San Francisco under full moon – by puliarf on Flickr CC
Going Local Around San Francisco
San Francisco is a world-wide favourite destination, and while most people come for views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge, there is plenty more to see and do in this West Coast hot spot. The city, which is made-up of a diverse mix of neighbourhoods—from the pubs and Italian restaurants of North Beach, to the clubs and restaurants of the Marina, and the boardwalks of Fisherman’s Wharf—is never short of fun activities and discoveries to be made. So if you’re looking to plan your SF get-away,
Here are few ideas to help you make your way amongst the locals.
1. Take a Tour
It might sound like a cliché move, but taking a tour of the city is a great way to get a grip of San Francisco’s layout. Most tour companies, like the famous San Francisco Duck Tour, will give you the opportunity to see the sites by ground and water, a novel day out for all the family. Many other tours will also allow you to hop-on and hop-off to explore by foot.
2. Try the Food Trucks
Nowhere is the foodie revolution more present than on the West Coast, and San Francisco is at the head of the new food truck fad. To get the best of the food on the move industry, look out for Off The Grid SF, that features a plethora of trucks including cultural foods and American classics—Nepalese, Mexican, Japanese, Greek, Hot Dogs, Asian BBQ, Soul (the list goes on). There are often great music and crafts booths to add to the atmosphere, just be sure to check out the schedule and map online so you don’t miss out!
China Town San Francisco – by markheybo on Flickr CC
3. Chinatown
Located in the heart of the city, San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in the Country, and is filled with great herbal and teashops, restaurants, pagodas, and features fun events like dragon parades and the Chinese New Year Festival. For the ultimate in dining experiences head to local favorite Li Po, named after the famous Chinese poet of the Tang dynasty. The place is also a major tourist attraction taking in more visitors than the Golden Gate Bridge.
4. Brunch or Lunch at the Swan Oyster Depot
If you’re looking for great seafood in a traditional SF eatery, than there is no place locals like more than the Swan Oyster Depot, who’s stripped down look does nothing to dampen the delicious fresh oysters, crab butter, and sea urchins, that are big part of the menus must taste list!
5. Go to a Giants Game
A visit to San Francisco during the baseball season will not be complete without seeing a Giant’s game. The team has won world championships three times in the last five years, and the only thing locals like to do more than watch their Giants, is talk about them. Located on the waters of the Bay, AT&T Park is regularly rated one of the best places to take in a game.
San Francisco is a city that is constantly evolving while still managing to preserve its classic attractions. So whether you’re visiting now or five years from now, these great local spots will be waiting for you.
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Hi! I'm Lash, an American nomadic world traveler who's been traveling solo since 1998. I’m passionate about traveling the world nomadically and then sharing it all with you. I hope to inspire you to travel the world, to entertain you with tales from the road, and to help you reach your travel dreams. Welcome! 
