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San Francisco Itineraries: Several Suggested Ideas to Plan Your Stay
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: July 6, 2025
Before I visit any new city, I love setting up a rough itinerary for each day. I want to make sure I don't miss any attractions and that I get the chance to try the best restaurants and local cuisines. I usually spend hours (or sometimes days!) trying to get everything in place.
I've learned that I'm not the only one that loves to build a daily itinerary. My visitors often ask questions about their plans and the best way to tackle everything there is to see in the city.
Due to so many requests, I decided to build several one-day and multi-day San Francisco itineraries for you to use. Each one includes a detailed walking route with tips and a few alternative options along the way.
Most include quite a bit of walking, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. You will also want to bring along a few layers of clothing as the weather in the city can change from one neighborhood to the next.
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One-Day San Francisco Itinerary
In this one-day itinerary, you will visit Lombard Street (our postcard-perfect crooked street), visit Alcatraz (the infamous former federal prison), have lunch in Fisherman's Wharf, stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge, and take a cable car to Union Square.
It's the perfect way to plan a short stay in San Francisco.
>> Check out this one-day itinerary for those traveling with kids
Two-Day Itinerary
With two full days in San Francisco, you get to spend a little longer checking out a few more of our top attractions and neighborhoods.
In addition to the One-Day Itinerary activities, you'll also get to marvel at the historic Palace of Fine Arts, discover the delicious food and cultural treasures of Chinatown, and visit Coit Tower before finishing with the perfect Italian dinner and nightlife options in North Beach.
>> Discover this two-day itinerary
>> Here's a great weekend itinerary for those traveling with kids
Three-Day Itinerary
If you have a third day to add on, you will head to Golden Gate Park to spend some time in our most popular museum, the California Academy of Sciences. You will also explore the Japanese Tea Garden and then head to the Mission District to check out its top attractions.
>> See what's in store on Day Three
Four-Day Itinerary
If you have a fourth day, I suggest visiting our incredible Asian Art Museum, stepping inside SF's beautiful City Hall, and then checking out the famous Painted Ladies of Alamo Square.
One-Day San Francisco Itineraries for Our Top Districts
The Perfect Day in Fisherman's Wharf
This neighborhood is the most popular for visitors not only for its waterfront views but for its many fun attractions and activities.
Favorites include Pier 39 for watching the sea lions, Ghirardelli Square for boutique shopping and gourmet treats, and the many museums and entertainment centers in the area.
From Fisherman's Wharf, you can also hop on a cruise of the San Francisco Bay or a ferry to Alcatraz Island.
>> Fisherman's Wharf in One Day
The Perfect Day in Chinatown
I often refer to Chinatown as a 'city within a city.' The moment you step inside this colorful and bustling district, you will feel the excitement as if you just arrived in another country.
My 'perfect day' itinerary for Chinatown includes a visit to several working temples, the best places to sample Dim Sum, see the ornate Dragon Gate, and tips on where to shop for inexpensive items along Grant Avenue.
The Perfect Day in Nob Hill and Russian Hill
The Nob and Russian Hill districts sit side-by-side on top of two steep hills. I love the beauty of both neighborhoods and all the fun things there are to see.
Your one-day tour for these two districts includes a visit to Grace Cathedral, the Cable Car Museum, and Lombard Street. It also includes a couple of hidden gems that you might not visit otherwise.
>> Nob Hill & Russian Hill One-Day Tour
The Perfect Day in the Mission
When I visit the Mission District, I can't wait to see its beautiful murals and sample its tasty (yet inexpensive) Mexican cuisine. It's another colorful and vibrant district that is a must-see.
On my 'perfect day' in the Mission, I take you through the oldest building in San Francisco, stroll around Mission Dolores Park, walk you down the path to find dozens of murals, and introduce you to some of the best places to eat.
The Perfect Day in Pacific Heights
When I think of 'classic' San Francisco, the Pacific Heights neighborhood comes to mind. With its beautiful Victorian homes and multi-million-dollar mansions, it's the SF you see on TV and in the movies.
In Pacific Heights, I introduce you to Billionaire's Row, the gorgeous Lyon Street Stairs, and the historic Haas Lilienthal House. You also get the chance to do a little shopping and savor meals from some of my favorite restaurants.
>> The Perfect Day in Pacific Heights
The Perfect Day in the Marina
Sitting right on the San Francisco Bay, the Marina District is another amazing neighborhood. It offers incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the shores of Sausalito.
On today's adventure, you will walk on the Golden Gate Bridge, stroll the shores of Crissy Field, create a picture-perfect moment at the Palace of Fine Arts (built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition), and discover everything the Fort Mason Center has to offer.
The Perfect Day in Golden Gate Park
In this 1,000+ acre beauty, you will find more than a dozen SF attractions. You could spend several days here without seeing it all!
On my one-day self-guided tour, you get the chance to visit the California Academy of Sciences, admire the Japanese Tea Garden, and learn about the plants of the world in the San Francisco Botanical Gardens.
You also get the chance to try some great restaurants and hang with the locals in the neighboring Inner Sunset district.
The Perfect Day in Japantown
A small and often overlooked district in SF is Japantown. This cute area offers shopping for traditional Japanese items, yummy Japanese cuisine, and a history walk around the district.
On this one day tour, you will find out all there is to do in this neighborhood including the best places to shop, where to grab the tastiest lunch and how to participate in their free self-guided historical walking tour.
The Perfect Day in the Castro
Are you looking for the best way to experience SF's famed queer district in just one day? This colorful neighborhood offers shopping, an LGBT+ dedicated museum and a few other fun attractions.
Come along with me as I take you through this fun yet sometimes controversial area. Along the way, you will visit some of the most talked-about places, such as the Castro Theater, and learn about its most famous former resident, Harvey Milk.
The Perfect Day in the Haight-Ashbury District
Step back in time on this one-day walking tour around the Haight-Ashbury District. This popular SF neighborhood hosted the 1967 Summer of Love Festival and was also home to many famous musicians of the time.
During this self-guided tour, I will introduce you the Haight's gorgeous Victorians, take you by the houses where some of its famous residents lived, and show you the amazing views from the top of Buena Vista Park.
I'll also give you recommendations on where to eat and shop and a few other tips to make the most out of your day here.
>> Visit the Haight-Ashbury in One Day
Hi, I’m Jill!
I’ve been sharing San Francisco travel advice since 2009 and have helped millions of people explore the city like a local. Whether you’re dreaming of sea lions, cable cars, or a great sourdough bread bowl, I’m here to help you plan an unforgettable trip with real tips from someone who actually lives here.
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Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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