Insider Guide
San Francisco
Where West Coast vibe collides with the electric energy of the city.
Insider Guide San Francisco
How I See San Francisco
The 49 square miles that make up the City by the Bay are home to a vibrant culture that is truly one-of-a-kind. From the innovative food scene to the unexpected street art throughout the city, San Francisco will keep you wanting more.
When In San Francisco, You Must
EAT
Off The Grid
Various Locations
DO
After Dark at the Exploratorium
Pier 15
SEE
Street Art
All Over
Go
Dolores Park
566 Dolores Park
Know Before You Go
Yes, we are in California, but San Francisco is known for its cold summers, fog, and windy weather year-round. The key to surviving Karl the Fog is layer, layer, layer.
Talk Like a Local
Learn the slang from the city.
Hella
/ˈhelə/ adverb
Bay Area substitute for ‘extremely or ‘a lot of.’
It’s hella nice outside today. Let’s go hang out at Dolores Park.
Neighborhoods to Explore
When in San Francisco, do as San Franciscans do. Mingle with the locals, sip on Fernet and chill out at Dolores Park.
1. The Mission
Murals, hipsters, taquerias and expensive coffee—take your pick. The Mission District is one of San Francisco’s many melting pots, where you can shop at a high end boutique and cross the street to eat at an authentic taco stand.
2. Hayes Valley
Hayes Valley is not only one of the best districts to shop in San Francisco, but it also fosters a true neighborhood feel. Start at Hayes Street and Octavia Boulevard, grab a coffee at Ritual or ice cream at Smitten, and then explore the many boutiques of the neighborhood.
3. The Sunset
Though it's at the other end of the city, the Sunset District has so many hidden gems to explore. This is the place to go for authentic Asian cuisine or to catch a glimpse at the urban beach community in San Francisco. If you’re a real trooper, head to Sutro Bath and Land’s End for impressive views of the Pacific Ocean.
wsanfrancisco.com
Ultimate Access to San Francisco
Live it up San Francisco like a local.
Louie’s Gen Gen Room
871 Sutter Street
Intimate reservation-only cocktail lounge featuring tropical cocktails and delicious bites.
Sara Hamza / Insider
Louie’s Gen Gen Room is in the basement of acclaimed restaurant Liholiho Yacht Club. If you missed your chance at a reservation at Liholiho, Louie’s is a great alternative and a unique experience in itself.
Whitechapel
600 Polk Street
Gin lovers, you’re in luck! Whitechapel hosts the largest selection of Gin in North America.
Sara Hamza / Insider
This bar is designed to look like one of the many abandoned stations of the London Underground.
Cockscomb
564 4th Street
Meat, meat and more meat. Top Chef Masters Champion Chris Cosentino makes a bold statement with his “head to tail” style of cooking. The best view at the restaurant is at the chef’s counter, where you can catch all of the kitchen action.
Sara Hamza / Insider
Fernet has been a cult favorite in the Bay Area, with Fernet Branca monopolizing the taste buds of San Franciscans. Expand your horizons and try the many varieties of Fernet and Amaro that Cockscomb has to offer.
Black Cat
400 Eddy Street
Restaurant, bar and live jazz every night located in the heart of the Tenderloin district.
Sara Hamza / Insider
Though the Tenderloin neighborhood has evolved over the years, it was once the epicenter of arts and entertainment in San Francisco. Black Cat is designed to revive the legacy of supper clubs and jazz venues that once thrived in the area.
Either/Or
DETOX
Yoga to the People
2973 16th Street
Detox with the locals at Yoga to the People, a unique studio with the goal of recapturing the essence of yoga made available to everyone.
RETOX
Love and Propaganda
85 Campton Place
Love and Propaganda combines music, fashion and art to form a unique audio-visual experience unlike any other nightclub.
W San Francisco
Retreat to the smart style, dynamic design and cool comfort of our
downtown San Francisco Hotel.
Spotted in San Francisco
W San Francisco
Raise your glass to a New Year with 5 exclusive holiday cocktail recipes from our W bartenders around the world.
Secrets of San Francisco with Emily Holt
Emily Holt, a fashion writer, entrepreneur and owner of the new boutique Hero Shop, shares the places and things that are distinctly SF.
Freda Salvador
2416 Fillmore St
Get a taste of Spain in the heart of SF with handcrafted leather shoes at Freda Salvador.
Rocha Art Gallery
466 Brannan St
Always supporting emerging artists and creating community based program, Rocha Art stands out as a place to see and experience artwork in a truly inviting gallery setting.
1760
1760 Polk St
Take a swig of cocktail culture at its best at 1760, where mixing drinks is an art form. Try the house gin and tonic with mint, cumin, and mezcal for a new twist on a classic.
Insider Tour
Credits
Lead image by Jeremiah Higgins