Best Things to do in the City by the Bay.
Pretty much everything about San Francisco is unique. Warehouse parties with pirate ship installations; drag shows that go on into the early morning; the best food scoured from every corner of the planet; that California Kush. San Francisco’s history is like a Neapolitan ice cream of queer love, artistic expression, misfits making their own way, and a lot that’s yet to be uncovered. But once you get your first glance at the city as it floats above Karl (or is it Karla now?) the Fog against the setting sun, you too may well become one of the many people that leave their heart in San Francisco.
Over its 170 year history as part of the United States, this endearingly foggy peninsula has borne witness to the Gold Rush, the Summer of Love and two major earthquakes, each bringing a new influx of people far and wide looking for the perfect place to let their freak flags fly. And okay, sure, techies, too.
In only 49 square miles, you could spend weeks never doing the same thing twice, though you may want to. Here are 10 city experiences that make the city what it is today, and you don’t want to pass these up.
Caffe Trieste - this is not the postmodern, industrial cafe you see on the blogs. Caffe Trieste has been around since 1956, serving classic espresso drinks and pastries for the North Beach beatniks, tourists and wanderers alike. It’s also where Francis Ford Coppola wrote “The Godfather,” no big deal.
Twin Peaks - While it may not be the highest summit in the city, the view of the city from Twin Peaks can’t be beat. A 360 view of the city and the chance to get up close and personal with Sutro Tower? We’re there, even if it’s windy.
El Farolito - Those who want to wait in lines go to La Taqueria, and those who want an authentic San Francisco burrito go to El Farolito. They also make a bomb quesadilla suiza.
Oasis Club - Life’s a drag and then you die, but what a drag it can be! Oasis nightclub is a queer beacon in a city that has unfortunately lost many of its LGBTQ+ community enclaves over the years. They host the best drag performers from across the Bay and Beyond, with more than a couple “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestants in the mix.
The Bison Paddock in Golden Gate Park - Golden Gate Park is a microcosm in of itself. The largest park in the city has hosted music festivals like Outside Lands and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, roller skating parties, museums and attractions like the DeYoung and the Japanese Tea Gardens, and even sanctioned a city-wide smoke sesh every April 20. It has also housed a handful of American Bison for generations, who you will see grazing and minding their business as you decide what kind of experience you want that day.
Church of 8 Wheels - Blame it on the boogie, or blame it on the OG roller skate influence and the Church’s owner, David Miles. Before roller skating was a TikTok fixture, this was a Burning Man-inspired venue for all ages to let loose and roll out.
SFMOMA - As an art museum in the heart of downtown, the SFMOMA appeals to tourists and locals alike. Every floor of the MOMA, which is the most fun when you start from the top floor moving down, brings in the best artists, both living and passed, in conversation with each other. It’s also near plenty of bars and restaurants when the art starts making you hungry.
Moe Greens - There are literally dozens of dispensaries across the city serving that good grass, but few make you feel like you’re in an episode of “The Sopranos” while you do it. Moe Greens’ selection paired with their multiple consumption lounges makes this a bucket list destination even if you don’t partake.
Alamo Square - This is one of those stereotypes that even the locals embrace; the Painted Ladies are beautiful Victorian houses and Alamo Square is a great spot for a weekend picnic or hike through the city. It straddles some distinct neighborhoods you’ll want to pass through, too.
Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall - The San Francisco Symphony is epic, so it’s only right for their home concert hall match. Enjoy the peak of orchestral music in a hall fit for royalty, if we had royalty. Dottie’s True Blue Cafe - Dottie’s is a literal diamond in the rough: a delicious, extensive brunch spot nestled in one of the city’s most impoverished streets. No need to pick between sweet or savory; they have it all.
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