Skip to main content

Best Hidden Sights of San Francisco: A Local's Guide

By: Hotel Nikko San Francisco / 17 Mar 2021
Best Hidden Sights of San Francisco: A Local's Guide
San Francisco is a city of contradictions, from the breathtaking beauty of Golden Gate Park to the urban energy and arts of the Mission District. In the City by the Bay, you'll find colorful neighborhoods, lively shopping and dining, amazing architecture, beautiful parks and beaches, exciting cultural experiences and everything in between.

If you're searching for authentic local experiences, the Hotel Nikko concierge has insider tips to the sights, sounds and scenes of San Francisco. Whether you crave art, history, fashion, food, adventure or romance, the best things to do off the beaten path are just around the corner.

1. The Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge
Crissy Field and The Presidio's Marshall Beach and Battery East are the best spots to see the Golden Gate Bridge. Walk along the coastal trail at Battery East and soak up gorgeous views of the iconic orange towers spanning miles over the San Francisco Bay.

2. The Most Romantic Place in San Francisco
Near the Marina District, the Palace of Fine Arts is the most romantic spot in San Francisco. With its Roman style architecture, giant rotunda, colonnades, and lagoon, the Palace offers a romantic and historic atmosphere for wedding proposals and photographs.

3. The Best Running Trails Along San Francisco Bay
With its rugged coastline, scenic beaches and parks, ocean views, and culture everywhere, the trails in San Francisco offer amazing fitness and culture experiences. Our favorite coastal running trails include the 3.4-mile Lands End Trail, California Coastal Trail, Batteries to Bluff Trail, and the Presidio Loop Trail.

4. The Best Food Truck Parks in San Francisco
The food truck culture in San Francisco is cooking with many markets, parks and neighborhoods taking their eats to the streets. Our favorite food truck parks include Spark Social SF in the San Francisco's Mission Bay neighborhood and the SoMa StrEat Food Park. Spark Social features 150 food trucks, a beer and sangria garden, and community events. From tacos to sushi to southern barbecue, San Francisco food trucks celebrate creative, local culinary experiences.

5. The Best Urban Family Park
Two blocks south of the Mission District, and just west of The Castro, Dolores Park is grassy and hilly gathering spot in the heart of San Francisco. This lovely par features grassy areas, tennis and basketball courts, a children's playground, and a dog play area. Dolores park offers amazing views of downtown San Francisco and San Francisco Bay. The park is surrounded by cafes and restaurants and the Mission District, which was named one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world.

A Luxury Boutique Hotel in Union Square
Located just two blocks off Union Square, in the heart of San Francisco, Hotel Nikko offers an urban refuge for curious adventurers, families and business travelers from around the world. Surrounded by the Theater District, Chinatown, Mission District and Fisherman's Wharf, our Asian-inspired hotel puts you close to the best things to do in San Francisco and its coolest neighborhoods.

After exploring the city's amazing sights, relax in luxury rooms and suites with Japanese décor and spectacular views of SF. Enjoy outdoor dining on the heated patio, featuring the ANZU to You food truck. Try Chef Tanaka's Japanese fusion fare, including soba noodle dishes, slow-cooked short ribs, and the best sushi in Union Square.

If you're looking for authentic local experiences and gracious hospitality, Hotel Nikko embodies the spirit of San Francisco. Start your adventure in San Francisco's most vibrant neighborhood - Union Square - with these hotel specials as inspiration.

Find more readings