Currency
US Dollar (USD) $
Best Time
September to November
San Francisco stands out as a city of contrasts and diversity. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the eclectic mix of Victorian houses, the city is full of surprises. Known for its progressive spirit, San Francisco is also a cultural and culinary mecca, with each neighborhood offering its own unique charm. Whether you're exploring the city's many hills, visiting Alcatraz Island, or enjoying a concert at the Fillmore, San Francisco offers something for everyone.
Airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Minimal List TL;DR
🏜National Park
Death ValleyNational Park with salt pans in a very hot desert biome
🧆Innovative Cuisine
Atelier CrennFine dining restaurant serving food as an artistic experience
🍕Fine Dining
Saison3 Michelin star restaurant serving a luxurious French-American cuisine
🥃Cocktail Bar
Redwood RoomGlamorous cocktail bar with artistic decor serving as a hot spot in SF
🍛Moroccan-Fusion Cuisine
AzizaIntimate Morrocan restaurant serving contemporary arab cuisine and drinks
🍤Restaurant & Cinema
Foreign CinemaOutdoor space showing movies and serving Mediterranean food
🌮Contemporary American Dining
NopaContemporary Californian restaurant focusing on quality ingredients
🦐Waterfront Dining
Sam’s Anchor CaféSeafood waterfront restaurant offering views over Angel island
🍖Farm-to-Table Dining
Bar AgricoleEcofriendly lounge serving meat and seafood delicacies
🥞Rustic Breakfast Spot
🥞 OuterlandsBeach shack themed café serving pancakes
🍣Sushi and Izakaya
🍣 EbisuSmall but authentic Japanese restaurant serving fresh sushi with fair prices
🧩Coffee and Community Space
The Social StudyCosy Lounge with board games and conversations
🍲German Soup Kitchen
🍲 SuppenkücheGerman restaurant serving wholesome soups
Places to See
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
Tip:
Local eats, artisan goods
Get To:
Embarcadero BART station
Organic farmers market with food stalls
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
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
Tip:
Classic films, special events
Historic theatre playing movies and performances
916 El Camino Del Mar, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
4.6
Free
11AM to 5PM
Beautiful coastal trail with views of the Golden Gate
Vibe:
Natural, breathtaking
Tip:
Scenic views, wildlife
Short trail across the historic Sutro Baths with an ocean view
2600 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
4.6
10-20
11AM to 5PM
Craft chocolate maker with tours and tastings
Tip:
Tasting flights, pastries
Independent chocolate factory with tours and a café
San Francisco Bay, California, U.S.
4.5
40-50
11AM to 5PM
Infamous former prison with guided tours
Vibe:
Mysterious, historic
Tip:
Audio tour, memorabilia
Get To:
Ferry service from Pier 33
Take a ferry to the former federal prison located on an island
San Francisco, CA, United States
4.5
Free
6AM to 10PM
Iconic beach with views of the Golden Gate Bridge
Vibe:
Relaxing, beautiful
Tip:
Beach walks, sunset views
Clothing-optional beach overlooking the golden gate bridge
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
4.5
15-30
11AM to 5PM
A fine arts museum featuring American art and more
Tip:
Art exhibits, rooftop views
Contemporary art museum with Friday cocktails and shows
Must Visit:
Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island
San Francisco is known for its 50+ hills and is a popular hub for tech innovation, with Silicon Valley nearby.
Places to Eat
🍛
AzizaMoroccan-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
Get To:
Accessible via BART (Civic Center Station)
Tip:
Lamb Chops, Couscous Salad
Intimate Morrocan restaurant serving contemporary arab cuisine and drinks
http://azizasf.com/2401 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
4.6
40-60
12 to 8PM
Open kitchen concept, seasonal menu
Get To:
18th St. & Valencia (Muni)
Tip:
Pizza, handmade pasta
Italian restaurant with a Cali-influence
https://www.flourandwater.com/2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
4.6
40-60
5:30 to 9:30PM
Outdoor space showing movies and serving Mediterranean food
http://www.foreigncinema.com/1529 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
4.5
40-70
12 to 8PM
Innovative dishes served family-style
Get To:
16th St. & Mission (BART)
Tip:
Quail, seasonal dishes
Dim sum style innovative dishes like sauerkraut pancakes
https://www.statebirdsf.com/🌮
NopaContemporary American Dining
560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
4.5
30-60
5 to 9PM
Open kitchen, seasonal ingredients
Get To:
24th St. & Divisadero (Muni)
Tip:
Wood-grilled dishes, pancakes
Contemporary Californian restaurant focusing on quality ingredients
http://www.nopasf.com/27 Main St, Belvedere Tiburon, CA 94920, United States
4.5
30-50
12 to 8PM
Seafood waterfront restaurant offering views over Angel island
http://www.samscafe.com/66 Mint St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
4.5
5-15
12 to 8PM
Known for its fresh, artisanal coffee
Get To:
18th St. & Valencia (Muni)
Tip:
Drip coffee, pastries
Café serving Belgian waffles and seasons soups
https://bluebottlecoffee.com/cafes/mint-plaza2950 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
4.5
10-20
10AM to 1:30AM
Mexican restaurant serving tacos, quesadillas and burritos
https://elfarolitosf.com/355 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
4.4
30-50
12 to 8PM
Emphasis on local produce and sustainable sourcing
Get To:
16th St. & Harrison (Muni)
Tip:
Seasonal dishes, cocktails
Ecofriendly lounge serving meat and seafood delicacies
http://www.baragricole.co/4001 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States
4.4
20-40
12 to 8PM
Local art, cozy atmosphere
Get To:
Judah St. & La Playa (Muni)
Beach shack themed café serving pancakes
Must Try:
Sourdough Bread, Cioppino, Clam Chowder, Dim Sum, Burritos
Places to Drink
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
https://www.topofthemark.com/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
https://www.smugglerscovesf.com/101 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
4.6
20-30 per night
4 to 10PM
Rooftop seating, chic cocktails
Get To:
Accessible via Muni (Line 12)
Vintage cocktail bar with an underground club room 💯
https://www.monarchsf.com/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
Get To:
Accessible via Muni (Line 43)
Tip:
Fish & Chips, Craft Beers
Fun bar with cosy booths, soul food and tasty cocktails
http://www.brixtonsf.com/540 Howard St 1st floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States
4.5
20-30 per night
4 to 10PM
Popular DJ nights, futuristic design
Vibe:
High-energy and sleek
Get To:
Accessible via Muni (Line 47)
Tip:
Craft Cocktails, Bottle Service
Nightclub offering bottle service and hosting DJs spinning electronic tunes
🎤
TupeloSouthern Comfort Cuisine
1337 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
4.5
15-25 per meal
5PM to 2AM
Rustic decor, a blend of Southern flavors
Get To:
Accessible via BART (Montgomery Station)
Tip:
Shrimp & Grits, Fried Chicken
Casual bar hosting live music gigs and karaoke nights with a fun crowd
1500 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
4.4
10-15 per meal
11:30AM to 9PM
Popular local spot, late-night eats
Vibe:
Laid-back and vibrant
Get To:
Accessible via Muni (Line 19)
Tip:
Crispy Taco, Fish Taco
Mexican sports bar and restaurant celebrating Taco Tuesdays
155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
4.3
20-30 per drink
Temporarily closed
Old West decor, a favorite for craft cocktails
Vibe:
Vintage and charming
Get To:
Accessible via Muni (Line 38)
Tip:
Cocktails, Comfort Food
Bar and lounge playing live jazz music in a fun atmosphere
Music / Dance:
Indie Rock, Folk, Hip Hop, Blues, Jazz
Places to Network
We'll be updating more places soon!
Key Industries:
Tech (Silicon Valley)
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.”
Places to Shop
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
Grocery store serving gourmet sandwiches, ice cream and baked goods
489 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
4.6
200-500 for outerwear
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Combines fashion with outdoor functionality
Vibe:
Stylish and functional
Get To:
Powell St. (BART)
Quality outdoor fashion products with a lifetime guarantee
489 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
4.6
200-500 for outerwear
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Combines fashion with outdoor functionality
Vibe:
Stylish and functional
Get To:
Powell St. (BART)
Quality outdoor fashion products with a lifetime guarantee
824 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
4.4
20-100 for curiosities
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Focus on unusual and eclectic finds
Vibe:
Whimsical and intriguing
Tip:
Vintage items, plants
A cabinet of curiosities with a collection of carnivorous plants & fossils
600 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
4.1
30-200 for home goods
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Practical home accessories, unusual decorations and gift products
Luxury
495 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
4.4
15-30 per drink
Temporarily closed
Stunning redwood decor and cozy atmosphere
Vibe:
Elegant and sophisticated
Get To:
Montgomery St. (BART)
Glamorous cocktail bar with artistic decor serving as a hot spot in SF
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
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
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.
San Francisco is a city that blends natural beauty with technological innovation. Famous for its fog-covered Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco offers stunning views of the bay, along with its vibrant neighborhoods and diverse culture. The city is also a major tech hub, with Silicon Valley just a short drive away. Known for its hills, cable cars, and scenic vistas, San Francisco is also a foodie’s paradise, offering everything from fresh seafood to innovative international cuisine.
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
Off the beaten path places in
San Francisco
Transportation
BART, bike-friendly
City Overview
San Francisco is a hub of tech innovation and steep hills, offering everything from the Golden Gate Bridge to quirky districts like Haight-Ashbury. The city blends history with modernity, from cable cars to Silicon Valley.
3 Day City Guide
- Day 1: Morning: Golden Gate Bridge and Crissy Field. Afternoon: Ferry to Alcatraz Island. Evening: Explore Fisherman’s Wharf and have dinner at a seafood restaurant. - Day 2: Morning: Visit Golden Gate Park (Japanese Tea Garden and De Young Museum). Afternoon: Haight-Ashbury for vintage shopping. Evening: Sunset from Twin Peaks. - Day 3: Morning: Mission District for brunch. Afternoon: Dolores Park. Evening: Explore Chinatown and North Beach.
Current Trends
- Food trucks: San Francisco’s food truck scene is booming, with events like Off the Grid attracting locals and tourists alike. - Art installations: Interactive street art and pop-up galleries, especially in the Mission District. - Third-wave coffee: SF is a coffee lover’s paradise, with Blue Bottle Coffee leading the pack in ethically sourced beans.
Local Events Guide
- Outside Lands (August): A three-day music festival in Golden Gate Park featuring top artists. - San Francisco Pride (June): One of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ events. - Fleet Week (October): A celebration of the U.S. Navy and a stunning airshow over the bay.
Local Insider Tips
- Mission District for murals and burritos. - Golden Gate Park’s hidden gems, like the Japanese Tea Garden. - Sutro Baths ruins, where locals hike with coastal views.
Sustainable Travel
- Bike rentals: San Francisco’s Bay Wheels bike-sharing system. - Public transportation: The city’s cable cars are iconic, and the MUNI system offers electric buses. - Eco-friendly hotels: Stay at Hotel Zelos, a modern, green-conscious hotel. - Sustainable food: SF is a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, with restaurants like Chez Panisse leading the charge.
Explore the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:
Ready to see through a local’s eyes?
Our curated guide unveils top hidden gems, secret spots, and local favorites that you won’t find in typical travel guides.
Whether it’s a cozy café tucked away in a historic neighborhood, a scenic trail only known to insiders, or unique cultural sites, has so much more to offer beyond the tourist hotspots.
Dive into our off-the-beaten-path guide and discover the true heart —perfect for adventurous travelers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an authentic journey
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.
Unlock the Hidden Side:
Each spot in our City guide is handpicked to help you experience the city like a local, avoiding the crowds and discovering the best-kept secrets.
From charming local eateries and breathtaking viewpoints to tucked-away art galleries and vibrant local markets, this guide lets you explore beyond the surface.
Follow our recommendations for an unforgettable adventure and see why these places stand out as favorites among locals.
For more unique experiences like these, explore our full collection of off-the-beaten-path city guides and make every trip a journey of discovery.
More Cities to Visit:
SF Hidden Spots
Vibe:
The city has more than 200 parks, including the sprawling Golden Gate Park, larger than New York's Central Park.
Tip:
San Francisco stands out as a city of contrasts and diversity. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the eclectic mix of Victorian houses, the city is full of surprises. Known for its progressive spirit, San Francisco is also a cultural and culinary mecca, with each neighborhood offering its own unique charm. Whether you're exploring the city's many hills, visiting Alcatraz Island, or enjoying a concert at the Fillmore, San Francisco offers something for everyone.
Hidden Hamburg
Vibe:
Hamburg has more bridges than any other city in the world, even more than Amsterdam and Venice combined.
Tip:
Hamburg is a major port city with a fascinating blend of history and modernity. Visitors can explore the city's impressive harbor, famous Speicherstadt district, and rich maritime heritage. From the lively nightlife in the St. Pauli district to the world-class museums and art galleries, Hamburg offers a variety of experiences for visitors of all tastes. Whether you’re a history buff or a foodie, Hamburg has something to offer.
17.1
9
Chinese Yuan (CNY) ¥
Urban Shanghai
Vibe:
The Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world, standing at 632 meters.
Tip:
Shanghai is China’s shining star, where East meets West in an eclectic blend of modern skyscrapers and ancient temples. The city’s fusion of global culture is felt in its bustling markets, innovative technology, and stunning architecture. A food lover’s paradise, Shanghai offers delectable street foods alongside haute cuisine. Its nightlife scene is dynamic, and the city’s vast energy is infectious, making it an unforgettable destination.
Hidden Lisbon
Vibe:
Lisbon is home to the oldest bookstore in the world, Livraria Bertrand, established in 1732.
Tip:
Lisbon is a captivating city that offers an ideal mix of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. Its ancient monuments and picturesque neighborhoods like Baixa and Bairro Alto are filled with art, while the lively Fado music captures the soul of the city. In the evening, Lisbon’s culinary delights—especially seafood—are a must-try for food lovers. Lisbon’s scenic tram rides give you an unforgettable view of this coastal gem.
Southern Charm
Vibe:
Birthplace of Muhammad Ali
Tip:
Louisville is a city that blends Southern tradition with modern innovation. Known for its iconic Kentucky Derby, historic bourbon distilleries, and vibrant cultural events, Louisville is a celebration of everything Kentucky. The city’s historic neighborhoods feature some of the largest collections of Victorian homes in the U.S., and its world-class bourbon tours offer a deep dive into the art of whiskey-making. Louisville is a city where history, sports, and culture converge to create a welcoming Southern experience.
Daring Frontier
Vibe:
Marseille is known for its stunning Mediterranean coastline and rich maritime heritage.
Tip:
Marseille is a crossroads of Mediterranean culture, known for its dynamic street life, maritime history, and stunning natural surroundings. With its blend of old and new, it’s a city that always feels alive and full of energy.
