Pedestrian crosses a street in San Francisco

A week in San Francisco – Spending 5 to 7 days in San Francisco for first timers

San Francisco is the perfect destination for a long vacation.
By Katie Sagal

To help you make the most of your time in this amazing city, we’ve put together a week in San Francisco itinerary for first timers, covering a bunch of fun activities that you could choose from to build your perfect week-long trip or even 5 days in San Francisco.

Because of its rich cultural and artistic heritage, the museum scene in the City by the Bay is unbeatable. And when it comes to beautiful and distinctive architecture, the city has much to offer. Combine that with a plethora of delightful tours, cruises, and parks, and you’ve got a ton of great attraction options to choose from.

This itinerary includes popular attractions grouped by neighbourhood or type of activity, including:

  • Fisherman’s Wharf – Big Bus San Francisco Sightseeing Tour, Madame Tussauds, Aquarium of the Bay...
  • Golden Gate Park – California Academy of Science, de Young Museum...
  • Union Square & SoMa – SFMOMA, AT&T Park Tour, Bike Rental...
  • Theme Park Day – Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, California’s Great Adventure...
  • Wine Country Day – Full Day Wine Country Tour

Spending fewer days in San Francisco but still want some fun ideas? That’s okay – check out our 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days in San Francisco itineraries.

Save on Attraction Admission

Admission to many of these top San Francisco attractions and activities are included on the Go San Francisco® Card. This itinerary is just one of many ways to experience San Francisco. The Go San Francisco Card. give you the flexibility to choose which attractions to visit on the go. Depending on how many attractions you’d like to visit per day and which neighborhoods you want to tackle, this itinerary could easy fit into 5 days in San Francisco. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.

Fisherman’s Wharf Options to Add to Your Itinerary: Big Bus San Francisco Sightseeing Tour

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If you’re a first-time visitor to San Francisco, then a sightseeing bus tour should be a must on your itinerary. It’s one of the best ways to get a feel for where all the major attractions are and how the neighborhoods connect to one another. Choose a hop-on hop-off option for the flexibility to get off at places that interest you. Even better? Your ticket is good for 48 hours, so feel free to take your time! Getting In: Hop On Hop Off San Francisco Bus Tour tickets are included with the Go San Francisco Card.

Madame Tussauds San Francisco

No need to visit Hollywood to meet your favorite celebrities – just head to Madame Tussauds San Francisco to come face-to-face with musicians, actors, historical figures, and many more. With seven different themed areas that span the gamut from Hollywood to sports to music, you’re sure to find your personal fav. Getting In: Madame Tussauds San Francisco tickets are included with the Go San Francisco Card.

Escape From the Rock Cruise

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This informative and exciting 90-minute cruise provides a great opportunity to sail through the bay and around the notorious Alcatraz. Snap photos of the country’s most famous historic prison and enjoy unparalleled views of the sweeping city skyline. Kids will especially love the narration and sound effects that showcase the history of Alcatraz. Getting In: Escape From the Rock Cruise tickets are included with the Go San Francisco Card.

Aquarium of the Bay

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This singular aquarium focuses particularly on the marine life of the San Francisco Bay, giving you a special perspective on the fascinating plants and creatures that call this region home. A must-see exhibit at this attraction is the 300-foot-long clear glass tunnel system that winds under a tank filled with thousands of species and specimens. Getting In: Aquarium of the Bay tickets are included with the Go San Francisco Card.

Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise

This exciting and informative 90-minute cruise escorts visitors around the Bay, showcasing the top landmarks and sites of the region. Sights you’ll see on the tour include Alcatraz, Treasure Island, the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. Be sure your phone or camera is charged for this cruise! Getting In: Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise tickets are included with the Go San Francisco Card.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

 

Visit Ripley’s for a glimpse into a weird and wonderful world. Explore 400 different wacky exhibits (70 of which offer hands-on attributes) arranged in 18 themed galleries. You’ll marvel at real natural artifacts, man-made objects, wacky works of art, and much more. Kids always love a visit to Ripley’s. Getting In: Ripley’s Believe it or Not! San Francisco tickets are included with the Go San Francisco Card.

Musée Mécanique (free!)

A perfect pairing with Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, the Musée Mécanique features one of the most extensive private collections of mechanical musical instruments and antiques in the world. Their antique arcade machines are a particular highlight of the collections. A visit here is a certainly a walk down memory lane! Getting In: Admission to the Musée Mécanique is free.

Golden Gate Park Options to Add to Your Itinerary:California Academy of Sciences

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This unique attraction combines all of your favorite scientific institutions under one green roof: an aquarium, an all-digital planetarium, a natural history museum, and a research center. A visit here is a great opportunity to satisfy your curiosity about the natural world, and to learn all about the latest scientific advances being made at this facility. Some of our favorite things to do at the California Academy of Sciences include "Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs," "Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed," and "Dark Universe." Getting In: California Academy of Sciences tickets are included with the Go San Francisco Card.

de Young Museum

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This comprehensive art museum features a diverse collection of art and artifacts that span the globe, with everything from Oceanic art to American painting and decorative arts. They also have particular strengths in sculpture, art of the Americas, and African art. Be sure to pay attention to the building itself, too; it was designed by world-renowned architects to integrate art with the natural landscape. NEW: Get combined admission to the de Young Museum and the nearby Legion of Honor, an excellent fine arts museum with strengths in European painting. Getting In: de Young Museum tickets are included with the Go San Francisco Card.

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

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Another popular destination in Golden Gate Park worth a few hours visit is the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens. Combining many of your favorite critters across multiple exhibit spaces (including African Savanna, Bear Country, and Australian WalkAbout) with 100 acres of lovely gardens, this is a can't-miss attraction. They also frequently host special events (often around holidays, or during the summer) so be sure to check their event calendar before your visit to see what's going on! Getting In: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens tickets are included with the Go San Francisco Card.

Golden Gate Park

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This beautiful urban green space is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. It has served as the green heart of San Francisco since the city’s founding and attracts over 13 million visitors each year. Pack a picnic and relax on the lawns, play a game of Frisbee, or rent a bike and pedal around the paths. Getting In: Admission to Golden Gate Park is free.

Japanese Tea Garden

The oldest public Japanese garden in the entire country, the Japanese Tea Garden is a peaceful oasis nestled in the heart of Golden Gate Park. Featuring all the classic elements from pagodas and stone bridges to koi ponds and a zen garden, this popular destination is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life. If you’re visiting in the spring, be sure not to miss a chance to see their cherry blossom trees. Getting In: Admission to the Japanese Tea Garden is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Francisco Card. For more information about this attraction and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website.

Union Square & SoMa Options to Add to Your Itinerary:San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

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This fantastically popular attraction is a must-visit for all travelers to San Francisco. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, or SFMOMA, is a premier art institution featuring stellar collections of paintings, sketches, sculptures, and much more. It underwent a massive renovation not too long ago and is now one of the largest and most significant collections of modern art in the country. Art lover should not overlook this stunner! Highlights of the Doris & Donald Fisher Collection include artistic giants like Alexander Calder and Paul Klee, among others. Getting In: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) tickets are included with the Go San Francisco Card.

AT&T Park Tour

Sports lovers will enjoy a chance to tour the beautiful AT&T Park, one of the most charmingly situated ballparks in all of Major League Baseball. Some of the sights on your tour include the player’s dugout, batting cages, the press box, a luxury suite, and much more. Getting In: AT&T Park Tour tickets are included with the Go San Francisco Card.

All-Day Bike Rental by Blazing Saddles

San Francisco is one of the most bike-friendly cities around. With tons of trails, paths, and streets to explore, you’ll run out of energy before you run out of miles to pedal. Blazing Saddles also offers a special guiding app which allows you to plot your route around major sights. Try their “Bike the Bridge” route! Getting In: All-Day San Francisco Bike Rentals are included with the Go San Francisco Card.

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

 

If you’re looking for some more artsy attractions to add to your San Francisco itinerary, a visit to the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is the perfect choice. A contemporary art center that focuses on innovation and community-based art, this institution features a variety of films, performances, exhibits, and events that exemplify the most unique developments in contemporary art. Getting In: Admission to the YBCA is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Francisco Card. For more information about this attraction and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website.

Theme Park Options to Add to Your Itinerary:Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

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A visit to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is a rare opportunity to enjoy theme park rides alongside animal encounters. Featuring both marine life and land-bound critters, this attraction offers the best attributes of an animal park in a playful setting. For those really looking for that theme park excitement, their thrilling roller coasters are great choices. Getting In: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom tickets are included with the Go San Francisco Card.

California’s Great America

A more classic theme park option is California’s Great America. With dozens of rides and slides to enjoy, the whole family will delight in this fun attraction. Some popular areas include the Boomerang Bay water park, Planet Snoopy, and the Action Theater. Be prepared to spend a whole day here! Getting In: California’s Great America tickets are included with the Go San Francisco Card.

Children’s Fairyland

With their storybook and fairytale-themed rides and attractions, this whimsical park has been serving the San Francisco area since 1950. In addition to rides designed specifically for small children, the park also offers the Fairyland menagerie and ten acres of charming gardens. This attraction is a great option for families with little ones who may not be comfortable on thrill rides. Getting In: Admission to Children’s Fairyland is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Francisco Card. For more information about this attraction and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website.

Wine Country Options to Add to Your Itinerary: Weekday Napa & Sonoma Wine Country Tour

One thing you can't do is leave San Francisco without taking the time to tour beautiful wine country. Take this tour of Napa and Sonoma and visit three fantastic wineries: Madonna Estate, Sutter Home, and Sebastiani Vineyards. Each has a different approach to their craft, so you'll also learn about diverse wine-making styles as you sample their delicious wares. Getting In: Weekday Napa & Sonoma Wine Country Tour tickets are available with the Build Your Own Pass.

Let’s Recap

This week in San Francisco itinerary was designed to be a great introduction to the city, filled with top attractions and activities located throughout the Bay area. Choose from any of these great attraction options to craft that perfect San Francisco vacation. Don’t forget – many of these great activities and more are available with a San Francisco attraction pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these great options to your upcoming San Francisco itinerary.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Relaxing Things to do in San Francisco
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Relaxing Things to do in San Francisco

Often, vacations can feel like a sprint to see and do everything in your limited time. In a new city or country, you want to immerse yourself in as much local culture as possible. But with only a handful of days there, fitting it all in can be stressful. But it needn't be. After all, vacations should also be about relaxing. So, if you want to take your foot off the gas, check out our picks of the best relaxing things to do in San Francisco and take it easy! Including: Hop-on, hop-off Bus Tour Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco Bay Cruise Exploratorium San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and more! Hop-on, hop-off Bus Tour If you're only in town for a few days, you may want to see all the sights in one afternoon. If you think that sounds stressful, think again. Because on this hop-on, hop-off bus tour of San Francisco's most recognizable landmarks, the pressure's off. The way these tours work is that a fleet of buses run every day, with each passing the same landmarks. That means that if you want to get out and explore any of them, you can! Just hop off, take a look around, and then hop on the next bus that shows up. Your ticket lasts the whole day, so you can really take your time. So, what landmarks will you be checking out? Well, there's the famous Golden Gate Bridge & Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, and plenty more! If you're looking for relaxing things to do in San Francisco, take your camera and hop on this landmark bonanza bus tour! Aquarium of the Bay What could be more serene and relaxing than wandering beneath the waves, wondering about all the exotic species that call it home? Not much, we thinks. So, if you're looking for chill things to do in San Francisco, why not visit the Aquarium of the Bay? Just go on a weekday, lest the crowds of tourists ruin the vibe. More than 20,000 marine animals live, laugh, and love within the Aquarium of the Bay's many tanks and underwater biomes. From otherworldly stingrays to cute, fuzzy otters, you'll struggle to find a more diverse crowd of water-dwelling wonders anywhere else. But perhaps the jewel in the Aquarium of the Bay's crown is its massive underwater walking tunnels. Take a stroll down them, and you'll be surrounded by wonderful flora and fauna. Each is over 300ft long, and they'll let you get up close and personal with myriad exotic species. San Francisco Bay Cruise If seeing the city by bus or underwater doesn't float your boat, why not see it all from atop the very waves themselves? On this cruise across the San Francisco Bay, you'll see the city's skyline from a different perspective - and a few surprises to boot! Get your snappers at the ready because the sea lions that call Pier 39 home are ripe for photography! Then, witness one of the modern wonders of the world as you sail up and under the Golden Gate Bridge. Next, a trip to Alcatraz Island will set you straight. The prison might be long-shut, but seeing the imposing island by boat is enough to send shivers down your spine. And finally, a jaunt past Angel Island will leave you wondering what life was like for immigrants back in the day. This hour-long cruise is a great way to see it all without having to lift a finger. Exploratorium Inquisitive minds apply within. If you're looking for a relaxing way to expand your mind while getting hands-on with some mind-blowing interactive exhibits, stroll cooly and calmly to the Exploratorium. The Exploratorium brings the weird and wonderful to life. Featuring a metric ton of what can only be described as 'scientific art', it aims to inspire and educate in equal measure. Wander its wonderful halls, and you'll discover parabolic mirrors, see microscopic cells blown up to massive proportions, and even touch a tornado, if you can believe that. Perfect, relaxing fun for kids and big kids alike; if you've got the little ones in tow, just let them loose and take a seat. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Art lovers will get a chill kick out of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Featuring modern masterpieces from modern maestros, it's one of the most lauded modern art museums in the country. And, after a recent expansion, it's also the biggest. So, set a few hours aside to see it all! Mainstay exhibits are now joined by the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection, as well as a fresh variety of special exhibitions featuring topics like graphic art, contemporary sculpture, modern film, and more. Fans of Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and other contemporaries will love it. But, like most museums, you're best bet is to head there on a weekday morning to beat the crowds. That way, you'll ensure your visit is one of the best relaxing things to do in San Francisco! Mission District Food and Culture Tour And finally, after a relaxing journey through things to do in San Francisco, you may have built up a bit of an appetite. Thankfully, this Mission District food and culture tour will hit the spot. If you've never been to San Francisco's Mission District before, you're in for a treat. It's the city's Latin Quarter, featuring walls bedazzled with beautiful murals, plenty of laid-back bars, and a ton of Mexican restaurants and street food vendors selling all manner of delicious treats. So, why not take a tour, learn about the area's culture and history from a knowledgeable guide, and go try some of it for yourself? With four food stops on the tour, you'll have plenty of time to tuck into tacos, flatbreads, guac, salsa, and fajitas. And those were our picks of the best relaxing things to do in San Francisco. Of course, you may want to up the ante at some point during your visit. Thankfully, Go City gives you access to some of the most exhilarating experiences in San Fran! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see the city's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley
Raindrops on the windshield on a rainy day, traffic light background, San Francisco, California
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Things to do in San Francisco when it rains (Popular indoor activities)

So you've planned a vacation to lovely San Francisco by the Bay and the weather forecast informs you that it's going to rain (not a big surprise in San Fran, to be honest). Now what do you do? If you're searching for some ideas, check out our list of included indoor activities, full of cultural and artistic museums, kid-friendly attractions, and much more.
Katie Sagal
Flowers in bloom on a sunny day in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
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San Francisco in July

July sees San Francisco’s tourist season get into full swing, with schools on vacation planet-wide and the city’s fine weather and funky festivals drawing in the crowds from here, there and everywhere. It’s peak season and therefore the priciest time of year to visit, but a trip to San Francisco in July still has much to recommend it. Visiting San Francisco in July Average Temperature: 54–66°F • Average Rainfall: 0 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 10 hours/day Umbrellaphobes, rejoice! July is one of San Francisco’s driest months with an average of, um, zero days’ rainfall, meaning the chances of being poked in the eye by an unruly golf umbrella or – worse still – looking on helplessly as the cable car pulls away with your precious bumbershoot still on board, are close to non-existent. What you can expect is mild weather with plenty of sunshine, tempered by occasional fresh sea winds and a healthy dose of the Bay area’s famous fogs. It’s why the locals often refer to this time of year as ‘no sky July’. But don’t let that put you off! Sure, San Francisco may not be the place to get that perfect California summer tan, but those all-enveloping mists have their own curious charm, and the city’s great parks and museums, abundance of July festivals and all-round party atmosphere more than make up for any minor weather-related downsides. Top tip: the Golden City is deep into tourist season in July, so make sure to book your hotels and Airbnb accommodation well in advance to secure the best rates possible. Things to do in July No trip to San Francisco at any time of year would be complete without setting foot on the world’s most photographed bridge. It’s worth doing this two ways in July. First: choose a clear day to take a walk the Golden Gate’s entire length, starting in the Presidio and finishing with lunch in downtown Sausalito. As you stroll across this rust-red icon (the bridge’s official color is actually ‘international orange’, fact fans) you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Bay and the rolling waves of the vast Pacific, meaning ace selfie opportunities galore. For a truly otherworldly experience, keep an eye on local forecasts and pay the bridge a second visit when it's shrouded in dense fog. You won’t be able to see much, but ghostly close-up snaps of the bridge’s soaring towers will make you the envy of all your friends. Pro-tip: you can also simulate this experience in the interactive Fog Bridge exhibit at the Exploratorium, a fantastic museum of arts and sciences on the Embarcadero. The bridge’s big green namesake, Golden Gate Park, lies a few miles south, sprawling west from the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to the sands of Ocean Beach, itself a lovely spot for sunbathing (when not foggy) and surfing – professionals only though, please; the riptides here are notoriously dangerous. Back in the park, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied for an entire July day. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden for a gentle stroll along paths that meander past koi ponds, bonsai groves and impressive bronze statues. Look out for the impressive five-tiered pagoda and pause for a refreshing jasmine tea and a moment of zen in the pavilion. Golden Gate Park is also home to two of San Francisco’s finest museums. The vast California Academy of the Sciences is home to a huge natural history museum, an aquarium, a rainforest and a planetarium, while the de Young Museum showcases fine art from the US and beyond, all housed in a striking copper-clad building with a 144-foot observation tower boating 360-degree views of the park, as well as downtown San Francisco, the Bay and the Marin headlands. What’s on in July? Fourth of July Fireworks July is a great time to visit San Francisco if you’re into fireworks, great live music and... running. Sounds like a strange combination, but hear us out. First up, those fireworks. Fourth of July is cause for celebration across the States, and San Francisco is no exception. The city puts on two major displays in Fisherman’s Wharf, with the event at Pier 39 being the biggest and best. There’s live music along the waterfront until, at the appointed hour, the spectacular display commences, with hundreds of colorful fireworks set off from a series of barges in the Bay. This event is free, so don’t miss it! Fillmore Jazz Festival One of the biggest free jazz festivals on the west coast, the Fillmore Jazz Festival showcases local and international talent on two main outdoor stages. There’s great street food too, as well as smaller live music events in and around Fillmore’s legendary clubs and theaters. This part of town is synonymous with great jazz music – in its heyday it attracted acts of near-mythical status including John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday and Charlie Parker – so you just know the acts performing at this festival are going to be outstanding. And, like the best jazz, the shows are completely free. Catch a Baseball Game July is a great time to catch the San Francisco Giants in action at the Oracle Park stadium in SoMa, with the Major League Baseball season in full swing. Catch them against the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and, if you’re lucky, their arch rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers. And, if bats and balls don’t float your boat, perhaps a bit of opera will: the stadium also hosts live simulcasts of performances from the famous War Memorial Opera House, throughout summer. The San Francisco Marathon You’ll need to apply well in advance if you want to take part in this one but, if you’re a runner, it’s a great way to see many of the city’s attractions at sunrise while getting some extra miles in. The race starts and ends at the Embarcadero, taking in many of the city’s big attractions, including Fisherman's Wharf, Coit Tower, the Presidio and the mural-filled Mission district. It even crosses the Golden Gate Bridge (hence the early start to allow the bridge to reopen to regular pedestrians by 9AM). You can also take it down a notch by entering the half marathon or 5 and 10k events, while braver souls limber up for the challenging ultra-marathon: double the distance at a thigh-numbing 52.4 miles. Phew! Save on attractions in San Francisco Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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