14 Authentic Things to Do in San Francisco, According to Locals

The vibrant, eclectic city of San Francisco is known for many exciting landmarks. The majestic Golden Gate Bridge, the breathtaking San Francisco Bay, and the bohemian spirit of Haight Ashbury are just a few examples. These are must-see attractions for visitors, but there are plenty of other things to see and do in the City by the Bay.  

We’ve asked the people who live, work, and play here to give us their recommendations for the best things for everyone, locals and visitors, to see and do in San Francisco, and their suggestions did not disappoint! We received recommendations for every type of outing, from museums to historic tours, from vintage clothing and flea market shopping to some of the city’s best dining experiences. Even the transportation here has flair!  

We can definitely see why SF natives love to show off their city! Keep reading to discover some of the places where the locals go that showcase San Francisco’s charm, culture, and excitement, beyond the well-known tourist hotspots.  

1. Explore the City on Cable Cars 

“One unique thing to do in San Francisco is to ride the historic cable cars,” says the team at BerryClean, a local cleaning company servicing the Bay and surrounding areas.  

“These iconic modes of transportation not only offer a practical way to navigate the city’s hilly terrain but also provide a nostalgic and picturesque experience. Clinging to the sides of steep streets, the cable cars offer stunning views of San Francisco’s landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. It’s a charming and classic way to explore the city while enjoying the open-air breeze and the distinctive clang of the cable car bells.” 

2. Check Out the Gregangelo Museum 

The crew at the Gregangelo Museum reached out to teach us a little bit about why they think their place is a must-see for visitors to the city, and our curiosity is definitely peaked!  

“The most unique and amazing experience in San Francisco is, hands-down, the enchanted jewel box of an indoor/outdoor art house that is The Gregangelo Museum,” they told us. “There, families, couples, and friends can embark on a genuine, only-in-SF adventure where you’ll find stunning, whimsical gardens and immersive installations by local artists.” 

Good to know: Like a show, the museum is open by reservation to advanced ticket holders only with a limited number of guests per group, so be sure to be prepared. There are eight different adventures or seasonal shows, and all guided experiences run approximately 90 minutes. “They are fully interactive,” the team warned us, “so prepare to be unprepared!”  

Before or after your museum visit, they recommend popping over to Lakeside Village (three blocks away on Ocean Avenue) to enjoy some local multicultural dining, wine, confections, and public art, all with gorgeous views of the Pacific.   

3. Enjoy Teatime at Crown & Crumpet 

The folks at Gregangelo also pointed us to Crown & Crumpet, a stylish, eclectic tea shop pairing Victorian vibes with a witty nod to the now. Afternoon tea starts at 11 am with a generous pot of tea, warm savories, finger sandwiches, a scone and crumpet with clotted cream, house-made lemon curd and jam, and four sweet treats. The house offers other tea packages as well, including a kid-friendly option.  

4. Assemble Your Team for the Amazing Race 

Feetfirstevents recommended this unique, team-centric, and interactive (and incredibly fun) activity for tourists and residents alike. “Not only is The Race challenging and entertaining,” they said, “but it’s a great way to get outside, exercise yourself mentally and physically, and see the city.” 

“Your team solves puzzles, cracks codes, and discovers famous and hidden landmarks while trying to get the most points as time runs out. You can explore the classic waterfront area of The Fisherman’s Wharf, bark at Sea Lions, hold crabs, find the home of The Irish Coffee, or learn the history of the Downtown/Chinatown/North Beach area. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy our STADIUM race, where you race between The Giant’s Oracle Park and The Warriors Chase Center around the exciting and always growing South Park & Dog Patch regions.”  

Good to know: The Amazing Race is available in Sausalito, Napa, San Jose, Santa Cruz, or Palo Alto. 

Bonus: All the challenges are recorded on a keepsake video, so you can enjoy footage of your team’s antics. Repeatedly. 

5. Make a Whole Day of It! 

The team of locals at Ascend Real Estate gave us a few ideas for must-do activities in San Francisco for an all-day experience: 

“Start your day with a stroll through the historic Ferry Building Marketplace, where local artisans showcase their crafts and fresh produce, then hop on a cable car and traverse the city’s hilly streets for a quintessential San Francisco experience,” they said. “For breathtaking views, head to Twin Peaks or hike up to Coit Tower. Or you can embrace the city’s artistic spirit at the colorful Clarion Alley Murals in the Mission District.” 

The team also recommended sampling some of the city’s diverse culinary offerings. “Explore neighborhoods like Chinatown for authentic dim sum or North Beach for classic Italian fare. And don’t forget to sample the city’s renowned sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery!”  

When you’re full, they suggest winding down at Dolores Park, a popular local hangout, or wrapping up your day “with a sunset stroll along the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, capturing the city’s beauty as it lights up in the evening.” 

6. Visit the Vintage Paradise That Is Haight Ashbury 

 

“Haight Ashbury is more than just hippies and the Summer of Love,” says Amy Clemens, founder of Pacific Edge Real Estate. “It’s also an unbeatable destination for vintage lovers.”  

“You could spend a whole day treasure hunting through the dozens of vintage and thrift stores on Haight Street. This is the perfect place to unearth one-of-a-kind gems, from 1970s rock T-shirts at Wasteland to authentic 1920s flapper dresses at Decades of Fashion. Bonus: the street fashion and people-watching in this neighborhood are second to none!” 

7. Stroll Through History on the Barbary Coast Trail 

“For a great city walk, the Barbary Coast Trail can’t be beaten,” says Clemens. “Download an audio tour or order a printed map and follow the trail of gold medallions back in time to San Francisco’s raucous beginnings. Hear tales of intrepid Gold Rushers, rowdy brothels, colorful politicians, and fortunes made and lost, and marvel at downtown skyscrapers that stand on what was once Bay water. Finish the day with a legendary crab dinner from Chinatown’s R&G Lounge and a Pisco Punch from SF classic Comstock Saloon.” 

8. Check Out an Aquatic Playground on the San Francisco Bay 

Clemens also had a great suggestion for where to go on a hot summer day! “Watersports on the Bay will take your visit to SF to the next level,” she says. Aquatic Park’s protected cove is perfect for a dip and a picnic on the sandy beach (watch out for sea lions!). Launch a kayak from Crissy Field or indulge your inner speed demon on an e-foil, one of the newest ways to get out on the Bay. You can rent a wetsuit from Sparts Basement (a locals’ favorite) or go sans suit and enjoy a little cold water therapy.” 

9. Find Some Loot on a Treasure Island Adventure Day 

“Treasure Island is seeing a major renovation right now, so starting February 24th, I recommend taking the 10-minute ferry ride to the boutique flea market at TreasureFest,” says Courtney Muro, a SF-based tourism & hospitality blogger/photographer. “Once you’re done shopping around, get lunch at the super cute and eclectic restaurant Mersea, then head over to Gold Bar Distillery, an art deco whiskey distillery and tasting room built inside a 1930s Pan Am airplane hangar!”  

10. Hobnob at Sushi Brunch on a Yacht  

Muro also tipped us off to a fantastic place to grab some traditional Japanese cuisine with a twist! “The Daiji Yacht Club has a one-of-a-kind culinary experience on a yacht and more! Brunch includes a truly unique 7-12 course omakase experience while you yacht around the San Francisco Bay.” 

Good to know: Want to customize your experience? Give them a shout; they can accommodate! The cruise embarks from the Embarcadero/Yacht Club area.

11. Stop by a Pop-Up Event at the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco  

Muro recommends adding some art and culture to your day with a visit to the ICASF with extras. “The ICASF and its neighborhood, The Dogpatch, are undergoing their own renaissance in the south of the city,” she says. “Right now, they have three pop-ups: the coffee pop-up on Saturdays and Sundays from 10-2 (they often have food), a speakeasy-style cocktail pop-up called the 901 Lounge from 6-9 on the last Friday of the month, and the chef pop-up one Thursday a month from 5-8 pm.” 

Good to know: Be sure to check the calendar on the museum website to find out what’s coming up and buy tickets. 

12. Wander the Japanese Botanic Gardens 

Travel writer Rose Campau also had great suggestions for us, starting with the Japanese Botanic Gardens. 

“This is a classic recommendation, but it’s still one of my favorite places to take out-of-town guests. The gardens here are stunning to wander around, but the real highlight for me is the small cafe overlooking them. They serve traditional Japanese dishes at prices that are a great value for the city, and all the proceeds go back towards maintaining the site!” 

13. Enjoy Lakehouse Jazz in a Boathouse 

“Also located in Golden Gate Park, this is one of my favorite ‘hidden gems’ in the city,” says Campau. “Every weekend, The Mellow presents an intimate concert series in the old boathouse on Stow Lake. The guest artists are usually kept secret in advance of the show and vary between locally renowned musicians and international stars, but every performance I’ve ever seen there is phenomenal. They have a small bar with beer and wine available for purchase and even allow you to bring your own food in for dinner if you’d like.” 

Good to know: Doors open at 7:15, and the concert starts at 7:30. Seating is communal on a first-come basis, so get there early! 

14. Enjoy the View (and Ice Cream Sandwiches) at Ocean Plant 

On the last stop of your tour, Campau recommends Ocean Plant on the west side. “Ocean Plant is a super cool little cafe and surf shop perched all the way at the western end of San Francisco with very pretty ocean views. It is not only an aesthetic community hub but also has quite a bit of local history as the original factory location for the locally beloved It’s-It ice cream sandwiches.” 

Until Next Time, San Francisco! 

We hope these fun suggestions have inspired you to explore San Francisco beyond the classic touristy spots. Its tapestry of diverse neighborhoods and cultures provides a haven for off-the-beaten-path activities. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a seasoned guest, or a long-time resident, there’s always something fun to do just around the corner!