Apr 10, 2025

Swensen's Ice Cream San Francisco

Same corner since '48

""Swensen's Ice Cream" in San Francisco hasn't changed since 1948. It's the chain's first store and I sill buy bulk ice cream here when I'm in the area..."

Swensen's really is a throwback. It's been dominating the same corner of Hyde Street since 1948, and from the way people frequent it, isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Swensen's, now a global chain, started in SF on this corner and consistently churns out a top-notch lineup of flavors. It's right on a pretty cool stretch of Hyde Street, where the trees overhead arch to create sort of a tunnel. Adding to the uniqueness is the cable car line that occupies the road, making Swensen's an ideal stop. 

I can't say I buy bulk ice cream from too many places, but I do from here. It's not often that I find myself in the area so when I do, I make it a point to stock up. The flavors are really creative; often times they're something you wouldn't expect. But somehow they make even the most far-fetched flavor pairings work. 

If you come here, take the cable car. Or, on the flipside, if you're taking the cable car, get off here. It's worth a stop even if it means waiting to catch the next car (which will most likely be less crowded than the one you're on anyways).

024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

Hyde Street 1999

Small scoop:

US$

5

+1

4157756818

Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our San Francisco guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco

Critical Mass

Better together

"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Nadine

Johnson

Apr 13, 2025

Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe

Hits the spot!

Thanks to "Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe" in San Francisco, I can now find some of my favorite comfort food including the piroshki any time I want!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Nadine

Johnson

Apr 12, 2025

City Arts & Lectures

At the Nourse Theater

San Francisco loves City Arts and Lectures! And, I love it too. Now I can go to the Nourse Theater and enjoy inspiring speakers and discussions.

002-building
Art & culture
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Nadine

Johnson

Apr 12, 2025

Pug Sunday

Fun for dogs and humans

"Pug Sunday" in San Francisco is on the first Sunday of every month. Four-legged and two-legged creatures alike welcome the new month at Altaza Park.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Sasha

Sommer

Apr 10, 2025

SF Symphony

Something old, something new

The Louise M Davies Symphony Hall is a beautiful space of culture and concerts. There's always something and fresh to enjoy by the SF Symphony here!

029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Nadine

Johnson

Apr 10, 2025

Tikka Masala

No nonsense, just good food

"Tikka Masala" in San Francisco is the kind of restaurant where you can get food when you're drenched and they're already closed. It never disappoints...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Marcus

D'Avignon

Apr 10, 2025

Victoria Pastry Co.

All the major food groups

"Victoria Pastry Co." has prompted me to travel across San Francisco solely to enjoy one of its famed cannolis. Walking into it is a test of self-control.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Marcus

D'Avignon

Apr 10, 2025

Oracle Park

Baseball by the bay

"Oracle Park" in San Francisco is one of the finest baseball stadiums in America. With panoramic views of the bay, it's uniquely San Franciscan...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Marcus

D'Avignon

Apr 10, 2025

SOMArts

Some arts

"SOMArts" is a perfect example of what I enjoy about San Francisco. It's an old warehouse that's a boundary-pushing hotspot for local art & music...

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Marcus

D'Avignon

Apr 10, 2025

Cafe Reverie

Pancakes taste better in a garden

"Cafe Reverie" is my favorite cafe in San Francisco. What they don't tell you is that their brunch & pancakes are amazing. Enjoy them in their garden patio

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Marcus

D'Avignon

Apr 10, 2025

Ocean Aquarium

Hidden fish store

"Ocean Aquarium" in San Francisco is a beautiful fish & aquarium store on the most unremarkable side alleyway you can think of. So glad we found it...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Marcus

D'Avignon

Apr 10, 2025

Liguria Bakery

A little Italy in SF

The focaccia at "Liguria Bakery" brings Italy to San Francisco. The place feels so familiar for locals. Everyone has a story about the first time they tried.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Nadine

Johnson

Apr 10, 2025

Heading to San Francisco?

156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to San Francisco?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

156 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite San Francisco

Our team loves San Francisco

Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
64
Filters