Planning your first trip to the Bay Area? This 7-day San Francisco itinerary is your ultimate guide to exploring the city beyond the postcards. Instead of simply ticking off the Golden Gate Bridge and riding cable cars, this curated week is about discovering San Francisco’s soul—through its neighborhoods, its flavors, and the locals who shape them.
Experience the stories painted on alley walls, food rooted in heritage, and views that stretch from foggy hilltops to the glittering Bay. From Afro-Latin fusion dinners to serene Japanese tea tastings, vintage record stores to sweeping coastal hikes, this San Francisco itinerary blends the iconic with the unexpected.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you’ll experience the city the way locals do – through flavor, history, art, and a whole lot of fog.
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San Francisco Travel Tips
When’s the best time to visit San Francisco?
The best time to visit San Francisco is early fall – September to October, when the fog tends to lift and days are reliably warm, clear, and golden. That said, July and August, while cooler than you’d expect for summer, are still great for exploring. The key is dressing smart: layer up. Mornings and evenings can feel chilly (thanks to that infamous marine layer), but afternoons often surprise you with sun.
Pro tip: locals joke that “the coldest winter you’ll ever spend is a summer in San Francisco.” A light jacket or scarf is your year-round best friend here.
How do you get around?
San Francisco is compact, but its hills are no joke – so it’s smart to mix walking with transit. If you’re wondering how to get around San Francisco, the Clipper Card (or Clipper app) is your bestie. It gives you seamless access to Muni buses, light rail, cable cars, and even BART if you’re coming in from the airport or East Bay.
- Cable cars are more scenic than efficient, but worth the ride at least once – especially the Powell-Hyde or California Street lines.
- Uber and Lyft are widely available and handy for quick cross-city jumps. You can take a Waymo to experience the magic of self-driving cars.
- Biking is possible (and there are rental services like Lime and Bay Wheels) – just double-check your route if hills aren’t your thing.
Pro tip: download Google Maps and toggle on the “public transport” view for upcoming schedules and route guidance.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
If you’re looking for a stay that’s stylish, central, and full of personality, check into Hotel Zetta. Tucked into the heart of SoMa, it’s the perfect launchpad for exploring every corner of the city – from the Mission’s murals to Japantown’s matcha.
Inside, Hotel Zetta feels like a creative retreat, with an industrial-chic design, bold local art, and an entire mezzanine decked out in vintage arcade games. Rooms are modern and tech-friendly, but with just the right dose of funk and comfort. Downstairs, the on-site bar and lounge makes it tempting to linger longer, especially after a long day on your feet.
It’s the kind of stay that’s just trendy enough, with everything you need to feel at home.
Here’s a day-by-day San Francisco itinerary that balances iconic sights with off-the-beaten-path discoveries.
Day 1: Arrival + Ferry Building to North Beach
Kick the trip off with a taste of the city at the Ferry Building Marketplace, a must for food lovers. Stroll the aisles or join a guided food tour with Edible Excursions to sample artisan cheese, fresh oysters, and small-batch chocolate while learning about the vendors’ stories. Head behind the Ferry Building after the tour for amazing views of the Bay Bridge!
After lunch, head north into North Beach, San Francisco’s Italian quarter and literary heart. Climb the lush Filbert Steps to Coit Tower, where panoramic views of the entire city meet WPA-era murals. Then wander to City Lights Bookstore, which helped shape the Beat Generation. A quiet stop at Ina Coolbrith Park offers a peaceful moment with views of the Bay and Bay Bridge.
Dinner takes place at Cavaña Rooftop, a stylish Latin American restaurant with views that stretch from Sutro Tower to the waterfront.
Day 2: A Citywide Tour with a Local Twist + Golden Gate Views
Start early in the morning with a full-day rental from GoCar Tours. These GPS-guided three-wheelers lead you through neighborhoods and share fun narration along the way. Suggested stops include the Painted Ladies, Golden Gate Park, Lombard Street, and the Palace of Fine Arts.
For an unforgettable view of the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the early stops of the tour is at Fort Point – a historic military outpost tucked directly beneath the bridge’s southern arch. The vantage point is stunning, and currently, it’s also home to Black Gold: Stories Untold, a powerful exhibit spotlighting African American contributions to California’s early history.
In the evening, head downtown for dinner at International Smoke, a collaboration between Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry. Think globally inspired grilled dishes and a buzzy, modern setting.
Day 3: Cable Cars, Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square
Start your day in Union Square, the city’s central plaza surrounded by hotels, galleries, and landmark department stores. Even if you’re not shopping, the area is worth a stroll – palm trees, modern art, and that unmistakable urban hum make it a nice snapshot of downtown San Francisco.
From there, make your way to the Powell Street cable car turnaround at the intersection of Powell and Market St., where you’ll hop aboard the Powell-Hyde line. The ride itself is a highlight – wooden benches, clanging bells, and thrilling dips down steep hills. It’s not just transportation; it’s a rolling open-air time capsule.
As the car climbs Nob Hill and descends toward the bay, keep your camera ready. One of the most iconic views comes at California & Powell, where the tracks lead your eyes straight down to the water, with the Bay Bridge faintly visible in the distance.
After the scenic ride, you’ll arrive at Fisherman’s Wharf. While yes, it’s touristy, there’s still plenty of charm to uncover here.
Pier 39 Fun
Stroll over to Pier 39 to see the resident sea lions lounging and barking on floating docks. If you’re feeling curious, pop into Aquarium of the Bay for underwater tunnels and native marine life. For something more offbeat, Musée Mécanique offers a truly unique experience with its vintage coin-operated machines, love testers, and mechanical music boxes.
From the pier, take the short waterfront walk to Ghirardelli Square, where you can indulge in a world-famous sundae at the Ghirardelli Ice Cream Shop. It’s the ultimate treat-yourself moment, with views of the bay right outside the shop.
For lunch, grab a seat at Fog Harbor Fish House for sustainable seafood and Golden Gate views, or keep things casual with a warm sourdough bowl from Boudin Bakery Café.
If time and weather allow, consider an early evening sunset bay cruise – many boats leave from this area and glide past Alcatraz, beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, and back just in time for dinner or a final walk along the wharf.
This San Francisco itinerary isn’t just about landmarks – it’s about neighborhood textures, flavors, and moments that define the city.
Day 4: Hidden Gems in the Fillmore & Japantown
After several days of sweeping views and iconic sights, today is all about slowing down and soaking up two of San Francisco’s most culturally rich neighborhoods – Japantown and the Fillmore District.
Start your morning with a quiet stroll through Japantown, one of only three remaining in the U.S. It’s compact, serene, and packed with beautiful details. Pop into Paper Tree for handmade washi paper and Japanese stationery, flip through manga at Kinokuniya Bookstore, and admire vintage woodblock prints at Tokaido Arts.
Need a mid-morning recharge? Head to ChaTo for a tea tasting flight, paired with handmade ceramics and a peaceful atmosphere.
In the afternoon, make your way over to the Fillmore District, once known as the Harlem of the West. This historically Black neighborhood was once home to legends like Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington. While it’s changed over the decades, the cultural legacy still lingers.
Browse local goods at In the Black Market, a 100% Black-owned collective offering everything from skincare to homewares and artisan-made gifts. Then walk over for a cone and a friendly convo at Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream – a local favorite serving scoops since the ’90s, with 100+ flavors from ube to butter pecan. Stop at the African American Arts & Culture Complex to see the gorgeous open-air mural gallery, honoring Black culture through artistic expression.
As evening falls, grab rooftop cocktails at Starlite, a moody-luxe hideaway with skyline views and standout mixology. Then head to Meski, an Afro-Latin fusion spot blending Ethiopian flavors with Latin soul food in a cozy, contemporary setting.
It’s a day full of cultural crosscurrents, creative energy, and a quieter side of the city that deserves just as much love as the main attractions.
Day 5: Dim Sum, Painted Walls & Tradition in Chinatown
Today is devoted to Chinatown – the oldest and one of the most vibrant in North America. Begin with dim sum at Hon’s Wun-Tun House or grab a box of steamed buns from Good Mong Kok Bakery.
Wander Ross Alley to discover the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where cookies are hand-folded fresh. Then browse loose-leaf teas at Red Blossom Tea Company and handpainted silk robes at KIM+ONO.
Spot murals along Grant Avenue, including the popular Bruce Lee Mural at the corner of Grant Ave. and Commercial St.. End with a moment at Portsmouth Square, the cultural and historical heart of the neighborhood.
Day 6: Morning Hike & Mission District Murals
Begin the day with a morning hike up Bernal Heights Park, often above the fog line. The views are spectacular, and if you’re lucky, the iconic rope swing will be there, swaying above the city skyline.
Then dive into the Mission District, a neighborhood known for its Latinx roots, colorful street art, and indie shops. Be sure to visit Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley, home to some of the most powerful Mission District murals in San Francisco. Then pop into local shops to browse their collections:
- Dying Breed for local streetwear
- Precita Eyes Muralists Studio to spot art and buy local postcards, hoodies, books and artwork
- Luz De Luna for a beautifully colorful selection of Mexican art, jewelry, spiritual treasures and handcrafts
Stroll Valencia Street for eclectic shopping: handcrafted sweets at Dandelion Chocolate, and oddities at Paxton Gate.
Dinner at Loló delivers Jaliscan-Californian small plates in a maximalist setting.
Day 7: Last Stroll + Breakfast
Wrap up your San Francisco trip with a mellow morning in Haight-Ashbury, the neighborhood where the Summer of Love began and tie-dye never really left. Even if you’ve only got an hour or two before heading out, it’s worth a quick stop for breakfast and a bit of vintage treasure hunting.
Start your morning with something cozy and caffeinated at Coffee to the People, a funky local café filled with bulletin boards, books, and good bagels. Or, grab a table at Pork Store Café for a classic diner-style breakfast and hearty portions.
After breakfast, stroll along Haight Street for a few final stops. Haight-Ashbury is known for the best vintage shopping.
- Amoeba Music: a cavernous, iconic record store and cultural landmark with vinyl, posters, merch, and that unmistakable old-school vibe. Even if you’re not buying, it’s worth a browse.
- Kimono Dave: a hidden gem offering authentic vintage Japanese kimonos, robes, and silk jackets. Tucked away and completely unique, it’s one of those “only in San Francisco” finds.
- Decades of Fashion: a theatrical vintage shop packed with genuine clothing from the 1880s through the 1980s. Whether you’re into flapper dresses or glam rock jackets, this place delivers.
Before heading out, don’t forget to snap a photo beneath the iconic Haight & Ashbury street sign.
Then it’s time to grab your bags and head home! Hopefully with a tote full of souvenirs and a phone full of fog-drenched, mural-covered, rooftop-view memories. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to rediscover your favorites, this San Francisco itinerary is designed to help you explore the city like a local – one mural, meal, and view at a time.
