It is simple to search out suggestions for typical first-time San Francisco customer experiences.
Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Union Sq., Chinatown, North Seashore, Haight-Ashbury, the Castro and Golden Gate Park are all great, and every has each well- and lesser-known points of interest value looking for out. Nevertheless, the compact metropolis nonetheless has a number of different neighborhoods begging to be explored, from a man-made island inside metropolis limits to points of interest on the residential west aspect.
Listed below are the best neighborhoods in San Francisco to style wonderful worldwide meals, discover locals’ favourite inexperienced areas, hit up personality-filled bars, and see what else the Metropolis by the Bay has to indicate for its wild west boundary-pushing spirit and welcoming, various communities.
1. Treasure Island
Best new neighborhood for unbeatable metropolis skyline views
Near the midway level between San Francisco and Oakland is the 400-acre Treasure Island, created as a man-made land mass for the 1939 Golden Gate Worldwide Expo. Its position since has included being a seaplane harbor for Pan-Am airways and a decades-long naval base. Treasure Island grew to become an official residential SF neighborhood in 1997.
Although peaceable and quiet at occasions, island residing additionally had restricted assets, with only one grocery retailer and sometimes only one restaurant. That mentioned, the view of the SF downtown skyline – particularly from Avenue of the Palms – is unbeatable, and the island is now in the early years of a 20-year improvement plan that features housing, motels, parks, eating places, and extra. One accomplished side is the ferry you possibly can hop on for a quick 10-minute journey to the island (or take the trusty 25 MUNI bus from the Salesforce Transit Middle downtown). Extra superior cyclists may also bike to Treasure Island from the East Bay. A SF bike path to Treasure Island could also be constructed in the longer term.
Simply past the official Treasure Island entrance is the commanding artwork deco Constructing One. Inside is Woods Island Membership for beer, wine, and empanadas. The constructing additionally has the free Treasure Island Museum, which has artifacts from the World’s Expo and up to date island historical past. Dine and play bocce ball on the Nice Garden, subsequent to the water, at Mersea, which additionally homes Golden Hour Bar in collaboration with Gold Bar Whiskey. Get pleasure from an outside fireplace brunch at Aracely Cafe. For extra ingesting, stroll to Treasure Island Wines or Treecraft Distillery. For much less ingesting and extra actions, take into account renting a paddleboard or kayak from the nonprofit Treasure Island Crusing Middle. Because the island is below speedy improvement, test the standing of locations you intend to go to earlier than heading over.
Accommodations on Treasure Island are being constructed, so that you’re presently best off in lodging near the Ferry Constructing or downtown, the simplest being each chain and boutique motels. Costs shall be greater, however you may even be near different widespread metropolis points of interest and neighborhoods like Union Sq..
2. Broadway and Columbus in Chinatown/North Seashore
Best neighborhood to expertise Chinese language, Italian, Beat Technology and red-light district historical past
Whereas this space is a part of well-known vacationer beats, you possibly can expertise a lot of SF’s historical past in a brief period of time and with minimal strolling from the intersection of the hilly Broadway St and Columbus Ave, on the intersection of Chinatown, Italian and Beatnik North Seashore, and the red-light district strip membership space alongside east Broadway.
Beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s Metropolis Lights Bookstore anchors the northwest nook of the intersection, boasting three flooring of progressive literature and loads of copies of Allen Ginsberg’s Howl. Subsequent to Metropolis Lights is Beat Bar Vesuvio Cafe and the aptly named Jack Kerouac Alley. Cross east on Columbus to the Beat Museum, which is chock filled with memorabilia, then southward to the hepcat Specs bar. Simply south of Specs, you may start to find North Seashore’s Italian historical past, with the century-old Tosca Cafe and its signature darkish crimson leather-based inside and top-notch cocktails.
Additional north on Columbus, you may go deeper into North Seashore with Caffe Trieste’s espressos, which have fueled inquiring minds since 1956. Hold going north to Mario’s for a memorable meatball sandwich, Tony’s for a few of the best pizza in SF, or Liguria Bakery for its well-known focaccia. Order any of the advisable meals for takeout to sit down in Washington Sq. Park to people-watch and mingle with artsy old-time residents nonetheless contributing to the town’s character because of their rent-controlled residences.
If resetting again on the beginning intersection, stroll a number of yards west on Broadway into Chinatown at dinnertime to eat savory soup dumplings from the respected China Stay, or a cocktail from the intimate Chilly Drinks Bar upstairs. Barely additional west, close to Stockton St, is the famed but informal Yuet Lee for Cantonese seafood dishes comparable to crispy salt-and-pepper prawns. A pair blocks south is the 60-year-old Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Manufacturing unit, the place samples of hand-folded treats are aplenty. Cross the alley for artwork gallery 41 Ross to study extra about up to date Chinatown, then 1½ blocks east on Jackson to the revamped Nice Star Theater for burlesque exhibits or Chinese language opera performances.
In case your journey group consists of all adults, enterprise east on Broadway from the beginning intersection, the place lots of the metropolis’s strip golf equipment go reside at night time — echoes of the town’s unruly “Barbary Coast” days, when the realm was a red-light district with dance halls and jazz golf equipment alongside its brothels. If nothing else, take a look at the Condor Membership proper on the nook. It is the primary SF strip membership to realize legacy enterprise standing (a program that acknowledges “longstanding, community-serving companies”) and holds declare to being the primary topless membership in the nation, because of legendary dancer Carol Doda. When you get into the Broadway vibe, additionally take into account close by Gold Membership.
3. The Tenderloin and Little Saigon
Best neighborhood for early SF LGBTIQ+ historical past
The Tenderloin will get a foul rap. Elements of it are tough, nevertheless it’s additionally a neighborhood full of tradition, scrumptious meals, artists, cool nightlife, younger households, and fierce neighborhood advocates giving the neighborhood a resilient vibrancy. With a excessive density of supportive housing like single-room occupancy models (SROs), and dedicated charity work by neighborhood organizations comparable to Glide, many individuals expertise poverty and homelessness in the Tenderloin, a few of whom could also be prone to substance dependancy and psychological well being crises. Though it is usually not a security concern for guests, it is one thing to concentrate on. Simply use widespread sense when touring via the neighborhood, put on closed-toe sneakers, and do not thoughts the odor in some areas. Most people on the road are minding their very own enterprise.
Whereas first-time guests might not wish to put in volunteer orientation time at a neighborhood soup kitchen (a great way to get to know the neighborhood), attempt to attend a well-known, jubilant Sunday morning service at Glide Memorial Church, no matter your non secular leanings. Go to the Tenderloin Museum ($10 common admission) for a greater understanding of the Tenderloin’s position in jazz, queer, immigrant, and intercourse employee historical past. If you wish to know extra however would really feel extra snug with a information who is aware of the realm, e-book a museum-led neighborhood strolling tour ($10).
Two blocks west of the Tenderloin Museum, meals is plentiful alongside Larkin St in Little Saigon, from a hearty $5 Saigon Sandwich Store takeout bánh mì (cash-only) to fashionable Northern Vietnamese delicacies at Bodega. Eat extra at Yemen Kitchen for comforting lentil soup, Outta Sight Pizza for a slice of pizza topped with substances from native companies, together with Coronary heart of the Metropolis Farmers Market.
Expertise earlier vestiges of queer SF historical past by attending a drag present on the almost 40-year-old Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, simply across the nook from the previous Compton’s Cafeteria, the situation of a 1966 rebellion predating NYC’s Stonewall. Newer jazz golf equipment Black Cat and Mr Tipple’s pay tribute to the realm’s jazz legacy.
Some motels in the realm are SROs, so analysis fastidiously. Think about the rock’ n’ roll Phoenix Resort (which additionally throws legendary pool events) on the southern finish close to Market St, HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel when you’re on a price range, or motels in the neighboring Theater District or Union Sq..
4. Divisadero Avenue
Best neighborhood for impartial consuming, ingesting, and reside music venues
Alongside a stretch of Divisadero St (or simply “Divis”), operating north–south from Golden Gate Ave to Web page St, you possibly can have a full, locals-heavy nightlife expertise inside seven straight (if barely hilly) metropolis blocks or much less. Divis is a part of the Western Addition neighborhood, however extra lately additionally runs alongside the japanese border of the newer, stylish neighborhood designation of NoPa (North of the Panhandle), coined in the aughts. As soon as you are taking a rideshare to the realm or MUNI bus 24, it is easy to spend a night consuming, ingesting, and being musically merry in a few of the metropolis’s best locations.
From the highest close to Golden Gate Ave and going south, dig into Southern consolation meals at Brenda’s Meat & Three, barbecue and chicharrones (fried pork stomach) on the spacious 4505, or a takeout slice of bulgogi and kimchi sourdough pizza from Sundown Squares Slice Store, then Ethiopian meals, drinks, dancing and reside music on the historic Membership Waziema. Or heart the night time round a midsize indie rock or hip-hop present on the non-corporate The Impartial, first with well-executed cocktails on the Arts and Crafts motion–impressed Horsefeather, then sweaty dancing on the intimate Madrone Artwork Bar or relaxed drinks at The Web page. There are quite a few itineraries to create for your self alongside Divis, and all assure time.
Just a few boutique motels, such because the Metro Resort and bed-and-breakfasts together with Chateau Tivoli dot the neighborhood, in addition to Airbnbs, principally in Victorian properties.
5. Bernal Heights
Best low-key different to the Inside Mission
Bernal Heights is a tight-knit residential neighborhood that is additionally chock filled with personality-filled dive bars – many with high quality native reside music – plus glorious meals to eat earlier than or in between. Bernal is sort of a extra laid-back outer extension of the Mission District (to not get combined up with the precise Outer Mission neighborhood, Three miles south on Mission St.).
The hall of Mission St between Cesar Chavez and 29th St in specific has a cluster of bars. The scenes skew punk and hipster, however are welcoming to all. The worldwide meals choices are inside and past the cluster, in each instructions. Seize a easy, hearty pasta on the whimsical Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack, beefy, saucy lomo saltado (Peruvian beef stir-fry) on the group-friendly Mi Lindo Perú, hard-to-find grilled nem nuong (grilled meatballs) at Bac Lieu, or Detroit-style sq. pizza on the brewpub Cellarmaker. Then head to the cash-only, dimly lit Royal Cuckoo for organ-based bands or a quiet time on the romantic again patio; the queer-friendly El Rio for raucous yard events and performances; dance-worthy DJ nights on the space-themed Mothership; or The Knockout for a punk present and boilermaker (beer cocktail).
When you’re heading a bit south on Mission, preface the night time with a go to to the punk-leaning Thrillhouse Data and eat the unique SF Indian pizza at Zante. When you’re going a bit north of the dive bar cluster, take pleasure in pillowy pita and a powerful Turkish espresso on the family-owned Previous Jerusalem. Both approach, additionally take into account going two blocks west of the strip (a five-minute stroll) to native favourite Mitchell’s Ice Cream (remember to seize a quantity close to the doorway), which is open till 11:00pm and is thought for its Asian flavors like macapuno (a kind of coconut).
As Bernal Heights is residential, lodging will skew towards trip leases like these on Airbnb, but additionally take into account the bed-and-breakfast Noe’s Nest half a mile north.
6. The Sundown and The Richmond
Best neighborhoods for Asian meals
Whereas San Francisco is a small 49 sq miles, many transplants and guests hesitate to journey “far” to the largely residential westside. Nevertheless, the ocean-bearing half of SF is a gold mine of informal Asian and different worldwide eateries, and there are inexperienced areas to discover that give a deeper understanding of the town. Main westside neighborhoods embody The Sundown, which lies beneath Golden Gate Park, and The Richmond which lies above it. Each have internal and outer sections separated by busy 19th Ave, which runs north–south. Whereas containing a range of ethnicities, Clement St in The Richmond is named the town’s second Chinatown. Irving St in The Sundown may be thought of a 3rd one. Lately, the Chinese language Historic Society of America, in conjunction with the Western Neighborhoods Mission, created reveals about Chinese language in The Sundown and The Richmond – sharing extra extensively the long-known native data about these bustling communities.
Whereas there are a number of pockets of deliciousness, Clement St eats embody the cash-only takeout Good Luck Dim Sum, Chinese language and different Asian groceries galore at New Could Wah Grocery store, century-old Schubert’s German bakery and pioneering Burma Celebrity for tea-leaf salad. Going south to Noriega St reveals extra meals clusters, particularly between 19th and 33rd Aves, together with high Hong Kong diner Cafe Bakery, Chinese language-Vietnamese-Cambodian noodle home Thai Nghiep Ky Mi Gia, and real-deal Cantonese barbecued meats from Cheung Hing. In The Sundown, the meals intersection round 19th Ave and Irving St is a basic. Chomp down on five-spice rooster garlic noodles at PPQ Beef Noodle Home, large beef rib pho at Gao Viet Kitchen, and flaky-topped, butter-filled Hong Kong pineapple buns from Pineapple King.
After the plentiful eats, go to some westside inexperienced areas. Higher Outer Richmond homes the wild, rocky Lands Finish for easy-to-moderate mountain climbing, plus vestiges of outdated San Francisco like Sutro Baths and the Digital camera Obscura on the Cliff Home. Take an extended stroll alongside windy Ocean Seashore, or calm down by a seashore hearth pit (March to October solely). Near the Noriega meals strip are the mosaic-covered 16th Ave Tiled Steps and the associated Hidden Backyard Steps close by. A few of the westside points of interest are additionally a part of the citywide Crosstown Path that spans San Francisco from the southeast to the northwest.
Lodging embody a handful of beachside motels alongside Ocean Seashore, although guests wanting extra up to date lodging ought to take into account trip leases by way of VRBO, Airbnb, and related reserving websites.
7. Bayview-Hunters Level (BVHP)
Best neighborhood for Black-owned companies
Bayview-Hunters Level is an oft-ignored a part of SF, tucked away in the southeastern nook of the town. The Hunters Level Shipyard as soon as boomed throughout WWII, offering job alternatives for a lot of Black households throughout The Nice Migration. Put up-war decline of the yard and the US Navy’s leftover poisonous waste left the realm much less fascinating and unsafe to residents’ well being. That mentioned, there have been environmental clean-up and revitalization efforts.
The third St enterprise hall, a part of the SF African American Arts and Tradition District, ranges from the historic Bayview Opera Home to Tallio’s new-wave espresso. The district additionally sponsors neighborhood programming from block events to mural unveilings, which you’ll be able to see alongside third St and different elements of BVHP.
Pop over to Quesada Ave off third St to see floor zero of the Quesada Gardens Initiative – a thriving resident-led neighborhood backyard based in 2002 to complement the traditionally down-and-out space. Take brunch at Cafe Envy to indulge in its well-known fried rooster and waffles, a menu merchandise introduced over from widespread (however now-closed) sister restaurant Auntie April’s. Additional north on third St is a brand new Thursday farmers market with an emphasis on native Black distributors, sponsored by meals justice nonprofit Dragonspunk. Take dinner at jazz-themed supper membership Previous Skool Cafe, run by native at-risk youth.
One other space of BVHP to go to is the outdated shipyard, which now homes Hunters Level Shipyard Artists and whose studios are often open to the general public. Stroll one block northwest on Innes Ave (bordering the India Basin neighborhood) to have a sauna session and rooftop cafe wind-down on the regionally well-known Archimedes Banya Russian bathhouse, then really feel re-energized to climb the 87 tiled steps of the Flights of Fancy (aka the Arelious Walker Stairway) just a few yards away.
Additionally close by is Posh Inexperienced, described as “the Nordstrom of dispensaries” and the primary SF weed dispensary independently owned by a lady of coloration. Cafe Alma is simply steps away, and serves house-baked granola and meals from native distributors. Cross the road to peep on the historic Albion Citadel. In any other case, take a five-minute stroll north to India Basin Waterfront Park for a quick shoreline stroll that previews what additional improvement plans appear like. Additional north alongside Evans Ave is Speakeasy Ales & Lagers taproom, the place you may get a barrel-aged stout mix or its basic Prohibition Ale.
The neighborhood and people round it have a tendency to accommodate multigenerational households with a number of vehicles per family, so parking may be laborious to search out. Think about staying downtown near the MUNI metro T Line that travels straight into Bayview alongside third St. There are a handful of trip leases in the neighborhood, however increase your choices by additionally contemplating the close by Dogpatch neighborhood to the north.