It’s easy to find recommendations for typical first-time San Francisco visitor experiences.
Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Castro, and Golden Gate Park are all wonderful and each has both well- and lesser-known aspects that are worth seeking out. However, the compact city still has several other neighborhoods begging to be explored, from an artificial island within city limits to attractions on the residential west side.
Here are the best neighborhoods in San Francisco to taste amazing international food, explore locals’ favorite green spaces, hit up personality-filled bars, and see what else the City by the Bay has to show for its wild west boundary-pushing spirit and welcoming, diverse communities.
Best new neighborhood for unbeatable city skyline views
Close to the halfway point between San Francisco and Oakland is the 400-acre Treasure Island, originally created as an artificial land mass for the 1939 Golden Gate International Expo. Its role since has included being a seaplane harbor for Pan-Am airlines, and a decades-long naval base. Treasure Island became an official residential SF neighborhood in 1997.
Though peaceful and quiet at times, island living also had limited resources, with just one grocery store and often just one restaurant. That said, the view of the SF downtown skyline, especially from Avenue of the Palms is unbeatable, and the island is now in the early years of a 20-year development plan that includes housing, hotels, parks, restaurants and more. One completed aspect is the ferry that you can hop on for a fast 10-minute ride to the island (or take the trusty 25 MUNI bus from the Salesforce Transit Center downtown). More advanced bikers can also bike to TI if coming from the East Bay. An SF bike path to TI may be built in the future.
Just beyond the official TI entrance is the commanding art deco Building One, which can be seen in Netflix’s The O.A. Inside is Woods Island Club for beer, wine, and empanadas. The building also has the free Treasure Island Museum, which has artifacts from the World’s Expo and contemporary island history. Dine and play bocce ball on the Great Lawn, next to the water, at Mersea, which also houses Golden Hour Bar in collaboration with Gold Bar Whiskey, endorsed by the SF 49ers. Enjoy an outdoor fireside brunch at Aracely Cafe. For more drinking, walk to Treasure Island Wines or Treecraft Distillery. For less drinking and more activities, consider renting a paddleboard or kayak from the nonprofit Treasure Island Sailing Center. Since the island is under rapid development, check the status of places you plan to visit before heading over.
Hotels on TI are being built, so you’re currently best off in
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