While most tourists are quick to add visiting the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square to their itineraries, those are a couple of things I would skip to make time for other more locally loved sights.
Spend time in Golden Gate Park. It may be an obvious choice, but the park offers so many things to enjoy. Designed by the same engineer, it’s actually 20 percent larger than Central Park. My favorite highlights are the Bison Paddock (yes, a live bison herd), the roller skaters at Skatin’ Place, the Japanese Tea Garden, The California Academy of Sciences and of course the de Young Museum. I love the de Young for the art exhibitions, but also for a little-known gem that is the Hamon Observation Tower. Free to the public during museum hours, the glass walled tower offers 360-degree views of the city, shore to shore.
Take a trapeze class at Circus Center. Is there a circus school in your hometown? Here, you can not only fly high on the trapeze (or in my case fall into the net over and over and over again), learn to juggle, clown, or even contort. Not up for a sweat? See one of their spectacular shows instead.
Looking for a quieter, more romantic view of the Golden Gate Bridge? Try Baker Beach. But beware if you’re bringing children, the north end of the beach can be frequented by clothing-optional beach-goers. And you thought nude beaches were only in Europe!
Maybe someone can take the kiddos to the Walt Disney Family Museum while you’re enjoying the breeze on your bare bum. It’s fairly priced and gives a ton of behind the scenes and historic insight to the titular gentleman’s genius. You can get through it easily in 2.5 hours, but plan a little extra for getting to and from since there isn’t many rideshares or public transportation options in the Presidio neighborhood.
Missed your cross-fit workout this morning? Hit up the Lyon Street Steps and you won’t be alone in getting your endorphin fix. For normal folks, make sure you visit from the corner of Broadway and Lyon so you start at the top and make your way down. Feeling energetic? Start at Green and Lyon instead.
Looking for pretty steps, just not as many? Head over to Moraga and 16th Streets for a beautiful mosaic community art piece. The bottom starts with the depths of the ocean and as you climb, you move to land, the clouds, and even the starry sky.
Tired of all that climbing? How about a good old fashioned slide. The Seward Mini Park boasts a concrete slide. The trick is to bring a cardboard box to ride like a sled. First, grab a handful of sand then get yourself ready to go. Just before you push yourself off, throw your handful of sand ahead of you to make it a smooth ride all the way down.
You know those wooden rope swings over a cliff you always see on Instagram? Get those incredible photos for yourself at Billy Goat Hill. Definitely not safe for children and as far as swings go, it’s pretty scary and totally worth the little hike up the hill. Phenomenal views of the city.
Feeling high after Billy Goat Hill? Now you can go get high in another way at Dolores Park. Usually packed to the brim with hula hoopers, jugglers, and partiers. Two words of warning though: A. The park closes for a month or two in the winter so don’t plan to visit then. B. Don’t buy anything from the peddlers if you aren’t up for a wild afternoon. You don’t know what is in those sweet treats.
Visiting a friend in town? The best place to get a bouquet is the San Francisco Flower Mart. It’s where the wholesalers get their stock each morning, and at 10 a.m., it’s open to the public. But be quick since they usually close up shop shortly after. You’ll find all sorts of flora you never knew existed.
The Cable Car Museum is unique to San Francisco too. Not only can you see how the old cable cars operated all over the city, but you can see the working cables as they power the trolleys around the city today. Not bad for a free pit stop.
One of the only places outside of Asia to get dragon’s beard candy is called Dragon Papa in Chinatown. It’s not only interesting flavors and textures, but they make it in the front of the shop so you can watch the talented artists make it too. While you’re there, pop over to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to sample a fresh strawberry or chocolate flavored cookie flat and watch the employees speedily fold the cookies one-handed around your paper fortune.
Museum of Ice Cream is a social media influencer haven. While it’ll be full of basic bitches taking thousands of selfies, it’s still a fun little spot to take a break and enjoy a chilly treat.
Less exciting, more touristy attractions include:
The Painted Ladies from the Full House opening credits
Coit Tower
Ferry Building
Of course check out the places San Francisco is known for, but don’t be afraid to get a little weird here too. It’s a bizarre and wonderful place to live and visit.