San Francisco – Bay Area Local’s Guide

Ferry Building: As a Bay Area resident, this is one of my favorite spots because who ever gets sick of delicious local food? There are so many amazing markets and restaurant stands in the Ferry Building to check out, as well as being home to the SF Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. One of my favorite stops is Mariposa Bakery, an all gluten-free bakery that is a dream for me. I’d also recommend the Daily Driver for a bagel sandwich with an incredibly fresh local cream cheese.

Fisherman’s Wharf: Likely the most popular tourist destination in all of San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf is full shops selling souvenirs, tour companies advertising boat rides and bike rentals, street performers on every corner, and tons of seafood restaurants (overpriced because you pay for the location – but still tasty). Instead of getting dinner here, I’d recommend just grabbing a shrimp cocktail at the bustling food stands right near the main sign. Pier 39 is built up with all kinds of attractions and shops, but my favorite activity, is to watch the sea lions on the docks of Pier 39’s marina. They are usually quite active and there is tons of space to watch these hilarious creatures flop around on the docks.

16th Ave Tiled Steps: These iconic steps were a neighborhood project to create a mosaic climbing up 163 steps in SF’s Golden Gate Heights neighborhood. The steep steps show a sea to stars themed mural visible from afar and intricately beautiful up close. Definitely stop by to check out this cool project if you are in the neighborhood!

Japantown: Another pocket of culture tucked away in this bustling city, Japantown is home to many Japanese restaurants, grocery stores, and shops. Stop in and explore Japantown Peace Plaza, where you will see the beautiful Peace Pagoda shown above. On both sides of this plaza you can enter the Japan Center Shopping Mall to grab a matcha ice cream, ramen, sushi, or any other Japanese food you can imagine.

Golden Gate Park: This is a massive park, and most of it does not have a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, so don’t be fooled by the name! There are tons of cool spots to check out in this park including: The California Academy of Sciences ($30-37 admission), Japanese Tea Garden ($7-12 admission), SF Botanical Garden ($12 admission), De Young Museum ($15 admission). There are also plenty of free places to wander around, people watch, or lay out a blanket and relax.

Lands End: An excellent hiking area with iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can also enjoy the Lands End Labyrinth and check out the Sutro Baths (historic public swimming complex built in 1896). Lands End is perfect for an afternoon hike where you will be brushed with the fresh ocean breeze and have stunning coastal views the whole way. 

Lombard Street: Come see the “crookedest street in the world” on the segment of Lombard between Hyde and Leavenworth Street. You can drive down the one-way hairpin turns, or just walk the steps on the side of the road. Be sure to schedule a quick stop for this San Francisco icon.

Crissy Field: With stunning views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field is the perfect place to settle in for a picnic with friends, run around with your dog, or soak up the SF sun (assuming Karl the Fog hasn’t rolled in). Crissy Field is a big open green space with picnic tables, adjacent to big stretch of beach.