Discover our locals' 158 hidden gems in San Francisco
City Guide made by Locals from San Francisco.
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.
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Check out our latest hidden gems in San Francisco
Our latest Spots in San Francisco
Pier Market
Another great one!
"Pier Market" in San Francisco's Pier 39 specializes in mesquite-grilled seafood. You should try the Mixed Grill and the lobster with drawn butter...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Blazing Saddles
Bike rental shop
"Blazing Saddles" is the most extensive bike rental establishment in San Francisco. Are YOU ready to bike the bridge? If so, you should come here...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Hole in the Wall Coffee
Don’t miss it
"Hole in the Wall Coffee" in San Francisco is in the beautiful neighborhood of Telegraph Hill/North Beach. Its name says it all, really...
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Stow Lake
Paddle the afternoon away
I never hear anyone going to "Stow Lake" in San Francisco, yet it's one of the neatest little nooks in town! Time just seems to slip by there...
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Tantrum
Darling shop for kids
I can tell you, if I was a child now and went into "Tantrum" in SF, I would freak out with genuine joy! So many playful gifts, books and party supplies!
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Sightglass Coffee
Kick back with quality coffee
"Sightglass Coffee" was one of the first coffee shops I visited in SF and remains one of my favorites. It's a neighborhood spot for friends to connect...
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Fog Harbor
One of the best restaurants at Pier 39
"Fog Harbor" Fish House in San Francisco's Pier 39 is a total winner: the food is incredible, the people are friendly and it won't break your wallet!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Little Baobab
Senegalese food and music
Whatever your favorite restaurant in San Francisco might be, it's about to become your second-favorite after Senegalese restaurant "Little Baobab"...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
San Francisco Circus Center
Run away with us
Ι stumbled into the SF "Circus Center" to try a class. I didn't realise that I would soon be addicted to being up-side-down and high in the air!
by
Nadine
Johnson
Mountain Lake Park
Your Neighborhood Park
My neighborhood park is San Francisco is "Mountain Lake Park." It's one of our last remaining natural lakes,
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
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.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
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158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. 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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