This posts includes everything from transportation, food, things to do, and hiking. Unlike most of my recent trips, this itinerary was very loosely planned. While researching, I simply starred a bunch of places on Google Maps without knowing whether we’d be end up walking everywhere or what not. The MUNI system also confused me at the time, so I wasn’t sure how things would work or how long anything would take.
The only firm plans we had were visiting Alcatraz and having a car rental the last two days of our trip. With the car our plan was to visit Muir Woods, Mount Tamalpais, Sausalito, viewpoints on the opposite side of the Golden Gate Bridge, and Twin Peaks.
I’ll share our day-to-day itinerary of what we ended up doing, but it’s by no means a strict guide. Most mornings started with the question, “What area should we check out today?” From there, we’d map out a few spots. If we had extra time, we’d hop on the MUNI and head to a completely different area for more exploring.
Day to Day Itinerary Below:
Day 1: Check in, Mission District: Pirate Supply Store, Mission: Comics & Art, Otra, Smuggler’s Cove.
Day 2: Cable Car Museum, China Town, Coit Tower, Pier 39, Ferry Building, Alcatraz.
Day 3: Painted Ladies, Japantown Peace Plaza, Palace of Fine Arts, Organ Wave, Lombard Street, Mrs. Doubtfire’s House, The Stinking Rose.
Day 4: Presidio: Lovers Lane, Walt Disney Museum, Ghiraradelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Musée Mécanique, Boudin Bakery, Buena Vista.
Day 5: Golden Gate Park: Botanical Gardens, Hike Batteries to Bluffs, Round House Cafe, Fort Point
Day 6: Golden Gate Park: Conservatory of Flowers, Haight-Ashbury, Amoeba Music, Hike Lands End to Coastal Trail to Sutro Baths.
Day 7 Golden Gate Park: Japanese Tea Garden, Strawberry Hill.
Day 8 Muir Woods, Mount Tamalpais, Sauslito.
Day 9 Lime Point Historic Lighthouse, Battery Spencer, Kirby Cove, Black Sands Beach, Twin Peaks.
Transportation: Bart, Muni, Car Rental.
We did a little bit of everything during our trip. At first, I didn’t quite understand the difference between BART and MUNI while looking things up on the computer. They’re essentially similar but also different. You can use a Clipper card on both BART and MUNI, but their systems are separate—BART covers the Bay Area, while MUNI is just for San Francisco. We ended up using both the BART app and the MUNI app. BART came in handy only once, when we took it from the airport to our San Francisco Airbnb. Apparently, you can use the BART app to navigate MUNI as well, but we didn’t. Instead, we got the 7-day MUNI pass, which gave us unlimited access to buses, trains, cable cars, and streetcars.
To break it down: BART primarily connects the airport and the larger Bay Area (counties like San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa). MUNI is specific to San Francisco itself. Once we were there, navigating became much easier.
We also rented a car for two days, knowing we wanted to visit Muir Woods and other spots outside the city. Our Airbnb didn’t have a parking spot, so we had to rely on street parking. Coming from the East Coast and having driven into NYC, we were prepared for the struggle. Between residential parking restrictions, street cleaning schedules, and time limits, it wasn’t impossible—it just required some patience (and a lot of circling). We managed fine, though there were definitely some moments of frustration. Would I recommend renting a car if you’re not used to competing for parking or can’t parallel park? Absolutely not—it’s not for the faint of heart.
If you do rent a car and park on a hill, remember to turn your wheels properly according to the incline. Failing to curb your wheels can get you a ticket. If you’re unsure, just take a moment to look at how others are parked, and you’ll figure it out.
Places To Eat, Drink, Coffee: Broken Down: Type: Style: Neighborhood.
Otra: Restaurant: Mexican: Lower Haight
This was our first meal in San Francisco, and it did not disappoint. We had tacos, and they were easily some of the best we’ve ever had—super fresh, incredibly flavorful, and absolutely delicious.
Taqueria La Cumbre: Restaurant: Mexican: Mission District
At Taqueria La Cumbre, we enjoyed a Mission-style burrito and chicken enchiladas that hit all the right notes. If you’re craving tasty food, the Mission District is definitely the place to be. This taqueria’s dishes had the comforting, homemade taste that feels like you’re at a friend’s house and their mom is cooking just for you.
Craftsman and Wolves: Coffee/Pastry: Valencia
I chose Craftsman and Wolves for our morning coffee and pastry stop mainly for their famous Rebel Within: a savory muffin with pork sausage, asiago, parmesan, scallion, and a soft-cooked egg hidden inside. We absolutely loved it! I’m still not sure how they manage to keep the egg perfectly soft inside a perfectly baked muffin, but they’ve mastered it. Check out the video of us cutting into the muffin!
Burma Love: Restaurant: Burmese: Valencia
My cousins, who’ve lived in SF for a few years, kept raving about Burmese food. We’d never tried it before, but this was the place they highly recommended—and now we do, too. We absolutely loved it! The food was so flavorful, perfectly spicy, and full of unique tastes I never knew I’d been missing. Now I just wish we had a Burmese restaurant back home in New Jersey!
Smuggler’s Cove: Bar: Specialty Rum: Civic Center
We enjoyed Smuggler’s Cove so much that we ended up visiting twice! The drinks were absolutely delicious—some of the smoothest I’ve had in a long time. The bar boasts a massive drink menu, and we barely scratched the surface of what they offer. Each cocktail was packed with flavor yet incredibly delicate at the same time. This spot is a must for rum enthusiasts or anyone looking for a unique bar experience and enjoys rum.
Mama’s On Washington Square: Restaurant: Brunch: North Beach
You say Monte Cristo, and we say, “Where and when?” This spot came recommended by some people we chatted with in the elevator at Coit Tower. Mama’s is famous for their Monte Cristo, so naturally, we had to go. However, their take on it was a bit different—it’s served as an enclosed sandwich rather than the open-faced style we’re used to. We went with the traditional version, but next time, I’d love to try the one with Havarti cheese and sliced apples.
The Stinking Rose: Restaurant: Italian: North Beach
If you love garlic, this is the place to be. Literally everything on the menu incorporates garlic in some way—even their Gartini, a Garlic Martini made with vodka and pickled garlic. It wasn’t my thing, but he enjoyed it.
Boudin Bakery: Restaurant: Bakery: Fisherman’s Wharf
Boudin Bakery is the kingpin of sourdough, and it did not disappoint. Not only did we enjoy our meal, but watching the sourdough being made and exploring the museum on the top floor were such fun experiences. Honestly, just writing this now has me craving their sourdough in any shape or form. We tried the classic bread bowl and a sandwich—both were absolutely delicious!
Buena Vista: Bar: Irish Coffee: Fisherman’s Wharf
Everyone I talked to about San Francisco insisted we visit Buena Vista, the home of the Irish Coffee—and I’m so glad we did. We stopped by late one night and savored the warmth of the coffee, the creamy milk foam, and the kick of whiskey. The bartenders here are pros, turning out Irish Coffees at lightning speed. Watching the sheer volume of these drinks being made and enjoyed was impressive. I can only imagine how many coffee beans they go through in a day!
Round House Cafe: Coffee: Presidio
Finding a reasonably priced coffee shop in San Francisco was trickier than we expected. Given its prime location, we assumed this cafe would be pricey, but we were pleasantly surprised. With its variety of choices and wide range of flavors, it ended up being the best-priced coffee we found. We enjoyed the coffee, the stunning view, and the adorable little photo op they have. I would have gone back to try another drink if we went back to the area.
Ferry Building: Market Place: Financial District
The Ferry Building offers a little bit of everything—drinks, restaurants, cafes, specialty shops, and desserts. We only stopped for a late-night ice cream snack, but I’d love to go back and explore more of the options. They also host a farmers’ market, which I’ve heard is worth checking out.
Things To Do: Broken Down: Type: Price: Neighborhood
Alcatraz: National Park
To prepare for this visit, we watched Escape from Alcatraz on the plane ride over—and I’m so glad we did! It really added a layer of context and made the experience much more engaging. Honestly, Alcatraz could easily be its own blog post.
We opted for the Behind the Scenes Tour and couldn’t have been happier with that choice. It included a private group tour led by a park ranger, which gave us the chance to ask questions and have more of an interactive experience. Having someone knowledgeable to talk to made a big difference compared to just reading or listening passively.
The tour also included the Night Tour, which is an audio-guided walk through the prison, leading you to various locations. While the audio tour was good, I wouldn’t have been satisfied with just that. The Behind the Scenes portion added so much more depth. That said, seeing Alcatraz at night was incredible—the chilly, rainy weather made it even more atmospheric and memorable.
If you’re interested in the Behind the Scenes Tour, be sure to book at least a month in advance. We didn’t, and I had to obsessively check their website for cancellations, much like hunting for last-minute Disney dining reservations!
Mission: Comics and Art: Mission District
This is such a great spot for comic book lovers. We like to think we have good taste and a pretty eclectic collection ourselves, so we were impressed by the shop’s excellent selection of books. One thing I especially loved was the postcard they offered, which promotes and lists other comic book shops in the area. It’s such a thoughtful touch that really fosters a sense of community among local comic enthusiasts.
Amoeba Music: Store: Haight-Ashbury
He’s a big music and record lover, so stumbling across Amoeba Music was a delightful surprise. We were exploring the neighborhood when he spotted the store, and of course, that instantly piqued his interest. Little did he realize, he already follows their YouTube channel! They post reviews, artist interviews, and a variety of music-related content online. He found it pretty amusing to unexpectedly see the store in person after being familiar with it online.
Japantown Peace Plaza: Monument/Shopping
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this neighborhood, other than the open Peace Plaza Pagoda I’d seen in pictures. But once we ventured inside, we realized it’s actually a mall—and way larger than we expected! There were so many fun stores to explore, and we had a fantastic ramen dinner here with my cousins. The meal was delicious and made the visit even more enjoyable. We missed out on grabbing mochi donuts because we had dinner super late, but keep an eye out for them.
Chinatown is such a fun neighborhood to explore. I loved wandering through the area, especially admiring the vibrant murals and the glowing lanterns that light up the streets at night. Walking through the iconic Dragon Gate on Grant Avenue feels like stepping into a different world, with its traditional architecture, colorful decorations, and lively atmosphere.
The neighborhood is filled with shops, markets, and restaurants. From herbal medicine stores to unique souvenirs, there’s so much to discover. The food is definitely a highlight—dim sum at spots like Good Mong Kok or Dumpling King is a must, and don’t miss a stop at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory for a fresh, warm treat.
Palace of Fine Arts: Monumental Structure: Marina District
We packed sandwiches and enjoyed them on a park bench on a beautiful day, soaking in the atmosphere. The Palace of Fine Arts was absolutely impressive—it’s massive and stunning from every angle. Every part of it feels like a picture-perfect photo op. While we were there, we saw a wedding party and what looked like either a quinceañera or a sweet sixteen photoshoot taking place in the area. It’s truly a magical spot for capturing special moments.
Walt Disney Museum: $25 Adult: Presidio
To clarify, this is a museum dedicated to the life of Walt Disney, run by his family. While some reviews mentioned it was kid and family-friendly, I didn’t entirely agree. There were very few interactive exhibits at a kid-friendly level; much of the content involved in-depth reading and was geared toward an older audience.
That said, I came away with a deeper appreciation for Walt Disney—his persistence, vision, and many accomplishments. The museum focuses heavily on his early life and work, featuring personal stories, artifacts, original content, and connections that feel very authentic. One highlight was a room with devices offering extensive audio and video content to explore.
However, if you’re a Disney fan expecting the magic and frills of the parks, you might find this museum a bit underwhelming. It’s not a must-see destination while in San Francisco, but it was an enjoyable way to spend time since we had room in our schedule. Knowing what I know now, I could have skipped it, but it was still a worthwhile experience to learn more about Walt’s legacy.
Fort Point: National Historic Site: Presidio (free)
Fort Point had so much more to offer than I anticipated—I didn’t even realize you could visit the inside! I originally thought it was just an outdoor spot with views. We visited on a day it was open (Friday through Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm) and had a fantastic time exploring the interior. Walking through the exhibits, admiring the architecture, and standing under the Golden Gate Bridge was an incredible experience. The red brick structure is absolutely stunning.
Unfortunately, we missed the Daily Ranger Talks, which are held at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm on days the fort is open. While browsing their website later, I learned about the Candlelight Tour, a guided program that offers a unique way to experience the fort at night. I’d love to check that out on a future visit!
It feels like Fort Point is a hidden gem—many people might skip it, but it’s such a beautiful and fascinating space to explore. I thoroughly enjoyed the history and atmosphere of this historic site.
Ghirardelli Square: Shopping
Ghirardelli Square has three Ghirardelli stores where you can indulge in ice cream and chocolate. Spoiler alert—they all carry the same products, so there’s no need to visit all three like we did. Aside from the chocolate shops, the square is home to charming boutiques, restaurants, and even the San Francisco Brewing Co.
The square looks especially magical when lit up at night. We could see it glowing beautifully from Alcatraz during our night tour, which added to the charm. We couldn’t resist grabbing a bag filled with every flavor of Ghirardelli’s mini chocolates. They were the perfect daily treat, and we even managed to bring some home because we grabbed so many!
Pier 39: Shopping: Fisherman’s Wharf
Pier 39 is your typical beachy boardwalk vibe with a mix of attractions, restaurants, and shops. Highlights include sea lions lounging on the dock, a bite at Boudin’s Bakery Café, coffee from Biscoff’s Coffee Corner, and unique finds like The Lefty Store. This is a highly touristy spot and is very busy. We didn’t spend a lot of time here, but I feel like it’s a spot you just need to visit while you are in the area.
Musée Mécanique: Antique Arcade: Fisherman’s Wharf
As arcade and video game enthusiasts, we found Musée Mécanique to be something truly unique—a nostalgic piece of history. It houses one of the world’s largest privately owned collections of coin-operated mechanical instruments and antique arcade games.
With over 300 machines in their original working condition, it’s hands-on history at its best. Some games were familiar, but most were completely new to me, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. Whether you’re into vintage gaming or just curious about the evolution of entertainment, this place is definitely worth a visit.
Coit Tower: View Point: $10 Adult: Telegraph Hill
Make sure to visit Coit Tower on a clear and sunny day. Unfortunately, when we went, it was foggy and dreary, and we couldn’t see the Golden Gate Bridge from the top. While it was still fun to enjoy the 360-degree views of the city, I’d plan this visit differently next time to ensure the bridge is visible.
Cable Car Museum: FREE!: Nob Hill
The Cable Car Museum was by far my favorite spot on this trip. To make it even more special, we took a cable car to get there, which added a whole new layer of appreciation as we learned about their history and mechanics. By the time we left the museum, we couldn’t wait to hop back on a cable car and experience it all over again.
The museum, located in the historic Washington/Mason cable car barn and powerhouse, is where you can actually see the cables in action, pulling the cars along the tracks. The viewing deck overlooks the massive engines and winding wheels, and downstairs, you can watch the large sheaves and cable lines entering the building through channels under the street.
On display are mechanical artifacts like grips, tracks, brake mechanisms, tools, detailed models, and a large collection of historic photographs.
After learning how cable cars operate, it was even more fun to watch the operators in action. Their skill and precision is extremely impressive. Having the 7-day Muni pass meant we could ride the cable cars as much as we wanted—and we definitely took full advantage of that.
This museum is not only informative but also gives you a deeper appreciation for one of San Francisco’s most iconic experiences. Make this your first stop on your trip.
Hiking in San Fransisco:
Presidio: Lover’s Lane
We began our journey at the Princess Diaries High School, located near the iconic Lyon Street Steps, which marked the start of Lover’s Lane. This charming trail, with its paved path, made the half-mile walk both easy and enjoyable. The route ends at the historic Civil War Parade Ground, just a short distance from the Walt Disney Family Museum—perfect if you want to pair the hike with a visit to the museum.
Batteries to Buffs:
For this hike, I chose to start farther from the Golden Gate Bridge, beginning at Battery Crosby. The logic behind this is wanting to walk toward the bridge to get closer to it with each step. The trail stretches just shy of a mile, winding along the coastline with stunning ocean views. The path alternates between soil trails and wooden steps. At the end of our hike, we stopped at Battery Cranston, where we enjoyed a well-deserved lunch with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. A great spot to relax, eat, and soak in the Bay.
Lands End to Coastal Trail to Sutra Baths:
This hike combined multiple trails, starting at Lands End near the Legion of Honor Museum. We went down to Battery AMTB first, which is a less frequented path with an amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge. On Google Maps, they mention a Lands End Labyrinth rock formation, but it doesn’t exist anymore. Still, this detour felt like a secret spot. We then joined the Coastal Trail, which passes the USS San Francisco Memorial.
We chose this direction so we could end at the Sutro Baths. The view approaching the Sutro Baths was mesmerizing. Just looking down at what was left of the foundation was extraordinary. This location offers countless photo opportunities and allows you to wander around, walk the ruins, trace the edges of the pools, and marvel at the birds landing in and out of the water. I could have easily spent hours here soaking in the rest of the daylight.
Honorable Mentions: Point Bonita Lighthouse and Last Rites.
I wanted to do the Point Bonita Lighthouse hike, however the suspension bridge to the lighthouse was under repair and was closed. Last Rites is a bar, we were told about, but did not go. It looks fun and try it out next time.
Our itinerary is based off of 8 full days, but I don’t think it’s necessary to visit SF for that long. There were some days we killed time and spread out timeframes to help elongate plans and not have nothing to do. We just had gotten such a great airfare for that timeframe, we couldn’t turn it down. I would recommend a full 5ish days depending on what you want to accomplish. We do a lot of hikes and just running around nature, those days could easily be cut if that’s not for you.
Being an east coast girl and everything always being about NYC I definitely get the allure of San Francisco. We kind of accomplished everything you would do in SF this trip, but I still feel the sense to come back, and gladly do so. I’m not sure what we would do exactly, but there’s a strong pull to go back. Writing this blog post and talking about food, made me just crave some of the meals we had as well.
“You go to San Fransisco for the views” ~ is the most accurate statement I’ve ever heard.
Capsule Customs Travel 