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

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.

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
Pedestrian crosses a street 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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10+ Things to Do in San Francisco in Spring 2020

Shake off the winter blues with a trip to lovely San Francisco this spring. The cherry trees are blossoming, the city streets are re-awakening, and there are loads of fun and exciting special events going on. If you’re thinking about heading to the City by the Bay this season but are stuck on ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in San Francisco this spring for some inspiration, including... San Francisco Museum of Modern Art California Academy of Sciences Napa + Sonoma Wine Country Tour AT&T Park Tour and more! Save on Springtime Activities in San Francisco Regular admission to a number of these attractions is available on the Go San Francisco pass. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all available San Francisco attractions, passes, and prices. Please note, some of these special spring events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go San Francisco pass. Local EventsSFUSD Arts Festival Bay Area Craft Beer Festival Martinez Waterfront April 18, 2020, 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm This is one for the beer lovers. The Bay Area Craft Beer Festival is back and it’s better than ever. With dozens of international and domestic beers for sampling, plus the city’s best food trucks offering up their wares, you’ll have an amazing afternoon of food and drink to look forward to. Breweries include big names like Ballast Point, Founders, Lagunitas, Sierra Nevada, Firestone Walker, and more. You'll also find smaller local breweries that are sure to wow with flavor. Getting In: Admission to the Bay Area Craft Beer Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Francisco pass. Cherry Blossom Festival Remember to Save on Admission Did we miss anything? A few things to do in San Francisco in the spring, including some special events, other seasonal activities in March - June. Please note, the spring events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not available with the Go San Francisco pass. We hope you consider adding some of these fun ideas to your spring vacation itinerary.
Katie Sagal
Lanterns over the street in Chinatown, San Francisco
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Things to do in Chinatown San Francisco

San Francisco’s sprawling Chinatown covers no less than 24 square blocks, measuring around a half mile north to south and a quarter mile east to west and forming part of the busy Downtown neighborhood. It’s also the oldest Chinatown in North America, established here way back in 1848 when it blew Western minds with that first life-changing taste of aromatic Chinese dumplings. There’s more than enough to see and do within this historic enclave’s storied streets and alleyways to fill an entire day, allowing you time to soak up the unique atmosphere and experience a slice of San Francisco as it used to be. So what are you waiting for? Pass through the Dragon Gate and join us on our stroll through the best things to do in Chinatown San Francisco. Enter the Dragon There are two distinct sides to Chinatown: the touristy and the non-touristy. You’re a tourist though, right? So that seems like the logical place to start. Of the two major thoroughfares running north to south through Chinatown, Grant Street is the one you’re looking for – specifically the much-photographed Dragon Gate – the imposing southern entrance with its three gates in traditional pailou style and its duo of fearsome Chinese lions. Wait your turn for the essential Chinatown selfie before stepping through to begin your Chinese adventure proper. Immediately you'll find yourself transported to a different world, a world where red and gold paper lanterns sway overhead, ornate street lamps line the sidewalks, and the intoxicating scents of sizzling Szechuan shrimp and hoisin roast duck (more about the food later, snack fans!) fill the air. Soak it up as you wander along Grant Avenue, camera in hand, to the intersection of Grant and California. Here, to the clang and clatter of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars, is where you’ll find Chinatown’s other most-photographed structures: Sing Chong and Sing Fat, a pair of towering pagoda-style buildings facing off across the street, and Old St Mary’s Church which bears an ominous ALL CAPS warning beneath its grand clock: "SON, OBSERVE THE TIME AND FLY FROM EVIL" Avenues and Alleyways But the real magic happens when you get off the main drag and begin to explore the other side of Chinatown. Even the second major thoroughfare, Stockton Street, has a more authentic feel. So once you’ve bagged your souvenirs – waving lucky cat, paper lantern, bamboo backscratcher – from the gift shops on Grant, head over to the colorful markets on Stockton for a real taste of China. And we mean that literally: the produce markets here hawk everything edible, from dried fruit to live crabs and great bundles of bok choy. Wander into the side streets and back alleys and you’ll discover a whole world of Chinese culture. Think tiny mah jong parlors, laundry strewn window to window on makeshift washing lines above the street, bakeries crammed with egg custard tarts and Chinese donuts, and cute old-fashioned shops selling all manner of snacks, trinkets and esoteric Chinoiserie. Me Want Cooooookies! Discover what your future holds at the tiny Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory on Ross Alley. Here, you can watch the crack cookie team in action as they assemble thousands of the crunchy fortune-telling treats by hand every single day. Photos are permitted for a small fee, and you can buy bags of cookies in a variety of flavors to take away. Go green tea for maximum authenticity, or chocolate-coated for the ultimate cookie indulgence. But be warned: there may well be an expanding waistline in your future. Nearby Waverly Place was once home to two notorious brothels. Now the most colorful thing here is the buildings, rows of Insta-perfect shops and dwellings painted in a rainbow of garish greens, baby pinks and turmeric yellows, complete with elaborate balconies. It’s also where you’ll find the Tin How Temple. Founded way back in 1852, it’s the oldest Taoist temple in the United States. Intrepid explorers can visit by locating number 125 Waverly Place and climbing the steps to the third floor. Inside, incense burns, candles flicker in the gloom, paper lanterns hover overhead and dozens of small statues of Chinese deities crowd the space. Worshippers pray silently and leave offerings of fruit and bread at Tin How’s shrine. Next, head round the corner for a snap in front of the Old Chinese Telephone Exchange, a beautifully overstated red, green and gold pagoda-style building on Washington Street, now staffed by bank employees who gaze on with bemusement at the constant flow of selfie-takers on their doorstep. Then onwards to Portsmouth Square: this rather nondescript place is nevertheless the heart of Chinatown, and it’s here you can pause to watch the world go by and see elderly locals indulge in good old-fashioned pursuits like t’ai chi and Chinese chess. Food, glorious food! Confucius say: he who comes to Chinatown and does not eat the food did not really come to Chinatown. Ok ok, so we made that quote up, but it’s a truth universally acknowledged that the best dim sum in the States is to be found in the narrow lanes of this thriving San Francisco neighborhood. Our advice? Dive in! There are a number of hole-in-the-wall takeaway joints as well as (usually) tiny, cramped premises for those who want the full authentic Chinatown experience. These are the places for life-altering culinary experiences, where you can gorge on delicate shrimp and chive gyoza, fluffy BBQ pork dumplings and crispy sesame balls to your heart’s content. The food is so good and the prices so cheap that there’s every chance you’ll stick around for seconds. And probably thirds. Just don’t expect the ‘have a nice day’ level of attention you'll be used to from elsewhere in San Francisco. Service here often feels brusque and impatient, but lean into it at eateries like the City View Restaurant and Chinatown stalwart the Hang Ah Tea Room and you’ll soon discover it's all part of the charm, and easily one of the most fun things to do in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Save on things to do in Chinatown 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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San Francisco Family Vacation Ideas - Attractions, Activities & Things to Do for Summer Vacation

Summertime is one of the best times to visit San Francisco. The weather is at its best, nature is thriving, and the best attractions are open and ready for business. If you’re planning a family trip to San Francisco but aren’t sure which attractions are right for you, check out this list of our favorite family-friendly attractions. Curated by industry experts, they’re the best activities, tours, and museums for family vacations in San Francisco. The top San Francisco summer family vacation ideas include: Big Bus San Francisco Sightseeing Tour California Academy of Sciences SFMOMA Fisherman’s Wharf Madame Tussauds San Francisco Bike Rentals Exploratorium Aquarium of the Bay Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Golden Gate Park Muir Woods Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour   One of the best ways to introduce the family to San Francisco is with a guided bus tour of the city. A hop-on hop-off option is both fun and flexible, allowing you to get off when something intrigues you, and get back on when the kids get tired. See the sights from the top deck and then simply hop off to explore the streets. This tour from Big Bus includes more than 20 different stops in all the city’s hot spots, plus a selection of free, guided walking tours that begin at selected stops. Madame Tussauds San Francisco   Speaking of Fisherman’s Wharf... Located in an area of the city we’re sure you’re already exploring, Madame Tussauds is a fun attraction for families. It’s the only place outside of Hollywood where you’ll see so many celebrities. Take a selfie with your favorite A-list celebs – nobody will know the difference! A visit here is a good opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of San Francisco, too. Their Spirit of San Francisco exhibit highlights famous figures from art, music, and literature. The San Francisco Dungeon Learn all about San Francisco's shadier side of history, brought to life in a fun and campy way at this attraction that's part thrill ride, part theatrical experience. You'll see a number of live theatrical performances that re-enact true, local history and take you back in time to the dark days of San Francisco. This is one of the more creepy things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf. But if your kids are interested in history, it's a fun and entertaining way to learn about it! Six Flags Discovery Kingdom A theme park is a great summer idea for families, so why not take a quick drive a bit north of the city to reach the delightful Six Flags Discovery Kingdom? This popular park combines all your favorite amusement park rides – like roller coasters, bumper cars, water rides, and much more – with the educational fun of animal exhibits. Visit the animal inhabitants of Discovery Kingdom all throughout the park, like the playful creatures of Dolphin Harbor, Seal Cove, and the Butterfly Habitat. You also have the opportunity to upgrade to a number of animal encounters to make the day a truly special one. Muir Woods For those families looking to explore the expansive natural world around San Francisco, a trip up to Muir Woods is non-negotiable. Home to the majestic redwood trees, Muir Woods National Park is a wondrous place to explore. You’ll immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of this ancient forest, and get to see an incredible diversity of plant and wildlife all throughout the park. Remember to bring a camera to Muir Woods for pictures – you’ll get no cell reception and this may drain your phone’s battery. Remember to Save on Family Friendly Admission There you go. A few suggestions for attractions and activities for your upcoming San Francisco family vacation. Regular admission to a number of these family friendly attractions are available with a pass by Go City. We hope you consider adding some of these fun ideas to your family vacation itinerary. Learn more about our San Francisco passes, attractions and prices.
Katie Sagal

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