Five Offbeat Things To Do in San Francisco
By: Patricia

Written by Lauren Nicholl @WanderLoz

When asked to write a post on “offbeat” things to see and do in SF, I turned to the local members of Tripping’s Tribe to suggest some of their favorites. In many ways, San Francisco is an offbeat city in general so the list seems to be endless. Here are some of our top choices:

Sundays at the “Skatin’ Place”

Golden Gate Park is one of America’s most visited parks. Over 1,000 acres and the home to the city’s famous museums, conservatories, and gardens, it is also a popular spot for the locals. When the sun comes out, the park is flooded with walkers, runners, cyclists, couples, strollers, and dogs a plenty. There is a specific area of the park locate at 6th Avenue and Kennedy Drive that has been deemed “Skatin’ Place” since 1979. It is Skatin’ Place seven days a week, but it is on Sundays from noon to 5pm when you will see it flooded with inline skaters skating and dancing to funky beats reminiscent to those of the roller disco days. Check it out on YouTube.

Underground Farmers’ Market

You can find a Farmers’ Market in almost every San Francisco neighborhood. In general, it is not difficult to find locally homegrown, organic, and inexpensive food in this city. The Underground Farmers’ Market, however, provides all this as well as live music and cocktails, while supporting local “uncertified” vendors. This is a venue for the SF food community - “where you can taste and purchase the food that is being produced in backyards and home kitchens in the Bay Area.” Learn more here.

Chinatown Alleyway Tours

San Francisco’s Chinatown will be found in any guidebook. When checking out this unique and bustling part of the city, why not be taken off the main streets, dip into the alleyways and get a real view of its residents? Do so under the guidance of a youth-run not-for-profit organization whose mission is to educate and share their local culture’s history as well as modern day issues. For more information, please visit CAT’s website.

Photo By kiwi vic

Seward Street Slides!

Looking for a thrill without an admission fee or a long wait in line? Head on over to Seward Street (cross street: Douglass Street) before 5pm for the most fun you’ll have sitting on a piece of cardboard. I’ll let the photos convince you.

The JeJune Institute

I don’t want to reveal too much about this offbeat activity because the reason it’s a must-do is because of its inherent surprise factor. Let’s just say, if you’re hunting for a unique way to see the city on foot, this is quite a treasure. It is recommended to show up fashioning comfortable clothing accessorized with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Other top contenders:

Bourbon & Branch Speakeasy Bar

Watch a Giants game from a kayak on the bay outside of AT&T Park

Night Life at the California Academy of Sciences

Turtle Hill for a 360 degree view of the city

Live Blues music at Lou’s Pier 47

About the blogger:

Lauren is awanderlust/travel junkie. social media enthusiast. red wine lover. coffee addict. photographer. polynesian dancer. Australia/Italia obsessed.

Learn more about Lauren and the Tripping Tribe here

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