7 day itinerary for San Francisco

Itinerary

Here's a 7-day itinerary for San Francisco that is easy to follow and perfect for a family of four:

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 the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and take some photos.
• End the day with dinner at Fisherman's Wharf, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and stunning views of the bay.

Day 2: Alcatraz Island and Pier 39

• Start the day with a visit to Alcatraz Island, where you can tour the infamous prison and learn about its history.
• Afterward, head to Pier 39, a bustling waterfront area filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions like the sea lions lounging on the docks.
• In the evening, catch a show at the nearby Boudin Bakery, where you can watch bakers make sourdough bread from scratch.

Day 3: Chinatown and Cable Cars

• Spend the morning exploring San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown neighborhood, which boasts colorful architecture, unique shops, and delicious food.
• Hop on a cable car and ride up the steep hills to Lombard Street, known as the "crookedest street in the world."
• End the day with a visit to Ghirardelli Square, where you can indulge in some of the city's best chocolate treats.

Day 4: Golden Gate Park and Museums

• Spend the day in Golden Gate Park, a sprawling urban oasis that offers plenty of activities for families.
• Visit the California Academy of Sciences, which features an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one roof.
• Check out the de Young Museum, which showcases American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries.
• End the day with a picnic in the park or a visit to the Japanese Tea Garden.

Day 5: Exploring Haight-Ashbury and Castro

• Spend the morning exploring the colorful Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, known for its hippie culture and vintage shops.
• Head to the Castro district, which is famous for its LGBTQ+ history and vibrant nightlife scene.
• Catch a movie at the historic Castro Theatre, which features classic films and live performances.

Day 6: Muir Woods and Sausalito

• Take a day trip to Muir Woods National Monument, where you can hike among towering redwood trees.
• Afterward, head to the charming town of Sausalito, which offers stunning views of the bay and plenty of shops and restaurants to explore.
• End the day with a sunset cruise on the bay, where you can take in the city's skyline from the water.

Day 7: Exploring the Mission District and Ferry Building

• Spend the morning exploring the vibrant Mission District, which boasts colorful street art, trendy cafes, and delicious Mexican food.
• Head to the Ferry Building, a historic landmark that now houses a bustling marketplace filled with artisanal food vendors and specialty shops.
• End your trip with a farewell dinner at one of San Francisco's many acclaimed restaurants.