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When you think of San Francisco, your mind probably drifts straight to the iconic orange bridge straddling the Golden Gate Strait or the antique cable cars that rattle up the city’s impossibly steep hills. However, there’s so much more to see, do, and experience than first meets the eye on a trip to the jewel of the Bay Area.
Whether you’re looking for secret hikes with Pacific Ocean views, neighborhoods that other tourists don’t know about, or independent museums to add to your cultural itinerary, you’re going to want to bookmark this article. Here are our top 18 San Francisco hidden gems.
1. Marshall’s Beach
Over the bridge from Fort Point is this charming, lesser-known place where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The only way to access Marshall’s Beach is to walk via the Batteries to Bluff’s Trail, but there aren’t any amenities, so come prepared with water and snacks.
Tip: The vistas are most impressive during the afternoon golden hour just before sunset.
2. The Gardens of Alcatraz
A trip to Alcatraz prison will feature highly on most travel itineraries thanks to its infamous history and dark tales. For a brighter end to your visit to ‘The Rock,’ take a stroll around the island’s gardens before heading back to the mainland.
For around 150 years, inmates, soldiers, and the families of prison guards took care of the Gardens on Alcatraz Island. These green spaces have more recently been restored by the Garden Conservancy, and visitors can enjoy spotting colorful blooms on this infamous San Francisco Bay island.
3. Dolores Park
- Website: sfrecpark.org/Mission-Dolores-Park
- Address: Dolores St & 19th St, San Francisco, CA
Dolores Park is a glorious alternative to the more famous Golden Gate Park. Many locals come to soak up some of California’s iconic sunny weather. There’s plenty to do here, from hitting a few balls on the tennis court to letting your furry friend run wild in the dog play area.
4. Mission District’s Murals
Balmy Alley is a famous spot for street art, but Mission District has several lesser-known spots where you can snap pics without battling the crowds. Head to Clarion Alley to discover more than 700 murals, and be sure to swing by the Women’s Building to see the mural dedicated to women’s contributions to art, science, and social justice. To learn more about the urban works of art on display, join an informative walking tour.
5. 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
- Website: 16thavenuetiledsteps.com
- Address: 16th Ave, San Francisco, CA
Also known as the Moraga Steps, this hidden gem is said to be the world’s largest mosaic staircase. The community project was created by residents in 2003 to forge connections among locals. Head here early in the morning while the city is quiet to snap some Instagrammable shots on the 163 beautifully decorated steps.
6. The Wave Organ
- Website: exploratorium.edu/visit/wave-organ
- Address: 83 Marina Green Dr, San Francisco, CA
This coastal sculpture was created in 1986 by the Exploratorium artist-in-residence. Not only does this location offer sweeping panoramic views of the bay, but it’s also a fully functional organ that interacts with the waves to create a series of sounds. Head here at high tide when the organ performs at its best.
7. Seward Street Slides
- Website: sfparksalliance.org/our-parks/parks/seward-mini-park
- Address: 70 Corwin St, San Francisco, CA
These concrete slides were designed by a teenager in the 1960s after locals protested the loss of open spaces due to rapid development in the area. The locals won, and this empty lot was transformed into an urban playground featuring these fun slides. Bring along some cardboard and whizz down the winding slides to unleash your inner child.
8. Musee Mecanique
- Website: museemecanique.com
- Address: Pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA
Fisherman’s Wharf is home to this kitsch museum-meets-arcade where you can play 300 fun coin-operated games. The owner has been building his collection since he was 11 years old and it features games from their invention to the modern day. Don’t forget to bring plenty of quarters!
9. Andy Goldsworthy Art
- Website: presidio.gov/explore/attractions/andy-goldsworthys-spire
- Address: Arguello Blvd, San Francisco, CA
Andy Goldsworthy is a British artist and environmentalist, and examples of his fascinating art installations can be found in Presidio Park. The handy three-mile hiking trail makes it easy to spot all four of his pieces, including Spire — a 27-meter-tall sculpture made from the trunks of 35 cypress trees.
10. Sutro Baths
- Website: nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/cliff-house-sutro-baths
- Address: 1004 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA
The Sutro Baths were developed in 1894 by Adolph Sutro and started life as an ocean pool aquarium before being expanded into a huge public bathhouse. The building itself was an architectural feat and could accommodate an incredible 10,000 people at one time. Take a trip to see its remnants for a glimpse into San Francisco’s gilded history.
11. San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the most famous in the world, but the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge is a lesser-known jewel that’s not to be missed. This incredible example of engineering comprises a skyway structure between Oakland and Yerba Buena, the largest diameter bore tunnel in the world, and a suspension bridge from the island to San Francisco. Catch it at sunset for the most stunning vistas.
12. Chinese Karaoke
- Website: pandorakaraoke.com
- Address: 50 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA
No trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to Chinatown, but did you know you can also do Chinese karaoke in the city? Pandora offers American-style karaoke in its main room, but the real draw is the club’s private group rooms like those traditionally found in Chinese and Japanese karaoke bars.
13. Discover San Francisco’s Less Touristy Neighborhoods
Most travel guides will suggest that you spend your time in a handful of ever-popular neighborhoods, but these three hidden gems are equally as interesting (and have fewer crowds).
Sunset District
This peaceful area is the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its colorful houses and enviable location near Ocean Beach mean it’s a great place for a quiet afternoon stroll. While in the area, be sure to call into Black Bird bookstore and cafe for a well-deserved caffeine hit.
Castro District
Tourists with an interest in LGBTQ+ history will typically be sure to visit this diverse neighborhood, but there’s plenty of eclectic charm to make it a must-visit for everyone.
The Financial District
The Financial District in downtown San Francisco is also typically overlooked by tourists but it’s one of the best areas for happy hour drinks and fine dining. Check out Tadich Grill, America’s third-oldest restaurant, while you’re there.
14. Lands End Labyrinth
- Website: parksconservancy.org/parks/lands-end
- Address: Lands End Trail, San Francisco, CA
This stone labyrinth was created in 2004 and instantly became an unofficial landmark. Sadly, vandals destroyed the structure several times, and in 2021, it was abandoned once and for all. That is, until 2022, when two residents took it upon themselves to create a new piece of art in its place. Take a hike out to Land’s End to see if the huge stone heart is still in place or if this spot has evolved once again.
15. Bernal Heights Park
- Website: sfrecpark.org/Bernal-Heights-Park
- Address: Bernal Heights Blvd, San Francisco, CA
The San Francisco skyline is an iconic sight and most tourists will want to snap a photo of it during their visit. Bernal Heights Park is a fabulous alternative spot for the city’s best panoramic views without the large crowds that flock to Twin Peaks and the Coit Tower in Telegraph Hill. Several dirt trails provide easy access to the summit — keep your eye out for the red-tailed hawks that soar overhead while you hike up.
16. Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze
- Website: magowansinfinitemirrormaze.com
- Address: Pier 39, 0-11 Beach St, San Francisco, CA
Pier 39 and its marina feature on every list of things to do in San Francisco, and with good reason! While you’re in the area, be sure to pop into Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze. This psychedelic maze is made up of hundreds of mirrors, and the black lights make everything glow, creating the ultimate (legal) trippy experience.
17. The Beat Museum
- Website: kerouac.com
- Address: 540 Broadway, San Francisco, CA
If you’ve already been to the California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, and the Palace of Fine Arts, it’s time to discover some of San Francisco’s lesser-known museums and galleries.
The Beat Museum is one of our favorites because it explores San Francisco’s iconic counterculture movement, which grew here in the 1950s and 60s. Many attribute the movement’s origins to the Beat literary movement in North Beach, and this museum exhibits hundreds of related books, letters, and personal effects.
18. Mount Tamalpais State Park
- Website: parks.ca.gov
- Address: 3801 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA
For unbeatable hiking among redwoods and oaks, check out Mount Tamalpais State Park in nearby Marin County. Mount Tamalpais towers 783 meters above sea level and the park features several hiking trails across 25,000 acres that cater to various ability levels.
Discover the City by the Bay’s Must-see Secret Spots
San Francisco is a sightseeing paradise, and as you can see, there are plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path and discover the city’s secret charms. Which hidden gems will you seek out on your next trip to Northern California?
