South San Francisco is a landmark city primarily known for being the "birthplace of biotechnology" – however, visitors who spend time exploring this vibrant destination discover it offers much more than its industrial reputation suggests.
Outdoor Adventures at Sign Hill Park
Sign Hill Park provides visitors with access to the iconic hillside sign reading "South San Francisco, The Industrial City." Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, this 65-acre park offers almost 2 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. The park serves as habitat for the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly, various bird species including egrets, gulls, and terns, as well as native wildflowers like coast irises and poppies. Recent restoration efforts have focused on removing non-native trees to restore grassland habitat for endangered butterflies.
Visitors can access the park from either Mountain Road (with a small 6-space parking lot) or Poplar Avenue (street parking available). The most popular trail is the Letters Trail, approximately 1.3 miles long with an elevation gain of 488 feet, leading directly to the famous concrete letters on the hillside.
Waterfront Recreation at Oyster Point
Oyster Point Marina/Park offers extensive waterfront recreation with a hiking/jogging trail, 2.5-acre sandy beach, fishing pier, boat launch ramp, and marina facilities. The park is open to the public daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Recent improvements through the Oyster Point Project Phase 2C have enhanced landscape areas, parking, and Bay Trail access, with designs addressing sea level rise concerns.
The marina continues to host the Oyster Point Dragons dragon boat racing team, which offers team building activities and paddling opportunities for interested participants.
Historic Dining at 7 Mile House
The historic 7 Mile House in nearby Brisbane remains a popular dining destination. Built circa 1858 as a toll gate, it stands as the Bay Area's last mile house in its original location. The restaurant operates Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays) from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The menu features a unique combination of Filipino, Italian, and American cuisine, maintaining its reputation for award-winning burgers alongside diverse offerings. The establishment remains family and dog-friendly, featuring live entertainment and a heated outdoor patio.
World-Class Wine Education
San Francisco Wine School, located at 415 Grand Avenue in South San Francisco, continues to operate as one of the country's largest wine education institutions. Founded by Master Sommelier David Glancy, the school offers certification programs, workshops, and events both in-person and online. Recent developments include strengthening their unique programs after dropping WSET certification and disavowing the Court of Master Sommeliers, focusing on specialized courses like California Wine Appellation Specialist certification. The 4,000-square-foot education center features 16-foot high ceilings, large arched windows, and panoramic views of the San Bruno Mountains and San Francisco Bay.
Island Escape at Hula Hoops
Hula Hoops tiki bar and restaurant continues to serve exotic cocktails and island-inspired cuisine at 2278 Westborough Boulevard. Established in 2018, the restaurant operates Wednesday through Sunday with varying hours (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). The venue features classic and contemporary tiki cocktails made with fresh juices and house-made syrups, alongside Pacific island-inspired dishes. The restaurant includes a special private Tiki Room decorated with traditional island decor for an immersive dining experience.
Additional Attractions and Developments
South San Francisco's attraction portfolio has expanded significantly. Current popular destinations include the South San Francisco Conference Center, K1 Speed indoor go-kart racing, and various shopping and entertainment venues. The city continues to benefit from its proximity to San Francisco International Airport and its location in the heart of the Bay Area's biotechnology corridor.
The city maintains an active calendar of events throughout the year, with information available through the Parks and Recreation Department. Visitors interested in exploring South San Francisco will find a destination that successfully balances its industrial heritage with recreational opportunities, culinary diversity, and educational experiences.
The city's evolution from its industrial roots to a multifaceted destination demonstrates that South San Francisco offers experiences well beyond its biotechnology reputation, making it an appealing stop for both business travelers and leisure visitors exploring the San Francisco Bay Area.
See all that The San Francisco Peninsula has to offer! Check out our new SFP Magazine.