Guidebook for San Francisco
Sightseeing
The Conservatory of Flowers is a beautiful old greenhouse filled with exotic plants. Great for nature-lovers and kids. Bring a picnic and relax on the lawn; very popular on weekends.
232 locals recommend
Conservatory of Flowers
100 John F Kennedy DrThe Conservatory of Flowers is a beautiful old greenhouse filled with exotic plants. Great for nature-lovers and kids. Bring a picnic and relax on the lawn; very popular on weekends.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
1199 9th AveAnother budget choice for nature-lovers.
Japanese Tea Garden
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden DrAnother budget-friendly Golden Gate Park gem.
Lands End Trail
Lands End TrailGorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin headlands.
Come on, you can't come to San Francisco without visiting Haight-Ashbury (known locally as just "the Haight").
37 locals recommend
Haight Street
Haight StreetCome on, you can't come to San Francisco without visiting Haight-Ashbury (known locally as just "the Haight").
The single-best place to go on a sunny Saturday morning. Sample produce and cheese at one of the country's best outdoor farmer's markets. Get breakfast or lunch, then stroll the Embarcadero.
679 locals recommend
Ferry Building Marketplace
The single-best place to go on a sunny Saturday morning. Sample produce and cheese at one of the country's best outdoor farmer's markets. Get breakfast or lunch, then stroll the Embarcadero.
The drive here alone is breathtaking, and only takes about an hour from our apartment (in good traffic). The forest itself is awe-inspiring. If you've never seen old-growth redwoods, DO NOT MISS IT.
660 locals recommend
Muir Woods National Monument
The drive here alone is breathtaking, and only takes about an hour from our apartment (in good traffic). The forest itself is awe-inspiring. If you've never seen old-growth redwoods, DO NOT MISS IT.
Cute square with a chocolate shop, tea parlor and seafood restaurant.
217 locals recommend
The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop at Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point StCute square with a chocolate shop, tea parlor and seafood restaurant.
Lovely views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Ghirardelli square.
44 locals recommend
San Francisco Maritime Museum/Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building
Lovely views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Ghirardelli square.
Drive over here on a clear (or at least not-too-foggy) night or day, park outside the military base, and you'll be rewarded with one of the best views of the San Francisco skyline anywhere. Magical.
65 locals recommend
Treasure Island
Drive over here on a clear (or at least not-too-foggy) night or day, park outside the military base, and you'll be rewarded with one of the best views of the San Francisco skyline anywhere. Magical.
Tour an historical Victorian home that survived the 1906 earthquake!
11 locals recommend
Haas - Lilienthal House
2007 Franklin StTour an historical Victorian home that survived the 1906 earthquake!
Drive (or walk, if your legs are up for some serious hill-climbing) around Broadway for amazing mansions with views of the Bay and Alcatraz.
53 locals recommend
Pacific Heights
Drive (or walk, if your legs are up for some serious hill-climbing) around Broadway for amazing mansions with views of the Bay and Alcatraz.
Yes, it's totally worth the time and money. For a really cool experience, take the night tour! Eat beforehand, though; once you're on the rock, you'll want to stay a few hours.
503 locals recommend
Alcatraz Island
Yes, it's totally worth the time and money. For a really cool experience, take the night tour! Eat beforehand, though; once you're on the rock, you'll want to stay a few hours.
Arts & Culture
The best traveling art shows in the city. Plus, admission to the permanent collections is FREE every Friday after 6pm! Cash bars, lectures, and entertainment; a fun date night or family outing.
999 locals recommend
de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden DrThe best traveling art shows in the city. Plus, admission to the permanent collections is FREE every Friday after 6pm! Cash bars, lectures, and entertainment; a fun date night or family outing.
So many reasons to love this historic theater! The decor, the pipe organ, the sing-alongs! My recommendation? Sneak in a bottle of wine and go see a classic film.
332 locals recommend
Castro Theatre
429 Castro StSo many reasons to love this historic theater! The decor, the pipe organ, the sing-alongs! My recommendation? Sneak in a bottle of wine and go see a classic film.
Legion of Honor
100 34th AveA San Francisco icon.
It's a beautiful stadium right on the water, but nights can get very chilly. Bring blankets! Oh, and get garlic fries. It's not a Giants game without garlic fries.
596 locals recommend
Oracle Park
24 Willie Mays PlazaIt's a beautiful stadium right on the water, but nights can get very chilly. Bring blankets! Oh, and get garlic fries. It's not a Giants game without garlic fries.
Food Scene
Forget North Beach: THIS is our favorite Italian restaurant. We go for the house-made pastas, friendly service, solid house red, casual-yet-romantic ambiance, and the best panna cotta we've ever had.
30 locals recommend
Bella Trattoria
3854 Geary BlvdForget North Beach: THIS is our favorite Italian restaurant. We go for the house-made pastas, friendly service, solid house red, casual-yet-romantic ambiance, and the best panna cotta we've ever had.
There's ALWAYS a crowd of people waiting outside (no reservations, boo). But you can avoid the wait by getting takeout, because we live a few blocks away! Featured on the Travel Channel.
458 locals recommend
Burma Superstar
309 Clement StThere's ALWAYS a crowd of people waiting outside (no reservations, boo). But you can avoid the wait by getting takeout, because we live a few blocks away! Featured on the Travel Channel.
Anthony Bourdain stopped here for authentic Korean food. The owner makes her fermented sauces from scratch. Recommended for adventurous eaters! (We loved the seafood pancake and the oxtail.)
To Hyang
3815 Geary BoulevardAnthony Bourdain stopped here for authentic Korean food. The owner makes her fermented sauces from scratch. Recommended for adventurous eaters! (We loved the seafood pancake and the oxtail.)
Get a Russian pastry. Seriously, go get a Russian pastry. Eat it.
You're welcome.
69 locals recommend
Cinderella Bakery & Cafe
436 Balboa StGet a Russian pastry. Seriously, go get a Russian pastry. Eat it.
You're welcome.
Lovely atmosphere, great service, delicious food and wine. Italian food done California style. Great for date night or adult groups. Not a budget choice, but totally worth the splurge.
33 locals recommend
Sociale
3665 Sacramento StLovely atmosphere, great service, delicious food and wine. Italian food done California style. Great for date night or adult groups. Not a budget choice, but totally worth the splurge.
Dangerously good. Decent savory selection, but the dessert crepes are the big deal. Try cheesecake or ice cream crepes if you're feeling bold. Also, explore the store itself. Just trust me.
18 locals recommend
Genki Crepes & Mini Mart
330 Clement StDangerously good. Decent savory selection, but the dessert crepes are the big deal. Try cheesecake or ice cream crepes if you're feeling bold. Also, explore the store itself. Just trust me.
A favorite local hangout. Come for the coffee, stay for the food and atmosphere. Love the carrot cake, fresh juices & smoothies, and the roasted veggie sandwich.
41 locals recommend
It's A Grind Coffee House
1800 Polk StA favorite local hangout. Come for the coffee, stay for the food and atmosphere. Love the carrot cake, fresh juices & smoothies, and the roasted veggie sandwich.
French food at its finest. Local secret: eat here between 5 and 6pm on a weekday and you'll get 3 courses for $36! If you're adventurous and you like fish, definitely try the skate wing. Yum.
49 locals recommend
Chapeau!
126 Clement StFrench food at its finest. Local secret: eat here between 5 and 6pm on a weekday and you'll get 3 courses for $36! If you're adventurous and you like fish, definitely try the skate wing. Yum.
A fun sushi restaurant where non-sushi/seafood-eaters will find plenty of choices to make them happy. Major win-win for diverse groups.
57 locals recommend
Sushi Bistro
452 Balboa StA fun sushi restaurant where non-sushi/seafood-eaters will find plenty of choices to make them happy. Major win-win for diverse groups.
Cafe Cole
609 Cole StPerfect place to grab a snack, coffee or sandwich and refuel. Cash only.
Spanish food and tapas in picturesque Russian Hill. The cable car runs by outside, the owner sings in Spanish, and the sangria is YUM.
31 locals recommend
Zarzuela
2000 Hyde StreetSpanish food and tapas in picturesque Russian Hill. The cable car runs by outside, the owner sings in Spanish, and the sangria is YUM.
Rosamunde Sausage Grill
2832 Mission StSausages. Duh.
German food without the crowds/noise. The blood sausage and potato salad are amazing.
53 locals recommend
Schmidt's
2400 Folsom StreetGerman food without the crowds/noise. The blood sausage and potato salad are amazing.
This place is a hoot if you actually manage to get in. The owner is a jolly man named Klaus, German oompah music plays constantly, and the food/beer are extremely solid. Love the schnitzel!
60 locals recommend
Leopold's
2400 Polk StThis place is a hoot if you actually manage to get in. The owner is a jolly man named Klaus, German oompah music plays constantly, and the food/beer are extremely solid. Love the schnitzel!
Come for the insanely huge beer list, stay for the food. The mussels are AMAZING. Do not skip.
19 locals recommend
La Trappe
800 Greenwich StCome for the insanely huge beer list, stay for the food. The mussels are AMAZING. Do not skip.
Oysters and beer and pork. Plus, some of the best fish and chips I've ever had.
45 locals recommend
Hog & Rocks
3431 19th StreetOysters and beer and pork. Plus, some of the best fish and chips I've ever had.
Great, affordable Mexican food, conveniently open until the wee hours for those 1am cravings.
169 locals recommend
Taquería El Farolito
2779 Mission StGreat, affordable Mexican food, conveniently open until the wee hours for those 1am cravings.
Mission Chinese Food
2234 Mission StIf you can get in, this food will rock your world.
James Beard Award-winning food. Reservations are notoriously difficult to get, but we've gotten in by showing up an hour before opening and waiting 2 hours at nearby bars.
141 locals recommend
State Bird Provisions
1529 Fillmore StJames Beard Award-winning food. Reservations are notoriously difficult to get, but we've gotten in by showing up an hour before opening and waiting 2 hours at nearby bars.
Casual breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, coffee, drinks -- this place is perfect for everything, really. The stone fireplace and rustic decor make it extra cozy on foggy nights.
75 locals recommend
The Grove - Fillmore
2016 Fillmore StCasual breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, coffee, drinks -- this place is perfect for everything, really. The stone fireplace and rustic decor make it extra cozy on foggy nights.
NOT for the California roll crowd. This is a tiny, Japanese-family-operated place where tradition and quality are the focus. Come only if you're excited about the idea of an all-raw fish dinner.
Ino Sushi
22 Peace PlazaNOT for the California roll crowd. This is a tiny, Japanese-family-operated place where tradition and quality are the focus. Come only if you're excited about the idea of an all-raw fish dinner.
One of the better spots for brunch in the city, although a bit cramped. Arrive before 8:30 if you don't want to wait.
53 locals recommend
Eats
50 Clement StOne of the better spots for brunch in the city, although a bit cramped. Arrive before 8:30 if you don't want to wait.
We've never eaten here (we always take it out), but the staff is always friendly and the decor is cute. The best Polish/German food within walking distance, for sure.
Cafe Europa
4318 California StWe've never eaten here (we always take it out), but the staff is always friendly and the decor is cute. The best Polish/German food within walking distance, for sure.
Chomp N' Swig
5601 Geary BlvdSandwiches and beer, oh sandwiches and beer!
This won't be the cheapest bahn mi (Vietnamese sandwich) you've ever had, but it will be one of the best. I love the grilled eggplant sandwich and the fried duck sandwich almost equally.
31 locals recommend
Cafe Bunn Mi
417 Clement StThis won't be the cheapest bahn mi (Vietnamese sandwich) you've ever had, but it will be one of the best. I love the grilled eggplant sandwich and the fried duck sandwich almost equally.
I don't know how they do it, but this tiny hole-in-the-wall makes some of the best burgers in the city.
7 locals recommend
Uncle Boy's
245 Balboa StI don't know how they do it, but this tiny hole-in-the-wall makes some of the best burgers in the city.
Our favorite brunch in the city. Come early and expect to wait. Don't miss the coffee brewed with chicory, the bloody mary, or the beignet flight. Yes, I said beignet flight.
185 locals recommend
Brenda's French Soul Food
652 Polk StOur favorite brunch in the city. Come early and expect to wait. Don't miss the coffee brewed with chicory, the bloody mary, or the beignet flight. Yes, I said beignet flight.
BEST PASTRIES IN THE CITY. Get there early to avoid long lines; or go on a week day to avoid lines entirely. Recommend: croissant, eclair, banana cream tart. Carry to Dolores Park to eat if nice out.
768 locals recommend
Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero StBEST PASTRIES IN THE CITY. Get there early to avoid long lines; or go on a week day to avoid lines entirely. Recommend: croissant, eclair, banana cream tart. Carry to Dolores Park to eat if nice out.
Can you tell I like sweets? Awesome donuts with crazy flavor combos. Pick these up, drive to Land's End, and eat with a view of the Golden Gate.
199 locals recommend
Dynamo Donut and Coffee
2760 24th StCan you tell I like sweets? Awesome donuts with crazy flavor combos. Pick these up, drive to Land's End, and eat with a view of the Golden Gate.
The new San Francisco treat. Any location will do. Recommend: individual drip, latte, New Orleans iced coffee.
373 locals recommend
Blue Bottle Coffee
315 Linden StThe new San Francisco treat. Any location will do. Recommend: individual drip, latte, New Orleans iced coffee.
In N Out is the ONLY reason locals ever come to Fisherman's Wharf. Best fast food burgers ever. Ask for your onions grilled and your hamburger bun extra toasted. It totally matters.
52 locals recommend
In-N-Out Burger
333 Jefferson StIn N Out is the ONLY reason locals ever come to Fisherman's Wharf. Best fast food burgers ever. Ask for your onions grilled and your hamburger bun extra toasted. It totally matters.
The only pizza in North Beach worth eating. Repeat: THE ONLY PIZZA IN NORTH BEACH WORTH EATING.
177 locals recommend
Tony's Pizza Napoletana
1570 Stockton StThe only pizza in North Beach worth eating. Repeat: THE ONLY PIZZA IN NORTH BEACH WORTH EATING.
Cute, tiny Thai restaurant nearby with solid food. Call in, then pick up takeout on a weekend, because the ambiance is not worth a wait.
19 locals recommend
Thai Time Restaurant
315 8th AveCute, tiny Thai restaurant nearby with solid food. Call in, then pick up takeout on a weekend, because the ambiance is not worth a wait.
This Korean restaurant is actually in a garage. For very adventurous eaters or those who know Korean food well. You will be surrounded by loud Asian teenagers and 20-somethings. Definitely drive here.
54 locals recommend
Toyose
3814 Noriega StThis Korean restaurant is actually in a garage. For very adventurous eaters or those who know Korean food well. You will be surrounded by loud Asian teenagers and 20-somethings. Definitely drive here.
Delicious brunch in a hipster-casual atmosphere. Get a coffee or latte at Trouble Coffee while you wait. Do not miss the Dutch Pancake.
259 locals recommend
Outerlands
4001 Judah StDelicious brunch in a hipster-casual atmosphere. Get a coffee or latte at Trouble Coffee while you wait. Do not miss the Dutch Pancake.
Trouble Coffee
4033 Judah StCoffee, coconuts and gigantic slabs of toast.
Locals-only hideout with okay coffee and tasty pastries. My personal recommendation? Grab your coffee at Trouble, then get a pastry here. Then walk to Ocean Beach, sit and enjoy. Or possibly freeze.
131 locals recommend
Java Beach Café
1396 La Playa StLocals-only hideout with okay coffee and tasty pastries. My personal recommendation? Grab your coffee at Trouble, then get a pastry here. Then walk to Ocean Beach, sit and enjoy. Or possibly freeze.
We love to warm up on a foggy evening with a huge plate of carved meat and one of their many coffee cocktails. It's an SF institution, but let's be clear: it's a dive. That's why we love it.
42 locals recommend
Tommy's Joynt
1101 Geary BlvdWe love to warm up on a foggy evening with a huge plate of carved meat and one of their many coffee cocktails. It's an SF institution, but let's be clear: it's a dive. That's why we love it.
Drinks & Nightlife
An Irish bar owned by an actual Irish person! Irish dancing every Thursday night. Friday or Saturday nights they usually have live bluegrass, country or rock music for a small cover.
32 locals recommend
The Plough and the Stars
116 Clement StAn Irish bar owned by an actual Irish person! Irish dancing every Thursday night. Friday or Saturday nights they usually have live bluegrass, country or rock music for a small cover.
Solid beer selection! They serve food, but it's only meh. Just come for the beer.
9 locals recommend
STEINS
731 Clement StSolid beer selection! They serve food, but it's only meh. Just come for the beer.
Internos Wine Cafe
1110 Geary BlvdOur friendly neighborhood wine bar. Cozy yet classy.
This bar and restaurant is one of our favorite. They're known for their cocktails, but we come on a weekend afternoon for Magnolia beers and bar bites. The atmosphere/music are great, too.
137 locals recommend
The Alembic
1725 Haight StThis bar and restaurant is one of our favorite. They're known for their cocktails, but we come on a weekend afternoon for Magnolia beers and bar bites. The atmosphere/music are great, too.
Victorian punch house meets sports bar. Yes, that's what I said. It's a little sticky, but it's fun!
21 locals recommend
Hobson's Choice
1601 Haight StVictorian punch house meets sports bar. Yes, that's what I said. It's a little sticky, but it's fun!
If you love beer, crowds, and extremely loud punk music, this is the place for you, with over 100 beers on tap. Bring your sausage in from Rosamunde next door.
185 locals recommend
Toronado
547 Haight StIf you love beer, crowds, and extremely loud punk music, this is the place for you, with over 100 beers on tap. Bring your sausage in from Rosamunde next door.
Saturday morning brunch here is delicious and shockingly uncrowded. Recommend: bloody mary, waffle, hush puppies. Service is a bit kooky, but that's San Francisco.
16 locals recommend
Tupelo
1337 Grant AveSaturday morning brunch here is delicious and shockingly uncrowded. Recommend: bloody mary, waffle, hush puppies. Service is a bit kooky, but that's San Francisco.
The outdoor area in the back is glorious on warm days! Great beers and tasty food; good for lunch/late lunch.
23 locals recommend
Rogue Ales Public House
673 Union StreetThe outdoor area in the back is glorious on warm days! Great beers and tasty food; good for lunch/late lunch.
Another Beat poet hangout. Grab a table by a window upstairs and order a martini (this gets you instant respect from the staff). Now enjoy some first class people-watching.
57 locals recommend
Vesuvio Cafe
255 Columbus AveAnother Beat poet hangout. Grab a table by a window upstairs and order a martini (this gets you instant respect from the staff). Now enjoy some first class people-watching.
Come for a classy happy hour in the lounge, lined with old pictures of the city and neighborhood. Try the Southern-style bar food.
10 locals recommend
1300 On Fillmore
Come for a classy happy hour in the lounge, lined with old pictures of the city and neighborhood. Try the Southern-style bar food.
Another spot for a classy happy hour. They specialize in wine, but the beer menu is also excellent.
38 locals recommend
Press Club
20 Yerba Buena LnAnother spot for a classy happy hour. They specialize in wine, but the beer menu is also excellent.
Essentials
Well-priced, fresh seafood, whether you want a whole fish (ask them to scale it for you and watch them fly!), a nice fillet or live crabs.
Seafood Center
831 Clement StWell-priced, fresh seafood, whether you want a whole fish (ask them to scale it for you and watch them fly!), a nice fillet or live crabs.
Sample the tastes of the Richmond's large Eastern European population. Try the kielbasa.
Seakor Polish Deli
5957 Geary BlvdSample the tastes of the Richmond's large Eastern European population. Try the kielbasa.
Cute little grocery store. The roasted turkey sandwiches from the deli draw major lines on weekends.
42 locals recommend
Arguello Market
782 Arguello BlvdCute little grocery store. The roasted turkey sandwiches from the deli draw major lines on weekends.
Upscale grocery store with an extensive deli/seafood section and a large selection of local baked goods.
49 locals recommend
Cal-Mart
3585 California StUpscale grocery store with an extensive deli/seafood section and a large selection of local baked goods.
One of the best butcher shops in the city, inside a small upscale grocery store.
36 locals recommend
Bryan's
One of the best butcher shops in the city, inside a small upscale grocery store.
AG Ferrari
3490 California StItalian specialty foods/grocery store
Shopping
One of the best bookstores in the city! The staff recommendations are great, plus they have something for everyone. Weekends get crowded; if you prefer quietly browsing, come on a weeknight.
82 locals recommend
Green Apple Books
506 Clement StOne of the best bookstores in the city! The staff recommendations are great, plus they have something for everyone. Weekends get crowded; if you prefer quietly browsing, come on a weeknight.
A dessert-lover's paradise. Recommend: salted caramels, REAL marshmallows, REAL graham crackers, and their award-winning gingerbread cupcake. Holy diabetes, Batman.
Miette Cakes
A dessert-lover's paradise. Recommend: salted caramels, REAL marshmallows, REAL graham crackers, and their award-winning gingerbread cupcake. Holy diabetes, Batman.
If you love soft cheeses, you must try Cowgirl's. Pair with Acme bread, local fruits and honey from the Ferry Building.
Cowgirl Creamery Cheese Shop
1 Sausalito - San Francisco Ferry BldgIf you love soft cheeses, you must try Cowgirl's. Pair with Acme bread, local fruits and honey from the Ferry Building.
Gelateria Naia
520 Columbus AvenueGelato! Hey, when in North Beach...
A must for history buffs and art book lovers. This is where the Beat poets did their thing. Upstairs has great art history books, downstairs has great philosophy, plays, and art theory.
86 locals recommend
City Lights Booksellers
261 Columbus AveA must for history buffs and art book lovers. This is where the Beat poets did their thing. Upstairs has great art history books, downstairs has great philosophy, plays, and art theory.
Shopping! Plus, there are lots of other vintage and boutique stores on Valencia to explore.
38 locals recommend
Therapy Stores
545 Valencia StShopping! Plus, there are lots of other vintage and boutique stores on Valencia to explore.
Everything Else
Sundays: a free swing dance lesson followed by hours of dancing on a large sidewalk behind the de Young museum. Free fun with the locals!
11 locals recommend
lindy in the park
14 Hagiwara Tea Garden DrSundays: a free swing dance lesson followed by hours of dancing on a large sidewalk behind the de Young museum. Free fun with the locals!
Great wine shop. We usually spend $12-$15 per bottle and are always very happy with the staff's recommendations.
Blackwell's Wines & Spirits
5620 Geary BlvdGreat wine shop. We usually spend $12-$15 per bottle and are always very happy with the staff's recommendations.
Our favorite beer store. If you love beer (or whiskey, or hummus, or beer-flavored ice cream), you *must* stop by. You'll definitely find something new here!
37 locals recommend
Healthy Spirits
300 Valencia StOur favorite beer store. If you love beer (or whiskey, or hummus, or beer-flavored ice cream), you *must* stop by. You'll definitely find something new here!
The city's only Japanese bathhouse. Wet and dry saunas, hot tub, cold pool and showers in a spa-like atmosphere. A great way to unwind, even if you don't spring for a spa service.
90 locals recommend
Kabuki Springs and Spa
1750 Geary BlvdThe city's only Japanese bathhouse. Wet and dry saunas, hot tub, cold pool and showers in a spa-like atmosphere. A great way to unwind, even if you don't spring for a spa service.
Shopping! This boutique's staff are great at picking things out for you, and the sale section is pretty big.
57 locals recommend
Ambiance
3979 24th StShopping! This boutique's staff are great at picking things out for you, and the sale section is pretty big.
Vintage shopping at its most elaborate. You really should walk inside just to see the collection up on the walls.
10 locals recommend
Decades of Fashion
1653 Haight StVintage shopping at its most elaborate. You really should walk inside just to see the collection up on the walls.