Tucked in the back of the DeYoung Museum's garden is a hidden oculus buried underground that provides a moment of either meditation or social overload. I am sure 99% of people miss that the entrance to the Turrell Skyspace is behind a hedge in the back right corner of the De Young's garden.
Down a long ramp, you enter a curved high walled walk that finally opens to a small domed room with an oculus open to the sky. The thing about the skyspace that makes it special is that the experience changes every time I enter. The light of the day and season changes the look and color of the inside. If it is raining it's wonderful to see the drops fall through the circle in the ceiling. But the biggest impact is who happens to be there with you.
If you are alone, it is a beautiful meditation. If you are visiting and happy children are there it becomes an echo chamber of excitement and joy. I have been there when groups were chanting and when people couldn't figure out what they were supposed to do. Every visit is a performance in the round and unique.
Explore San Francisco like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our San Francisco guide.
You might notice that each brick on this staircase at San Francisco's Coit Tower has a name written on it. Here's the forgotten story behind those names.
By
"CA Coastal Trail" in Francisco is a calm, easy and beautiful hike that includes quite a few Bay Area landmarks - and all next to the ocean...
By
"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.
By
San Francisco loves City Arts and Lectures! And, I love it too. Now I can go to the Nourse Theater and enjoy inspiring speakers and discussions.
By
Thanks to "Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe" in San Francisco, I can now find some of my favorite comfort food including the piroshki any time I want!
By
"Swensen's Ice Cream" in San Francisco hasn't changed since 1948. It's the chain's first store and I sill buy bulk ice cream here when I'm in the area...
By
"Pug Sunday" in San Francisco is on the first Sunday of every month. Four-legged and two-legged creatures alike welcome the new month at Altaza Park.
By
The Louise M Davies Symphony Hall is a beautiful space of culture and concerts. There's always something and fresh to enjoy by the SF Symphony here!
By
"Victoria Pastry Co." has prompted me to travel across San Francisco solely to enjoy one of its famed cannolis. Walking into it is a test of self-control.
By
"Oracle Park" in San Francisco is one of the finest baseball stadiums in America. With panoramic views of the bay, it's uniquely San Franciscan...
By
"Tikka Masala" in San Francisco is the kind of restaurant where you can get food when you're drenched and they're already closed. It never disappoints...
By
"Cafe Reverie" is my favorite cafe in San Francisco. What they don't tell you is that their brunch & pancakes are amazing. Enjoy them in their garden patio
By
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters