San Francisco is a city full of iconic sights, but it’s the hidden gems and small businesses that truly bring its magic to life. In Sept 2024, I went to San Francisco and had the opportunity to work with the Green Tortoise Hostel to capture their one-of-a-kind stay. From the vibrant energy inside the hostel to the rad local businesses just steps away, I set out to photograph the neighborhood at the corner of Little Italy and Chinatown.
This was such a fun trip and work project – from connecting with travelers from all over the world at the hostel to chatting with and capturing the local businesses that give this area so much character.
If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, I highly recommend staying at the Green Tortoise Hostel and checking out these spots.
PS: This kind of local city guide is such a fun idea for travel and hospitality brands to create for their guests!
Beat Museum
“The Beat Museum is dedicated to spreading the spirit of The Beat Generation—tolerance, compassion, and having the courage to live your individual truth. The Beats, as in beaten down and beatific, were a collective of writers, artists, and thinkers that congregated in 1950s San Francisco.”
Fun fact: I learned that this iconic photo of Robbie Robertson, Michael McClure, Bob Dylan, and Allen Ginsberg was taken in the alley behind City Lights Books in San Francisco, as seen below.
City Lights Book Store
Vital Tea Leaf
“The Best Tea Shop in San Francisco”
“The only required sweetener for tea is laughter and good company”
Chinatown Kite Shop
SFOG Clothing Store
Locali Visitir Center
“Locali Visitor Center is located in the heart of the North Beach and offers local tours, art, and info focused on local small businesses and artists in San Francisco.“
Golden Boy Pizza
Lush Gelato
North Beach Pipeline
“The Best Cannabis in North Beach”
Professor Seagulls
“Professor Seagull’s Smartshop and Gallery is a community-centered space dedicated to plants from around the world and the artists who draw inspiration from them.”
The Green Tortoise Hostel
Into the City of San Francisco
& dahh, of course I went to Haight-Ashbury. I was too awestruck to take photos.
