Discover our locals' 157 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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Check out our latest hidden gems in San Francisco
Things to do in San Francisco
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
Presidio Pet Cemetery
Military pets live on
TIme has almost forgotten the "Presidio Pet Cemetery" in San Francisco, with pet hedge stones & names from when this was an active Army base...
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
SPRO Coffee Lab
Coffee magic
What makes "SPRO Coffee Lab" in San Francisco and its food truck special is their specialty crafted coffee drinks & artisanal goods. It's a gem of a spot!
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Park Life
Fun gallery and unique store
"Park Life" in San Francisco is an art gallery space with fun arts & crafts supplies and home décor that will jazz up your home! So much to enjoy here...
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Pearl 6101
California Mediterranean dining
"Pearl 6161" is a restaurant in San Francisco in an old laundromat. Its Mediterranean-meets-California vibe, the high ceiling and the tiles... I'm in love!
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
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What to do in San Francisco?
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157 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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