Hidden Gems
826Valencia
Arrrrrrrrgh
If you have a funny bone, hook or patch, visit one of the city's hidden gems!
(see more)
Absinthe
Unstarving artistry
Mixing a cherry location, great food and an alluring green glow - Absinthe anchors Hayes Valley with a delightful array of French-style cuisine and a full bar, including absinthe► (surprise!)
(see more)
Al's Attire
Best of old and new..
Specializing in custom made clothing for men and women (including hats and shoes), Al's Attire in North Beach combines a mix of classic styling and details with a bit of modern funk... or keep it all-classic.
(see more)
Anchor (Steam) Brewery
Great tour, delicious beer, free? Make a reservation!
Those who take the tour - 45 minutes tour & 75 minutes of delicious brews - will quickly learn why Anchor is San Francisco's best known brewery. The steam brew is (by far) the most popular,
(see more)
Angel Island
Escape from Alcatraz
Alcatraz's bigger and less-developed sibling, Angel Island provides unbelievable views on 14 miles of trails - truly a hidden gem! Hiking and biking are recommended, and for those with sea legs kayaking! Tram and a Segway tours are also available. Camping is an unforgettable experience, but fills up quickly - the group sites are regularly booked a year in advance.
(see more)
Arizmendi Bakery
Bread line 2.0
This "worker-owned cooperative" feeds the Inner Sunset proletariat some of the tastiest bread, pizza, pies and pastries around. Named after economic revolutionary Jose Maria Arizmendiarrieta, a Basque priest who built a network of cooperative enterprises despite Francisco Franco's rise to power in Spain. Arizmendi also has a Mission outpost and three sister cooperatives in the East Bay.
(see more)
Baker Beach
Most scenic beach in SF
Burning Man's original resting place (and now Balsa Man), Baker Beach delightfully boggles urban expectations!
(see more)
Ballet
Beyond belief
The first professional ballet company in the United States, San Francisco Ballet is possibly the most highly regarded performance group in the area.
(see more)
Bar Tartine
Another one bakes the cake...
With an openly fragrant kitchen (the "bar") and the freshest smelling bathroom in SF - BT starts with the nose and moves inward.
(see more)
BATS Improv
Keepin' it real...
With every performance 100% plan-free (much less practice!) and imbibed with audience input (and sometimes on-stage participation) - BATS amuses, inspires and, occasionally... falls totally flat :)
(see more)
Bay Model
How does the bay model model itself?
The US Army Corp of Engineers created the Bay Model in 1958 to understand the effects of new structures built in or by the bay. The meticulously constructed scale model of the bay area (complete with tides!) is more than 1.5 acres itself and spans from the Pacific to Stockton and Sacramento.
(see more)
Bazaar Café
Fresh music and eats
By refusing ASCAP music licensing payments, the warm Bazaar Café effectively guarantees its patrons previously unheard sonic experiences►. Quality varies - but with no cover charge and tasty food, it's a good risk :)
(see more)
Bi-Rite Creamery
Just say yes!
Catty corner to Dolores Park and as-of-yet untouched by the DEA, this Mission "homemade ice cream" hot-spot often sports a line out the door. There are no reports of un-delicious► ice creams, but it's advisable to sample a few flavors before ordering... just to be safe :)
(see more)
Blue Bottle Coffee
Rocket science
This Hayes Valley garage turned rocket fuel depot► pushes the neighborhood to new heights among crack enthusiasts. For further slimming, Dark Garden provides world famous Victorian corsetry - next door!
(see more)
Boogaloos
Breakfast of hipsters
Boogaloos transforms an old school drugstore into a old school breakfast cafe - one of the few in San Francisco!
(see more)
Boom Boom Room
And we like the boom
Founded by the late blues legend John Lee Hooker►, BBR hosts a reliably good lineup that often results in dancing!
(see more)
Botanical Garden
All your flora are belong to us
A tranquil 55 acres inhabited by 7500 hundred plants, the garden► delights plant nerds, walkers and picnickers - especially on warm days!
(see more)
Bottom of the Hill
Rockin the hill
Jam-packed with shows (6+ nights/week) and people, Bottom of the Hill burns hotter than most - arrive early or get tickets in advance.
(see more)
Bourbon & Branch
Would you like to play a game?
A prohibition-style "speakeasy" with passwords, multiple rooms (not to mention secret passageways and exits), a massive drink menu and some serious bartenders► - B & B is carves it's own retro-niche out of the Tenderloin.
(see more)
Bruno's
One stop party
Burma Superstar
Delights of Burma, even for regular folks
Long lines (no reservations) and nose-ravaging aromas torture the hopeful - arrive early to improve your lot.
(see more)
Cable Car Museum
Steampunker's Delight
Those interested in the mechanics and history of the Cable Cars will not be disappointed!
(see more)
Cafe du Nord
Better than it ever was...
6+ shows► a week in a subterranean Victorian speak-easy gone legit, Cafe du Nord is in a league of its own - check the schedule!
(see more)
Cantor Arts Center
Gallop over
Tucked away on the Stanford campus, Cantor Arts Center is sometimes overlooked on the local museum circuit. The third largest collection of Rodin sculptures► anchors the permanent collection. And it's all free... always!
(see more)
Cartoon Art Museum
Kapow!
A small colorful action-packed exhibit, the Cartoon Art Museum consistently surpasses expectations. Check the website for exhibits and events... including cartooning classes!
(see more)
Castro Theater
Delightful theater, excellent films
An organist plays the pipes► before most shows at this Spanish Colonial theater. Most runs are classic or independent films.
(see more)
Cavallo Point
Perfect Spot for a Post-Headlands Drink or Three
Providing stunning city views, spooky military ruins (which you're "not supposed to" explore), fishing, and one of the better frisbee/picnicking fields you'll find - Cavallo Point delights.
(see more)
Chapeau!
Jewel of the Richmond
A great high-end dining experience at a reasonable price. Everything about Chapeau exudes warmth - the cuisine, the owners, the workers, the decor.
(see more)
China Beach
Between a rock and a gorgeous view
Baker Beach's smaller and more secluded sibling provides a cozy scene with fewer dogs (not technically allowed) and a big storm wall! The beach is supposedly named for Chinese fishermen who used to camp there during the early years of the city.
(see more)
Citrus Club
Not your average juice club
Substituting juice for more traditional heavy oils, this Asian fusion hotspot in the Haight often sports a line out the door, call for reservations or get some quality time with Amoeba Music down the block.
(see more)
City LightsNorth Beach's historic Beatnik bookstore stays fresh with a great selection of material and a comfortable (well lit!) atmosphere, including a poetry► room on the top/3rd floor. For those digging a Beat-ly break from the books, Vesuvio awaits just across Jack Kerouac Alley :)
(see more)
Cliff's Variety
Hilarious decorations, utility ensues
With the mantra "Always have what the customer needs when they need it" Cliff's is largely successful with a big, but not huge, floor space in the middle of the Castro - selling everything► from appliances to gardening supplies, hardware, and even body paint (!)
(see more)
Commonwealth Club
Uncommon talent
Describing itself as "the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum" the downtown Commonwealth Club hosts a wide spectrum of politicians►, technology luminaries►, writers►, artists►, Nobel laureates►, etc - many familiar and many not - on its busy calendar.
(see more)
Conservatory of Flowers
Living Victoriana
Located just inside Golden Gate Park from the Panhandle, the oldest surviving flower conservatory in the western hemisphere (1878) and consists of 25 tons of glass - and after a 2003 restoration, it seems likely to hold the title for a while longer yet :)
(see more)
Corona Heights Park
Iron in them thar hills!
Sometimes forgotten but rarely regretted (!) Corona Heights Park offers hiking (short but exciting!), great views, picnicking, basketball, tennis, a playground and a museum on and around dramatic red rock formations.
(see more)
Dark Garden
Diet like a Victorian
Advertising bridal, steampunk, fantasy, fetish and leather corsets► - Dark Garden leaves little room for excuses!
(see more)
F Market Streetcar
Cablefree cars
One of the most reliably slow and entertaining► ways to get around the city!
(see more)
Fort Funston
Fort fun
The unofficial recreation wing of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (run by the National Park Service), Fort Funston provides a world renowned hang gliding► hot spot, the city's largest and best off-leash area for dogs and a network of beautiful trails and beaches.
(see more)
Glide Memorial Church
Salvation through music
A heavyhitter in San Francisco's progressive political arena - Glide builds on a foundation of gospel singing►!
(see more)
Golden Bear Sportswear
Jacket of Champions
In a windy city of non-conformists, there is one uniform ➜ a leather jacket!
(see more)
Good Vibrations
For those who like sex
Friendly and helpful staff augment a high quality selection of books, videos and sex toys in this clean well lit sex positive male/female/trans-friendly shop. Founded in 1977, there are now two locations in San Francisco, one in Berkeley and another in Massachusetts.
(see more)
Grand View Park
Sunset Treasure
This appropriately named jewel of the Inner Sunset packs a visual punch on days (and evenings) when it's clear out. Sutro Tower, East Bay, Downtown, the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin, Ocean Beach, and others fill a stunning 360 degree view.
(see more)
Great American Music Hall
Party like a Victorian!
Built from the ashes of the legendary 1906 fire, GAMH is the oldest nightclub in San Francisco and hosts a full calendar of modern shows in a wildly ornate interior.
(see more)
Green Apple Books
An Apple for the Self
The premier used book store in SF, Green Apple cycles an impressive collection of used and new books through its warm cavernous home► on the corner of 6th and Clement.
(see more)
Groove Merchant
One of a kind sonic adventure
"This one goes out to my man the Groove Merchant
(see more)
Haas-Lilienthal House
Dating a painted lady
Lace up your corset and ride the cable car (California Line) over to Pacific Heights for a trip back to the late 1800's!
(see more)
Hooverball
What is that game???
San Francisco became a major center of Hooverball following a surprise 2nd place finish in the national championships a couple years ago!
(see more)
Hot Cookie
C is for Cookie, that's good enough for me
In addition to serving up delicious (and hot!) cookies in a variety of shapes and sizes (including male genitalia), HC immortalizes past cookie-binges-in-the-Castro with photos on the wall!
(see more)
In-n-Out Burger
A taste of Southern California
While relatively new in San Francisco, In-n-Out has a long history► (by California standards) in Southern California and its simple menu, low prices, no advertising and purportedly healthy ingredients combine to generate fiercely loyal cult-members... err, customers :)
(see more)
Japanese Tea Garden
Feeling lucky?
The oldest public Japanese garden in the country, this Golden Gate park gem is a great place to walk, check out the koi, structures, statues.. or have a cup of tea :)
(see more)
Japantown
A very little bit of Japan in SF
The largest and oldest Japantown in the United States. With excellent sushi restaurants, a Japanese mall, a supermarket, and the delightful Kabuki Springs & Spa and more packed into about six blocks "J-Town" makes a great visit. It adjoins the Fillmore District, Pacific Heights, Western Addition, and annually hosts the Cherry Blossom Festival.
(see more)
Kabuki Springs
Urban antidote
A warm and relaxing hot pool, dry sauna, steam room, massage services and showers combine with an invigorating cold plunge to make a great escape from city life.
Tuesdays are the only co-ed day - Wednesdays, Friday and Sundays are women-only and Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays are male-only (swimsuits are required only on Tuesday).
(see more)
Kasa Indian
Mi kasa
The preferred Castro lunch location of Sutro worker bees Tobin and Kevin, Kasa regularly hosts a lively night scene as well!
(see more)
King of Thai Noodle House
Sometimes the king is really the king...
In a city of excellent Thai food, the King of Thai excels at both delicious and cheap. The original location is on Clement street (Richmond district), and the next location... is also on Clement street, about 4 blocks away - it's that good!
(see more)
Kite Hill Park
Neighborhood chill spot
A twenty minute walk up from 18th and Castro, Kite Hill Park offers lower altitude and less crowded version of the Twin Peaks view down Market St.
(see more)
Kryolan
Take a break from yourself :)
A favorite among street performers, actors, burners, and anyone looking to be someone else for a while - Kryolan's astounding collection of high-quality makeup and beauty products provide a huge range of colorful possibilities (including metallics and fluorescents!)
(see more)
Lands End
Best hike in San Francisco - easy!
Beautiful hikes up to 5 miles can be started at the Sutro Baths parking lot (also accessible from the Muni 38 Geary line) and continued until it's time to turn around. The Legion of Honor and golf course sit at the end of the trail. For those willing to walk through Seacliff, Baker Beach and the Presidio are relatively accessible and offer similarly beautiful outdoor recreation.
(see more)
Latin American Club
Not your mother's margarita
Serious drinks and a warm vibe snuggle up together at this Mission hotspot - often crowded on the weekends and sometimes on weekdays too, the nearby Make-Out Room and Revolution Cafe offer alcohol at slightly lower voltages.
(see more)
Le Video
Putting bittorrent in its place
With 90,000 films Le Video provides cover from even the longest stretches of Inner Sunset fog. The premier rental in the Bay Area has something for everyone with many foreign and obscure films - the challenge is choosing :)
(see more)
Lower Haight
Sonic delights, good times
A down home atmosphere with some of the city's best record shops, great murals, an active calendar - the Lower Haight is possibly urban San Francisco's least pretentious (and touristy) neighborhood.
(see more)
Maker Faire
Do. It. Yourself.
Organized by "Make:technology on your time" magazine and advertising itself as "The World's Largest DIY Festival", the faire is worth a visit for anyone who loves to make things or is inspired by the creative works► of others.
(see more)
Mighty
Get down
Mighty hosts a reliably lively party with an amazing dance/watch► ratio :)
(see more)
Mission Cliffs
Play on the edge!
With endless bumpy walls of brightly colored tape for climbing, Mission Cliffs provides a quick fix to Yosemite deficiency syndrome.
(see more)
Mission Murals
Wild and free
The Mission Murals are an oft-overlooked artistic treasure of San Francisco. The Mission's regularly warm weather can combine for a great afternoon of mural appreciation.
(see more)
Mission Pie
Sweet, savory, or one of each (!)
An urban offshoot of Pie Ranch in Pescadero, Mission Pie's commitment to sustainability, local produce and community involvement roots in SF's social entrepreneurship camp.
(see more)
Monk's Kettle
Monks gone thirsty!
Offering a hearty selection of delectable brews and a kitchen that's open until 1am (limited menu after 11:30) - the Kettle is a low risk stop for anyone vibing pub in the Mission.
(see more)
Nopalito
Nopa, Nopales, Nopalito
Nominally, a play on NOPA, "North of Panhandle", and Nopales, a prickly pear cactus/vegetable - Nopalito's "sustainable organic mexican kitchen" hits on flavor too :)
(see more)
Oakland Museum of California
Going back to Cali
Renovated► and re-opened as of May 1, 2010!
(see more)
Ocean Beach
The big chill...
As San Francisco's largest and most relaxed beach, Ocean Beach is a delightful break from urbanity. Even on the warmest days, there is plenty of room to throw down a towel (or t-shirt) and soak up some California rays and play in the surf►. It's advisable to bring wind protection and a warm layer, just in case :)
(see more)
Outerlands
Civilizing the Wild West
Combining artisan local food including baked-onsite bread, Sightglass coffee and specialty cocktails (+ beer and wine) with a cabin-by-the-sea vibe, Outerlands is one of the Outer Sunset's biggest draws.
(see more)
Pauline's Pizza
From the ground up... the way pizza was meant to be :)
Fresh dough, grow-it-in-themselves vegetables, thin crusts (!?)... and a can't-miss wine list put Pauline's in it's own category.
(see more)
Philz Coffee
One cup at a time...
The most inventive, down-homey and apparently successful (?) of SF's coffee-obsessed businesses - Philz serves up a menu of previously unimagined (unless your name is Phil Jaber►) beany beverages... each individually filtered to-order (including an optional mint sprig) on-the-spot, albeit sometimes after a wait :)
(see more)
Piedmont Boutique
Shiny happy glitter
Piedmont has pushed the boundaries of petroleum for 30+ years► with a wild collection of shiny, shimmery, sexy - and synthetic - clothing!
(see more)
Pier 23
Party on the Pier
The frumpy shack on the eponymous Pier 23 hosts diner food and drinks on the bay when the Fog relents and an active schedule of live music at night.
(see more)
Point Reyes
Long live the Reyes
Tracing the über-linear Tomales Bay (owing to the San Andreas Fault - cause of the 1906 Earthquake), Point Reyes National Seashore provides a wealth of opportunity for humans and other animals - including birds, deer, elk, seals, and seasonally, whales :)
(see more)
Presidio
Military preservation
With stunning views over an area 40 percent larger than Golden Gate Park, the Presidio is sometimes overlooked for outdoor adventures. An army base from 1776 (by the Spaniards, the same year as the Mission Dolores) to 1994, and now operated by the National Park Service, the area is not especially developed for recreation, but provides it nonetheless.
(see more)
Red's Java House
Simple building, simple pleasures
In the shadow of modernity and the Bay Bridge, Red's Java House serves cheap burgers on the bay and enjoys an avid following among Downtown refugees.
(see more)
Revolution Cafe
Viva la Mocha
Tasty food, liquor license, art, sunlit patio - check!
(see more)
Rickshaw Stop
Rolling Rickshaws!
This eclectic split-level single-wide hosts a full bar, a dance floor, diverse musical performance, fun(!)draisers... and rickshaws! Don't miss the wheelchaired variety upstairs :)
(see more)
Sea Trek Kayaking
Bay imitates bath
With the best natural bay in the world, San Francisco has a rich maritime history, and getting out on the water is one of the most exciting ways to explore the area :)
(see more)
Smitten Ice Cream
Prepare for smiting!
The robotic "Kelvin" pushes gourmet ice cream to new heights by spinning fresh local ingredients (eg, TCHO chocolate) at sub-zero (liquid nitrogen) temperatures!
(see more)
Source
Vegetarians Delight
Mashing locally sourced ingredients, an easy-to-love menu - eg, truffle oil on pizza (!) - and a Burning Man aesthetic (tent-patio in front!)... recently-opened Source breaks new ground on the SF dining scene in a food-wise sparse section of SOMA.
(see more)
Speakeasy Brewery
Just the beer ma'am...
Run like a fast moving and lean startup (15 people!), Speakeasy cranks out serious ales from it's warehouse in Bayview and runs a decidedly modern operation despite its prohibition era name(s) and iconography - start to finish, the ales take about 2 weeks to brew.
(see more)
Speedway Meadow
Grand Central
Speedway Meadow in the middle of Golden Gate Park is probably the most popular picnic spot in the city. The location is far enough out for the coastal Fog to have a larger-than-Dolores impact, but the spacious meadow and surrounding areas (eg, adjoining Stow Lake) offer a lot of outdoor activities.
(see more)
Sports Basement
Get out and go, cheap!
Sporting large selections, cheap prices, helpful staff, hilarious signs and sponsoring many community events - Sports Basement has a stellar reputation.
(see more)
Starr King Open Space
Putting the hill in Potrero
Expansive city and bay views delight human visitors while the four-legged critters sniff out a vibrant social life - Starr King Open Space enjoys substantial popularity among both humans and dogs and regularly provides great sunset watching.
(see more)
Stern Grove Festival
Not as stern as it sounds
The longest running free concert in the United States, the festival is a great way to spend a summer Sunday afternoon. There are a lot of other folks who think so too, and arriving early is the name of the game for getting good seats.
(see more)
Stinson Beach
Beautiful Marin
This sandy peninsula of Marin merriment combines nicely with trips to nearby Bolinas, Muir Woods and Mt Tamalpais - with Point Reyes only a bit further.
(see more)
Symphony
Amazing music, hall
Conducted by the talented Michael Tilson Thomas in the eye-popping Davies Symphony Hall, the symphony delights►!
(see more)
Taqueria Cancun
Mission hotspot
Climbers, drinkers, clubbers and other belly-minded junkies pack themselves into this little Mission joint for an authentic taste of... Cancun?
(see more)
Tartine Bakery
Preferred by 9 out of 10 Mission hipsters
Critically renowned (and tasty!) pastries with a line out the door frequently make for gastrological dissonance at this Mission hot spot. Good things await those who wait.
(see more)
TCHO
Chocolate 2.0
Combining carefully sourced and locally produced with typical San Francisco innovation► (the CEO and President previously co-founded Wired magazine), TCHO (pronounced "Cho") chocolate rewards a visit and/or taste for anyone interested in raising their chocolate game. TCHO products are also available widely around SF as ingredients - eg, Blue Bottle Coffee and Smitten Ice Cream, and as products - eg, Rainbow Grocery and Sports Basement (?!), among others.
(see more)
Tennessee Valley
Tennessee + a beautiful beach
Insulated by a 2 mile hike from the end of Tennessee Valley Road, the beach is a more secluded version of Rodeo Beach in the eye-popping Marin tradition.
(see more)
The Cafe
Trans-human
Bar, pool table, patio, dance floor►, music... check!
(see more)
The MarshA self-described "breeding ground for new performance", the Marsh hosts some amazing solo performances► in addition to organizing classes and youth performances.
(see more)
The Ramp
Come for the view, stay for the view...
Sitting on SF's last truly industrial waterfront in the Dogpatch, The Ramp serves diner food beside an expanse of bay, sailboats, massive ship repairs... and beer :)
(see more)
TIX Bay Area
Snooze and win
TIX Bay Area rewards procrastinators, bums and other degenerates with half-price tickets to performances!
(see more)
Toronado
Watering hole par excellence
With many dozens of beers on tap and in bottles combined with a lively scene►, Toronado is a must-visit for folks who like their barley and hops in liquid form.
(see more)
Tourist Club
Beer drinkers unite
Nestled in the woods with views of Mt Tamalpais, delicious brews, and nose-waking barbecues, the Tourist Club (also known as the "German Tourist Club") provides delightfully transporting afternoons!
(see more)
Toy Boat Dessert Café
Tired of adulthood?
Serving local "Double Rainbow" ice cream and a variety of other desserts (plus beverages, bagels and sandwiches) in a playful ice cream parlor atmosphere, Toy Boat delights!
(see more)
Trouble Coffee
The Little Cafe that Could
Fresh coconut, cinnamon toast (!) and coffee... there have been worse starts to mornings :)
(see more)
Tu Lan
Tenderloin's greatest hits
A large delicious menu and similar portions propels this dive-joint from the heart of the Tenderloin into the hearts of the hungry.
(see more)
Vesuvio Cafe
At the corner of Columbus and Jack Kerouac Alley...
A delightfully open split level structure, and colorful insides covered in original Beatnik party pics (just 50 years ahead of the game) combine for an excellent pint, or six :)
(see more)
Walt Disney Family Museum
A History of Magic in the Kingdom
A must-visit for anyone inspired by the history of animation and/or Disney, the museum showcases an astounding collection of artifacts and exhibits.
(see more)
Wasteland
A wasteland for all ages
Self-billed as "Vintage + Modern + Designer" Wasteland is a must-visit for clothing connoisseurs.
(see more)
Wells Fargo History Museum
Back when banking was cool... or at least colorful
Located inside Wells Fargo's first office, this museum-within-a-bank maintains the best collection of California gold rush artifacts in the city.
(see more)
Wild Side West
More fun than a bunch of sweaty miners...
A pioneer chic interior unfolds into a beautiful garden out the back at this Bernal hotspot.
(see more)
Xanadu Gallery
Old and East in the West :)
A gallery of tribal and eastern art housed in the only publicly accessible Frank LLoyd Wright work in San Francisco, the Xanadu Gallery covers great time and space a half block from Union Square :)
(see more)
Zeitgeist
A zeitgeist of bikes, beers and burgers
The biggest (and warmest!) of SF watering holes, Zeitgeist hosts a great sun-powered party► in the Mission and a prime spot to catch the Tamale Lady and her husky delights.
(see more)