How to Get Off the Beaten Path in San Francisco

While snapping a pic of the Golden Gate Bridge or driving down crooked Lombard Street is always fun to do, consider taking a detour from the main sites to witness a different side of San Francisco. Here’s how to make the most of your time in The City by the Bay.

Legion of Honor

With an impressive fine art collection that spans 4,000 years of history, the Legion of Honor is perched on the city’s northwest edge and boasts views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. The museum is built in the French neoclassical style, with a cast of Rodin’s The Thinker in its rotunda.

Balmy Alley

With its Latino roots and hipster vibes, the Mission District is perhaps one of the most colorful areas of the city, and Balmy Alley in particular boasts the most concentrated collection of murals in San Francisco. The block-long alley is painted by local artists and the murals are constantly changing styles. Visitors are encouraged to walk the alley for the full experience.

16th Avenue Tiled Steps

Located on Moraga Street between 15th and 16th avenues, this 163-step stairway was commissioned as a community art project. The hand-made mosaic designs feature an evolving sea-to-stars design. Plus, there’s a lovely garden on either side of the steps and a great view of the breakers from the top.

San Francisco Bay

Hit the open water for a change of pace and scenery on any of the local ferries, or book a cruise around the bay on a sailboat or catamaran. Sailing around the bay provides a different vantage point and often includes glimpses of Alcatraz and Angel islands, Marin, or Sausalito.