Overview

Start and end at Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Union Square. This itinerary is a coffee-focused walking day that pairs each cafe stop with a nearby neighborhood stroll or short attraction so you experience a bit of San Francisco while keeping the pace relaxed for two adults. Distances are walkable (10–30 minutes between points). Wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable cup if you have one.

Morning

• 08:00 — Leave hotel and walk ~5 minutes to Philz Coffee (Market/Union area).

  • Why: Philz is a San Francisco-born, pour-over style chain known for custom blends and the Mint Mojito iced coffee. Great for a first-cup and quick breakfast pastry.
  • Nearby: Union Square shopping and public art; short stroll after coffee.

• 09:00 — Walk (15–20 minutes) to Blue Bottle Coffee at Mint Plaza / Embarcadero direction.

  • Why: Blue Bottle’s precise, single-origin brews and minimalist shops are classic SF specialty coffee experiences.
  • Nearby: Mint Plaza, eclectic shops, or continue another 10–15 minutes to the Ferry Building Marketplace (if you want artisan food stalls and views of the Bay).

Midday

• 11:00 — Walk (15–20 minutes) or continue from Ferry Building to Sightglass Coffee (SoMa / 7th St).

  • Why: Sightglass is a roastery-cafe with roomy seating, excellent filter coffee and espresso — good place to linger, watch beans being roasted (depending on location), and relax.
  • Nearby: Yerba Buena Gardens (short stroll) for a light break or a walk to the Museum of the African Diaspora / Contemporary Jewish Museum if you want a quick cultural stop.

• 13:00 — Light lunch option

  • Options: Ferry Building food stalls (if you went there earlier), Gott’s Roadside (fast-casual), or a casual cafe in SoMa. Keep lunch relaxed so you can continue the coffee crawl.

Afternoon

• 14:30 — Head to The Mill (Divisadero / Alamo Square area) — about a 25–30 minute walk or 10–15 minute rideshare if you decide to shorten walking.

  • Why: The Mill is famous for house-roasted beans paired with artisanal toast; great for a mid-afternoon snack and a different vibe from downtown cafes.
  • Nearby: Alamo Square Park and the Painted Ladies — a classic San Francisco photo stop (about 5–10 minutes walk from The Mill).

• 16:30 — Optional short detour to a neighborhood bakery or local shop on your walk back toward Union Square.

Evening / Return

• 17:30 — Arrive back at Courtyard by Marriott Union Square. Freshen up and, if you want, enjoy a casual dinner in the Union Square / Tenderloin / Market St areas.

Tips & Recommendations

• Ordering: SF specialty cafes often prioritize pour-over/filter or single-origin espresso. Ask baristas for recommendations if you like a specific flavor profile (bright/acidic, chocolatey, nutty).
• Payment & Apps: Most cafes accept cards and mobile pay. Philz uses an app and in-store orders; others are straightforward.
• Crowds: Peak cafe times (8:30–10:00 and 12:00–14:00) can be busy. If you prefer quieter seating, aim for early openings or late afternoons.
• Water & Rest: Carry a small water bottle. Sit-down roastery cafes (Sightglass, Blue Bottle) are good spots for longer breaks.
• Accessibility: Walking routes include some hills. If steep walking is a problem, consider short rideshares between longer segments.
• Weather: San Francisco can be cool and windy even in summer; layers work best.

Notes

• All walking times are approximate and depend on your walking speed and short stops. This plan avoids heavy transit and is designed for a relaxed day for two adults.
• If you want to replace any coffee stop with another neighborhood (e.g., North Beach / Chinatown), it’s easy to swap and still keep walking-friendly distances.