15 Hidden Secrets & Best Places in San Francisco
Lots of research went into finding the most unique attractions, things to do and foods to eat for my short stopover in San Francisco. 15 places can be found in the list below in my favorite order.
San Francisco is an absolute gem in the United States, it is so different from the east coast that it almost feels like being in another country. To really admire the city and get a good panoramic view drive to the top of Hawk Hill on the northern side of the Golden Gate bridge.
Places
1. Musee Mecanique
An antique penny arcade with many classics from the 1930s until 1980s
2. Lobster Bisque
This heavenly soup in San Francisco at the Eagle Cafe should not be missed
3. Mirror Maze
Go on a mental roller coaster trip at the Mirror Maze located on Pier 39 second level
4. Hawk Hill
Arguably the best view of San Francisco
5. Battery Godfrey
Part of the Presidio of San Francisco with an excellent view of Baker beach
6. Eatsa Restaurant
Fully automated restaurant in downtown San Francisco without staff
7. Dutch Windmill
Located on the western tip of Golden Gate park
8. Painted Ladies
The most iconic spot of San Francisco at Alamo Square
9. Mission Dolores Park
Epic outdoor park where you can socialize with the locals
10. Patricias Green
Location of the wooden Burning Man temple
11. Palace of Fine Arts
Built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition
12. Yoda Fountain
Located at the Lucasfilm studio, a dream come true for every Star Wars fan
13. Fishermans Wharf
Rent a bike and cycle along this incredible waterfront area
14. Lombard Street
Go down the crookedest street in the world by bike!
15. Coit Tower
Not easy to get to but the view makes up for it
I went for a bike ride along Fisherman's Wharf with my long lost friend Serge, who I just to jam with in Tokyo back in 2007. We had dinner at the Eagle Cafe and ordered San Francisco's most famous soup: Lobster Bisque, truly unbeatable!
painted ladies, most iconic sight in San Francisco
No trip to San Francisco is complete without dropping by the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square park which used to be part of the intro of the Fullhouse TV series.
One of our funniest finds was this Yoda Fountain next to the Lucasfilm studios, a true destination for any Star Wars nerd.
serge & matt at the Yoda Fountain in San Francisco
I truly believe that the best way to explore San Francisco is to visit most attractions by bicycle, it can be quite challenging at times, due to the steep streets, but it will be well worth once you go down Lombard Street, the crooked street in the world!
Another interesting spot was the wooden Burning Man temple at Patricia's Green park in the center of the city which was covered in lots of writing, love declarations and autographs.
Dutch Windmill at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco
Surprisingly, I found this Dutch windmill at the most western tip of Golden Gate park surrounded by lots of tulips.
The weather in San Francisco can be hit-or-miss, which truly sucks if you want to get great outdoor photos at all its scenic destinations, so do have some indoor events planned as an alternative. I highly recommend: Musee Mecanique, Mirror Maze, Fisherman Wharf's fish market, Eagle Cafe, Alcatraz and Exploratorium for all your indoor activities and if time permits visit Silicon Valley and have a few drinks in the vibrant San Francisco nightlife!
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