A guide-in-progress to some favorite spots you won't find on a tour map.
You will, however, find them on the Google Map below, and I'll add hyperlinks to some of these places as time permits.

Nearly everywhere you'd want to go can be reached by one of our excellent public transit options. First, download the Clipper Card app and set up auto-refill on each of your phones. The Clipper gives you access to cable cars, buses, ferries, lightrail, and streetcars.

My experience has been that people here are unusually friendly, so don't be afraid to strike up a conversation on the bus, in a cafe, or at the park.

From Fisherman's Wharf

Step directly outside your hotel and jump on the Powell & Market cable car. You can get off around Broadway to explore Little Italy, or stay on to Powell Station, a central location with easy access to buses and streetcars that will take you around the city.

For example: two blocks back in the direction of the hotel is Geary Street, an east-west thoroughfare served by the 38 and 38R. Head west and jump off at Filmore to explore the Japantown Mall, or keep heading west and exit at 4th or 6th Avenue - walk a block north and you'll be right in the heart of the Inner Richmond (where the fabric store is).

From the Richmond you can connect to one of the north-south routes like the 44 (Golden Gate Park) or the 33 (Haight-Ashbury, The Castro, The Mission).

Inexpensive, authentic eats

Panchita's Papusaria
Excellent Salvadoran food in the Mission

Hong Kong Lounge
Legit dim sum in the Richmond

Masala Dosa
Delicious Indian in the Inner Sunset

Pho Huynh Sang
Excellent Vietnamese in the Richmond. Crepe is a must-have!

Marufuku Ramen Shop
First-rate ramen and soba in the must-see Japan Town mall. Put your name on the list and head to the Kinokuniya bookstore across the hall.

Fun for a late-night drink near the hotel

Buena Vista
Credited with introducing Irish Coffee to America, open continuously since 1916.

As long as you're in the Haight

Zam Zam
Persian decor and a circa-1941 circular bar. Dark and moody, suitable for day drinkers.

Parks & Outdoor

Robin Williams Meadow/Golden Gate Park
There's a ton to explore in Golden Gate Park, and this is a beautiful spot to get your bearings. Rent a bike and ride down the no-cars-allowed promenade. There are some amazing new sculptures along the way.

San Francisco Bicycle Rentals
Well-reviewed rental shop at the east entrance to the park on Haight Street.

Japanese Tea Gardens/Botanical Gardens
More beautiful things to enjoy in Golden Gate Park.

Lands End
Stunning views of the Pacific, the bay, and the ruins of the ambitious Sutro Baths of yore. Gentle hikes through cypress trees and wildflowers. Take the 38R all the way to the water - a must see!

Bookstores & Cafes

City Lights Booksellers
An iconic book shop a short cable car ride from your hotel.

Green Apple Books
Another excellent bookstore selling new and used titles. There are two locations, each near other places on this list.

Blue Danube Cafe
Our neighborhood local.

Scarlett Lounge
Our neighborhood pub.

Of interest

Cable Car Musuem
This is really fascinating, as much for its history as for its mechanical marvel.

Fabrix
The fabric store that started it all!

The Ferry Building
The food court and stalls make this a destination in itself, but i's also a working terminal where you can catch ferries to Oakland, Sausalito, and other spots around the bay.

Coit Tower
The view is well worth climbing the 13 flight circular stairway.

Neighborhoods to explore, destination-agnostic

The Castro
The Mission (Valencia Street)
Chinatown*
Inner Sunset
Inner Richmond
The Filmore
Ocean Beach (stretch of coast just south of Golden Gate Park)

*don't take a chance on a restaurant in Chinatown, go instead to Hong Kong Lounge.

Areas to avoid unless you're there for a specific thing

The Tenderloin
Union Square
Financial District