12 Hidden Gems In San Francisco Most People Don't Know Even Exist
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Stephanie Garr
Author
With so much to see and do in The Golden City, you’d be forgiven for missing some of the hidden gems in San Francisco. Tons of treasures on less-beaten paths, with quirkier features, and many secret green spaces are tucked behind big hills and billionaires’ houses. Leave the big stuff for the tourists (you’ve already crossed it all off your bucket list, right?!), and explore these 12 hidden gems in San Francisco.
1. Privately-Owned Public Open Spaces
555 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
This is actually a combination of 68 (!) spots throughout downtown San Francisco, affectionately called POPOS. It's a mix of small urban parks, gardens, sun terraces, greenhouses, plazas, and patches of green perfect for a quick midday sunbathing session, an outdoor lunch, or an impromptu meeting. This one is located at 555 Mission. Here is an excellent guide to them all.
2. Ina Coolbrith Park
Ina Coolbrith Park, Vallejo & Taylor, Vallejo St., San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Reaching the top of this mini park (beware: you pretty much have to go up a hill, no matter the direction you're coming from) will give you some of the best views of Coit Tower, the Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz. Named after the first American poet laureate who lived just a block from here (pre-1906 earthquake), this is the place to bring your date for a lovely sunset moment.
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3. Mount Sutro
Mount Sutro, Mt Sutro, San Francisco, CA 94131, USA
The location itself is not so hidden (you can spot Sutro Tower looming over the city nearly everywhere), but few know that this is a great place for a leisurely uphill hike that takes you through a dense eucalyptus forest. Come on a foggy day and you may feel like you're walking on the clouds.
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4. Wave Organ
The Wave Organ, 83 Marina Green Dr, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA
Completed in 1986, this Marina District structure is certainly not the prettiest sight, but that's not the point: This is meant to stimulate your ears, not your eyes. Sound is created as the Bay waves move in and out of organ pipes made of PVC and concrete. Plan to come at high tide and prepare to be hypnotized by one of the best San Francisco hidden gems.
5. Lovers' Lane in the Presidio
Lover's Lane, Lover's Ln, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
Just outside of "Billionaire's Row" is this windy art installment disguised as a natural wonder. Bring your lover (of course) and follow the snaking logs (or take the parallel concrete path) for a short little hike and amazing Instagram opportunities.
6. Golden Gate Heights (16th Avenue) Mosaic Stairway and Grandview Park
16th Avenue Tiled Steps, 16th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA
Grandview Park, Moraga &, 14th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA
There are lots of cool stairways sprinkled throughout the city, but this one designed by local artists may be the most stunning. Keep going up and do the loop up to the top of Grandview Park, another hidden gem that offers some incredible 360-degree views.
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7. Seward Street Slides
Seward Mini Park, 70 Corwin St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
Grab a piece of cardboard and be transported back to childhood at this hidden Castro spot. A slide can truly be one of the greatest simple pleasures in life, after all. Oh, and bring a friend so you can race!
8. Camera Obscura
Camera Obscura & Holograph Gallery, 1096 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
There's so much beauty at Lands End, that most people miss this cool little camera house. Inside, you'll catch a 360-degree image of the Seal Rock area right outside. The whole device depends on the sunlight, which means you want to try to make it here on a fogless day.
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9. Tank Hill
Tank Hill, Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
This small hilltop park is often overshadowed by its Twin Peaks neighbor, but it guarantees just as spectacular views of the whole city, the Golden Gate, and the Bay. Grab a spot on the perfectly located bench and take it all in.
10. Balmy Street Murals
Balmy Street, Balmy St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
While most people will go straight to Clarion Alley, this other colorful Mission passageway, just off 24th Street, offers the most concentrated collection of murals in the city. It's an incredibly vibrant sight to take in — every bit of the wall is covered by gorgeous artwork that speaks to local issues, human rights, and gentrification.
11. Strawberry Hill in Golden Gate Park
Strawberry Hill, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
Can't get enough of the hills (or the views)? Us either. This gem inside Golden Gate Park sits in the middle of Stow Lake and can be accessed by one of two adorable bridges. You can take a few different trails (there are also steps) that wind around the hill. The summit offers some views of the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown.
12. Ingleside Terraces Sundial
Ingleside Sundial, San Francisco, CA 94127, USA
Standing 28 feet tall in the heart of the Ingleside Terraces neighborhood is this huge sundial sculpture (and, yes, it works!). It was built back in 1913, and it proves that this side of the city does indeed see the sun! Discover more about one of the best hidden gems in Northern California on the North American Sundial Society website.
Have you been to any of these hidden gems in San Francisco? All of them? What else did we miss? Let us know in the comments below. And while you’re traveling through this stunning city, find a cool place to stay on Expedia.com.
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More to Explore
The Best Cheap Things To Do In San Francisco
What are some of the best cheap things to do in San Francisco?
- Japanese Tea Garden (Golden Gate Park): Enjoy this beautiful garden in the heart of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park during the free hour from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Entrance is always free to residents, military personnel, and veterans, and tickets are $12 for non-resident adults. The authentic garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the country. It is rooted in history and was created as a "Japanese Village" exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition. Discover the natural beauty and tranquility of this Japanese-style garden.
- Sand Castles Walking Tour (Rincon Park) This 90 to 120-minute self-guided audio tour of the San Francisco Embarcadero costs $5.99 and allows folks to explore the interesting historic waterfront district. Go at your own pace with the VoiceMApp app that you can install on your phone after booking the tour. It allows you to start, pause, or restart for traveling at your own pace. Enjoy the voice telling about the waterfront's past, present, and future while seeing other cool sites.
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San Francisco Public Library (100 Larkin St.): For some cool free events and exciting exhibits, there's nothing like the local library's offerings. With 29 locations, a virtual library, and bookmobiles, this public organization offers a variety of interesting events and workshops. From Tai Chi to story time, and meditation lessons, tap into this wealth of experiences. For more information, visit the San Francisco Public Library website.