Cool, unique non-touristy things to do in San Fran (for a tourist)?

I'll be in San Francisco next weekend and will have a little free time to explore.



Not looking to do ultra touristy things (like Alcatraz of Golden Gate), but just cool, unique to San Francisco things that only the locals know about. Like seeing a beet poetry reading or eating at a restaraunt where you get served in the dark, or whatevs



thx for the ideas!!!Cool, unique non-touristy things to do in San Fran (for a tourist)?
Off the net



One of the unique things about SF is its staircase streets -- streets that are so "vertical" that they're for walkers only. The best staircase streets other than the Filbert Steps: well, number two would have to be Vulcan Street (in the Upper Market neighborhood, between Ord Street and Lower Terrance, off of 17th Street (go to 17th and Ord, and head down Ord to the foot of the stairs). This is a Shangri-la of cottages and gardens, landscaped with the original paving stones from this area's 19th century streets. A close second is Macondray Lane on Russian Hill -- one block east of Union Street. Adah Bakalinsky has written a great book called "Staircase Walks In San Francisco," which links up staircase streets (including these) into interesting and charming city walks. It's generally available in SF bookstores.



Prettiest neighborhood that no one knows about would have to be Parnassus Heights. Wedged into the Sutro Forest, this tiny neigh- borhood (home of author Armistead Maupin) with its brick streets and beau- tiful Edwardians is lined with plum trees -- come in mid-February to see this neighborhood in bloom. There's a trail through the Sutro Forest that starts at the dead-end of Edgewood -- if you follow it and keep to the left, you'll end up on Clarendon Avenue.



If you want to sample some of San Francisco's unique sense of community, volunteer at one of Friends of the Urban Forest's Saturday morning tree plantings. Almost every Saturday morning at 9AM, this group is out in some neighborhood of the city, planting anywhere from 30 to 100 trees. Watch neighbors and volunteers transform a San Francisco neighborhood over three hours on a Saturday morning -- the karma is incredible! No experience is necessary, and volunteers are always welcome. An "only in San Francisco" event.



Best place to imagine you're in Munich would be Suppenkuche in Hayes Valley (525 Laguna, at the corner of Hayes). A fun, youngish crowd, an unmatched beer selection and incredible German food (for those who don't find that to be a contradiction in terms). My German friends tell me this place is absolutely authentic, down to the big old pine tables that you're as likely as not to find yourself sharing, biergarten-style, with other patrons.





http://www.imperialtea.com



http://www.kabukisprings.com



http://www.noevalleymusicseries.com



I love Noe Valley it it is just a beautiful and charming little areaCool, unique non-touristy things to do in San Fran (for a tourist)?
Chinatown is frequented by a lot of local ppl not just tourists. In addition to eating at the restaurants and bakeries, you can buy fresh fruit (even in small quantities) for low prices and pick up some reasonably priced souvenirs on Grant Ave (even though you want to do non-tourist things, you might still want to get some SF souvenirs for family, friends and yourself). Another hint: in Chinatown, the businesses on Stockton St. are patronized mostly by ppl from China/Hong Kong, Singapore, etc. and the businesses on Grant Ave are frequented mostly by tourists (and Chinese-Americans from Iowa). San Franciscans also visit bookstores downtown (Borders, Staceys) and the Virgin Megastore on Market St.
Are you 21 or older? Go to the mission district at night, there are lots of cool bars and clubs. Btw its beat poetry, and if you want to visit where it all started find city lights bookstore.Cool, unique non-touristy things to do in San Fran (for a tourist)?
go dumb in the parking lot of and a's game and start a sideshow
Check out the interesting neighborhoods. Valencia St., Haight St., Clement St. (for new Chinese and Russian-- not touristy). Look at the Bay Guardian or SF Weekly for information on happenings. Or go online to craigslist. Beautiful walk from Fort Mason to Golden Gate Bridge (including the new Presidio park) as a nice contrast from the wharf. Views from Russian Hill, Laurel Heights or Twin Peaks.Cool, unique non-touristy things to do in San Fran (for a tourist)?
Check out the Castro Dist. Wear Purple.
Presidio Tour:

right on the south side of the golden gate bridge, (closest to the city) is the Presidio. rent or bring a bike and ride throughout the Presidio. It is very beautiful. After you go through the Presidio, make your way down to Crissy Field and ride along the water. Stop at the crissy field cafe, get a sandwich to go, and ride down to the beach and eat your sandwich there. then, ride all the way down towards the golden gate bridge until the path stops at a couple of buildings. you can keep going until you get bored and then turn around and head to where you started.



Haight Tour:

take the bus, or drive to haight street. here, you can explore some awesome shops and some great food. i recommend starting near Amoeba records (you can go in if you want to) and following the street on foot until you reach the other side. Go into every shop that looks interesting and i'm sure you'll find some very interesting stuff. There is a really, really good pizza place that i love to go to on the right side of the street. it is very popular so i'm sure you should be able to find it. just explore the shops and if you want, wait until night and go into some clubs.



I HOPE YOU ENJOY SAN FRANCISCO!!!!
Horse back ride in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco