I recommend everywhere on this post, but if the popular landmarks already have check marks on your list, consider these alternative destinations!
If it IS your first time in San Francisco, check out this itinerary!
Northern View of Golden Gate Bridge over Southern View
The SF side of Golden Gate Bridge has lookout points that are easy for tourists to park and take photos. For a different perspective, head across the bridge to the Marin Headlands for views along Conzelman Rd or Battery Spencer. Extra points to those who hike down to Kirby Beach!
16th Avenue Tiled Steps over Lyon Street Stairs
What used to be a hidden gem, the Tiled Steps, located on Moraga Street between 15th & 16th Ave, are gaining more notoriety. The community sponsored and handmade tiles are positioned to create beautiful motifs of the sky and ocean as you walk up the stairs. Once there, keep climbing up to Grandview Park for an extra scenic workout.
Mendocino over Napa Wineries
Both Napa and Sonoma are incredible wine-infused destinations but they can get packed with locals and tourists. Mendocino is an idyllic coastal area, recently rated as one of the top places to try wine by Forbes. The Pennyroyal Farm is a vineyard, creamery and farm so that you can have a farm-to-table tasting menu and hang out with baby goats. Navarro Vineyards & Winery, Maple Creek and Anderson Valley Estate, Toulouse Vineyards are a few other no-brainers.
Mt Tamalpais Trails over Muir Woods
Muir Woods is United States National Monument and a protected forest best known for its redwood trees. Though it is located on Mt. Tamalpais, the lack of parking and crowds can make this peaceful walk more frustrating than anything. Instead head for one of the many Mt. Tam trails. Dipsea and Steep Ravine Loop is one of the best to see redwoods in forests, deep canyons and panoramic coastal views.
Tomales Bay over Fisherman’s Wharf
Actually anything over Fisherman’s Wharf! If you want to check out the seals and try some seafood, head an hour north to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes for fresh oysters and a chance to spot seals and whales without the tourists. Here’s a suggested day trip!
Alcatraz Night Tour over Alcatraz Day Tour
Offered to only a small number of guests, the Alcatraz at Night program include special access, tours, and activities not offered during the day. As a bonus, the mood on the island shifts and the history feels real when darkness descends! More reasons to go here.
Hayes Valley Boutiques over Union Square Shopping
Union Square has all the stores but they are brands you can find anywhere. Hayes Valley is an up-and-coming destination for shopping with wonderful boutiques like Maker & Moss, Rand + Statler, MM Clay and Veer & Wander, Amour Vert and Azalea among many others. Come for the retail haven, stay for the Biergarten, restaurants and vibe.
Dandelion Chocolate over Ghirardelli
Dandelion is a bean-to-bar chocolate factory in the Mission District of San Francisco. In addition to the store and cafe, their Chocolate Salon offers an out-of-this-world Chocolate & Tea Service.
Off the Grid Presidio over Dolores Park Picnics
Picnicking is a hobby in San Francisco. The Mission’s Dolores Park is a see-or-be-seen kind of place, with a cast of characters and lots of imbibing. For something less extreme, Off the Grid holds a food truck market/picnic festivities in spring-fall at Presidio’s Main Parade Ground with beautiful views of the Golden Gate on a clear day. On Thursday nights, Off the Grid Twilight has fire-pits on the lawn, yoga at dusk and live music under the stars.
Fortune Cookie over Sourdough Bread
Able to resist the calculated aroma of freshly baked sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery this time? Head instead to the largest Chinatown outside of China, where Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory has been making custom fortune cookies by hand since 1962. Take a tour and try freshly made samples.
Russian Hill over Twin Peaks Hike
For a local hangout spot overlooking SF, head to Vellejo Street in Russian Hill. You can urban hike up and find a spot on the small green space or walk down the hidden stairs to Ina Coolbrith Park with views of the city, Coit Tower and the Bay Bridge. Keep an eye out for the wild parrots that hang out in the area!
Ferry over Cable Car Ride
If you’ve already enjoyed a Cable Car experience, consider a ferry ride instead! Angel Island, Tiburon and Sausalito are all easy short destinations. For more information on each, click here.
Mai Tai over Irish Coffee
The Irish Coffee was created at Buena Vista, but the Mai Tai was allegedly concocted in Oakland. Smugglers Cove, Pagan Idol and the unique Tonga Room all do the cocktail justice.
Broadway over Lombard Street
Not so crooked, “Billionaire’s Broadway” is a hilly but straight street with beautiful gardens and incredible homes/mansions along the way. Keep an eye out for the most expensive house in SF at 2712 Broadway, the 1850s Atkinson Italian-style villa at 1032 Broadway Street, and the Mrs. Doubtfire House on the corner of Steiner.
