Monica’s Guidebook
Neighborhoods
VALENCIA STREET is a lively area, with a great variety of restaurants. Locals go there to grab a drink and find nice gifts. The food, shops, and other amenities make this a must-walk.
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Valencia Street
Valencia StreetVALENCIA STREET is a lively area, with a great variety of restaurants. Locals go there to grab a drink and find nice gifts. The food, shops, and other amenities make this a must-walk.
NORTH BEACH, a buzzy neighborhood steeped in Italian heritage, draws locals and tourists to its checked-tablecloth trattorias, coffee shops, and retro-flavored bars. The spirit of the Beat Generation can be felt at the storied City Lights bookstore and the memorabilia-filled Vesuvio Cafe bar. In Telegraph Hill the Filbert Steps offer a scenic hike to the iconic Coit Tower, with WPA-era murals and panoramic views.
North Beach
NORTH BEACH, a buzzy neighborhood steeped in Italian heritage, draws locals and tourists to its checked-tablecloth trattorias, coffee shops, and retro-flavored bars. The spirit of the Beat Generation can be felt at the storied City Lights bookstore and the memorabilia-filled Vesuvio Cafe bar. In Telegraph Hill the Filbert Steps offer a scenic hike to the iconic Coit Tower, with WPA-era murals and panoramic views.
THE CASTRO is one of the most iconic, fun, and vibrant neighborhoods in the City. It is a lively community where you will find a great variety of food choices, as well as many bars, cafes, and shops.
The location of this neighborhood is right at the center of San Francisco, therefore, you will be able to easily access any point of the City within 20 minutes.
The Castro
THE CASTRO is one of the most iconic, fun, and vibrant neighborhoods in the City. It is a lively community where you will find a great variety of food choices, as well as many bars, cafes, and shops.
The location of this neighborhood is right at the center of San Francisco, therefore, you will be able to easily access any point of the City within 20 minutes.
HAYES VALLEY is a cool, revitalized neighborhood in the Western Addition. The main commercial stretch, Hayes Street, teems with upscale boutiques for designer fashions and home décor, plus dessert shops, chill watering holes, and a wide array of on-trend restaurants.
Hayes Valley
HAYES VALLEY is a cool, revitalized neighborhood in the Western Addition. The main commercial stretch, Hayes Street, teems with upscale boutiques for designer fashions and home décor, plus dessert shops, chill watering holes, and a wide array of on-trend restaurants.
PACIFIC HEIGHTS is a posh residential enclave known for its architecturally significant homes, including the opulent Spreckels Mansion and the 1886 Haas-Lilienthal house, a Queen Anne Victorian that’s open to the public.
Visiting the Lyon Street Stairs (Broadway and Lyon Streets) will provide sweeping views of the bay and a close look at the multimillion-dollar homes.
Fillmore Street is a lively hub with high-end fashion boutiques and cafes.
Pacific Heights
PACIFIC HEIGHTS is a posh residential enclave known for its architecturally significant homes, including the opulent Spreckels Mansion and the 1886 Haas-Lilienthal house, a Queen Anne Victorian that’s open to the public.
Visiting the Lyon Street Stairs (Broadway and Lyon Streets) will provide sweeping views of the bay and a close look at the multimillion-dollar homes.
Fillmore Street is a lively hub with high-end fashion boutiques and cafes.
San Francisco's CHINATOWN is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as the oldest in the US. It is full of interesting and unique shops. Find your way through the colorful alleys - you can visit the Fortune Cookie Factory, located at 56 Ross Alley.
To see where the local community shops and lives, walk to Stockton St., between Jackson St. and Columbus Ave.
Chinatown
San Francisco's CHINATOWN is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as the oldest in the US. It is full of interesting and unique shops. Find your way through the colorful alleys - you can visit the Fortune Cookie Factory, located at 56 Ross Alley.
To see where the local community shops and lives, walk to Stockton St., between Jackson St. and Columbus Ave.
The scenic MARINA DISTRICT, on the city’s northern shore, is known for its upbeat bars and restaurants on Chestnut Street.
A 15-minute walk from Chestnut St. takes you to a connected grassy park, called Marina Green, which has a running and bike path and expansive views of Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and yachts on the water. The Palace of Fine Arts, dating back to 1915, is a neoclassical landmark.
Marina District
The scenic MARINA DISTRICT, on the city’s northern shore, is known for its upbeat bars and restaurants on Chestnut Street.
A 15-minute walk from Chestnut St. takes you to a connected grassy park, called Marina Green, which has a running and bike path and expansive views of Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and yachts on the water. The Palace of Fine Arts, dating back to 1915, is a neoclassical landmark.
JAPANTOWN, also known as Nihonmachi, is a compact historic enclave in the Western Addition. Large indoor/outdoor complexes house an assortment of sushi, ramen, and shabu-shabu restaurants, plus specialty grocery stores, kitschy gift shops, karaoke bars, and Asian-style day spas. A courtyard plaza with a striking, 5-tiered Peace Pagoda regularly hosts community events such as the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
Japantown
JAPANTOWN, also known as Nihonmachi, is a compact historic enclave in the Western Addition. Large indoor/outdoor complexes house an assortment of sushi, ramen, and shabu-shabu restaurants, plus specialty grocery stores, kitschy gift shops, karaoke bars, and Asian-style day spas. A courtyard plaza with a striking, 5-tiered Peace Pagoda regularly hosts community events such as the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
Food scene
Dumpling House
335 Noe StreetFamily owned, fresh made dumplings and noodles.
Fresh catches of local, sustainably sourced seafood. California cuisine with Mediterranean influences.
37 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Catch
2362 Market StFresh catches of local, sustainably sourced seafood. California cuisine with Mediterranean influences.
Entrees and tapas inspired by traditional Spanish flavors, using ingredients imported from Spain as well as local, natural and organic ingredients.
24 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Canela Bistro & Wine Bar
2272 Market StEntrees and tapas inspired by traditional Spanish flavors, using ingredients imported from Spain as well as local, natural and organic ingredients.
French bistro, serving traditional and authentic fare in a cozy atmosphere.
111 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
L'Ardoise
151 Noe StFrench bistro, serving traditional and authentic fare in a cozy atmosphere.
A favorite spot for great breakfast or brunch. Be there early, there's always a line, but it is worth it!
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Wooden Spoon
2172 Market StA favorite spot for great breakfast or brunch. Be there early, there's always a line, but it is worth it!
A Castro landmark for more than 48 years. American home-style breakfast or lunch served by a friendly staff.
11 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Cove on Castro
434 Castro StA Castro landmark for more than 48 years. American home-style breakfast or lunch served by a friendly staff.
Everyday dim sum & spicy Sichuan fare with a few twists are served in a simple, cheerful setting.
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Mama Ji's
4416 18th StEveryday dim sum & spicy Sichuan fare with a few twists are served in a simple, cheerful setting.
Supper club with a swanky 1930s ambiance, live jazz & a dining room serving American-French cuisine.
29 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Bix
56 Gold StSupper club with a swanky 1930s ambiance, live jazz & a dining room serving American-French cuisine.
Boisterous eatery with Santeria-related décor serving Caribbean small plates & pitchers of sangria.
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Cha Cha Cha
1801 Haight StBoisterous eatery with Santeria-related décor serving Caribbean small plates & pitchers of sangria.
Cozy eatery serving Californian cuisine with Asian influences.
133 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Kitchen Story
3499 16th StCozy eatery serving Californian cuisine with Asian influences.
Casual bistro with counter seating specializing in solely serving omakase-style hand rolls.
Handroll Project
598 Guerrero StreetCasual bistro with counter seating specializing in solely serving omakase-style hand rolls.
Organic ingredients provide the makings for breakfast pastries, hot pressed sandwiches & coffee.
768 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero StOrganic ingredients provide the makings for breakfast pastries, hot pressed sandwiches & coffee.
Limon Restaurant features innovative Peruvian cuisine in a trendy, upscale, and energetic setting.
203 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Limón Rotisserie
524 Valencia StLimon Restaurant features innovative Peruvian cuisine in a trendy, upscale, and energetic setting.
Contemporary counter serves tacos & other Mexican street food, along with draft beer.
24 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Street Taco
1607 Haight StContemporary counter serves tacos & other Mexican street food, along with draft beer.
Old-school diner open 24/7 & dishing out burgers, malts & other classic all-American fare.
42 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Orphan Andy's
3991 17th StOld-school diner open 24/7 & dishing out burgers, malts & other classic all-American fare.
French bakery and café. Crepes, pastries, pressed sandwiches, quiches & other classic French bites.
Le Marais Bakery
French bakery and café. Crepes, pastries, pressed sandwiches, quiches & other classic French bites.
Michelin Guide recommended. A compact restaurant with a weekly-changing tasting menu that spotlights the best local and seasonal ingredients in an elevated family-style format featuring 8-10 dishes for sharing. Californian cuisine.
149 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Frances
3870 17th StMichelin Guide recommended. A compact restaurant with a weekly-changing tasting menu that spotlights the best local and seasonal ingredients in an elevated family-style format featuring 8-10 dishes for sharing. Californian cuisine.
Michelin Guide recommended. Nari is a sophisticated venue for contemporary Thai-Californian cuisine & inventive cocktails.
Nari
Michelin Guide recommended. Nari is a sophisticated venue for contemporary Thai-Californian cuisine & inventive cocktails.
Latin American street eats & cocktails are the draw at this vibrant restaurant with a rooftop patio.
224 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
El Techo
2516 Mission StLatin American street eats & cocktails are the draw at this vibrant restaurant with a rooftop patio.
Michelin Guide recommended. New American restaurant offering 3-course fixed-price meals in a quaint space with a modern flair.
13 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Trestle
531 Jackson StMichelin Guide recommended. New American restaurant offering 3-course fixed-price meals in a quaint space with a modern flair.
Turkish and Greek dessert shop. A great place for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. They also sell Greek pottery, ceramics, Turkish lamps, jewelry, and leather shoes.
Aegean Delights
Turkish and Greek dessert shop. A great place for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. They also sell Greek pottery, ceramics, Turkish lamps, jewelry, and leather shoes.
Specializes in Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. This is a favorite spot among locals. Two locations: Divisadero St. (Western Addition) and Valencia St. (Mission District).
Little Star Pizza
Specializes in Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. This is a favorite spot among locals. Two locations: Divisadero St. (Western Addition) and Valencia St. (Mission District).
Serves burgers, sandwiches, fries & shakes, all made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Super Duper Burgers
Serves burgers, sandwiches, fries & shakes, all made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Delfina Restaurant
Longtime destination for seasonal Italian cuisine & classic desserts.
Mel's Drive-In
1950s-style diner serves classic American comfort fare.
Sightseeing
A secret spot amongst locals. It is so hidden that the discrete nondescript staircase is easy to miss. It is the perfect alternative to Twin Peaks. It has the same breathtaking views without the crowds of tourists and parking headaches.
On a clear day you will catch views of the Golden Gate Bridge
in the distance, the Bay and downtown San Francisco.
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Tank Hill
Twin Peaks BoulevardA secret spot amongst locals. It is so hidden that the discrete nondescript staircase is easy to miss. It is the perfect alternative to Twin Peaks. It has the same breathtaking views without the crowds of tourists and parking headaches.
On a clear day you will catch views of the Golden Gate Bridge
in the distance, the Bay and downtown San Francisco.
A hike through the neighborhood will take you up to the top of a secret gem amongst locals: Corona Heights. It is a small park with a science museum and picturesque views of the Bay and downtown.
Please note: this is an uphill walk. If you want to reach the top of Corona Heights, you will have to walk a narrow and steep dirt trail. However, there is a secondary vista point located on a flat grassy area in front of the Randall Museum.
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Corona Heights Park
Museum WayA hike through the neighborhood will take you up to the top of a secret gem amongst locals: Corona Heights. It is a small park with a science museum and picturesque views of the Bay and downtown.
Please note: this is an uphill walk. If you want to reach the top of Corona Heights, you will have to walk a narrow and steep dirt trail. However, there is a secondary vista point located on a flat grassy area in front of the Randall Museum.
Rent a bike, a scooter or a GoCar and drive though beautiful Golden Gate Park all the way to Ocean Beach.
Here are some of the sites you can visit:
Conservatory of Flowers
deYoung Museum & Academy of Sciences
SkyStar Wheel
Japanese Tea Garden
Botanical Gardens
Stow Lake
Bison Paddock
Beach Chalet (for lunch or for a drink)
Ocean Beach
1721 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Golden Gate Park
Rent a bike, a scooter or a GoCar and drive though beautiful Golden Gate Park all the way to Ocean Beach.
Here are some of the sites you can visit:
Conservatory of Flowers
deYoung Museum & Academy of Sciences
SkyStar Wheel
Japanese Tea Garden
Botanical Gardens
Stow Lake
Bison Paddock
Beach Chalet (for lunch or for a drink)
Ocean Beach
There are many things to do and see in one of the most popular attractions in the country. Ghirardelli Square has the original 1849 factory, serving chocolate and ice cream. Interested in a cup of Irish Coffee? The Buena Vista Café has been serving this drink since the 1950s.
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Fishermans Wharf
2801 Leavenworth StThere are many things to do and see in one of the most popular attractions in the country. Ghirardelli Square has the original 1849 factory, serving chocolate and ice cream. Interested in a cup of Irish Coffee? The Buena Vista Café has been serving this drink since the 1950s.
Mission Dolores Park is one of San Francisco’s most popular parks, the vibrant heart of its equally vibrant, culturally diverse neighborhood. Many festivals, performances, and other cultural events are held here, and on sunny afternoons people flock to the park to play, picnic, lounge, walk their dogs, and enjoy spectacular views of the city’s skyline and beyond.
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Mission Dolores Park
19th StreetMission Dolores Park is one of San Francisco’s most popular parks, the vibrant heart of its equally vibrant, culturally diverse neighborhood. Many festivals, performances, and other cultural events are held here, and on sunny afternoons people flock to the park to play, picnic, lounge, walk their dogs, and enjoy spectacular views of the city’s skyline and beyond.
Gondola access to a peaceful urban rooftop garden with trees, and flowers from around the planet Bring a picnic and listen to local bands during Lunchbox Music: every Friday, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. at Main Plaza.
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Salesforce Park
425 Mission StGondola access to a peaceful urban rooftop garden with trees, and flowers from around the planet Bring a picnic and listen to local bands during Lunchbox Music: every Friday, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. at Main Plaza.
A San Francisco treasure, the Lyon Street Steps offers gorgeous bay views, and an opportunity to walk Billionaire Row and admire some beautiful mansions.
Hagdan ng Lyon
A San Francisco treasure, the Lyon Street Steps offers gorgeous bay views, and an opportunity to walk Billionaire Row and admire some beautiful mansions.
Point Bonita Lighthouse is located in the Marin Headlands near Sausalito, California. It is a beautiful short hike with great views of the coast and the City. Point Bonita was the last manned lighthouse on the California coast, and it is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Before driving there, please confirm the open hours, as they vary by season.
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Parola ng Point Bonita
Point Bonita Lighthouse is located in the Marin Headlands near Sausalito, California. It is a beautiful short hike with great views of the coast and the City. Point Bonita was the last manned lighthouse on the California coast, and it is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Before driving there, please confirm the open hours, as they vary by season.
Shopping
479 Castro St. 8-minute walk.
Locally owned. Landmark variety shop sells an eclectic mix of goods, including souvenirs, housewares, toys, costumes & beyond.
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Cliff's Variety
479 Castro St479 Castro St. 8-minute walk.
Locally owned. Landmark variety shop sells an eclectic mix of goods, including souvenirs, housewares, toys, costumes & beyond.
Corner of 18th St. and Castro St.
8-minute walk.
Medicines, supplies, and beauty products. The pharmacy is open 24 hours.
61 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Walgreens Pharmacy
4129 18th StCorner of 18th St. and Castro St.
8-minute walk.
Medicines, supplies, and beauty products. The pharmacy is open 24 hours.
NEW LOCATION: 4122 18th Street and Castro Street. 8-minute walk. Locally sourced souvenirs, art, and clothing.
19 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Local Take
4122 17th StNEW LOCATION: 4122 18th Street and Castro Street. 8-minute walk. Locally sourced souvenirs, art, and clothing.
15-minute walk.
Supermarket offers both organic & conventional groceries, plus a bakery, prepared foods, supplies, beauty products, wine, beer & spirits.
416 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Safeway
2020 Market St15-minute walk.
Supermarket offers both organic & conventional groceries, plus a bakery, prepared foods, supplies, beauty products, wine, beer & spirits.
2001 Market St.
15-minute walk. Market owned by Amazon offers both organic & conventional groceries, plus a bakery, prepared foods, supplies, beauty products, wine, beer & spirits.
Whole Foods Market
2001 Market St.
15-minute walk. Market owned by Amazon offers both organic & conventional groceries, plus a bakery, prepared foods, supplies, beauty products, wine, beer & spirits.
4201 18th St.
7-minute walk.
Family-owned market offering both organic & conventional groceries, plus a deli, wine, beer & spirits.
Mollie Stone's Markets
4201 18th St.
7-minute walk.
Family-owned market offering both organic & conventional groceries, plus a deli, wine, beer & spirits.