How to

Explore San Francisco Sustainably

Ditch the car keys and see the city the way locals do: on a bike or on foot. San Francisco’s compact layout and scenic hills make it ideal for exploring at a slower pace.

One of the best ways to start is by exploring part (or all!) of the city’s new 38-mile Roundabout Trail. Created by the team behind the Crosstown Trail, this route loops around San Francisco’s perimeter, connecting hidden parks, coastal lookouts, and diverse neighborhoods that even longtime residents are surprised to rediscover. Along the way, you’ll pass blooming community gardens like Sisterhood Gardens, spot herons along the marshes of Heron’s Head Park, and take in striking public art at the Bayview Shipyard, all without ever needing a car.

BayWheels, the city’s public bike share program, offers hundreds of bikes across the city, perfect for pedaling along the Embarcadero, through Golden Gate Park, or across the bridge for an unforgettable view of the Bay! 

For a more guided experience, join one of the city’s bike tours or walking tours that dive into San Francisco’s history, architecture, and food scene. Not only do you skip the traffic, but you’ll see corners of the city most visitors miss.

Climb the Filbert Steps to Coit Tower for sweeping Bay views, then wander back down into North Beach for espresso and cannoli. For even more local favorites, explore our Like a Local: San Francisco Itinerary, featuring Philz Coffee and Fillmore boutiques, the Presidio Tunnel Tops, Salesforce Park, and the Ferry Building Marketplace.

If you want a playful spin on sightseeing, hop into one of San Francisco’s GoCars, those bright yellow, GPS-guided vehicles that share fun facts as you drive. They’re small, efficient, and an entertaining way to explore with a light footprint.

Sustainability in San Francisco also means taking advantage of its iconic public transportation. Glide up the city’s steep streets on a cable car, one of the most charming and energy-efficient ways to travel. Jump on the F-Market streetcar, which features beautifully restored vintage cars from around the world, or take BART to quickly move between neighborhoods, and even across the bay to Oakland or Berkeley.

Being an eco-conscious traveler isn’t just about how you get around; it’s also about where you spend your money. Supporting local, independent businesses helps keep San Francisco’s creative spirit alive and reduces the environmental impact of large-scale supply chains. Some neighborhood favorites are Bi-Rite Grocery, Fiat Lux, and Recchiuti Chocolate, each offering locally sourced goods and handcrafted products that capture the city’s unique character.

Start with a tour through the Mission District, one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods. Sample locally made pastries, tacos, and coffee, then pop into the district’s many small boutiques and galleries. Don’t miss the 826 Valencia Pirate Supply Store, a whimsical shop that doubles as a nonprofit creative writing program for kids. Each purchase supports local students, and you can even pick up a book featuring their published stories.

Few cities blend urban energy and natural beauty as seamlessly as San Francisco. Locals often say that wherever you live, you’re never more than five blocks from a park—and it’s true.

Spend an afternoon in The Presidio, a national park with forest trails, art installations, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Art lovers will enjoy visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum, located within the park’s historic buildings.

For another photo-worthy moment, head to Buena Vista Park, perched just above the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. It’s the city’s oldest official park and offers breathtaking views of downtown and the Bay, the perfect reward for a short, tree-lined hike.