Swensen's Ice Cream San Francisco
Same corner since '48
Swensen's really is a throwback. It's been dominating the same corner of Hyde Street since 1948, and from the way people frequent it, isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Swensen's, now a global chain, started in SF on this corner and consistently churns out a top-notch lineup of flavors. It's right on a pretty cool stretch of Hyde Street, where the trees overhead arch to create sort of a tunnel. Adding to the uniqueness is the cable car line that occupies the road, making Swensen's an ideal stop.
I can't say I buy bulk ice cream from too many places, but I do from here. It's not often that I find myself in the area so when I do, I make it a point to stock up. The flavors are really creative; often times they're something you wouldn't expect. But somehow they make even the most far-fetched flavor pairings work.
If you come here, take the cable car. Or, on the flipside, if you're taking the cable car, get off here. It's worth a stop even if it means waiting to catch the next car (which will most likely be less crowded than the one you're on anyways).
About this spot
Hyde Street 1999
- Sun - Thu 12:00 - 22:00, Fri - Sat 12:00 - 23:00
Small scoop:
US$
5
+1
4157756818
Find your way with 157 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco
Mountain Lake Park
Your Neighborhood Park
My neighborhood park is San Francisco is "Mountain Lake Park." It's one of our last remaining natural lakes,
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Adventure Cat
Sailing the SF Bay
You'll sail completely around Alcatraz and then out to sea, pass other boats, and experience the fog rolling into the Bay—a very cool experience.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Trouble Coffee
Coffee with an edge!
"Trouble Coffee" in San Francisco is a category of its own. Let's say it belongs to the 'badass coffee' category. Makes me feel like a rough surfer girl!
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Mt. Davidson
A Great Hike on a Foggy Day
It's an easy hike with trees, ferns, and other bits of nature surrounding the trail. If you stop and listen, you will hear… nothing.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Hook Fish Co
Fish tacos in the Sunset Avenues
"Hook Fish Co" in San Francisco is deep in the Sunset Avenues and is perfect for when you have a hankering for some scrumptious fish tacos!
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
City Hall
Architectural marvel with seismic past
The building of the City Hall itself is an architectural wonder. Stand below the dome and wander through the main floor, which is open to the public!
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Coffee in the Park
Coffee and park goers
I love coming to Alamo Square in San Francisco and getting a yummy park coffee from Lady Falcon Coffee Club and their converted 1940s bread truck!
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
The Spire
The Presidio’s natural skyscraper
"The Spire" in The Presidio in San Francisco is one of the many reasons to come visit. A natural skyscraper, it reminds me of Where the Wild Things Are...
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Saint Frank Coffee
Modern coffee vibes
"Saint Frank Coffee" in San Francisco feels like an airy museum on the inside. I always leave with a few bags of coffee and an iced latte in hand...
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Stable Cafe
SF or Italian Countryside?
I've never been to a cafe that made me feel as if I had been teleported to another place than "Stable Cafe" in San Francisco... Felt like I was in Italy!
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
The Mill SF
Coffee and toast, oh my!
"The Mill SF" with its red brick exterior gets one curious straight away! I come here for their awesome toast, especially the cinnamon sugar toast!
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Heading to San Francisco?
157 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 157 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite San Francisco
Our team loves San Francisco
Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco
As featured on:
