San Francisco

San Francisco's Best Kept Secrets: Off the Beaten Path Travel Guide

🇺🇸

Currency

US Dollar (USD) $

Best Time

September to November

Population

880,000

Weather °C

15.1

“San Francisco is a dynamic city where the fog dances gracefully over the Golden Gate Bridge, and vibrant neighborhoods come alive with art and culture. It's a place where the echoes of the past harmonize with the pulse of innovation, making each visit an unforgettable journey.”

Off the beaten path places in

San Francisco

“San Francisco provides an abundance of treasures for its travelers, from the windswept and foggy bay to its meandering hills positioned by Victorian homes that command spectacular scenery over the city. SF varies wildly from the Chinatown to the hipster vibe of the Castro and the gleaming skyscrapers built along the city’s Silicon Valley.”

Navigation Link

SF Hidden Spots

Cable cars, tech startups, and vibrant arts.

The city has more than 200 parks, including the sprawling Golden Gate Park, larger than New York's Central Park.

Known for its steep hills, Victorian architecture, and iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is a hub for innovation and culture, with a stunning waterfront and diverse neighborhoods.

Known for its fog, the city is home to over 50 hills

State

California

Country

USA

Year

1776

Airport

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Cost of Living (10)

Places to See

🍫

Dandelion Chocolate

Artisan Chocolate

2600 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

4.6

10-20

11AM to 5PM

Craft chocolate maker with tours and tastings

Vibe:

Cozy, gourmet

Get To:

16, 22 buses

Independent chocolate factory with tours and a café

Tip:

Tasting flights, pastries

http://www.dandelionchocolate.com/

🎞️

The Castro Theatre

Historic Theatre

429 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

4.7

12-15

11AM to 5PM

Iconic theatre known for its historic films and events

Vibe:

Vintage, vibrant

Get To:

16, 33, 49 buses

Historic theatre playing movies and performances

Tip:

Classic films, special events

http://www.castrotheatre.com/

🧗

Twin Peaks

Scenic Viewpoint

501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

4.8

Free

5AM to 12AM

Highest point in San Francisco with 360-degree views

Vibe:

Panoramic, stunning

Get To:

37, 44 buses

Urban hike with a scenic view of San Francisco

Tip:

Hiking trails, views

https://sfrecpark.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Twin-Peaks-384

🌾

Ferry Building Marketplace

Food Hall

1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

4.8

10-50 (per meal)

11AM to 5PM

A vibrant market with local foods and artisanal products

Vibe:

Bustling, gourmet

Get To:

Embarcadero BART station

Organic farmers market with food stalls

Tip:

Local eats, artisan goods

https://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/

🎞️

Dolores Park

Urban Park

Dolores St &, 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

4.7

Free

6AM to 10PM

Popular gathering spot with great city views

Vibe:

Relaxed, lively

Get To:

14, 22, 33 buses

Recreational park with open air movie theatres and ice cream

Tip:

Picnic spots, playgrounds

http://sfrecpark.org/destination/mission-dolores-park/

🔭

Exploratorium

Interactive Museum

Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94100, United States

4.7

30-35

11AM to 5PM

A museum of science, art, and human perception

Vibe:

Engaging, educational

Get To:

Embarcadero BART station

Science museum that allows to ask question & question answers

Tip:

Hands-on exhibits

https://www.exploratorium.edu/

Must Visit:

Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island

Places to Eat

🧇

Blue Bottle Coffee

Specialty Coffee Shop

66 Mint St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

4.5

5-15

12 to 8PM

Known for its fresh, artisanal coffee

Vibe:

Sleek, Minimalist

Get To:

18th St. & Valencia (Muni)

Café serving Belgian waffles and seasons soups

Tip:

Drip coffee, pastries

https://bluebottlecoffee.com/cafes/mint-plaza

🍛

Aziza

Moroccan-Fusion Cuisine

5800 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States

4.7

40-70

12 to 8PM

Award-winning chef, intricate decor with Moroccan tiles

Vibe:

Elegant and modern

Get To:

Accessible via BART (Civic Center Station)

Intimate Morrocan restaurant serving contemporary arab cuisine and drinks

Tip:

Lamb Chops, Couscous Salad

http://azizasf.com/

🍖

Bar Agricole

Farm-to-Table Dining

355 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

4.4

30-50

12 to 8PM

Emphasis on local produce and sustainable sourcing

Vibe:

Stylish, Chic

Get To:

16th St. & Harrison (Muni)

Ecofriendly lounge serving meat and seafood delicacies

Tip:

Seasonal dishes, cocktails

http://www.baragricole.co/

🥟

$State Bird Provisions

Creative American Tapas

1529 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

4.5

40-70

12 to 8PM

Innovative dishes served family-style

Vibe:

Eclectic, Lively

Get To:

16th St. & Mission (BART)

Dim sum style innovative dishes like sauerkraut pancakes

Tip:

Quail, seasonal dishes

https://www.statebirdsf.com/

🍝

$Flour + Water

Artisan Pizzeria

2401 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

4.6

40-60

12 to 8PM

Open kitchen concept, seasonal menu

Vibe:

Industrial, Chic

Get To:

18th St. & Valencia (Muni)

Italian restaurant with a Cali-influence

Tip:

Pizza, handmade pasta

https://www.flourandwater.com/

💯

Espetus Churrascaria

Brazilian Steakhouse

1686 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

4.4

50-70

Temporarily closed

Authentic Brazilian steakhouse with endless meats

Vibe:

Lively, flavorful

Get To:

38, 49 buses

Rodizio-style Brazilian steakhouse

Tip:

Meat selections, cocktails

http://www.espetus.com/

🌮

Nopa

Contemporary American Dining

560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

4.5

30-60

5 to 9PM

Open kitchen, seasonal ingredients

Vibe:

Rustic, Lively

Get To:

24th St. & Divisadero (Muni)

Contemporary Californian restaurant focusing on quality ingredients

Tip:

Wood-grilled dishes, pancakes

http://www.nopasf.com/

Must Try:

Sourdough Bread, Cioppino

Places to Drink

🥃

Smuggler’s Cove

Rum Bar

650 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

4.7

15-25 per drink

4 to 10PM

Extensive rum selection, Caribbean-inspired decor

Vibe:

Tropical and vibrant

Get To:

Accessible via Muni (Line 10)

Pirate themed cocktail bar serving great rum

Tip:

Rum Cocktails

https://www.smugglerscovesf.com/

🍸

Monarch

Cocktail Bar

101 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

4.6

20-30 per night

4 to 10PM

Rooftop seating, chic cocktails

Vibe:

Elegant and modern

Get To:

Accessible via Muni (Line 12)

Vintage cocktail bar with an underground club room 💯

Tip:

Specialty Cocktails

https://www.monarchsf.com/

🍸

The View

Upscale Restaurant

780 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

4.8

25-40 per drink

4PM to 12AM

Stunning panoramic views of the city

Vibe:

Elegant and sophisticated

Get To:

Accessible via Muni (Line 28)

Cocktail bar at the top of Marriott offering views over San Francisco

Tip:

Seasonal Tasting Menu

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/sfodt-san-francisco-marriott-marquis/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2

🍹

Top of the Mark

Rooftop Lounge

999 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

4.7

30-50 per drink

Temporarily closed

Iconic rooftop, live music on weekends

Vibe:

Elegant and romantic

Get To:

Accessible via Muni (Line 8)

Rooftop bar serving cocktails with great ambience and staff

Tip:

Classic Cocktails

https://www.topofthemark.com/

🍸

The Brixton

Gastropub

2140 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

4.6

15-25 per meal

5 to 11PM

Local art on display, a great selection of beers

Vibe:

Lively and fun

Get To:

Accessible via Muni (Line 43)

Fun bar with cosy booths, soul food and tasty cocktails

Tip:

Fish & Chips, Craft Beers

http://www.brixtonsf.com/

Music / Dance:

Indie Rock, Folk

Places to Network

For More Places Visit

Music / Dance:

Tech (Silicon Valley)

Places to Shop

🛒

Bi-Rite

Grocery Store

3639 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

4.8

10-50 per item (grocery, dessert)

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Known for their quality and commitment to local

Vibe:

Community-focused and organic

Get To:

18th St. (Muni)

Grocery store serving gourmet sandwiches, ice cream and baked goods

Tip:

Locally-sourced produce

https://biritemarket.com/

Luxury

🧆

Atelier Crenn

Innovative Cuisine

3127 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

4.9

400-500 per tasting menu

5 to 8PM

Three Michelin stars; focuses on storytelling

Vibe:

Artistic and intimate

Get To:

Powell St. (BART)

Fine dining restaurant serving food as an artistic experience

Tip:

Chef's tasting menu

https://www.ateliercrenn.com/

🍕

Saison

Fine Dining

178 Townsend St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States

4.7

400-600 per tasting menu

5:30 to 9:30PM

Michelin-starred with seasonal ingredients

Vibe:

Upscale and refined

Get To:

Embarcadero (Muni)

3 Michelin star restaurant serving a luxurious French-American cuisine

Tip:

Tasting menu

https://www.saisonsf.com/

Watch Out

Watch out for Crowded Areas

Skip

Powell Cable Car

Skip the Powell Cable Car Line and just explore the quiet scenic parts of the city

🚠

San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

Transportation

BART, bike-friendly

Sign below for Fresh Updates

We will send you the latest curation of places and cities straight to your inbox along with access to the pop-up store & exclusive events.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Join us to stay connected. Read our updates