From Telegraph to Fourth Street, up to Euclid and Cal campus, Berkeley is a city with a great variety of places to hang out with friends. However, living in Berkeley as a teen means years of visiting the same spots time after time. Every shop has been visited and every restaurant has been sampled, and these frequented spots can become tiring and boring. While we wander the streets looking for new things to do, across the Bay is one of the most iconic cities in America. San Francisco is home to over 800,000 people of a variety of backgrounds and cultures, cultivating a metropolitan area rich in activities, neighborhoods, and hidden gems. Growing up next to an influential and culture-rich city is a privilege not often taken advantage of by Berkeley High School students. They should visit the many teen-friendly activities SF has to offer.
Haight-Ashbury
Snug in the middle of the city lies one of its most historical and cultural gems. As both the center of the hippie movement in San Francisco and the city’s LGBTQIA+ scene through the decades, Haight Street boasts a unique blend of alternative cultures shown in its storefronts. Behind these colorful facades is a thrifter’s dream. Hours can be spent here sifting through both curated and donated clothing or just exploring the historic neighborhood!
Japantown
San Francisco is home to the largest and oldest Japantown in America. This six-block area of shops, restaurants, and more is the result of a thriving Japanese community that has existed since the early 1900s in California. Japantown advertises itself as “a quick trip to Osaka,” where one can immerse themselves in a both new and traditional Japanese culture through desserts, architecture, and media.
Noe Valley
Far away from the towering skyscrapers of San Francisco’s downtown, Noe Valley is a mostly residential area in the south of the city. The commercial corridor along 24th Street is a cozy yet lively area, full of bakeries, casual restaurants, and boutiques. Residents and visitors alike also enjoy the neighborhood’s proximity to nature. Glen Canyon Park is an oasis snug in the busy streets of SF where teen hikers or nature lovers can immerse themselves in the trees and hills.
Musée Mécanique
Family-owned and operated since 1933, Musée Mécanique is an interactive museum dedicated to 20th-century arcade games. Ranging from one cent to one dollar per play, it’s a budget-friendly choice for those who don’t want to pay a small fortune to enjoy a visit to the city. Musée Mécanique is in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, making it accessible from the Embarcadero BART station and a short stroll along the bay.