Off the Beaten Path San Francisco: 14 Hidden Gems to Add to Your Itinerary

Disclosure: I was a guest of San Francisco Travel. All opinions and recommendations are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. 

Despite having lived in California for most of my life (including a stint in San Francisco when I was young and adorable), most of my infrequent trips to San Francisco included the same old things. The Golden Gate Bridge. Fisherman’s Wharf. Ghirardelli Square. The list goes on and on. But, I never really took the time to get off the beaten path in San Francisco (apologies for the cliché expression) and see what hidden gems the city has to offer.

So when San Francisco Travel asked if I wanted to come up for a long weekend for a tour of “Unexpected San Francisco,” I responded with a resounding yes. Why would you say no to The City by the Bay?

So, whether you’re headed to San Francisco for the first time or the tenth be sure to get off the beaten path and add these hidden gems to your itinerary.

San Francisco, Off the Beaten Path: Best Things to Do

The Hornblower Brunch Cruise

I think we can all agree that brunch is one of the best weekend meals. And if you’re in San Francisco, you should definitely do some sort of tour of the Bay. But as a famous commercial/meme once asked: “Porque no los dos?” Well, you can totally do los dos on the Hornblower Brunch Cruise, a two-hour yacht cruise around the Bay, complete with a brunch buffet, live music, and gorgeous views of San Francisco. I liked that I could pop out to the outer deck to get photos, but once I got cold (which took exactly 3 minutes), I could go back inside and enjoy the views from my table. Get tickets to the cruise here.

SFMOMA

Is SFMOMA technically off the beaten path? Well, it depends who you ask, I suppose. Although I’m not a huge museum person and I really don’t get modern art, I have to admit that this museum is pretty cool. It was closed for three years for renovation and re-opened May of 2016. It was also just added to the San Francisco CityPass, but you can also get tickets separately here. Some of the exhibitions were fascinating, others confusing (that’s modern art for you), but I loved that there was a huge variety of media formats at the museum, meaning I could skip the mysterious modern art pieces and enjoy photography and sculptures instead.

Although we didn’t have enough time to go, the SFMOMA also has this amazing Michelin-star restaurant called In Situ, where the chef has curated 80 dishes from some of the best restaurants worldwide. Such an innovative concept!

Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

Visiting Alcatraz, the infamous former maximum-security prison on an island, definitely requires some planning ahead. I should know because I’d never managed to visit before this trip since tickets were always sold out by the time I got around to purchasing them. So my first tip for visiting Alcatraz is to buy your tickets ahead of time. My second tip is to do the Behind-the-Scenes tour because it is SO cool. You’re led through the island in small groups by a licensed ranger or docent and get to access all these tunnels and hidden passageways that most tour-goers don’t get to see. Even if you’ve already visited Alcatraz before, this is a great way to get a different experience of the island.

Onsen SF

Probably one of the most unexpected places I visited in San Francisco was Onsen, the Japanese bathhouse located in the back of the Japanese-American fusion restaurant with the same name. Just to be clear, I was given a tour of Onsen but didn’t use the bath or try the food here, but I do think it’s a really cool place and I’d be interested in visiting on my next trip. Essentially, the front of Onsen is a restaurant, serving Japanese fusion small plates in a café-type ambiance. In the back is a traditional Japanese bathhouse, complete with a steam room, sauna, shower, and bathing pool. To top it all off, it’s located in The Tenderloin, making it the clear winner for unexpected, off-the-beaten-path San Francisco.

Lands End

Lands End is another one of those spots that most locals know about and most tourists don’t. This gorgeous park is home to several hiking trails with some beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. There’s also a short trail that leads down to the Sutro Baths, which were the world’s largest indoor swimming pool in 1894. The hikes themselves are leisurely and are an excellent way to get some fresh air away from the city center.

The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

Fact: Fortune cookies were NOT invented in China but instead, in San Francisco’s Chinatown. I learned this the hard way when I went to China during my freshman year in college. It was like learning Santa Claus isn’t real. But I digress. The point is, this is one of the only places you can still find handmade fortune cookies in the country, and yes, you do get (fortune-less) samples. But the fun is in the variety of flavors and sizes, so bring home a bunch to share (or to eat yourself, I don’t judge).

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps

 

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Located on Moraga St. between 15th & 16th Avenue, this staircase is a neighborhood community project that officially opened in 2005. With over 2,000 handmade tiles and 163 steps, it’s truly a work of art that showcases the power of community. Please note: these steps are located in a residential area and are first and foremost a community art initiative. Therefore, please be respectful of the neighbors and to the steps themselves so they can stay clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Tenderloin Walking Tour and The Tenderloin Museum

If you’ve ever heard anything about The Tenderloin District, it likely wasn’t good. In fact, many people would say avoid it altogether and normally, I’d be inclined to agree. However, if you’re truly interested in learning more about this “scary” neighborhood, I recommend a visit to The Tenderloin Museum. Inside, there are a variety of exhibits showcasing significant historical events and people from the neighborhood, along with stories and news pieces on how it evolved to its current state. I highly recommend doing a walking tour that sheds even further light on The Tenderloin.

Note: Although I experienced the more artistic side of The Tenderloin though a tour led by The Tenderloin Community Benefit District, I’m going to be frank and say that the museum and walking tour is not your “typical” tourist experience. The reality is, the neighborhood has a large homeless and drug problem, which can be jarring and uncomfortable for many. I’m personally glad I was able to learn more about the neighborhood – both how and why it has evolved this way – but as an outsider, it’s hard to understand why this level of poverty exists in such a well-off city. I completely understand that it’s a complicated issue and that it isn’t due to a lack of resources serving the homeless population but my two cents is that we’re failing our nation’s homeless – in San Francisco and beyond.

Pro tip: be sure to check out the San Francisco CityPASS to save on some of the top attractions.

Best Places to Eat

Fog Harbor Fish House

If we’re being real, even if you want to see off the beaten path San Francisco, you’re still likely to end up at Pier 39 at some point. You can’t leave the city without eating clam chowder and sourdough, am I right? It’s easy to spend at least a few hours at the pier (7D Experience or Musical Stairs, anyone?) and at that point, you might as well stay for a meal. You’re guaranteed to get a good one at Fog Harbor Fish House, especially if you like seafood. It offers 100% sustainable seafood and it’s easily one of the best restaurants at the Pier. Not to be totally basic, but the garlic bread here is to die for as well. Besides that, I recommend the calamari as an additional starter and the ahi tuna as a main. Everything is fresh, delicious and affordable – wins all around.

Kin Khao

If we’re talking about hidden gems in San Francisco, Kin Khao is definitely high on the list. It’s a small, somewhat unassuming Thai restaurant at the Parc 55 Hotel but it just so happens to have a Michelin Star. The menu looks just as unassuming as the restaurant, but it was drool-worthy and by far the best meal I had in San Francisco. I’m not a big fan of neither mushrooms nor beans, but somehow the Nam Tok Beans and Mushroom Hor Mok Terrine were my favorite dishes. Go figure. But really, I didn’t have a single bad dish here so be sure to make a reservation if you’re visiting San Francisco.

Urban Tavern

In all honesty, I normally shy away from hotel restaurants, but as you saw from my recent experiences in both Ireland and Costa Mesa, hotel restaurants are seriously stepping up their game. Urban Tavern, at the Hilton San Francisco, is no exception. They take international fusion cuisine to a whole new level, and I have to say I was impressed by the charred Spanish octopus, the chicken meatballs, and the burger (sometimes my palate is basic #notsorry).

Brenda’s French Soul Food

If you have a hankering for a food-coma-inducing brunch, then look no further than Brenda’s, the French Soul food restaurant that is incredibly popular amongst locals (but not tourists). Be prepared to eat your entire day’s worth of calories in one meal. I recommend going hard and ordering a beignet flight, the catfish egg and biscuits, and a side of grits. Brenda’s pretty much always has a wait on weekends, so if you can swing by during the week instead, do it.

For even more cool restaurant options, check out these top unique restaurants in SF!

Alternative Nightlife

Cityscape at The Hilton San Francisco

Located on the 46th floor of the Hilton San Francisco in Union Square, the view from Cityscape is pretty hard to beat. Plus, there are lots of cushy lounge chairs to relax in and they even make a couple of delicious mocktails for my fellow non-drinkers out there. I’m all about the chill vibes, and you can definitely get that at Cityscape.

PianoFight

PianoFight calls itself a community-driven indy arts venue which is pretty much everything I love in one place. It hosts shows, stand-up, live music, events, etc. pretty much daily (check out the calendar) and also offers snacks, food, and drinks. The venue is quintessentially San Franciscan and I love that the money you spend there is re-invested in the local community. If you’re looking for a quirky, offbeat thing to do on your trip to San Francisco, be sure to check this place out!

Planning on backpacking in California? Check out this post for all the essential info!

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Although I’ve stayed in a few places during my trips to San Francisco, the Hilton San Francisco in Union Square is by far my favorite accommodation. Its location in the heart of the city can’t be beat, and the views from the rooms are epic. The rooms themselves are incredibly comfortable and come with an information-packed tablet showcasing all the cool hotel amenities, such as a gym, pool, and an onsite convenience store. I’d definitely stay here again! Book a stay at The Hilton here or find more great deals using the search box below.

My recommendations for every budget:

• Backpack: USA Hostels San Francisco | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
• Save: Hotel Zephyr | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
• Splurge: The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay

Confused about which neighborhood to stay in? Check out this local’s guide to where to stay in San Francisco (and which neighborhoods to avoid)!

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What to Pack for San Francisco

• Fleece: The weather in San Francisco is unpredictable, no matter what the season. It’s definitely worth having a fleece handy.
• Packable down jacket: There are some days when it gets pretty chilly (especially in the evenings) so a proper jacket does come in handy. I really like this packable one because it’s warm but doesn’t take up much room in your suitcase.
• All-purpose sneakers: Last year, a friend of mine introduced me to Allbirds, these awesome wool sneakers that keep your feet warm without making them sweaty (even if you wear them without socks). Then I found out they’re made of Merino Wool, which explains the magic behind them. They’re cute, they’re functional, and they’re comfy AF. You can wear them to hike up a mountain or to explore a new city. They’re my go-to travel shoes and if they get dirty, I can throw them in the wash.
• Samsonite Flexis Carry On: I travel with my backpack most of the time (especially if I’m going to multiple cities) but if I don’t bring my backpack, I use my Samsonite bag. I used to always buy inexpensive suitcases to save money but most of them didn’t survive longer than a few trips. This suitcase has been adventuring with me for several years and it still looks new. It’s definitely a worthy investment!
• Travel First Aid Kit: I love that this travel first aid kit is small enough to stick in your bag but still has tons of items in it. I’d remove the scissors if you aren’t planning to check your luggage, but otherwise, this is incredibly handy, especially if you’re going to be doing outdoorsy things.
• Power bank: I don’t know if I’m a phone addict or what (jk, the answer to that is an unfortunate but resounding yes) but I legit don’t understand how people can travel without a power bank. You’re out and about all day and using your phone to navigate, take photos, and who knows what else. I always carry my Anker PowerCore while I’m out. It’s light, holds multiple charges, and charges phones quickly. Win!
• Travel Camera(s): I know all the cool kids are about that #iPhoneOnly life, but I still like taking photos with a camera. Does that make me old? Whatever, I’m embracing it. Anyway, for adventure footage and photos, the latest GoPro is seriously the best. It’s waterproof, image stabilizing, and a bunch of other cool features. If you’re looking for a nice digital camera that doesn’t involve complicated lenses, I personally use the Sony RX100 II, which I’m obsessed with. This is the older model (I think they’re on the 6 now) but it works great. The Carl Zeiss lens helps take spectacular, high-quality photos but the camera is small enough to fit in a purse. I also bring my Instax Mini 9 with me cause I’m extra like that, but I also understand that most normal people don’t travel with three cameras.
• Insulated water bottle: I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel because single-use plastic sucks for the planet and buying lots of bottled water is expensive and inconvenient. You CAN drink the tap water in San Francisco so there’s no need to buy bottled water. My favorite bottle is my CamelBak Insulated Water Bottle – it’s particularly awesome because holds 20 oz and keeps water cold, which you’ll want when you’re out and about all day.

Pro tip: Be sure to pack a windbreaker as San Francisco weather changes frequently and unexpectedly. I’m a fan of this one.

Conclusion

By all means, don’t miss out on any of San Francisco’s top tourist attractions. There’s a reason why everyone is scrambling to visit Lombard Street, The Painted Ladies, and The Golden Gate Bridge. It’s also a pretty awesome solo travel destination.

But if you’re looking for some hidden gems to add to your San Francisco itinerary or you simply want to see another side of the city, be sure to check out some of the places mentioned above.

P.S. If you’re spending more time in Northern California, be sure to check out my guide to Monterey and beyond!

Tell me: Have you ever been to San Francisco? If so, what’s your favorite “hidden” spot? Share in the comments below!

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