San Francisco has hidden gems that rival the Golden Gate Bridge | America | Travel

“The symbolism of San Francisco, since its very origins, is that this is the edge of the world. It has always represented some kind of frontier.”

Spend even a short while beside the bay and these words from The Beat Museum’s art director Brandon Loberg begin to resonate deeply. San Francisco stands as a cultural giant.

Yet make no mistake, the Golden City’s fame extends far beyond its iconic bridge, Alcatraz and Mrs Doubtfire. This became abundantly clear during my exploration of the city’s lesser-known treasures.

The museum in question pays homage to the Beat Generation, that groundbreaking 1950s literary movement featuring luminaries like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, whose pursuit of tolerance and understanding continues to echo through to 2025.

Located opposite the iconic City Lights bookshop in North Beach, the museum sits in a district whose name is somewhat misleading – San Francisco isn’t your typical beachside Californian destination.

Rather, North Beach presents itself as a vibrant, authentic celebration of Italian-American heritage. Creative minds have gathered at Caffe Trieste since 1956, finding their muse amongst coffee and pastries, whilst Tony’s Pizza Napoletana honours Naples’ greatest culinary contribution to widespread recognition.

Tony Gemignani’s creations frequently feature amongst lists of the globe’s finest pizzas. Following such indulgence, a leisurely walk through the adjacent Washington Square Park would certainly be worthwhile.

The square is dominated by Saints Peter and Paul Church, the venue where Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe wed baseball star Joe DiMaggio in 1954 – a perfect spot for those seeking a touch of legendary glamour.

Whilst the city boasts a rich historical tapestry, San Francisco is unmistakably a pioneer of modern innovation. This is perhaps most strikingly demonstrated by the Waymo taxis now navigating its streets.

For the adventurous, these 200 autonomous vehicles offer a glimpse into tomorrow’s transport – simply download the app and you’ll find yourself winding down the famous Lombard Street without any driver conversation, free to blast your guilty pleasure playlist without judgement.

Regardless of your chosen method of getting about, a visit to the vibrant, tie-dye-soaked neighbourhood of Haight-Ashbury is essential. The district remains forever linked with The Summer of Love, a pivotal chapter in American alternative culture when approximately 100,000 individuals gathered in 1967 for a spiritual revolution that continues to resonate today.

Pam Brennan actually experienced those transformative times firsthand. During our encounter, she painted a colourful portrait of the era and its enduring influence through her Haight-Ashbury Flower Power walking tour.

“We used to call ourselves freaks as they made hippies seem desperate – then we claimed the word hippy back,” she told me. Music legends Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell and Jimi Hendrix were celebrated in Haight-Ashbury – a mural dedicated to Hendrix overlooks the district’s splendid selection of thrift shops and restaurants.

The famous Amoeba Music record store is the perfect spot to pick up a piece from one of the area’s musical and cultural pioneers.

Speak to any true local of Haight-Ashbury and they’ll tell you that The Grateful Dead surpass all other musicians from the area, despite the greatness of many. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the band, founded by Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron ‘Pigpen’ McKernan, Phil Lesh and Bill Kreutzmann, with a host of events celebrating their music and, crucially, their influence.

Even today, ‘Deadheads’ from around the globe journey here for a selfie outside the distinctive purple house on Ashbury Street where the band lived with manager Rock Scully back in the 1960s.

The Counterculture Museum, located on Haight Street and opened earlier this year, features a special Grateful Dead section alongside exhibits highlighting San Francisco’s role in spearheading the LGBTQIA+ movement, the city’s fight for racial justice, and women’s equality.

During a stay at Hotel Zepplin, situated on Post Street, you’ll notice subtle references to San Francisco’s part in leading significant social movements. The hotel, which brands itself as ‘a love letter to rebels and revolutionaries’, boasts 196 rooms, a gym and an affiliated diner named PLS on Post.

The Grateful Dead’s anniversary is being celebrated in style at the music-themed Hotel Zeppelin, where suites come equipped with record players and a selection of vinyl, not to mention the delightful cherry Garcia ice cream. San Francisco, renowned for its culinary prowess, offers an array of dining options within easy reach of the hotel.

Just a short distance away is Bombay Brasserie, serving up a feast of dishes inspired by India’s diverse regions. For a more laid-back vibe, Hook Fish provides a casual neighbourhood setting, perfect for a leisurely meal after a stroll through Sunset Dunes Park.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, celebrity chef Tyler Florence’s Wayfare Tavern offers a sophisticated menu of American classics, complemented by an extensive cocktail list. Regardless of whether it’s a sunny day or the city is shrouded in ‘Karl’, its infamous fog, a ferry trip across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito promises some of the finest Italian cuisine you could hope to find.

The Stretchy Pants group offers a unique opportunity to delve into San Francisco’s rich heritage through a culinary walking tour. The journey through the predominantly Latin-American Mission district provides a taste of local life, with food serving as a narrative of its vibrant history.

As guide Robert Magee puts it: “This area has always been a bastion of resistance to the establishment.”

The district’s captivating murals, resplendent in their colourful glory, echo this sentiment. The Stretchy Pants tour concludes in the Castro neighbourhood, a pioneering hub of the LGBTQIA+ movement.

This lively and welcoming area is home to the iconic Castro Theatre and a host of clubs and bars.

A visit to Twin Peaks, located at the intersection of Castro and 17th, is a must. It holds the distinction of being the first American gay bar with transparent plate-glass windows – a bold statement that inspired many others.

Adjacent to it is Hot Cookie, a bakery known for its ‘cheeky’ sweet delights. Let’s leave the rest to your imagination….

Indeed, a night out in Castro promises to be unforgettable, with San Francisco’s nightlife pulsating with energy. The Great American Music Hall, dating back to 1907, is steeped in history.

It was here that the city’s beloved adopted son, Robin Williams, filmed ‘An Evening with Robin Williams’ in 1982. This year, the delightfully eccentric Misfit Cabaret celebrated their 10th anniversary at this O’Farrell Street institution.

Adding another vibrant strand to the city’s cultural tapestry is the annual Super Flex festival. This contemporary arts event transforms the streets of Chinatown.

Among the many highlights of 2025, witnessing a highly skilled DJ conduct a street rave while playing an Earth, Wind, and Fire mix from a colossal animatronic fish was a truly unique spectacle.

After such excitement, some downtime may be in order. The Kimpton Alton Hotel in the family-friendly Fisherman’s Wharf area offers a tranquil retreat.

With 248 accommodation options, including spacious rooms and suites, guests can unwind in comfort. The hotel even features record players in its rooms, perfect for spinning your Amoeba purchases.

Plus, you’ll find a selection of the Kimpton Alton’s top picks waiting in your room.

The hotel boasts a gym and the Filipino restaurant Abacá, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It was here that I developed a liking for ube, a purple yam native to the Philippines, which added a vibrant touch to my evening cocktail.

Fully rejuvenated, you’ll find Pier 39 and other tourist attractions of the Wharf just a stone’s throw away, along with breathtaking views of the water. You can immerse yourself in these views by embarking on a solo kayaking adventure courtesy of City Kayak, located near Oracle Park, home to the San Francisco Giants baseball team.

They offer routes suitable for all skill levels, where you’re likely to spot one of San Francisco’s native sea lions.

After getting the hang of steering, I joined a group of Giants fans kayaking towards Oracle Park. Some supporters watch the games for free from their kayaks, enjoying a beer while bobbing on the waves and watching the stadium’s big screen.

If you’re a sports enthusiast, this unique experience is not to be missed. Later, I had the chance to watch the action from the stands inside Oracle Park as the Giants took on their rivals, the LA Dodgers.

As your trip draws to a close, the adorable Wag Brigade will make a final attempt to convince you to extend your stay. This delightful team of dogs is part of a San Francisco Airport initiative launched in 2013, aimed at making air travel less stressful.

These furry friends patrol SFO’s terminals, bringing joy to travellers. Back at home, you’ll be eagerly recounting the tales of San Francisco.

Book the holiday

Rooms at The Hotel Zeppelin start from $179. Kimpton Alton Hotel room details can be found by visiting www.altonhotelsf.com

British Airways flies from London Heathrow to San Francisco from £489 return, including taxes and carrier fees.

You can find further information by visiting www.sftravel.com