Get inspired with our San Francisco itineraries
Whether it’s a vacation or a special occasion that brings you to San Francisco — with kids in tow, on a romantic rendezvous, or in town for a conference — we've got recommendations for how you can make the most of your stay while in Fisherman’s Wharf and the rest of the city.
San Francisco Itinerary In 1-4 Days
- If you have only one day in San Francisco, focus on the city's most iconic landmarks, which are detailed in our Must Do in San Francisco Itinerary: crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, winding down Lombard Street, and exploring the city’s most notable restaurants.
- With a second day on the agenda, this is time to explore San Francisco’s parks and culture. Head over to the Presidio for a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge (fog allowing) from the brand new Tunnel Tops park, a deep dive into the Walt Disney Family Museum, and a hike through the adjacent eucalyptus forest if time allows. The main parade lawn in the Presidio is often filled with food trucks if you’re feeling peckish.
- Jump on the free Presidio Go shuttle to downtown San Francisco where you can find the famous. Ferry Building, inside of which is an incredible marketplace of food, drink, and locally-made souvenirs. If it’s Saturday, you can even run into some of the city’s best chefs picking out produce for their restaurants at the Farmer’s Market.
- From here you can easily climb aboard the historic F Train. Take it to the Castro neighborhood at the end of the line to witness the incredible LGBTQIA+ culture that makes San Francisco proud. Find your way to the top of nearby Twin Peaks beneath Sutro Tower for a truly spectacular view of downtown San Francisco. Finally, the same train can deliver you back to Fisherman’s Wharf after a day of exploring.
- Head beyond the beaten path on your third day with a trip to the Mission District to grab a burrito at La Taqueria and witness the incredible alleyway murals that decorate this colorful neighborhood.
- If the weather is nice, relax on the sprawling lawn of Mission Dolores Park to take in the sun and the local culture.
- Take a jaunt over to Japantown, which looks and feels like it was transported directly from Tokyo. Enjoy authentic ramen at Marufuku, shop for Japanese goods at Daiso, or take in a massage at Kabuki Spa. And if you’re visiting in springtime, enjoy the wonderful Cherry Blossom Festival that celebrates the season.
- End the day with laughter back by the hotel by taking in a show at Cobb’s Comedy Club, or witness the acrobatic performance that serves as a love letter to San Francisco at Club Fugazi.
- Your fourth day in San Francisco is a great opportunity to head north to Muir Woods to witness the famous towering redwood trees unique to Northern California. Be sure to grab a reservation in advance when driving or taking the shuttle.
San Francisco With Loved Ones Itinerary
- Whether you’re traveling with kids, a romantic partner, or other loved ones, fuel up for a day of fun and exploration at Mama’s on Washington Square, a North Beach bistro known for hearty breakfast fare. Or, jet over to NoPa (North of the Panhandle) to try the famous toast at The Mill - the egg-in-a-hole is an unforgettable dish.
- Then it's off to the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum right on the water. Next, head to the California Academy of Sciences, an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all rolled into one. Don't miss the living roof or adorable African penguins.
- While in Golden Gate Park, take a moment for a cup of tea at the Japanese Tea Garden, or wander through the tropical biomes within the historic Conservatory of Flowers. A walk down the J.F.K. Promenade reveals incredible works of outdoor art and other pathways to seemingly hidden secrets inside San Francisco’s largest park.
- In the afternoon, the three-mile hiking loop at Lands End is mostly flat and delivers big rewards: gorgeous ocean views and interesting detours along the way, including the ruins of the Sutro Baths, built in 1894 by a self-made millionaire.
- Even though San Francisco has more dogs than children, there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants for dinner. Take a Cable Car up Nob Hill for a truly immersive tiki experience at the Tonga Room, where the environment comes alive. Then, head across the street to Grace Cathedral to walk the labyrinths - there are indoor and outdoor options to choose from!
- For a twist on the tried-and-true date night concept of dinner and a movie, head to the Mission District's Foreign Cinema, which serves California-Mediterranean fare amid a charming atmosphere, with a patio draped in twinkling lights and classic films projected on a large wall.
- If traveling with kids, head to the Church of 8 Wheels for an evening skate session in a former church.
- Finally, enjoy a nightcap at Bix, where the swanky Art Deco décor makes for an elegant environment in which to imbibe classic cocktails done right.
Must Do In Fisherman’s Wharf
- Start your day with an invigorating espresso drink from Brazilian restaurant Cafe de Casa before taking a stroll down to Aquatic Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, join the Dolphin Club swimmers during public access day-use hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
- Take a stroll down Jefferson Street to see San Francisco’s incredible working waterfront - keep an eye out for Bear the deckhand, a German Shepherd that works aboard the Kitty Kat, the catamaran for San Francisco Whale Tours.
- For lunch, break bread at the flagship Boudin Bakery, home to San Francisco’s famous sourdough. In addition to serving breakfast, lunch, and all the fresh bread anyone could dream of, here you can also watch the bakers at work turning the mother dough into their iconic loaves. For a classic San Francisco seafood experience, head over to Scoma’s for a meal right on the water. Another option is just across the road - the only In-N-Out Burger in all of San Francisco, a California classic that cannot be missed.
- Dive into the past by popping into the Musée Mécanique, a delightful collection of antique and vintage coin-operated arcade games, many of which contain relics of San Francisco history. It’s free to enter and explore, but the games do require payment to play.
- Take in a one-of-a-kind view from the SkyStar Wheel, perched right on the water’s edge - especially magnificent during sunset. It costs $19 to ride. Then, continue on to Pier 39, which features incredible restaurants and snacking, including Trish’s Mini Donuts, entertaining stores of every variety, and of course, the famous colony of sea lions that took up residence following the 1989 earthquake.
- In the evening, take the Alcatraz Night Tour for a quieter, after-hours look at this infamous island and prison, and watch City light up on the return boat ride.
- For dinner, take a turn through Ghirardelli Square, grabbing a meal at Broad Street Oyster Co. or Palette Tea House before enjoying a classic ice cream sundae at the recently renovated Ghirardelli chocolate shop.
- Cap off your stay at The Buena Vista, a bar famous for introducing Irish coffee to the U.S. in the 1950s after much experimentation to perfect the recipe.
Must Do In San Francisco
- Dive into the iconic highlight of the city by biking across the Golden Gate Bridge. From the hotel, it's about eight miles to Sausalito, the charming seaside community on the other side of the bridge. You can take this opportunity to explore nearby Muir Woods, a national monument with old-growth coastal redwoods, some of which tower over 250 feet. Ride back to San Francisco or take a ferry - a truly scenic way to return to the city.
- Then it's off to Lombard Street, known for being the "crookedest street in the world" with its eight hairpin turns. Hop on a cable car, San Francisco's legendary, 150-year old form of transportation - a single ride runs $8, but a day pass for all Muni transit is only $14 - and head toward North Beach, aka Little Italy, where you can grab a slice at Tony's Pizza Napoletana, famed for its award-winning margherita pizza. Be on the lookout for the city’s famous flock of wild parrots while in the neighborhood.
- Head into the famous City Lights Bookstore to experience the still-beating heart of San Francisco’s Beat Culture, and grab a book or two as a unique souvenir.
- Since you’re right next to historic Chinatown - the largest Chinatown outside of Asia - take a stroll down the lantern-decorated Grant Street, and find the alleyway hiding the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory; after all, these iconic post-meal treats were invented in San Francisco.
- Hail a driverless Waymo for an autonomous ride to Alamo Square to see the photogenic Painted Ladies, a row of gorgeous pastel-hued Queen Anne-style homes. Nearby, spend time exploring Haight-Ashbury, the neighborhood that was the epicenter of the 1960s counterculture movement that still feels like the Summer of Love. Don't miss Amoeba Music, a bowling alley turned record shop that also hosts live shows.
- When planning dinner, remember San Francisco is home to a thriving culinary scene, from old school spots like the House of Prime Rib and Tadich Grill (make sure to get reservations well in advance), to Michelin-starred wonders like Atelier Crenn and the newly added Four Kings.
- Take time to explore some of San Francisco's many incredible museums, like the Exploratorium, de Young Museum, Walt Disney Family Museum, and the Asian Art Museum.