Guidebook for San Francisco
Food Scene
The Precita Park cafe has an awesome ambiance and plenty of seating - a great spot for casual coffee and free internet that converts itself into a classy restaurant with a totally different menu in the evening.
260 locals recommend
Precita Park Cafe & Grill
500 Precita AvenueThe Precita Park cafe has an awesome ambiance and plenty of seating - a great spot for casual coffee and free internet that converts itself into a classy restaurant with a totally different menu in the evening.
A more local feel, Charlie is always around to make sure that his customers are well taken care of, and the menu provides diverse, quality and affordable foods. Understated and underrated, Charlie's is a quality and fun dining experience, and much more laid back than the busy and often loud Precita Park cafe.
41 locals recommend
Momi Toby's Revolution Cafe
528 Laguna StA more local feel, Charlie is always around to make sure that his customers are well taken care of, and the menu provides diverse, quality and affordable foods. Understated and underrated, Charlie's is a quality and fun dining experience, and much more laid back than the busy and often loud Precita Park cafe.
Parks & Nature
Bernal Hill is a system of trails located on a hill in the midst of homes and offers a postcard-worthy 360 degree panorama of the entire bay area, and on a clear day both Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge can be viewed from the top. Also an amazing spot for an evening hike - nothing quite like seeing the rapidly developing financial district lit up at night. You can either walk up the hill or park near the base - it's a 20 minute hike from Precita Park area, but only about a 5 minute hike if you park at the base of the hill. My favorite view in the city.
363 locals recommend
Bernal Heights Park
3400-3416 Folsom StBernal Hill is a system of trails located on a hill in the midst of homes and offers a postcard-worthy 360 degree panorama of the entire bay area, and on a clear day both Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge can be viewed from the top. Also an amazing spot for an evening hike - nothing quite like seeing the rapidly developing financial district lit up at night. You can either walk up the hill or park near the base - it's a 20 minute hike from Precita Park area, but only about a 5 minute hike if you park at the base of the hill. My favorite view in the city.
Arts & Culture
The street art in the alleys just off 24th street is second to none. Equal parts creative expression and peaceful protest, Balmy Alley and Cypress Alley are fantastic for fans of urban art. Many of the issues that the local community faces are encapsulated by the many murals. Make sure to stop by the Precita Eyes office for a tour, both to a support an amazing local organization, and also to learn something about the artists. Don't miss these alleys - they're easy to walk by but you won't regret checking them out! It's right off the 24th street corridor with plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
124 locals recommend
Balmy Alley
50 Balmy StThe street art in the alleys just off 24th street is second to none. Equal parts creative expression and peaceful protest, Balmy Alley and Cypress Alley are fantastic for fans of urban art. Many of the issues that the local community faces are encapsulated by the many murals. Make sure to stop by the Precita Eyes office for a tour, both to a support an amazing local organization, and also to learn something about the artists. Don't miss these alleys - they're easy to walk by but you won't regret checking them out! It's right off the 24th street corridor with plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
Shopping
A locally owned home goods store - a great place to pick up your latest unique succulent or simply get inspired to take your garden in a creative new direction. The staff is very friendly and they even have terrarium workshops that you can participate in. Fun store.
37 locals recommend
Succulence
402 Cortland AveA locally owned home goods store - a great place to pick up your latest unique succulent or simply get inspired to take your garden in a creative new direction. The staff is very friendly and they even have terrarium workshops that you can participate in. Fun store.
This underrated stop is my favorite rec for anyone visiting Valencia street. Dave Eggers, a popular SF-based author, and a friend wanted to start a non-profit aimed at helping children develop writing skills, but the building they wanted to use was zoned as commercial. The solution? Open up a store that sells pirate-related goods in the front, and offers writing workshop in the back. This is a great spot to pick up souvenirs for friends back home, while supporting an awesome cause. And the notes next to each item in the store are hilarious - my favorite being the passive aggressive note left to the pirate who keeps leaving the cannonballs out on the deck (this ship doesn't clean itself!)
33 locals recommend
826 Valencia Pirate Supply Store
826 Valencia StThis underrated stop is my favorite rec for anyone visiting Valencia street. Dave Eggers, a popular SF-based author, and a friend wanted to start a non-profit aimed at helping children develop writing skills, but the building they wanted to use was zoned as commercial. The solution? Open up a store that sells pirate-related goods in the front, and offers writing workshop in the back. This is a great spot to pick up souvenirs for friends back home, while supporting an awesome cause. And the notes next to each item in the store are hilarious - my favorite being the passive aggressive note left to the pirate who keeps leaving the cannonballs out on the deck (this ship doesn't clean itself!)
Entertainment & Activities
Opened in December 2015, this movie theater is San Francisco's rendition of the "dine while you watch" movie theater model. You can order beverages, as well as food, mid-movie, and have it delivered to your seat. Hosts directors and actors at occasional movie openings for pre or post viewing talks. Definitely a unique movie watching experience.
229 locals recommend
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
2550 Mission StOpened in December 2015, this movie theater is San Francisco's rendition of the "dine while you watch" movie theater model. You can order beverages, as well as food, mid-movie, and have it delivered to your seat. Hosts directors and actors at occasional movie openings for pre or post viewing talks. Definitely a unique movie watching experience.
Getting Around
BART is our main subway - super fast way to get around town. You can pick up and load a Clipper card here with funds, which will allow you to hop on and off of city busses without needing exact change.
227 locals recommend
24th St Mission station
BART is our main subway - super fast way to get around town. You can pick up and load a Clipper card here with funds, which will allow you to hop on and off of city busses without needing exact change.
Essentials
An awesome corner store with very affordable organic produce - super convenient for quick trips and healthy food.
76 locals recommend
Harvest Hills Market
3216 Folsom StAn awesome corner store with very affordable organic produce - super convenient for quick trips and healthy food.