only
in
SF

WHAT IT IS

Alamo Square is one of San Francisco’s most romantic and visually pleasing parks. It’s famous for its wonderful view of the ‘Painted Ladies,’ which is a famous row of Victorian houses highlighted in bright colors. In addition to its hosting this iconic viewing point, Alamo Square also offers lovely green spaces for hanging out and enjoying the sunshine.

WHY WE LOVE IT

In addition to getting that ever-Instagrammable picture in front of The Painted Ladies, travelers can do so much to make an afternoon out of Alamo Square. More photography friendly lookouts here include stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline.

Alamo Square is surrounded by uniquely San Francisco attractions.

You can step back into childhood at the Emporium San Francisco — a giant pool hall and video game arcade with a bar and projector screen. Architecture and history lovers can delight in visits to the Archbishop’s Mansion, Henry Ohloff House, 990 Fulton Street House.

WHAT IT IS

An American contemporary ballet company based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

WHY WE LOVE IT

A celebrated contemporary ballet company guided since 1982 by the unique artistic vision of Alonzo King– born to a prominent 1960s civil rights family with ties to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, he learned early on the importance of aligning actions with beliefs.

The dance center offers more than 80 classes a week in disciplines and styles that support the creation of contemporary dance as well as workshops and master classes that provide access to incredible choreographers, companies, and artists. Classes and programs are taught by professional teachers and choreographers and are offered at different levels and in many different dance forms.

LINES Ballet performs its home season at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco while also maintaining an international touring schedule that includes featured performances at venues such as Venice Biennale in Venice, Théâtre National de Chaillot in Paris, and The Kwai Tsing Theatre in Hong Kong. Check their website for the most up-to-date calendar of events.

WHAT IT IS

“Probably the best wine bar in the world”

WHY WE LOVE IT

It looks a lot like the past: We’re inside a shotgun dive bar retrofitted with an outsize dance floor. Bar Part Time began as a series of FOMO-inducing pop-ups in early 2020, at the gloaming dawn of the pandemic. Now it’s a part natural wine club, bar, and radio station. Grab a bottle from their fridge, and get dancing.

Photo: Ulysses Ortega

WHAT IT IS 

Swanky jazz lounge, cocktail bar & New American bistro with 2 levels of seating & live music. The Black Cat features live music five nights a week, and it curates a rotating roster of world-class jazz acts.

The street level bar and lounge opens every night at 6:30pm and requires no cover charge.

Each evening also features a ticketed performance with entry fees ranging from $25-45.

WHY WE LOVE IT

Black Cat is San Francisco’s key pipeline to the New York jazz scene (and beyond)…showcasing rising stars with coveted multi-night runs! The ticket prices are reasonable and the viewing experience here is remarkable with an intimate and well-designed space.

In addition to the brilliant talent that cycles through the space, the Black Cat is another one of San Francisco’s many architectural gems. Its exposed brick walls, distressed leather and vintage gold finishes throughout maintain its aesthetic appeal.

WHAT IT IS

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in the United States, and it’s located in the heart of the city. Rich with cultural heritage and a wide variety of restaurants, architecturally diverse buildings, and local businesses — this is one of SF’s defining areas.

WHY WE LOVE IT

Chinatown’s rich blend of tradition and modern appeal makes visiting an unforgettable sensory experience.

Explore the neighborhood’s rich cuisine by wandering into one of its many delicious restaurants. Some cant-fail recommendations include: Hong Kong Clay Pot Restaurant, Sam Wo Restaurant, and Z & Y Restaurant.

Shopping and tasting continues throughout Chinatown. From dim sum restaurants to bakeries, cocktail lounges to karaoke bars, the fun never stops.

The Tin How Temple is one of the area’s most famous attractions, and it’s the oldest Toaist temple in the US. The Chinese Historical Society of America Musuem is another rich cultural landmark worth checking out during your visit to San Francisco’s Chinatown.

WHAT IT IS

Recognized around the world for its beaux arts architecture, San Francisco’s Civic Center includes our towering City Hal, as well as a lineup of many of the city’s most well-known performing arts spaces, museums, and tourist attractions.

WHY WE LOVE IT

The Civic Center is in many ways the heart of San Francisco. Sitting in the plaza and taking in the vast collection of government buildings is enlightening. City Hall features a gold-leafed dome and it’s 1915 construction connects visitors to the area’s rich history.

For entertainment, the Civic Center offers a lot. Take in a show at Davis Symphony Hall or the SF Jazz Center during your next visit.

The plaza’s arts offerings are also something to be admired. The Asian Art Museum features some of the best curation in town, and it’s home to an attractive variety of events like Free First Sundays each month.

WHAT IT IS

Located in Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower is an astonishing 210-feet tall. Located in Pioneer Park, the landmark attraction dates all the way back to 1932. 

WHY WE LOVE IT

There are few activities as quintessentially San Francisco as taking an adventure to the top of Coit Tower. Tickets to head to the observation deck are only $10 a pop, which makes it an uncommonly affordable outing in the city. You can grab your ticket online or at the charming gift shop at the base of the tower.

Heading up to the scenic Observation Deck at Coit Tower isn’t as exhausting as it sounds. The elevator is reliable and comfortable, and when you get to the top, the view is remarkably rewarding. In addition to panoramic, 360-degree views of the surrounding neighborhood and city beyond, Coit Tower also features historic paintings inside at its base and memorable architecture by Arthur Brown, Jr.

WHAT IT IS 

A relaxed day spa offering both familiar & Asian treatments, plus Japanese-style communal baths. Its  baths are in what’s known as the Springs, which is available to visit by appointment only.

This area includes a hot pool, cold pool, dry sauna, steam room, showers, and shower amenities like chilled face cloths and cucumber slices.

Kabuki also has a spa that features a wide range of massages and body treatments.

WHY WE LOVE IT

A Japantown institution dedicated to balance, wellness, and inner calm for more than 50 years.

Check out the healing waters of their Japanese-inspired bathhouse to their array of holistic rituals.

Moving from a 104-degree hot pool toa 55-degree cold pool can expose you to a wide range of benefits including soothed muscle aches and detoxification. The massages, healing treatments are inspired by a range of cultures and healing practices.

We recommend booking your services in advance.

WHAT IT IS

Nonprofit kitchen incubator supporting food entrepreneurs.

WHY WE LOVE IT

America’s first women-led food hall! A delicious, innovative model of community-led development. It stands as an innovative model of conscious, community-led development that offers economic opportunity for women entrepreneurs, jobs for Tenderloin residents, and a welcoming and affordable dining space for community members and those looking to eat with purpose. Whether you dine in, order takeout, or cater an event.

WHAT IT IS 

Cozy eatery specializing in traditional Vietnamese noodle soups, sandwiches & coffee.

The intimate, colorful space is clean and delightful for dine-in eating. This is also a local favorite for takeout with crunchy, French bread sandwiches ready to be taken out on adventures across the city.

WHY WE LOVE IT

Serving Vietnamese comfort food since 1993, need we say more? This neighborhood staple is run by Kim Lien Nguyen and her daughters. CASH ONLY.

This restaurant pushes beyond your typical pho and banh mi offerings (of which they still have delicious options). Their selections of soups include a delicious pork congee option, an excellent bo kho (beef stew), and its sandwiches feature ingredients like sweet sardines, pork meatballs, and fish cakes.

The specials get really interesting. From a crab-and-tomato based soup to duck bamboo soup, there’s a lot to explore. To finish things off, the Vietnamese coffee and che chuoi (banana pudding with tapioca pearls) highlight a stellar selection.

WHAT IT IS

Modern Pinseria (Roman Pizza) with deep roots in Rome and a warm atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.

WHY WE LOVE IT

Montesacro is a neighborhood gem, a destination delight, and the first “Pinseria” in the United States. It resembles old Roman “Fraschette” offering a wide selection of artisanal cheeses and cured meats, cold dishes from Roman tradition, and a modern take on Pinsa, a low fat, low calorie, and easy-to-digest flatbread made with a blend of rice, soy and wheat flour imported directly from Rome, all GMO-free.

WHAT IT IS

One of the more upscale neighborhoods in San Francisco, Nob Hill’s heightened location features fantastic views of the surrounding metropolis, and much to see. People visiting love to take a cable car up the hill before strolling around and check out the local historic mansions, its unforgettable landmarks, and outdoor favorites like Huntington Park.

WHY WE LOVE IT

On top of its extensive ambiance and visual appeal, Nob Hill plays home to much of the city’s most well-known and desired hangouts.

Grace Cathedral, for example, that’s a popular attraction for lovers of architecture and history. Its other landmarks include the San Francisco Cable Car Museum and the SF Masonic Auditorium.

Nob Hill is a delightful place to grab a meal with a variety of options. You can find Tuscan fare and pizzas at the Nob Hill Cafe, Italian wine and dishes at AltoVino, and French favorites at Rue Le Pic.

WHAT IT IS

An archival library with a vast resource of historic, anthropological material (books, periodicals, maps, printed ephemera)

WHY WE LOVE IT

Independent, image-rich research library geared to artists, community activists, researchers, and readers. They serve people interested in accessing and reusing research resources not commonly available in most libraries, and focus on underrepresented communities, topics, and narratives.

Photo by: paulsims

WHAT IT IS

A speakeasy bar for those seeking a playful experience.

WHY WE LOVE IT

You’ll be greeted by a grumpy pawnbroker (actually an actor and more of a host) who guides diners into the restaurant. Dial the golden phone at the door to enter this cocktail & tapas bar set behind a second-hand store. From there, expect to be mock-hassled, then hustled through a secret entrance behind shelves, suddenly emerging inside a deco dining room and bar.

WHAT IT IS 

This unforgettable Nob Hill cathedral is a delight for travelers with all sorts of interests. It’s led by Bishop Marc Andrus, and it’s highly viewed for its Gothic Revival and French Gothic architecture. The church was built in the 1849 Gold Rush, and continues to operate as one of SF’s most historically significant attractions. 

WHY WE LOVE IT

The history of Grace Cathedral is romantic and fascinating. Any structure and organization that can continue operations for over 170 years is something to marvel at. And, as we mentioned, the architecture is stunning. On top of getting a great shot for Instagram, travelers need to come here and marvel at the design first-hand.

Grace Cathedral adds fun on top of its historical appeal with a great music, arts, and events program that features local artists and works from around the world. It’s an active church with programs for those who wish to come worship, and more for everyone like poetry readings, site visits, and more.

WHAT IT IS

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art features rotating and permanent exhibitions of some of the best modern and contemporary art in San Francisco. It’s run by the nonprofit organization SFMOMA, which is the first museum group on the Pacific Coast to commit entirely to new age works.

WHY WE LOVE IT

The curation at SFMOMA is phenomenal, which is part of what has catapulted it to being one of the biggest and most recognizable modern art museums in the world. We love looking forward to the new works and series they bring through the space month after month, year after year.

SFMOMA is home to a wide variety of art-driven events that can be great for travelers looking to get a taste of San Francisco culture. From educational walk-throughs like Teaching in the Museum to film screenings, artists talks, and members-only sneak previews — it keeps us perpetually excited to return.

WHAT IT IS

The Cathedral of Sant Mary of the Assumption is a historic Roman Catholic church located just a couple of blocks away from Jefferson Square Park. This is the third church that’s served the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and it was built in 1965 after the previous one had burned down in a fire. Today, it’s an active church with an attractive ariety of events, live mass services, and visits.

WHY WE LOVE IT

The Cathedral of Saint Mary is another example of phenomenal San Francisco architecture. For those who appreciate a stunning facade, walking by is well worth scheduling into your next visit. For those who want to explore further, the cathedral is open everyday from the first mass until 5 PM.

In addition to checking out a service, you can also stop by the cathedral for a sight-seeing tour, which can culminate at the church’s gift shop. We love the collections of Greek crosses, Italian statues, and arts from around the world.

WHAT IT IS

This museum tells the story of this area peopled by immigrants & iconoclasts, artists & activists.

WHY WE LOVE IT

This place celebrates the rich history of one of San Francisco’s most misunderstood neighborhoods. The 31 blocks of the Tenderloin district are the beating heart of the city peopled by immigrants and iconoclasts, artists and activists, sinners, and saints. Visit the Tenderloin Museum today and encounter a kaleidoscopic American city in all its grit and glory.

WHAT IT IS

Twin Peaks includes two of San Francisco’s most well-known hilltops. In addition to offering travelers and locals a gorgeous, natural escape for walks and picnics, it’s also home to some of the best views of the city and the Bay Area beyond.

WHY WE LOVE IT

We send travelers to Twin Peaks to discover a perspective of the city that you can’t find anywhere else. Lovers of photography and landscapes will be stunned by the sunsets, wide-ranging city skyline, and the natural beauties surrounding.

Twin Peaks is easily accessible by car via the Portola Avenue entrance, and visitors can also catch the 37 Corbett bus line there. Twin Peaks features 360-degree views of the city, some hiking trails, and a 64-acre park.

Twin Peaks. 501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94114. Google link.

WHAT IT IS

This popular public plaza of San Francisco is bordered by Market and Powell streets. Throughout the neighborhood, you can find a wide range of shop and upscale restaurants.

In addition to being a central shopping destination, Union Square also plays home to the local theater district and many of the city’s finest art galleries.

WHY WE LOVE IT

The restaurants offer variety and class from Tsuro Ton Tan to Sears Fine Food and Morton’s The Steakhouse.

The art is vibrant and plentiful with the neighborhood being home to the San Francisco Art Exchange, Martin Lawrence Galleries, and Catharine Clark Gallery among others.

In addition to the highly curated, Union Square also has our essentials. It’s home to department stores and fine boutiques for shopping.

In the heart of Union Square, the Dewey Monument stands as one of the city’s most recognizable works of art. This statue of Nike — the Greek Goddess of victory — represents SF’s enduring spirit.

WHAT IT IS

San Francisco’s finest concert venue features the hottest music shows in the Bay Area.

WHY WE LOVE IT

The intimate venue began as a vaudeville theater in 1922 & now hosts a variety of national music acts. Need we say more?

WHAT IT IS 

This contemporary arts center is located in San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens. It’s home to a diverse series of visual and performing arts in the form of live performances, exhibitions, screenings, and events.

WHY WE LOVE IT

Since opening in the early 90s, the YBCA has been a beacon of contemporary creation and civic engagement. It’s located right in the heart of SOMA, a neighborhood that we love, and it is home to a wide range of galleries and events spaces that are open Thursdays through Sundays. 

Whether it’s the latest visual arts exhibition, a new production of avante-garde dance or theater, an open gallery — Yerba Buena’s appeal draws San Francisco’s most eccentric, curious, and kind. In addition to checking out some of the artwork on display, you can also visit YBCA to participate in workshops.