet, too.
Afternoon: Haight-Ashbury and Golden Gate Park
- Haight–Ashbury: Stop by this icon of 1960’s counterculture and take a little time to browse through the eclectic shops, vintage clothing, and record stores that line the streets of Haight-Ashbury.
- Golden Gate Park: Just a short block from Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park is vast, with such attractions as the California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, and the de Young Museum.
Sunset over Twin Peaks
Top off your day at Twin Peaks, one of San Francisco’s higher ground.
- Twin Peaks: From here are the best views of San Francisco-of course, especially during sunset time. This should complete your second day in the city.
Day 3: Secrets and Gems Tours
Morning: The Painted Ladies and Alamo Square
Begin your day with the city’s most famous landmark, the Painted Ladies.
- Painted Ladies: Photograph from windows of Alamo Square Park, since it is there that the multi-colored houses blossom in beauty over the backdrop of the city skyline.
Midday: Land’s End and Ocean Beach
Quick Tour End: If you have time, take a romantic walk on Land’s End.
- Land’s End: Pacific Ocean. Scenic coastline with wild scenery dramatic with Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. Sutro Baths views, Labyrinth, from the Land’s End Trail.
- Ocean Beach: When time allows for late afternoons or evenings when the sun will not be an issue, just spread out on Ocean Beach.
Castro and Mission Dolores
Walk this historic walk through the Castro District, one of the country’s first gay neighborhoods.
- Castro District: Take a walk down the Castro, it is a very vibrant neighborhood, and to your right you see the GLBT History Museum, which speaks volumes about how important this neighborhood is to the history of LGBT people.
- Mission Dolores: Just a few short blocks away, this will take you in front of Mission Dolores, the oldest existing building still standing in San Francisco that represents what a wide stretch of this city once was.
Evening: Dinner at Hayes Valley
End your night in the fashionable neighborhood of Hayes Valley dotted by boutiques, art galleries and great restaurants.
- Hayes Valley: Dine on fantastic dinner at one of the restaurants offering broad range menus, ranging from French to Asian fusion.
Day 4: Day Trip to Sausalito and Muir Woods
Morning: Ferry Ride to Sausalito
From ferry ride across Bay from San Francisco Ferry Building to this beautiful town of Sausalito.
- Sausalito: You can amble along the waterfront promenade, wander in and out of some of the galleries, and stop to take a coffee break while enjoying a sublime view of San Francisco Bay.
Lunchtime Muir Woods National Monument
A shuttle bus from Sausalito carries you into the redwoods of Muir Woods, some of the world’s most impressive.
- Muir Woods: Walk among the silky smooth paths that caress these old timers to experience the silence. Shuttle or parking reservations are required.
Afternoon: Back to San Francisco
You will head back to San Francisco after visiting Muir Woods and you can spend a little free time going back to some of your favorite haunts that you probably found.
Day 5: Last Day San Francisco
Morning: Cable Car ride and Lombard Street
Not a visit to San Francisco if you don’t take a cable car ride.
- Cable Car: Take a cable car ride from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf. And trust me, you surely wouldn’t want to miss this ride.
- Lombard Street: Visit Lombard Street fondly called the “crookedest street in the world.” Walk down that zigzag roadway and really pay attention to the beautiful gardens.
Midday: The Ferry Building Marketplace
Late Afternoon: Ferry Building Marketplace Closing the last leg of the tour in San Francisco would be at the Ferry Building Marketplace.
- Ferry Building Today: It is the old place/landmark turned gourmet food court where its in-house artisans sell their individual products of local flavors so that you can bring them home or give it as souvenirs.
Afternoon: Crissy Field
Here with the bay, last day on the San Francisco tour.
- Crissy Field: Lie out on the grassy hill, take in the view of the Golden Gate Bridge, and enjoy the memory of the wonderful time you had in San Francisco.
Planner’s Notes for Your San Francisco Tour
- Transport: Buy a Muni Passport that entitles unlimited rides on buses, streetcars, and cable cars.
- Weather: Unpredictable neither), so dress up like there’s a surprise factor required by the weather of San Francisco.
- Dining Reservations: Be making reservations in advance before coming here but not more than a month in advance for the most poplar restaurants.
San Francisco Itinerary will surely give you the most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods and also little-known treasures of San Francisco. Come along and have fun in City by the Bay!
Conclusion
Indeed, San Francisco is that city which has everything: landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, beautiful nature, and events full of rich culture. Whether for a day or a week, this San Francisco itinerary lets you see the best of what this city has to offer-from bright, action-packed Fisherman’s Wharf to silent woods of Muir. You’ll know why everybody falls so deep in love with the place. Soak up flavors, discover flavors, feel the flavor of San Francisco that’s a little little different. Well planned and assisted in this book, your visit to the City by the Bay is sure to be an experience to remember. Enjoy it all!
