Holy Virgin Cathedral
Russian Orthodox cathedral in San Francisco.
The gold domes stand out for blocks. Go at the start of the morning while things are calm, and step inside quietly.
Morning · 45 minDay 1
Gold domes to the Golden Gate
The Walt Disney Family Museum
Museum in San Francisco, California.
It is part of the Presidio, so it sits neatly between the cathedral morning and the bridge afternoon; the route west to the bridge is short from here.
Afternoon · 2 hr
Golden Gate Bridge
Suspension bridge on the San Francisco Bay.
Pedestrians use the east walkway, with the city and bay behind you. Expect wind and cool air even on a fine May day, so keep layers on.
Afternoon · 45 minThe Disney museum is inside the Presidio, close to the bridge, so the afternoon can move at its own speed. Keep layers ready for the bridge wind.
Day 2
A full day inside Golden Gate Park
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Golden Gate Park
Public park in San Francisco, California, USA.
Think of it as the day's anchor rather than a single stop; the two gardens are a short walk apart near the middle of the park.
Morning · 1 hr 15 min
Japanese Tea Garden
Historic garden in San Francisco, California, United States.
Compact and slow to take in; leave time to sit rather than just walk through.
Afternoon · 1 hr 15 min
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Botanical garden.
May is a full season here, so pick a corner that interests you instead of trying to cover all of it.
Afternoon · 1 hr 15 minEverything today sits within the park, so this is the day to slow down most.
Day 3
Old mission, new cathedral, and a museum
Mission San Francisco de Asís
Mission in San Francisco.
Known locally as Mission Dolores, it is the oldest standing building in the city. A short visit, so save energy for the afternoon.
Morning · 45 min
Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption
Church in San Francisco, California, United States.
The modernist building is best seen from a little distance before going in; the visit itself is brief.
Afternoon · 45 min
Contemporary Jewish Museum
Museum in San Francisco, California.
Part of the draw is the building itself, with its blocky blue-tiled wall. Give it a quick look from the outside before heading in.
Afternoon · 2 hrMission San Francisco de Asís reads quickly, so save the real block of time for the Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Day 4
North Beach to Chinatown to modern art
Saints Peter and Paul Church, San Francisco
Church.
A short, quiet stop to begin the day; the white facade and twin spires set the tone for North Beach.
Morning · 45 min
Portsmouth Square
Public park in Chinatown, San Francisco, California.
The heart of Chinatown sits above the streets; a good spot to pause and watch the neighbourhood at work.
Afternoon · 45 min
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Modern art museum in San Francisco, California, USA.
The building is large; with two hours, choose a couple of floors and follow those rather than trying to see everything.
Afternoon · 2 hrThe church, the square and the museum sit close enough that the day works on foot once you reach the neighbourhoods.
Good to know
What is the weather in San Francisco in May?
Cool and often misty, especially near the bridge and the ocean. Morning fog usually lifts by midday, and layers handle the rest, so a light jacket goes a long way.
Can you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge?
Yes. Pedestrians use the east walkway, which looks back toward the city and the bay. The 45 minutes set aside for the bridge covers the walk and the viewpoints at an easy pace.
How much time does the Disney Family Museum need?
The plan gives it two hours, which suits a family with children. It tells Walt Disney's story in order, so move through at the group's own speed.
Are the Japanese Tea Garden and Botanical Garden close together?
Yes. Both sit inside Golden Gate Park, a short walk apart, which is why they share one afternoon on this trip.
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