Waterfront up to Telegraph Hill
A day in San Francisco — 6 stops, about 3.5 km on foot.
A day that starts at the Fisherman's Wharf waterfront and climbs into North Beach and Russian Hill, trading crowds and bay views for bakery counters and cable car machinery. About 3.5 km of walking, with real hills in the middle. Suits a first visit that doesn't mind stairs.
The route, in order
Musée Mécanique
Opens 10:00
Start here because it opens at 10:00 and the machines are best before the wharf fills up — bring coins.
PIER 39
A short walk along the water from the museum, good for the sea lions and bay views before you turn inland and uphill.
Coit Tower
The climb up Telegraph Hill is the steepest part of the day; the murals and the view reward doing it while you still have legs.
Liguria Bakery
Opens 07:00
Downhill from the tower into North Beach for focaccia — it opens at 07:00 and often sells out, so take what's left.
Cable Car Museum
A steady walk west and uphill from the bakery, into the working powerhouse where the cables that move the cars are still turning.
Lombard Street
A few blocks from the museum, and the last stop by design: the crooked block and the view from the top of the hill.