Currency
US Dollar (USD) $
Best Time
September to November
“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.”
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.
San Francisco is known for its 50+ hills and is a popular hub for tech innovation, with Silicon Valley nearby.
Airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Places to See
San Francisco Bay, California, U.S.
4.5
40-50
11AM to 5PM
Infamous former prison with guided tours
Vibe:
Mysterious, historic
Get To:
Ferry service from Pier 33
Tip:
Audio tour, memorabilia
Take a ferry to the former federal prison located on an island
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
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
San Francisco Bay, California, U.S.
4.5
40-50
11AM to 5PM
Infamous former prison with guided tours
Vibe:
Mysterious, historic
Get To:
Ferry service from Pier 33
Tip:
Audio tour, memorabilia
Take a ferry to the former federal prison located on an island
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
http://www.dandelionchocolate.com/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
http://www.castrotheatre.com/
Must Visit:
Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island
Places to Eat
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
1283 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States
4.2
20-40
12 to 8PM
Unique fusion of Japanese dishes
Get To:
19th St. & Mission (BART)
Tip:
Omakase, sake selection
Small but authentic Japanese restaurant serving fresh sushi with fair prices
525 Laguna St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
4
15-30
12 to 8PM
Authentic German dishes, warm atmosphere
Get To:
16th St. Mission (BART)
Tip:
Currywurst, house-made soups
German restaurant serving wholesome soups
1795 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
4
10-30
12 to 8PM
Popular spot for freelancers and creatives
Get To:
16th St. & Mission (BART)
Cosy Lounge with board games and conversations
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-plaza🍛
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/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/Must Try:
Sourdough Bread, Cioppino, Clam Chowder, Dim Sum, Burritos
Places to Drink
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
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
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 💯
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
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
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)
Fun bar with cosy booths, soul food and tasty cocktails
Music / Dance:
Indie Rock, Folk, Hip Hop, Blues, Jazz
Places to Network
We'll be updating more places soon!
Key Industries:
Tech (Silicon Valley)
Places to Shop
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
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
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
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
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 Itinerary 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 travellers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an authentic journey
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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.
