158 x San Francisco Insider Tips
by real locals.

Nothing sponsored, No AI.
Trust our locals' favourites in San Francisco.

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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.

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158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

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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

Lloyd Lake

A Peaceful Escape in San Francisco

Lloyd Lake in Golden Gate Park is a peaceful escape with the historic Portals of the Past — a quiet and calm spot to relax and enjoy San Francisco’s charm.

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Aug 13, 2025

City Hall

Architectural marvel with seismic past

The building of the City Hall itself is an architectural wonder. Stand below the dome and wander through the main floor, which is open to the public!

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Art & culture

by

Marcus

D'Avignon

Jul 3, 2025

The Milk Bar

Live music and comedy

"The Milk Bar" in San Francisco is said to be the place where local comedy talent comes to get its start. It's also a music club & my son plays here!

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Art & culture
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Music

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Oct 4, 2024

Hyde Street Pier

Maritime History in the City

Offering an enchanting voyage through San Francisco's maritime past brings history to life. It serves as an engaging and lasting tribute to the traditions of San Francisco. 

002-building
Art & culture

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Jul 17, 2024

Anchorage Square

Where Entertainment and Fun Meet

Whether you're looking to shop, dine, or simply soak in the lively ambience, Anchorage Square has something for everyone.

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Art & culture
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Bars
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Coffee & tea
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Music
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Restaurants

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Jul 17, 2024

Cantata Coffee

Coffee Break Heaven

The coffee drinks all have cool names like Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, Madonna, John Lennon, and James Joyce. Are you sensing a theme here?

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Coffee & tea

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 28, 2025

The Crepevine

Best Spot Ever

The Crepevine is a family-owned crêpery in the Inner Sunset that is just what the doctor ordered. Grab a great breakfast at a reasonable price & hang out.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 16, 2025

The Carousel

A Childhood Fantasy Come True

Custom-built in Italy, it features more than 30 colorful animals and is the only bay area carousel with artistic renderings of all the SF landmarks!

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Relaxing
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Shopping

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 8, 2025

Adventure Cat

Sailing the SF Bay

You'll sail completely around Alcatraz and then out to sea, pass other boats, and experience the fog rolling into the Bay—a very cool experience.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 8, 2025

Mt. Davidson

A Great Hike on a Foggy Day

It's an easy hike with trees, ferns, and other bits of nature surrounding the trail. If you stop and listen, you will hear… nothing.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 5, 2025

Maison Nico

Pâté en croûte en SF

Right in the shadow of the TransAmerica Pyramid, Maison Nico is a must stop for me when I am downtown and need either a perfect pastry or want to bring something home that is special.

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Snacks

by

Byron

Beach

Nov 15, 2025

Damnfine Pizza

Best Pizza West of Divis

The name of the business, for once, is no lie, it is pretty dang fine. A personal favorite is the Pig in the Woods: pancetta, enoki, garlic, fresh mozzarella, and truffle.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Byron

Beach

Nov 15, 2025

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

San Francisco app Home
San Francisco app Map
San Francisco app Home

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

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?

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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