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A Perfect Morning in San Francisco's Inner Sunset: Local’s Guide
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items Don’t sleep on the Sunset District! Here’s a perfect weekend morning in the Inner Sunset, straight from a local. There’s plenty more to explore beyond this list, but I wanted to keep it simple and close together. Whether alone or with friends, this i...
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Sip & Nibble
Peruse
Explore
Sip & Nibble
Treat your taste buds! I personally love to start the day with a bakery and a beverage. Here's where I go for such morning sustenance:
You’ve likely heard of Tartine Patisserie -on Food Network, in Bon Appétit magazine, or just from word of mouth, and it’s definitely worth a visit when in SF. There’s almost always a line, but it moves quickly, so don't be deterred.
You can indulge in pastries, grab a loaf of bread, or order from their breakfast or lunch menu. The food is delicious, though it comes at a premium (expect to pay around $15–16 for a loaf of bread).
I’ll preface this by saying I’m not the biggest coffee drinker, but in my opinion, I’d skip the coffee here and grab one elsewhere in the neighborhood (such as Snowbird).
You can indulge in pastries, grab a loaf of bread, or order from their breakfast or lunch menu. The food is delicious, though it comes at a premium (expect to pay around $15–16 for a loaf of bread).
I’ll preface this by saying I’m not the biggest coffee drinker, but in my opinion, I’d skip the coffee here and grab one elsewhere in the neighborhood (such as Snowbird).
Tartine Inner Sunset
Similar to Tartine, you’ll usually spot a line outside Arizmendi: it’s a neighborhood favorite. While I think Tartine wins for croissants, your money goes a bit further here. What really makes Arizmendi shine, in my opinion, are their daily pizzas (m...
Arizmendi Bakery
Snowbird is my go-to coffee spot for visitors. I love the cozy vibe, and in my opinion, their drinks are better than many other spots in the neighborhood.
Snowbird Coffee
If you’re looking for something more substantial than pastries, I recommend Lale. It’s a Mediterranean-Turkish tapas bar that serves brunch daily (starting at 9am on weekends). The food is solid for the price, and I love the woodsy interior. Order a ...
LaLe
Peruse
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your grandma, these are my favorite local spots to checkout in the Inner Sunset.
I love wandering around this bookshop. It’s one of a few locations in the city, but I could spend hours here perusing new and used books. Beyond books, you’ll find board games, vinyl, prints by local artists, and small, unique trinkets that make perf...
Green Apple Books on the Park
In my opinion, Pepperjack is one of those stores where you don’t really need anything, but you’ll want everything. Beautifully curated with small-batch artisan goods, from food to kitchenware, it’s fun to browse and a perfect spot for last-minute gif...
Pepperjack Provisions
Kira is so fun! Bright colors, candles that look (and smell) like food, accessories, and even some clothes. Definitely a spot to check out if you love shops with a little bit of everything.
The Kira Shop
For me, My Favorite is the go-to spot for cards (any occasion) and quirky gifts, though there’s plenty more to explore. You’ll find SF souvenirs that won’t look tacky at home, jewelry, crafting kits, candles, a kids’ corner, and more.
My Favorite
Ambiance is packed with women’s clothing and accessories, offering a little something for everyone (no matter your age or style). Their window displays are always adorable, and they stock plenty of seasonal pieces, making it a perfect stop if you’re ...
Ambiance SF
Explore
The best part of the Inner Sunset is its proximity to Golden Gate Park, which is truly a gem. A morning in this neighborhood isn’t complete without a stroll through the park. Admittedly, it’s massive and full of things to see and do, so here are a fe...
You can never be bored in San Francisco! This loop through Golden Gate Park gives you a taste of nature, culture, and local flavor: all without spending a dime. From gardens and museums to street performances and hidden corners, this path shows off t...
Highlights along the way:
-Shakespeare Garden
-California Academy of Sciences
-de Young Museum & Hamon Observation Tower
-Music Concourse & Roller Rink
-Conservatory of Flowers & Dahlia Garden
-National AIDS Memorial Grove
The Walk:
Enter Golden Gate Park at the 9th Avenue entrance and head along MLK Jr. Drive. Peel off to the right onto Music Concourse Ave, where you’ll pass the peaceful Shakespeare Garden.
From there, step into the Concourse itself—framed by London Plane and Scotch Elm trees (think Whomping Willow from Harry Potter). Here you’ll spot the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum. Even without tickets, you can ride up the d...
Continue on JFK Drive, now closed to cars, where you’ll stumble upon outdoor art installations, ping pong tables, public pianos, and locals roller-skating, swing dancing, busking, or just soaking up the sunshine. Along the way, you’ll pass the Lily P...
The grounds are free to explore—don’t miss the seasonal flower beds and the Dahlia Garden (peak bloom is July through September). It’s also a lovely spot to rest and people-watch.
When you’re ready to loop back, take Nancy Pelosi Drive from JFK to MLK Jr. Drive. Be sure to walk through the National AIDS Memorial Grove which is a beautiful tribute and an important part of San Francisco’s history.
And remember, this is just one suggested path. There’s so much more to discover if you wander off the loop. Adventure to your heart’s delight!
Note: Golden Gate Park is an active coyote habitat. They’re usually passive, but are around. Keep an eye on small kids or pets, and never feed or approach them.
Highlights along the way:
-Shakespeare Garden
-California Academy of Sciences
-de Young Museum & Hamon Observation Tower
-Music Concourse & Roller Rink
-Conservatory of Flowers & Dahlia Garden
-National AIDS Memorial Grove
The Walk:
Enter Golden Gate Park at the 9th Avenue entrance and head along MLK Jr. Drive. Peel off to the right onto Music Concourse Ave, where you’ll pass the peaceful Shakespeare Garden.
From there, step into the Concourse itself—framed by London Plane and Scotch Elm trees (think Whomping Willow from Harry Potter). Here you’ll spot the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum. Even without tickets, you can ride up the d...
Continue on JFK Drive, now closed to cars, where you’ll stumble upon outdoor art installations, ping pong tables, public pianos, and locals roller-skating, swing dancing, busking, or just soaking up the sunshine. Along the way, you’ll pass the Lily P...
The grounds are free to explore—don’t miss the seasonal flower beds and the Dahlia Garden (peak bloom is July through September). It’s also a lovely spot to rest and people-watch.
When you’re ready to loop back, take Nancy Pelosi Drive from JFK to MLK Jr. Drive. Be sure to walk through the National AIDS Memorial Grove which is a beautiful tribute and an important part of San Francisco’s history.
And remember, this is just one suggested path. There’s so much more to discover if you wander off the loop. Adventure to your heart’s delight!
Note: Golden Gate Park is an active coyote habitat. They’re usually passive, but are around. Keep an eye on small kids or pets, and never feed or approach them.
Golden Gate Park - 9th to JFK Loop
Formerly Stow Lake, Blue Heron Lake is a calm and charming spot tucked inside Golden Gate Park—it’s almost like a park within a park. Along the loop you’ll spot birds, turtles, and plenty of boaters drifting by.
The Great Blue Herons return to the island in Blue Heron Lake to build nests, lay eggs, and raise their young. For the best chance of seeing Herons and their chicks, visit during the spring (April & May).
For a little extra activity, rent a pedal boat from the boathouse or head up the short trail to Strawberry Hill (the island in the middle of the lake), accessed by the bridge on the south side.
If you need a break, the boathouse café now serves wine, beer, and snacks—perfect after a stroll or paddle.
The Great Blue Herons return to the island in Blue Heron Lake to build nests, lay eggs, and raise their young. For the best chance of seeing Herons and their chicks, visit during the spring (April & May).
For a little extra activity, rent a pedal boat from the boathouse or head up the short trail to Strawberry Hill (the island in the middle of the lake), accessed by the bridge on the south side.
If you need a break, the boathouse café now serves wine, beer, and snacks—perfect after a stroll or paddle.
Blue Heron Lake
Spanning 55 acres of landscaped gardens and open spaces, the botanical garden showcases over 8,000 plant species from around the world. Ticket prices vary by day and season, but if you’re in San Francisco often, or just have a little extra time, it’s...
San Francisco Botanical Garden