Make it a Day by the Bay

 Choose Your Own Adventure
If you want to see San Francisco fog, consider taking a morning campus tour. By afternoon, the sun’s out (usually). “When I give an afternoon tour, students are everywhere, and there’s usually more activity going on around campus,” said Noah David ’26, business analytics major.

• The morning and afternoon tours, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., are one hour, plus one-hour information sessions. Student ambassadors lead tours. Book a tour.
• There is also a self-guided tour.
• Make plans for later in the day, maybe a baseball game at Benedetti Diamond or a campus event.  

But First, Coffee
On Lone Mountain, grab something at the Open Door Café and enjoy the views from Koret Lodge. Or explore a local favorite.

• Brioche Bakery and Café is a short walk from campus for breakfast or brunch, said Alma Frazier ’27, public health major.
• Try Early to Rise for eggs, hash, and coffee, said Dan Rubenstein ’26, finance major.

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Take in the Sights
Tours start on top of Lone Mountain, with San Francisco Bay to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. “I like to say we’re in the heart of the city,” said Lisa Flores ’25, advertising major.

• Check out where Sobrato Center, University Center, and Toler Hall converge. “When students get out of class, you get a bit of everything there, plus the UC has a lot of resources — bookstore, coffee bar, student resources,” David said.
• Nearby, Rubenstein likes to take visitors to the amphitheater outside Kalmanovitz Hall.
• From there, it’s a short walk across Welch Field to St. Ignatius Church. “I love taking families into the church,” Flores said. “They stop and take photos. I like to tell them, ‘You start here (with convocation) and graduate here. This is where you start and end.’”
• Don’t miss Koret Center, the campus recreation center where students, faculty, and staff can work out, swim, and take fitness classes.

We're in the heart of the city,” said Lisa Flores ’25.

Ask Questions
The student ambassadors have the answers. Here’s a popular one: How do you deal with these hills? “Every day is leg day,” said Rubenstein. “You get used to it.”

• “My favorite question is what does every USF student have in common?” Frazier said. “I always say a passion for service. A lot of people here have a passion to help others, and they’re willing to do a lot of work to support others.”
• What’s it like to attend a school with small to medium classes? “At USF, it’s a really different experience. You’re not a face in an ocean of people but you’ll really be known here. It also means you’ll enjoy the opportunities — campus employment, getting in touch with your professors, internships, and other learning opportunities,” David said.
• Some visitors ask about the role of religion at USF, Flores said. “I explain that as a Jesuit Catholic university, faith is embedded into our values and our education with opportunities for students to participate in service learning and give back to the community.”

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Grab Lunch or a Snack
By now, you’ve probably worked up an appetite.

• A favorite for Rubenstein is El Rancho Grande., where the super burrito is only $13.25.
• If it’s foggy, what Flores calls “soup weather,” she recommends going to Hinodeya Ramen in Japantown for a bowl of ramen.
• At Genki Crepes & Mini-Mart on Clement Street, you can get sweet or savory crepes with 30 different types of fillings and toppings, Flores said. They also have boba tea and are open until 2 a.m.
• Don’t miss the crème brulée donut at Bob’s Donuts, Rubenstein said. They’re also open until 2 a.m.

You’re not a face in an ocean of people," said Noah David ’26.

Find Your Photo Ops
Lone Mountain “always hits for visitors,” David said, especially where the walkway is flanked by palm trees.

• Another favorite is Koret Lodge. “We walk right through, and you can see the downtown area. You can see everything from that spot,” Frazier said.
• The Lone Mountain stairs are another, especially near the fountain.

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Discover Hidden Gems
Extra points for asking your tour guide to show you these spots.

• The “Harry Potter” room on the third floor of Lone Mountain Main, also known as the Del Santo Reading Room.
• The Lone Mountain Heritage Room, a small classroom tucked between the first and second floors in Lone Mountain Main, with a wall of windows and a view of the city.
• Xarts, the Investment Lab, and the Innovation Hive.
• The Thacher Gallery in Gleeson Library/Geschke Center.

Explore SF Like a Local for Dinner
Looking for dinner off campus, followed perhaps by a basketball game?

• “A couple of my favorite dinner spots around the area are King's Thai, Kaiju Eats Ramen & Izakaya, and Street Taco,” said Flores.
• Or check out Rubenstein’s favorites: 4505 Burgers and BBQ, Bella Trattoria, Brenda’s French Soul Food, Grand Hot Pot Lounge, or Barrio.

We’re not just a university campus. We’re also very intertwined with the city we’re in,” said Dan Rubenstein ’26.

“You have a whole day to explore the city — go see the sights, go to the Marina, Salesforce Park, Chinatown, the Inner and Outer Sunset,” Rubenstein said. “Go to the Presidio. We’re not just a university campus. We’re also very intertwined with the city we’re in.”