San Francisco Love Tour. Alternatively, you can check out our full guide for how to visit the Golden Gate Bridge, which includes a lot of logistical information. But we think a better way is to go with a guide who has a wealth of knowledge about the city. Don't miss this unique experience. Many of these hidden San Francisco sights and viewpoints are secreted away from the regular tourist spots. Tips for Visiting: Located at 740 Valencia. You and your pals could be prospectors in the Old West, looking for a lost stash of gold. A city all of its own, this undeniably charming spot is famed partly for its scenery (note the rainbow hues of houseboats in its harbor) and partly for being uber affluent. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!). Tips for Visiting: The slides are located on 30 Seward street. Tips for visiting: 826 Valencia is located (unsurprisingly) at 826 Valencia in the Mission. Its a giant lawn party and its San Francisco at its most ridiculous(which is saying a lot becauseSan Francisco is ridiculous). If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Where to find the best lobster, crab, chowder and seafood is on everyone's mind. Riding them is one of the unique experiences in San Francisco you wont want to miss. Find things to do that are unique to San Francisco such as a Golf Lesson With a PGA Pro, a Chinatown Food Tour, or a Napa Valley Hot Air Balloon Ride. Especially if the weather isnt looking great outside (and lets be honest, that is a possibility). Its no wonder that its one of the most-visited national parks in the U.S., if not the whole of North America. The oldest restaurant in California is an only-in-San-Francisco experience. The Cafe is so clean and the staff was . They hand crafted ice cream with both bourbon and corn flakes in it and its the best thing going at the Ferry Building. If youve got your eye on some non-touristy things to do in San Francisco, weve got you covered. Many people do. This peaceful little spot in located in the Presidio. This one is definitely tops on our list of cool things to do in San Francisco. Bring a lunch and plan to spend the better part of a day exploring the island. Local guides who love their city lead this Castro and Twin Peaks urban hike, for example. The saloon itself was established in 1948 and was the chief watering hole for Neal Cassady, Dean Moriarty, Jack Kerouac and other Beats. Far far below, seemingly tiny sailboats skim across the choppy water. It was a military post during the civil war, an immigration station, a WWII Japanese internment camp and cold war missile site. With its engaging exhibits and educational programs, the California Academy of Sciences is a fantastic alternative to Golden Gate Park Segway Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise. It draws visitors from around the world for photo opps and to cruise down the curving road themselves. Youll want to get a handle on San Francisco. Sure, go to Pier 39 or ride a cable car or whatever, but if you want a true taste of the city, then make time for some of these cool things to do in San Francisco. Tips for visiting: The carousal is located South of Market near the Moscone convention center and available for a spin on the weekends. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aab3df35af4502b5bdce867d7b0bbcda" );document.getElementById("bdd8f95227").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are a participant in the various affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin used to call this city home. The chefs describe each dish to the customers. It has a rich history in jazz and blues music, theater and civil rights activism. Youll find skyscrapers and historic wooden buildings, an 18th-century church and award-winning modern museums all making for a cocktail of old-meets-new that never fails to entice. They are so famous that there is a full movie about them called the Parrots of Telegraph Hill. The tour itself will take you through a tight rabbit-warren of book stacks that have been creatively crammed into the small space allotted. The Sutro Baths ruin is at the very western edge of San Francisco. A weekday-only service and parts departments will be open from 7:30 a.m. SFs rainbow-colored Pride Parade is one of the largest in the world. The cliffside site offers expansive ocean views set against the eerie ponds of the ruin, making it an interesting spot for San Francisco photography. Go on an urban hike. Tips for Visiting: The Mission is on Dolores street. I love San Francisco, especially the food tours (ever done the Mission Point or Ferry Building walking tour?). Tips for Visiting: Good Vibrations is located on Polk at Sacramento. Loved your article. These 148 steps climb up 16th Avenue in the Inner Sunset district and feature mosaic designs of flowers, butterflies, bees, plants and dragonflies in a garden. Ive only done two of the things on this list (so far) I tried to find the labyrinth but ended up on a cliff looking down on it! But your guide will steer you to some of the best places to taste everything from ice cream to samosas. Enter Zante Pizza. Starting at Golden Gate Park, youll be led across the bridge, talked through the sights and sounds of Sausalito, and finish up with a hearty lunch. There are multiple popular stop-offs along its route, including Lombard Street, the San Francisco Maritime Museum and Ghirardelli Square. SFO has some of the greatest airport dining in the world, primarily because restaurant space has been awarded to the best Bay Area restauranteurs and not national chains. When youre on the hunt for unique things to do in San Francisco, get ready to climb stairways. Starting in Haight-Ashbury the center of the hippie movement this tour is a fun way to see a whole host of unique places in San Francisco! Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info. Tips for Visiting: Amoeba located on Haight street. Its a great Instagram spot. The Sonoma area produces thousands of tons of grapes per year here, with grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. Dont miss the beautiful views out over the Pacific Ocean and back towards the city. (415) 379-8000. Naturally, youll be wondering what to do in San Francisco. Carol, amenand standing in long lines can ruin a trip , I was in San Francisco for Christmas 2016 and loved every minute of my time there..we stayed in The Adelaide Hostel in Isadora Duncan Lane (a really cool place to stay, no matter what your age) and, every day was a new adventure for us.we thoroughly absorbed ourselves in the Local areas, explored the must see places and explored the unique and hidden areas. While many of the best restaurants in San Francisco are high-end with price tags to match, the Mission District and its down-home eateries and food trucks serve up plates worthy of Michelin recognition but at a fraction of the cost. The Yoda Statue and Fountain is a hidden spot tucked away in the Presidio National Park at the LucasFilm headquarters. But drive three to four hours away from the city and youll discover yet more fabulous attractions namely, the incredible natural world of Yosemite National Park. Wonderfulhip boutique hotels in San Franciscoalso beckon you to stay. Glad you included Dandelion Chocolate as they are one of my favs. After our stay here, we Road Tripped around California for the next five weeks.amazing time. Where else will you find jerk octopus, cheddar pancakes, and passion fruit pudding cake under one roof (or in one quaint parklet with paper lanterns)? The bridge crossing the Golden Gate strait opened in 1937 as the tallest and longest suspension bridge in the world (at the time). Awesome article. Interestingly, this garden has been specifically designed for visitors with visual impairments. This quirky bar along one of the Mission's best drags for diningserves a collection of classic cocktails with a definite twist and delicious snacks and bar bites. Fabulous post! Theyre just a couple of blocks away from the famous 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, but if you dont know about them, you could easily miss them. Lucky Strike has a full food, drink menu and lounge areas in addition to the bowling lanes. When youve already seen the big-hitter tourist sights, urban hiking and walking tours like these are great for showing you something a little different. If SF were a college campus and sometimes it kinda feels like one Dolores Park would be its quad. Youll also pass through Mission (with its vibrant pops of rainbow-hued street art) and counter-cultural Haight-Ashbury. Then you could take in the Golden Gate Bridge from the water. Today, the prison is all but abandoned (it closed in 1963). Spoiler alert: There are a lot of eateries in Mission. Discover the gleaming Saints Peter and Paul Church (built in 1924), charming wooden residences, intriguing boutique shops along Grant Avenue and an endless list of entertainment options along Broadway. Its straightforward enough to make your way to the island in the middle of San Francisco Bay just take the ferry to Angel Island. We know whats up in SF and we promise to deliver you a good time. Its just off the Lands End Trail down a steep descent to a narrow spit of land. So peruse this list and put together your own offbeat itinerary. These offbeat tours are designed by locals who are vetted for really knowing their topic. Tips for Visiting: Yoda is located at Building B courtyard, 1 Letterman Drive and can be accessed 24/7. The place takes on an extra romantic feel at night when the twinkling lights woven in turn on. Airy, inviting, and decorated with olive trees, the parklet at Cotogna is the perfect compliment to its Cal-Italian menu. Today a whole spectrum of environments and their native species are represented at San Francisco Botanical Garden, from savannah to cloud forest. Its an SF institution founded in 1953 as a bookstore and performance venue. Located at the center of Golden Gate Park, the contemporary (and award-winning) museum building is a wonderland to explore from its multi-level rainforest to its planetarium and aquarium. Maui or Kauai? Ive taken the liberty of posting five links, a low-res image, a paragraph of your text and some introductory words of mine here: http://athousandflights.com/sf-freaky/, I only visited SF for a few days but completely fell in love with it its one of my favourite American cities at the moment (I still have so many more to visit!). Social Media. Often, they're not the ones you hear about in lists of top things to do. Whether indoors or out, a table at Wildseed is always in demand on weekends for brunch. Also, we use affiliate links. In fact, the rare Asian magnolias that bloom in the winter months are one of the main draws to the year-round Garden of Fragrance. I love San Francisco as there are so many amazing things to do. Thanks for the info, cant wait to visit . Looking for a great dining experience in the Marina District? Many are beautifully adorned with colorful mosaic tiles. Heres a full guide for the Lands End trail. Penny Roma is also pasta-centric, but focuses on more rustic Italian dishes like cacio e pepe, tagliatelle bolognese, and agnolotti dal plin. This easy walking tour takes you through the worlds largest LGBTQ community, the Castro. Really! No, we haven't done the food tours - something for next time :-). The diversity of their menu (which can change nightly) celebrates and mirrors the diversity of San Francisco. But we locals promise that if you do even a smattering of this list, youll get a feel for SFs quirky fun vibe and counter culture ethic. Stopping to lean against the bridges rust orange railings, we feel the vibrations of hundreds of cars thundering by. You got to Off the Grid, wherever they may be. Weve also got a guide for hiking in the Presidio and two of those trails go near Lovers Lane. When it comes to cool, quirky and unique things to do in San Francisco, this activity tops our list. Dining at Tadich Grill, you'll hear the rumble of the cable car right outside, be served by some of the most experienced waitstaff in the whole city, and even feel like a local celebrity if you dine in one of their classic, private booths. Youll also find a karesansui or dry rock garden. Ever had a drink made withraisin rum or sunchoke whiskeybefore? Dont miss an adorable crepe from Belly Good Cafe and Crepes, and a taiyaki ice cream cone from Uji Time Desserts. San Francisco has long been known for its creativity and connection to the arts. Read More. Covering 55 acres, these lush beautiful gardens opened in 1940 as a place to showcase plants from around the world. Here's the best seafood restaurants in San Francisco. Amoeba Music is a really fun place to go in San Francisco if you are into old school music. Its a two hour tour with a culinary expert. And, you guessed it, a walking food tour of Little Italy is a great way to do it justice. Looking for unique dining experiences in San Francisco? sound) of the sea itself. North Beach is also the location of the City Lights Bookstore. Its like a dinner party, but with new friends and globally recognized talent in the kitchen. Taking its name from the 1776 Mission Dolores Basilica (the oldest surviving building in the city), this neighborhood has its roots in the Latin American community. Pro Tips: Google Goldsworthy Line to find the location and be aware that parking will be tricky on the weekend. It was created in 1894 as a temporary part of the World Fair hosted the same year in the city. If you eat or drink nothing else on this list, you must east some chocolate from Dandelions. The island, located 1.25 miles off the coast of the city, is surrounded by strong currents and cold temperatures, making escape nigh on impossible a fact that made the island prison notorious. Vaccines and meds: We follow CDC travel guidelines to see what medications and vaccines are needed for trips. In a sea of pour-over houses, these select few have earned their popularity by creating a special space for the local LGBTQ community to thrive. Some of these activities are tried and true, but with a unique twist. chapter) and NATJA. From casual spots to fine dining restaurants, the neighborhood has you covered. Its one of San Francisco secret spots for wine tasting with seven tasting rooms. Taking a walking tour of the districts gastronomic hotspots counts among our favorite unique San Francisco experiences. While picking up a bottle of Californian red or white is easily done in just about any supermarket in San Francisco, theres nothing quite like heading to the source to sample some delicious Sonoma wine. I usually skim through such articles with lists, but your descriptions were so fun and so informative, I ended up reading every word. All across the city, little parklets sprung upand true to our city's artistic spirit, they began to take on distinctive styles and designs. Some of its hallowed haunts count among the best places to eat in San Francisco. The site houses an active Catholic church and grounds which include the historical Mission Dolores cemetery. Or maybe you'll be visiting SF as part of a Northern California road trip? If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Discover all the highlighted landmarks of San Francisco! Chesa Boudin Brings a Lifetime of Experience to Lead New Criminal Law & Justice Center Eager to build on his work to transform the criminal legal system, former San Francisco district attorney Chesa Boudin plans to "shed light on issues too often dominated by fear mongering and scare tactics rather than facts and law." Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC Best Travel Blog award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. A multi-level establishment, the upstairs level offers dining and entertainment. Ive never been to San Fransisco but I hope to go one day in the near future. You could take it up a notch and hit Lombard Street on two side-by-side wheels namely on a Segway. I really love some of your suggestions and have included them in my itinerary . 10 Iconic San Francisco Eats & Drinks That Every Visitor Must Try, The Vault Garden in the Financial District, The Most Unique Dining and Drinking Experiences in San Francisco, What to Do in the Outer Sunset Neighborhood, Where to Eat in Civic Center and Hayes Valley, Where to Eat in the Inner and Outer Sunset, Where to Find the Best Clam Chowder in San Francisco, How Out Celeb Chef Gaby Maeda Helps San Francisco Stay A World-Class Dining Destination, Where to Eat and Drink in the Marina District, These Cruisy San Francisco Cafes Just Might Be the Gayest in the World. Pssst! On your way over there, youll pass Kerouac alley, where there are literary sayings embedded into the pavement. California San Francisco 75 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in San Francisco, California March 6, 2023 There's no doubt that San Francisco the sparkling, windy, artsy, and culture-rich metropolis by the bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of California. Or just a culture that rewards creativity? With its steep hills, quaint residential streets and coastal vistas, the city boasts a wealth of hidden spots to appreciate the heritage architecture and natural landscapes. Still looking for unique things to do in SF? This symphony, which is held at the Davies Symphony Hall, combines classical music with romantic and modern pieces, creating a unique, beautiful atmosphere. But before walking or biking over the bridge, spend some time underneath it and explore the Fort Point civil war fortress. Heres another unique way to experience San Francisco one with a particularly local feel. Scattered throughout the bayside metropolis are many interesting spots deeply connected to the counterculture of the 1960s. Its a mere stones throw (well, actually around a 30-minute drive) from the city center. First things first. Were bicycling across San Franciscos famous Golden Gate Bridge. Since SF is often windy, dont expect a gentle sightseeing granny cruise. In fact, grapes were planted here way back in 1812. With San Francisco's year-round temperate weather, not to mention our perfect people-watching, dining in these parklets is something every visitor should enjoy whenever they visit. Since you need to keep your head down while winding through it, you get a big reveal at the end when you look up to see a full view of the Golden Gate Bridge. 5. City Lights is the most famous bookstore in San Francisco. From food tours to yummy . Now, more than 80 years later, the bridge is an icon of the city, firmly on the list of must-see places in San Francisco. The baths and nearby coastal views are great spots for taking pictures. The seaplane is a super popular way to see this awe-inspiring bridge. Where restaurants are still finding ways to be innovative and unique, here are some of the most unique dining experiences In San Francisco. Still not satisfied? This was one of my husband and my favorite trips weve taken so far and we are itching to go back! Located downtown, it's a short walk from hotels in SoMa and Union Square. Perhaps you'll be spending a weekend in the city? Visit Website. Not only do you get to dig into some mouth-watering morsels, but you also experience the eclectic culture in this corner of the city. The Vault Garden is one of the largest outdoor dining spaces in San Francisco, seating up to 100 people. If youre visiting in July, youll be in luck too. Meet Lombard Street, the crookedest street in the world! We did the same cycle route although it was so windy we almost got blown off our bike! And while many of these places are delicious, some dining experiences are more unique than others. Meals are served communally, and guests dont know what theyll be eating until they arrive. San Francisco is the original California hippie town. Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a wow hotel or at least a decent one. San Francisco may not be Los Angeles in terms of movie-making heft. This collection of food trucks and pop-up vendors has standing engagements around San Francisco, depending on the season. Indoor mini-golf is unique in itself; but an indoor mini-golf with its own restaurant? The permanent collection will keep you busy for hours. Inspired by field recordings of waves hitting a concrete drain in Sydney, Australia, the Wave Organ features 25 PVC pipes carefully laid out at different elevations to harness the power (i.e. $ 85. Calling all art lovers! 1. Any movie buff worth their salt should carve out some time to find portions of the city that have appeared in a ton of blockbusters over the decades. (Recommended by Lia of Practical Wanderlust). This means that Dandelion smells like Willy Wonkas factory and you are going to want to live there. The Outer Sunset sparkles with many hidden gems. The three mile walk starts at 2nd and King and curves north around SFs eastern edge, ending near Pier 39. Tied in to high-tech haven Silicon Valley, yet steeped in the 1960s hippie movement and also home to a collection of international cultures, this green forward-thinking city packs a progressive punch in all things culture, food and fun. One of the best for literary lovers is North Beach. Ooh I so miss this city and the delicious seafood. This flower power-infused tour takes you from Chinatown to Fishermans Wharf, North Beach and other spots. The cemetery pays tribute to the first nation Miwoks who were the citys original citizens and who, ironically, were eradicated partly due to disease and expansionism brought in by the Spanish. (At least, thats what our aching feet told us.). More than twenty pipes situated in the bay provide a unique symphony of natural music. If its your first time visiting SF, be sure to check out these SF travel tips for more practical advice on how to craft a great trip. Award-winning travel writers, we share our expert travel advice and tips here on our top-ranking luxury travel blog welcoming 3.6 million readers annually. There are tons of different things to do and discover in San Francisco, whether its your first time visiting your or tenth. That's why the team at the San Francisco Wine Society furnished their parklet with plush sofas, glittering chandeliers, and even a working fireplace! Well, you can get it at the Humphry Slocombe stall in the Ferry Building. Step through the doors and into a world of publishing history nay, legend across three floors of crammed-together bookshelves, with a whole room dedicated to poetry. The best tourist attractions in San Francisco are enough to keep you entertained for days, if not weeks (years, even). Search for Parrots Who doesn't love parrots? Your stomach will thank you. (just kidding, adults also can and do have fun over here). Dont forget to check out the interactive exhibits at this natural history museum. The Best Time to Visit California: Season by Season Guide, The Best Time to Visit Pismo Beach (for Weather, Events and Seasonality), 22 Things to do in Pismo Beach: Enjoy Pismos Beachy Charms, Use this guide to determine if you should, Go beyond the obvious tourist sites by purchasing one of our recommended. Check out this Angel Island State Park guide more information. Its located right across the street from the Giants stadium and is a popular place to go before the games. The parklet at Woodhouse Fish Co.'s Fillmore location is built like a ship, complete with a wheel, portholes, and life preservers. But one Ive added to my to-do list is a chocolate tasting at Dandelions. They are located at California & the Lincoln Park golf course. Vietnamese Roasted Crabs And Garlic Noodles. The logs are part of an art installation by Andy Goldsworthy and they line a wavy path through the eucalyptus trees. Most people just come for the selfie, but I recommend actually walking the full labyrinth. Beginning operation way back in 1878, the cable car network of this coastal city has been ferrying passengers up and down its hills for generations. Dolores Park is one of the most authentic and totally unique things to do in San Francisco, and we locals absolutely love it. Admit it, youve always wanted boozy ice cream for breakfast, havent you? HomepageAboutBlog ArchiveWork with UsPrivacy PolicyContact Us. There arent too many cities in the world that still have vintage cable cars! Note that the organ performs best at high tide. Here are just some of San Francisco's most unique dining experiences. These giant slides are made of concrete and tucked away in the Seward mini park, which is located in the Castro. Here are just some of San Francisco's most unique dining experiences. The city is open, liberal, creative, sexyand kinda weird. The island was then re-purposed as Pan Ams transoceanic airport hub and then yet again as an army base. They are a funky restaurant made of shipping containers with good salads, good sandwiches and mile wide views across the bay. New York: The Met Museum is full of fabulous art! If youve ever been to the country, or want to get a small taste of Japanese culture, youll highly enjoy your time in this area. This isnt your grandmas bowling alley of yesteryear.
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