Piyush Bakshi

9 San Francisco Landmarks that Only Locals Know Of San Francisco, a.k.a, “The City by the Bay”, is known for its vibrant culture and many landmarks. Like every great city it has some very touristy spots and world famous locations, and some cool spots that only discerning locals know about. These are places that give you a glimpse into the soul of the city. Check them out and you’ll experience the vibes that may be missing in the more popular destinations in San Francisco. Here’s a list of nine landmarks that you won’t find on most San Francisco tourist guides – 1. Tiled Steps at 16th Avenue and Moraga – These 163 steps decorated with beautiful tiled mosaics lead to a stunning ocean and city view from the Grandview Park at the top. Not quite a tourist spot yet, but getting popular by the day. 2. Seward Street Slides – Two very long concrete slides run down the hillside at Seward Street Park. Generations of San Franciscans have enjoyed on these slides, a local landmark that attracts people of all ages. 3. El Rio – This bar at 3158 Mission St. has been popular with the locals for the past 30 years, and not the least because of the free barbecue and oysters on offer on some weekends. With a fabulous outdoor area, great food, and cheap drinks, this is where locals head to love and be loved. 4. Live Worms Gallery – Up and coming artists display their paintings and photos at this weathered old gallery located in North Beach. Here you can take in the art of budding Van Goghs and Picassos and understand a little about the world from their perspective. 5. San Francisco Columbarium – The columbarium, more than a hundred years old, is located on 1 Loraine Court and is housed in a beautiful building built after the Neo-Classical architectural style. Notable interments here include Harvey Milk, Chet Helms, and John Backus. 6. The Wave Organ – A popular landmark on the jetty at the San Francisco Bay; an outsider may easily miss the 25 PVC pipes that create a variety of sounds depending upon the tide. The jetty has an interesting history. It is made from material salvaged from a demolished cemetery. 7. Casting Pools at the Golden Gate Park – If you’re an angler looking to practice your fly fishing skills in San Francisco, then head over to the Golden Gate Park where you’ll find fellow fishermen honing their casting techniques. Anglers are known to jealously guard their lucky fishing spots, and this wonderful recreational space is also known primarily to the locals. 8. Institute of Illegal Images – The museum holds the world’s largest collection of art on LSD blotter paper. Mark McCloud, the proprietor, has collected acid blotter art from the 60s and if acid-inspired art is your thing or you’re from the generation that tripped on acid, then a pilgrimage to this quirky museum is a must. 9. Golden Fire Hydrant – An old and cherished historical landmark on the southwest corner of Dolores Park, the Golden Fire Hydrant is special among the many little-known landmarks of the city. This fire hydrant saved the Mission District from being engulfed by the fires that erupted in the aftermath of the great earthquake of 1906.