Kick off your trip with a refreshing late-morning stroll through the historic Ghirardelli Square, where you can enjoy the bay views with a sweet treat in hand. From there, head to Pier 39 to see the boisterous colony of sea lions basking in the sun before snapping a classic photo at the legendary Fisherman's Wharf sign.
After exploring the waterfront, make your way to the historic Dragon's Gate to enter the bustling heart of North America's oldest Chinatown. Wander through the vibrant stalls along Grant Avenue before stopping by the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to see how the iconic treats are handmade in a hidden alleyway.
As evening falls, step into the neon-lit history of Li Po Cocktail Lounge to enjoy their legendary Chinese Mai Tais in a kitschy, atmospheric setting. Afterward, indulge in an elevated dinner at Mister Jiu's, an acclaimed spot that reimagines Cantonese cuisine while offering a glimpse of the glowing lanterns throughout Waverly Place.
Fuel up for a day of discovery with a specialty latte and freshly baked pastry from Tartine Bakery before entering the lush expanse of Golden Gate Park. Spend your morning wandering through the serene Japanese Tea Garden to admire its historic stone lanterns and koi ponds, then visit the nearby SF County Fair Building to see the stunning floral displays at the Pacific Orchid Exposition. Conclude your morning at the Conservatory of Flowers, where you can marvel at rare tropical plants housed within its iconic Victorian glass walls.
After lunch, head to the de Young Museum to ascend the Hamon Observation Tower for panoramic city views before leaving the park grounds to wander through the eclectic shops of the Haight-Ashbury district. Continue your journey to the iconic Alamo Square Park, where you can relax on the grassy slopes and photograph the famous Victorian Painted Ladies as the afternoon sun hits their colorful facades.
As the sun sets, wander down to the nearby Hayes Valley neighborhood for an acclaimed dinner at the rustic yet refined Rich Table. Conclude your night with a perfectly crafted cocktail at the award-winning Smuggler's Cove or immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene at the nearby SFJAZZ Center.
Begin your final morning in the city by grabbing a pour-over at Ritual Coffee Roasters before embarking on a self-guided mural tour through the vibrant Clarion Alley, where the walls serve as a canvas for ever-changing social and political street art. Afterward, step back in time at the historic Mission San Francisco de Asís, the oldest building in the city, to explore its ornate chapel and serene cemetery. Finish the morning by joining the locals on the sunny slopes of Mission Dolores Park for some prime people-watching and iconic views of the downtown skyline.
After an authentic lunch in the Mission, stroll through the vibrant 24th Street corridor to browse local boutiques and view the historic, politically charged murals that line Balmy Alley. Conclude your afternoon by ascending to the summit of Twin Peaks, where you can stand atop the Christmas Tree Point lookout for legendary 360-degree views of the downtown skyline and the distant Golden Gate Bridge.
Conclude your weekend with an unforgettable dinner at Foreign Cinema, where you can enjoy refined California-Mediterranean fare while classic movies are projected onto the courtyard's high walls. After your meal, finish your trip on a high note with a final inventive cocktail at the industrially-styled Trick Dog, a local favorite located in the heart of the district's creative hub.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sweet treat at Ghirardelli Square | $15 |
| Pier 39 and Sea Lions | Free |
| Fisherman's Wharf sign | Free |
| Dragon's Gate and Grant Avenue | Free |
| Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory | $5 |
| Chinese Mai Tais at Li Po Cocktail Lounge | $15 |
| Dinner at Mister Jiu's | $125 |
| Waverly Place | Free |
| Pastries at Tartine Bakery | $25 |
| Japanese Tea Garden | $16 |
| Pacific Orchid Exposition at SF County Fair Building | $15 |
| Conservatory of Flowers | $16 |
| de Young Museum & Hamon Observation Tower | $20 |
| Haight-Ashbury boutiques | Free |
| Alamo Square Park & Painted Ladies | Free |
| Dinner at Rich Table | $120 |
| Cocktails at Smuggler's Cove | $18 |
| Performance at SFJAZZ Center | $55 |
| Pour-over at Ritual Coffee Roasters | $6 |
| Clarion Alley Murals | Free |
| Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores) | $7 |
| Mission Dolores Park | Free |
| 24th Street corridor and Balmy Alley murals | Free |
| Twin Peaks & Christmas Tree Point | Free |
| Dinner at Foreign Cinema | $80 |
| Cocktail at Trick Dog | $15 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $553 |