Let's uncover San Francisco’s hidden gems with Spotted by Locals! From local coffee shops to secret viewpoints, our Spotters bring you the city's best-kept secrets. Discover San Francisco through the eyes of true locals.
158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
"Pug Sunday" in San Francisco is on the first Sunday of every month. Four-legged and two-legged creatures alike welcome the new month at Altaza Park.
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The Louise M Davies Symphony Hall is a beautiful space of culture and concerts. There's always something and fresh to enjoy by the SF Symphony here!
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"Oracle Park" in San Francisco is one of the finest baseball stadiums in America. With panoramic views of the bay, it's uniquely San Franciscan...
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"Swensen's Ice Cream" in San Francisco hasn't changed since 1948. It's the chain's first store and I sill buy bulk ice cream here when I'm in the area...
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"Ocean Aquarium" in San Francisco is a beautiful fish & aquarium store on the most unremarkable side alleyway you can think of. So glad we found it...
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"Victoria Pastry Co." has prompted me to travel across San Francisco solely to enjoy one of its famed cannolis. Walking into it is a test of self-control.
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The focaccia at "Liguria Bakery" brings Italy to San Francisco. The place feels so familiar for locals. Everyone has a story about the first time they tried.
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"Golden Boy Pizza" is far and away the best pizza place in San Francisco. I know this is a bold claim, but everything about it is perfection...
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"SOMArts" is a perfect example of what I enjoy about San Francisco. It's an old warehouse that's a boundary-pushing hotspot for local art & music...
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"Brogan and Son Barber Shop" San Francisco is an eye-catching barber shop that offers a cool vibe and a clean trim.
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"¡Venga! Empanadas" San Francisco is a spot that serves fresh empanada. Yes you can find these places every around town but this spot welcomes you with...
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The "Downtown City Farmers Market" is a San Francisco market in a historic location. What I like the most about it is the friendliness of the farmers!
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158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. No AI and nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!
We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.
By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?
We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.
Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.
With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.