Afar's Insider San Francisco

Start your day at the far western edge of the city with a morning stroll along Ocean Beach.

Fortify with breakfast at Outerlands.

Go downtown, but skip the Union Square throngs and stop at the Mechanics’ Institute Library to check out the historic building.

The San Francisco Ferry Building is a showcase for the area’s great local food. Come for the markets on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays, and get lunch at one of the food stalls, like Hapa Ramen.

For unique boutiques and the best shoe stores in the city, Hayes Valley can’t be beat. Get coffee at the Blue Bottle on Linden Street.

You’ve seen the Golden Gate Bridge from every angle except this one, at Fort Point.

State Bird Provisions is a justifiably lauded restaurant in the Fillmore district. The sophisticated, delicious fare comes around on trolleys, dim sum–style.