Off Beaten Path Attractions in San Francisco

Not interested in joining the throngs of tourists down on Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf? Think the Golden Gate Bridge has been done to death? Well, you're in luck. There are some hidden gems in San Francisco still waiting to be discovered by the millions of visitors that flock to the city every year.

Sam Spade fans know that many a mystery was set in San Francisco. Those with a taste for the dramatic can take the Dashiell Hammett walking tour and follow in the footsteps of the famous hard-boiled detective. Those with more artistic leanings can't miss a trip to the Mission District (where the burritos are a local staple), to see the beautiful cultural murals.

If you want to take in some more of the scenery, walk along the California Coastal Trail, from the pedestrian path under the Golden Gate Bridge near Fort Point. Locals take their dogs to the dog park at Fort Funston, where you can enjoy the fresh sea air and a nice view of the ocean. Japantown isn't as famous as Chinatown but it's still filled with great restaurants and lovely shops. Music lovers will not want to miss services at the St. John Coltrane Church which is so off the beaten path that you might be able to impress your local friends!

Fort Funston

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Skyline Blvd.

Clifftop vantage over the Pacific...
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Mission District

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Mission Street

Interesting Neighborhood...
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Ocean Beach

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Great Highway

San Francisco's largest...
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Japantown

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Webster and Post Streets

The customs and culture of Japan in San Francisco...
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Dashiell Hammett Walking Tour

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100 Larkin Street

Film Noir come to life...
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Saint John Coltrane Church

1286 Fillmore Street

Guiding Souls Back to God...
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City Lights Booksellers & Publishers

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261 Columbus Ave.
At Broadway

Beat-era reading...
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Fort Point National Historic Site

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Fort Point NHS Long Avenue and Presidio of San Francisco

Golden Gate stronghold...
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The Castro: Historical Walking Tour of San Francisco's Gay & Lesbian District

Historical tour with an emphasis on the LGBT community...
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Wave Organ

1 Yacht Road

Animated Musical Artwork...
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