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California has plenty of big names that make it a must-visit destination, but there are also many lesser-known hidden gems that provide new ways to explore the Golden State. San Francisco is home to a few of these gems, such as Glen Park, ranked California’s coolest neighborhood in 2025. The city is also home to Bayview, “the sunniest neighborhood in San Francisco,” according to the San Francisco Travel Association. Bayview’s location to the city’s southeast provides more consistent, unobscured sunshine, thanks to its distance from the frequent fog experienced in other parts of the Bay Area.
Bayview has a unique history, the remains of which can be seen all around the neighborhood. In the early 20th century, the area’s shipbuilding industry attracted thousands during the Great Migration. The area grew into a community hub and is now a welcoming, vibrant area that blends history and modernity. Many current art studios and galleries were once shipyard buildings. But the oldest building in the neighborhood is the Ruth Williams Opera House, built in 1888 and added to the National Register of Historic Buildings in 2011.
Bayview is served by MUNI transit with links to the underground BART metro, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the Bay Area. San Francisco International Airport is less than 10 miles away.
The stunning trails and gardens of Bayview
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There are plenty of ways to connect with nature in Bayview. Heron’s Head Park is a 22-acre park shaped like a heron’s head when viewed from above. The trail here is a little over a mile long and offers excellent views of San Francisco Bay; it’s a great area for spotting wildlife. Another area for nature lovers is the Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, the state’s first urban park. This spot also offers a range of recreational activities, from walking the trails to birdwatching or fishing.
Bayview is also only 2 miles away from McLaren Park, the second-largest park in San Francisco. Enjoy a stroll along Shelley Promenade, a safe pathway for pedestrians and cyclists. If you want to do some more walking, there are over 7 miles of walking trails where you can slow down and take in the native wildlife.
Bayview also provides residents and visitors with access to some stunning gardens. A local staple is Flora Grubb Gardens, a plant nursery and shop that aims to promote beautiful outdoor garden design and sustainable gardening practices. The space hosts many events that serve the community, from expert panels and gardening classes to pop-up shops, so be sure to check out their website to see what’s happening before planning your visit. Bayview is also less than 8 miles from Golden Gate Park, San Francisco’s most beloved attraction. The park houses plenty of stunning, diverse gardens, from the San Francisco Botanical Garden to the Japanese Tea Garden.
Try out some of the unique restaurants in Bayview
The food options alone are enough of a reason for a trip to Bayview. There are plenty of diverse, locally-owned restaurants to choose from, each with its own unique appeal. One of the best places to find delicious eateries in Bayview is on Third Street. Here is where visitors can find Gumbo Social, which began as a pop-up shop and is a local favorite for a warm, comforting meal. For a sweet treat, head down the street to Yvonnes Southern Sweets. Another neighborhood staple is Gratta Wines, a wine bar and market where one can find award-winning homemade wines, Italian goods, and products.
Beyond Third Street, Bayview still offers plenty of one-of-a-kind establishments, such as Sequoia Sake, San Francisco’s first sake brewery. There’s also Old Skool Cafe, a 1920s-inspired, jazz-themed soul food restaurant. What makes this spot special, beyond its vintage decor and theme, is that it is a program that supports at-risk and system-impacted youth. Here, community members ages 16 to 22 not only prepare and serve the food under the guidance of a professional chef, but also perform live jazz shows each night.
Another must-visit restaurant is The Old Clam House, the oldest restaurant in San Francisco still operating at its original location. Originally opened in 1861, this is a great place for some fresh seafood. Bayview also places visitors in proximity to areas with even more delicious food options. One such area is Daly City, which is known for its fresh Filipino flavors — it’s only 10 minutes west of Bayview.
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