Things To Do
in Daly City
Daly City is a suburban city on the San Francisco Peninsula directly south of San Francisco, known for sweeping ocean and bay views, rolling hills, and frequent coastal fog. It serves as a residential and commercial gateway between San Francisco and the South Bay with strong public-transit links (BART) and major shopping centers like Serramonte and Westlake. The city is culturally diverse, with a particularly large Filipino community alongside Latino and Asian populations, reflected in local restaurants and storefronts.
Daly City also offers easy access to outdoor areas such as San Bruno Mountain State Park, Thornton State Beach, and nearby Pacifica beaches.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local diner, savoring classic American dishes that fuel your energy. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the historic district of Daly City, admiring the unique architecture and charming storefronts. Don’t miss visiting the iconic Daly City Historical Society, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of the area.
For lunch, indulge in a delightful meal at a nearby café, known for its fresh ingredients and warm atmosphere. Post-lunch, head over to the scenic Balboa Park, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk or engage in outdoor activities like frisbee or picnicking. As the afternoon unfolds, consider visiting the nearby Westlake Shopping Center for some retail therapy and to explore various shops.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant to enjoy a delicious dinner featuring local seafood or international cuisine. After dinner, take a stroll along the waterfront at Thornton Beach State Park, where you can bask in the tranquil sounds of the waves. Finally, end your day with a nightcap at a local bar, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Daly City.
Begin your morning with a quick breakfast at a beachfront café, enjoying views of the ocean while sipping on fresh coffee. Afterward, grab your gear and head to Pacifica State Beach, where you can rent surfboards or paddleboards for a fun-filled morning on the water. Take lessons if you're new to surfing, or simply enjoy catching some waves if you're more experienced.
For lunch, enjoy a picnic on the beach with local deli sandwiches and fresh fruit. After eating, continue your water adventures by joining a guided kayaking tour along the coastline to explore the beautiful marine life and coastal scenery. Keep an eye out for seals and seabirds that inhabit the area, enhancing your wildlife experience.
As evening approaches, enjoy a beach bonfire where you can roast marshmallows and share stories with friends or fellow travelers. Afterward, head to a nearby seafood restaurant to indulge in fresh catches of the day while overlooking the ocean. Wrap up your day with a relaxing walk along the shore, taking in the stunning sunset views.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-6 |
| 🚕Local taxi / short rideshare | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-250 |
| 🚌Public transit single ride (BART/SamTrans) | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to San Francisco and the Peninsula via BART and highways
- Strong cultural diversity and authentic Filipino and Latino dining options
- Proximity to coastal scenery and outstanding hikes like San Bruno Mountain
- More affordable (in some cases) accommodations and eateries than central San Francisco
- Frequent coastal fog and cool temperatures in summer can disappoint beach-seekers
- Quiet nightlife and limited cultural attractions compared with nearby San Francisco
- Hilly terrain and car-centric neighborhoods can make walking tiring in some areas
- Traffic on major arteries (I-280, CA-1) can be heavy during commute times
Places to Visit in Daly City
Visit one of these nice places.
Clifftop views and wide sandy beaches provide classic Pacific Coast shots—good for sunrise and moody fog photography.
Rugged cliffs, surfers, and hang-gliders offer dramatic coastal compositions; best during clear afternoons or when waves are active.
Panoramic vistas of the Bay Area, ideal for wide-angle skyline photos and sunsets when visibility is good.
Local hilltop vantage points provide views over Daly City, San Francisco, and the Pacific—excellent at dusk or when fog layers the bay.
Eerie and atmospheric shots of historic monuments and tree-lined paths—unusual urban landscape photography close to Daly City.
Food in Daly City
Daly City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Popular Filipino dishes—sinigang (sour tamarind-based stew) and lechon (roast pork). Find excellent versions at family-run restaurants along Gellert Boulevard and near the BART station.
Must-Try!
Fresh, generously portioned Mexican street-style tacos and burritos available at local taquerias; good spots cluster near Mission Street and commercial corridors.
Skewered grilled meats and halo-halo (shaved ice dessert) are common at casual eateries and dessert shops—perfect for sharing.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A string of Filipino bakeries (panaderias) and Asian grocery stores around Serramonte and Westlake sell fresh breads, ube pastries, and ready-to-eat items ideal for tasting while you explore.
Beachside stands and small seafood cafes near Pacifica and Mussel Rock serve clam chowder, fish and chips, and seasonal seafood—great for casual seaside dining.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Lines are respected in shops and transit; a friendly 'hello' or nod is common when entering small businesses.
Daly City is culturally diverse—be respectful of cultural practices, language differences, and family-centered businesses, especially in Filipino and Latino communities.
Casual dress is normal; keep noise reasonable in residential neighborhoods, and follow leash and cleanup rules in parks.
Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks when they have the signal; driving is common—avoid jaywalking and be mindful of busy arterial roads.
Safety
Tipping in Daly City
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S. tipping is customary: 15–20% in restaurants (20% for good service), $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for bellhops/valets, and 10–20% for taxis/ride-shares if not included. Tip cash or add to card as available.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments like Apple Pay/Google Pay are common. Cash is still useful for small purchases, markets, or tipping. Some smaller vendors may be cash-only—carry a small amount of USD.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summers are mild and often foggy ('June Gloom') with highs usually in the mid-60s°F (around 18°C); expect cool, damp mornings and clearer late afternoons occasionally—bring layers.
Often the sunniest time of year with warmer, clearer days and comfortable evenings—great for hiking and coastal visits.
Cooler and wetter from November through March with most annual rainfall—pack a waterproof jacket and expect temperatures in the 40s–50s°F (5–15°C).
Variable weather with increasing sunny spells and blooming hillsides; temperatures gradually warm but mornings can remain cool and breezy.
Daly City at Night
Hiking in Daly City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local landmark with multiple trails, wildflower displays in spring, panoramic Bay Area views, and moderate climbs—great for half-day hikes.
Historic ridge trail with views of the Pacific and San Francisco; relatively accessible trails and the site of the Portolá expedition viewpoint.
Coastal bluff trails managed by the National Parks Conservancy with dramatic ocean views and good birdwatching opportunities.
Converted coastal highway section offering paved, scenic walking and biking with cliffside ocean vistas—family-friendly.
Airports
How to reach Daly City by plane.
Primary international airport ~6–12 miles south of Daly City with direct BART service via SFO station and numerous taxi/ride-share options—fastest for most international and domestic flights.
About 20–30 miles across the bay; accessible by BART (with transfer) or rideshare—useful for some domestic routes and often lower-cost airlines.
Approximately 30–40 miles south; better for Silicon Valley access and some domestic flights—reachable by car, Caltrain plus shuttle, or rideshare.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the city’s largest demographic groups—strong cultural presence, businesses, restaurants, and community events.
A significant and vibrant community contributing to local culture, cuisine, and commerce.
Daly City also includes diverse Asian communities (Chinese, other Southeast Asian groups) and White residents; the city is culturally mixed and family-oriented.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
NFL teams like the San Francisco 49ers are very popular in the region—many locals follow college and pro football.
San Francisco Giants baseball has a big following; games are an easy trip into the city.
Nearby Pacifica and local beaches attract surfers and bodyboarders; beach and wind sports are common among outdoor enthusiasts.
Soccer, basketball, and youth league sports are popular in community parks and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Daly City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are less prevalent at traditional Filipino restaurants; look for veggie lumpia, rice-and-vegetable plates, or Mexican spots for bean-based dishes. Most cafes offer salads and meat-free sandwiches.
Vegan choices are available in cafes and some modern restaurants; check online menus ahead of time and ask staff to omit fish sauces or animal-based broths in Filipino dishes.
Gluten-free requests are generally accommodated at sit-down restaurants and bakeries that label items; cross-contamination can occur in small kitchens—ask staff if this is a concern.