Ten Best San Francisco Places Not for Tourists

Looking for San Francisco places to visit and a plethora of different activities, culture, and historical sights to see and enjoy in this city? Fun for the entire family can be had at San Francisco museums, unique gardens and parks. These ten not for tourists sights to see in this happening city are listed in no particular order.

Non-Tourist Sites in San Francisco #1: California Academy of Science (CAS) Museum

This San Francisco museum is a wonderland for science lovers that promises to be an enjoyable not for tourists experience. There is a plethora of activities and animals to see at the CAS museum. The Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium, Kimball Natural History Museum, a 4-story Rainforest, Naturalist Center, Hearst Forum and Raptors (owl, hawk and turkey vulture). Search events on the CAS website.

Admission to the CAS museum is usually $25. However, admission is free on the third Wednesday of each month. Of course, anything free comes with a price. The cost of getting in free is longer lines and wait times. CAS offers $3 off admission if you walk, bike or take public transportation. CAS is located at 55 Music Concourse Drive; hours, directions and contact information can be obtained here.

Non-Tourist Sites in San Francisco #2: Sculpture Garden at San Francisco's Recycling and Disposal

An artsy garden at a garbage company? You will find lovely sculptures made from garbage at this garden that most tourists are unaware of. "Many of the plants in the garden were rescued from the trash." The Sculpture Garden is located at 501 Tunnel Avenue. I highly recommend taking the time to look at the 30 garden sculpture images on the Recology website. I like the Bicycle Fence, Mother and Child, and the Ball Gown.

Tours of the sculpture garden are given on the third Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. For safety reasons, the tour is not appropriate for children under 8 years of age. For reservations, call Deborah Munk at (415) 330-1415.

Non-Tourist Sites in San Francisco #3: Lands End

Lands End is San Francisco's wildest and rockiest coast off of the El Camino Del Mar (2-98 Merrie Way). Lands End trails offer a cliff-top walk with amazing scenic overlooks, a 30 mile view of the coast, and some shoreline beaches. From the rocky shorelines, you will be able to see remains of three shipwrecks. Call (415) 561-4323 for more information.

Non-Tourist Sites in San Francisco #4: Japantown

Experience Japanese culture and customs in Japantown. Browse diverse Japanese shops, grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment. It is not as tourist frequented as Chinatown and is located one mile west of Union Square. Most of Japantown's shops are in the Japan Center. SFJapantown.org has parking and local transit information.

Non-Tourist Sites in San Francisco #5: Hard Knox Café - Authentic Soul Food

Hard Knox has very funky atmosphere - road signs, old tools, and recycled fixtures decorate the café. If you enjoy Southern cooking, this joint is for you and the food is reasonably priced. They offer, wine, beer and even have Thomas Kemper and Stewart's Soda. Hard Knox has two locations: 3^rd Street or Clement Street.

Non-Tourist Sites in San Francisco #6: Zeum - Children's Museum

If your child gets excited about Build-a-Bear and in general enjoys being creative, they hit the jackpot at Zeum. You can create clay animation, make a music video, compose a soundtrack and experiment with digital art. Zeum also offers Carousel rides everyday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. for $3 per person (2 rides!)

Located at 221 4^th Street; admission is $8 for ages 3-18 and seniors, $10 for adults and free for Zeum members and children 2 and under. Zeum also offers group discounts, field trip workshops, birthday parties, facility rental and summer camp! Call ahead for specific availability (415) 820-3320, extension 0. If you are looking for more San Francisco places to visit, the Not for Tourists website is a great resource for finding museums.

Non-Tourist Sites in San Francisco #7: Belden Place aka French Quarter

Belden Place is a street dining experience that is uncommon in this city. Closed to traffic, the street is filled with tables, chairs, umbrellas, Christmas lights, candles and outdoor heaters. Popular among locals and those seeking not for tourists sites; the French, Italian, and Mediterranean restaurants are San Francisco's best places for casual European-style dining. Belden Place celebrates Bastille Day annually on July 14 and is located in the heart of the city along a small one-way street between Chinatown and the Financial District, under the Bank of America tower.

Non-Tourist Sites in San Francisco #8: The Presidio

The Presidio covers a lot of ground and this San Francisco not for tourists site offers open shores, wild coastal bluffs, wooded hilltops, and beautiful gardens. The historic structures, landscapes and rare natural habitats can be found at the following places within the Presidio: Crissy Field, Letterman District, Mountain Lake, Baker Beach, cavalry stables, Fort Scott, San Francisco's National Cemetery, Lobos Creek Valley, historic forest, and Tennessee Hollow. Many of the non-tourist activities within the Presidio are free.

Non-Tourist Sites in San Francisco #9: Haight Street Shopping District

The San Francisco places not for tourists that you don't want to miss are the shops on Haight Street. Home of famous hippies from the 1960's (Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane), the hippy culture is still thriving. From vintage clothing shops and exotic boutiques to hip stores and restaurants, each business has its own unique image. I could spend days on Haight Street. A diverse group of people frequent the area. HaightShop has links to some of the shops you will find in the Haight district.

Non-Tourist Sites in San Francisco #10: Fishermans Wharf

While you are downtown, take the time to explore all that the infamous Fishermans Wharf of San Francisco places to explore. Watch street performers: mimes, magicians, jugglers and fire-eaters. Say hello to the sea lions of PIER 39 and walk Angel Island, an undeveloped island maintained by the National Park Service. Be sure to have some fresh Dungeness crab from outdoor stands. The night scene offers live music, dancing, comedy clubs and more. Their website has information on upcoming special events and entertainment. Visit the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park for sights, sounds, and stories of history.

Sources:

Belden Place
California Academy of Science (CAS) Museum
Fishermans Wharf of San Francisco
HaightShop
Hard Knox
Lands End
The Presidio
SFJapantown.org
San Francisco, Not for Tourists (NFT)
San Francisco Maritime Park, nps.gov
Sculpture Garden at SF Recycling and Disposal, Recology
SF's Children's Museum, Zeum