5-Day San Francisco Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

San Francisco packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — golden gate fog, cable cars, and tech culture on steep hills. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Mission District — murals, burritos, and Dolores Park. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Golden Gate Bridge for your first taste of what makes San Francisco special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Mission District — murals, burritos, and Dolores Park area. Try Mission Burrito — giant foil-wrapped burrito stuffed with rice, beans, and meat — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Fisherman's Wharf. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Chinatown. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the North Beach — Little Italy with Beat Generation literary history neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Dungeness Crab — seasonal fresh crab at Fisherman's Wharf at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Alcatraz Island — one of San Francisco's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $21 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the SoMa — museums, tech offices, and waterfront ballpark district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Dim Sum — authentic Cantonese brunch in the oldest Chinatown in the US. Expect to spend around $50 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to 16th Avenue Tiled Steps — mosaic stairway in the Sunset with ocean views — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Wave Organ — acoustic sculpture on the marina that plays music with the tides. The Haight-Ashbury — 1960s counterculture and vintage shops area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience San Francisco's nightlife scene — Mission District — dive bars, speakeasies, and mezcalerias.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Balmy Alley — Mission District alley covered floor to ceiling with murals or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Union Square — department stores and high-end retail — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Muni covers buses, metro, and cable cars with a single fare system
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $200 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack layers including a warm jacket — fog makes it surprisingly cold You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Tip 18 to 20 percent at restaurants — service workers rely on tips
• Safety: Parts of the Tenderloin and some SoMa blocks can feel unsafe — use common sense

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$70	$200	$550
5-Day Total	$350	$1000	$2750

Final Thoughts

Five days in San Francisco is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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