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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Things to do in San Francisco
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.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
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!
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
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.
by
Byron
Beach
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.
by
Byron
Beach
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
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
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
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What to do in San Francisco?
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156 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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