Day 1 – Explore the Heart of Downtown San Francisco
Start your San Francisco adventure in the bustling heart of downtown at Union Square. This lively public plaza is surrounded by high-end department stores, art galleries, restaurants, and hotels. Spend some time people-watching, browsing the shops, and getting acquainted with the iconic cable cars that climb the steep hills of the city.
Next, hop on a cable car and ride to the famous Chinatown neighborhood. Explore the vibrant streets lined with Chinese restaurants, herbal shops, grocery stores, and bustling markets. Wander down iconic Grant Avenue, stopping to admire the beautiful architecture and traditional decor. For lunch, seek out an authentic Cantonese, Sichuan, or Shanghai-style restaurant and try regional specialties like dim sum, noodle dishes, or roasted meats.
In the afternoon, continue your cable car journey to the waterfront area. Disembark at Fisherman’s Wharf and stroll along the scenic walkways, taking in views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Stop to watch the local sea lions lounging on the docks at Pier 39.
Budget for Day 1:
- Cable Car Ride (2-3 rides): $8 per ride, $16-$24 total
- Lunch in Chinatown: $12-$20 per person
- Total for Day 1: $28-$44 per person
Day 2 – Cross the Iconic Golden Gate Bridge
Start your day with a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge, one of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks. There are several ways to experience the bridge – you can walk or bike across the sidewalk, drive across in your car, or take a guided tour. For the best views, park at the south end of the bridge and walk or bike across, stopping to admire the panoramic vistas of the bay, Alcatraz, and the Marin Headlands.
After crossing the bridge, spend some time exploring the natural beauty of the Presidio, a sprawling urban national park at the edge of the city. Go for a hike on one of the many trails, relax on the grassy knolls, or visit the Walt Disney Family Museum. For lunch, head to the Presidio’s Crissy Field, a former military airfield with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Refuel at one of the casual eateries along the waterfront.
In the afternoon, continue your outdoor adventures with a visit to the Legion of Honor, a fine arts museum housed in an impressive Neoclassical building. Admire the museum’s extensive collection of ancient and European art as you take in the breathtaking vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands.
Budget for Day 2:
- Golden Gate Bridge Sidewalk Access: Free
- Bike Rental (2-3 hours): $8-$12 per hour, $16-$36 total
- Lunch at Crissy Field: $12-$18 per person
- Legion of Honor Admission: $15-$20 per adult
- Total for Day 2: $43-$74 per person
Day 3 – Alcatraz Island Tour
Dedicate your third day to exploring the infamous former prison of Alcatraz Island. Take an early morning ferry from Pier 33 to the island and immerse yourself in the captivating history of this former federal penitentiary. Follow the self-guided audio tour through the cell house, recreation yard, and other historic areas, learning about the notorious inmates who were once incarcerated here.
After your tour of Alcatraz, head back to the mainland and spend the afternoon discovering the waterfront area of Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. Stroll along the lively promenade, browse the souvenir shops and street stalls, and watch the playful sea lions that have made the docks their home. For lunch, enjoy some of the city’s best seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants, from classic clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl to Dungeness crab cakes and grilled Mahi-Mahi.
Budget for Day 3:
- Alcatraz Island Tour: $39.90 per adult
- Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf: $15-$25 per person
- Total for Day 3: $54.90-$64.90 per person
Day 4 – Explore the Vibrant Mission District
Start your day in the lively Mission District, known for its colorful murals, diverse cuisine, and vibrant Latino culture. Wander the bustling streets, admiring the vibrant street art that adorns the walls of buildings and alleyways. Pop into local taquerias, panaderias (Mexican bakeries), and specialty shops selling artisanal goods, handcrafted jewelry, and vintage clothing.
For lunch, seek out one of the acclaimed Mission-style burrito joints, where you can indulge in a massive flour tortilla stuffed with rice, beans, meat, salsa, and guacamole. Popular spots include El Farolito, Taqueria Cancun, and La Taqueria.
In the afternoon, head to the Castro District, the heart of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community. Stroll along Castro Street, stopping to browse the rainbow-themed shops, bars, and cafes. Don’t miss the iconic Castro Theatre, an ornate 1920s movie palace that still shows classic films. End your day with dinner at one of the neighborhood’s acclaimed LGBTQ+-owned restaurants.
Budget for Day 4:
- Lunch in the Mission District: $12-$18 per person
- Dinner in the Castro District: $18-$25 per person
- Total for Day 4: $30-$43 per person
Day 5 – Explore the Natural Wonders of Muir Woods and Sausalito
Venture across the Golden Gate Bridge to the lush Muir Woods National Monument, home to some of the oldest and tallest Redwood trees in the world. Spend the morning hiking the serene trails that wind through the ancient forest, marveling at the towering trunks and peaceful stillness. Be sure to stop at the visitor center to learn more about the ecology and history of this protected natural wonder.
After your Muir Woods adventure, head to the charming waterfront town of Sausalito. Stroll along the picturesque streets, popping into the quaint boutiques, art galleries, and waterfront cafes. Grab lunch at one of the seafood restaurants or outdoor cafes with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and the city skyline beyond.
Budget for Day 5:
- Muir Woods Entrance Fee: $15 per adult
- Lunch in Sausalito: $15-$25 per person
- Total for Day 5: $30-$40 per person
Day 6 – Discover the Treasures of Golden Gate Park
Spend your sixth day exploring the vast green expanse of Golden Gate Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world. Start your day at the Japanese Garden, a serene oasis of pagodas, koi ponds, and meticulously landscaped grounds. Continue on to the Conservatory Valley, home to the stunning Conservatory of Flowers – a Victorian-style greenhouse showcasing a diverse array of tropical plants.
For lunch, visit the acclaimed Japanese restaurant Nopalito, located within the park. After your meal, spend the afternoon visiting some of the park’s other highlights, such as the de Young Museum (home to an impressive collection of American, African, and Oceanic art), the Japanese Garden, or the California Academy of Sciences (a natural history museum with an aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest exhibit).
Budget for Day 6:
- Japanese Garden Admission: $10 per adult
- Conservatory of Flowers Admission: $10 per adult
- Lunch at Nopalito: $15-$25 per person
- de Young Museum or California Academy of Sciences Admission: $15-$25 per adult
- Total for Day 6: $50-$70 per person
Day 7 – Relax at the Palace of Fine Arts & Embarcadero Waterfront
Start your final day in San Francisco with a visit to the stunning Palace of Fine Arts, a Roman-inspired landmark built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Stroll through the neoclassical colonnades and domed rotunda, then wander the tranquil grounds surrounding the lagoon. This serene setting is the perfect spot to relax and reflect on your week in the city.
In the afternoon, head to the Embarcadero waterfront, a vibrant promenade along the San Francisco Bay. Explore the Ferry Building Marketplace, a gourmet food hall housed in a historic 1898 building. Browse the artisanal shops, sample local produce and baked goods, and enjoy water views of the Bay Bridge and Oakland beyond. For dinner, choose from the diverse array of waterfront restaurants, ranging from casual seafood spots to upscale farm-to-table eateries.
Budget for Day 7:
- Palace of Fine Arts: Free
- Lunch/Snacks at Ferry Building: $10-$20 per person
- Dinner at Embarcadero: $20-$35 per person
- Total for Day 7: $30-$55 per person
Total 7-Day San Francisco Travel Budget
- Estimated Total Budget: $265-$387 per person
This budget covers the major attractions, transportation, and meals, but doesn’t include any additional shopping, nightlife, or luxury experiences. Adjust the budget as needed to fit your travel style and preferences. Enjoy your time in the beautiful city of San Francisco!