Feedback on my itinerary, please

Question

We will be in SF for 41/2 days with our 13 yr old granddaughter. We will be arriving from spending 3 days in SoCal, driving up highway 1. My husband and I have been in SF before. We are staying in Nob Hill

The day we arrive ( mid day) our plan is to drive by the setting for”Full House” and then drive down Lombard Street. At that point, we will return our rental car and use buses, cable cars and uber. Check into hotel and look for dinner, probably around Union Square.

Day 2. Visit cable car museum

Walking tour of Chinatown

Visit The Fortune Cookie Factory

Lunch in Chinatown ( any suggestions for picky eaters)?

Coit Tower

Head to North Beach.

Vallejo steps

Dinner at The Italian Homemade Company

Day 3. Cable Car to Fisherman’s Wharf

Breakfast at Boudins Cafe

Walk around

Depending on time, head to Pier 39

Walk around and have lunch

1 pm ferry to Alcatraz

Back to pier 39

Dinner there

Dessert at Ghirardelli and look around square

Cable car to hotel

Day 4. Uber to Haight Asbury and explore area

Walk to the Castro area to explore and have lunch at Orphan Andy’s Diner

Walk to Alamo Square to see Painted Ladies and Murals/Balmy Allet

Uber to Golden Gate Park ( depending on time). See Japanese Tea Garden and Stowe Lake

Any suggestions for nearby areas for dinner?

Uber to hotel

Day 5. Uber to Presidio

See Palace of Fine Arts

Yoda statue

Walk onto Golden Gate Bridge and walk a little bit across.

Again - suggestion for area nearby for lunch

Anything we have missed or we will repeat whatever we didn’t have time to do

Day 6. Leave for airport

Thanks for and feedback you can provide

Answer

Your itinerary for San Francisco with your 13-year-old granddaughter is very well-planned, balancing iconic sights with walking and transit. Here’s detailed feedback and suggestions to help make the most of your time and address your dining and timing questions.

Day 1: Arrival and “Full House” / Lombard Street

Your plan to drive by the “Full House” houses and Lombard Street works fine for a quick photo stop. Returning the rental car and switching to public transport is a smart move, as parking in the city can be expensive and stressful. For dinner near Union Square, consider these options for a relaxed evening:

John’s Grill – historic SF steakhouse, quiet and classic atmosphere.
The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus – good for light meals or desserts with views.
Hops & Hominy – casual, family-friendly with Southern-inspired dishes.

Day 2: Chinatown, North Beach, Coit Tower

Your walking tour looks solid. For picky eaters in Chinatown, consider:

Good Mong Kok Bakery – dim sum, small bites, simple and kid-friendly.
R&G Lounge – mild dishes and approachable menu.
Golden Gate Bakery – excellent egg tarts for a snack stop.

North Beach is great for Italian pastries or coffee, especially after Coit Tower. The Italian Homemade Company is an excellent dinner choice.

Day 3: Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz

This day is busy but doable. Key tips:

Book Alcatraz tickets well in advance, as afternoon slots fill up quickly.
Consider starting at Pier 39 a little earlier to explore sea lions and shops before your ferry.
Boudin Cafe is a classic breakfast; if you want a quicker option, The Buena Vista Cafe is famous for Irish coffee and pastries.

Day 4: Haight-Asbury, Castro, Alamo Square, Golden Gate Park

This is a full day with diverse neighborhoods. For dinner after Golden Gate Park, some nearby options include:

Nopalito – Mexican cuisine, casual and flavorful.
Arizmendi Bakery – vegetarian-friendly, excellent pizza and baked goods.
Marnee Thai – flavorful and family-friendly, nearby in Inner Sunset.

Day 5: Presidio, Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge

Lunch near the Presidio / Crissy Field area:

The Warming Hut – casual cafe with sandwiches and coffee, right by Crissy Field.
Greens Restaurant – vegetarian, scenic views, located near Fort Mason.
Presidio Social Club – classic American fare in a relaxed setting.

If time allows, consider exploring the nearby Marina District for shops and a stroll along the waterfront before heading back.

Additional tips:

Be mindful of time for walking-heavy days, especially with a 13-year-old; bring comfortable shoes and water.
Consider starting early for Alcatraz day to maximize sightseeing and reduce crowd stress.
If you have extra time, explore the Ferry Building Marketplace for snacks or a light meal; it’s fun for kids too.
Weather can be cool and foggy even in summer; bring layers, especially for Presidio and Golden Gate Bridge.

Overall, your itinerary balances iconic SF sights with neighborhoods and experiences suitable for a teenager. You have room to repeat missed activities, and the use of cable cars, Uber, and walking will make getting around convenient.

Feedback on my itinerary, please

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