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-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
Stow-Lake

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...

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Relaxing

By

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jan 12, 2025
Tantrum

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!

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Shopping

By

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jan 12, 2025
Sightglass-Coffee

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...

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Coffee & tea

By

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jan 12, 2025
Little-Baobab

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"...

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Music
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Restaurants

By

Marcus

D'Avignon

Jan 10, 2025
Fog-Harbor

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!

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Restaurants

By

Kathleen

Messmer

Jan 10, 2025

Hey Traveller! Heading to San Francisco?

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Hey Traveller! Heading to San Francisco?

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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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