The Local Vibe: 5 Secret Attractions of San Francisco

Friday, October 28, 2016

If you’re lucky enough to take up residence in a furnished apartment in the beautiful city of San Francisco, we’re sure you’ll probably never want to leave. With incredible food, a culture like nowhere else, and events and activities for every genre – San Francisco has so much to offer its residents (and tourists.)

If you’re lucky enough to take up residence in a furnished apartment in the beautiful city of San Francisco, we’re sure you’ll probably never want to leave. With incredible food, a culture like nowhere else, and events and activities for every genre – San Francisco has so much to offer its residents (and tourists.)   Now everyone knows the city by the bay for the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and crooked Lombard Street, but there are so many other secrets spots worth a visit – plus, they probably aren’t packed with tourists. Explore San Fran like a local with these top five hidden gems travel guides won’t reveal. 16th Avenue Mosaic Steps On Moraga Street, between 15th and 16th Avenues lies a sight to behold. Over the course of two years, local artists and more than 300 neighbors put together mosaic stairs that run up 163 steps. Now those are some friendly neighbors. Sounds like a nice neighborhood to be a part of. The Wave Organ At the very tip of a jetty in the San Francisco marina, you’ll find the Wave Organ – a musical instrument played by the San Francisco Bay tide. The 25 PVC organ pipes, all different lengths, stretch into the water under the jetty. When the tides change, the Wave Organ makes different and unique sounds. When the tides come in, it burbles much like a 6-month old baby. When the tide leaves, it sounds like a rather large belch. Pug Sundays San Franciscans love their pets, and the city is full of beautiful dog parks. But if you own a pug, you’ll be the happiest pet owner on the block. The first Sunday of every month in Alta Plaza Park is devoted to just pugs. They call it “Pug Sunday,” and everyone who owns a pug in San Francisco flocks to the park to watch their stout little wrinkly companions frolic and play with their own breed. Andy Goldsworthy’s Spire Made from 37 reclaimed Monterey cypress trees that had fallen as part of the Presidio’s reforestation effort, the Spire was built by artist Andy Goldsworthy in 2008. Resembling both a church steeple and missile, it resides 90 feet above a Presidio hiking trail. On clear days, you can even see the spire from all the way downtown. Pack a lunch and head to the Presidio A former military base on the northern tip of the San Fran peninsula, the Presidio is one of San Francisco’s most beautiful parks. Part of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area, it’s one of the best spots in the city to pack a picnic and take in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. Head there in the months from April to October, and you can catch live music and local food trucks on Sundays. Make sure to ride a trolley to any of these destinations. The cable cars aren’t just a tourist destination; they’re how everyone, even the locals, get around. Taking in all the sights will surely work up an appetite. Lucky for you, San Francisco has some of the best eateries around, and on almost every block. For one of the best brunch spots in the city, head to Washington Square in the North Beach neighborhood toMama’s. Get there early--but even if you have to wait, it’s worth it. Time for lunch? Head over to the House of Nanking in the Financial District for the best fried rice you’ve ever tasted. And if you want a spectacular dinner that will surely impress friends and visitors, visit the Slanted Door for modern Vietnamese cooking. Enjoy all that the San Francisco lifestyle has to offer — it’s not hard to do.