September 22, 2024 - There’s Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge (obviously!), Alcatraz, Chinatown, the Painted Ladies in Alamo Square (the famous “Full House” Victorians), etc. Among 100 other things (check out my full SF bucket list here)! But if you wanna get away from those typical touristy places (hey, I still love them!), check out a few San Francisco hidden gems!

November 28, 2023 - San Francisco has tons of can’t miss spots like Alcatraz, Lombard Street and Pier 39 but very few of them are off the beaten path. Most are overcrowded with other tourists doing the same things as you.

2 days ago - From the Gold Rush to Silicon Valley, the Bay Area has long attracted people from all over the country and the world. And thatʼs reflected in its collection of hidden wonders, from Japanese tea gardens to a 19th-century church with a second life as a popular roller rink. ... A huge musical instrument played by the ocean. ... A psychedelic labyrinth on the San Francisco bay.

March 25, 2022 - This includes obeying parking signs, following current health advisory guidelines and allowing others to enjoy these San Francisco secrets, which are also some of the best free things to do in San Francisco. Disclaimer: My blog posts may contain some affiliate links. Clicking on them may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you for purchase of the product. Thank you! There are several flights of colorful stairs tucked away in different neighborhoods in San Francisco, and the most popular of these is undoubtedly 16th avenue Mosaic tiled steps leading to Grandview Park. The truly hidden ones that I am a fan of are the Hidden Garden steps, a stone’s throw from the 16th Avenue steps and the Lincoln Park Steps, located at the edge of Outer Richmond and Sea Cliff.

June 20, 2018 - We’ve visited several times and hit up all the recommended visitor spots…Alcatraz, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Cable Cars, etc. When we were making a quick visit for a dance competition, I decided it was time to check out some San Francisco hidden gems that don’t typically reach the top of the “must see” list…but SHOULD!

April 27, 2025 - The first plague is on the Eastern side of the Peace Plaza and will guide you to what you will see and do and where the next stop is. Relax in the Peace Pagoda situated in a courtyard between Japan Center’s East and West mall. The Peace Pagoda was gifted to the people of San Francisco by Osaka Japan in 1968. Hawk Hill is one of the best places to watch the sunset with views of the city. We did not make it to here as the road was closed for some reason. We also ran out of time. But this was another thing recommended to us as a local’s favorite.

Top 10 Best Hidden Spots in San Francisco, CA - Last Updated August 2025 - Yelp - Hidden Spot - South San Francisco, Hidden Spot EXL, Hidden Spot - Emeryville, Pacifica's Secret Waterfall, Pier 14, Lily Pond, 343 Sansome Rooftop Deck, Empire Park, Recovery Room, Esmeralda Street Slides

April 19, 2025 - For my 51st birthday, my wife gave ... the hidden gems of San Francisco. After more than a decade in the Bay Area, I had driven across the Golden Gate Bridge, admired the wonders of Muir Woods, strolled through the corridors of SFMOMA, and relaxed at the Golden Gate Park. Yet, there was a whole other San Francisco I hadn’t seen — one that breathes through its neighborhoods, speaks in whispers of history, and reveals itself only to those who slow down and look ...

July 17, 2025 - Read next : 3-Day San Francisco Itinerary: A Local’s Guide to the City · WenChang Dumpling Restaurant and Devil’s Teeth Baking Company · While most visitors stick to the usual tourist neighborhoods (Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, or Haight-Ashbury) those in the know head to the Richmond District . This area feels like a hidden gem, with hardly a tourist in sight, more reasonable prices, and some of the best foodie spots in the city!

August 8, 2024 - Honestly, can’t even be mad – I feel like if the fog doesn’t block your view of the bridge you didn’t really visit SF. A little further south, there are incredible trails and hiking all over. Land’s End is a great spot for rugged coastline views with the Sutro Baths being an interesting landmark to check out. The Sutro Baths are ruins of an old bath house from the 19th century. One of the things I loved most about visiting San Francisco was all the different neighborhoods throughout the city.

Visit Movie Locations throughout San Francisco on the Movie Sights City Tour and the brand new Movie Sights Golden… ... Great exhibits of Disney memorabilia and history. Well worth the admission. Happened upon this museum while perusing Trip Advisor for things to do in San Francisco that we had not done previously on our many prior trips there.

February 19, 2025 - Discover fun and interesting hidden gems in San Francisco. Highlights include City Hall, Diego Rivera frescos, and the 16th Avenue mosaic stairs.

March 28, 2024 - While San Francisco’s Chinatown is well-known, the experience becomes significantly less touristy if you skip the large, crowded restaurants in favor of small, local dim sum joints. You’ll find delicious dumplings, buns, and other authentic Chinese dishes that cater more to locals than tourists. For an extra adventure, explore the side streets and alleyways of Chinatown to discover hidden gems, shops, and markets that are often overlooked.

December 5, 2024 - San Francisco's hidden dirt roads, view points, roof gardens and public art will make you fall in love with the city again. Here are 15 of the best secrets.

September 4, 2020 - Secret San Francisco tracks down the best things to do in the city, from quirky restaurants and hidden bars to the best exhibitions, shows and nightlife in San Francisco.

May 28, 2024 - From fortune tellers to pinball machines and everything in between, be sure to include Musee Mecanique on your list of things to do in San Francisco with kids. Located just off Fisherman’s Wharf on Pier 45, hop off the F streetcar MUNI at ...

January 16, 2020 - Treasure Island Flea Market – one of just a couple things on this list I haven’t done, but supposedly has lots of antiques and a fun vibe · 23. Sausalito Ferry from Pier 41 – a great – and cheap – way to get out on the water. A short 30-minute ride to Sausalito. 24. Wave Organ – makes different sounds based on the waves hitting the pipes built into the jetty. A really fun San Francisco hidden gem for little ones to hear.

August 17, 2023 - Berkeley Rose Garden, Botanical Park and Museum (Lawrence Hall of Science) with views of San Francisco ... Not sure if I'd call it exactly "hidden," but if you haven't already been there, I recommend Marin Headlands.

March 17, 2025 - Livermore is a local hidden gem known for its thriving wine scene in a small town setting. It also has a vibrant downtown area full of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you enjoy shopping, be sure to check out the San Francisco Premium Outlets.