San Francisco is a city that never ceases to surprise and delight its visitors. From its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge to its diverse neighborhoods, there is always something new to discover and enjoy. But if you want to go beyond the usual tourist attractions and experience the city like a local, here are 10 offbeat experiences that you can have in San Francisco.
Experience the Wave Organ
If you love the sound of the ocean, you will love the Wave Organ, a giant musical instrument that is played by the waves of the San Francisco Bay. The Wave Organ consists of 25 pipes of various lengths and diameters that are embedded in a jetty near the Marina District. As the water level changes with the tide, the pipes produce different sounds that create a soothing and harmonious symphony. The best time to visit the Wave Organ is around high tide, when the music is louder and more varied.
Climb the Moraga Steps
The Moraga Steps are a stunning example of public art that transforms an ordinary staircase into a colorful mosaic. Located on 16th Avenue in the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood, the steps feature 163 steps decorated with more than 2,000 handmade tiles that form a beautiful pattern of stars, flowers, birds, and other whimsical motifs. The tiles were created by local artists and residents as part of a community project that started in 2003. The steps are not only a visual treat, but also a great workout, as they lead to a panoramic view of the city and the ocean.
Explore the Mission District
The Mission District is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich areas of San Francisco, where you can experience the city’s Latino heritage and artistic flair. The Mission is home to many delicious Mexican restaurants, trendy boutiques, and quirky art galleries. But the highlight of the neighborhood is its street art, which covers almost every wall and alley with colorful murals that reflect various themes and styles. You can join a free walking tour to learn more about the history and meaning of these artworks, or just wander around and admire them at your own pace.
See the Giant Camera
The Giant Camera is a unique attraction that offers a different perspective on the scenery of San Francisco. Located near Ocean Beach, the Giant Camera is a large-scale camera obscura that projects live images of the surrounding landscape onto a circular screen inside a darkened room. The camera works by using mirrors and lenses to capture the light from outside and invert it onto the screen. The result is a fascinating and realistic view of the Seal Rock area, which changes with the weather and time of day.
Walk the labyrinth at Lands End
If you are looking for a peaceful and meditative spot in San Francisco, you should visit the Labyrinth at Lands End, a stone maze that overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. The labyrinth was created by local artist Eduardo Aguilera in 2004 as a gift to the city and its people. The labyrinth is not meant to be a puzzle, but rather a path for contemplation and reflection. You can walk along the spiral trail to reach the center of the labyrinth, or simply enjoy the stunning views from the edge of the cliff.
Drive (or walk) along Scenic 49 Mile Drive
If you want to see as much as possible of San Francisco in one day, you can follow Scenic 49 Mile Drive, a designated route that highlights some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the city. The drive starts at City Hall and takes you through Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Lake Merced, Ocean Beach, and many other attractions along the way. You can spot signs with seagulls marking each turn on your journey. You can also stop at any point to explore further or take pictures.
Admire the Asian Art Museum
The Asian Art Museum is one of the most comprehensive and impressive museums of Asian art in the world, with more than 18,000 works of art in its permanent collection. The museum showcases the rich and diverse cultures of Asia, spanning 6,000 years of history and covering regions from Turkey to India to China to Japan. You can see exquisite sculptures, paintings, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and more, as well as learn about the stories and traditions behind them. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and performances that highlight different aspects of Asian art and culture.
Drive down Lombard Street
Lombard Street is one of the most famous streets in San Francisco, and for a good reason. It is known as the “crookedest street in the world” because of its steep one-block section with eight hairpin turns. The street was designed this way in 1922 to reduce the hill’s natural 27% grade, which was too steep for most vehicles. The street is also lined with colorful flowers and elegant mansions, making it a picturesque sight to behold. You can drive down Lombard Street if you dare, or just watch other cars navigate the curves from the sidewalk.
Visit the Musée Mecanique
Step back in time at the Musée Mecanique, a vintage arcade located at Fisherman’s Wharf. This quirky museum houses an extensive collection of antique arcade games, mechanical musical instruments, and coin-operated machines. Play games from a bygone era and marvel at the nostalgia-inducing exhibits.
See the Holocaust Memorial at California Palace of the Legion of Honor
The Holocaust Memorial at California Palace of the Legion of Honor is a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of one of the darkest chapters in human history. The memorial consists of a bronze sculpture by George Segal that depicts a group of emaciated prisoners behind a barbed wire fence. The sculpture is set against a backdrop of green hills and blue sky, creating a stark contrast between the beauty of nature and the horror of genocide. The memorial was dedicated in 1984 and has been visited by many dignitaries and survivors over the years. It is located near the entrance of the Legion of Honor museum, which houses a collection of European art from ancient times to the 20th century.
