The Best Secret Spots in San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the most lively and exhilarating cities in the world. However, many of the the major tourist attractions are overrated and crowded. In order to truly be engulfed in the the magic and beauty of this city, you must explore the path less traveled. Here are best hidden gems and secret spots in San Francisco.
Vermont Street: The Real Crookedest Street in the World
This street is really awesome. Despite being just another street in San Francisco, this street is special, and I stumbled upon it one day by accident. Most have heard of Lombard Street: the one most claim to be the most crooked street in the world, but very few have heard of Vermont Street located on the other side of town in Potrero Hill. In reality, this street is the most crooked street in the world. The street is in a quiet, residential part of town, but there is no traffic jams or crowds of tourists like at Lombard St. The best part is driving down this street as quickly (and safely) as possible.
Corona Heights Park
While everyone knows about Golden Gate or Dolores Park, San Francisco is full of fantastic park options no matter the neighborhood. While most claim twin peaks has the best view of the San Francisco skyline, I would argue this little park has thee best views in the whole city. The geology at this park is also really cool, with red rock outcrops that first appeared 200 million years ago. So, grab a beer and enjoy the best view of San Francisco while chilling on 200 million year old rocks!
Seward Slides
The Seward Mini Park will be sure to bring out the inner kid in everyone. Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood not far from Market St. and The Castro, this quirky, small park boasts two concrete slides perfect for zipping swiftly down on a piece of cardboard. Usually, you can find pieces of cardboard left behind from past sliders, but be sure to bring your own cardboard if you don't want to end up disappointed! Pro tip, if you want to gain even more speed on these surprisingly fast slides, you can add some sand to the concrete slides to add an extra boost.
The Wave Organ
Not far from all the tourists of fisherman's wharf, there is a mostly unknown tiny spit of land that just into the bay. With views of the golden gate bridge on one side and the skyline of San Francisco on the other, the fantastic view's alone make the walk out to the wave organ worthwhile. The Wave Organ is wave-activated acoustic sculpture that uses a series of pies to interact with the waves and produce amazing melodies. The music made by the wave organ with sound different at varying tide levels, but the music made by the wave organ can be best heard at high tide.
Mt. Sutro Open Space Preserve
This hidden gem is so unknown that even most San Francisco locals have never explored the magic of this forest. The Mt. Sutro Open Space Preserve, or the Inter Greenbelt, is a glorious, historic forest that is a over 100 years old. The trees were planted by the 24th mayor of San Francisco Adolph Sutro. Stepping off the city streets into this lush forest provides a magical escape different from anything else you find in the city. The forest is predominantly eucalyptus provides an instant escape from the city. With lots of trials and very few people, this greenbelt is one of my favorite spots in all of SF.
16th Avenue Tiled Steps & Grand View Park
This unique community project still makes me smile in delight every time I see it. Located at 16th and Moraga in the Sunset district, these 163 steps are are handmade with depictions of animals, birds, and celestial stars and moons. Most people don't climb the straits, but be sure to make your way to the top to reach Grand View Park. This park offers sweeping views of the beach, ocean, Golden Gate Park, and downtown. I used to live a few blocks from this park, and I would go at least a few times a week.
Land's End
This spot has one of the best views of the golden Gate Bridge from the city side the water. Located in the northwest tip of the city, this untouched, pristine land offers a glimpse into what the landscape of the city was like before it became what it is today. Land's End is a coastal trial along the shoreline that offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Marin Headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge. At the beginning of the trail, you can also explore the Sutro Baths: the ruins of an old extravagant bath house built by Adolph Sutro. Fun fact: the coastal trail that you walk on is the old path taken by the cable car that Mr. Sutro built specifically to shuttle people to his Sutro Baths. Be sure to check out the hidden labyrinth at Eagle's Point where you get the best view of the GG bridge. Local tip: the best spots are off the main path :)
Strawberry Hill
Strawberry Hill is a hill (bet you didn't see that coming) in the middle of Golden Gate Park. Situated in the middle of Stow Lake is Strawberry Hill. Serving as the highest point in the entire park, it is a great spot to have a picnic or enjoy a view of the Golden Gate Bridge through the trees. My favorite part of the hill is getting lost in the trees and experiencing every shade of green imaginable. There is an artificial waterfall, awesome views of the GG bridge, and even paddle boats you can rent.
Marshall's Beach
Ending the list is a spot of the best beach in San Francisco, and the one spot on the list that all locals would hate sharing with any tourist. Nearby Baker Beach also offers a great experience, but the views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Marshall's Beach are unbeatable. The beach is a long, narrow, and secluded stretch of beach that offers a fantastic photo opportunity. Getting to the beach requires a little bit of walking, but the views make it worthwhile.
Vermont Street: The Real Crookedest Street in the World
This street is really awesome. Despite being just another street in San Francisco, this street is special, and I stumbled upon it one day by accident. Most have heard of Lombard Street: the one most claim to be the most crooked street in the world, but very few have heard of Vermont Street located on the other side of town in Potrero Hill. In reality, this street is the most crooked street in the world. The street is in a quiet, residential part of town, but there is no traffic jams or crowds of tourists like at Lombard St. The best part is driving down this street as quickly (and safely) as possible.
Corona Heights Park
While everyone knows about Golden Gate or Dolores Park, San Francisco is full of fantastic park options no matter the neighborhood. While most claim twin peaks has the best view of the San Francisco skyline, I would argue this little park has thee best views in the whole city. The geology at this park is also really cool, with red rock outcrops that first appeared 200 million years ago. So, grab a beer and enjoy the best view of San Francisco while chilling on 200 million year old rocks!
Seward Slides
The Seward Mini Park will be sure to bring out the inner kid in everyone. Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood not far from Market St. and The Castro, this quirky, small park boasts two concrete slides perfect for zipping swiftly down on a piece of cardboard. Usually, you can find pieces of cardboard left behind from past sliders, but be sure to bring your own cardboard if you don't want to end up disappointed! Pro tip, if you want to gain even more speed on these surprisingly fast slides, you can add some sand to the concrete slides to add an extra boost.
The Wave Organ
Not far from all the tourists of fisherman's wharf, there is a mostly unknown tiny spit of land that just into the bay. With views of the golden gate bridge on one side and the skyline of San Francisco on the other, the fantastic view's alone make the walk out to the wave organ worthwhile. The Wave Organ is wave-activated acoustic sculpture that uses a series of pies to interact with the waves and produce amazing melodies. The music made by the wave organ with sound different at varying tide levels, but the music made by the wave organ can be best heard at high tide.
Mt. Sutro Open Space Preserve
This hidden gem is so unknown that even most San Francisco locals have never explored the magic of this forest. The Mt. Sutro Open Space Preserve, or the Inter Greenbelt, is a glorious, historic forest that is a over 100 years old. The trees were planted by the 24th mayor of San Francisco Adolph Sutro. Stepping off the city streets into this lush forest provides a magical escape different from anything else you find in the city. The forest is predominantly eucalyptus provides an instant escape from the city. With lots of trials and very few people, this greenbelt is one of my favorite spots in all of SF.
16th Avenue Tiled Steps & Grand View Park
This unique community project still makes me smile in delight every time I see it. Located at 16th and Moraga in the Sunset district, these 163 steps are are handmade with depictions of animals, birds, and celestial stars and moons. Most people don't climb the straits, but be sure to make your way to the top to reach Grand View Park. This park offers sweeping views of the beach, ocean, Golden Gate Park, and downtown. I used to live a few blocks from this park, and I would go at least a few times a week.
Land's End
This spot has one of the best views of the golden Gate Bridge from the city side the water. Located in the northwest tip of the city, this untouched, pristine land offers a glimpse into what the landscape of the city was like before it became what it is today. Land's End is a coastal trial along the shoreline that offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Marin Headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge. At the beginning of the trail, you can also explore the Sutro Baths: the ruins of an old extravagant bath house built by Adolph Sutro. Fun fact: the coastal trail that you walk on is the old path taken by the cable car that Mr. Sutro built specifically to shuttle people to his Sutro Baths. Be sure to check out the hidden labyrinth at Eagle's Point where you get the best view of the GG bridge. Local tip: the best spots are off the main path :)
Strawberry Hill
Strawberry Hill is a hill (bet you didn't see that coming) in the middle of Golden Gate Park. Situated in the middle of Stow Lake is Strawberry Hill. Serving as the highest point in the entire park, it is a great spot to have a picnic or enjoy a view of the Golden Gate Bridge through the trees. My favorite part of the hill is getting lost in the trees and experiencing every shade of green imaginable. There is an artificial waterfall, awesome views of the GG bridge, and even paddle boats you can rent.
Marshall's Beach
Ending the list is a spot of the best beach in San Francisco, and the one spot on the list that all locals would hate sharing with any tourist. Nearby Baker Beach also offers a great experience, but the views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Marshall's Beach are unbeatable. The beach is a long, narrow, and secluded stretch of beach that offers a fantastic photo opportunity. Getting to the beach requires a little bit of walking, but the views make it worthwhile.
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