7 Days in San Francisco!

Introduction:

‍Seven days in San Francisco gives you the room to go deeper. You don’t have to cram in the highlights or rush through neighbourhoods. With this much time, you can settle into the rhythm of the city; the fog, the hills, the food, the quiet gardens hidden behind apartment blocks. This itinerary mixes iconic spots with lesser-known favourites, offering a full picture of what makes San Francisco unforgettable.

Day 1

MorningBegin with the Golden Gate Bridge. Walk it from the San Francisco side, stopping for photos as you cross. On the other side, visit Vista Point for panoramic views before heading back.

AfternoonSpend time in the Presidio. Walk through the Tunnel Tops park, explore the trails, or stop by the Walt Disney Family Museum. Grab lunch nearby at the Commissary or bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn.

NightHead to the Marina District. Walk along Crissy Field during sunset and eat at one of the local favourites along Chestnut Street. It’s a relaxed first night that keeps you close to the water.

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Day 2

MorningTake the ferry to Alcatraz Island. The early tour gives you time to explore without the rush. The audio tour is worth it and provides a haunting look into the prison’s layered history.

AfternoonReturn and explore the Ferry Building Marketplace. Grab lunch from a local vendor and sit outside with views of the Bay Bridge. Walk north along the Embarcadero or head into Jackson Square for a quieter pace.

NightDinner in North Beach. Eat Italian, browse City Lights Bookstore, and walk up to Coit Tower for nighttime views over the city.

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Day 3

MorningSpend the morning in Golden Gate Park. Visit the de Young Museum or the Conservatory of Flowers. The park is huge, so give yourself time to wander without a checklist.

AfternoonHead west to Ocean Beach. The water is rough, but the air is fresh and the horizon stretches wide. Grab lunch on Judah Street or at Outerlands nearby.

NightCome back through the Inner Sunset and eat in one of its excellent, unassuming restaurants. Try Burmese, Japanese, or something locally sourced and seasonal.

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Day 4

MorningStart in the Mission District. Grab a coffee and pastry from a local bakery and walk Balmy Alley to see the murals. The colours, politics, and personality here say more than a guidebook ever could.

AfternoonRelax in Dolores Park. It’s a people-watching haven with views across downtown. After lunch, explore Valencia Street’s shops, bookstores, and vintage spots.

NightStick around the Mission for dinner. Whether it’s tacos, tapas, or an elevated tasting menu, there’s no shortage of good food. End with a drink in a low-lit bar or a lively mezcaleria.

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Day 5

MorningMake your way to Chinatown. Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and explore the markets and herbal shops. Keep walking into North Beach and see how the two cultures overlap.

AfternoonWalk or ride the cable car up to Nob Hill. Visit Grace Cathedral and enjoy the views from Huntington Park. From there, continue on foot to Russian Hill and explore the Filbert Steps... a wooden staircase surrounded by gardens leading down to the waterfront.

NightDinner in nearby Polk Gulch or Hayes Valley. Both areas offer a mix of casual and upscale options. Catch live music or see what’s on at a small local theatre.

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Day 6

MorningTake a trip outside the city to Muir Woods. Walk beneath the redwoods and take in the quiet. It’s an easy half-day escape that feels far from the city.

AfternoonStop in Sausalito on the way back for a late lunch with a view. Return to the city by ferry and watch San Francisco come back into focus from the water.

NightKeep things calm with a sunset view from Twin Peaks. Afterward, eat somewhere nearby or back in your favourite neighbourhood from earlier in the week.

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Day 7

MorningStart the day in the Castro. Have breakfast at a corner café and walk the rainbow-flag-lined streets. Visit the GLBT Historical Society Museum or just take in the energy of the neighbourhood.

AfternoonExplore the Haight. Browse record stores, vintage shops, and bookstores. Visit the nearby Buena Vista Park for a final overlook of the city.

NightEnd your trip with dinner in a spot you missed or return to a favourite. Finish with a walk along the Embarcadero or back at the Marina, watching the lights reflect across the bay.

ConclusionA week in San Francisco is enough time to understand it beyond its landmarks. You’ll leave with more than just photos - you’ll have felt the quiet sides of the city, eaten meals you’ll think about later, and seen it from hilltops, sidewalks, and ferries. This is a city best taken in slowly, and seven days gives you exactly that

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