Meet the Colorful Side of San Francisco
San Francisco beyond the Golden Gate Bridge
No trip to San Francisco would be complete without a ride on the cable cars or walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, but when you’re looking for some local color unique to the city, we know just where you should go.
For the Kid at Heart
For an “only in San Francisco” outing, join the Godfather of Skate and the Holy Rollers at the Church of 8 Wheels Roller Rink. This former Catholic Church was turned into a roller disco where you can boogie to some old-school funk. It’s open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 554 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Keep the kid in you happy by visiting Seward Mini Park. Built in the 1970's the main attraction inside this park are the Seward Street Slides. Designed by a 14-year-old girl; the 2 long, steep concrete slides are sure to bring out the kid in everyone. When racing your friends down these slides, wear some sturdy pants and don't forget your cardboard to make the ride a little smoother and faster!
Address: 30 Seward St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Looking for another great Street Sliding option? Check out the Esmeralda Slide Park. While not made of concrete like the Seward Slides, you can still get some good speed zipping down these metal slides.
Address: Winfield St & Esmeralda Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110
The Mission District
If you're into beautiful mural art, the Balmy Alley is just for you! Here you’ll find murals ranging from political pieces to a scene from "Where the Wild Things Are." Tours pass through the most concentrated collection of murals in the city, but you can also do this solo. The alley is constantly changing with new murals going up all the time so it never goes out of style.
Address: 50 Balmy St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Now on that burrito! In terms of cuisine, the Mission District has outstanding Mexican cuisine. La Taqueria, a 50-year-old San Francisco institution that practically invented the local taco and burrito styles. Try the carne asada burrito with all the fixings!
Address: 2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Get to Stepping
When you think of San Francisco, you undoubtedly think of all the hills. While you’re bound to out-step even your most active friends just from walking around, you can add to your daily count by climbing some of the city’s beautifully tiled outdoor staircases.
When you’re ready for a workout, the Filbert Steps of Telegraph Hill are perfect for you. Perhaps one of the most famous of San Francisco's stairways, this stairway is impressive for their length, their wonderful views of San Francisco, the well-tended gardens on both sides. While all 400 steps are an uphill climb, the views sure are worth it. Don’t worry if you hear cawing during your hike, that’s just the flock of wild parrots who call this area home.
While you’ll get some great views at the Filbert Steps, it’s argued that the best views of the Bay come from the top of Lyon Steps. The steps are broken into two sections, the first is steeper than the second but separating the two is a lovely garden where you can catch your breath.
Have your camera ready, you’ll want to snap pictures of the Hearts in San Francisco sculptures before making your way to the top and be sure to share your cool pictures with us with #gogreyhound. If you’re taking a leisurely stroll, be on the lookout for runners – this is a great stair work out spot for locals.
Address: 2990-2996 Lyon St & Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94115