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.

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The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
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Best Art Galleries in San Francisco

San Francisco is something of a treasure trove for art lovers. At one end of the spectrum are the dozens of small independent galleries scattered around the city while, at the other, you've got the big guns, in this case the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), one of the largest modern and contemporary art museums on the planet. There’s plenty around the city for everyone, from excitable toddlers to easily bored teens to seen-it-all-before museum mavens. Join us as we explore some of the best art galleries in San Francisco. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art It would be remiss not to kick this list off with the daddy of them all. And let’s get this straight: SFMOMA is huge. We’re talking 170,000 square feet and seven stories huge, so it’s a good idea to plan your must-sees before you get here. And what a collection you have to choose from. There are commissioned murals from Bay Area artists as well as crucial pieces from household names that read like a who’s who of modern and contemporary art. Think Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Edward Hopper, Gerhard Richter, Frida Kahlo, Willem de Kooning, Henri Matisse and Paul Klee and you’ve barely scratched the surface. Don’t miss the rooftop sculpture garden and accompanying views of the Downtown skyline, and make time to visit the living wall, a vast dense forest of lush foliage. As a piece of art it is simply stunning, and provides different sensory experiences depending on the season. It is also, naturally, the largest living wall of its kind in the world. Cartoon Art Museum Located in Fisherman’s Wharf, the Cartoon Art Museum (CAM) celebrates all things comic-related, displaying comic strips, political cartoons, anime, graphic novels and more from its fine collection of over 7,000 pieces. Pop by to catch one of the regularly rotating exhibitions – the eclectic range of past themes include Wonder Woman, Popeye, Garfield and Disney Villains, as well as explorations of wartime comics and controversial political cartoons, and celebrations of the work of influential 20th-century illustrators including Edward Gorey and Charles M. Schulz. There are tables where kids (and adults) can create their own comic art, and the gift shop is sure to make all your Batman/Hellboy/Calvin and Hobbes dreams come true. Asian Art Museum The Asian Art Museum boasts one of the largest and most important collections of Asian art in the world and can be found in one of the beautiful Beaux Arts buildings in the San Francisco Civic Center. Here’s where you can see Chinese Jades from the Neolithic period, Persian ceramics, Korean paintings, Cambodia bronzes, Samurai armor, Hindu deities and much more. Around 2,000 pieces from the museum’s 18,000-strong collection are on display at any given time, with the bulk of these originating from China, including ritual bronzes, lacquerware and decorative ceramics, some of which date from over 6,000 years ago. Don’t miss the incredibly well-preserved bronze Buddha statue, dated 338. De Young Museum You don’t really need an excuse to visit Golden Gate Park, with its 10 lakes, picture-perfect Dutch windmill, smattering of world-class museums and acres of formal gardens. But, if you did, the de Young Museum is as good a reason as any. The building has taken many forms since it opened on this site at the end of the 19th Century. Its latest – complete with dramatic copper facade – is something of a work of art in itself; likewise the views from its 144-foot Hamon Observation Tower. Step inside, where an extensive collection of American paintings, sculptures and decorative arts spanning the last five centuries is supported by smaller collections from Africa, the Americas and Oceania. Must-see highlights include George Caleb Bingham’s Renaissance-style 1846 masterpiece Boatmen on the Missouri, Albert Bierstadt’s pastoral Sacramento riverbank scene California Spring and the absorbing installation of wire sculptures by celebrated modernist Ruth Asawa in the tower lobby. It’s easily one of the best art galleries in San Francisco. Exploratorium The Exploratorium on Pier 15 is an art and science extravaganza, with stacks of ​​interactive galleries focusing on sight, touch, sound, memory and perception. It’s the type of place kids and adults can spend hours exploring together and, with hands-on exhibits galore, it’s ideal for a family day out whether your little darlings are curious toddlers or difficult-to-please teens. The artworks here are not just for looking at; they’re for interacting with. Simulate sandstorms in the Aeolian Landscape exhibit and listen to the eerie singing of the Aeolian Harp when the wind picks up outside. Lose your way on the Fog Bridge and step inside a real mini-tornado. Have a boogie with your animated twin in the Recollections installation and experience Sun Painting, an ever-changing kaleidoscopic work of colorful art made by reflecting and refracting the sun’s rays onto a massive canvas. Seems like a lot, right? But this barely scratches the surface of one of the city's most wide-ranging museums. Contemporary Jewish Museum Located in the SoMa neighborhood, the Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) merits a visit to goggle at the building alone. Part former gas and electric substation, part enormous deconstructivist blue steel cube known as the ‘Yud’, it’s really quite something. The Yud’s 36 diamond-shaped windows make for an awe-inspiring space that’s used for a variety of installations and events, and that highly contemporary look nods to the kinds of things you can expect here. There’s no permanent collection; instead, the CJM curates an ever-changing series of captivating exhibitions that explore contemporary perspectives on Jewish culture, history and art. Past exhibitions have focused on the legend of the golem and other Jewish folklore, explored the life and work of Leonard Cohen, and celebrated the art of cartoonist Rube Goldberg. Whatever you do, don’t miss the masterpiece that is the challah French toast with maple syrup at Wise Sons, the museum’s authentic Jewish deli. Save on the best art galleries 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
San Francisco getting around
Blog

Getting Around San Francisco

Heading to the City by the Bay? We put together a go-to guide packed with information for getting around San Francisco and beyond, including getting to and from the airport.
Katie Sagal
The Coit Tower in North Beach, San Francisco
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Things to do in North Beach San Francisco

North Beach is San Francisco’s Little Italy, a buzzing, colorful district between Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf where gelato shops rub shoulders with hip dive bars and vintage boutique stores. There are oodles of fun things to do in North Beach San Francisco, from following in the footsteps of Beat Generation icon Jack Kerouac to admiring the soaring twin spires of the landmark Peter and Paul Church and – naturally – devouring the best cannoli in town. Check out our rundown of the 10 best things to do in this hip SF village by the Bay. Visit ‘the Italian Cathedral of the West’ Not in fact a cathedral, Saints Peter and Paul Church is nevertheless an impressive sight to behold. This ornate, twin-spired edifice that towers over Washington Square has plenty of star quality: Joe DiMaggio married his first wife here, then returned for a cheeky photo opportunity years later following his second marriage to Marilyn Monroe. Take a picnic and spend some time people-watching from the grassy lawns or grab a bite at one of the excellent Italian restaurants and bakeries that line Washington Square and nearby Columbus Avenue. Walk in Jack Kerouac’s Footsteps Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac lived between Columbus and Grant, on an alleyway that's now named in his honor. Admire the colorful street art along this short street then head for the City Lights bookstore, once frequented by Kerouac and now all but guaranteed to have stacks of his novels in stock. Vesuvio Cafe opposite retains much of its 1950s charm from when Keroauc and other leading lights of the Beat Generation used to meet here to drink and discuss their work. But mostly to drink. Raise a glass in their memory, then head over to the Beat Museum, where exhibits include Allen Ginsberg’s typewriter and ephemera from Kerouac’s funeral. Ride the Cable Car to Lombard Street Hands down one of the best ways to sightsee in San Francisco, the cable car from North Beach meanders south to Downtown via the much-Instagrammed Lombard, a steep street that’s said to resemble a playground slide thanks to its eight (count ‘em!) hairpin bends and vibrant floral borders. Revel in the squeal of the cables and clang of the bell as you clatter through town on these colorful wooden landmarks. Bag a spot on the left-hand side of the car (as you leave North Beach) for the best views of Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay. And don’t forget to hold on tight! Climb the Filbert Street Steps In the market for heart-pumping physical exertion and breathtaking bay views? The Filbert Street Steps have you covered! These (mostly) wooden steps run from Sansome Street to the corner of Filbert and Telegraph Hill. They’re steep and there are around 400 of them so this is not an experience for the faint of heart. But those who do take up the challenge are rewarded with a climb that reveals beautiful wildflowers, chattering Telegraph Hill parrots, quaint cottages and sweeping views across the water to the San Francisco Bay Bridge and Treasure Island. On reaching the top, walkers still able to feel their legs can climb another 100 or so stairs to reach the landmark Coit Tower. Make Yourself Dizzy at Coit Tower The 360-degree views from the top of Coit Tower are among SF’s finest and, although the climb to the tower itself is a steep one, once inside there’s an elevator to whiz you up to the top – phew! From way up here, you can expect to see Lombard Street snaking west, as well as – deep breath – Nob Hill, Twin peaks, Alcatraz, the Ferry Building and the Golden Gate Bridge. And that’s just for starters. Equally mesmerizing are some of the original fresco murals that grace the tower’s interior, depicting various industries and newsworthy events from the 1930s, when this art deco monolith was constructed. Have a Giggle at Cobb’s Comedy Club If you enjoy having your funny bone tickled – and let’s be honest: who doesn’t? – mosey on down to Cobb’s Comedy Club on Columbus. This stalwart of the San Francisco comedy scene has been part of the fabric of North Beach since it moved here from Fisherman’s Wharf in 2002, and has hosted big names including Dana Carvey, Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle and Anjelah Johnson down the years. There are shows most evenings and a menu serving the likes of nachos, fried chicken, cocktails and beer. Spend the Day in Fisherman’s Wharf Neighboring Fisherman’s Wharf takes in the whole of San Francisco’s northern waterfront and is one of the city’s most popular areas. It’s here you’ll find major attractions including the Madame Tussauds waxwork museum, WWII submarine the USS Pampanito and the stunningly restored 19th and 20th-century ships at Hyde Street Pier, part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park. For some good old-fashioned seaside entertainment, make for Pier 39, where the dozens of stores and restaurants are supplemented by thrill rides, VR experiences, a carousel, gaming arcades, street performers, boat excursions, seal-spotting opportunities and stacks more. When in Little Italy... Eat Cannoli! Anyone who's ever seen an episode of The Sopranos will know what cannoli are. These sweet and crunchy little fried pastry tubes with their creamy ricotta fillings are a staple of the Italian-American diet and you can’t rightfully visit Little Italy without trying one. Or indeed four or five. You’ll find cannoli just like mama used to make in any North Beach bakery or café worth its salt. Some even come dipped in chocolate or with extra toppings for an ultra-decadent treat. Have a Drink in the King of Dive Bars A visit to Specs' Twelve Adler Museum Cafe – or Specs as it’s more commonly known – must surely rank as one of the most enjoyable things to do in North Beach San Francisco. This beloved dive bar of over half a century’s standing is bursting with local characters, fantastic beers and lively conviviality, as well as a vast and eclectic collection of artifacts from around the world. This includes tribal masks, a taxidermy mongoose having a fight with a cobra and the, ahem, mummified reproductive organs of a male walrus. A trip to this historic dive bar – once frequented by Thelonius Monk – should be considered essential. Tour Alcatraz at Night Alcatraz cuts a forbidding figure as it emerges out of San Francisco Bay’s famous fog. For maximum spine-chilling effect, take the ferry over to America’s most notorious former prison in the evening for an after-dark tour you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry. On arrival, you’ll be taken to the cellhouse, where audio guides are available and you can learn about former residents including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly as you peer through the metal bars into their tiny, cramped cells. Enjoy the spectacle of Golden Gate Bridge all lit up at night as your ferry departs for the return journey. Save on things to do in North Beach 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

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