Experience San Francisco in 5 Days: Exploring Lyon Street and Beyond

• Day 1: Lyon Street and Golden Gate Bridge
  10 minutes (2.5 miles) from downtown San Francisco

  Start your trip by exploring the iconic Lyon Street. This picturesque street is lined with mansions and offers stunning views of the city. Afterward, head to the Golden Gate Bridge to experience one of San Francisco's most famous landmarks. Walk across the bridge to take in the views of the bay and the city skyline.

• Day 2: Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf
  30 minutes (3.5 miles) from Lyon Street

  Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island, home of the infamous Alcatraz prison. Learn about the history of the prison and explore the island before returning to the mainland. Afterwards, head to Fisherman's Wharf to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of this iconic San Francisco destination.

• Day 3: Chinatown and Union Square
  20 minutes (2 miles) from Fisherman's Wharf

  Begin the day exploring San Francisco's historic Chinatown. Walk the streets and get lost in this vibrant and bustling neighborhood. Then head to Union Square to indulge in some shopping and people-watching. Don't miss the impressive art installations in and around the square.

• Day 4: Haight-Ashbury and Castro
  25 minutes (3.5 miles) from Union Square

  Experience two of San Francisco's most iconic neighborhoods. Start with Haight-Ashbury, famous for its role in the 1960s counterculture movement. Explore the vintage shops and colorful buildings before heading to Castro, the city's LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Visit landmarks like Harvey Milk Plaza and the Castro Theatre.

• Day 5: Mission District and Golden Gate Park
  20 minutes (3 miles) from Castro

  End your trip by exploring the vibrant Mission District. This neighborhood is known for its street art and vibrant food scene. Don't miss a visit to the colorful murals of the Clarion Alley. Afterwards, head to Golden Gate Park to enjoy its gardens, museums, and outdoor spaces.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Lyon Street (1 hour, free)
• Golden Gate Bridge (2 hours, free)
• Alcatraz Island (3 hours, $40-50 for ferry and admission)
• Fisherman's Wharf (2 hours, varies based on food and activity choices)
• Chinatown (2 hours, varies based on food and activity choices)
• Union Square (2 hours, varies based on shopping and activity choices)
• Haight-Ashbury (2 hours, varies based on food and shopping choices)
• Castro (2 hours, varies based on food and activity choices)
• Mission District (2 hours, varies based on food and activity choices)
• Golden Gate Park (3 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: $40-50 (Alcatraz admission and ferry)

Transportation

San Francisco has a well-connected public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and cable cars. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system provides fast and affordable service to the surrounding areas. The best way to get around the city is on foot or by bike. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Travel costs vary depending on the mode of transportation. Single-use cable car tickets are $7, while BART fares vary by destination. Bike rental prices start at around $10/hour.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art or a trip to the famous Painted Ladies. If you have less time, consider skipping Alcatraz Island.

Airports

The main airport in San Francisco is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). It is located about 13 miles south of the city center. Other nearby airports include Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Jose International Airport (SJC).