Byron from San Francisco

About me The quote “It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious” by Oscar Wilde works for me. I grew up on the central coast and have always valued the California virtues of connecting with people and their stories - there is a reason Hollywood and Silicon Valley started here. Everyone has a story, but so few tell it well. For the la...

May 1, 2025

View Deck at UCSF San Francisco

Best view in Western SF

"When I want to know if the fog is coming in under the GG bridge in SF, I walk over to the public deck at UCSF's Helen Diller Medical Center..."

When I want to know if the fog is coming in under the GG bridge, or if Marin is sunny, or just want to see every neighbourhood, I walk over to the public deck at UCSF's Helen Diller Medical Center. Never crowded, the large deck wraps around three sides of the Medial office building at UCSF, with each side providing an unhindered view of SF. I will often stop here on a walk in the neighbourhood to check out the overhead view of Golden Gate Park from the Haight to the beach or see if the GG Bridge is clear or foggy.

When the University of California built its medical school, UCSF, in 1898, it was on a remote hill far away from most of the city, possibly to give students a chance to study, or maybe the land was cheap. But what they also gave was the best view in SF, which is still unobstructed by trees or tall buildings. It is a great place to see some iconic buildings and get a better idea of how close everything is in SF.

Art & culture

Relaxing

About this spot

400 Parnassus Avenue

US$

no-price

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Home Coffee Roasters

Friendly vibes all around

"Home Coffee Roasters" in San Francisco isn't like other coffee shops. Where else are you sure to get an inviting "welcome in" when you go inside?

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Stanyan Tree

Unexpected and wonderful

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Relaxing

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Portrero Hill Community Garden

Green thumbs

The "Portrero Hill Community Garden" in San Francisco is an unexpected surprise when you walk around the neighborhood. It reminds me of my grandpa...

Relaxing

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Balloon Alley

Interactive murals

"Balloon Alley" (or Umbrella Alley) in San Francisco is easy to miss - come see the interactive Instagrammable murals from up close. Fun place to visit!

Art & culture

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Kathleen

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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.

Coffee & tea

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Kathleen

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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!

Shopping

Brooke

Ekdahl

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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.

Restaurants

Byron

Beach

May 16, 2025

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.

Snacks

Byron

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May 16, 2025

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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Blazing Saddles

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Art & culture

Relaxing

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Messmer

May 14, 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

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Ekdahl

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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

May 14, 2025

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