Mark Twain once called San Francisco the city of startling events and, if you are someone living in San Francisco or are just visiting the town, you will know exactly why. In fact, there are so many places to see, so much to eat and wonder at, you probably won’t be able to fit it all into just one trip. And this is especially since this city thrives in the odd and the creative. Knowing this, make sure you find a good San Francisco luggage locker so you can stow your bags and get going as soon as you hit town.
The place is a gallery of some of the weirdest and yet most delightful experiences in the world that should not be missed at any cost. If you think it is high time to check all of that out, here is an extensive list of places that you should definitely not skip. And if you’re looking to share the strange and surreal with others, consider booking a San Francisco charter bus or minibus rental to shuttle your group, family, or entourage from site to site.
826 Valencia San Francisco
First up is something that would definitely make you go “Arrr!”
At this store in 826 Valencia, get a chance to live your childhood fantasy to become a pirate. Take to the imaginary high waves after donning all the splendid hats and feathers and leather boots that go into becoming a pirate. Run by fellow sea-tamers overrun with fits of fancy, this store is also the house of a literacy program that teaches children to let their imagination roam the wild and tell tales in exquisite details. This creative writing program was the idea of Dave Eggers, who is an author himself.
So, make sure to visit this incredible store and grab your gear any day of the week from 12 to 6 pm.
You shall not ESCAPE
In an unassuming building on the Geary lies a room full of puzzles, each of which is more mind-boggling than the last. So, choose your men and choose wisely, because with this team of ten heroes shall you take on every weird code and mystery in the room. Solve it all before the dreaded hour runs out or perish.
At the Puzzle Room, each of the escape rooms is unique in their own way and you will never quite know what to expect. So, if you and your group are up for a challenger, this is an extremely delightful way to spend your time. Just make sure you call and make your bookings beforehand and get ready to spend one of the coolest hours of your life with your chosen people.
Find Yoda, you will. Fail, you must not!
Tucked away in the heart of Lucasfilm headquarters in Presidio National park, is a statue of the one cranky old teacher we all grew up loving. But if you are not that big a fan of the Jedi master, the fountain and the statue of Yoda are not the only things that attract masses of Star Wars fans every day. Scattered around the lobby behind the fountain are a crazy amount of Star Wars memorabilia. And yes, that includes the costume of our favourite ‘Dark Father’.
Just remember that while the statue can be seen anytime, to also see the memorabilia, you must plan your visit on a weekday.
Things get steamy at Booksmith
They say that book-nerds do not know how to have fun. But one visit to this happy little bookstore in SF will confirm otherwise. Sure, on most days it seems to be the perfect example of a comfy little bookstore, brimful with books by many people of letters. The store will recommend some cool books by local authors and is a perfect place to restock your shelves.
But that is not why it made it to this list of oddities. The reason it did becomes evident on the first Thursday of every month as it hosts fanfiction readings and performances and all of them are known to get a little hot and heavy. Many of the readings include fanfictions written by well-known authors and are a pretty good way to spend your evening. Just don’t be surprised if the Gatsby you encounter is a little gaspier than you remember and if Poe pours out more steam than usual.
Obviously, there are like a hundred more things you can do and see while in SF. But we hope that this list full of our favourite oddities will help you traipse a little further from the known trail.
