Visit to San Francisco
23 Under-The-Radar Things to Do in San Francisco
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When you first arrive in San Francisco, you will want to check certain things off your list: crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting Alcatraz, Chinatown, and even Fisherman’s Wharf. But after the first trip or second or third, then what? It turns out there are many things that are well worth discovering but that remain under the radar, even for locals. Here are 23 of our favorites.—Amy Sherman
Visit the hidden Book Club of California
Imagine a secret haven for book lovers tucked away in downtown San Francisco. Meet the Book Club of California. Past the inconspicuous entrance is a library as well as a clubroom with cozy chairs, a fireplace, and a bar. The club has a collection of more than 10,000 volumes and ephemera. Many of the books are about the history of California and the evolution of printing in the state, as well as plenty of books and materials about books. You don’t have to be a member to attend their frequent Monday night events and exhibitions, including a popular annual Christmas card exhibit.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Check out Pier 24 photography
San Francisco is a city that inspires photographers and photography collectors. Pier 24, just beneath the Bay Bridge along the Embarcadero, is home to world-class photography exhibitions. Nondescript from the outside, the remodeled building provides a fantastic space for displaying photography of all sizes and styles, and exhibitions are generally open for several months at a time. Admission is free but by reservation only.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Climb the 16th Avenue tiled steps
San Francisco is known for hills–and with hills come stairs. While some are quite famous, the 16th Avenue steps are relatively unknown. Located on Moraga Street between 15th and 16th Avenues, the steps are covered in 163 mosaic panels. About 300 neighbors worked on this beautification project, led by artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher, that features fanciful swirls of birds, fish, and other animals. At the top of the steps is Grandview Park, which does indeed provide a “grand view” of the city.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Lounge at El Techo de Lolinda rooftop bar
Rooftop bars aren’t all that common in San Francisco, but El Techo de Lolinda in the Mission is an exception. The retractable roof and heat lamps keep roof dwellers warm while enjoying cocktails, delicious street-style food, and panoramic views of the city. A great place to start or end your evening, the kitchen is open until at least 10 pm every night of the week, and the bar stays open even later.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Take A Walk in nature at the Presidio
You don’t have to get out of the city to enjoy the great outdoors; there are plenty of trails in the Presidio. One good choice for about an hour-long hike is the 2½-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail, which runs from the Arguello Gate to the Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll pass through a forest to three scenic overlooks, and also see Spire, artist Andy Goldsworthy’s 100-foot sculpture made of Monterey cypress tree trunks.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Sit in the cafés of Hayes Valley
A mecca for dining and shopping, Hayes Valley has several destination-worthy cafés. Artis Coffee features coffee roasted in small batches on demand for coffee connoisseurs. After ordering at the counter at Arlequin Cafe, head back to a wonderful garden hidden from street view. For something even more leisurely, step into the old-world charm of 20th Century Cafe for beautifully composed salads, scrumptious pierogis, or a slice of divine nine-layer honey cake.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Take a day trip to Fruitvale for the taco trucks
A short ride from San Francisco on BART leads to the Fruitvale Station in Oakland. This neighborhood is ground zero for tacos, all within walking distance of the station. Plot out a map on International Boulevard: head to Mariscos La Costa at 3624 International Blvd. for seafood tacos and ceviche; either Mi Grullense truck at 2925 International Blvd. for lengua tacos; Tacos El Grullo on 27th Ave. just up from International Blvd. for carnitas, tripas, or cabeza; and Taqueria Sinaloa at 2138 International Blvd. for suadero or camerones tacos. Still hungry? You’ll find barbacoa tacos at Pipirin at the corner of 34th Ave. and Farnam St.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Oakland Guide
Visit the locals’ favortie farmers’ markets
The busy farmers’ market at the Ferry Building attracts chefs early on and tourists later in the day—the results are crowds and lines. But the city is filled with other local neighborhood farmers’ markets. Two particularly good ones are the Fort Mason market on Sundays, which has plenty of organic produce and prepared food, and the Heart of the City market on Sundays and Wednesdays, where you’ll find a good selection of Asian foods and specialty produce. These are markets where you will not only find locals shopping but you can chat with farmers if you like.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Catch a movie at a vintage theater
Independent movie theaters are a dying breed, but San Francisco has several that often host speakers and independent film festivals with niche themes like “Food & Farm Festival” at the Roxie and the “Mostly British Festival” at the Balboa. They’re funky but full of character—unlike the more common sterile megaplexes.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Enjoy the beach at Aquatic Park
San Francisco may be surrounded by water, but it’s not really thought of as a beach town. But Aquatic Park Cove, right in front of the Maritime Museum, is an idyllic spot for gazing at the bay or digging your toes in the sand. As a bonus, you’ll have a great view of the historic ships at the Hyde Street Pier.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Eat With Locals
If you want to meet and mingle with locals, San Francisco offers several good opportunities. To rub elbows with both locals and some VIP types at restaurants, check out Nommery. They hold dinners with local CEOs, entrepreneurs, start-up movers and shakers, and more. In the Mission, 18 Reasons is a nonprofit that hosts community dinners once a month. These themed dinners cost only $10 per person, with wine and beer available at an additional charge. Another option, EatWith, allows you to dine at the home or special event space of a local chef or talented home cook. Check out the menus and venues, and read the diner reviews to find something that appeals to you.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Taste the sweets of the Mission
The Mission is a great place to take a dessert trek. Instead of standing in line at Tartine Bakery, go directly to Sixth Course for their chocolate bonbons and luscious ice cream treats. Next, head to Dandelion Chocolate, a bean-to-bar chocolate maker offering confections and a view of a chocolate factory in action. Buy some bars and don’t miss their rich hot chocolate or cacao fruit smoothie. Just next door is Craftsman and Wolves, a modern and inventive pastry shop with twists on classic cakes, croissants, and muffins that will surprise and delight you. They also have a small selection of candies, jams, and marmalades to take home.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Cruise the flea markets
The Alemany flea market takes place every Sunday year-round, rain or shine. Most of the vendors sell antiques and vintage items. It’s a particularly good place to look for old cameras, costume jewelry, furniture, and housewares. Because it’s much smaller than other Bay Area flea markets, it often gets overlooked. On Saturdays, the same spot is used for a farmer’s market.
Another fun (and much larger) flea market is held monthly on Treasure Island. The Treasure Island flea features hundreds of vendors, craftspeople, artists, plenty of free parking, food trucks, and live entertainment.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
by Orin Zebest [CC BY 2.0]
Stroll through Cayuga Park
Located in the Outer Mission, Cayuga Park features trails, picnic areas, a basketball court, clubhouse, playground, tennis court, and turf. The highlights of the park, however, are the themed gardens filled with folk art wood sculptures of whimsical creatures created by a former gardener, Demitrios Braceros.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Hike Land’s End
One of the best hikes in San Francisco takes you along the Land’s End Coastal Trail. The project took seven years to complete and involved restoring habitat, improving forest health, creating overlooks and vistas, enhancing trail experiences, and building a new visitor center. The trail is about 3 miles long and provides views of the beach and Lobos, Black Head, and Pyramid Rock formations, the Point Bonita lighthouse in the Marin Headlands, not to mention a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge. When it’s low tide at Eagle Point, you may even see evidence of the wreckage from the ships that have run aground over the years. Keeps your eyes open for the stone labyrinth as well.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Picnic with view of the bridge at the Warming Hut
Walking over the Golden Gate Bridge can be a blustery experience, but head down to sea level and you’ll find a port in the storm. At the Warming Hut, site of both a café and bookstore/gift shop, you can get something warm to drink and a bite to eat while you browse for souvenirs and escape the elements. It’s also a perfect starting spot for viewing the bridge, having a picnic, or exploring the waterfront.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Sample exotic ice cream at Polly Ann or Mitchell’s
San Francisco is filled with hip ice cream shops with wild flavors, but two of the older shops (both open for over 50 years) stand out for their unusual offerings as well. Polly Ann Ice Cream has ice cream flavors like Thai tea, durian, taro, and red bean. Mitchell’s offers tropical flavors including avocado, langka, lucuma, ube, and buko. Not sure which to choose? Try a taste!
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Explore unique art galleries
The Mission may be gentrifying, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t still hold allure for arts and artists. Start at Creativity Explored, a gallery and studio dedicated to providing artists with developmental disabilities the means to create, exhibit, and sell their art. Next up is 500 Capp Street, the former home of conceptual artist David Ireland. The house is not a museum with gallery space but also a work of sculptural art in its own right; reservations for tours are available online. Finally, a peephole museum exists on Savernack Street. Open 24 hours a day! Peer through the reverse peephole to see site-specific exhibitions that range from prints to one-night performance residencies.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Jam out in church
You probably expect to hear music in church, but what about jazz? Medieval chants? Classical chamber music? Head to the St. John Coltrane church if you want to jam! They encourage mass attendees to bring their own instruments or to sing, clap, and dance. At the Society of St. John the Apostle, mass is led in Latin and the St. John Gregorian Schola of San Francisco sings Gregorian chants each Sunday and holy day. At St. Mark’s you’ll hear mostly chamber music performances; links to tickets are on the website. At Old First Church, the classical music performances vary with emerging and established musicians as well as ensembles of different styles.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Giggle through laughter yoga
Laughter has been shown in medical studies to benefit cardiovascular health and mood, so why not give laughter yoga a try? It’s only fitting that this form of yoga, which features deep breathing, stretching, and voluntary laughter, is at the prestigious University of California–San Francisco Medical Center. One-hour classes are free twice a month at UCSF’s Osher Center for Integrative Medicine on Divisadero Street, and the schedule is online. It’s drop-in and no registration is necessary.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Enjoy the sunshine in a beer garden
The weather in San Francisco is best described as mild, but the fog and breezes can make being outdoors in the summer a chilly experience. On the next sunny day, head to a beer garden. One of the best is Biergarten, an offshoot of the popular German restaurant Suppenküche. It offers a range of Bavarian draft beers as well as sausages, pretzels, and other hearty beer-friendly fare. Another cult favorite is Zeitgeist, which features about 40 beers on tap plus barbecued burgers and brats. A seasonal option is the newly opened beer garden at Ghirardelli Square, which runs Memorial Day through Labor Day.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Take a spin around the Church of 8 Wheels
You haven’t lived until you’ve roller skated in church. The former Sacred Heart Church is now the Church of 8 Wheels, a bonafide roller disco for holy and not-so-holy rollers. Saturday afternoons are for families, while Friday and Saturday nights are for adults only—with plenty of old-school funk to get your groove on. Skates are available for rent.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
Take a cooking class
Learn something new and enjoy a great meal! SF Cooking School holds cooking classes during evenings and on weekends and often features local chefs, cookbook authors, and sommeliers. Williams-Sonoma at Union Square and Sur La Table on Union Street also offer fun cooking classes—some even designated for “date night.”
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Guide
San Francisco is a popular destination in its own right—except during the winter months. The city’s chilly winds and rainy days often deter tourists and inspire locals to travel south. Luckily, the city provides quick flights to islands and cities far away from the fog and cold. Travelers can lounge on Puerto Vallarta’s golden sand beaches, or swim in Kona’s sparkling blue waters. Here are our picks for best non-stop flights from San Francisco to the beach.
By Emily Wasserman
San Diego
Flight Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Why Go: San Diego has it all: moderate year-round temperatures, 70 miles of coastline, and attractions for all interests and ages. Visitors can get their feet wet on the city’s white sand beaches or take a trip inland to explore historic sites and parks. For picturesque ocean views and people-watching, visit Coronado Beach. Water sports enthusiasts will enjoy La Jolla Cove, a small inlet with tidal pools and cliff caves. A trip to San Diego is not complete without visiting the city’s world-renowned zoo: The 100-acre property features nearly 4,000 animals and an aerial tram with panoramic views.
Insider Tip: For all-day entertainment, stop by Balboa Park. Visitors can explore a variety of museums, gardens, and performing arts venues, or explorers can take a hike along one of the park’s scenic trails.
Where to Stay: Hotels vary by location, with luxury properties concentrated in the downtown area and more laid-back resorts near the beach. 1906 Lodge at Coronado Beach is two blocks away from the ocean and offers warm hospitality at an affordable price.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Diego Guide
Cabo San Lucas
Flight Duration: 3 hours
Why Go: Cabo San Lucas is one of Mexico’s fastest growing tourist destinations, and for good reason: The coastal town features lively beaches, a variety of water sports, and a bustling nightlife scene. Take a glass-bottomed boat to Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) for an authentic Cabo experience. The small beach neighbors “El Arco,” the town’s famed arched landmark, and visitors can swim or snorkel in clear, sparkling water. Stop by Cabo’s marina to rent a boat and spend the day fishing on the Sea of Cortez. Dance the night away at Passion Club, one of Cabo’s most popular nightlife destinations. The club features world renowned DJs and a number of VIP events.
Insider Tip: From December to April, thousands of giant gray whales arrive in Cabo’s lagoons to mate and give birth. A number of whale-watching tours offer an up-close look at the whales and their new babies.
Where to Stay: For stunning views of El Arco and world-class service, book a room at Esperanza. The resort is home to one of the best spas in the region, and the villas come equipped with private pools and butler service.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Los Cabos Guide
Puerto Vallarta
Flight Duration: 3 hours and 38 minutes
Why Go: Lush tropical forests and golden sand beaches make Puerto Vallarta a desirable year-round destination. Located on the sparkling Bahia of Banderas, the town offers gourmet restaurants, land and sea adventures, and a colorful nightlife scene. Visit Playa los Muertos for stunning bay views and beach activities like parasailing and jet skiing. Get the star treatment at Terra Noble, one of the city’s most elegant day spas. The property overlooks Banderas Bay and offers treatments like chardonnay-grape-seed therapy and temazcal sweat-lodge rituals. Nature lovers will enjoy the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Set in a tropical dry forest, the park features more than 3,000 species of plants, swimming streams, and lush palm gardens.
Insider Tip: In February, the city hosts the four-day Festival de Musica San Pancho in nearby San Pancho. The festival attracts the area’s best musicians and offers free admission.
Where to Stay: Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of accommodations ranging from small, boutique properties to all-inclusive resorts. Located on Banderas Bay, Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa features unparalleled beach views, six a la carte eateries, and activities such as salsa dancing classes and reggae nights.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Puerto Vallarta Guide
Lihue, HI
Flight Duration: 5 hours and 4 minutes
Why Go: Lihue is home to Kauai’s only airport and offers direct access to the island’s verdant beaches and mountains. Take in the surroundings at Hanalei Bay Beach Park, one of the island’s most popular beach destinations. The 2-mile beach attracts world-class surfers, and offers spectacular views of inland mountains and waterfalls. More adventurous travelers can explore Kalalau, a remote wilderness beach located at the end of rolling sea cliffs.
Insider Tip: Kauai was once a sacred island. Today visitors can explore ancient archaeological remains on a riverboat tour.
Where to Stay: If you’re visiting during the winter, consider staying on the island’s South Shore. Waters are calmer than on the North Shore or East side, allowing guests to enjoy water sports and swimming year round. The Sheraton Kauai Resort features beachfront accommodations, a recently renovated pool bar, and a restaurant with panoramic ocean views.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Kauai Guide
Miami, FL
Flight Duration: 4 hours and 55 minutes
Why Go: When it comes to nightlife and entertainment, few cities top Miami. From South Beach to the Design District, visitors can find cultural attractions, restaurants, and beaches to please their every whim. For people-watching and designer shopping, stop by Lincoln Road Mall. The mall features owner-operated boutiques, upscale chain stores, and an eclectic clientele. South Beach—the city’s most popular stretch of sand—is the perfect place to catch some sun and join a game of beach volleyball. Experience Miami’s colorful nightlife at the National Hotel, an art deco bar housed in one of the city’s most iconic buildings.
Insider Tip: Food lovers will enjoy the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, hosted over a four-day weekend in February. Visitors can attend talks by celebrity chefs and feast at gourmet lunches and dinners.
Where to Stay: Room rates in Miami vary, and winter months often mean a higher price tag. But many properties offer special deals, and visitors can find reasonably priced hotels farther from the beach. For the best of both worlds, book a room at Cadet Hotel: the privately owned property is two blocks from the water and offers comfortable amenities at a fraction of the cost.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Miami Guide
Cancun
Flight Duration: 5 hours and 19 minutes
Why Go: Visitors flock to Cancún for year-round sunshine, five-star resorts, and nearby ancient ruins. Step back in time at Ruinas el Rey. The archeological site features Mayan ruins dating back to the 2nd or 3rd century BC and includes stucco paintings and skeletons. Playa Langosta—one of the city’s most popular beaches—offers family-friendly amenities and calm swimming waters. For a taste of Cancún’s colorful nightlife, stop by Mambo Café. The dance club features performances from live bands and DJs, and visitors can practice their salsa or meringue at the club, too.
Insider Tip: Hotel prices are at their highest during the holiday season. If you plan to visit Cancún during Christmas, Spring Break, or Easter, plan on booking at least three months in advance.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Cancún vary by location, with luxury resorts near the beach and more basic properties in the city’s center. Live Aqua Cancún offers huge suites with oceanfront views and provides a quiet oasis from rowdy spring breakers.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Cancun Guide
Kahului, HI
Flight Duration: 4 hours and 51 minutes
Why Go: Maui’s lush forests, pristine beaches and luxurious resorts draw an international crowd. Whether you’re catching a wave, hiking through nature trails, or enjoying a spa treatment, the island offers something for everyone. Explore a dormant volcano at Haleakala National Park. Trails lead down to a massive volcanic bowl, and visitors can also catch a glimpse of rare plants and birds. For untouched stretches of sand, stop by Makena Beach State Park. Beach-goers can watch stunning sunsets over the water, and surfers will enjoy boarding on the beach’s large waves. A trip to Maui isn’t complete without a luau. At Old Lahaina Luau, guests can enjoy fresh fish while watching hula performances and fire dancers.
Insider Tip: Even though North Shore Maui gets the most rain, it also boasts some of the island’s best waves. Visit the beaches during winter months when waves reach their peak height.
Where to Stay: Maui hotels range from small B&Bs to luxurious beachfront resorts. For attentive service and understated elegance, book a room at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. The hotel offers amenities for large groups and families and has a world-class spa with adult-only facilities.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Maui Guide
Honolulu, HI
Flight Duration: 4 hours and 54 minutes
Why Go: Fly into Honolulu and explore Oahu, the melting pot of the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu offers a variety of historic and cultural attractions, while outer reaches of the island feature waterfalls, parks, and white-sand beaches. For the ultimate beach excursion, visit Kailua Beach Park. Visitors can rent kayaks and sailboards or lounge along the beach’s calm shores. Pearl Harbor National Memorial Museum and Visitor Center pays homage to fallen soldiers and offers tours of historic battleships. To experience Oahu’s art scene, visit Chinatown. The neighborhood includes chic art galleries, hip restaurants, and a historic theatre.
Insider Tip: Lunch wagons are a culinary mainstay in Oahu. Flag down a truck in Honolulu’s downtown area for a cheap and delicious meal.
Where to Stay: Most tourists who come to Oahu stay in Waikiki, but the island’s North Shore and Windward regions offer low-key accommodations away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Located in a residential neighborhood, The Kahala Hotel & Resort offers oceanfront views, spa amenities, and dolphin interactions in a 26,00-sq-ft lagoon.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Honolulu and Oahu Guide
Kona, HI
Flight Duration: 4 hours and 54 minutes
Why Go: The Big Island epitomizes Hawaiian culture. Visitors can explore nature trails, and historic sites, or lounge on one of the island’s pristine beaches. Sail or surf in sparkling turquoise waters at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. For a tour of the island’s volcanoes, visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Guests can watch lava flow down slopes, or hike through craters around the volcano’s rim. Snorkelers will enjoy Kaunaoa Beach, which features miles of pure white sand and crystal clear waters perfect for observing marine life.
Insider Tip: Consider staying at the beach after hours when visitors can enjoy evening stargazing from Kohala Coast Beach, which offers telescopes for nightly viewing.
Where to Stay: The east and west coasts of the Big Island offer different accommodations. The east coast is known for its smaller B&Bs, condos, and vacation homes, while the west coast is home to some of the island’s most luxurious resorts. For warm Hawaiian hospitality and oceanfront amenities, book a room at The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Big Island Guide
San Salvador, El Salvador
Flight Duration: 5 hours and 45 minutes
Why Go: San Salvador is gaining popularity as a surfing destination. Travelers from around the world come to hang ten and enjoy the city’s popular beaches. La Libertad, a coastal town located 30 minutes away from San Salvador, offers authentic Central American culture and lively beaches. Bare feet and reggae music are the norm, and visitors can lounge in hammocks or take beginning surfing lessons.
Insider Tip: Visitors don’t have to worry about exchanging currency before their trip. In 2001, San Salvador legally adopted the U.S. dollar.
Where to Stay: For a peaceful beach vacation away from the city, consider booking a room in nearby La Libertad. SABAS Beach Resort offers friendly service, beachfront amenities, and a highly regarded onsite restaurant.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s El Salvador Guide
San Francisco is notorious for being a food-obsessed city. Chefs are pushing the boundaries, and sounding out their own dialect of California cuisine. From in-house butchering and curing, to foraging and fermenting, restaurants are paying attention to all the details that go behind that hand-crafted plate before you. Not to mention the swoon-worthy produce that California is naturally blessed with. The result is a killer dining scene that will make your head spin. Before you have a panic attack, take a cruise through our top ten picks. Hope you’re hungry.
Rich Table
From farm-to-Rich Table, husband and wife team, Chefs Evan and Sarah Rich, have enamored San Francisco’s most discerning diners with creative dishes like homemade garganelli pasta topped with octopus Bolognese and pickled beets. We can’t get enough of their dried porcini doughnuts, served with melted Raclette, one of the staple bites on the otherwise frequently changing menu.
Atelier Crenn
Culinary artistry at its finest, a meal at Atelier Crenn is full of delightful surprises. Chef Dominique Crenn masterfully uses modern techniques in a convincingly organic way that celebrates the essence and beauty of nature and her ingredients.
State Bird Provisions
This quirky little spot took SF by storm last year with its creative menu of small plates passed from table to table on a re-fashioned dim sum cart. Be sure to try the namesake dish, California State Bird with Provisions (a delectable fried quail served with lemony onion jam and parmesan shavings), garlic fry bread with burrata, and duck liver mousse with duck fat almond madeleines.
Bar Tartine
The food at Bar Tartine is hard to categorize into one neat package. It is an eclectic combination of Cali new age homesteader meets Hungarian grandma, meets Scandinavian forager, meets Japanese trained chef. Like I said, hard to define, but utterly delicious. From pickles and krauts to beverages like craft sodas and water kefir, pretty much everything on the menu is made, aged, and fermented in-house. And since this is part of the Tartine family after all, you’ll find some incredible bread, guaranteed.
Benu
Step into Benu and enter culinary zen. Chef Corey Lee’s French Laundry pedigree is apparent in his exquisite attention to detail and impressive technique, but the style here is all his own. Dishes like eel wrapped in feuille de brick, or faux shark’s fin soup floating over luxurious black truffle custard are complex yet harmonious.
SPQR
Named after the emblem of the Roman Empire (Senatus Populesque Romanus), it’s clear that the food at SPQR is inspired by Italian cuisine, but it is so much more than that. Would your nonna make mortadella out of wagyu beef? I thought not. Sit at the chef’s counter for a great show.
Bar Agricole
Trying to impress a date? Head to Bar Agricole where the beautiful food matches the sexy urban-chic space. You’ll find elegant bites like sea urchin deviled eggs, or an alluring black cod in tea broth on the menu. And don’t miss the great cocktail menu.
Mission Chinese
From pop-up phenomenon to bi-coastal empire, Mission Chinese plays by its own rules. Kung pao pastrami? Tea-smoked eel wrapped in smooth, slippery rice noodles? Ma po tofu ravaged with Sichuan peppers? Yes, on all counts.
Flour + Water
Crazy how simple things like flour and water can be transformed into the most sublime pleasures. The pastas at Flour + Water are the stuff dreams are made of. Tortelli, agnolotti, bucatini…don’t pinch me, the pappardelle hasn’t come yet. Chef Thomas McNaughton nails it, balancing Italian tradition with the Californian mantra of drawing out the best seasonal flavors possible.
Trick Dog
Our bar pick of the bunch, Trick Dog is the spot to go to for those who prefer sustenance of the liquid persuasion. Well-designed, precisely crafted cocktails…the biggest problem about going to Trick Dog is the hangover you’ll have the next day because these drinks just taste too good to stop. Indecisive drinkers beware, there are also way too many that you’ll want to try. If you get hungry, you won’t have to go far. Salumeria and Central Kitchen (Flour + Water’s sister restaurant) are right next door.
Stephanie Hua is a writer and photographer based in San Francisco. Her food blog, Lick My Spoon, chronicles her culinary adventures and love for all things delicious. Her favorite place to travel at the moment is Sicily, mainly for the cannoli and arancini.
Photo Credits: All photos courtesy of Stephanie Hua
With its hilly terrain, waterfront location, and iconic bridges, San Francisco is always ready for its close-up. There are snapshot-worthy scenes across the city, so we’ve tracked down the most stunning spots for taking it all in. Here are 15 places where you can fully appreciate San Francisco’s unique beauty, from the steel span of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset to the pastel-hued, Victorian charm of the Painted Ladies.
by Donna Heiderstadt
Landmark with a View: Coit Tower
This white concrete column atop Telegraph Hill has long been a city landmark and offers 360-degree views from the arched windows of its observation deck.
What You’ll See: The entire city and bay spread out just below you. Coit Tower, named for wealthy San Francisco eccentric Lillie Hitchcock Coit and built with money she bequeathed, is both a vantage point and one of San Francisco’s most photographed buildings. It is also home to a flock of wild parrots.
How To Enjoy It: Visit just before sunset (it’s $7 for the elevator to the top) when the Transamerica Pyramid, framed by the tower’s arches, is bathed in a golden glow.
For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.
Park with a View: Alamo Square
It’s home to one of the city’s most iconic images, featured on everything from postcards to the opening credits of the 1980s TV series Full House.
What You’ll See: The Painted Ladies, six pastel-hued Victorian houses built from 1892-1896 and backed by San Francisco’s skyline and the bay. They are located on Steiner Street, on the east side of Alamo Square Park, and although the two houses on the right are currently under scaffolding and it requires the right light (late afternoon) for them to look their best, it’s a great spot for a panoramic snap.
How To Enjoy It: Walk up the hill in the park across the street for the best angle of both the houses and the skyline.
For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.
Room with a View: Premier Bridge-to-Bridge Room at the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco
While several of the city’s high-rise hotels have rooms with a view, none offers the wide-open vistas of this light-filled, 450-square-foot luxury space at the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco.
What You’ll See: A breathtaking 180-degree panorama—best from floors 40-48 in rooms ending with 06—that takes in the entire waterfront, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge. At $925 per night, with Alcatraz in the distance and the striking Transamerica Pyramid just blocks away, it’s an undeniably indulgent view.
How To Enjoy It: Uncork a bottle of Cabernet, put your iPod in the dock, and play Tony Bennett’s “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” Sleep with the curtains open to catch the skyline as the morning fog lifts.
Headlands with a View: Hawk Hill
Head to this perch to get an idea what eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey experience as they ride wind currents above the hypnotic hills of the Marin Headlands
What You’ll See: The entire 8,980-foot-long span of the Golden Gate Bridge backed by the San Francisco skyline far below you as you gaze down from 2,032 feet
How To Enjoy It: Visit Hawk Hill on a clear day in the early afternoon and bring along a picnic lunch (park your car facing the view and enjoy), a windbreaker, and binoculars; in addition to the 19 species of raptors that call the grassy headlands home in fall, the Mission blue butterfly is also endemic.
For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.
Bathtub with a View: Panoramic Circular Suite at Hotel Vitale
This is the ultimate place to soak in the amazing view as you steep yourself in a sleek mid-suite tub facing floor-to-ceiling windows.
What You’ll See: Hotel Vitale offers a 180-degree panorama of the Ferry Building’s distinctive 245-foot clock tower (modeled after the one in Seville, Spain) and sweeping suspension cables of the Bay Bridge.
How To Enjoy it: The tub is big enough for two, so couples in search of a romantic mid-city retreat can book the suite (from $899/night), order a bottle of champagne, dim the lights, and watch the Bay Lights, the world’s largest LED sculpture.
Hiking Trail with a View: Twin Peaks
Take your urban hike off the asphalt and away from honking horns.
What You’ll See: You’ll need to navigate stairways and alleys to get to the trailhead (Google “Twin Peaks hiking trail San Francisco” for directions from locals) and it’s steep (922 feet up), but along the way you’ll see native grassland and perhaps even endangered Mission Blue butterflies. Once you’re at the top (it takes 45 minutes to an hour), you’ll take in the best 360-degree view in San Francisco for free.
How To Enjoy It: Pack water and snacks, and let a summit picnic be your reward. You can also drive up the Eureka North peak if hiking’s not your thing.
For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.
Happy Hour with a View: Waterbar
The combination of perfectly chilled $6 glasses of Cotes du Rhone and $1.05 oysters (5 cents per oyster goes to the Watershed Project to protect and rebuild the bay area’s oyster population) makes for one delicious deal—and the view is a fantastic bonus.
What You’ll See: At Waterbar, the massive span of the Bay Bridge practically hovers above you.
How To Enjoy It: Get there early (ideally around 3:30pm) to snag seats in the lively circular Oyster Bar with its large windows, or on the outside terrace with its more open bridge and bay views. Happy Hour runs until 5:30pm daily.
Historic Attraction with a View: Alcatraz
To see how Al Capone, “Machine Gun” Kelly, Robert Stroud (aka The Birdman of Alcatraz), and 1,573 other inmates lived during the 29 years Alcatraz operated as a maximum security federal prison, when the view was a taunt rather than a treat, head to this island oasis.
What You’ll See: Alcatraz, nicknamed “the Rock,” is a 22-acre island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, so you’ll pretty much see it all.
How To Enjoy It: Take time to savor a multitude of views: the island itself on your ferry ride over from Pier 33, the Golden Gate Bridge from the dismal recreation yard, and the city skyline from the yards and paths surrounding the Cell House.
Resort with a View: Cavallo Point
The perfect place to enjoy San Francisco without actually sleeping in it, Cavallo Point is an atmospheric, dog-friendly resort located across the bay in Sausalito on the grounds of historic Fort Baker.
What You’ll See: A photogenic glimpse of the russet-hued suspension towers of the Golden Gate Bridge from several areas on the grounds and from some of the 142 rooms, namely the Contemporary King Golden Gate View rooms (from $429/night).
How To Enjoy It: Stroll the grounds and refuel with a hearty lunch in the clubby Farley Bar.
Public Art with a View: Cupid’s Span
Nothing says “love” like a monumental gold-and-red steel-and-fiberglass sculpture of a bow and arrow
What You’ll See: Position yourself at the right beneath it and snap a picture with the sculpture, created in 2002 by Swedish pop-art pioneer Claes Oldenburg and Dutch artist Coosje van Bruggen, juxtaposed against the Bay Bridge.
How To Enjoy It: Walk along the bustling Embarcadero toward the sculpture as you take in views of the revitalized Waterfront.
For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.
Street with a View: Lombard Street
The “world’ most crooked street,” constructed in 1922, is one of those tourist sights you just have to experience (even if Vermont St. is actually more crooked)
What You’ll See: At the top of Lombard St., you’ll see the first two hairpin curves being negotiated by cars in front of you with a view of the Coit Tower and the scenic bay before you.
How To Enjoy It: Drive it! Hand your cell phone or camera to your passenger and maneuver the eight tight turns from top to bottom amid the famous manicured hydrangeas. Then look back up: The best photo ops are from the bottom.
For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.
Spa with a View: Nob Hill Spa at The Scarlet Huntington
A little self-indulgent pampering during a vacation or business trip will leave you feeling reinvigorated.
What You’ll See: Through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the indoor relaxation pool and whirlpool, you’ll enjoy a serene view of blue sky and skyline from this spa at The Scarlet Huntington (formerly The Huntington Hotel) spa’s prime Nob Hill location.
How To Enjoy It: Book a relaxing massage (from $135) or rejuvenating facial (from $145) and leave time for a swim before or after.
Running Route with a View: Across the Golden Gate Bridge
Don’t just drive across America’s most famous bridge—run across it. The Golden Gate Bridge has a pedestrian pathway on its east side that makes for one scenic workout (it’s about 3.4 miles round-trip).
What You’ll See: On the first stretch, away from downtown, gaze out on the rolling hills of the Marin Headlands, while on the return leg you’ll be treated to a wide-angle view of the San Francisco skyline.
How To Enjoy It: Wait for the morning fog to lift, take a taxi to the Southeast Visitor Area, and follow signs for the pedestrian walkway—if you can handle a run of seven or eight miles, continue through Crissy Field along the water on the way back.
For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.
Beach with a View: Ocean Beach
The mile-long shoreline of Baker Beach is a local favorite, perfect for sandcastle building, fishing, and spotting sea lions having fun.
What You’ll See: The views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands from this beach are spectacular. These sands are also a recognized nudist spot, so you might catch a game of naked Frisbee on the north end.
How To Enjoy It: The thrashing waves and powerful currents make swimming a treacherous activity, but the abundance of picnic tables, grills, and drinking water make the beach a perfect lounge spot for a meal against the gorgeous landscape. Also, at the edge of the beach stands Battery Chamberlin’s historic cannon, for which ranger-led tours are held the first weekend of every month.
For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.
Cable Car with a View: Powell-Hyde
The city’s most famous cable car line (from Powell and Market to Fisherman’s Wharf) is worth the wait.
What You’ll See: San Francisco neighborhoods at their finest, from Russian Hill’s grand buildings to the crooked-yet-perfect Lombard St. Best of all is the exhilarating stretch of Hyde between Chestnut and Bay streets as you whiz down the system’s steepest grade and enjoy a view of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
How To Enjoy It: Ride the entire 2.1-mile route and choose a standing position on the outside runner at the front of the car’s left side. Face forward, hold on with your right hand, and line up the perfect shot.
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