Four Days of Exploring San Francisco

• Day 1: Union Square and Chinatown
  Start the day in Union Square, a bustling plaza filled with high-end shopping and popular tourist attractions. Walk down Grant Avenue and explore the charming streets of Chinatown, home to intricate architecture, Asian markets, and delicious dim sum restaurants. End the day with a visit to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where you can watch the cookies being made and pick up a bag of freshly baked treats to take home.
• Day 2: Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz Island
  Head to Fisherman's Wharf in the morning and indulge in fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants lining the waterfront. After lunch, take a short ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and explore the infamous former prison on a guided tour. End the day with a sunset stroll along the Embarcadero, taking in the views of the Bay Bridge and twinkling city lights.
• Day 3: Mission District and Haight-Ashbury
  Spend the day exploring two of San Francisco's most unique neighborhoods. Start in the Mission District, known for its vibrant street art, authentic Mexican food, and interesting shops. Enjoy some afternoon coffee and people watching in Dolores Park before heading to Haight-Ashbury, where you can browse vintage clothing stores, record shops, and catch a glimpse of the colorful Victorian homes.
• Day 4: Golden Gate Park and the Presidio
  Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to Golden Gate Park and the Presidio. Start with a morning walk through the park's lush gardens and museums, then cross over to the Presidio for a picnic lunch and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Spend the afternoon hiking through the forested trails and historic military sites before grabbing a drink at the cliffside Lands End Lookout.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Union Square (2-3 hours, free)
• Chinatown (2-3 hours, free)
• Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory (30 minutes, $)
• Fisherman's Wharf (2-3 hours, free)
• Alcatraz Island (3-4 hours, $$$)
• Mission District (3-4 hours, free)
• Haight-Ashbury (2-3 hours, free)
• Golden Gate Park (3-4 hours, free)
• Presidio (2-3 hours, free)
• Lands End Lookout (1-2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: $$$

Transportation:

San Francisco's public transit system is extensive and affordable. The Muni Metro and bus lines connect all major neighborhoods, while the iconic cable cars are a fun way to get around downtown. Taxis and ride-shares are also readily available, but can get expensive especially during peak traffic hours. Car rentals are not recommended due to high parking rates and heavy traffic. As a visitor, a Clipper Card is the easiest way to pay for fares on all transit options.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby attractions like Napa Valley, Muir Woods, or Silicon Valley. For a shorter trip, skip Alcatraz Island and spend more time exploring other neighborhoods or checking out some of the city's world-class museums like the de Young or SFMoMA. Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as San Francisco's weather can be unpredictable even in the summer.