Hidden Gems Worth Visiting in San Francisco

San Francisco is a busy historical, cultural and architectural city. The city attracts millions of visitors annually known the world over because of its landmarks such as the golden gate bridge, the Alcatraz island and the fisherman wharf. Yet, beneath these globally renowned attractions, there is another aspect of San Francisco, one that is full of hidden secrets, escape routes, and uncrowded nooks that reflect both the creativity and historical essence of the city.

Despite the legendary status of the iconic spots, the smaller and less noisy places around the city usually have a lot to say. They are welcoming you to experience San Francisco in a new way, not the tourist centers that are full of people but its very core. These secret spots are sure to be added to your trip and leave some magic and memorable moments regardless of whether it is your first or second visit.

The following are a few of the best kept secrets in San Francisco that you will not want to miss out:

1. Sutro Baths Ruins

The Sutro baths ruins are located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean close to the Ocean beach and are one of the most hauntingly beautiful sites in the city. Formerly a massive indoor swimming complex constructed in the late 19th century by a millionaire, Adolph Sutro, the building was gutted down in fire in the 1960s. All that is left is the spooky but intriguing ruins that stare at the sea.

Tourists are free to roam around the crumbling basements and pools, taking photos of the atmosphere of the ruins in the ocean backdrop. Even a stroll along the Lands End Trail provides highly spectacular scenery of the cliffs, the Pacific, and even a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is particularly breathtaking during the sunset when the ruins are tinged with golden glow as the light fades away; a combination of the past and nature.

2. 16th Avenue Tiled Steps

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps is a piece of art and creativity, hidden in the neighborhood of Inner Sunset. The stairway is a colorful mosaic stairway that consists of more than 160 steps constructed and crafted by the local artists and volunteers. The tiles used in each step are colorful and compose a tremendous mural illustrating the objects of nature- deep ocean and the sun and the starry sky.

It is like walking up a staircase to a visual narrative and once you are up the staircase, you will be greeted by the panoramic view of the city including the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Park. It is a good place to visit in order to get some inspirational place to take photos, appreciation of art and anyone who needs to get into a quiet corner and still feel some magic.

3. Seward Street Slides

To have pure and innocent fun, go to the Seward Street Slides somewhere in a small park near the Castro District. These were steep and winding concrete slides which were built in the 1970s by a 14 year old girl who entered a local design competition and won it. Riding it requires cardboard (locals usually leave some in the vicinity), sitting down on it, and having the fast thrill of flying down the slides.

It is a weird and fun pitstop that has some excitement to your sightseeing. Most importantly, it is free and entertaining and it serves as a good reminder that San Francisco has not just big things but little ones that bring happiness unexpectedly.

4. San Francisco Cable Car Museum

The cable cars are among the most familiar symbols of San Francisco, however, a few people are aware of the San Francisco Cable Car Museum which is situated in the Nob Hill district. It is the secret treasure trove of the amazing story and the mechanics of the popular cable car system of the city.

There is a display of historic cable cars or some old photographs and massive wheels that are operating in real time in the cable cars of the city that is running inside. The museum provides a close examination of the machinations and creativity that keep this 19 th -century technology functioning nowadays. It is a must-see among history lovers, engineers, and even people who are interested in what makes San Francisco run.

5. Lover’s Lane in the Presidio

When you need a peaceful getaway out of the city life, we recommend the Lover Lane in the Presidio as the ideal place to be. Being the oldest footpath of the Presidio, the trail begs as it passes lazily through a grove of high eucalyptus trees, bringing solace and shade with each stride.

On the way, there is a dramatic art installation by Andy Goldsworthy called Wood Line, which consists of curved pieces of wood in the form of logs winding their way among the trees. The combination of nature and art makes this place the best place to have a relaxing stroll, take photographs or just to relax within the peaceful atmosphere. Lover Lane is an indication that, despite living in the busy city, you could manage to relax.

6. Musee Mecanique

Musée Mecanique, which is situated on the Fisherman Wharf is a wonderful surprise and is frequently forgotten amidst the more active attractions of the area. It is an interactive museum with one of the largest collections of vintage arcade machines and mechanical curiosities in the world, privately owned.

The objects here have a nostalgic touch and are amusing both in their antique coin operated games and player pianos as well as in their hand cranked music boxes and the fortune tellers in the early decades of the twentieth century. What’s even better? The major part of the machines is operational, you can play them! It is an adorable time travel that leaves smiles on the face of both old and new visitors.

Explore the City & Beyond the Obvious

The secret attractions in San Francisco bring out the intimate, quirky and never-ending fascination of the city. Be it the bone-white ruins of the Sutro Baths, the concrete chutes of the Castro, or an appreciation of a small grove of eucalyptus in the Presidio, all these destinations give a hint of what lies at the creative and soulful center of the city.

Therefore, the next time you are in San Francisco, you should not just explore its known attractions, but explore the unknown ones about the city. You will walk away with tales – and memories – that most tourists never have the time to have.