All guides

SF tourist spots & day trips

7 min read read
TourismDay Trips

Must-see SF

Golden Gate Bridge: Walk or bike across. Best views from Battery Spencer on the Marin side. Go early morning to avoid crowds.

Alcatraz: Book tickets well in advance. The audio tour is genuinely excellent.

Fisherman's Wharf: Touristy but worth a visit. Get the clam chowder in a sourdough bowl.

Muir Woods: 30 minutes north of SF. Ancient redwood forest. Go on a weekday.

Twin Peaks: Best panoramic views of the city. Drive or Uber up.

Mission Dolores Park: The social heart of SF on a sunny day. Bring a picnic.

The Ferry Building: Saturday farmers market is excellent. Great food stalls.

Day trips

Napa Valley: 1.5 hours north. World-class wine. Rent a car or take a tour.

Yosemite: 4 hours east. One of the world's great national parks. Book accommodation months in advance.

Big Sur: 3 hours south on Highway 1. Dramatic coastal scenery. One of the best drives in the world.

Lake Tahoe: 3.5 hours east. Skiing in winter, hiking and swimming in summer.

Point Reyes: 1.5 hours north. Wild coastline, elk, and excellent hiking.

Restaurants worth knowing

Zuni Café: SF institution. The roast chicken is legendary.

Tartine Bakery: Best bread and pastries in the city. Queue is worth it.

La Taqueria: Community favourite for burritos in the Mission.

Nopa: Great for late-night dining (open until 1am).

Bix: Classic SF cocktail bar with live jazz.

Community tip

Ask in the WhatsApp group for current recommendations — the food scene changes fast and community members always have the latest picks.