Guidebook for San Francisco Bay Area

Gustav
Guidebook for San Francisco Bay Area

Parks & Nature

Second biggest park in San Francisco after Golden Gate Park. Great for hiking and nature watching, great views of downtown San Francisco too.
99 locals recommend
John McLaren Park
100 John F Shelley Dr
99 locals recommend
Second biggest park in San Francisco after Golden Gate Park. Great for hiking and nature watching, great views of downtown San Francisco too.
The city's 1,000-acre oasis draws hikers, bikers, art lovers & music fans.
1721 locals recommend
Golden Gate Park
1721 locals recommend
The city's 1,000-acre oasis draws hikers, bikers, art lovers & music fans.
Locals of all ages gather at this outdoor hot spot for picnics & people-watching.
1244 locals recommend
Mission Dolores Park
19th Street
1244 locals recommend
Locals of all ages gather at this outdoor hot spot for picnics & people-watching.
San Bruno Mountain Park is a landmark of local and regional significance, standing as a unique open-space island in the midst of the peninsula's urbanization at the northern end of the Santa Cruz Mountain Range. You will see some of the most epic and stunning views in all of San Francisco. The Saddle Loop Trail and Summit Trail are a must for hiking and views aficionados.
58 locals recommend
San Bruno Mountain State & County Park
555 Guadalupe Canyon Pkwy
58 locals recommend
San Bruno Mountain Park is a landmark of local and regional significance, standing as a unique open-space island in the midst of the peninsula's urbanization at the northern end of the Santa Cruz Mountain Range. You will see some of the most epic and stunning views in all of San Francisco. The Saddle Loop Trail and Summit Trail are a must for hiking and views aficionados.
Beautiful local park for Baseball, softball, tennis, basketball & bocce, kids' climbing apparatus, a clubhouse & dog zone.
10 locals recommend
Crocker Amazon Playground
799 Moscow St
10 locals recommend
Beautiful local park for Baseball, softball, tennis, basketball & bocce, kids' climbing apparatus, a clubhouse & dog zone.
Amazing views in all directions. The only place in the Bay Area where you can see both the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge at the same time.
Summit Loop Trail
Summit Loop Trail
Amazing views in all directions. The only place in the Bay Area where you can see both the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge at the same time.
The Conservatory of Flowers is Golden Gate Park's Victorian-era glass greenhouse has more than 2,000 species of plants & flowers.
232 locals recommend
Conservatory of Flowers
100 John F Kennedy Dr
232 locals recommend
The Conservatory of Flowers is Golden Gate Park's Victorian-era glass greenhouse has more than 2,000 species of plants & flowers.
The Presidio, a 1,500-acre park on a former military post, is a major outdoor recreation hub. It has forested areas, miles of trails, a golf course and scenic overlooks. Other highlights include grassy Crissy Field with Golden Gate Bridge views, Civil War–era Fort Point and sandy Baker Beach. Historic buildings house the Walt Disney Family Museum, eateries, homes and businesses like Lucasfilm, with its Yoda Fountain.
383 locals recommend
Presidio of San Francisco
383 locals recommend
The Presidio, a 1,500-acre park on a former military post, is a major outdoor recreation hub. It has forested areas, miles of trails, a golf course and scenic overlooks. Other highlights include grassy Crissy Field with Golden Gate Bridge views, Civil War–era Fort Point and sandy Baker Beach. Historic buildings house the Walt Disney Family Museum, eateries, homes and businesses like Lucasfilm, with its Yoda Fountain.
VISIT SAN FRANCISCO'S NATURAL RAIN FOREST Mount Davidson, at 927 feet, is the highest point in San Francisco. Mount Davidson Park is often overlooked as a hiking (or really, walking) destination; most people know this parcel of land as the hill with the cross on top. Although the cross and the land immediately surrounding it no longer belong to the City of San Francisco, the whole mountain top is laced with trails and one wide fire road. Some paths lead down to the edges of the park, and if you really get the itch to explore Mount Davidson, you might want to drive on the streets that circumnavigate the mountain and look for steps leading uphill.
96 locals recommend
Mount Davidson
Myra Way
96 locals recommend
VISIT SAN FRANCISCO'S NATURAL RAIN FOREST Mount Davidson, at 927 feet, is the highest point in San Francisco. Mount Davidson Park is often overlooked as a hiking (or really, walking) destination; most people know this parcel of land as the hill with the cross on top. Although the cross and the land immediately surrounding it no longer belong to the City of San Francisco, the whole mountain top is laced with trails and one wide fire road. Some paths lead down to the edges of the park, and if you really get the itch to explore Mount Davidson, you might want to drive on the streets that circumnavigate the mountain and look for steps leading uphill.
This is a spectacular garden to visit! Over 8000 exotic plants from around the world. A display of beauty, you will encounter several different collections of garden displays, which are broken down into sections. Enjoy a walk with free guide tours. Trained experts hold these exciting excursions departing from the bookstore
182 locals recommend
San Francisco Botanical Garden
1199 9th Ave
182 locals recommend
This is a spectacular garden to visit! Over 8000 exotic plants from around the world. A display of beauty, you will encounter several different collections of garden displays, which are broken down into sections. Enjoy a walk with free guide tours. Trained experts hold these exciting excursions departing from the bookstore
The Hagiwara Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in all of the United States. If full of rare and beautiful plants, trees, bonsai and koi ponds. Sit in a pagoda sipping green tea while enjoying the beautiful views of the gardens
348 locals recommend
Japanese Tea Garden
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
348 locals recommend
The Hagiwara Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in all of the United States. If full of rare and beautiful plants, trees, bonsai and koi ponds. Sit in a pagoda sipping green tea while enjoying the beautiful views of the gardens
14 acres of parkland built atop the new Presidio Parkway Tunnels – wit​h trails, gardens, places to play, and amazing Golden Gate views.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Tunnel Top Park
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue
14 acres of parkland built atop the new Presidio Parkway Tunnels – wit​h trails, gardens, places to play, and amazing Golden Gate views.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Sightseeing

Famed 4,200-ft. art deco suspension bridge open to car, bike & foot traffic.
1321 locals recommend
Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge
1321 locals recommend
Famed 4,200-ft. art deco suspension bridge open to car, bike & foot traffic.
Bustling bayside pier featuring scenic views, sea-lion sightings, eateries, shops & entertainment.
416 locals recommend
Pier 39
The Embarcadero
416 locals recommend
Bustling bayside pier featuring scenic views, sea-lion sightings, eateries, shops & entertainment.
On a 27-degree angle, this famously crooked street features 8 hairpin turns & landscaped flowerbeds.
345 locals recommend
Lombard Street
Lombard Street
345 locals recommend
On a 27-degree angle, this famously crooked street features 8 hairpin turns & landscaped flowerbeds.
Opulent, late 1700s church in an old Spanish style, with lush gardens & a unique, historic cemetery.
65 locals recommend
Mission San Francisco de Asis
3321 16th St
65 locals recommend
Opulent, late 1700s church in an old Spanish style, with lush gardens & a unique, historic cemetery.
Best view of northern San Francisco
727 locals recommend
Twin Peaks
727 locals recommend
Best view of northern San Francisco
One of the most photographed locations in San Francisco, Alamo Square's famous "postcard row" at Hayes and Steiner Streets is indeed a visual treat. A tight, escalating formation of Victorian houses is back-dropped by downtown skyscrapers, providing a stunning contrast. The grassy square itself is an ideal midday break. One of 11 historic districts designated by the Department of City Planning, the area includes several bed and breakfast inns.
300 locals recommend
Painted Ladies
Hayes Street
300 locals recommend
One of the most photographed locations in San Francisco, Alamo Square's famous "postcard row" at Hayes and Steiner Streets is indeed a visual treat. A tight, escalating formation of Victorian houses is back-dropped by downtown skyscrapers, providing a stunning contrast. The grassy square itself is an ideal midday break. One of 11 historic districts designated by the Department of City Planning, the area includes several bed and breakfast inns.
Alcatraz was the site of the first lighthouse in the Western United States but became a federal penitentiary from 1934-1963, housing famous convicts such as Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Now, this once infamous prison island is part of the Bay Area’s 80,000-acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
503 locals recommend
Alcatraz Island
503 locals recommend
Alcatraz was the site of the first lighthouse in the Western United States but became a federal penitentiary from 1934-1963, housing famous convicts such as Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Now, this once infamous prison island is part of the Bay Area’s 80,000-acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
For decades, the Sutro Baths were an iconic part of San Francisco and defined the grand vision that prominent San Franciscans had for their burgeoning city. If you're planning a visit to San Francisco's Richmond District, it's worth visiting the ruins of the Sutro Baths, both for their breathtaking views and rich history. Here's how to make the most out of your trip there.
246 locals recommend
Sutro Baths
1004 Point Lobos Ave
246 locals recommend
For decades, the Sutro Baths were an iconic part of San Francisco and defined the grand vision that prominent San Franciscans had for their burgeoning city. If you're planning a visit to San Francisco's Richmond District, it's worth visiting the ruins of the Sutro Baths, both for their breathtaking views and rich history. Here's how to make the most out of your trip there.
Coit Tower is a 210-foot tower in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, California, offering panoramic views over the city and the bay. The tower, in the city's Pioneer Park, was built between 1932 and 1933 using Lillie Hitchcock Coit's bequest to beautify the city of San Francisco.
545 locals recommend
Coit Tower
545 locals recommend
Coit Tower is a 210-foot tower in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, California, offering panoramic views over the city and the bay. The tower, in the city's Pioneer Park, was built between 1932 and 1933 using Lillie Hitchcock Coit's bequest to beautify the city of San Francisco.

Arts & Culture

A diverse collection of fine arts in a building with a dramatic copper facade in Golden Gate Park.
1000 locals recommend
de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
1000 locals recommend
A diverse collection of fine arts in a building with a dramatic copper facade in Golden Gate Park.
Natural history museum with an aquarium, planetarium & scientists conducting a variety of research.
816 locals recommend
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr
816 locals recommend
Natural history museum with an aquarium, planetarium & scientists conducting a variety of research.
4,000 years of ancient & European art in a beaux arts building overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
208 locals recommend
Legion of Honor
100 34th Ave
208 locals recommend
4,000 years of ancient & European art in a beaux arts building overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
Best off-Broadway shows in San Francisco.
29 locals recommend
A.C.T.'s Geary Theater
415 Geary St
29 locals recommend
Best off-Broadway shows in San Francisco.
Antique cable cars on exhibit in the historic building that houses the cable-pulling equipment.
207 locals recommend
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason St
207 locals recommend
Antique cable cars on exhibit in the historic building that houses the cable-pulling equipment.
Ornate landmark theater built in 1926 showcases large-scale productions in a cathedral-like setting.
68 locals recommend
SHN Orpheum Theatre
1192 Market St
68 locals recommend
Ornate landmark theater built in 1926 showcases large-scale productions in a cathedral-like setting.
Contemporary & modern paintings, installations, photographs, media & more in a sleek space.
813 locals recommend
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
151 3rd St
813 locals recommend
Contemporary & modern paintings, installations, photographs, media & more in a sleek space.
Exploring the history, culture & art of the African diaspora through hands-on, changing exhibits.
23 locals recommend
Museum of the African Diaspora
685 Mission St
23 locals recommend
Exploring the history, culture & art of the African diaspora through hands-on, changing exhibits.
The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco houses one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the world, with more than 18,000 works of art in its permanent collection, some as much as 6,000 years old
286 locals recommend
Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin St
286 locals recommend
The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco houses one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the world, with more than 18,000 works of art in its permanent collection, some as much as 6,000 years old
The Aquarium of the Bay provides unforgettable encounters with marine life. Stroll through 300 feet of clear acrylic tunnels holding 700,000 gallons of Bay water, touch tidepool animals, and delight in viewing playful river otters up close.
26 locals recommend
Aquarium of the Bay
Beach Street
26 locals recommend
The Aquarium of the Bay provides unforgettable encounters with marine life. Stroll through 300 feet of clear acrylic tunnels holding 700,000 gallons of Bay water, touch tidepool animals, and delight in viewing playful river otters up close.
The California Historical Society has been preserving the rich and fascinating history of California for more than 140 years. Enjoy informative exhibits in their downtown location near the Contemporary Jewish Museum and MoAD, or catch one of their citywide exhibits at one of San Francisco’s many museums and libraries.
California Historical Society
678 Mission St
The California Historical Society has been preserving the rich and fascinating history of California for more than 140 years. Enjoy informative exhibits in their downtown location near the Contemporary Jewish Museum and MoAD, or catch one of their citywide exhibits at one of San Francisco’s many museums and libraries.
Located in Pier 15 on the Embarcadero, the Exploratorium is an interactive museum inspiring creativity in people of all ages. Explore more than 600 hands-on exhibits and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and bay in the spectacular glass-and-steel Bay Observatory. Ignite your curiousity as you step inside a tornado, walk across a fog bridge, and crawl through total darkness in the Tactile Dome using your sense of touch as your only guide through the maze.
432 locals recommend
Exploratorium
Green Street
432 locals recommend
Located in Pier 15 on the Embarcadero, the Exploratorium is an interactive museum inspiring creativity in people of all ages. Explore more than 600 hands-on exhibits and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and bay in the spectacular glass-and-steel Bay Observatory. Ignite your curiousity as you step inside a tornado, walk across a fog bridge, and crawl through total darkness in the Tactile Dome using your sense of touch as your only guide through the maze.
Dedicated to the life and work of Walt Disney, creator of some of America’s most beloved animation including Mickey Mouse, this museum is housed in a historic building in the Presidio. Contemporary interactive galleries and state-of-the-art exhibits are narrated in Walt's own voice, and feature early drawings, cartoons, movies, music, listening stations, more than 200 video screens and a spectacular model of Disneyland. While you're there, enjoy daily screenings of Disney movie classics.
90 locals recommend
Walt Disney Family Museum
104 Montgomery St
90 locals recommend
Dedicated to the life and work of Walt Disney, creator of some of America’s most beloved animation including Mickey Mouse, this museum is housed in a historic building in the Presidio. Contemporary interactive galleries and state-of-the-art exhibits are narrated in Walt's own voice, and feature early drawings, cartoons, movies, music, listening stations, more than 200 video screens and a spectacular model of Disneyland. While you're there, enjoy daily screenings of Disney movie classics.
Located in the heart of Yerba Buena Gardens, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts presents cutting-edge, contemporary visual art, performances, film/video and community engagement programs that celebrate innovation and experimentation by local, national and international artists working today. Distinguished by its support for contemporary artists from around the world, YBCA is also recognized for the important role the organization plays in the San Francisco Bay Area arts ecology and in the community at large. Artistically, YBCA is decidedly “cutting edge,” presenting and exhibiting work by artists who are pushing the boundaries of their art in form and/or content.
63 locals recommend
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
701 Mission St
63 locals recommend
Located in the heart of Yerba Buena Gardens, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts presents cutting-edge, contemporary visual art, performances, film/video and community engagement programs that celebrate innovation and experimentation by local, national and international artists working today. Distinguished by its support for contemporary artists from around the world, YBCA is also recognized for the important role the organization plays in the San Francisco Bay Area arts ecology and in the community at large. Artistically, YBCA is decidedly “cutting edge,” presenting and exhibiting work by artists who are pushing the boundaries of their art in form and/or content.
A non-collecting institution, the Museum of Craft and Design is one of North America’s few institutions dedicated to contemporary practices in craft and design. The museum’s mission is to explore the active roles craft and design play in everyday life through original and traveling exhibitions, collaborations with museums from around the world, and hands-on opportunities to learn how to make your own crafts.
31 locals recommend
Museum of Craft and Design
2569 3rd St
31 locals recommend
A non-collecting institution, the Museum of Craft and Design is one of North America’s few institutions dedicated to contemporary practices in craft and design. The museum’s mission is to explore the active roles craft and design play in everyday life through original and traveling exhibitions, collaborations with museums from around the world, and hands-on opportunities to learn how to make your own crafts.
The Children's Creativity Museum is an interactive museum for children aged 2-12 years, located in Yerba Buena Gardens, in San Francisco, California.
23 locals recommend
Children's Creativity Museum
221 4th St
23 locals recommend
The Children's Creativity Museum is an interactive museum for children aged 2-12 years, located in Yerba Buena Gardens, in San Francisco, California.

Essentials

Everything you need and a little bit more
47 locals recommend
Safeway Pharmacy
850 La Playa St
47 locals recommend
Everything you need and a little bit more
More than a convenience store. They have fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and everything in between.
12 locals recommend
Cordova Market
301 Rolph St
12 locals recommend
More than a convenience store. They have fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and everything in between.
Clean, medium sized grocery with a huge selection of Central and South American items. In particular, I find specific Latin American brands that I have a hard time finding elsewhere. Fresh queso was excellent, and the meat quality are very good. The imported items are sold at a premium but overall, prices on meat and produce are in line with other Latin groceries, i.e. cheaper than Safeway.
12 locals recommend
Casa Lucaz #3 Produce and Meat Market
4555 Mission St
12 locals recommend
Clean, medium sized grocery with a huge selection of Central and South American items. In particular, I find specific Latin American brands that I have a hard time finding elsewhere. Fresh queso was excellent, and the meat quality are very good. The imported items are sold at a premium but overall, prices on meat and produce are in line with other Latin groceries, i.e. cheaper than Safeway.
Drugstore chain with health & beauty aids, prescriptions & photo services, plus mini-mart basics.
293 locals recommend
Walgreens
1333 Castro St
293 locals recommend
Drugstore chain with health & beauty aids, prescriptions & photo services, plus mini-mart basics.
Eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products.
905 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
3950 24th St
905 locals recommend
Eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products.
Grocery store packed with fresh produce and unique food products from Latin America. During peak hours (around 6-ish) they have a line but work very efficiently and will open another register. They even have a meat market stocked with meats and poultry! Best part: their merchandise is always fresh and significantly cheaper than Safeway.
Guzman Produce Market
5229 Mission St
Grocery store packed with fresh produce and unique food products from Latin America. During peak hours (around 6-ish) they have a line but work very efficiently and will open another register. They even have a meat market stocked with meats and poultry! Best part: their merchandise is always fresh and significantly cheaper than Safeway.
Local Pharmacy with a family owned vibe. My go to pharmacy and local UPS and USPS shipping location.
Daniels Pharmacy
943 Geneva Ave
Local Pharmacy with a family owned vibe. My go to pharmacy and local UPS and USPS shipping location.
Young Fashion Cleaners is a little Alterations/Dry Cleaners right off Geneva ave, at the intersection of Naples. It can be easy to miss but definitely a welcome presence for dry cleaning and alterations.
Young Fashion Cleaners
1002 Naples St
Young Fashion Cleaners is a little Alterations/Dry Cleaners right off Geneva ave, at the intersection of Naples. It can be easy to miss but definitely a welcome presence for dry cleaning and alterations.
Best bargain supermarket in town. Puts Safeway and the big chain supermarkets to shame in terms of price and selection.
27 locals recommend
Grocery Outlet of Visitacion Valley
2630 Bayshore Blvd
27 locals recommend
Best bargain supermarket in town. Puts Safeway and the big chain supermarkets to shame in terms of price and selection.
24/7 gym
Snap Fitness
6403 Mission St
24/7 gym
22 locals recommend
24 Hour Fitness
555 Oceana Blvd
22 locals recommend
Fresh produce with a Latin flare
8 locals recommend
El Chico Produce
4600 Mission St
8 locals recommend
Fresh produce with a Latin flare
Local yoga spot
Excelsior Yoga
4610 Mission St
Local yoga spot
This the closest laundromat to our home.
Vip Laundromat
Rolph Street
This the closest laundromat to our home.

Entertainment & Activities

Best bowling in the city. Right across the street from the San Francisco Giants Ballpark
47 locals recommend
Lucky Strike
200 King St
47 locals recommend
Best bowling in the city. Right across the street from the San Francisco Giants Ballpark
Great screens with food and desert option next door. Free parking, conveniently right off the freeway and Bart.
87 locals recommend
Century 20 Daly City and XD
1901 Junipero Serra Blvd
87 locals recommend
Great screens with food and desert option next door. Free parking, conveniently right off the freeway and Bart.
I like this pool hall, for the most part. I generally go there to practice. Their tables are well felted and maintained. The people who work there are generally quite friendly.
Billiard Palacade
5179 Mission St
I like this pool hall, for the most part. I generally go there to practice. Their tables are well felted and maintained. The people who work there are generally quite friendly.
Performance & Event Venue · Convention Center · Stadium, Arena & Sports Venue
Cow Palace
Cow Palace
Performance & Event Venue · Convention Center · Stadium, Arena & Sports Venue

Shopping

Biggest and best mall in San Francisco. Union Square is also nearby.
402 locals recommend
Westfield San Francisco Centre
865 Market St
402 locals recommend
Biggest and best mall in San Francisco. Union Square is also nearby.
2nd biggest mall in San Francisco. More of a "locals" mall than Westfield.
173 locals recommend
Stonestown Galleria
3251 20th Ave
173 locals recommend
2nd biggest mall in San Francisco. More of a "locals" mall than Westfield.
Best shopping in the city. You can also jump on a cable car around here.
817 locals recommend
Union Square
333 Post St
817 locals recommend
Best shopping in the city. You can also jump on a cable car around here.
Mission Organic Center is San Francisco's premier cannabis dispensary and delivery service. They offer customer only the highest quality medical cannabis on the market. They stock shelves with over 80 strains of premium cannabis flowers. They also provide an array of name brand concentrates, edibles, cartridges, topicals, tinctures, and quality CBD products.
Mission Organic, Inc.
5258 Mission St
Mission Organic Center is San Francisco's premier cannabis dispensary and delivery service. They offer customer only the highest quality medical cannabis on the market. They stock shelves with over 80 strains of premium cannabis flowers. They also provide an array of name brand concentrates, edibles, cartridges, topicals, tinctures, and quality CBD products.
94 locals recommend
Serramonte Shopping Center
3 Serramonte Center
94 locals recommend
95 locals recommend
Westlake Shopping Center
Southgate Avenue
95 locals recommend

Getting Around

Biggest transit hub in San Francisco that includes subway, light rail trains and bus lines serving the whole city and beyod
87 locals recommend
Balboa Park Station
401 Geneva Ave
87 locals recommend
Biggest transit hub in San Francisco that includes subway, light rail trains and bus lines serving the whole city and beyod
Closest car rental place
11 locals recommend
Hertz
7046 Mission St
11 locals recommend
Closest car rental place
If you're going south to San Jose or further consider taking the Caltrain.
15 locals recommend
Bayshore Caltrain Station
15 locals recommend
If you're going south to San Jose or further consider taking the Caltrain.