Apr 6, 2025

The Sword and the Rose San Francisco

Metaphysical supply shop

""The Sword and the Rose" in San Francisco is a shop that's out of a fairy tale -- it's really a full-on magic store for all your magical supply needs!"

The Sword and the Rose is something out of a fairytale. Truly. Walking in the Cole Valley neighborhood one day I noticed an entryway that led to a hidden garden. Upon exploring further I noticed in the back behind some vines was a short hobbit-like door leading to a full-on magic store. At first glance, it looks like something trying to be a tourist stop for some eccentric Harry Potter fans or some such. But it is nothing of the sort. It is a fully functional magic store filled with everything from books to talismans to a corner for Tarot readings. The store just has a magical, tranquil ambiance. The owner is a local and always willing to strike up conversation about anything. 

Whether you believe in magic or not, this is a one-of-a-kind stop that will take you a little while to believe is real. The Cole Valley neighborhood, colloquially known as the "Brunch Capital", is a very mellow, sunny part of the cities populated with families and couples. It's a stone's throw from Golden Gate Park and a train ride from downtown and the beach. But for a nice respite from the outside world, a trip through a secret garden into another realm is a must.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

About this spot

Carl Street 85

US$

free

4155890477

Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

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

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

Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco

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!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 8, 2025

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.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Kathleen

Messmer

May 6, 2025

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!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 6, 2025

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!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

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...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

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!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

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...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

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!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

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...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

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!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

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!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

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...

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

Heading to San Francisco?

156 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

156 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves San Francisco

Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
64
Filters