5-day itinerary

The Perfect 5 Days in San Francisco

A balanced 5-day plan for San Francisco, built around its top-rated sights so each day flows without backtracking — plus a bite to eat along the way. Like it? Make it your own in a couple of taps.

Make this San Francisco itinerary yours

Customize it free →

Day 1The Big Highlights

  1. Morning

    Alcatraz Island

    Explore the legendary former federal penitentiary perched dramatically in San Francisco Bay with stunning city views.

  2. Afternoon

    USS Pampanito

    Step aboard a real WWII submarine and experience life beneath the Pacific waves firsthand.

  3. Evening

    Fisherman's Wharf

    Bustling seafood stalls, sea lions, and bay views make this iconic San Francisco waterfront irresistible.

Where to eat: Greens RestaurantA well-loved local spot.

Day 2Culture & Icons

  1. Morning

    Lombard Street

    Eight hairpin turns wind through flower-lined gardens on San Francisco's most famously twisted block.

  2. Afternoon

    The Masonic

    A grand Nob Hill landmark hosting world-class performances inside a stunning Masonic temple.

  3. Evening

    Sentinel Building

    This striking copper-clad Edwardian tower survived the 1906 earthquake and anchors North Beach's skyline beautifully.

Where to eat: Beach ChaletWestern — a well-loved local spot.

Day 3Culture & Icons

  1. Morning

    Transamerica Pyramid

    San Francisco's most recognizable pyramid-shaped tower offers stunning panoramic views of the bay and skyline.

  2. Afternoon

    Painted Ladies

    Seven pastel Victorians framed by the skyline—San Francisco's most photographed row of houses awaits you.

  3. Evening

    San Francisco Armory

    A striking 1914 brick armory with a fascinating, layered history tucked into San Francisco's Mission District.

Where to eat: Mama's on Washington SquareA well-loved local spot.

Day 4Parks & Slower Moments

  1. Morning

    Conservatory of Flowers

    Step inside Golden Gate Park's stunning 1879 greenhouse, bursting with rare tropical plants and exotic blooms.

  2. Afternoon

    Golden Gate Park

    A vast, stunning park with meadows, museums, and ocean breezes—San Francisco's beloved backyard awaits.

  3. Evening

    Presidio of San Francisco

    A stunning former military base turned national park with sweeping Golden Gate views and lush trails.

Where to eat: Original Joe'sItalian — a well-loved local spot.

Day 5Parks & Slower Moments

  1. Morning

    Golden Gate Bridge

    Marvel at San Francisco's blazing orange icon soaring above the Pacific — a true engineering masterpiece.

  2. Afternoon

    San Francisco Zoo

    Meet over 1,000 exotic animals along the scenic Pacific coast at this beloved urban zoo.

  3. Evening

    Fort Funston

    Stunning coastal bluffs where dogs roam free above the Pacific with sweeping ocean views.

Where to eat: Pinecrest DinerAmerican — a well-loved local spot.

Plan your real San Francisco trip

Set your own dates and pace, swap any stop, and let the AI build a geo-optimized day-by-day plan with flights, hotels, and a live map — free.

Build my San Francisco itinerary →

See all 849 things to do in San Francisco

Other San Francisco itineraries:2 days3 days7 days

Built from San Francisco's top-rated attractions. Opening hours, prices, and whether a spot still delivers can change — double-check anything time-sensitive before you go.