First time in San Francisco - Please help

Question

Hello,

I am asking your patience and kindness regarding this post. Family of four with 2 kids will be visiting SF for the first time in Aug and I would like your opinions and suggestions regarding our itinerary below.

We would like to use the public transportation and see if they are operating on Sundays. Please also advise which cable car or bus lines to use with these destinations.

Thank you very much!

August 10 - arriving in SF around 1PM

- Checking in at Columbus Inn 3PM

- Japantown (Lunch at around 2 at Hinodeya or Marufuku?)

- The Painted Ladies

- Palace of Fine Arts

- Golden Gate Park ( California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden, the de Young

Museum, and the Conservatory of Flowers)

- Torperdo Wharf or find other viewpoints of Golden Gate Bridge

- Dinner (suggestion, please!)

- Back to Columbus Inn

August 11

- early breakfast (suggestion, please!)

- Alcatraz cruise 11AM (3hours)

- explore Lombard st.

- lunch in Chinatown

- Aquarium of the Bay

- explore Fisherman's Wharf

- Sea Lion Viewing Area

- Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience

- pls suggest more places to visit

- Dinner (suggestion, please!)

Answer

Your itinerary for a first-time visit to San Francisco in August is ambitious but doable, especially if you rely on public transportation and plan efficiently. San Francisco’s Muni buses, historic cable cars, and BART trains operate on Sundays, though some routes may have slightly reduced frequency. Planning your route with the Muni mobile app will help you avoid long waits.

For August 10:

Japantown: Both Hinodeya and Marufuku are good choices. Hinodeya is known for its noodles and casual vibe; Marufuku offers authentic ramen. Since you’ll be arriving around 1PM, a 2PM lunch should work.
Public Transit: From Columbus Inn, you can take Muni bus #38 or #1 to Japantown. Walking is also possible depending on your preference.
Painted Ladies: Iconic Victorian homes near Alamo Square. Take Muni #21 or #5, or ride-share. Short visit (30-45 min) is sufficient for photos.
Palace of Fine Arts: Muni #30 or ride-share recommended. Great for a quick stroll and photos.
Golden Gate Park: For California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, de Young Museum, and Conservatory of Flowers, Muni #5 or #44 will get you close. Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours to cover at least one or two major sites thoroughly. If pressed for time, prioritize the California Academy of Sciences.
Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints: Torpedo Wharf is excellent; consider also Baker Beach or Crissy Field for different perspectives. Muni #28 or #30 can take you close.
Dinner suggestions:
- North Beach: Italian options like Tony’s Pizza Napoletana or Original Joe’s
- Fisherman’s Wharf area: Scoma’s for seafood with a view

For August 11:

Early Breakfast:
- Mama’s on Washington Square (North Beach) for classic breakfast fare
- Blue Bottle Coffee for lighter options and pastries
Alcatraz Cruise: 11AM departure. Ferries leave from Pier 33. Allocate around 3 hours including boarding and exploration.
Lombard Street: Famous crooked street. Walking or a short ride from Fisherman’s Wharf works well.
Lunch in Chinatown: Good options include R&G Lounge or Z & Y Restaurant for authentic Chinese cuisine.
Aquarium of the Bay: Located at Pier 39; short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf. Combine with Sea Lion Viewing Area.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience: Short stop at Ghirardelli Square. Great for dessert or souvenirs.
Additional suggestions:
- Coit Tower for panoramic city views
- Exploratorium on Pier 15 if interested in interactive science exhibits
- Mission District murals and Dolores Park for a colorful, local experience
Dinner suggestions:
- North Beach: Trattoria Contadina or Pompei’s Grotto for Italian
- Embarcadero: Fog Harbor Fish House for seafood with water views

Notes on public transport:

Cable cars operate on Powell-Mason, Powell-Hyde, and California Street lines. Best for scenic rides rather than strict commuting.
For Golden Gate Park and other neighborhoods, Muni buses are generally the most efficient.
Consider a Muni Passport (1, 3, or 7 days) for unlimited rides on buses and cable cars.

Overall, your plan is ambitious for two days, so prioritize sites based on family interest. Allow flexibility for rest and spontaneous stops; San Francisco traffic and hilly terrain can slow walking and bus travel.