7 day itinerary for San Francisco

Itinerary

San Francisco is a beautiful city with so much to see and do. Here's an ideal itinerary for 7 days in San Francisco:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

• Arrive in San Francisco and check into your hotel.
• Take a stroll around Union Square, one of the city's most popular shopping districts.
• Visit Chinatown, the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, and grab some delicious dim sum for lunch.
• Head to Fisherman's Wharf to see the sea lions and enjoy the views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Day 2: Golden Gate Park and Haight-Ashbury

• Start your day at Golden Gate Park, which spans over 1,000 acres and has plenty of attractions to explore, including the Japanese Tea Garden, de Young Museum, and California Academy of Sciences.
• After exploring the park, head to Haight-Ashbury, the birthplace of the hippie movement in the 1960s. Check out the vintage shops and colorful murals.

Day 3: Alcatraz Island and North Beach

• Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island, the infamous former prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals.
• After returning from Alcatraz, head to North Beach, San Francisco's Little Italy. Enjoy some authentic Italian food and visit the historic City Lights Bookstore.

Day 4: Ferry Building and Embarcadero

• Start your day at the Ferry Building, a historic landmark that now houses a marketplace with local vendors selling everything from artisanal cheeses to fresh oysters.
• Walk along the Embarcadero, a scenic waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the Bay Bridge.
• Visit the Exploratorium, a hands-on science museum that's fun for all ages.

Day 5: Mission District and Castro

• Start your day in the Mission District, a vibrant neighborhood known for its street art and delicious Mexican food.
• After lunch, head to the Castro, San Francisco's LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Visit the GLBT History Museum and catch a movie at the historic Castro Theatre.

Day 6: Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio

• No trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge. Walk or bike across the bridge for stunning views of the city and the bay.
• After crossing the bridge, explore the Presidio, a former military base that's now a national park with hiking trails, museums, and scenic overlooks.

Day 7: Muir Woods and Sausalito

• Take a day trip to Muir Woods National Monument, a beautiful redwood forest just north of San Francisco.
• After exploring Muir Woods, head to Sausalito, a charming waterfront town with plenty of shops and restaurants to explore.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to San Francisco!