The City by the Bay has been sung about, lusted after, and touted for its many charms; so many that even the most frequent of travelers could miss the city’s hidden gems. These 10 tips will get you one step closer to exploring San Francisco like a local.

Where to Find the Best Boba In San Francisco

Nestled in the Sunset District — an area of San Francisco that, ironically, rarely sees the sun — you’ll find the authentic, delicious, made-fresh-in-house cuisine of King of Noodles. While I learned about this place by watching Anthony Bourdain’s show “The Layover,” it’s nice to see the fame hasn’t gone to their heads and the restaurant is, thankfully, predominantly populated by locals so you know it’s legit. Wondering what else should you order besides a noodle dish? A quick search on Instagram will tell you: the Shanghai dumplings are not only an absolute treat, they also photograph exceptionally well.

Another year, another bunch of boba drinks to devour. 2020 was another year of growth for the best boba in sf scene, so much so that I can confidently claim that outside of Taiwan, we’re the best place on Earth to come for bubble tea.

This is gonna work much like it did last year: this won’t be your vague, run-of-the-mill “top bubble tea shops” article. I’ll tell you specifically what drinks to get, where, and exactly how.

See San Francisco’s Longest-Running Musical Revue

When it comes to theater, there’s only one true, quintessential San Francisco staple, “Beach Blanket Babylon,” and you won’t want to miss the zany antics, satirical jabs and gravity-defying hats of this modern-day fairytale. Buy your tickets online in advance and get there right when the doors open — your ticket only guarantees your section, not your seat, so if you’re in a group and want to sit together, arrive early.

Have a Drink Where Jack Kerouac Once Did

On the road but not too far away, you’ll find the bar Vesuvio Cafe, made famous by the Beat Era master himself, Jack Kerouac. Head to this spot after a long day of sightseeing, or after seeing Beach Blanket Bingo (the venue is just a few blocks away), and enjoy a dirty martini while you take in the curiously cool decor. Jack would want you to.

Don’t Rely on Public Transit to Get Home After a Late Night

After a fun night out on the town, you’re probably wondering how to get back to your hotel or Airbnb, especially since most of SF’s public buses and trains stop running around midnight and don’t pick things up again until about 4:00am. While Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and CalTrain don’t cover the ground you’d hope for (especially if you’re expecting the frequency or coverage of a NYC or London transit system), the good news is SF is big on ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft — even if you’re staying on the Peninsula, Uber can get you home quickly and cheaply.