San Francisco :: 10 Secret Places

….and Where to Find Them

San Francisco is known for so many great + wonderful sites that you probably have heard about if you’ve not been to including the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardelli Square, Fishermans Wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz, Lombard Street, Coit Tower, cable cars… but there are some really unique places that not everyone knows about that are too special not to visit.

If you’ve been to San Francisco many times like I have it is a delightful surprise to find these hidden gems + worth it to make another trip out just to find them.

#10 :: The Green Apple

Green Apple has grown to ten times its original size, now the biggest single-location independent bookseller in SF with new + used books for sale. They also ship for 99 cents. What a wonderful shop to roam around in. Unique + so quaint.

#9 :: Camera Obscura

Camera Obscura is a rare device based on a 15th century design by Leonardo da Vinci. It produces 360 degrees of spectacular Live Images of the Seal Rock Area. Beautiful views!

#8 :: Seward Street Slides

Designed in the 1970s by a young teenage girl who won the “Design the Park” contest Seward Street Slides is still being enjoyed decades later + located high above the Castro District. The twin chutes are technically supposed to be for kids but many adults enjoy it (I did!). Bring some cardboard to sit on + if you want to go really fast throw some sand down the slide first.

#7 :: Bi-Rite Creamery

Started by two bakers who wanted to bring delicious treats in a responsible, sustainable way, Bi-Rite Creamery develops intensely flavored ice cream recipes that feature locally-sourced ingredients often highlighting seasonal fruit.

The bakeshop serves cupcakes, cookies, galettes, sweetbreads + granola year-round. The menu changes reflecting the seasons. Probably one of the best-tasting + quality ice creams I’ve ever had. Can’t wait to come back for more!

 #6 :: Baker Beach

Baker Beach is popular with the locals + located on the other side of Golden Gate Bridge. Be aware as you explore the north end because it is a clothing-optional area. Unsafe for swimming however because of the frequent rip currents in the surf it’s still a wonderful find so near the city.

#5 :: Painted Ladies

These famous Victorian homes of the Queen Anne era feature multiple balconies, large porches + are usually 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 stories tall. Be sure to schedule time to take a tour inside one of the Painted Ladies if you can. The park across the street makes a delightful place to relax + gives a great vantage point to take some wonderful pictures of the Painted Ladies.

#4 :: Mission District Murals

Throughout the Mission District neighborhood you will find hundreds of fences + walls adorned with particularly Mexican-inspired murals. Balmy Alley is a highlight located between 17th + 18th Streets + Mission + Valencia Streets. Its collection of murals reflect a variety of art styles + often depict themes of social inclusiveness. Click here for a comprehensive guide to where you can find these amazing murals!

#3 :: Hidden Garden Steps

This Hidden Garden Steps project is a volunteer-driven, community-based effort to create a second set of ceramic-tiled steps (after the 16th Avenue Mosaic Steps located at Moraga) + public gardens in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset district while strengthening the existing sense of community that exists here. Beautiful work :: these tiles are a must see.

#2 :: Wave Organ

Sitting atop a jet in the marina is a musical instrument called the Wave Organ that is played by the San Francisco Bay itself. The jetty was constructed with marble + carved granite from a demolished cemetery. As the tide changes the sounds it makes do too. When the water rolls in it burbles but on its way out the sound is more like that of a belching man. The best time to hear it is at high tide so be sure to check the tide tables before heading out to the marina to the Wave Organ.

#1 :: Sutro Baths Ruins

In 1894 self-made millionaire Adolph Sutro designed what was then the world’s largest indoor swimming pool + is today known as the Sutro Baths Ruins. The historic baths were part of a lavish swimming facility with six saltwater tanks + over 500 private dressing rooms, restaurants + arcades that were enclosed by 100,000 square feet of glass. After Sutro died + during the Great Depression it was closed down.

The remaining structure still exists as magnificent architectural ruins at the north end of Ocean Beach near the famous Cliff House restaurant. Walk around the fascinating ruins + learn more about the history of the legendary family swimming + entertainment center.

I walked all over the area + then spent some time overlooking the water where you will find some magnificent views. Artists also spend time there on the rocks painting + drawing :: pretty cool.

If you’ve never been to San Francisco you will enjoy seeing all the tourist spots because there are many. But whether or not you’ve been I highly recommend spending time in search of these secret places in San Francisco. They will delight you to no end. I am looking forward to my next visit where I hope to find many more “hidden” gems + I’ll be sure to share them with you!

What are your favorite places in San Francisco?

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