9 Days Exploring Northern California Itinerary

Begin your second day with a tour of Alcatraz as part of the San Francisco: Alcatraz Ticket with 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. This former prison island offers an intriguing glimpse into its notorious past. Enjoy breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square before heading out.

After returning from Alcatraz, take some time to explore San Francisco Chinatown, one of the oldest and most vibrant Chinatowns in North America. Have lunch at Z & Y Restaurant, known for its authentic Chinese cuisine.

In the evening, visit Coit Tower for panoramic views of San Francisco from Telegraph Hill. For dinner, make your way to House of Prime Rib, a classic steakhouse offering hearty meals.

Start your third day with a visit to the beautiful green space of Crissy Field, where you can enjoy scenic walks along the waterfront with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Grab breakfast at nearby The Warming Hut Cafe before exploring further.

Join the popular tour: San Francisco: Golden Gate Park Segway Tour. This guided tour will take you through one of San Francisco's largest parks filled with gardens, museums, and recreational areas. Have lunch at Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant, which offers great food along with ocean views.

Conclude your day by visiting the historic neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury known for its role in 1960s counterculture movement. Explore unique shops and vintage stores before having dinner at Cha Cha Cha, which serves delicious Caribbean-inspired dishes.

Start your day with a visit to the Legion of Honor, an impressive art museum located in Lincoln Park. The museum houses a diverse collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Enjoy breakfast at The Cliff House, which offers stunning ocean views and delicious morning fare.

In the afternoon, head to Painted Ladies, the famous row of Victorian houses located near Alamo Square. These colorful homes are an iconic symbol of San Francisco's architectural heritage. For lunch, stop by Nopa, a popular restaurant known for its seasonal and locally-sourced menu.

Conclude your day with a visit to the Transamerica Pyramid, one of San Francisco's most recognizable skyscrapers. While you can't go inside, the building is an architectural marvel worth seeing up close. For dinner, dine at Kokkari Estiatorio, a highly-rated Greek restaurant offering delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

Twin Peaks is your first stop today. These two prominent hills offer some of the best panoramic views of San Francisco and are perfect for morning photography sessions. Afterward, have breakfast at Tartine Bakery, renowned for its freshly baked goods.

Presidio awaits you in the afternoon. This former military base turned national park is home to beautiful trails, historic buildings, and scenic overlooks. Enjoy lunch at Arguello, a Mexican restaurant located within the Presidio that offers flavorful dishes in a historic setting.

San Francisco: California Sunset Boat Cruise will be the highlight of your evening. This tour offers breathtaking views of San Francisco's skyline as you cruise along the bay during sunset. For dinner afterward, head to Swan Oyster Depot, a beloved seafood spot known for its fresh oysters and seafood salads.

Haight-Ashbury is where you'll start your day today. This neighborhood is famous for its role in the 1960s counterculture movement and is filled with unique shops and vintage stores. Have breakfast at Pork Store Cafe, known for its hearty breakfast options.

San Francisco: Chinatown Walking Food Tour will be your afternoon adventure today. This guided tour takes you through Chinatown's bustling streets while sampling delicious local foods from various vendors. For lunch during the tour, you'll get to try several different dishes from recommended spots.

The Castro will be your final destination today. Known as one of the first gay neighborhoods in the United States, The Castro is vibrant with history and culture. Explore its lively streets before having dinner at Starbelly, which offers Californian comfort food with fresh ingredients.

Start your day with a visit to the Palace of Fine Arts, an architectural gem in the Marina District. This beautiful structure, originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, is surrounded by a peaceful lagoon and lush greenery. Enjoy breakfast at The Dorian, known for its chic ambiance and delicious morning offerings.

In the afternoon, embark on the San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge Catamaran Cruise. This tour provides stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the water, along with opportunities to see marine wildlife. For lunch, head to Greens Restaurant, a vegetarian eatery offering spectacular views of the bay.

Conclude your day with a visit to Fisherman's Wharf, one of San Francisco's most famous waterfront areas. Explore its many shops and attractions before dining at Scoma's Restaurant, renowned for its fresh seafood and waterfront location.

Begin your day with a visit to Lombard Street, famously known as the 'crookedest street in the world.' The steep, winding road is lined with beautiful flowers and offers great photo opportunities. Have breakfast at Cafe de la Presse, which serves French-inspired breakfast dishes.

Join the tour: From San Francisco: Muir Woods National Monument Guided Tour. This half-day trip takes you across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods, where you can walk among towering redwoods in this serene forest. Enjoy lunch at nearby Muir Woods Trading Company Cafe before heading back to San Francisco.

Spend your evening exploring North Beach, San Francisco's Little Italy. Stroll through its charming streets filled with cafes and gelato shops before having dinner at Tony's Pizza Napoletana, famous for its award-winning pizzas.

Start your final day with a visit to the bustling Ferry Building. This historic landmark houses an array of gourmet food vendors and artisan shops. Enjoy breakfast at Boulette's Larder, known for its farm-to-table cuisine.

Take part in the popular tour: San Francisco: City Tour with Alcatraz Visit. This comprehensive tour covers major city highlights followed by another visit to Alcatraz Island for those who want a deeper dive into its history. Have lunch during your city tour at one of San Francisco’s iconic eateries recommended by your guide.

End your trip with a relaxing evening stroll along the scenic Embarcadero. Take in views of the Bay Bridge illuminated against the night sky before enjoying dinner at Waterbar, which offers exquisite seafood dishes and panoramic bay views.