10 Days in San Francisco, CA: A Day-by-Day Itinerary
A real plan from a traveler, day by day, with times. Follow it or make it yours.
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Here is how a real traveler spent 10 days in San Francisco, CA. Day 1: Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf. Day 2: Chinatown, Lombard Street. Day 3: Palace of Fine Arts, Exploratorium. The stop most travelers include is Chinatown, in 4 of 3 trips. The full plan below has times, ticket prices and travel time between stops.
Built from 3 real traveler itineraries on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.
The itinerary
10 days in San Francisco, CA, day by day
A real plan from a traveler on Packy AI. Follow it as it is, or copy it and change anything.
San Francisco, CA
Day 1: Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf
Day 1 starts at Golden Gate Bridge at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to enjoy the views and walk. Take a 20-minute rideshare (~$20 USD) to Fisherman's Wharf, arriving by 11:30 AM for a 3-hour lunch and exploration.
9:00 AM
Golden Gate Bridge
This world-famous bridge offers stunning views and a walking path for an unforgettable experience.
120 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
11:30 AM
Fisherman's Wharf
This bustling waterfront area is famous for seafood, shops, and sea lions lounging on the pier.
180 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
3:00 PM
Alcatraz Island
Explore the infamous former prison and learn about its fascinating history through an audio tour.
240 mins$45
Day 2: Chinatown and Lombard Street
Day 2 starts at Chinatown at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore shops and eateries. Travel 10 minutes via taxi (~$10) to Lombard Street at 11:30 AM, spending 1 hour marveling at the famous curves. At 1 PM, hop on a 15-minute taxi (~$15) to Golden Gate Park for a 3-hour leisurely visit, enjoying gardens and museums.
9:00 AM
Chinatown
Explore the largest Chinatown outside Asia, brimming with culture, shops, and authentic cuisine.
120 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
11:30 AM
Lombard Street
Walk down this famously crooked street, known for its beautiful gardens and steep inclines.
60 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
1:00 PM
Golden Gate Park
This expansive park offers beautiful gardens, lakes, and trails, perfect for a peaceful escape.
180 minsFree
Day 3: Palace of Fine Arts and Exploratorium
Day 3 starts at Palace of Fine Arts at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes for exploration. Take a 15-minute ride via rideshare (~$15) to the Exploratorium, arriving by 11 AM for 3 hours. Depart at 2 PM and take a 15-minute rideshare (~$15) to The Painted Ladies, arriving at 2:30 PM for 1 hour.
9:00 AM
Palace of Fine Arts
This stunning structure is perfect for photography, surrounded by serene water and beautiful greenery.
90 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
11:00 AM
Exploratorium
An interactive museum appealing to all ages, making science fun and engaging through hands-on exhibits.
180 mins$3020 mins by walk to the next stop
2:30 PM
The Painted Ladies
These famous Victorian houses are a must-see, set against the stunning San Francisco skyline backdrop.
60 minsFree
Day 4: Mission District and Muir Woods National Monument
Start Day 4 at the Mission District at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore vibrant murals and local eats. Travel via rideshare (~$15, 15 mins) to Muir Woods National Monument for lush redwoods at 11:30 AM (2 hours).
9:00 AM
Mission District
Home to colorful murals and diverse eateries, this area showcases the city’s rich cultural blend.
120 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
11:30 AM
Muir Woods National Monument
Experience the majestic redwoods in this peaceful forest, just north of San Francisco.
120 mins$1520 mins by walk to the next stop
2:00 PM
Coit Tower
Offering panoramic views of the city, this tower features stunning murals inside depicting California history.
90 mins$10
Day 5: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience
Day 5 starts at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art at 9 AM - allow 3 hours to explore the exhibits. Take a 15-minute taxi ride to Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience (~$10) for delightful treats at 12:30 PM (allow 1.5 hours). Then, a 10-minute walk leads you to Oracle Park by 2:30 PM; spend 1.
9:00 AM
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
One of the largest modern art museums in the country, featuring intriguing contemporary works and exhibitions.
180 mins$2520 mins by walk to the next stop
12:30 PM
Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience
This historic chocolate factory turned shopping center is perfect for indulging in sweets and buying souvenirs.
90 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
2:30 PM
Oracle Park
Home of the San Francisco Giants, this picturesque baseball stadium offers tours and stunning views of the bay.
90 mins$25
Day 6: The Castro and San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge
Day 6 starts at The Castro at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore its vibrant culture. Travel to the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge by taking a 15-minute taxi ride (approx. $15) to arrive by 11:30 AM - spend 1 hour enjoying views.
9:00 AM
The Castro
Known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture, this area features colorful shops and lively bars.
120 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
11:30 AM
San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge
This engineering marvel connects San Francisco to Oakland, offering breathtaking views especially at night.
60 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
1:00 PM
Ferry Building
A foodie haven with local vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and excellent dining options.
120 minsFree
Day 7: Sausalito and Fort Point National Historic Site
Start your day at Sausalito at 9 AM; allow 2 hours to explore the charming waterfront. Travel via ferry from San Francisco (~30 mins, ~$13 round-trip). Next, head to Fort Point National Historic Site at 11:30 AM for 90 minutes of history and views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
9:00 AM
Sausalito
Just across the bay, this charming town offers stunning views, shops, and waterfront dining.
120 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
11:30 AM
Fort Point National Historic Site
Explore this historic military fort that offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
90 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
1:30 PM
Crissy Field
A waterfront park offering picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge and a lovely beach.
120 minsFree
Day 8: Twin Peaks and Mission Dolores Park
Day 8 starts at Twin Peaks at 9 AM - allow 1 hour for stunning views. Next, take a 15-minute taxi (~$15) to Mission Dolores Park by 10:30 AM - enjoy 2 hours of relaxation. Conclude at the Cable Car Museum at 1 PM - budget 1 hour to explore this fascinating attraction. Total travel time: approximately 30 minutes.
9:00 AM
Twin Peaks
Experience the best panoramic views of San Francisco from these iconic twin hills.
60 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
10:30 AM
Mission Dolores Park
A vibrant park with a lively atmosphere, perfect for relaxing, picnicking, or enjoying city views.
120 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
1:00 PM
Cable Car Museum
Learn about the history of the iconic cable cars and see them in action.
60 minsFree
Day 9: Union Square and Mission of San Francisco de Asis
Day 9 starts at Union Square at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to shop and enjoy the area. Next, take a 10-minute taxi to Mission San Francisco de Asis at 11:30 AM for a 40-minute visit (~$15). Finally, take a 15-minute taxi to see the frog sculpture at 12:40 PM - plan for about 30 minutes here (~$10).
9:00 AM
Union Square
Explore a premier shopping and hotel district with a variety of high-end stores.
120 minsVaries by shopping20 mins by walk to the next stop
11:30 AM
Mission of San Francisco de Asis
Visit the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco and learn about its history.
40 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
12:40 PM
frog
A unique gift shop featuring local artisan crafts and goods.
30 minsVaries by shopping
Day 10: California Academy of Sciences and San Francisco Centre
Day 10 starts at California Academy of Sciences at 9 AM - allow 3 hours for exploration. Take a 10-minute taxi ride (~$15) to San Francisco Centre by 12:30 PM for shopping (2 hours). Relax at Twin Peaks Tavern at 3 PM, a 15-minute rideshare (~$10) from the Centre to enjoy the views and ambiance.
9:00 AM
California Academy of Sciences
Explore a natural history museum, aquarium, and planetarium all in one.
180 mins$4020 mins by walk to the next stop
12:30 PM
San Francisco Centre
A large shopping mall with a variety of stores and restaurants.
120 minsVaries by shopping20 mins by walk to the next stop
3:00 PM
Twin Peaks Tavern
A historic bar in the Castro with stunning views of the city.
90 minsVaries by menu
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Everything you need to know about spending 10 days in San Francisco, CA
Yes. The plan on this page fits 30 stops into 10 days, about 3 a day. Travelers on Packy have planned San Francisco, CA trips from 7 to 14 days.
The plan on this page opens with Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island.
Across 3 traveler itineraries, the stops that come up most are Chinatown (4 of 3), Exploratorium (4 of 3), Fisherman's Wharf (4 of 3), Lombard Street (4 of 3), Muir Woods National Monument (4 of 3).
From the plan on this page: Alcatraz Island is $45; Exploratorium is $30; Muir Woods National Monument is $15; Coit Tower is $10. Prices change, so check before you book.
Yes. Copy it into Packy AI, set your dates, then add, remove or reorder stops. Packy keeps the timings and the route up to date.
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