158 x San Francisco Insider Tips
by real locals.
Nothing sponsored, No AI.
Trust our locals' favourites in San Francisco.
The San Francisco City Guide
made by Locals.
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.
Our Spotters from San Francisco:
Know your way in San Francisco like a local.
Spotted by Locals
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Heading to San Francisco?
158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to San Francisco?
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
Check out our latest hidden gems in San Francisco
Our latest Spots in San Francisco
Toyose
Korean food in a garage
"Toyose" in San Francisco is a Korean restaurant in a garage! Curious yet? It's very intimate and the portions are very generous.
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Papalote Mexican Grill
Toda la familia
"Papalote Mexican Grill" is proof that in San Francisco we take our burritos seriously. As my taste matures, it's become my favorite restaurant for it.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Albion Castle
A real urban castle
"Albion Castle" is a real castle in San Francisco that belongs to the family that owns what used to be the city's only springs. For private parties only!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
The Shipyard
Urban exploration at its riskiest
"The Shipyard", or Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, is definitely a boon for UrbExers. Just know it's a Superfund, thus super-toxic, site...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Dahlia Garden
Blooming colors
"Dahlia Garden" in San Francisco is right behind the Conservatory of Flowers, a sectioned-off area w/ vibrant dahlias, which reach their peak in September.
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Held Over
Vintage clothing
"Held Over" in San Francisco has eclectic and sometimes outlandish clothes on display! You might walk in and find a shirt worn to Woodstock 50 years prior.
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Flights of Fancy
Artful stairs
"Flights of Fancy" or the Arelious Walker Stairway in San Francisco is inspired by patterns drawn from various world cultures & is handsomely decorated!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Sand Ladder at Baker Beach
Great walk!
The "Sand Ladder at Baker Beach" in San Francisco is difficult, but it'll take you to a spot where the vistas are phenomenal, with amazing sunsets...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
The Bunkers at Baker Beach
Who knew?
"The Bunkers at Baker Beach" hold guns from WWII, and they were used. Come here, touch history and imagine the actual people who used to come inside here.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Grandview Park
AKA Turtle Hill
"Grandview Park" or Turtle Hill in San Francisco is an ideal viewing location -- just as impressive as Twin Peaks much less trafficked!
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
The Golden Fire Hydrant
Small but mighty
"The Golden Fire Hydrant" is literally what saved the Mission District from total destruction in the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Sacred Grounds Cafe
Coffee house, eats & poetry
"Sacred Grounds Cafe" boasts the longest running open-mic night in San Francisco, with the tradition starting back in 1972. I recommend the poetry nights!
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Categories
What to do in San Francisco?
Heading to San Francisco?
158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Going to San Francisco?
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
What to expect?
Authentic & Unbiased Content
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!
Go off the Beaten Path Gems
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.
Responsible Travel
Hi! Nice to meet you.
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.
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