San Francisco has only one drawback – ’tis hard to leave.
Rudyard Kipling
San Francisco is a haven for amazing food and iconic urban and natural scenery. Where else can you enjoy the best coffee, Dim Sum, and pizza while taking in the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street? This is why San Francisco is one of the most visited cities in the world.
Whether you’re new to San Francisco or call the Bay Area your home, there’s something for everyone. If you’re in the mood for brunch with friends, a scenic hike, or a luxurious dinner spot, we’ve got you covered with our guide on the best places in San Francisco.
The Best Nature Spots In San Francisco
San Francisco is a place where you can enjoy nature to its fullest without the need to travel hours away from the city.The city is located on the northern tip of a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. The terrain is full of slopes and steep hills, including Twin Peaks, Mount Davidson, and Mount Sutro. There’s also the famous Nob Hill with its centuries-old mansions and Telegraph Hill.
In the north are some of San Francisco’s finest beaches, piers, and coastal hikes with beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. The San Francisco Bay has Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the man-made Treasure Island. These islands are rich in history and are major tourist attractions.
With such diverse geography, San Francisco offers a lot of scenic spots and activities that you can enjoy in nature.
There are many other neighborhoods that contain local favorites and hidden gems in San Francisco. You don’t have to travel far or stick to a certain district to enjoy some good food. Chances are there’s a great restaurant around the corner from where you live or where you’re staying. Cafes and boba shops are just about everywhere.
The San Francisco Times is committed to giving you the best recommendations on the best restaurants in San Francisco. Make sure to browse through our lists for the best places in SF!
The Culinary Wonders: The Best Places in SF To Enjoy Good Food
San Francisco takes pride in its mouth-watering and diverse dishes. From Italian in North Beach to Mexican food in the Mission, from Boba in the Sunset to Dim Sum in the Richmond District, San Francisco has it all. There’s something tasty for every person and every craving, but nothing ever really beats the classics.
There are certain restaurants and dishes that are always listed in every best restaurant in SF list. For example, the clam chowder in a bread bowl at Boudin Bakery is classic San Francisco. Boudin has been operating in San Francisco since 1849, offering the hearty bread and seafood combinations that all locals go crazy for.
There’s also the seafood restaurant Swan Oyster Depot. Don’t take our word for it; the late Anthony Bourdain called it his favorite San Francisco spot.
If you’re craving something other than burgers or steaks, you can indulge in Chinese food with xiao long bao at Yank Sing. You will definitely enjoy the experience there.
The Mission, San Francisco
The Mission was named for the 1776-built Mission Dolores. Here you can enjoy a very exuberant neighborhood with Latino roots and some hipster vibe. Streets like Clarion Alley are decorated with vibrant murals. Here you can enjoy old school taquerias, live music clubs with chef-driven eateries paired with craft cocktail lounges. You can also enjoy dessert at Dolores Park and take in the amazing skyline view.
North Beach, San Francisco
North Beach is dubbed as San Francisco’s Little Italy. Here you can enjoy first-class Italian restaurants. There are also some Mexican and seafood restaurants that are also definitely worth the visit.
Fisherman’s Wharf
If you’re craving seafood then this is definitely the best place to go in San Francisco. You have a lot of options to choose from, and many restaurants also offer nice views as you enjoy the food. But just because it’s called “Fisherman’s Wharf” does not mean they only serve seafood. You’ll find many different restaurants in the area.