SF
Guide

Curated by a local tour guide.
What I recommend on tour, collected in one place.

Neighborhoods

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The Embarcadero

The Embarcadero is San Francisco's waterfront promenade from Fisherman's Wharf to Oracle Park, anchored by the Ferry Building's…
North Beach

North Beach is San Francisco's Little Italy and Beat Generation hub, with espresso bars, City Lights bookstore, and…
Japantown

Japantown is one of three remaining in the United States, built around the Peace Pagoda, the Japan Center…
The Castro

The Castro is San Francisco's LGBTQ+ neighborhood, home of Harvey Milk, the rainbow flag, the 1922 Castro Theatre,…

Where to Eat

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Sam’s Burgers

Anthony Bourdain ate here on The Layover and called it "top three in the world." plus It's great for late night food after the bar.

North Beach Hamburgers

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana

Tony Gemignani is a 13-time World Pizza Champion and the first American to win the World Pizza Cup in Naples (2007).

North Beach Pizza

R&G Lounge

Anthony Bourdain featured this Chinatown Cantonese restaurant on No Reservations.

Chinatown Chinese, Cantonese, Seafood

Flour + Water

Seven-course pasta tasting menu around $90.

The Mission District Italian, Pasta

Things to Do

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Classic

Balmy Alley

A one-block residential alley in the Mission covered in murals since 1972, with the modern tradition kicked off in 1985 when Ray Patlan organized 27 murals on indigenous Central American heritage and protest against US intervention. About 30 murals at any given time, between 24th and 25th Streets. Free, open 24 hours, easier to read in daylight.
Classic

Tunnel Tops

A 14-acre park built on top of the Presidio Parkway tunnels, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay, and the Marin Headlands. Opened July 17, 2022; the Outpost Meadow expansion (1.5 acres, 19 picnic tables, BBQ grills, seating for 240) opened on its third anniversary, July 17, 2025. Free entry, food trucks rotate through, and trails connect down to Crissy Field.
Classic

Japanese Tea Garden

Oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, built for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition. The Hagiwara family tended it from 1895 until they were forcibly removed during internment in 1942; Makoto Hagiwara is credited with introducing the American-style fortune cookie at the garden's tea house. Three acres in Golden Gate Park; free for SF residents with ID, and free for everyone Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before 10am.