Catherine’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Must see! One of the most famous bridges in the world. When you see it, you'll understand why.
1321 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Puente Golden Gate
Golden Gate BridgeMust see! One of the most famous bridges in the world. When you see it, you'll understand why.
Beautiful site that was the location of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition.
463 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Palacio de Bellas Artes
3601 Lyon StBeautiful site that was the location of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition.
Can't be missed. There is so much to see! From museums, Koret Children's Center, Stow Lake, Conservatory of Flowers, Botanical Gardens, the bison, lakes, boats, etc.
1721 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Parque Golden Gate
Can't be missed. There is so much to see! From museums, Koret Children's Center, Stow Lake, Conservatory of Flowers, Botanical Gardens, the bison, lakes, boats, etc.
Learn the history of the cable cars and see the cables that pull the cars up and down the hills. This is a working site and lots of fun to see for adults and children.
207 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason StLearn the history of the cable cars and see the cables that pull the cars up and down the hills. This is a working site and lots of fun to see for adults and children.
Not to be missed! You can't come to San Francisco without visiting the historical Chinatown.
551 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Chinatown
Not to be missed! You can't come to San Francisco without visiting the historical Chinatown.
Twin Peaks
Some of the best views in the City.
Be sure to go inside. The building is beautiful from every angle.
7 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
San Francisco City Hall
1 Doctor Carlton B Goodlett PlaceBe sure to go inside. The building is beautiful from every angle.
So many places to visit! Check out the website to plan your visits. Our favorites are also listed here, but there's much more. If you want to buy souvenirs, the GGNRA gift shops are the best of the best. They have an amazing selection of well curated, high quality souvenirs. They have shops at almost all of their sites, including Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, Land's End/Sutro Baths, and more.
22 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Área de Recreación Nacional Golden Gate
So many places to visit! Check out the website to plan your visits. Our favorites are also listed here, but there's much more. If you want to buy souvenirs, the GGNRA gift shops are the best of the best. They have an amazing selection of well curated, high quality souvenirs. They have shops at almost all of their sites, including Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, Land's End/Sutro Baths, and more.
Wear layers! The beach is windy and chilly, but it's a beautiful place to go. Please stay out of the water, the riptides are no joke. But it's fun to walk along the beach and our kids love playing in the sand. We love Ocean Beach.
553 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Ocean Beach
La Playa StWear layers! The beach is windy and chilly, but it's a beautiful place to go. Please stay out of the water, the riptides are no joke. But it's fun to walk along the beach and our kids love playing in the sand. We love Ocean Beach.
Gorgeous historical area. There's park land, beaches, Fort Point, a climbing wall, trampoline house, great visitor's center and beautiful views. Crissy Field Beach has very gentle waves so it's safer to go in the water. Do stay with your kids, though, there are drops beneath the water. We've spent many memorable days here and it's one of our favorite spots in the City.
426 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Crissy Field
Gorgeous historical area. There's park land, beaches, Fort Point, a climbing wall, trampoline house, great visitor's center and beautiful views. Crissy Field Beach has very gentle waves so it's safer to go in the water. Do stay with your kids, though, there are drops beneath the water. We've spent many memorable days here and it's one of our favorite spots in the City.
See how the chocolate is made! The famous Ghirardelli chocolate started here and there's a demonstration area and yummy chocolate, ice cream and more! After, take a walk in Aquatic Park.
218 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop at Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point StSee how the chocolate is made! The famous Ghirardelli chocolate started here and there's a demonstration area and yummy chocolate, ice cream and more! After, take a walk in Aquatic Park.
The world famous Napa Valley is an excellent way to spend the day. Tour vineyards, wineries and enjoy stunning landscapes.
219 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Napa Valley
The world famous Napa Valley is an excellent way to spend the day. Tour vineyards, wineries and enjoy stunning landscapes.
Not as famous as Napa Valley, but in our opinion, an equal when it comes to wine and scenery. Tons of excellent wineries with less traffic and fewer crowds.
18 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sonoma County
Not as famous as Napa Valley, but in our opinion, an equal when it comes to wine and scenery. Tons of excellent wineries with less traffic and fewer crowds.
Half Moon Bay is a tiny town with gorgeous beaches, great food and lots to do.
280 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a tiny town with gorgeous beaches, great food and lots to do.
Local's secret! Views as good as Twin Peaks but no traffic, lines or crowds!
96 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Mount Davidson
Myra WayLocal's secret! Views as good as Twin Peaks but no traffic, lines or crowds!
Beautiful nature hikes, new playground. Sheltered from the wind!
180 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Parque Glen Canyon
Chenery StreetBeautiful nature hikes, new playground. Sheltered from the wind!
Gorgeous hike, easy to walk for all ages. Be sure to check out the labyrinth. There are steep drops and strong tides in some places so for your safety, please do not cross over the barriers.
Also be sure to check out the Sutro Baths ruins and the Cliff House nearby.
694 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Lands End Trail
Lands End TrailGorgeous hike, easy to walk for all ages. Be sure to check out the labyrinth. There are steep drops and strong tides in some places so for your safety, please do not cross over the barriers.
Also be sure to check out the Sutro Baths ruins and the Cliff House nearby.
A beautiful cathedral at the top of Nob Hill. Walk the labyrinth in the courtyard.
165 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Catedral de Grace
1100 California StA beautiful cathedral at the top of Nob Hill. Walk the labyrinth in the courtyard.
This park gets lots of sun and has great views. The playground is new and really nice. It gets extremely crowded on the weekends with people having picnics and is a big social scene. But on the weekdays you can enjoy it without the crowds.
46 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Mission Dolores Park
19th StreetThis park gets lots of sun and has great views. The playground is new and really nice. It gets extremely crowded on the weekends with people having picnics and is a big social scene. But on the weekdays you can enjoy it without the crowds.
Big Sur
One of the most beautiful places on Planet Earth.
Excellent tidepooling! Check the marine charts for low tides.
76 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
200 Nevada AveExcellent tidepooling! Check the marine charts for low tides.
A really fun day trip. Walk along the water, check out the views, the restaurants and shops, get an ice cream cone, have a wonderful day.
317 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sausalito
A really fun day trip. Walk along the water, check out the views, the restaurants and shops, get an ice cream cone, have a wonderful day.
Our favorite neighborhood in the city. So many wonderful restaurants, sightseeing, history and beauty.
229 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
North Beach
Our favorite neighborhood in the city. So many wonderful restaurants, sightseeing, history and beauty.
Great beach town with the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. One of our favorite places to go.
242 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Santa Cruz
Great beach town with the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. One of our favorite places to go.
Gorgeous tiles steps by local artists. Walk up to the top and around the hill for beautiful views.
84 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
16 Escalones de la Avenida de Azulejos
16th AvenueGorgeous tiles steps by local artists. Walk up to the top and around the hill for beautiful views.
Near Ghirardelli Square, Crissy Field and Aquatic Park, Fort Mason is an historical place with nice walks, a cultural center that has coffee shops, restaurants, a farmer's market, art store, theater, and a wonderful bookstore. We love this place.
161 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Fort Mason
2 Marina BlvdNear Ghirardelli Square, Crissy Field and Aquatic Park, Fort Mason is an historical place with nice walks, a cultural center that has coffee shops, restaurants, a farmer's market, art store, theater, and a wonderful bookstore. We love this place.
So, locals usually avoid Fisherman's Wharf, but this is actually a great reason to go. Musée Mécanique is an awesome old school arcade with antique games and fun for everyone. My kids are always excited to visit! (Afterward, walk across the way to Boudin!)
87 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Musée Mécanique
Fishermans WharfSo, locals usually avoid Fisherman's Wharf, but this is actually a great reason to go. Musée Mécanique is an awesome old school arcade with antique games and fun for everyone. My kids are always excited to visit! (Afterward, walk across the way to Boudin!)
A piece of San Francisco history and yummy bread all in one! The restaurant is a crowd pleaser, with soups, salads and sandwiches and lots of San Francisco sourdough bread. Be sure to go upstairs to see the museum and watch the bakers making the bread from start to finish. Combined with Musée Mécanique, this is our favorite thing about Fisherman's Wharf.
39 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Boudin at the Wharf
160 Jefferson StA piece of San Francisco history and yummy bread all in one! The restaurant is a crowd pleaser, with soups, salads and sandwiches and lots of San Francisco sourdough bread. Be sure to go upstairs to see the museum and watch the bakers making the bread from start to finish. Combined with Musée Mécanique, this is our favorite thing about Fisherman's Wharf.
Shorter lines than the turnaround at Powell Street, and just as much fun. Visit Ghirardelli Square, Aquatic Park or Fort Mason and hop on the cable car after to head down town.
7 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Estación de tranvía Powell/Mason
2350 Taylor StShorter lines than the turnaround at Powell Street, and just as much fun. Visit Ghirardelli Square, Aquatic Park or Fort Mason and hop on the cable car after to head down town.
Museums and Cultural
Not to be missed. In Golden Gate Park, with the famous Steinhart Aquarium, Planetarium and excellent exhibits featuring nature and science. The cafe is great, too. Good for all ages.
816 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Academia de Ciencias de California
55 Music Concourse DrNot to be missed. In Golden Gate Park, with the famous Steinhart Aquarium, Planetarium and excellent exhibits featuring nature and science. The cafe is great, too. Good for all ages.
Gorgeous museum with excellent permanent collections and amazing exhibitions. Go to the observatory for 360 degree views. Great cafe, too!
1000 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Museo de Young
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden DrGorgeous museum with excellent permanent collections and amazing exhibitions. Go to the observatory for 360 degree views. Great cafe, too!
A must see! Modern art in a gorgeous new building.
813 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Museo de Arte Moderno de San Francisco
151 3rd StA must see! Modern art in a gorgeous new building.
One of our favorite places! So much to see, so much to do. Everything is interactive.
432 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Exploratorium
Green StreetOne of our favorite places! So much to see, so much to do. Everything is interactive.
One of the most beautiful museums and locations we have seen.
208 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Legión de Honor
100 34th AveOne of the most beautiful museums and locations we have seen.
Right across from City Hall. Don't miss this wonderful museum.
286 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Museo de Arte Asiático
200 Larkin StRight across from City Hall. Don't miss this wonderful museum.
Another of our favorites. It's only open Friday-Sunday, so plan accordingly. See how the soldiers lived while guarding the entrance to the Bay. Walk up to the top and stand directly under the Golden Gate Bridge.
89 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Fort Point National Historic Site
201 Marine DrAnother of our favorites. It's only open Friday-Sunday, so plan accordingly. See how the soldiers lived while guarding the entrance to the Bay. Walk up to the top and stand directly under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Worth seeing. Learn about the history of this Mission and the oldest building in San Francisco. The cemetery was featured in the movie, Vertigo.
13 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Mission Dolores Basilica
3321 16th StWorth seeing. Learn about the history of this Mission and the oldest building in San Francisco. The cemetery was featured in the movie, Vertigo.
See the San Francisco Giants play at home! We love the ballpark. It's a true American experience. The views are stunning and if you're lucky, you'll see a home run ball splash into the bay. Bring layers - it gets chilly!
596 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Estadio Oracle Park
24 Willie Mays PlazaSee the San Francisco Giants play at home! We love the ballpark. It's a true American experience. The views are stunning and if you're lucky, you'll see a home run ball splash into the bay. Bring layers - it gets chilly!
The zoo cares for animals who can't live in the wild or were born in captivity. They have worked to make it a great place for the animals and the visitors. There is lots to do and see and they are always adding new features and exhibits. If you're here during the holidays, definitely go to the Zoo Lights events at night. We love our zoo!
299 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Zoológico de San Francisco
Upper Great HighwayThe zoo cares for animals who can't live in the wild or were born in captivity. They have worked to make it a great place for the animals and the visitors. There is lots to do and see and they are always adding new features and exhibits. If you're here during the holidays, definitely go to the Zoo Lights events at night. We love our zoo!
Food scene
High tea at the Garden Court
13 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco
2 New Montgomery StHigh tea at the Garden Court
The famous Cliff House! Stop for a drink, appetizers or a meal after visiting Ocean Beach, Land's End, Sutro Baths or the western side of Golden Gate Park.
285 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Cliff House
1090 Point Lobos AveThe famous Cliff House! Stop for a drink, appetizers or a meal after visiting Ocean Beach, Land's End, Sutro Baths or the western side of Golden Gate Park.
Trattoria da Vittorio
150 W Portal AveA neighborhood favorite.
Best Neopolitan pizza in the City. Get there early to snag a table.
137 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Gialina
2842 Diamond StBest Neopolitan pizza in the City. Get there early to snag a table.
Fresca
3945 24th StYummy ceviche and Peruvian food.
Dragon Beaux
5700 Geary BlvdExcellent Chinese food!
Fiorella Clement
2339 Clement StOne of the best Italian spots in the City.
Zuni Café
1658 Market StA San Francisco classic and local favorite.
La Ciccia
291 30th StOne of the best Italian restaurants in the city.
Lupa Trattoria
4109 24th StA local favorite.
San Tung
1031 Irving StOne of the best Chinese spots in the City.
Our favorite Chinese restaurant in the neighborhood. They're famous for their dumplings.
30 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Shanghai Dumpling King
696 Monterey BlvdOur favorite Chinese restaurant in the neighborhood. They're famous for their dumplings.
Another SF classic and wonderful experience all around.
343 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Foreign Cinema
2534 Mission StAnother SF classic and wonderful experience all around.
Excellent Michelin star restaurant. Reserve in advance.
46 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Progress
1525 Fillmore StreetExcellent Michelin star restaurant. Reserve in advance.
If you can get a table, don't miss this spectacular restaurant!
105 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
AL's Place
1499 Valencia StreetIf you can get a table, don't miss this spectacular restaurant!
Roxie Food Center
1901 San Jose AvenueLocal's favorite sandwich shop.
Yummy house made ice cream in classic and unexpected flavors.
478 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Bi-Rite Creamery
3692 18th StYummy house made ice cream in classic and unexpected flavors.
Roti Indian Bistro
53 W Portal AveDivine Indian food in our neighborhood.
Limón Rotisserie
524 Valencia StWonderful experience every time!
Toast Eatery
1748 Church StExcellent breakfast spot near our house.
Tekka Japanese Restaurant
537 Balboa StWonderful Japanese food!
Local favorite! Everything here is excellent.
117 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
La Corneta Taqueria
2834 Diamond StLocal favorite! Everything here is excellent.
Famous Mission burritos! One of our all time favorites.
348 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
La Taqueria
2889 Mission StFamous Mission burritos! One of our all time favorites.
Tacolicious
741 Valencia StYummy California style tacos.
Amazing sushi and Japanese food. This place is kind of a local secret. It's a neighborhood favorite and never disappoints.
22 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
K's Kitchen
757 Monterey BlvdAmazing sushi and Japanese food. This place is kind of a local secret. It's a neighborhood favorite and never disappoints.
Always say yes to an invitation to eat at Outerlands!
259 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Outerlands
4001 Judah StAlways say yes to an invitation to eat at Outerlands!
Makes you feel like you wandered down an alley to a little bistro in Paris.
101 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Le P'tit Laurent
689 Chenery StMakes you feel like you wandered down an alley to a little bistro in Paris.
Good "greasy spoon" breakfast spot in the neighborhood. Always a hit.
22 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Big Joe's
717 Monterey BlvdGood "greasy spoon" breakfast spot in the neighborhood. Always a hit.
Don't visit SF without visiting the Ferry Building!
189 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Terminal de Ferries
Don't visit SF without visiting the Ferry Building!
The farmer's market is on Tuesday and Saturday. Saturdays are crowded, but have lots more vendors. Tuesdays have fewer food stands but also less crowds. Both are awesome.
95 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market
1 Ferry PlazaThe farmer's market is on Tuesday and Saturday. Saturdays are crowded, but have lots more vendors. Tuesdays have fewer food stands but also less crowds. Both are awesome.
A hit from day one - with good reason. Be sure to reserve in advance for this one of a kind dining experience.
33 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Lazy Bear
3416 19th StA hit from day one - with good reason. Be sure to reserve in advance for this one of a kind dining experience.
Nopa
560 Divisadero StAwesome Mexican/California cuisine.
Nopalito
306 Broderick StNopa's little sister - just as yummy!
Absolutely amazing. You must reserve 30 days in advance, so plan ahead.
71 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Rich Table
199 Gough StAbsolutely amazing. You must reserve 30 days in advance, so plan ahead.
Cotogna
490 Pacific AveWonderful Italian food.
Benu
22 Hawthorne StExcellent special occasion restaurant.
Quince
470 Pacific AveExcellent California cuisine.
Kokkari Estiatorio
200 Jackson StFabulous upscale Greek cuisine.
A San Francisco favorite in our favorite neighborhood.
47 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Original Joe's
601 Union StA San Francisco favorite in our favorite neighborhood.
Low key, casual but amazing focaccia sandwiches in North Beach. Grab a bar stool or table and enjoy a yummy meal with a beer.
27 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe
566 Columbus AveLow key, casual but amazing focaccia sandwiches in North Beach. Grab a bar stool or table and enjoy a yummy meal with a beer.
Travel back in time when you step in the door. Old school elegance, live jazz, wonderful food, great cocktails. Always a favorite.
29 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Bix
56 Gold StTravel back in time when you step in the door. Old school elegance, live jazz, wonderful food, great cocktails. Always a favorite.
Chapeau!
126 Clement StExcellent French food at this neighborhood favorite.
Groundbreaking restaurant that changed California cuisine forever. Alice Waters' labor of love which launched the careers of Jeremiah Towers, Samin Nosrat, Paul Bertolli, Diane Dexter, Suzanne Goin, Judy Rodgers, Joyce Goldstein, David Lebovitz and so many more. Make it a point to go if you can.
337 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Chez Panisse
1517 Shattuck AveGroundbreaking restaurant that changed California cuisine forever. Alice Waters' labor of love which launched the careers of Jeremiah Towers, Samin Nosrat, Paul Bertolli, Diane Dexter, Suzanne Goin, Judy Rodgers, Joyce Goldstein, David Lebovitz and so many more. Make it a point to go if you can.
Bars and Nightlife
The Chapel
777 Valencia StreetCool bar, excellent live music.
If you can get tickets to a show at the Fillmore, do it!
53 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Fillmore District
If you can get tickets to a show at the Fillmore, do it!
Awesome dive bar with great live music. Some surprisingly famous bands have played here!
70 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th StAwesome dive bar with great live music. Some surprisingly famous bands have played here!
Amnesia
853 Valencia StAwesome place for a drink and live music.
Cool old school spot makes for an awesome way to spend a night.
101 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Club Deluxe
1511 Haight StCool old school spot makes for an awesome way to spend a night.
The Independent
628 Divisadero StAlways great live shows.
Boom Boom Room
1601 Fillmore StJohn Lee Hooker's blues bar. You won't regret it.
Prince liked to go here when he visited SF. If that's not enough of a recommendation, I don't know what is!
19 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Mr. Tipple's Recording Studio
39 Fell StPrince liked to go here when he visited SF. If that's not enough of a recommendation, I don't know what is!
Never disappoints. Check out their website to see who's playing and get ready for a fun night.
22 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Slim's
333 11th StNever disappoints. Check out their website to see who's playing and get ready for a fun night.
I fell in love with this place the first time I walked in. The love is still strong.
38 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Cafe Du Nord
2174 Market StI fell in love with this place the first time I walked in. The love is still strong.
Mezzanine
444 Jessie StAwesome spot for music and dancing.
Rickshaw Stop
155 Fell StAwesome cocktails, great music.
If you're a jazz lover, you cannot miss seeing a show at the Jazz Center!
114 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
SFJAZZ
201 Franklin StIf you're a jazz lover, you cannot miss seeing a show at the Jazz Center!
Wow. A gorgeous bar with amazing cocktails. If you're a fan of The OA, you'll recognize this place as the nightclub where Nina did her thing.
45 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Whitechapel
600 Polk StWow. A gorgeous bar with amazing cocktails. If you're a fan of The OA, you'll recognize this place as the nightclub where Nina did her thing.
Incredible artisan cocktails in an awesome space.
18 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Devil's Acre
256 Columbus AveIncredible artisan cocktails in an awesome space.
Great American Music Hall
859 O'Farrell StA San Francisco classic! Always a fun time. Yummy tropical drinks, Hawaiian inspired pupus, live music and rainstorms every half hour at the only bar in the city with an indoor pool.
93 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
950 Mason StA San Francisco classic! Always a fun time. Yummy tropical drinks, Hawaiian inspired pupus, live music and rainstorms every half hour at the only bar in the city with an indoor pool.
Awesome bookstore with live jazz and poetry readings. Check their website for performances.
45 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Bird & Beckett Books & Records
653 Chenery StAwesome bookstore with live jazz and poetry readings. Check their website for performances.
Shopping
This place is called the Goodwill "Boutique" for a good reason! It will change the way you think about thrift shopping.
18 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Goodwill
1669 Fillmore StThis place is called the Goodwill "Boutique" for a good reason! It will change the way you think about thrift shopping.
If you want to buy souvenirs, this is the place. High quality souvenirs and art made locally. A wide range of prices with something for everyone.
19 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Local Take
4122 17th StIf you want to buy souvenirs, this is the place. High quality souvenirs and art made locally. A wide range of prices with something for everyone.