Help with my 2.5 day itinerary

Question

Hi there this is going to be a quick weekend trip this time to San Fran with my hubby and 2 teens and we are hoping for some help making the best out of our time there. We fly in and out of San Fran Airport arriving late after noon on a Friday and leaving end of day Monday. Happens to fall on cinco de mayo.

Staying at Stanford Court Hotel. So far this is what we have planned but pls help refine and make suggestions.

Friday checking into hotel around 430-5pm at Stanford Court then dinner reso close by at Nob Hill Cafe (recommended by the hotel since it’s close)

Saturday -venture down to Ferry Building for Farmers Market and possibly grab quick nibble/ breakfast there. Next head down embarcadero hopefully see some sea lions on some pier here? making our way to Chinatown for lunch reso at Harbourview Dim Sum next head to explore North Beach. Hoping to find an authentic cannoli and espresso here. Coit tower.

If time and not exhausted from all the walking it would be nice to also see golden gate park and bridge from a viewpoint on this day. If not then we can push this to Sunday.

Dinner reso at Flour and Water

After dinner short walk to explore this neighborhood before finding transportation back to Stanford Court. (Uber or BART )

Sunday

Breakfast at hotel or venture off to brunch at Zazie?

Lands end trail hike starting in Sutro Baths or ocean beach ending in Golden Gate Bridge (which trail is easier for kids/pre teens?)

Baker beach to Marshall beach to take some photos of bridge. Walk across bridge to Sausalito for dinner ? No dinner plans Sunday

Monday -cinco de mayo -checkout leave bags in storage and don’t need to get to airport until 5pm

Nopa Mission area exploration hoping to include Alamo Park, Painted ladies, ending off on Valencia Street close to cinco de mayo celebration

* gluten free restaurants where possible and I’d like to avoid Fisherman’s wharf this time and Union Square unless there’s time of course

Answer

With a late Friday arrival and 2.5 days in San Francisco, your itinerary is ambitious but manageable with some refinements. Since you’re staying at Stanford Court, you are centrally located on Nob Hill, which makes access to many neighborhoods easier without relying too heavily on a car.

Friday:

Checking in at 4:30-5pm gives you just enough time to settle in before dinner. Nob Hill Cafe is convenient, but if you feel like stretching your legs, a short walk down to nearby Polk Street has several casual dining options. Keep this evening light since you’ll be walking a lot on Saturday.

Saturday:

Your plan to hit the Ferry Building farmers market in the morning is excellent. You can grab a light breakfast or snacks from the artisanal stalls. From there:

Walk along the Embarcadero towards Pier 39/Pier 7 to see sea lions; this is a scenic stroll and avoids the tourist-heavy Fisherman’s Wharf proper.
Chinatown for lunch at Harbourview Dim Sum works well. Consider taking a small walking detour through the Dragon Gate and exploring Grant Avenue and Waverly Place.
North Beach afterwards is perfect for cannoli and espresso. Stop at iconic spots like Stella Pastry or Liguria Bakery for authentic treats.
Coit Tower: you can either walk up from North Beach or drive/Uber if energy is low. The views are excellent.

Optional: If time allows, Golden Gate Park or viewpoints like Twin Peaks or Battery Spencer for bridge views can be done later in the afternoon. Golden Gate Park is large, so pick highlights such as the Japanese Tea Garden or Conservatory of Flowers.

Dinner at Flour + Water is ideal for your evening. Post-dinner, a short stroll around the Mission or North Beach neighborhoods adds charm before heading back via Uber or BART.

Sunday:

For breakfast, Zazie is a lovely spot, but be prepared for a wait. If you prefer staying central, your hotel or a nearby café works.

Lands End hike: Start at Sutro Baths for a kid-friendly path; the Coastal Trail to Eagle’s Point is scenic and manageable for pre-teens. Walking the full route to the Golden Gate Bridge is longer but optional.
Baker Beach to Marshall Beach: These are excellent for photos of the bridge. Avoid crossing the bridge on foot unless your teens are confident walkers; the round trip is long (~8-10 miles total). Consider just walking partway for photos or using the shuttle to get to Sausalito.
Dinner: If you reach Sausalito, check out Scoma’s or a waterfront café. Otherwise, plan something back in the city near your hotel for convenience.

Monday (Cinco de Mayo):

Check out but leave bags at the hotel.

Nopa and Mission: Explore the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square first thing in the morning.
Mission District: Visit Mission Dolores Park and grab brunch/lunch at a gluten-free-friendly spot (e.g., Gracias Madre for Mexican or Little Gem for brunch).
Valencia Street: Perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, street performances, and food trucks. Great casual way to enjoy the festival.
Consider ending your day with a casual walk or coffee in a café before heading to the airport.

Additional Tips:

Use Uber/Lyft for longer distances or hilly areas to save energy, especially with teens.
Wear comfortable shoes and carry water/snacks for the walking-heavy itinerary.
Golden Gate Bridge views are best in late afternoon or sunset; Lands End trail offers dramatic views without the full bridge walk.
Skip heavy Golden Gate Park exploration unless you have extra time; prioritize either viewpoints or park highlights.
For gluten-free dining: Flour + Water offers options, Zazie can accommodate, and Mission/Mid-Market area has several dedicated spots.

This itinerary balances sightseeing, food, and walking while avoiding overpacking. Adjust timing according to energy levels, especially after long walks and hilly neighborhoods.

Help with my 2.5 day itinerary

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