Better yet is bicycling over the bridge with a guide. Well, you can get it at the Humphry Slocombe stall in the Ferry Building. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. The Sonoma area produces thousands of tons of grapes per year here, with grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Reviews on Unique Dining Experience in San Francisco, CA - Lazy Bear, Marrakech Magic Theater, Berber, Palm House, State Bird Provisions This small group tour allows you to sit back and be whisked to the grape vines themselves, where you can spend the day sipping on wine at a selection of boutique Sonoma wineries (complete with a picnic lunch). Calling all art lovers! More advice in our article for finding cool Golden Gate Bridge views. Also make sure to check out the section planted with native Californian plants. San Francisco's Chinatown is America's oldest and is the largest outside of Asia. So, you may be surprised to find that there are some undeveloped and abandoned historical sites laying around. Theres also the chance to do this boat tour at night, meaning you get city lights as part of the bargain, too. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates. Naturally, you'll be wondering what to do in San Francisco. This contemporary art museum opened its doors in 1935, making it the first museum of its kind on the entire West Coast. This Financial District bar paid tribute to San Francisco's iconic cable cars by modeling their parklet after one, right down to the benches, poles, doors, and windows. This is a review for unique experiences in San Francisco, CA: "I was looking for something unique and fun to do with my daughter for her birthday. There arent too many cities in the world that still have vintage cable cars! Or check out this top-rated small group tour combining a visit to Muir Woods with Sausalito. Tips for Visiting: Good Vibrations is located on Polk at Sacramento. Since you need to keep your head down while winding through it, you get a big reveal at the end when you look up to see a full view of the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the best things about hopping on a cable car is that you get a double helping of culture here: The vintage cars themselves plus the chance to sit back and sightsee as you travel from A to B. The third, the California Street Line, runs along its namesake street towards Market Street. Might have to do that next time around. Ever had a drink made withraisin rum or sunchoke whiskeybefore? Still not satisfied? Julia Chen & Lani Conway August 16, 2022 Founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, this publisher-cum-independent bookstore quickly became a hotspot for thinkers, writers of the Beat Generation and other creative types. Dont forget to check out the interactive exhibits at this natural history museum. Discover Cloud 9's top experience gifts in San Francisco, perfect for a special occasion or a just-because weekend adventure. This quirky bar along one of the Mission's best drags for dining serves a collection of classic cocktails with a definite twist and delicious snacks and bar bites. Its now transitioning once again into one cool neighborhood with a random assortment of things to see, do, eat and drink. They have twenty four miles of hiking trail, with plenty of cool spots for taking pictures. Established in 1962, this purveyor of fortune cookies offers various flavors and toppings. After our stay here, we Road Tripped around California for the next five weeks.amazing time. Its the perfect way to kill a sunny afternoon. Inspired by field recordings of waves hitting a concrete drain in Sydney, Australia, the Wave Organ features 25 PVC pipes carefully laid out at different elevations to harness the power (i.e. (Recommended by Lia of Practical Wanderlust). You can read more about offbeat SF and the Tenderloin museum in this piece by Passport & Plates. Tips for visiting: Get there via the Glen Park BART stop. And youll learn about Polk Gulch, the citys original LGBTQ+ hood. North Beach also has plenty of other interesting cultural attractions that showcase both the citys Italian heritage and Californias history in general. The wine-making region is only around an hours drive from the city, making a Sonoma wine tasting day trip from San Francisco very doable. Explore the dining diversity on the western side of San Francisco. They add a subtle pop of art into what are otherwise normal residential neighborhoods. Tips for Visiting: Japantown is very compact and runs between Sutter /Geary & Laguna/Fillmore. The island became a state park in the late 1950s. Taking its name from John Muir the father of national parks in the U.S. Muir Woods is a slice of primeval forest thats been federally protected by the National Parks Service since 1908. We loved bicycling around the vineyards, tasting wine at different vineyards along the way. It draws visitors from around the world for photo opps and to cruise down the curving road themselves. Sadly, however, only three of the original 23 cable car lines are still in use. This peaceful little spot in located in the Presidio. By far one of the best ways to experience Chinatown is by embarking on a food-focused walking tour of Chinatown. There are tons of different things to do and discover in San Francisco, whether its your first time visiting your or tenth. Either way, check out some of these totally unique activities in SF and have fun doing it. One of the most fun and interesting places in San Francisco is the Mission District. Some are even lined with flower boxes. And if you want your outing to go as smooth as possible, opt for a day tour (with some hiking, of course) thatll pick you up from your city digs, whisk you to the park and show you some of its best bits. Eat atKennedy's Indian Curry House & Irish Pub. Its notorious for its steep gradient, scenic shrubbery lining its eight hairpin turns and red-brick pavement. The cemetery pays tribute to the first nation Miwoks who were the citys original citizens and who, ironically, were eradicated partly due to disease and expansionism brought in by the Spanish. San Francisco has long been known for its creativity and connection to the arts. Then you have free time before taking the ferry back. Its located right across the street from the Giants stadium and is a popular place to go before the games. Thousands of grape vines were planted at Mission San Francisco Solano, which is today the city of Sonoma. I do love eating thereso much good food! And its fascinating to learn about its history and some of the infamous criminals (like Al Capone) who were incarcerated here. In fact, grapes were planted here way back in 1812. (This article contains affiliate links. With its steep hills, quaint residential streets and coastal vistas, the city boasts a wealth of hidden spots to appreciate the heritage architecture and natural landscapes. (SF is one of themost dog-friendly cities in the U.S., so youll likely meet all sorts of pups and pooches when youre walking around.). Reviews on Unique Fun Dining Experiences in San Francisco, CA - Lazy Bear, Urban Putt, The Dinner Detective, Magic Underground, Emporium San Francisco, The Lost Church - San Francisco, Kitchen Story, The View Lounge, Berber, Son & Garden (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.). Good Vibrations has been in business since 1977 and theyll sell a full array of whatever you desire. Thisaward-winning cocktail bar earned its stripes with a rotating menu that was as reliably delicious as it was stunningly creative. myriad local flavors via unorthodox foodie adventures. The Childrens Creativity Museum operates the historical LeRoy King carousel. Pro Tips: Google Goldsworthy Line to find the location and be aware that parking will be tricky on the weekend. Whether you need something to warm you up as the fog rolls in or you want a hearty meal before exploring San Francisco, you can't go wrong with clam chowder. It bumped around to various locations and narrowly escaped the Great Fire of 1906 before finding its current home on Post street. This flower power-infused tour takes you from Chinatown to Fishermans Wharf, North Beach and other spots. One of the most remarkable swathes of green space close to San Francisco is Muir Woods National Monument. This guide for the cool places to go in SF was developed by locals. We did the same cycle route although it was so windy we almost got blown off our bike! In a sea of pour-over houses, these select few have earned their popularity by creating a special space for the local LGBTQ community to thrive. Enter Zante Pizza. You can see Alfred Hitchcocks SF, explore SFs historic LGBTQ neighborhood in The Castro, find Gold Rush locations or learn about the Coit Tower WPA murals. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. You could be sleuths trying to uncover the mystery of a stolen painting. Perhaps the legalized marijuana? Unique Experiences Half-day Tours Full-day Tours Day Trips Private and Luxury Cruises & Sailing Walking Tours City Tours Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Adventure Tours Cultural Tours Shore Excursions Private Sightseeing Tours Bus Tours Culinary Tour Nature Walks Classic Car Tours Self-guided Tours Photography Tours Bike Rentals I dont know why, but there is a lot of just plain weird stuff to do in San Francisco. San Francisco is a city of great neighborhoods. Along the way, youll see the Seward Street Slides (steep concrete childrens slides in a public park), the Kite Hill Open Space and the nearly 900-foot Sutro Tower, which is the tallest point in the city. Foreign Cinema has made the list of San Fransisco's top 100 restaurants for a whopping 17 years in a row. At the heart of the city, Civic Center and Hayes Valley boast world-renowned restaurants from fine dining to casual cafes. You and your pals could be prospectors in the Old West, looking for a lost stash of gold. Tips for Visiting: Go earlier in the day to avoid lines. Riding them is one of the unique experiences in San Francisco you wont want to miss. The best tourist attractions in San Francisco are enough to keep you entertained for days, if not weeks (years, even). In this post on some of the best unique eats in San Francisco, we are going to explore just that, i.e. Some of the most famous eateries to hunt down in this portion of San Fran include Original Joes (going strong for over a hundred years), Cafe Zoetrope and Tonys Pizza Napoletana. An S&M themed street fair that raises money for charity- why not?! Is it an acid hangover from the 60s? California San Francisco 75 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in San Francisco, California March 6, 2023 There's no doubt that San Francisco the sparkling, windy, artsy, and culture-rich metropolis by the bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of California. The Ferry Building hosts a fantastic farmers market three days a week. Many are beautifully adorned with colorful mosaic tiles. It was then transformed into a permanent fixture of the city by Makoto Hagiwara, who imported Japanese plants and even koi carp to be showcased in the garden. Not only can you get fruit and veg, but the market also hosts folks selling prepared foods (like hummus and pastries) as well as food trucks for a range of global cuisines. Tips for finding the murals: Use my Mission Murals guide to get a history on the murals and a guide and map for finding them. Whatever, taking a seat and watching the world go by to this intriguing soundtrack is right up there with other quirky things to do in San Francisco. Maui or Kauai? It starts with the dude in the back room, picking through the beans and continues through the whole process. Speaking of unique and cool places, is there any structure more uniquely San Francisco than the Golden Gate Bridge? Weve mentioned sightseeing in San Francisco by way of a cool VW love van (see #1). While you take your ride, squint your eyes and you can almost see 19th century San Francisco spinning by. It was founded in 1864 as a learning center and library housing practical books on trades for skilled artisans. Despite many difficulties over the years, the Chinese community here has stayed strong and continues to be an important part of San Franciscos cultural landscape. And then theres the short hike to the 1,500-year-old sequoias, which are truly remarkable. Tips for Visiting: Amoeba located on Haight street. These giant slides are made of concrete and tucked away in the Seward mini park, which is located in the Castro. We also biked over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, it was an incredible experience so was Alcatraz and pretty much everything we did in San Francisco. Unofficially one of the more unique San Francisco sights in the city, the bookstore has published a wide range of poetry and prose over the years from avant-garde authors like Charles Bukowski, Paul Bowles and Allen Ginsburg. But there are others, like the eel garden and fog room. You certainly have zeroed on some wonderful weird places! North of San Francisco proper, Sausalito is a laid-back enclave nestled in Richardson Bay. Tips for Visiting: Dont go when its been raining, the trail will be too muddy. The saloon itself was established in 1948 and was the chief watering hole for Neal Cassady, Dean Moriarty, Jack Kerouac and other Beats. San Fran is famous for this fog. Theres a whole section for people with dogs and another with out of control toddlers. San Francisco may not be Los Angeles in terms of movie-making heft. The steps in the image above are called the Lincoln Steps. I will definitely save this list, all these things seem like a very different way to see the city!! Where to find the best lobster, crab, chowder and seafood is on everyone's mind. chapter) and NATJA. The owner had a small collection of antique sex toys and when customers learned about it, they began bringing in items to donate to the store. It's all about handmade meatball extravaganzas from lamb to chicken to vegetarian (eggplant and zucchini) and sauces from truffle fondue to Korean. Dont miss an adorable crepe from Belly Good Cafe and Crepes, and a taiyaki ice cream cone from Uji Time Desserts. Hawaii: Which Hawaiian island is best? You get to know a new city better that way. This quirky bar along one of the Mission's best drags for diningserves a collection of classic cocktails with a definite twist and delicious snacks and bar bites. Ive only done two of the things on this list (so far) I tried to find the labyrinth but ended up on a cliff looking down on it! Though this features is what brings most people here, it is also a spectacular spot for a picnic or to folic in the shallow waters while enjoying a close view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Once youve explored the fort, walk up to the bridge on the battery trail and youll find yourself strolling past a number of former gun batteries aimed at protecting the entrance to the bay. Youll want to get a handle on San Francisco. Possibly the most famous federal prison in the United States, Alcatraz Island is a National Historic Landmark that is an absolute must do in San Francisco. Between the food, the weather, and the passersby, it's a feast for the senses. But there are also magnificent views to be had. There are even animals here, penguins and alligators to name a couple giving you a real glimpse into the natural world and the part played by San Franciscos universities and academics in studying it. Wonderfulhip boutique hotels in San Franciscoalso beckon you to stay. And, you guessed it, a walking food tour of Little Italy is a great way to do it justice. from. Awesome article. Looking for the craziness that is Tokyo? The American art collection here boasts a selection of over 1,000 works, dating from 1670 to the present day. It combines a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge, allowing you time to take photos of the bridge. There are also more forts, gun batteries and other ruins on both sides of the bridge. Even better: you can take one of their terrific cocktails on the course with you. The parklet at Woodhouse Fish Co.'s Fillmore location is built like a ship, complete with a wheel, portholes, and life preservers. By building a parklet with a living roof! Today, its one of the last manually operated cable car systems in the entire world. Ever prepared, California was always building gun buttresses for a fight that never came (note Angel Island below). Social Media. Its easy to make a day of it, too, thanks not only to its proximity to SF but also the picnic areas that dot this ancient forest. This is the coolest of cool things to so in San Francisco if you are a Star Wars nerd. This city by the sea is historical and varied and there is much to experience. Not only are there fantastic purveyors inside the Ferry Building, but three days a week you can find them outside too. This symphony, which is held at the Davies Symphony Hall, combines classical music with romantic and modern pieces, creating a unique, beautiful atmosphere. Its best to reserve lanes in advance as it gets busy, particularly during happy hour. You should enjoy wine tasting in style. Do not miss the Hamachi sashimi, warm rice cake, yuzu ponzu, avocado, serrano chilies . Naturally, youll be wondering what to do in San Francisco. Angel Island is located in the middle of the bay, just north of Alcatraz. This one is definitely tops on our list of cool things to do in San Francisco. 842. Bring a lunch and plan to spend the better part of a day exploring the island. Uncover the Quirky, Fun, and Trendy Side of San Francisco: Must-Visit Places for an Unforgettable Experience (Update 2023) There are so many fun things to do in San Francisco for all age groups and interests covering everything imaginable: unlimited dining options, diverse ethnic neighborhoods and shopping, urban adventure and recreational pursuits, history and architectural walks, fine arts . Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aab3df35af4502b5bdce867d7b0bbcda" );document.getElementById("bdd8f95227").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are a participant in the various affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. But its also a cultural hub for a variety of San Franciscos communities, and is famed for its music, art and historic buildings. Its now a state park, but its past is layered with military history. Love this post, takes me back to our time in San Francisco. A multi-level establishment, the upstairs level offers dining and entertainment. The Tenderloin is a rough neighborhood located just west of the fancy shops at Union Square. We think we pretty well walked and hiked all around the whole city on our last visit! (It doesnt have a beach though.). Another unique way to see the city is by jumping on one of its storied cable cars. This hidden spot on the northwestern tip of San Francisco seems random, but it was a very deliberate installation by artistEduardo Aguilera in 2004. Located directly across from the Marina Green near the Golden Gate Yacht Club, this waterside park was originally part of the Exploratorium, SFs hands on science museum. We'd still recommend making a reservation, though they are not required. Join the journey! Explore the real SF with this locals guide to weird, unusual and cool things to do in San Francisco. San Francisco is a wonderful city to explore, and nothing compares to the experience of a night at the Symphony of Romantic San Francisco. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies Accept This means that Dandelion smells like Willy Wonkas factory and you are going to want to live there. San Francisco is a city of startling events. We know whats up in SF and we promise to deliver you a good time. The baths and nearby coastal views are great spots for taking pictures. And we don't mean just what's on the menu; we also mean the menu itself. Admit it, youve always wanted boozy ice cream for breakfast, havent you? The oldest restaurant in California is an only-in-San-Francisco experience. $ 85. The collection snowballed and has now become a sort of crowd-sourced sexy museum. Local guides who love their city lead this Castro and Twin Peaks urban hike, for example. Or you could imagine that youre falsely accused prisoners trying to instigate a jailbreak! They hand crafted ice cream with both bourbon and corn flakes in it and its the best thing going at the Ferry Building. Indoor mini-golf is unique in itself; but an indoor mini-golf with its own restaurant? Whether indoors or out, a table at Wildseed is always in demand on weekends for brunch. Or maybe youll be visiting SF as part of a Northern California road trip? Thats why its also in the intro of this unique San Francisco post! Three Gems is an immersive sculpture, where you sit on a bench inside a chamber and look up at the sky through an oculus in the ceiling. Tips for Visiting: Take the ferry from Pier 39 and rent bikes on site for a self-guided tour. I felt that the cats were all loved and well taken care of. Youve introduced us to a whole lot more. Far far below, seemingly tiny sailboats skim across the choppy water. That attitude about sexuality makes it the perfect market for sex toys. But your guide will steer you to some of the best places to taste everything from ice cream to samosas. Vietnamese Roasted Crabs And Garlic Noodles. Another cultural institution in Golden Gate Park, de Young Museum comprises one half of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. More than twenty pipes situated in the bay provide a unique symphony of natural music. Glen Canyon is actually a key stop on SFs Crosstown trail, which is a cool 17 mile urban hike that traverses the city. Hovor II is a huge golden structure of liquor bottle caps. Or make your way through the city with . Cant wait to go explore those! But the secret breakfast ice cream from Humphry Slocombe is the best. A short distance away is Kite Hill Park which provides a breath-taking view of the city and the panorama is totally worth the huffing and puffing to get to the top. Spoiler alert: There are a lot of eateries in Mission. The tour itself will take you through a tight rabbit-warren of book stacks that have been creatively crammed into the small space allotted. Sure, go to Pier 39 or ride a cable car or whatever, but if you want a true taste of the city, then make time for some of these cool things to do in San Francisco. If you want views, then eat lunch at the Mer Sea. ), cool places to visit in San Francisco dont get much cooler than the citys botanical garden. While picking up a bottle of Californian red or white is easily done in just about any supermarket in San Francisco, theres nothing quite like heading to the source to sample some delicious Sonoma wine. The Vault Garden is one of the largest outdoor dining spaces in San Francisco, seating up to 100 people. Oh, and food. I do love a beautiful library and if you are a book nerd, then the Mechanics Institute is the most cool thing to do in San Francisco. May 22, 2022 Updated: Aug. 31, 2022 11:22 a.m. 1 of 5 Golden Gate and the Golden Gate strait, San Francisco, California Nirian/Getty Images From breathtaking hikes and age-old institutions, to. What a great town! This easy walking tour takes you through the worlds largest LGBTQ community, the Castro. Were bicycling across San Franciscos famous Golden Gate Bridge. It was built to house 10,000 people at a time. If youve got your eye on some non-touristy things to do in San Francisco, weve got you covered. Covering 55 acres, these lush beautiful gardens opened in 1940 as a place to showcase plants from around the world. Its a huge city, so a good way to kick things off is by getting the lay of the land on a sightseeing tour.
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