Our best recommendations for exploring San Francisco like a local.
San Francisco offers visitors more than tourist traps like Fisherman's Wharf and trolley cars.
To help you experience the best of the city, we surveyed Business Insider employees based in San Francisco on their favorite local spots. From the nature trails at Lands End to happy hour at the Tonga Room, these off-the-beaten path destinations showcase the best the city has to offer.
On Thursday nights, the California Academy of Sciences stays open late for adults-only special events. Take a yoga class in the aquarium, see the stars at the planetarium, or grab a cocktail and mingle with the nearly 46 million scientific specimens on site.
Address: 55 Music Concourse Drive
Cost: $15
Church of 8 Wheels is a roller disco like no other. On Friday and Saturday nights, skaters (many in costume) fill the rink located inside a 120-year-old former Catholic church.
Address: 554 Fillmore Street
Cost: $10 for admission and $5 for skate rental
GameVibes at the Folsom Street Foundry is a gamer's paradise. Thursday and Friday nights, players flock to the bar for video games, board games, and everything in between.
Address: 1425 Folsom Street
Cost: $5
Drink your way through history with a tour at Anchor Brewing Company, San Francisco's original craft brewery. The tour ends with a beer tasting in the taproom.
Address: 1705 Mariposa Street
Cost: $25
Sing Alongs at the historic Castro Theater are possibly the most fun you'll have at the movies. The theater screens musicals, ranging from "Mary Poppins" to "Moana," with subtitles so the audience can join in. Dress up as your favorite character to win prizes.
Address: 429 Castro Street
Cost: $16 for adults and $11 for seniors and kids ages 12 and under
Some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge are to be had on the rocky and windswept shoreline trails at Lands End. Wear sneakers — the hike includes many stairs.
Address: 680 Point Lobos Avenue
Cost: Free
And don't miss the rock labyrinth at Lands End for a very Instagrammable moment.
San Francisco may not have invented the burrito, but it arguably perfected it. Wander the Mission District for the best shopping, people-watching, and burritos the city has to offer.
We tried 8 of the best burritos in San Francisco — here's the champion »
We recommend Papalote Mexican Grill or Taqueria Cancún for a less touristy experience.
The Alemany Farmers' Market is sometimes referred to as the "people's market," for its laid-back atmosphere and low prices. It was the first farmers' market in California.
Address: 100 Alemany Boulevard
Cost: Free
People of all faiths gather to practice yoga in the darkened Grace Cathedral on Tuesday nights. Get there early to nab a spot in the center labyrinth.
Address: 1100 California Street
Cost: $10 to $20 donation suggested
It may be touristy, but happy hour at the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar is not to be missed. Enjoy the Pacific Rim cuisine and umbrella drinks in this sprawling tiki-themed lounge.
Locals know the best way to get to know the city is through the free walking tours offered by volunteers known as the San Francisco City Guides. Each tour lasts about two hours.
Cost: $10 to $20 donation suggested
The landmark Conservatory of Flowers building in Golden Gate Park is home to more than 2,000 species of plants and flowers. Catch the evening light show through October 21.
Address: 100 John F. Kennedy Drive
Cost: $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and children ages 17 and under
The original Philz Coffee location in the Mission is a San Francisco institution. This venture capital-backed chain offers 30 unique blends. Order it "Phil's way" for sweet and creamy.
Address: 3101 24th Street
Cost: $3.50 – $4.50
Fort Funston sits on 200-foot bluffs on the western edge of San Francisco. High winds make it a top hang-gliding spot, while others come for the dog-friendly walking trails.
Address: Fort Funston Road
Cost: Free
Musée Mécanique is the only acceptable reason for venturing to Fisherman's Wharf. The museum contains 20th-century music boxes and penny arcade games you can actually play.
Address: Pier 45
Cost: 1 cent to $1 to play the coin-operated games
Our best recommendations for exploring San Francisco like a local. Read Full Story
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