The Unofficial "A Man on the Inside" Guide to San Francisco | San Francisco Travel-贝博体彩
Scene from A Man on the Inside at Pier 39

The Unofficial
"A Man on the Inside" Guide to San Francisco

Netflix's new show, "A Man on the Inside", takes place in San Francisco and shows off the city's beauty. Explore on your own with our guide.

Ted Danson stars as a retired professor (Charles) who trades academia for intrigue when a private investigator recruits him to go undercover at Pacific View Retirement Community, located in San Francisco's prestigious Nob Hill neighborhood. The show’s twists and turns are as unexpected as the City’s famous Lombard Street! From thrilling adventures at Oracle Park to serene moments at the iconic Palace of Fine Arts, the series showcases San Francisco as more than just a backdrop—it’s a character all on its own.

Ready to follow in their footsteps? Explore the City just like the cast and discover your own San Francisco adventure!

Nob Hill

Nob Hill is the epitome of San Francisco’s old-world elegance. This area is home to the fictional Pacific View Retirement Community and some of the city’s most historic and luxurious hotels, towering above the surrounding streets. In "A Man on the Inside", you would find Ted Danson’s character strolling through this upscale neighborhood, enjoying the beautiful parks and impressive views of the surrounding Bay Area.

  • Intercontinental Mark Hopkins
    This landmark hotel sits atop Nob Hill and offers stunning city and bay views. The Intercontinental's classic charm and history make it a fitting place for a high-stakes undercover operation. (999 California Street)
  • Fairmont San Francisco
    You have probably already heard of the Fairmont; it's as luxurious as it gets. Its grand lobby and sweeping views provide the perfect setting for a dramatic moment or a bit of R&R while visiting San Francisco. Don't forget to visit the famous Tonga Room, an unexpected find on the lower level of this luxe hotel. (950 Mason Street)
  • Huntington Park
    A quiet green space nestled between the iconic hotels, Huntington Park, offers a peaceful respite for the residents and visitors to Nob Hill. See locals taking their dogs for a walk or enjoy the central fountain while people watching away from the hustle and bustle of the city. (California and Taylor Street)
  • Grace Cathedral
    This Gothic cathedral, with its grand architecture and peaceful labyrinth, serves as a backdrop for moments of reflection. More than just a beautiful building, Grace Cathedral hosts numerous unique events for everyone, no matter your beliefs. You could imagine Virginia and Florence doing Yoga here in the mornings. (1100 California Street)
  • Cable Car Ride
    No trip to San Francisco is complete without a ride on its world-famous cable cars. Pacific View is located only two blocks from the intersection of all three cable car lines: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California St.  Hop on board, and you will be on your way to explore more of San Francisco! 
PABU Izakaya's PABU Martini

Did You Know?

The Martini was actually invented in San Francisco! Danson’s character shakes up the retirement center by crafting the perfect Martini for their happy hour, which appropriately starts at 3 pm! Explore some of the best spots in SF to sip a Martini! 

Explore SF's Cocktail Scene

North Beach

North Beach, San Francisco’s Little Italy, captures the heart and soul of the city’s immigrant history. Not far from Nob Hill, this quintessentially SF area is a can’t-miss for visitors as well as the residents of Pacific View.

  • Piazza Pellegrini
    Enjoy a cozy Italian meal at Piazza Pellegrini, where the warm and welcoming ambiance combines with their delicious antipasti, housemade pasta, pizzas & panini. It perfectly reflects the neighborhood’s laid-back charm. (659 Columbus Avenue)
  • Washington Square Park
    This picturesque park is ideal for a relaxing afternoon, and you can enjoy a reflective stroll or picnic surrounded by SF’s Italian roots. Cannoli anyone? (Filbert and Stockton Street)
North Beach

Waterfront

San Francisco’s waterfront area, with its bustling piers and stunning bay views, is one of the most famous backdrops of the show. From practicing covert investigative skills at PIER 39 with Charles and Julie to a baseball game with Calbert, these areas are favorites for any visitor (or local) to SF. 

  • PIER 39
    With quirky shops, breathtaking views, and prime people watching, it’s easy to see why Julie takes Charles here to practice his investigative skills. Don't forget to see the iconic sea lions and hear (and smell!) them at this SF bucket list location. (PIER 39, Embarcadero)
  • Oracle Park
    Home to the San Francisco Giants, Oracle Park is one of the city’s most iconic sports venues. In A Man on the Inside, Calbert took pictures in front of the Willie Mays statue, one of SF’s most famous players. He also enjoyed sitting in Triples Alley, one of the most scenic spots in the stadium. Pro tip: get a Crazy Crab sandwich and Irish Coffee to complete the experience. (24 Willie Mays Plaza)
  • Palace of Fine Arts
    A breathtaking and beloved architectural marvel, the Palace of Fine Arts offers a peaceful contrast to the action in the show. Surrounded by the beauty of the pond and classical columns, Charles took Calbert here to get out of the retirement center and enjoy the beautiful city he now calls home. (3601 Lyon Street)
Scene from A Man on the Inside at Oracle Park

Downtown and Union Square

The urban core of San Francisco is just a hop, skip, or a Cable Car ride away from Pacific View in Nob Hill. This is a great part of the city to try a new restaurant or get some much-needed shopping done. Explore tall towers, historic haunts, and all the San Francisco vibes you could imagine! 

  • Philz Coffee 
    Didi was having a rough day at work and never seemed to finish her Philz coffee, but you can. Philz is a local favorite for coffee lovers, offering a unique selection of handcrafted brews, perfect for fueling up before exploring the city. Tip: try their Mint Mojito Late, a delicious blend of coffee and refreshing mint. (Various locations)
  • John’s Grill
    A San Francisco classic, this historic steakhouse in Union Square has seen it all. Its old-school charm and cozy atmosphere make John's Grill the perfect place for the residents of Pacific View to unwind with a delicious meal and the perfect Martini. The hardest part? Making it back up Nob Hill full of delicious food! (63 Ellis Street)
Scene from A Man on the Inside at Golden Gate Bridge

Watch "A Man on the Inside"

Ready to see the beauty of SF for yourself? "A Man on the Inside" is streaming now on Netflix! Better yet, start planning your next trip to San Francisco.

Start Watching

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Film SF and the San Francisco Film Commission champion filming in San Francisco. We are a City agency that strives to attract a diversity of storytellers to the cinematic city of San Francisco and foster filming to stimulate economic development, create jobs, and share the beauty of our city with the rest of the world. Apply for Film SF's incentive, the Scene in San Francisco Rebate Program, and learn more about our office, permitting, and more at filmsf.org.

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