The Ultimate Hidden Gem Day Trip in San Francisco

Discover the City's most unique and interesting spots, from Panoramic Views to Coastal Wonders

San Francisco is a city teeming with hidden gems, each one offering a unique glimpse into the heart of this iconic place. Whether you're a local looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots or a visitor eager to uncover something new, this guide has you covered. Below, you'll find a geographically organized day trip itinerary that takes you through 13+ of SF's must see places.

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1. Secret Golden Gate Access

Location: Presidio Battery East Tunnel
Parking: Long Ave (Combine with the second stop)
AllTrails Map: Fort Point
This hiker-only tunnel offers a rare and stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge. While most visitors stick to the main roads, this secret path takes you through a hidden tunnel that has the Golden Gate stand right before you, framed by perfect trees within the Presidio. Why is it here? It’s actually a historic gun battery that was built to defend San Francisco Bay when the Presidio was a U.S. Army post.

2. Fort Point

Location: Fort Point National Historic Site
Parking: Long Ave (Don’t repark from the previous site)
Map: Walk back and proceed left on Marine Drive.
Nestled beneath the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point offers a fascinating glimpse into San Francisco’s military history. Built during the Gold Rush, this brick fortress once guarded the entrance to the Bay. Today, it’s a captivating blend of history and panoramic views, with the bridge towering overhead.

3. Wave Organ

Location: Near Marina Green
Parking: Marina Green Parking
Hike: ~0.75 miles roundtrip
A hidden acoustic gem, the Wave Organ is an interactive sculpture that uses the ebb and flow of the tides to create mesmerizing sounds. Located on a jetty extending into the Bay, this spot is both peaceful and intriguing.

4. Yoda Statue

Location: Lucasfilm Headquarters, Presidio
Parking: Main Parking Lot (good for next stop as well)
For Star Wars fans, this is a pilgrimage site. The statue of Yoda, the wise Jedi master, stands proudly in front of Lucasfilm’s headquarters in the Presidio. It’s a small but powerful tribute to one of the most beloved characters in cinema history.

5. Andy Goldsworthy’s “Wood Line” Sculpture

Location: Presidio, Lover’s Lane
Parking: Same as previous
Map: Walk over to this spot
Hidden in plain sight, “Wood Line” is a sinuous sculpture created by artist Andy Goldsworthy. Made from eucalyptus branches, it winds through the trees like a giant serpent, blending art and nature in a way that’s uniquely San Francisco.

6. Huntington Falls & Blue Heron Lake Pavilion

Location: Golden Gate Park
Parking: John F Kennedy Dr
Map: Walk over to here, use AllTrails: here
Golden Gate Park is full of surprises, and Huntington Falls is one of its best. This man-made waterfall cascades down a hillside into Stow Lake, creating a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city. Nearby, the Blue Heron Lake Pavilion, with its colorful pagoda, adds an extra layer of serenity to the scene.

7. Sutro Baths

Location: Lands End
Parking: Lands End Parking Lot
AllTrails Map: Sutro Baths Trail
Once a grand public bathhouse, the Sutro Baths are now a hauntingly beautiful ruin at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The site offers a glimpse into San Francisco’s past, with stunning coastal views and a unique tunnel you can walk through.

8. Marshall Beach

Location: Presidio, Batteries to Bluffs Trail
Parking: Battery Cranston Parking
AllTrails Map: Batteries to Bluffs Trail - exit North and proceed through Marshall Beach
Marshall Beach is a secluded spot where you can get up close and personal with the Golden Gate Bridge. Be aware, though—this is a clothing-optional beach. The trail to the beach is part of the scenic Batteries to Bluffs Trail, offering breathtaking views along the way. Watch for migrating whales!

9. Mosaic Stairs (16th Avenue Tiled Steps)

Location: 16th Avenue & Moraga St
Parking: Street Parking Available (park here for the Garden stairs as well)
A true labor of love, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are a community project that transformed a simple staircase into a vibrant work of art. Each of the 163 steps is decorated with a colorful mosaic, depicting scenes of nature and the cosmos. The stairs lead up to a hilltop with sweeping views of the city; Fodor’s calls it possibly the largest mosiac staircase in the world. Check out Larsen peak while you are at the top!

10. Hidden Garden Stairs

Location: 16th Avenue, between Kirkham St & Lawton St
Parking: Street Parking Available
Installed in 2013, the 143 Hidden Garden Stairs are another artistic gem. The steps are adorned with mosaics that showcase the flora and fauna of San Francisco. It’s a quieter alternative to the more famous 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, but just as beautiful and worth the visit.

11. Mt. Davidson

Location: Mount Davidson Park
Parking: Mount Davidson Trailhead Parking
AllTrails Map: Mount Davidson Trail
Standing as the highest natural point in San Francisco, Mt. Davidson offers panoramic views of the city and beyond (depending on fog off course!). At its peak, you’ll find a giant cross that memorializes the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. The trail to the top is a peaceful journey through eucalyptus and oak trees.

12. Bernal Heights Tree Swing

Location: Bernal Heights Swing Spot
Parking: Bernal Heights Boulevard Parking (Park here for the next stop as well)
AllTrails Map: Bernal Hill Loop
Perched high atop Bernal Hill, this tree swing offers one of the best panoramic views of San Francisco. The swing has a history of being cut down, only to be replaced by locals who refuse to let the magic die.

13. Rainbow Rock

Location: Folsom Street & Bernal Heights Blvd
Parking: Bernal Heights Boulevard Parking
A colorful surprise in the Bernal Heights neighborhood, Rainbow Rock is exactly what it sounds like—a rock painted with bright, cheerful colors. It’s a simple but joyful landmark, with views that stretch across the city.