Best Itinerary for 5 Days in San Francisco, California

Today I want to bring you my California travel itinerary for 5 days in San Francisco. This famous place is one of the most popular cities to visit in the Golden State, and you can see and do a lot if you have nearly a week here. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the historic cable cars, Union Square, and Alcatraz, the City by the Bay has plenty to enjoy. Read on for my itinerary. I've included an interactive San Francisco map with all the places I mention as well.

5 Days in San Francisco

A lot of people ask me how to spend 5 days in San Francisco. When they do, I have a lot to share with them. You'll know that if you've seen San Francisco itineraries like my guide to spending 1 day in San Francisco, my 2-day San Francisco itinerary, my San Francisco itinerary for 3 days, and my 4-day itinerary for San Francisco.

A 5-day itinerary for San Francisco is great because it will allow you to fully experience the city's highlights, explore fun neighborhoods locals always hang out in, and take a day trip to somewhere nearby.

The City by the Bay is compact (it's only 7 miles by 7 miles) and walkable (if you can handle the hills...but my itinerary will keep you on fairly even ground when you're on foot), and you can see a lot in the better part of a week.

Whether you want to visit Golden Gate Park, ride a cable car, take a catamaran cruise on the San Francisco Bay, cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge, tour Alcatraz, shop, eat, drink, delve into SF's Gold Rush history, or do all of the above, there's no shortage of ways to spend your time while you're visiting.

My 5-day San Francisco itinerary is just the ticket for first-time visitors and people who haven't been here in a while. It will provide you with a high-level overview of the city and tempt you to come back and discover more on a future trip.

I've included a lot of options in the itinerary, so you can customize it to fit your travel style and individual interests. If you don't want to drive, you can do this entire 5-day itinerary for San Francisco without a car as well.

Where to Stay in the City by the Bay

If you're wondering where to stay in San Francisco, the city has a wide range of places to base yourself and accommodation for every taste and budget. If you want recommendations, you can take a look at my guide to the best area to stay in San Francisco for your style. It will help you decide which part of SF fits you best.

If you'd prefer to take my word for it, my favorite place to stay in San Francisco is Hotel Triton. It's in a convenient downtown location close to Union Square, and it has stylish decor and atmosphere. I've stayed here before and I can personally vouch for how good it is. You can book a room here.

If you're interested in seeing more options for accommodation in San Francisco, you can take a look at some of the most popular hotels in the city here. There are lots of good options to choose from, and you're sure to find one that checks all your boxes.

Day 1 in San Francisco: Morning

My 5-day itinerary for San Francisco starts at my all-time favorite spot in the city (and one of my favorite places in the world): the Ferry Building. If you're lucky enough to be here on a Saturday, you'll find yourself at the famous Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market (there's also a smaller version on Tuesdays and Thursdays).

This is one of the best and most delicious food markets in California. You'll find a wide range of food and drinks in the shops and stalls in and around the historic building on The Embarcadero waterfront. They sell everything from ready-to-eat meals to seasonal produce and sweet treats to take home as souvenirs.

The chilaquiles from the Primavera stand are my go-to breakfast every time I'm here (and I'm here a lot). I also love the cupcakes at Miette.

If you're not here on a market day, you can still go to the Ferry Building in the morning. You'll be able to get a coffee at a place like Blue Bottle or Red Bay Coffee. You can find something to eat for breakfast at one of the many restaurants, shops, or cafes, too.

When you leave the Ferry Building, you can walk outside and board the F train. If you're lucky, you'll get the chance to ride in a vintage carriage from a famous city somewhere around the world. The F line is known for them, and they come in a range of fun colors and styles.

This classic SF streetcar route will whisk you north along waterfront. You'll be able to take in the views of the city's many piers, hilltop landmarks like Coit Tower, and fun places like the interactive Exploratorium science museum as you go.

Toward the end you'll come to Fisherman's Wharf. You can either spend time exploring the area or walk through it to reach the Aquatic Park and Ghirardelli Square.

Fisherman's Wharf is home to everything from the famous Pier 39 to restaurants offering local Dungeness crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls. You can find the SkyStar Wheel and museums like Madame Tussauds here as well.

SF residents don't usually spend time in this area (many see it as touristy), but it's popular with visitors (especially children), so I'm including it in my 5-day San Francisco itinerary. If nothing else, it's worth a visit to see the famous resident sea lions at Pier 39 (you'll smell them and hear their barking before you see them).

Additionally, Fisherman's Wharf is where you'll find the only location of California's popular In-N-Out Burger in the city center. It's a great place to stop if you want to try the famous fast food (remember to look up the secret menu before you go).

I'm also including this part of the city in my 5-day SF itinerary because while you're in the area you can take a ferry to Alcatraz or go on a bay cruise. They're two of the most popular things to do in San Francisco, and they're definitely worth it.

Just keep in mind that you'll need to book tickets well in advance because they regularly sell out. You can book Alcatraz tickets here and a bay cruise here.

After exploring Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, you can walk over to Aquatic Park. This waterfront area offers sweeping views and a beach from which you can see the curving pier and historic ships moored in Aquatic Cove. You might even spot some brave swimmers near the shore. I even saw a merman once (or a guy dressed like one, anyway!).

Behind you is Ghirardelli Square. This place is known for its historic ice cream factory. There are boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues here, too. If you're hungry, it's a good place to stop for lunch. If not, your dessert stomach will probably find room for a hot fudge sundae.

Day 1 in San Francisco: Afternoon

When you leave Ghirardelli Square, you can kick off the first afternoon of your 5 days in San Francisco with a short walk over to the Powell / Hyde cable car stop at the intersection of Hyde Street and Beach Street.

Before boarding the iconic trolley, you can make a quick detour into The Buena Vista if you'd like to. This local institution is known for its Irish coffee. Locals and visitors love coming to this place to have a drink and soak up the historic atmosphere.

Once you're on the cable car, you can ride it up into Russian Hill and through Nob Hill to get to Union Square in downtown San Francisco. If you're interested, you can get off mid-way at the landmark red-brick stretch of Lombard Street and walk down the stairs past its eight winding curves.

This block of Lombard is said to be the "crookedest street in the world". You'll get to see amazing views of North Beach, Coit Tower, Telegraph Hill, and the Bay Bridge from the cable car stop at the top. The impressive houses on this part of the street are worth stopping to admire as well.

Back aboard the cable car, you can take in the city's classic scenery as you ride to Union Square. When you get there, you can pop into the square to see what's on. There are always seasonal events and installations here, including festive holiday decorations in San Francisco in December.

This part of downtown is a popular place to eat, drink, and shop, too. Whether you want to go to some of the city's main department stores, eat lunch, or take a coffee break, there are plenty things to do around Union Square.

When you leave the area, you can make your way over to Grant Avenue and pass through the Dragon Gate to walk through Chinatown. This neighborhood has a lot of history, and you'll find souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes galore. There are colorful murals and lots of noteworthy architectural details to take in while you're here, too.

Keep walking down Grant Avenue in Chinatown until you reach the intersection with Broadway and Columbus. Now you'll be in North Beach, one of the most popular places to visit in the city. This neighborhood is known for both its Italian roots and its Beat Generation connections.

You can walk down Columbus Avenue to take in the scene, browse at iconic shops like City Lights Bookstore, see the green flatiron Columbus Tower (aka The Sentinel Building), take in the pointy form of the landmark Transamerica Pyramid, and admire Saints Peter and Paul Church.

If you have time, it's worth wandering down the stretch of Grant Avenue in North Beach as well. It's home to a lot of my favorite local restaurants, shops, and bars. They can sometimes be better than the ones on Columbus, a number of which are seen by locals as a bit touristy. You can even walk up to Coit Tower if you're game for hitting the hills.

While you're in North Beach, Washington Square is worth seeing. This green space is a pleasant place to take in the atmosphere and rest your legs if you need a break from walking (there are lots of cute dogs here, too).

Day 1 in San Francisco: Evening

When evening comes, continue the first of your 5 days in San Francisco with an early dinner in North Beach. My go-to restaurants here are Da Flora and Trattoria Contadina. The former is all romance, and the food is top-notch. The latter is a lively Italian number that's popular with locals. If you want something quick and simple, Tony's Pizza Napoletana is perfect.

After dinner, you can stroll over to Green Street to see Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi. This fun show is not only a love letter to the City by the Bay, but also an exciting performance featuring impressive acrobatics and daring acts of courage. I've seen it multiple times, and I keep going back. You can book tickets here.

If you want to go out after the performance, there are plenty of places you can get a drink in North Beach or Chinatown. My favorites include Cold Drinks Bar, which has delicious cocktails and a stylish atmosphere, and The Saloon, which is not only one of the oldest operational taverns in San Francisco, but also one of the top blues bars in the city.

If you want something really local, head to Northstar. This no-frills dive bar is right across the street from Club Fugazi. It's a favorite with many local residents (some of my friends practically live here).

If you're in the mood for a place with a sense of history and character, Cafe Vesuvio is just the thing. This spot was popular with Beat Generation legends like Neal Cassady, Allen Ginsberg, and Jack Kerouac. The atmosphere and eclectic decor show off its countercultural roots.

Day 2 in San Francisco: Morning

The next morning you can continue your 5-day itinerary for San Francisco by making your way out to the Golden Gate Bridge or taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour (it will also bring you to the bridge).

If you want to go independently, you can drive, take a taxi, board a bus, or rent a bike to get to the bridge. It's worth a special trip to see it in all its glory (just be ready for fog if you visit San Francisco in summer). Some of my favorite views of the Golden Gate Bridge are from Battery Marcus Miller and Battery Cranston on the west side, but it's hard to go wrong.

While you're here, you can walk along the trails in the Presidio if you want to see sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you go southwest on the Batteries to Bluffs Trail or southeast toward Crissy Field, you'll be treated to impressive vistas of the Marin Headlands.

If you rent a bike, you can cycle across the bridge and all the way down to Sausalito in Marin County. This waterfront town has spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline and fun shops and restaurants to discover. It's a steep ride back to the city, so the best way to return is by ferry from Sausalito.

If you want to visit the bridge on a tour, you can book a ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus here. It's fun to ride it though San Francisco and take in sightseeing highlights like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Transamerica Pyramid, Haight-Ashbury, and Fisherman's Wharf.

Day 2 in San Francisco: Afternoon

Whether you visit the bridge independently or on a bus tour, you can head to Alamo Square Park when you're done. This green space is beloved for the Victorian houses (aka Painted Ladies) that border its east side.

If you head up the hill in the park, you'll be rewarded with increasingly stunning views of the skyscrapers in downtown San Francisco behind them.

Don't miss the rest of Alamo Square, either. There are beautiful Victorian houses on all sides, and a view of Sutro Tower from the southwest area of the park. If you need your caffeine fix, the Lady Falcon Coffee Club truck sits in the center of the square from Thursday to Sunday. It serves delicious drinks from its cute vintage windows.

When you leave Alamo Square Park, walk down the hill on Hayes Street to reach Hayes Valley. This neighborhood is just the place to browse some of the city's coolest independent shops and eat lunch at one of the area's many restaurants and cafes.

From the stylish boutiques on Hayes to the park and outdoor gym on Octavia and the delicious restaurants on Gough, there's no shortage of things to do and eat in this part of the City by the Bay.

If you have time and interest, you can also walk over to Van Ness Avenue and check out City Hall, the War Memorial Opera House, and Davies Symphony Hall. The Asian Art Museum is just behind them if you want to get your culture fix, too.

Day 2 in San Francisco: Evening

After eating and shopping your way through Hayes Valley, walk down Gough Street, then turn right on Market and left on Valencia to get to The Mission. This neighborhood is known for its hipster vibe, award-winning Mexican food, colorful murals, rich history, and cool bars. It's the perfect area to spend an afternoon and evening in San Francisco.

Valencia Street is the best place to start in the Mission. It's where you can find many of the area's most beloved independent cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars. From clothing stores to chocolate cafes and trendy places to eat, there's no shortage of spots to get excited about here.

Depending how early you arrive, you can also head over to Dolores Street to see Mission Dolores and Dolores Park. The former dates back to the 18th century (that's old for California), and it's the oldest intact building in San Francisco. The latter is a green space with scenic views of the city. It gets busy with locals on warm days.

When evening approaches, you have lots of options for dinner. If you want a burrito, La Taqueria on Mission Street is a classic. If you're after something hip, Good Good Culture Club serves creative dishes and fun cocktails, and Foreign Cinema screens independent movies on a huge wall in its outdoor courtyard. They all serve delicious food, too.

If you're after a Michelin-starred experience, Lazy Bear is my go-to. If you're looking for somewhere with a special wine list, Heirloom Cafe is just the ticket. And if you want a local staple, Delfina is one of the most popular restaurants in this part of San Francisco.

Before and after dinner, there are lots of bars you can go to. Whether you're looking for something new and trendy or a tried-and-tested dive, the Mission has a watering hole for everyone.

From local favorites like Lone Palm to craft beer places like Southern Pacific Brewing and cool cocktail bars like Trick Dog and True Laurel, you have plenty of options. They're fun places to start and end your evening in the City by the Bay.

Day 3 in San Francisco: Morning

The next morning you can continue your itinerary for 5 days in San Francisco with a trip to Haight-Ashbury (call it "The Haight" if you want to fit in with the locals). This is the perfect area to get into San Francisco's 1960s countercultural past and see the landmark intersection of Haight and Ashbury.

There are plenty of shops to browse here, not to mention lots of places for breakfast or coffee. From famous vintage clothing stores to cool souvenir shops, hippie cafes, and long-established restaurants, there's no shortage of places to keep you busy here.

While you're in the neighborhood, you can walk over to 710 Ashbury Street to see the Grateful Dead house. This was the band's headquarters in the late '60s, and they were here during the Summer of Love in 1967.

The famous Four Seasons Houses are nearby at 1300-1328 Waller Street as well. This colorful row of Queen Anne-style homes has facades representing winter, spring, summer, and fall. Built by shipwright John Whelan in 1896, they still look a lot like they did in the late 19th century.

When you leave Haight-Ashbury, it's a short walk to Golden Gate Park. There's a lot to see and do on the east end of this enormous green space, from the Conservatory of Flowers to the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, the Japanese Tea Garden, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, and Blue Heron Lake (formerly Stow Lake).

You can spend as long as you'd like to discovering the park, and you can eat lunch here as well. There are food trucks, museum cafes, and other places where you can get something to eat. If it's a nice day, you can even pick up food in The Haight and have a picnic. If it's not, you can walk up to Clement Street or down to Irving Street and find a place to eat.

Day 3 in San Francisco: Afternoon

When you leave Golden Gate Park, you can drive or take a bus or taxi to Lands End. Located in the northwestern corner of the city, this outdoor area is full of coastal trails with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, rocky beaches, and the Pacific Ocean. You can walk around here and take in the scenery in the afternoon.

You'll find the Legion of Honor in this part of SF, too. It's an ideal place to go if you like art. The museum hosts regular exhibitions, and it's worth checking to see what's on before you visit San Francisco. Just make sure to book tickets in advance, as exhibitions here can sell out.

Day 3 in San Francisco: Evening

After walking around Lands End, you can either make your way to Ocean Beach for dinner or head back toward downtown. The former is home to the beloved Beach Chalet restaurant. It's a fun place to eat if you want to enjoy views of the water while you dine. If you can time it to catch the sunset, even better.

The latter will give you plenty of options. You can live like a local in the Outer Richmond, where there are lots of fun restaurants on Balboa Street. You can also head to the Inner Richmond, where Clement Street is home to beloved spots like Burma Superstar.

Farther east, you can stop off on Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights to eat at places like The Tailor's Son, Little Shucker, or State Bird Provisions. Fillmore is near Japantown, which is home to great restaurants like Nari and An.

Still heading east, Van Ness is home to the famous House of Prime Rib, and Russian Hill has great restaurants and bars like Frascati on Hyde Street and Bar Iris on Polk Street. If you want to return to Hayes Valley, Robin serves amazing sushi. It's right by Smuggler's Cove, one of the world's most famous bars.

If you make it all the way to Nob Hill or downtown SF without stopping for dinner, you can go to an iconic tiki bar like the Tonga Room, have dinner at a classic place like Tadich Grill, or go to a contemporary favorite like Quince or Kokkari Estiatorio. Whatever you decide, you'll end your third day in the city on a delicious note.

Day 4 in San Francisco

The next morning, you can continue your 5 days in San Francisco with a day trip. California is full of exciting places to discover, and there's something for every taste, interest, and budget. There are plenty of day tours you can go on if you don't have a car. You can see options and book one here.

If you love the outdoors, you can visit Muir Woods National Monument. It's famous for its giant redwood trees and extensive network of trails. It's a great place to visit if you want to get into nature near the city. You can book a day tour here.

You can also go hiking in the Marin Headlands, on the Peninsula, up Mount Tamalpais, along the Cataract Falls Trail, around Angel Island, or elsewhere. You can get ideas in my blog post about the best hiking trails in the Bay Area.

If you're really ambitious and you don't mind a long drive, you can take a day trip to Yosemite National Park. There's a lot to see and do here, from the stunning views of Yosemite Valley to waterfall hikes like the Mist Trail. You can book a day tour here.

If wine tasting sounds like your glass of Pinot Noir, Napa or Sonoma (or both) is the perfect day trip for you. If you love Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay, a day trip to Napa is just the thing. Spending one day in Napa will allow you to see a lot, and there are plenty of Napa itineraries you can follow.

If you're more of a Pinot Noir or Zinfandel fan, you'll love taking a day trip to Sonoma. From the best wineries in Dry Creek Valley to vineyards in Russian River and tasting rooms in downtown Healdsburg, there's no shortage of Sonoma itineraries you can enjoy. If you want to visit both Napa and Sonoma, you can follow my itinerary or book a day tour here.

If you want to go to the beach, there are loads of fun coastal day trips you can take. From Half Moon Bay to Bolinas, Stinson Beach, Pescadero, and Santa Cruz, there are lots of places you can spend a day on the Pacific Ocean. You can even go to Monterey and Carmel if you're up for a longer drive. You can book a day tour here.

If cities are your passion, Oakland and Berkeley are just across the bay from SF. You can reach them on public transport via BART, too. Whether you want to take a day trip to Berkeley to see the famous university or spend a day discovering the best of downtown Oakland, you'll have a great time. If you're up for going farther away, Sacramento is another good option.

If you like charming waterfront towns, Sausalito and Tiburon are easy places to visit. These gems in the North Bay are easy to get to by ferry from San Francisco. They're perfect places to shop, eat, and soak up the views of the city skyline and Angel Island.

South of San Francisco, Silicon Valley is a popular day trip for those into in all things tech. The Computer History Museum in Mountain View and Tech Interactive in San Jose are ideal places to visit. Elsewhere in the area, downtown Palo Alto and Stanford University are fun and accessible from the city on the CalTrain rail line.

You can see more ideas in my blog post about day trips from San Francisco. It has lots of inspiration, and you're bound to find a place that fits your personal interests and travel style.

Day 5 in San Francisco: Morning

The next morning, you can continue your 5 days in San Francisco with a trip to the Marina. Chestnut Street is full of great places to get coffee and breakfast, not to mention fun shops and boutiques to discover. I lived just off this street for 3 years, and it's still one of my favorites in the city.

My top pick for a place to have breakfast here is Cracked & Battered. It serves delicious pancakes and favorites like fried chicken and waffles. If you're looking to get your caffeine fix, the Coffee Roastery is a neighborhood classic.

When you leave Chestnut Street, make your way to the Palace of Fine Arts. This local landmark was built for a 1915 world’s fair called the Panama Pacific International Exposition. The event commemorated the city’s resurgence following the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire that destroyed large parts of San Francisco.

The Palace of Fine Arts was so popular it was left intact when many other structures from the exposition were taken down to create the area that’s now the Marina. You can spend some time exploring the park, walking around the lake, and taking in the architecture.

As you go, you might recognize this as a filming location from famous movies set in San Francisco. Scenes from classics like The Rock and Vertigo were filmed here. You may see couples getting wedding portraits taken, too.

When you leave the Palace of Fine Arts, make your way to Crissy Field. This is a popular place to take in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Angel Island. You can check out the beach or walk all the way out to Fort Point and see the bridge from below if you want to.

Day 5 in San Francisco: Afternoon

Whatever you decide, when you're done make your way into the Presidio via the Tunnel Tops park. This national park site was an army post for three different nations over 218 years. Today it's part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

The Presidio is full of fun things to do and see. From Battery Bluff Park to The Walt Disney Family Museum, the Yoda Fountain, the golf course, Baker Beach, and the extensive network of trails, there's no shortage of ways to spend your time. There's even a historic pet cemetery and an old log cabin here.

You'll probably get hungry for lunch while you're in the Presidio. There are lots of options to satisfy your appetite. From the the food trucks on the Main Parade Lawn to Cafe RX and Sessions at the Presidio, there's a range of places you can eat.

When you've finished at the Presidio, exit via the eastern side of the park. Head up Lyon Street if you're south of Green Street and down Lyon Street if you're at or north of Broadway.

If you're coming from the south, you'll pass the house that stood in for the front of the school in the movie The Princess Diaries. If you're coming from the north, you'll pass the famous Billionaires' Row on Broadway.

Either way, you'll soon reach the Lyon Street Steps. Built in 1916 by famed architect Louis M. Upton, this is one of the best-known stairways in San Francisco. The views from the top are awe-inspiring (they're worth the climb up the 332 steps if you're coming from the bottom).

Day 5 in San Francisco: Evening

When you're done exploring the Lyon Street Steps, make your way to Cow Hollow's Union Street on foot, by car, in a taxi, or on a bus. The section of this road between Steiner Street and Gough Street is home to independent shops and beloved local restaurants.

While you're here it's worth walking down the stretch of Fillmore Street between Union and Lombard. This is another fun area with lots of great shops and bars. There also delicious restaurants and cafes here, including tried-and-true spots like Balboa Cafe and Michelin-starred numbers like Atelier Crenn.

You can have dinner while you're in Cow Hollow. There are classic places on Union Street like Perry's and trendy restaurants like Wildseed, Flores, and Blue Whale. Other favorites include Camino Alto and Casaro Osteria.

If you want sushi, walk down to Lombard Street and order from the special rolls menu at Zushi Puzzle (or for a real treat, book a spot at the sushi bar with Chef Roger). Just make sure to reserve in advance, as locals love this place.

When you're done with dinner, you have lots of options for places to go out. There are plenty of bars on Union Street and Fillmore Street, and more on nearby Polk Street in Russian Hill. They're great places to end your trip to San Francisco on a high note.

San Francisco Map

5-Day San Francisco Itinerary

I hope my 5-day San Francisco itinerary has helped you decide what to do while you're visiting this part of the Golden State. It's one of my favorite places in California, and it's worth spending the better part of a week here to experience the highlights and take a day trip.

There's lots more to do and see, too, so if you have time, it's worth staying even longer to see more of the city and the San Francisco Bay Area. Happy travels!

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