INBOUND 2025 is heading to one of the most iconic and creatively charged cities: San Francisco. While the speaker lineup, networking moments, and Moscone Center vibes are reason enough to book your trip, there's a whole world of local gems waiting just outside the conference doors.
We asked our INBOUND community to share their favorite places in the city: where they recharge, explore, and get inspired. From cult-favorite bakeries and trailheads to cozy coffee corners and unbeatable views, these are the real-deal recommendations to help you plan your downtime like a San Franciscan.
📍 See them all on our custom Golden Picks Google Map and keep reading for personal picks from some of our SF-based INBOUND speakers.
START HERE: THE SF SPOTS THESE SPEAKERS ALWAYS SHOW OFF
If you're wondering where locals take their visiting friends and family—these are the spots. From natural wonders to cultural landmarks, these spots are our speakers’ favorites for a reason.
Academy of Sciences (Golden Gate Park) — Evan Hamilton, HubSpot
“There's nothing more spectacular than being in a building that has both a living roof, a rainforest you can go inside, a giant aquarium and happens to be situated in beautiful Golden Gate Park.” This wonderland of science and sustainability sits in the heart of Golden Gate Park and is a crowd-pleaser for first-time visitors and locals alike.
Il Parco at the Presidio — Robyn Winner, Loop
“Incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge, great pizza and bevs too.” Equal parts restaurant, park, and panoramic experience, Il Parco is where San Francisco locals go to impress. Tuck into Neapolitan-style pizza and soak up a postcard-perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Bonus tip: bring a jacket as the fog rolls in fast.
Lands End Trail & The Presidio — Alyona Mysko, Fuelfinance
“An awesome view of the Golden Gate Bridge and nature.” For those looking to experience SF’s rugged coastal beauty, the Lands End Trail delivers. This oceanside path winds through cypress trees, wildflowers, and windswept cliffs, with every turn offering a new angle on the bridge. It's a must for anyone craving nature within city limits.
Dolores Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Japantown — Courtney Sembler, HubSpot
- Dolores Park: With its sweeping skyline views, palm trees, and joyful crowds, Dolores Park is peak San Francisco. Whether you're laying out with a burrito from nearby Mission eateries or simply people-watching, it’s one of the best places to catch a view of the entire city.
- Fisherman’s Wharf: Yes, it's on every tourist map, but for good reason. Come for the sea lions, stay for the sourdough. If it’s your first time in SF, this is a rite of passage. “You can see the seals and the Golden Gate Bridge. It's a beautiful spot and I highly recommend it.”
- Japantown: “There is a lot of history in San Francisco with Asian American history and Japantown is the heart of it.” This historic neighborhood blends culture, history, and some of the best ramen and mochi in the city. It’s quieter than nearby districts, but deeply meaningful and always worth the stop.
LOCAL FUEL: WHERE TO GRAB COFFEE, MATCHA, OR A PERFECT PASTRY
SF is a tech hub that’s also a city powered by caffeine and carbs. Here’s where our speakers go when they need a quick recharge between meetings, hikes, or brainstorms.
Grande Crêperie (Ferry Building) — Evan Hamilton, HubSpot
One word: kouign-amann. (Okay, two if you count “life-changing.”) This caramelized Breton pastry is crisp, buttery, and—according to Evan —guaranteed to ruin all other pastries for you. “You won't be the same after.”
Reveille Coffee + Loquat + Arizmendi (Sunset District) — Robyn Winner, Loop
Robyn calls Reveille her go-to for the “best matcha in town”, Loquat a must for Swedish cardamom buns, and Arizmendi the neighborhood's beloved co-op bakery. Together, they make the ultimate trio for a self-guided pastry crawl.
The Mill, Sightglass Coffee, b.Patisserie — Alyona Mysko, Fuelfinance
The Mill is famous for its thick-sliced, Instagrammable toast topped with everything from house-made almond butter to seasonal jam. Sightglass offers sleek design and meticulously roasted coffee that locals line up for. And at b.Patisserie, you’ll find “the best bakery, especially for croissants.”
Flywheel Coffee (Near Golden Gate Park) + Jane the Bakery — Courtney Sembler, HubSpot
Tucked beside the park, Flywheel is the perfect refuel station after a museum visit or nature walk. And Jane the Bakery is a community favorite known for its croissants, seasonal galettes, and rustic loaves.
UNDER-THE-RADAR RECOMMENDATIONS YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DISCOVERED
Everyone knows Alcatraz and the Painted Ladies, but San Francisco has secrets that only locals know how to unlock. These picks fly under the radar but over-deliver on charm and experience.
The SF Music Scene — Evan Hamilton, HubSpot
“Music! The Bay Area has an amazing music scene with everything from huge, gorgeous venues to tiny dive bars.”
The Sunset District — Robyn Winner, Loop
This neighborhood is often skipped by visitors, but it holds some of the city’s best bakeries, cafes, and beach access. “Amazing food, beach access, one-stop-shop.”
Haight Street — Alyona Mysko, Fuelfinance
Hippie history, funky vintage shops, and candy-colored Victorian homes—Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is an SF time capsule. “The place where hippie culture was born. Explore the Victorian buildings; it’s very much the essence of true San Francisco.”
SF Food Scene — Courtney Sembler, HubSpot
“The food! Eating in SF is truly an experience on it's own. From the small coffee shops to the all star sushi restaurants and everything in between. As you engage with other INBOUND attendees, lean into grabbing food while learning together.”
WHERE THE LOCALS GO FOR INSPIRATION
Big ideas need room to breathe and these are the places our speakers turn to for clarity, inspiration, and creative energy.
Angel Island — Evan Hamilton, HubSpot
Often overlooked in favor of its infamous neighbor, Alcatraz, Angel Island is a quieter escape. A short ferry ride from the city lands you in nature with panoramic trails, rich history and “true inspiration and beauty.”
Crissy Field — Robyn Winner, Loop
A flat, accessible shoreline park with killer views of the bridge and Marin headlands. Bring a notebook or a walking buddy and let the wide-open space do the rest.
Sutro Baths + Golden Gate Park, Mill Valley Public Library — Alyona Mysko, Fuelfinance
Hike through coastal ruins and into the dense, leafy beauty of Golden Gate Park (and Alyona’s favorite spot for hiking). For those who like their inspiration with a side of quiet, this out-of-the-way library is nestled among redwoods and is “a great place to work and get inspired.”
Twin Peaks & Ocean Beach — Courtney Sembler, HubSpot
Standing at the top of Twin Peaks, take in views of the skyline, bay, ocean, and Golden Gate Park. Ocean Beach is moody, misty, and wildly photogenic. Whether you're journaling, walking, or taking a cold plunge, it’s a uniquely grounding place.
BONUS ADVICE FROM OUR INBOUND SPEAKERS
Your sessions and schedules will be packed, but these speaker insights are a reminder to let the city be part of the experience, too:
- “Meet people! INBOUND is about more than talks - it's about finding your peers and learning together.”— Evan Hamilton, HubSpot
- “Experience the SF dinner and nightlife scene.” — Robyn Winner, Loop
- “Explore! INBOUND being in SF is truly once in a lifetime experience and if this is your first time in SF use the city to learn together throughout INBOUND. Grab a friend or stranger and head out to the water for your meeting, take a ride up to the Golden Gate bridge, talk a walk through Golden Gate Park or check out one of our amazing restaurants near Moscone.”— Courtney Sembler, HubSpot Academy
BUILD YOUR OWN GOLDEN PICKS SF ITINERARY
Ready to explore? Use our Golden Picks Google Map to plan your own adventure through the best of SF, specially curated from our local speakers, correspondents, and members of the INBOUND community.
Want to stay ahead? Subscribe to our email list for exclusive marketing, sales, and AI insights along with first dibs on all things INBOUND:
