15 Best Neighborhoods in San Francisco to Explore Like a Local

There’s more to San Francisco than its postcard-perfect landmarks. For tourists, it’s Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz; for locals, it’s all of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Every area has a different vibe, different quirks, and different things that you won’t find in guidebooks.

Journey through these 15 neighborhoods if you’re ready to see San Francisco as the locals do, and enjoy a truly authentic experience.

The Mission

The Mission is known for its eye-popping murals and the best taquerias you’ll ever eat. Enjoy the street art that tells the stories of the Latino heritage of the neighborhood as you stroll Balmy Alley. La Taqueria is the best place for a legendary burrito. You also don’t want to miss Dolores Park where you can see locals sunning themselves on blankets and cold drinks.

Outer Sunset

The Outer Sunset is your peaceful break from the city’s hustle if you’re craving one. Famous for its surf culture, pastel homes, and artisan shops, this fog-kissed neighborhood is a tourist hotspot. Start your day with a coffee at Andytown Coffee Roasters before wandering down Ocean Beach and watching waves crashing against the shoreline. It’s worth a visit to Trouble Coffee & Coconut Club, an oddly named café that kicked off the avocado toast craze.

North Beach

San Francisco’s Little Italy is an intimate, food-filled haven with its Old-World charm. Locals linger over espressos at Café Trieste or feast on handmade pasta at Sotto Mare — all in North Beach. City Lights Bookstore, the iconic indie shop, is a must-visit for bookworms. Don’t forget to climb up to Coit Tower for breathtaking views of the Bay.

Hayes Valley

Hayes Valley was once unnoticed, but it has put its stamp of style as a hip enclave where artists and fashionistas rub shoulders. It’s the go-to neighborhood for boutique shopping, featuring one-of-a-kind finds from local designers. Patricia’s Green Park is a lovely spot to rest with a scoop of ice cream from Smitten, churned to order with liquid nitrogen. For dinner, try Absinthe Brasserie & Bar, a favorite for inventive cocktails and French-inspired cuisine.

Noe Valley

Noe Valley is a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood, with a charm that is about as far from the city buzz as you can get. 24th Street is often packed with indie shops and cute cafes. A whimsical afternoon tea experience shouldn’t be missed at Lovejoy’s Tea Room. Residents stock up on fresh produce and baked goods at the Noe Valley Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.

The Presidio

The Presidio is part national park part residential area, and a haven for nature lovers. Miles of trails, historic buildings, and scenic spots like Baker Beach are what you’ll find on the land that was once a military base. The Presidio Tunnel Tops and the Walt Disney Family Museum are worth the visit.

Pacific Heights

There are no better views and grand architecture than Pacific Heights. People who live here come to walk the tree-lined streets or to relax in the afternoon at Alta Plaza Park. Part of Pacific Heights, the Fillmore District includes upscale dining and a smattering of music venues, including The Fillmore where legends have played.

Haight-Ashbury

Haight-Ashbury is famous for its counterculture roots and it still retains a Bohman spirit. For foodies, there’s Cha Cha Cha where you’ll find Cuban-inspired tapas, while vintage lovers can hunt treasures for hours in thrift shops. Just a stone’s throw away you have Golden Gate Park, with serene Japanese gardens and the stunning de Young Museum.

Inner Richmond

It’s all about food and international flair in the Inner Richmond. It is the epicenter that gives you dim sum at Good Luck Dim Sum or Burmese specialties at Burma Superstar. Green Apple Books is a neighborhood institution, and you can browse there for hours. For a bit of nature, the Inner Richmond is bordered by the sprawling Presidio and Golden Gate Park.

Dogpatch

Dogpatch has emerged as a trendy hub for creatives and is one of San Francisco’s oldest industrial neighborhoods. Some of the city’s best raw craft breweries — Magnolia Brewing, for example — and artisan eateries call it home. You can walk along Third Street for some unique shopping, and get a dose of inspiration with the Museum of Craft and Design.

Bernal Heights

On a hill, Bernal Heights affords some of the best views in the city. Locals love Bernal Heights Park because the trails lead to a stunning panoramic view. The main drag is Cortland Avenue, where you’ll find cozy cafes and community shops. Almost too pretty to eat are the pastries at Sandbox Bakery, so don’t leave without trying them.

Chinatown

While San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America, locals know there’s more to it than lantern-covered streets. Stray from Grant Avenue and explore Stockton Street instead to get to the authentic dim sum joints and bustling produce markets. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is a hidden gem where you can watch cookies being handmade.

Japantown

This is a small Japanese neighborhood with Japanese cuisine, shopping, and traditions. People come to eat at Marufuku for ramen or to buy traditional snacks at Nijiya Market. It is a serene spot to sit and soak in the atmosphere during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

Russian Hill

Beyond the world-famous Lombard Street, Russian Hill is a quaint neighborhood with quiet charm. Scenic walkways are enjoyed by residents such as hidden Vallejo Steps; and small parks, such as Ina Coolbrith Park, provide gorgeous views of the city. It’s a trendy corridor of Polk Street bustling with trendy restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.

The Marina

Locals go to the Marina to soak up sunny days and light-lapping waves. You get a front-row seat to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz at Marina Green. Chestnut Street is where you’ll find brunch spots, boutique fitness studios, and stylish shops to spare. Cap off your day with a cocktail on the world’s best rooftop bars for a sunset you will never forget.

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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

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