10 Non-Touristy things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco, California 2022 skyline photo by Sharon Wikimedia commons 

10 Non-Touristy things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco has hidden gems to explore in Northern California’s energetic metropolis. San Francisco – the name conjures up all manner of evocative and world-famous sights. From the majestic Golden Gate Bridge and the imposing walls of Alcatraz to the legendarily hilly roads and the streetcars which wind their way on them.

Even if you’ve never visited the city, San Francisco’s photogenic qualities and a multitude of movie appearances mean you’ll already have pictures in your mind of many of its most popular attractions. So when you do visit, as much as you’ll be eager to see those sights for yourself, some of you will no doubt also be looking to embrace something a little bit unique.

Activities and sightseeing opportunities that speak to you as a person – whether they happen to be a tourist hot-spot or not. And these 10 activities are sure to chime with travelers eager to mix things up a bit and experience something a little less ‘touristy’ during their visit to this beautiful Californian city.

1. Watch the San Francisco Giants play at Oracle Park

Watching the Giants play at Oracle Park in South Beach is one of the most picturesque baseball parks in the country. It offers sumptuous views over the Bay. One is commended to grab a famous crab sandwich, probably the best snack in baseball, before sinking into the carnival-like ambiance of the game. Tickets aren’t overly expensive if you’re not too picky about your seats, whilst the park itself is accessible by public transport.

2. Pedal an e-bike over the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Photo by Frank Wikimedia commons 

This is an iconic landmark from inside a stuffy tour coach. Make like a local and take an electric bike tour right across the 1.7mi (2.7km) Golden Gate Bridge and bypass SF’s best parks, neighborhoods, and Victorian architecture along the way. The tour includes a picnic in Golden Gate National Park with epic panoramic views.

3. Hike  the Mount Sutro

San Francisco’s very own mountain-top cloud forest, Mount Sutro is covered in eucalyptus trees and, much of the year, an eerily lovely blanket of fog. Put on your hiking shoes to traverse its networks of muddy paths, which will lead you through one of the most peaceful and surreal landscapes in the city

4. Have the best views of the city at Twin peaks.

View over San Francisco from Twin Peaks, photo by Tobias Wikimedia commons

 San Francisco has a  lookout nestled in a 64-acre park that offers stunning views over the city from 922 feet up.   

It is one of the best views of San Francisco from high up, it’s hard to beat Twin Peaks.  Twin peak is located in a residential area of the city. It gives you a bird’s eye view of the skyline, numerous San Francisco neighborhoods, and the glistening bay beyond them. It’s a beautiful spot to visit at any time of the day. 

 The main hotspot of getting to Twin Peaks can be a trek. Since it’s not that close to the main neighborhoods or attractions in the city.

5. visit and spend the day at museums in San Francisco

San Francisco is home to various types of museums. Most of them are well known around the world for their cutting-edge exhibits and flair there are over 40 museums in San Francisco. Most of them are world-renowned and offer unique exhibits on art, history, and culture.   

San Francisco’s greatest attribute is its art and culture scene.  A few must-visit museums include the SFMOMA, de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, Exploratorium, and the Legion of Honor. The museums in San Francisco are spread out all over the city.

6. Get an opportunity to shop at Union Square

Union_Square,_San_Francisco_December_2016, photo by Dillu  Wikimedia commons

Union Square has some of the best shopping in the city from Forever 21 and Macy’s to designer brands like Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, and Jimmy Choo. It is the city’s main hub and central spot for shopping. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best San Francisco hotels and the theater district nearby.  

The beating heart of San Francisco and a neighborhood is always bustling. It’s an ideal place to people watch and even ice skate during the holidays which can also be one of the best times to visit San Francisco. Aldo the Union square has a glass elevator that offers stunning views.

7. Explore the Chinatown

It is the oldest Chinatown in the US and the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. The town includes bustling markets, hidden eateries, souvenir shops, Chinese lanterns, and the original Fortune Cookie. This is one of the most unique neighborhoods in the city.  Visit Chinatown for the shopping, the Chinese bakeries, and the dim sum, or simply to take a walk around it. 

8. Watch a Broadway Show at the Orpheum Theater

The main floor of Orpheum Theater, photo by Tommy Sar Wikimedia commons

 San Francisco has the most glamourous theater venues that date back to the 1920s. It showcases the latest and most popular Broadway shows. 

 This ornate theater is almost as impressive as the shows put on inside of it. Admire the interior architecture and grandiose nature of the place while enjoying Hamilton or one of its other popular shows.

9Visit  the Alcatraz in San Francisco

This is one of the most popular activities when visiting San Francisco. Visiting Alcatraz is equal parts creepy and informative. You will get fascinated to hear some of the stories of what was once one of the most notorious penitentiaries in United States history.

Tours include an audio presentation featuring stories from actual officers and prisoners who lived and worked on the island. Make sure to make your reservations well in advance because this attraction fills up quickly.

10. Take Photos in Balmy Alley

Bay Street Murals, photo by Ed Bierman Wikimedia commons

Clarion Alley is in the Mission District. It is by far the city’s most famous place to see ever-changing and has awesome murals and street art. The alleyway has become so popular, that it can often be tough just to walk through the crowds. Fortunately, Balmy Alley, in a residential area a bit further off the neighborhood’s beaten path, offers just as much stunning public artwork with way thinner crowds. Bonus: it’s just steps from Humphry Slocomb, which many locals will tell you makes the best ice cream in the city.