r/SanFranciscoSecrets

I have loved SF since I set foot there for the first time 25 years ago. I am not local but travel there a handful of times each year. These days, I find myself almost “homesick” when I haven’t visited in a couple months.

I’d love to better understand the connection I feel with the city. Is there a book about SF’s history that anyone would recommend?

Basically the title. I love SF, but I wish there was more upscale parties here. My suit has been in a closet since I came back!

I love house music and dressing up, and I love beautiful people. Where should I go?

Just gotta keep pushing and watch us with a come back

i know there are so many vintage markets that happen in sf but i never know when and where they are. i am a student at berkeley so im working w a budget and dont want to go to a vintage market that is crazy expensive. i am also willing to travel around the bay either by bart or car so if there are any other markets that are happening around the bay that you know of i would be willing to pull up

I teach watercolor around the city, and I'm starting something separate and free, once a month, for anyone who wants a couple of unhurried hours outside, making something with their hands, around other people.

Second Saturday of each month. We meet somewhere good, not the postcard spots, the quieter ones, a hidden garden, a calm corner of a museum, a side of a park nobody photographs, and we paint and sketch from life. No class, no pressure, nothing to buy. I'll be painting right there too.

Each time I bring one small prompt, a way of looking at what's in front of us, so nobody's stuck on a blank page. Something like paint only the three biggest shapes you see, or paint the place as you'll remember it, not as it is. Take it as far as you like, or ignore it and just paint.

You don't need to be any good, or to have ever held a brush. Bring a pencil and a little curiosity. That's the whole thing, two hours, good company, somewhere worth looking at.

Anyone who'd enjoy that is welcome.

That's us at the SF Botanical Garden for a rare poppies bloom.

I’m working on a small curated travel collection for SF, and I’m trying to narrow it down to a few places that feel visually iconic and worth remembering.

Not a full travel guide, and not just the prettiest photo spots. More like the places that best capture the city for someone visiting for the first time.

My rough draft would be:
Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint
Painted Ladies
Lombard Street
Hyde Street cable car view
Palace of Fine Arts

Would you replace any of these with Twin Peaks, Ferry Building, Coit Tower, Sutro Baths, Chinatown, or something else?

Hi! we’re coming into San Francisco in July around 4 PM and staying at an Airbnb near the fisherman‘s wharf. So we are planning on visiting pier and possibly going to North Beach for dinner. Then for our one day in San Francisco we were thinking about a cable car ride, Chinatown and a stroll through Haight Ashbury (we are Dead Heads!). Does this seem like a good day and should we delete and or add something else? Thank you.

Hello dear inhabitants of San Francisco,

I am going to visit your wonderful city woth my girlfriend from july 1st until july 6 and i was wondering if any of you had some activities in mind that we should do in the city. We stay in union square and gonna use public transportation. Already planned Alcatrqz and Land end trail, maybe a walk in golden gates park. Is there anything else thats worth doing? Anything special for the 4th of july in the city?

Im from canada and i really enjoy all sort of unique cultural activities or places of interest that every city has to offer.

Edit: whats the best way to get on the north side of the golden gates bridge? Lile if we would like a littlw bit to see the bridge from another perspective

English aint my first language as you can easily read in my post

I’m thinking of taking a trip up to the bay to visit this store in Castro but i was wondering if anyone’s been and can comment on their selection and prices.

A lot of vintage resellers are pretty insane and sell paper for like $50 a pop. I’m not a reseller and have no interest in profiting off of what i buy. So I’m just trying to see if it’s worth the trip or if I’ll be disappointed by the prices.

Any insight appreciated.

Hi everyone! I’m planning a 4 day solo trip to San Francisco and I’m honestly feeling pretty overwhelmed trying to get everything organized. This will be my first time traveling completely on my own, so I wanted to reach out and see if anyone here has advice.

A few things I’d love input on. As a female traveling alone, are there specific neighborhoods you’d recommend sticking to versus avoiding, especially if I’m walking around by myself during the day or early evening? I want to make the most of my time without constantly second guessing whether somewhere is safe.

I’m also trying to figure out the best way to get around. Is it better to rely on public transit, walk everywhere, or use rideshares for most of it? Any tips on navigating that as a first timer would help a lot.

Beyond the practical stuff, I’d really appreciate any hidden gem recommendations. I’ve already seen the typical top 10 lists for things like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, but I’m more interested in the spots that locals actually love. That could be food spots, coffee shops, viewpoints, bookstores, parks, anything that feels a little more personal and less touristy.

Since I’ll have 4 days, I’m also open to suggestions on how to pace things so I’m not rushing around trying to see everything at once. If anyone has a rough itinerary that worked well for them, or just general tips on how to slow down and actually enjoy the trip, I’d love to hear it.

Thank you so much in advance to anyone willing to share their experience or advice. I really appreciate it.

I want to get into diving. Also someone told me they did that and i thought it sounded really cool. And I no longer skateboard, so for the last 5 years I’ve been getting into other things like musical instruments, working out, now I want to get into diving. City streets making me feel trapped.

Hello, I’m going to be in SF for two days and was wondering what is the best way of getting from the airport to places like the golden gate and Alcatraz? Also are there any good hidden foody spots?!?!?

Hi there, I am in Bay Area until Sunday. And I am really looking to meet someone whom I can hangout with. I am a male and prefer to be friends with girls. DM me if you are looking for a real connection.

Traveling to SF for meetings early next week. Adding on this weekend and bringing my family. Couple with boys, 10 and 13. The boys love trying new food when we travel. Our family believes travel is the best educator, which is why we’re doing this tagalong trip!

Best areas to stay? Are most hotel pools heated? We’re Texans, so we are planning for the equivalent of our “winter weather.”

Itinerary below. Let me know if you’d change it!

Day 1 - fly in. Alcatraz (tix bought). Fog Harbor Fish House.

Day 2 - Muir National Park (parking bought). Either relaxing water front day or Giants game.

Day 3 - I work. Fam needs a plan. Dinner reco’s appreciated!

Day 4 - Day 3 - I work. Fam needs a plan. Dinner reco’s appreciated!

Would love to see any cultural areas, but we don’t have the time to see all. Where should we start?

Thank you!