Stanyan Tree San Francisco

Unexpected and wonderful

Brooke from San Francisco

"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..."

In San Francisco, you could have these fleeting experiences that maybe some would recognize as either delightful or simply innocuous. I walk around all the time and am blown away by the little things. You know when some things just seem too perfect, like they could be in a movie? I had that moment when I discovered a tree in an apartment courtyard that halted me in my tracks. It may seem uninteresting to most, but I found this tree so fascinating and beautiful. Looking at how healthy it was even while being bookended by two buildings. It had just enough space to exist.

It reminded me of a children’s book I once had. The name escapes me now. Basically, it was about a neighborhood in a city that was growing rapidly and the older cute houses were being demolished and replaced by apartment buildings. In the middle of all these high-rise buildings, one charming little old house remained. This tree reminds me of that house in the book. It’s not so much what it is, but what it represents. In this case, a bit of nature can still have such a strong presence, and I find that notion beautiful. Let this be a friendly reminder to look for the beauty in the little things.

Relaxing

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

San Francisco Spotter Brooke

About me Hello there! I work for a non-profit that supports the Golden Gate National Parks. In this role, I often come across visitors and love to encourage them to explore, not only parts of San Francisco, but our well-known park sites that offer so much beauty and history as well! I love engaging with visitors and locals, seeing what interests them. You can learn a lot about people and I’ve met so many interesting characters over the years. I was a former film student many moons ago. And while that didn’t pan out, I naturally found photography as my go-to creative outlet. It pleases me...

About this spot

650 Stanyan St

US$

no-price

Sep 20, 2025

Our San Francisco City Guide

Find your way with 158 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our San Francisco guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems 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...

Restaurants

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 13, 2025

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...

Art & culture

Relaxing

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 13, 2025

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...

Coffee & tea

Brooke

Ekdahl

Nov 13, 2025

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...

Relaxing

Brooke

Ekdahl

Nov 13, 2025

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!

Shopping

Brooke

Ekdahl

Nov 13, 2025

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...

Coffee & tea