Discover our locals' 158 hidden gems in 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.
City guides by those who know San Francisco best!
City Guide made by Locals from San Francisco.
Know your way in San Francisco like a local.
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✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks
✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in San Francisco
Check out our latest hidden gems in San Francisco
Things to do in San Francisco
Biscoff Coffee Corner
Best coffee stop
"Biscoff Coffee Corner" in San Francisco offers speculoos biscuits with its coffee, using the original Belgian 'airline cookie' recipe dating back to 1932!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Eagle Cafe
Best hangover spot for breakfast
Besides being a great place for breakfast or lunch, "Eagle Café" in San Francisco is a historic waterfront café where every single seat has a view!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
The Crab House
So much food!
"The Crab House" in San Francisco makes some of the best seafood around - and presented beautifully. It's like Fantasia, but for food!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Graffiti Murals
Unbelievable
The Graffiti Murals in San Francisco, close to the Steiner end of Haight street, have been created by artists that are talented beyond imagination...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Ingleside Terraces Sundial
Largest in the US
The "Ingleside Terraces Sundial" in San Francisco is the largest sundial in the US. It's more than 100 years old & still tells the time very accurately...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Church of 8 Wheels
Holy rollers unite!
This San Francisco church has a rich history... today, the "Church of 8 Wheels", created by the Godfather of Skating, is the epicenter of the SF scene...
by
Nadine
Johnson
Talk About Stairs!
Neighborhood steps up
You might notice that each brick on this staircase at San Francisco's Coit Tower has a name written on it. Here's the forgotten story behind those names.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
CA Coastal Trail
Walk along the Pacific
"CA Coastal Trail" in Francisco is a calm, easy and beautiful hike that includes quite a few Bay Area landmarks - and all next to the ocean...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
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.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Critical Mass
Better together
"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe
Hits the spot!
Thanks to "Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe" in San Francisco, I can now find some of my favorite comfort food including the piroshki any time I want!
by
Nadine
Johnson
City Arts & Lectures
At the Nourse Theater
San Francisco loves City Arts and Lectures! And, I love it too. Now I can go to the Nourse Theater and enjoy inspiring speakers and discussions.
by
Nadine
Johnson
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What to do in San Francisco?
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Authentic & Unbiased Content
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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