If you live in California, chances are you’ve been to San Francisco plenty of times. We’ve visited several times and hit up all the recommended visitor spots…Alcatraz, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Cable Cars, etc. When we were making a quick visit for a dance competition, I decided it was time to check out some San Francisco hidden gems that don’t typically reach the top of the “must see” list…but SHOULD! We visited 3 different spots…pick the order that’s right for you, but all can be accomplished in 24 hours and make for a very fun non-traditional San Francisco day!
San Francisco Hidden Gem #1: Street Murals in the Mission District
If you’ve been following our blog, you’ll know that my daughter, Sydney, and I are pretty much obsessed with street murals. The beauty and the artistic and social messages built in really is food for the mind and soul. It’s a fun shared passion and a truly hidden gem sprinkled throughout San Francisco, particularly the non-tourist areas like the Mission District. Allow about 2 – 3 hours for the mural tour, including a stop at one of the most famed ice cream places in all of San Francisco!
Begin at Balmy Alley. As you walk through the alley you’ll enjoy step after step of new and different murals, even some that put in a 3-D element which we’ve never seen before.
With each mural we passed, I wish that I could ask the artist the meaning behind the mural. I’m very confident that every brush stroke is laid with intention. And beautiful at that.
Enjoy the slide show of a few other of our favorites in Balmy Alley:
Leaving Balmy Alley, walk along 24th Street, then turn left on Valencia to enjoy the random sightings as you head towards Clarion Alley (about 12 or so blocks up Valencia). Keep your eyes peeled and be open to venturing off the path slightly when your eyes catch something of interest! Here are a few hidden gems we spotted on the way to Clarion Alley.
And a slide show of a few more we spotted on the way…
Along Valencia we also spotted some entertaining stores, and some quite “interesting”…taxidermy store! And wow…VERY expensive!
And then we arrived at Clarion Alley. This alley is magnificent and full of street murals with definite social and political messages.
From here, I must say, you are SO close to Bi-Rite Creamery you just have to go to it. You have done a lot of walking, you have earned it! The name sounds like the ice cream would be quite “meh” but I promise you…I had several people recommending this place so we had to try it. As soon as we showed up, it was obvious this wasn’t quite a “hidden” gem. The line is long. But it moves, I promise. And the ice cream is out of this world, I promise!
San Francisco Hidden Gem #2: Chinatown
We were staying right by Chinatown so it was a fun little exploration. Lined with shops, I successfully avoided buying her a “squishy” that are so popular these days, but there is so much more than that. Beautiful and festive chinese lanterns and if you keep your eyes out you can catch some very fun street art! This was hidden in an alley and I would have walked right on by…Sydney was the one who spotted it and everyone I know who has been to Chinatown has missed this!
And look! You can get your very own awesome Instagram-worthy photo with this street mural.
This mural was truly stunning.
Now, you have to go on a hunt to Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Seriously, if you didn’t know about this you would NEVER FIND IT. It’s hidden in an alley. An alley you would NEVER think to walk down. Don’t get me wrong, it’s safe, but nothing about this alley would draw your attention and make you think you needed to explore it. You walk in and BAM, ladies making fortune cookies. One by one they are placing the fortune in the cookie, shaping the cookie, and on to the next. Amazing. When we walked in they immediately gave us samples.
They have many different flavors, so if you plan to visit and take a photo, be kind and make a purchase. Yep, chocolate was for us. High up on the shelves they even had fortune cookies for “adults” if you know what I mean. Hmmm….
San Francisco Hidden Gem #3: Crissy Field
We wanted to have fun in an outdoorsy area with views of the infamous Golden Gate Bridge. I’ve heard driving or walking across is not so exciting as it’s very loud. So, a local gave me this awesome tip…Crissy Field. So we hopped in an Uber, enjoyed the fantastic views of the bridge, played along the beach, and had lunch at the Warming Hut. The perfect view I was hoping for, where we could enjoy and put our feet on the sand. Nothing better!
Perfect exploration opportunities for kids to keep it interesting!
As you walk along the beach you’ll arrive at the rocky shore where tourists (no doubt) have created a festival of cairns. Perfect way to stop and enjoy the views while keeping the kids entertained in stacking rocks.
There’s a nice little walkway out into the water to get a different view of the bridge, and/or do your Irish Dance kicks if you are my daughter.
Perfect photo spot of the infamous Golden Gate Bridge!
So that’s it! 3 of San Francisco’s Hidden Gems that can give you a 24-hour exploration off the beaten path! Let us know what you think or if you have any questions, we are listening!
