Jon's Recommendations for Your Visit
Neighborhoods
Glen Park
Noe Valley is a quaint neighborhood just north of Glen Park that's great for a morning or afternoon stroll. The neighborhood features tidy rows of Victorian and Edwardian homes, and thanks to surrounding hills, has some of the city’s sunniest weather. Stroller pushers and dog walkers jostle along 24th Street, which is stocked with bakeries, wine and cheese shops and relaxed cafes. A weekly farmers' market is held in the modest town square.
95 locals recommend
Noe Valley
Noe Valley is a quaint neighborhood just north of Glen Park that's great for a morning or afternoon stroll. The neighborhood features tidy rows of Victorian and Edwardian homes, and thanks to surrounding hills, has some of the city’s sunniest weather. Stroller pushers and dog walkers jostle along 24th Street, which is stocked with bakeries, wine and cheese shops and relaxed cafes. A weekly farmers' market is held in the modest town square.
Named for the 1776-built Mission Dolores, the Mission District is an exuberant, evolving neighborhood with Latino roots and a hipster vibe. Old-school taquerias and eclectic live-music clubs mix with chef-driven eateries and craft cocktail lounges. There are also tattoo parlors, gourmet ice cream shops and Dolores Park, a popular weekend hangout with skyline views. Vibrant murals line streets such as Clarion Alley.
355 locals recommend
Mission District
Named for the 1776-built Mission Dolores, the Mission District is an exuberant, evolving neighborhood with Latino roots and a hipster vibe. Old-school taquerias and eclectic live-music clubs mix with chef-driven eateries and craft cocktail lounges. There are also tattoo parlors, gourmet ice cream shops and Dolores Park, a popular weekend hangout with skyline views. Vibrant murals line streets such as Clarion Alley.
The Presidio, a 1,500-acre park on a former military post, is a major outdoor recreation hub. It has forested areas, miles of trails, a golf course and scenic overlooks. Other highlights include grassy Crissy Field with Golden Gate Bridge views, Civil War–era Fort Point and sandy Baker Beach. Historic buildings house the Walt Disney Family Museum, eateries, homes and businesses like Lucasfilm, with its Yoda Fountain.
383 locals recommend
Presidio of San Francisco
The Presidio, a 1,500-acre park on a former military post, is a major outdoor recreation hub. It has forested areas, miles of trails, a golf course and scenic overlooks. Other highlights include grassy Crissy Field with Golden Gate Bridge views, Civil War–era Fort Point and sandy Baker Beach. Historic buildings house the Walt Disney Family Museum, eateries, homes and businesses like Lucasfilm, with its Yoda Fountain.
Marin County is in Northern California, across the Golden Gate Strait from San Francisco. The sprawling Marin Headlands has Golden Gate Bridge views, trails and the 1855 Point Bonita Lighthouse. North are the giant redwood trees of Muir Woods National Monument. Mount Tamalpais State Park’s namesake peak has panoramic views. The Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Marin County Civic Center is in county seat San Rafael. Lots of ground to cover, but worth a day trip if you have the time!
8 locals recommend
Marin County
Marin County is in Northern California, across the Golden Gate Strait from San Francisco. The sprawling Marin Headlands has Golden Gate Bridge views, trails and the 1855 Point Bonita Lighthouse. North are the giant redwood trees of Muir Woods National Monument. Mount Tamalpais State Park’s namesake peak has panoramic views. The Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Marin County Civic Center is in county seat San Rafael. Lots of ground to cover, but worth a day trip if you have the time!
Forget Chinatown -- this neighborhood has the best Chinese food in San Francisco. Have a meal here then head over into Golden Gate Park to walk it off.
18 locals recommend
Richmond District
Forget Chinatown -- this neighborhood has the best Chinese food in San Francisco. Have a meal here then head over into Golden Gate Park to walk it off.
Glen Park Restaurants
Hands down the best restaurant in Glen Park. High quality Pizza. Now accepts reservations (which is recommended, otherwise you're in for a long wait!)
https://www.gialina.com/reservations.html
137 locals recommend
Gialina
2842 Diamond StHands down the best restaurant in Glen Park. High quality Pizza. Now accepts reservations (which is recommended, otherwise you're in for a long wait!)
https://www.gialina.com/reservations.html
Bistro near Glen Park offers classic French food & ambiance in a cozy, triangle-sized space. Offers a fantastic happy hour Mondays-Thursdays with dollar oysters and well-priced wine. A top choice for dinner in the neighborhood. Great for couples. Recommend making a reservation.
101 locals recommend
Le P'tit Laurent
689 Chenery StBistro near Glen Park offers classic French food & ambiance in a cozy, triangle-sized space. Offers a fantastic happy hour Mondays-Thursdays with dollar oysters and well-priced wine. A top choice for dinner in the neighborhood. Great for couples. Recommend making a reservation.
Local no-frills chain serving up burritos & more in hearty portions. Not the best Mexican in all of SF, but a great option for a quick, clean, cheap bite in the neighborhood.
117 locals recommend
La Corneta Taqueria
2834 Diamond StLocal no-frills chain serving up burritos & more in hearty portions. Not the best Mexican in all of SF, but a great option for a quick, clean, cheap bite in the neighborhood.
Glen Park's only Sushi/Japanese restaurant. Solid. I'd call it 4/5 stars -- you can find better downtown / in Japantown, but it's hard to beat walking distance!
11 locals recommend
Tekka House
678 Chenery StGlen Park's only Sushi/Japanese restaurant. Solid. I'd call it 4/5 stars -- you can find better downtown / in Japantown, but it's hard to beat walking distance!
Our favorite local bakery. Incredible baked goods and great coffee.
48 locals recommend
Destination Baking Company
598 Chenery StOur favorite local bakery. Incredible baked goods and great coffee.
Good Coffee, easy breakfast (eggs, crepes, etc). A great stop on your way to the BART in the morning.
51 locals recommend
Higher Grounds Coffee House
691 Chenery StGood Coffee, easy breakfast (eggs, crepes, etc). A great stop on your way to the BART in the morning.
Unassuming Vietnamese sandwich shop, but really good. Great for lunch. Across from the BART station.
6 locals recommend
Viking’s Giant Submarines
2906 Diamond StUnassuming Vietnamese sandwich shop, but really good. Great for lunch. Across from the BART station.
Simple place, but best coffee in the neighborhood. Acai bowls too. Friendly service, and double shots of espresso for no extra charge!
10 locals recommend
Pebbles Cafe
2852 Diamond StSimple place, but best coffee in the neighborhood. Acai bowls too. Friendly service, and double shots of espresso for no extra charge!
The Great Outdoors
Maybe our favorite hike / walking spot in the entire Bay Area. A 15 minute Uber/Lyft ride from the house.
Known for its rocky coastline, this park boasts sandy beaches, scenic ocean vistas & hiking trails. Great photo spot.
26 locals recommend
Mussel Rock Park
Westline DriveMaybe our favorite hike / walking spot in the entire Bay Area. A 15 minute Uber/Lyft ride from the house.
Known for its rocky coastline, this park boasts sandy beaches, scenic ocean vistas & hiking trails. Great photo spot.
Some of the closest Great Redwoods to SF. Needs a whole day, but very much worth the trip.
500 locals recommend
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Visitor Center
17000 Armstrong Woods RdSome of the closest Great Redwoods to SF. Needs a whole day, but very much worth the trip.
Totally off the beaten path, but worth the trip out to Marin for two reasons: 1) amazing drive over the Golden Gate bridge and then into the Marin headlands overlooking the bridge and all of SF. 2) The beach itself is beautiful and rarely if ever crowded. Usually not warm enough to swim, but great for posting up for the day with a book/towel/chair.
9 locals recommend
Black Sands Beach
Totally off the beaten path, but worth the trip out to Marin for two reasons: 1) amazing drive over the Golden Gate bridge and then into the Marin headlands overlooking the bridge and all of SF. 2) The beach itself is beautiful and rarely if ever crowded. Usually not warm enough to swim, but great for posting up for the day with a book/towel/chair.
One of of our favorite parts about living in Glen Park! It's literally across the street. Definitely get over there for a walk, hike or run. Towering eucalyptus trees, winding trails through the forest, rocky overlooks -- you'd never know you're in SF!
180 locals recommend
Glen Canyon Park
Chenery StreetOne of of our favorite parts about living in Glen Park! It's literally across the street. Definitely get over there for a walk, hike or run. Towering eucalyptus trees, winding trails through the forest, rocky overlooks -- you'd never know you're in SF!
SF Experiences
Our absolute favorite farmer's market in the city. Saturday's 9am-1pm. This is a down-and-dirty farmers market. This place isn't about presentation, but it's home to some of the freshest seasonal produce available in the city, just trucked in from local farms, sold at fair prices. Also an awesome spot for Saturday lunch (try the brick oven pizza, or the "hurache con pollo" from the Mexican food vendor.)
Alemany Farmer's Market
100 Alemany BoulevardOur absolute favorite farmer's market in the city. Saturday's 9am-1pm. This is a down-and-dirty farmers market. This place isn't about presentation, but it's home to some of the freshest seasonal produce available in the city, just trucked in from local farms, sold at fair prices. Also an awesome spot for Saturday lunch (try the brick oven pizza, or the "hurache con pollo" from the Mexican food vendor.)
Sweeping views of the city and bay. Catch an Uber or bus to the top, or throw on some sneakers and set out for a challenging (but rewarding) hike up.
727 locals recommend
Twin Peaks
Sweeping views of the city and bay. Catch an Uber or bus to the top, or throw on some sneakers and set out for a challenging (but rewarding) hike up.
Perfect for an early morning or afternoon stroll. Sweeping views of the Bay and city, similar to Twin Peaks. After walking around the park, you can drop down onto Cortland Ave in Bernal Heights for lunch or a coffee. Great neighborhood (where we used to live!) Uber up to the park, or get a great workout in by doing the walk up from Mission Street.
363 locals recommend
Bernal Heights Park
3400-3416 Folsom StPerfect for an early morning or afternoon stroll. Sweeping views of the Bay and city, similar to Twin Peaks. After walking around the park, you can drop down onto Cortland Ave in Bernal Heights for lunch or a coffee. Great neighborhood (where we used to live!) Uber up to the park, or get a great workout in by doing the walk up from Mission Street.
Japan Town
Great restaurants, funky shops.
Perch
654 Chenery StAmazing gift and curio shop in Glen Park.
Start your walk here towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Amazing photos ops right along the water. Flat walk. Great farmers market there on Sundays.
161 locals recommend
Fort Mason
2 Marina BlvdStart your walk here towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Amazing photos ops right along the water. Flat walk. Great farmers market there on Sundays.
SF/Bay Area Restaurants
The best Dim Sum in the Bay Area. No reservations accepted. This place is super popular -- if you're thinking of going on a weekend, try to get there before 10am, or be prepared to wait 30 mins - 1 hour for your table (there is a shopping mall within walking distance if you need to kill time).
A 15 minute Uber ride from the house.
12 locals recommend
Koi Palace
365 Gellert BoulevardThe best Dim Sum in the Bay Area. No reservations accepted. This place is super popular -- if you're thinking of going on a weekend, try to get there before 10am, or be prepared to wait 30 mins - 1 hour for your table (there is a shopping mall within walking distance if you need to kill time).
A 15 minute Uber ride from the house.
If you want to do Dim Sum in the city, this is your best bet. A bit pricier, but for good reason. An SF classic.
45 locals recommend
Yank Sing
101 Spear StIf you want to do Dim Sum in the city, this is your best bet. A bit pricier, but for good reason. An SF classic.
Family-owned ice cream shop scoops classic & creative flavors made in small batches on the premises. Another SF classic.
214 locals recommend
Mitchell's Ice Cream
688 San Jose AvenueFamily-owned ice cream shop scoops classic & creative flavors made in small batches on the premises. Another SF classic.
A Bay Area establishment. Super fresh Oysters, Seafood, and creative non-seafood options with a view of the Bay Bridge.
58 locals recommend
Hog Island Oyster Co.
A Bay Area establishment. Super fresh Oysters, Seafood, and creative non-seafood options with a view of the Bay Bridge.
THE place to go in the mission for authentic tacos and burritos. Fast casual. Usually a line out the door.
347 locals recommend
La Taqueria
2889 Mission StTHE place to go in the mission for authentic tacos and burritos. Fast casual. Usually a line out the door.
Relaxed, modern New American restaurant for an inventive take on seafood & vegetable dishes. Michelin rated. Great for vegetarians and pescatarians.
105 locals recommend
AL's Place
1499 Valencia StreetRelaxed, modern New American restaurant for an inventive take on seafood & vegetable dishes. Michelin rated. Great for vegetarians and pescatarians.
Buzzy, casual eatery for Hawaiian, Indian & Chinese dishes in a brick-walled space with booths.
55 locals recommend
Liholiho Yacht Club
871 Sutter StreetBuzzy, casual eatery for Hawaiian, Indian & Chinese dishes in a brick-walled space with booths.
Out in Oakland, but the best Middle Eastern food I've had in the Bay Area. Located in Jack London Square, an up and coming part of Oakland right on the water that's worth spending a few hours in its own right.
8 locals recommend
Dyafa
44 Webster StOut in Oakland, but the best Middle Eastern food I've had in the Bay Area. Located in Jack London Square, an up and coming part of Oakland right on the water that's worth spending a few hours in its own right.
City Running
The closest running trails to our home (and also some of the city's best!) Enter the park near the intersection of Elk and Chenery streets.
180 locals recommend
Glen Canyon Park
Chenery StreetThe closest running trails to our home (and also some of the city's best!) Enter the park near the intersection of Elk and Chenery streets.
A good 15-20 minute Uber ride from the house, but if you're hungry for barefoot beach running, this is your spot. If you're looking to make an afternoon of it, it's a five mile run to get there from the house (one way). Expect some hills as you pass through West Portal, but then it's all flat through the Outer Sunset as you approach the beach.
If you run the beach all the way North, you'll be rewarded with a view of the Golden Gate at the end.
553 locals recommend
Ocean Beach
La Playa StA good 15-20 minute Uber ride from the house, but if you're hungry for barefoot beach running, this is your spot. If you're looking to make an afternoon of it, it's a five mile run to get there from the house (one way). Expect some hills as you pass through West Portal, but then it's all flat through the Outer Sunset as you approach the beach.
If you run the beach all the way North, you'll be rewarded with a view of the Golden Gate at the end.
A five mile run from the house just to get there, or catch on Uber up (15 mins). Miles and miles of beautiful running paths and trails, leading all the way out to the coast.
1721 locals recommend
Golden Gate Park
A five mile run from the house just to get there, or catch on Uber up (15 mins). Miles and miles of beautiful running paths and trails, leading all the way out to the coast.
Though it’s not as scenic as the nearby Ocean Beach run, it’s a solid path. A mostly flat run, although be warned that there are a couple of decent inclines. The trail is mostly paved, with an optional dirt/gravel inside track.
75 locals recommend
Lake Merced Park
Though it’s not as scenic as the nearby Ocean Beach run, it’s a solid path. A mostly flat run, although be warned that there are a couple of decent inclines. The trail is mostly paved, with an optional dirt/gravel inside track.