Discover our locals' 156 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.

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City guides by those who know San Francisco best!

Get to know our Spotters from San Francisco

Check out our latest hidden gems in San Francisco

Things to do in San Francisco

The-Palace-of-Fine-Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts – Afternoon with the Gods

The "Palace of Fine Arts" in San Francisco comprises the only surviving structure from the Pan Pacific Exhibition in 1915. Such beauty, available for free!

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

By

Kathleen

Messmer

Jan 20, 2025
Home-Coffee-Roasters

Home Coffee Roasters – Friendly vibes all around

"Home Coffee Roasters" in San Francisco isn't like other coffee shops. Where else are you sure to get an inviting "welcome in" when you go inside?

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Coffee & tea

By

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jan 19, 2025
Portrero-Hill-Community-Garden

Portrero Hill Community Garden – Green thumbs

The "Portrero Hill Community Garden" in San Francisco is an unexpected surprise when you walk around the neighborhood. It reminds me of my grandpa...

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Relaxing

By

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jan 19, 2025
Stanyan-Tree

Stanyan Tree – Unexpected and wonderful

This beautiful strong tree between two apartment buildings in San Francisco just stopped me in my tracks when I saw it. It's beauty in the little things...

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Relaxing

By

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jan 19, 2025
Balloon-Alley

Balloon Alley – Interactive murals

"Balloon Alley" (or Umbrella Alley) in San Francisco is easy to miss - come see the interactive Instagrammable murals from up close. Fun place to visit!

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Art & culture
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Shopping

By

Kathleen

Messmer

Jan 18, 2025
The-Crepevine

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

Jan 15, 2025
Foggy-Notion

Foggy Notion – Find your vibe here

"Foggy Notion" in San Francisco is a small woman-owned shop that's a calming oasis. Find your favorite ceramics, eco-friendly home goods, candles & more!

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Shopping

By

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jan 15, 2025
Maison-Nico

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

Jan 14, 2025
Damnfine-Pizza

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.

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Restaurants

By

Byron

Beach

Jan 14, 2025
Pier-Market

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...

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Restaurants

By

Kathleen

Messmer

Jan 12, 2025
Blazing-Saddles

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...

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

By

Kathleen

Messmer

Jan 12, 2025
Hole-in-the-Wall-Coffee

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...

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Coffee & tea

By

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jan 12, 2025

Heading to San Francisco?

156 Places only Locals know

Authentic Stories

Escape the Crowds

Full Access to the San Francisco City Blog & App!

Just €9.99

Going to San Francisco?

156 Hidden Gems only Locals know

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

✓ Full Access to the San Francisco City Blog & App!

What to expect?

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

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?

Our San Francisco Cityguide - Made by Locals

Instantly know your way in San Francisco like a local!

Experience the vibrant culture of San Francisco with Spotted by Locals. Explore the historic streets of the Mission District, the trendy neighborhoods of Hayes Valley and the North Beach, and the iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. Our app offers insider recommendations on local attractions, dining spots, and cultural events, ensuring you experience the best of California’s Bay Area like a true local. Download now and start exploring!

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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