7 Hidden Gems In San Francisco You Need to Visit
San Francisco is full of iconic landmarks. But have you heard of these seven hidden gems that you need to visit?
San Francisco has so much to offer and is full of iconic landmarks and breathtaking views. But what about the lesser-known spots? What hidden gems in San Francisco do locals love? During the 10th annual SF Hunt this year, we asked players to share their favorite spots in the city that they think everyone should visit.
From serene parks to quirky tearooms, the seven must-visit places on this list showcase the city's unique charm, character, and nature. You have to go check them out.
Watch this summary, then learn more about each featured spot below!
Hear what SF Hunters had to say! Then learn more about each hidden gem below.
SF Hidden Gem #1: Lovejoy's Tea Room
Lovejoy's Tea Room in Noe Valley is charming, cozy, quirky, and eclectic. It’s definitely one of the best hidden things to do in SF.
Why you should go to Lovejoy's Tea Room
It’s everything you could want in a traditional English tea experience with a San Francisco flair.
You can pick from various finger sandwiches, scones, and teas off their menu. There are also different complete tea services and menus to choose from.
You can make a reservation on their website, over the phone, or walk in if you’re feeling lucky.
Hours: Open Thursday through Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM, with the last seating at 3 PM
SF Hidden Gem #2: Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
In a secret alleyway in Chinatown in San Francisco, there is a golden treasure…
You can smell it before you see it. Warm fortune cookies!
Since 1962, the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory has produced handmade fortune cookies in Chinatown. While it may not be the most “secret” place in San Francisco, it is a hidden gem and a must-visit.
Why you should go to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
During your visit, you can watch them pull the cookies off the press and shape them right in front of you. They’ll also give you some free samples. Yum.
What’s unique about this hidden gem spot is that you can buy fresh cookies and put custom fortunes inside! If you’re feeling adventurous, try unique flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and green tea.
Pro tip: It’s a tiny place that can get crowded. Try going on a weekday at the end of the day to avoid the crowds.
Hours: Open 9 AM to 6 PM
SF Hidden Gem #3: The Pig & Whistle
The Pig & Whistle is an English pub in SF’s Inner Richmond district that has been around since 1991. According to one SF Hunt player's review (in the video below), it has THE BEST chicken nuggets in the city. The history behind this charming spot makes visiting even better.
According to an episode by Menu Stories, the British owner, Steve Anderson, moved to San Francisco on a whim and opened the Pig & Whistle when he couldn’t find an authentic English pub in the city. Without any restaurant management experience, he turned it into a neighborhood staple built on traditional, delicious English food and equally delicious beer.
Why you should go to The Pig & Whistle
Go try "the best chicken nuggets in the city." Or, dive into fish and chips, steak and mushroom pie, and buffalo wings. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, so it’s a great bang for your buck place to eat in San Francisco.
Grab a drink, too! The Pig & Whistle has an impressive range of beers, including British brews and local favorites. Sit inside or out on the patio, and enjoy.
The best part? They have happy hour seven days a week! Head over from 4-6 p.m. for a happy hour drink or attend the weekly trivia on Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
Hours: 11:30 AM - 2 AM every day
SF Hidden Gem #4: Hook Fish
Fish tacoooooooos. Hook Fish is less hidden but is still a huge gem. You can get some of the best, if not best, fish tacos and other fresh fish plates at Hook Fish. It’s a popular seafood restaurant in the Outer Sunset district in San Francisco known for its daily fresh, sustainably sourced fish.
The restaurant started as a passion project pop-up (kind of like Handstand!) in 2014 by childhood surf buddies Christian Morabito and Beau Caillouette. They officially opened their first permanent location in 2017, and we are glad they did.
Why you should go to Hook Fish
There’s nothing like some fresh fish! Step one is picking your fish from their daily list. Step 2 is choosing how you want to eat it. Are you in the mood for tacos? What about a poke bowl? Other options include fish and chips, a burrito, a sandwich, soup, or ceviche.
Hook Fish is also unique because it sources its fish specifically from hook-and-line fishermen. You know exactly where the fish you eat came from, who caught it, and what method they used to catch it. Cool, right?
While there, bring your food a few blocks to Ocean Beach and have a picnic. Then check out the cozy bookstores and surf shops around Hook Fish for more adventures.
Hours: Open every day from 11:30 AM - 9 PM
SF Hidden Gem #5: Musée Mécanique
The Musée Mécanique is often overlooked in favor of other museums in the city, like the Academy of Sciences or Exploratorium, making it another hidden gem! The Musée Mécanique is an interactive museum at Pier 45 in Fisherman's Wharf.
It showcases a fantastic collection of over 300 mechanical games and artifacts (one of the largest in the world!). You can find vintage arcade games, fortune tellers, pinball machines, and other fun trinkets.
Ed Zelinsky, the man who established the museum started his collection when he was only 11! The museum was first located at Playland-at-the-Beach before moving to the Cliff House and ending up at Fisherman's Wharf in 2002.
Why you should go to the Museé Mécanique
First, it’s free, so why not check it out? Visitors need to pay for the games with quarters. The Musée Mécanique offers a unique blend of vintage feel and entertainment, making it a perfect stop for anyone looking for a little nostalgia.
It’s an interesting, budget-friendly destination in San Francisco that should be on your list if you’re looking for a fun activity. Don’t forget to look for Laffing Sal.
Hours: Monday - Friday open 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday open 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, and open 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM on holidays
SF Hidden Gem #6: Crane Cove Park
Crane Cove Park is a newer park addition to San Francisco – opening in 2020 in the Dogpatch neighborhood. What was once an inaccessible industrial shoreline on the Bay is now a seven-acre park!
Why you should go to Crane Cove Park
There is so much room for activities. You can kayak and paddleboard or wade in the water at the beach area. While there, you can have a lovely picnic using the grills, tables, and benches available.
Many people also don’t know that elements of the area’s maritime history are intentionally incorporated throughout the park. For example, two rehabilitated cranes and signs in the park explain its shipbuilding past.
For extra pizazz, check out Crane Cove Park during an event like the Park Market, which hosts live music, local vendors, and food.
One thing to know ahead of time is that the park doesn’t have a parking lot, but there is street parking.
SF Hidden Gem #7: Mount Sutro
This one is high on the list of hidden San Francisco spots. Multiple SF Hunt players suggested Mount Sutro! As the player in the video describes, Mount Sutro is a peaceful, hilly nature reserve in the city.
In the 1800s, Adolph Sutro, a former SF mayor, owned the area and decided to plant thousands of trees on the hill (everybody say thank you, Mr. Sutro). Now, UCSF owns the 61 acres, which are protected and open to the public.
Why you should go to Mount Sutro
There are over 5.5 miles of trails to hike or mountain bike. The forest is not only beautiful but is also home to a variety of wildlife! Over 60 species of birds live in the reserve. Take a break from the city and connect with nature in this hidden gem spot!
Fun fact(s): Its elevation is 909 feet and was initially named Mount Parnassus.
How to get there
You can get to Mount Sutro on public transportation. Take the #6 or #43 bus to Parnassus Avenue (Willard stop). Then head down Medical Center Way until you reach the stairs that lead up to the start of the trails.
If you want to drive, their website suggests parking on Clarendon Avenue near Johnstone Drive. Then, walk along that street past the Aldea Center to find the trailhead.
BONUS!
SF Hidden Gem #8: Peephole Cinema
If you’ve never heard of a peephole cinema, it is like a sidewalk movie theater! They are usually hidden in plain sight on the street. Anyone lucky enough to come across one is rewarded with the fun experience of watching a movie through a peephole.
We wanted to include a peephole cinema in Handstand’s 10th anniversary SF Hunt this year, but the original SF one shut down during COVID.
So, what did we do?
We created our own to share with the community. Read this post to hear the behind-the-scenes story of how we built a new peephole cinema!
To find the address of our peephole cinema, answer the following clue, then see what's playing!
Note: You can access it from the sidewalk. You do not need to go up any stairs.
Conclusion
There you have it. EIGHT hidden gems in San Francisco that you need to check out. Whether you’re looking for delicious food, quirky entertainment, or some nourishing time outdoors, this list has you covered.
What must-see place in SF you recommend? Let us know! Drop your ideas in our Instagram DMs. And if you're looking for more ideas for unique things to do in San Francisco, specifically for team-building, check out this list of the 10 best team-building activities in San Francisco.