When not in session at CROI, we suggest you check out these local restaurants and attractions in San Francisco.

• Fort Point and the Golden Gate Bridge (Directions): Fort Point is a civil war fortress and national historic site right underneath the Golden Gate Bridge on the San Francisco side. Walk around the Fort and go to the top where the view is incredible. You can park there and then walk up and across our City’s stunning Golden Gate Bridge.
• Fort Mason and the Marina (Directions): Fort Mason is another historic army post right by the water on the northern edge of the Marina District. It is now an arts and cultural center with restaurants and cafes. Walks from Fort Mason either towards Fisherman’s Wharf or toward Crissy Field and the GG Bridge will not disappoint!
• Fort Funston (Directions): Beautiful oceanside cliffs with trails on the western side of San Francisco. Hang Gliding is popular in this part of our city
• Mission District (Directions): just walk around, take in all the murals, the energy, and aromas from the great eateries. My new favorite place called Roosters Peruvian Rotisserie  is a tiny spot  that is not fancy  with only a few tables that serves  the most delicious Peruvian dishes.

If you need to get around town by car, do try a Waymo, the world’s first fully driverless ride on public roads. At this time, Waymo driverless cars are only available in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. You will need to download the Waymo App to order a ride on one of the characteristic Jaguar I-Pace electric cars. Please note that Waymo cars are only available for rides on surface streets in San Francisco. They are not permitted on the Freeway, and therefore not able for airport transfers

Below is a list of recommended restaurants, offering a wide range of fine dining and neighborhood gems. These restaurants specialize in different cuisines such as Italian, Asian, Moroccan, Mexican, and more.

• Aziza (Richmond District | Directions): Moroccan with inventive, fun dishes in a quiet neighborhood.
• The Progress (Fillmore District | Directions): Small plates California cuisine, busy yet relaxed atmosphere.
• Pasta Supply Co. (Richmond District | Directions): House-made Italian pasta, popular for dinner.
• Zuni Cafe (Market Street | Directions): Longstanding and wonderful, delicious wood-oven roast chicken and great atmosphere.
• Californios (Mission District | Directions): A high-end, modern take on Mexican cuisine.
• Rintaro (Mission District | Directions): Hidden gem for Japanese sushi, consistently ranked among SF’s best.
• Delfina (Mission/Castro District | Directions): One of the first “hot” Italian places and still busy and great with pastas and pizzas.
• Frances (Castro District | Directions): A cozy, homey California cuisine spot.
• Octavia (Pacific Heights | Directions): A sister restaurant to Frances, offering fresh California cuisine.
• Lazy Bear (Mission District | Direction): High-end, communal dining with an almost a party feel!

Get Out and See the Natural Beauty of the City (and off the beaten path)

• Mussel Rock Park (Daly City): Just a 17-minute car Uber/Lyft from the Moscone center without traffic, this is one of my favorite places to go for a stroll overlooking the ocean without a lot of crowds. Some spectacular cliffs overlooking Pacifica to the south and the bottom of Fort Funston (formally in San Francisco) to the north. There are many seals by the rocks (and occasionally sea otters), sea birds, and hawks to be spotted, and some rabbits in the bushes. If you look out into the sea this time of year, sometimes you’ll see spouting Gray whales as they migrate up the California coast. In the morning and late afternoon, you can see dolphins. On the weekends, lots of people paraglide or hang glide here given the typical coastal winds.
• Bernal Hill (Bernal Heights Neighborhood): There are many beautiful hills with panoramic views of the city to visit in San Francisco, but as I live in the Mission, this one is a short walk away for me and is a personal favorite. Just a 13-minute Uber/Lyft from Moscone center without traffic, this bare-topped hill with a paved path that takes you to the top overlooks where many of us work at San Francisco General Hospital, has great views of downtown, the Bay Bridge, Twin peaks, and Golden Gate bridge. A pair of red-tail hawks nest up there and you can usually find a pair of great-horned owls on a horizontal branch within a patch of Eucalyptus trees in the Northwest corner of the hill. If you have binoculars or a good camera, you can get some pretty spectacular pictures. Even the modern cameras on phones do a pretty good job. Coyotes are sometimes spotted there, but don’t be afraid; they won’t bother you (just please don’t feed them if you encounter one).
• Hike from Glen Canyon to the Top of Twin Peaks: If you’re looking for a more strenuous hike within the city (1.8 miles each way, 850ft climb), consider the “Creeks to Peaks” trail starting in Glen Canyon (short walk from the Glen Park BART station or a 14 min drive from Moscone), and ascending to the top of the iconic Twin Peaks, with panoramic views of the city. Wildflowers should be starting to bloom in Glen Canyon around this time of year, which are beautiful. Lots of birds, particularly hummingbirds during wildflower season. Sometimes can catch great horned owls near the entrance to the canyon, particularly around dusk.
• Walk or bike (and preferably both) through Golden Gate Park: Just a 20-minute drive from Moscone, this beautiful park of over 1000 acres stretches from the center of the city to Ocean Beach on the Pacific coast. JFK Drive, the main road on the north side of the park is closed to traffic and is a great place to bike safely. You can rent a bike for the day or just use the Bay Wheels bike share program to hop on and off a bike in the park to get from section to section. There are great museums in the park (de Young Art museum and the California Academy of Sciences), and many beautiful spaces to walk and relax (particularly Botanical gardens). I love to hike to the top of the island in the middle of Stow Lake. Great views. You can see many birds around here from great blue herons and egrets at the lake level to great-horned owls at the top of the hill. At day’s end, go to the Beach Chalet, grab a drink, and watch the sunset over the Pacific ocean.
• Land’s End Park: A 30-minute drive from Moscone, this is the longest trek I’m recommending, and it is by far the most touristy spot, but it is definitely worth the visit. Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate bridge, and Marin county and really nicely maintained walking paths. Whales often migrate pretty close to here and I’ve seen several breaching within clear view.

Check Out Some Local Jazz in the Evening

• Friday Night at Bird and Beckett Bookstore: For people arriving early, the most quintessentially “San Francisco” jazz listening experience on a Friday night is in a small bookstore tucked away in the Glen Park neighborhood, just a block from the Glen Park BART station (just a 17-minute trip by BART or car from the Union Square area). On March 7, 6-8pm: two sets from Brian Andres quartet (latin) and from 8:30-10pm, the James Mahone quartet (straight-ahead). Very informal atmosphere, can bring your own bottle of wine and listen to some of the best musicians in the city (also live-streamed if you ever want to check it out after returning home). Entry fee is “pay as you can,” but $20 is expected from everyone who can afford it. Tip the musicians well and tell Eric (owner) that Tomoko and Peter sent you.
• Keys Jazz Bistro (Wednesday-Sunday Nights): The North Beach neighborhood, where Little Italy, Chinatown, and a Red-light district converge, saw the opening of Keys a few years ago in the same space that used to house the “El Matador” jazz club back in the 1950s. The best local jazz musicians are featured here and they also get some big names coming through from New York and Los Angeles from time to time. You’ll find the “real jazz audience” here – no talking during the music and they clap at the right times after solos… Tell Simon (owner and musician who greets most people at the door) that Tomoko and Peter sent you. If going on a weekend, it is advisable to get tickets online beforehand. While they also serve food here, my recommendation is to grab dinner before or after the show at Yuet Lee, a (very) no frills, but outstanding local Chinese restaurant just up Broadway.
• Mr. Tipple’s Recording Studio (Wednesday-Sunday nights):  Mr. Tipple’s, in the Civic Center neighborhood and a 10-minute drive from Moscone center, was one of the few jazz clubs that found a way to provide musicians a venue to play (streamed concerts, etc) during the pandemic and they continue to feature some of the best local jazz musicians. The crowd, while multi-generational, is typically a bit younger than the other venues and there always seems to be a large number of people on first dates. They serve some pretty good dim sum and make nice cocktails. Advisable to get reserved seating online (via OpenTable.com) beforehand, particularly if you have a group or plan to visit on a weekend, though you can usually stand by the bar if crowded. Tell Jay (owner) that Tomoko and Peter sent you.
• Dawn Club (Tuesday-Sunday nights): This swanky bar near the Montgomery BART station and a short 9-minute walk from the convention center features jazz six nights per week from 8pm-midnight and has an extensive cocktail menu and whiskey selection (though on the pricier side!). There always seems to be a fair number of out-of-towners here, presumably based on its proximity to the convention center, and the vibe tends to track with the crowd. There are some really great musicians that play here but also some more tourist-directed acts interspersed.
• SF JAZZ Center (Thursday-Sunday nights): Constructed about a decade ago in the Hayes Valley neighborhood and a 10-minute drive from convention center is one of the few dedicated concert halls in the country dedicated exclusively to jazz. Internationally known musicians come through here and usually grace the stage of the Miner Auditorium, where every seat has a great view of the stage and the acoustics are superb. Within the center, there is also a smaller venue called the Joe Henderson Lab which has floor to ceiling glass windows so people can see musicians playing while walking down the street. The unique jazz harpist, Brandee Younger (Miner Auditorium), and the local tenor saxophonist, Howard Wiley (Joe Henderson Lab), are playing the weekend of CROI. Buy tickets in advance if you want to go.

• Excelsior: Known as the “E” (well not really, one person said that), this neighborhood is among the oldest and most culturally diverse areas in San Francisco. Asian supermarkets, Mexican taquerias and Salvadoran bakeries line Mission Street, while colorful street art and murals are on every corner. The best part of the Excelsior is McClaren Park which is the biggest park in San Francisco after the Golden Gate Park. McLaren has breathtaking views, the Jerry Garcia amphitheater, and lovely walks.
• Bernal Heights: Peter mentioned the bookstore here, but the neighborhood itself is full of great restaurants and interesting shops. Check out The Rabbit Hole (Asian fusion food), The Front Porch (Southern food) and the Seafood Station (which is just as it sounds!). In a city of hills, the parks provide great views. The Bernal Heights Park provides a 360-degree panorama and views of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown, San Bruno Mountain, and the hills of the East Bay.
• The Mission District: This district, commonly known as the Mission, is a wonderful neighborhood of stores, in San Francisco, California. One of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco, the Mission District’s name is derived from Mission San Francisco de Asís, built in 1776 by the Spanish and the Mission is open for sightseeing and a self-guided tour. The Mission is historically Latino/Latina but now is home to a number of amazing restaurants including Limon, which is Peruvian food; Delfina, which is Italian and has the best wood-fired pizza in town; Burma Love, which is one of the best restaurants in the whole city, and Mission Chinese which is totally off the beaten track, has a crazy ceiling, and has amazing food!

• The Ferry Building: Walk from the Convention Center, down Howard St toward the water, then make a left on Embarcadero and continue to the Ferry Building, a 1.1-mile walk total. In there are shops, cafes, restaurants, and fabulous views of the Bay and Bay Bridge.  Look in the opposite direction and you might see the IAS-USA office; technically the entrance is at 131 Stuart Street, but you can see the windows of our office 5 floors above Angler restaurant.  Our favorite restaurants right near the office are Ozumo: high-end Japanese fusion, with fabulous seating outside facing the Embarcadero.  Perrys: Right next door. Burgers, typical American food. Outdoor seating as well.  Boulevard: Long-standing celebrated San Francisco restaurant. Quintessential Californian cuisine and  peri-pandemic “uber glamorous” refresh, with prices that reflect that. La Mar: a little further down on the Embarcadero, the Peruvian restaurant is right on the water.  Don’t miss the globally inspired ceviche and the Pisco sours!  Pier 23 Café: even farther down the Embarcadero, the vibe is low-key and casual especially on the back patio. Typical seafood options like Louis salads, fish tacos, and of course burgers.   Osha Thai: Not on the water but not far, Osha Thai is in the Embarcadero Center and has a wide selection of excellent Thai food
• Clement Street: On the other side of town from the Convention Center, in the neighborhood called the Inner Richmond.  If you have a half day to go further afield, my neighborhood has a lot to offer. It borders on the south side of the SF Presidio, which is the most unique National Park in an urban setting.  A former Army base, there are lots of trails and hikes that go right up to the Golden Gate Bridge. On or near Clement Street are a number of Burmese food restaurants, including Mandalay (my favorite for the Mango Chicken, Tea Leaf salad, and Kay Soi ), Burma Superstar, and b-star (get the b* sprouts!).  Down Clement Street are restaurants, pubs, Chinese bakeries, home goods stores, and a cool tropical fish store.  Not too far, off Geary Blvd, is the SF Columbarium, where thousands of little glass boxes hold the cremated remains and memorabilia of family members and friends of people who have passed. The main building is an architectural treasure, with an astounding collection of stained-glass windows.  If you can’t get out that way, have Door Dash or a similar service deliver some Burmese food.
• Sourdough bread: of course, Boudin bakery is famous for its sourdough bread, including their clam chowder in a bread bowl. There are locations all around the city, including at Fisherman’s Wharf.  In my opinion, the best sourdough bread on the planet is the crusty sourdough country loaf from Tartine bakery. If you cannot get to the bakery or manufactory, have Door Dash deliver a loaf the day before you leave and bring it home. It lasts for days.
• Angel Island: Again, if you have some extra time, take a ferry to Angel Island.  The ferry ride is beautiful especially is the weather is magnificent. You can walk the perimeter of the Island, which is a total of about 5 miles. There is a trail up to the top of Island, where you have a panoramic view around the Bay. And okay, okay, it’s uber touristy, but if you take a ferry (ditto on the ride) to Alcatraz, you can learn about the important Native American occupation of the Island in the 1960s, and hear (via the audio tour) the history of the Island as a prison.

The best book ever written about SF is “Stairway Walks in San Francisco: The Joy of Urban Exploring”. This classic book – written in 1984 and now in its 10^th edition – provides a roadmap to discovering the diverse neighborhoods of SF. It is also a great way to get some exercise.

Activities Near the Conference Center

• Salesforce Park: a great elevated outdoor park featuring a beer garden that offers delicious Detroit-style pizza and a fantastic coffee shop called Andytown (recommended by Fatima Tayag)
• Yerba Buena Ice Skating & Bowling Center: an activity zone enjoyed by juniors and seniors alike, located right next to a park; a fantastic place to unwind for an hour or two (recommended by Jimmy He)

Near Union Square

• Liholiho Yacht Club: a buzzy, casual, Hawaiian Asian eatery in a brick-walled space with booths with lively atmosphere (recommended by Kevin Bowen)
• ONE65 San Francisco: a French bistro with fare & fine-dining set in a six-story venue, where each floor has its own concept and design (recommended by Kevin Bowen)
• Matador: elevated tacos and Mexican sides, plus sangria and spirits in modern quarters with cultural accents (recommended by Kevin Bowen)
• Bodega SF: casual eatery serving modern Vietnamese cuisine with unique cocktails, and a tasting menu (recommended by Kevin Bowen)
• E&O Kitchen and Bar: a modern Asian oasis of cuisines, inspired by the bold spices and outdoor markets throughout Asia (recommended by Kevin Bowen)
• The Irish Bank: one of America’s most authentic, historically accurate and romantic Irish pubs (recommended by Kevin Bowen)
• Le Central: a venerable choice serving French bistro fare in a narrow, brick-lined space with a full bar (recommended by Kevin Bowen)

Restaurants Near the Convention Center

• Yank Sing: best dim sum! – 2 locations; Stevenson Street and Spear Street (recommended by Fatima Tayag)
• Mr. East Kitchen: serves Asian cuisine and a great selection of drinks from mimosas, boba tea, and Asian-style coffee! (recommended by Fatima Tayag)
• The Grove Yerba Buena: a spacious restaurant that offers comfort food in a rustic setting (recommended by Fatima Tayag)
• Tropisueno: lively restaurant serving classic Mexican food (recommended by Fatima Tayag)
• Saint Frank’s Coffee (120 Folsom St, 5 min walk from Moscone Center): sunny, bi-level neighborhood coffeehouse pairing its java with pastries in airy, minimalist digs (recommended by Jay Batley)

Other Restaurants in the City

• The Stinking Rose: Californian-Italian cuisine restaurant with GARLIC as a major component in the dishes served (recommended by Tammi Lightle)
• John’s Grill: one of SF’s oldest steak and seafood restaurants (recommended by Tammi Lightle)
• Fiery Hot Pot and Grill: smokeless hot pot and sizzling Korean-style BBQ (recommended by Sherry Wu)
• Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream: ice cream in a variety of Asian-inspired flavors (recommended by Sherry Wu)
• Flour and Water Pizza (532 Columbus Avenue): serves Italian-inspired dishes, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and fresh pastas (recommended by Jay Batley)
• Joyride Pizza: Detroit-style pizza (recommended by Fatima Tayag)
• Il Cassaro: wood oven pizza (2 locations; North Beach and Castro) (recommended by Fatima Tayag)

Other Places to See

• Haight Ashbury Neighborhood: On the corner of Haight and Ashbury streets sits a beacon that calls to all who visit san Francisco: a street sign marking the heart of the neighborhood where 1960s flower power blossomed (recommended by Tammi Lightle)
• Golden Gate Vista Points: beautiful views on each end of the Golden Gate Bridge (recommended by Tammi Lightle)
• North Beach (not the actual beach): an Italian neighborhood filled with great restaurants and pastry shops. It is also close to Chinatown. (recommended by Fatima Tayag)
• Kwak (Pier 39, Beach Street): visit for a unique SF souvenir, the largest rubber duck store west of the Mississippi (recommended by Jay Batley)
• Fisherman’s Wharf – ride a cable car! (recommended by Tammi Lightle)
• Ocean Beach: Wet your feet and enjoy breathtaking ocean views as you stroll along the  3.5-mile stretch of white beach (recommended by Michelle Valderama)
• Twin Peaks: A favorite site for photography and breathtaking views of San Francisco. A must-visit at night. (recommended by Michelle Valderama)
• Town of Pescadero: Spend some time strolling through the charming and historic village of Pescadero, which is about an hour’s drive from San Francisco. Grab a bite to eat at Duarte’s Tavern, try the baked goods at local market, or visit the irresistible and friendly goats and check out their cheese shop for fresh goat cheese (recommended by Michelle Valderama)
• The Palace of Fine Arts: One of the most photographed locations in the city, having appeared in several film and television productions. Strolling on a romantic walk is a wonderful opportunity to see the palace’s architecture. (recommended by Michelle Valderama)

Movies and Music

• Mrs Doubtfire house – 2640 Steiner St – if you’re a Mrs Doubtfire fan or fanatic, then make this a visit! (recommended by Tammi Lightle)
• Grateful Dead house – 710 Ashbury St – this is where the legendary rock band, Grateful Dead, called their home between 1966 and 1968 (recommended by Tammi Lightle)
• Janis Joplin house – 635 Ashbury St – Rocker Janis Joplin’s former top-floor home (recommended by Tammi Lightle)
• Jimi Hendrix house – 1524 Haight St – also called the Red House after it was painted red in the rock star’s honor (recommended by Tammi Lightle)
• The Fillmore – 1805 Geary Blvd – a historic music venue in San Francisco, California, built in 1912 and originally named the Majestic Hall (recommended by Tammi Lightle)