Cool Places in San Francisco that the Tourists Don't Know About

San Francisco is known for its numerous tourist traps such as Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. However, the city that the late Chronicle columnist Herb Cain dubbed "Baghdad by the Bay," has numerous smaller and lesser known spots that are worth checking out next time you are headed for the City by the Bay.

City Lights Book Store-City Lights is a landmark in the North Beach district, and located at 261 Columbus. The structure in and of itself is that of a standard book store. However, it was at City Lights where Allen Ginsberg was giving a reading of his now iconic poem "Howl" and it was heard by the owner Lawrence Ferlinghetti who would ultimately publish it. This would lead to police harassment for indecency. However, City Lights is now a registered historical landmark in the city of San Francisco.

The Cliff House-The Cliff house is a restaurant that overhangs the Pacific Ocean providing a breathtaking view. It is also a historical site, as it is adjacent to the remains of the former Sutro Baths. It's roots date back to the late 19th century, but the current incarnation dates back to 1938. It is located at 1090 Point Lobos Rd.

Pigeon Point Light House- This is about an hour south of the City in San Mateo County. Just drive south on California State Route 1. The lighthouse dates back to 1871, The historical fresnel lens is only lit once a year, but there is a rotating beacon light that is still in active use. The lighthouse sits on a rocky bluff overlooking the pacific and is one of my favorite places for photography. The former staff quarters have been turned into a hostel.

Castro Theater-Someone who is looking for that old-style theater experience, the Castro provides it. It plays classic and independent films and has a working theater organ that is played before the shows. It has all the grandeur of the halcyon days of old glamorous Hollywood. It is located at 429 Castro Street.

The Power Exchange- This is the place to check your inhibitions at the door. It is a fetish and sex club where anything goes, as long as it is consensual and safe sex practices are followed. They moved to a new location at 220 Jones Street. (18 and up only)

The Stinking Rose- This is one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco, but I love garlic. The Stinking Rose is dedicated to garlic, hence the name. Garlic bread, garlic potatoes, garlic chicken, everything on the menu (except the beverages, thankfully) is garlic based. It is located at 325 Columbus Ave.

The Japanese Tea Garden- In the heart of Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's Japanese Tea Garden. It is a wonderful spot to wander around and to relax. There are multiple pathways through lush, well manicured gardens. The sounds of babbling brooks can be heard throughout. In addition to the gardens, there is a teahouse where authentic traditional Japanese food and beverages can be ordered. IT is located at 7 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive inside of Golden Gate Park.

Bound Together: The Anarchist Collective Bookstore- Looking for that bit of rebellion? Bound Together is a volunteer bookstore that is dedicated to the ideas of anarchism. Nearly any book dedicated to the theory and practice of Anarchism can be found on their shelves. The volunteer staff is also knowledgeable on the topic and there to assist. It is located at 1369 Haight St.

Baker Beach- Baker Beach can be considered a bit on the touristy side, as it offers a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is also a historical site as it is part of the former US Army base known as The Presidio. The north end of the beach is clothing optional, but only the north end. It is a popular site and does tend to get crowded at times, and like most of San Francisco parking is limited. Baker Beach is located on Gibson Road.

The Exploratorium- Nearly every kid in the Bay Area takes a field trip to this place at least once in their school career, and many come back for the fun of it. The Exploratorium is a museum where you enjoy the exhibits by interacting with them. It is based on the idea that learning happens through explorations and interactions more than just looking at something from behind the glass. It is located at 3601 Lyon St (Or according to their website latitude 37' 48' 14" longitude 122' 26' 53' West)
The beauty of San Francisco is that there are so many things to do, and contrary to popular belief there are a good many things to do where the throngs of tourists can be avoided.