New York was freezing, and I had to leave. Thanks to JetBlue and a $63 dollar round-trip ticket (yes, you read that right), I headed to the San Francisco Bay Area where the weather was better and the food, too, gave NYC a run for its money.
While there, I worked from various cafes, friends’ homes and random benches in parks. I decided to ask locals for their best non-touristy activities (and added some of my own input) for visitors to the city who don’t want to stick out like sore thumbs, but do want to see the city (and eat!) like the locals do.
So start learning to love Karl the Fog, train your stomach to handle mass amounts of delicious food and beer, and make sure you do everything on this list. (Some responses have been edited for clarity.)
1. Eat the best Indian food in a Travelodge Hotel.
707 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley
Totally off-the-beaten-path, the best Indian food in the county is called India Palace. College student Marley R. has gone there for her birthday almost every year: “I like the people there — they’re so friendly and have all worked there since before I was born. I love the chicken tikka kabob, and my dad loves the chicken tikka masala. Super inexpensive all-you-can-eat buffet lunch, beautifully decorated and just full of tradition for my family!”
–
19. Do date night at the slides.
70 Corwin Street, San Francisco
“The slides at Seward Mini Park are really lovely. They’re great for dates and just really fun overall.” — Brennan M.
20. Rent bikes and head to Sausalito.
Head across the Golden Gate to explore Sausalito and all of its trippy houseboats. It’s touristy, but the houseboat docks are littered with gorgeous flowers, incredible artwork and neat names. Try to spot the houseboat replica of the Taj Mahal.
21. Eat sausage, keep drinking.
545 Haight Street, San Francisco (multiple locations)
Head to Rosamunde Sausage Grill for the best wild boar sausage you’ll ever have. But get drinks at the Toronado first, and finish your meal by downing drinks at Noc Noc a few doors down. — Ralph P.
