Bright Minds. Bold City.

Endocrinology’s brightest minds will gather once again in San Francisco from July 12–15 for ENDO 2025. Showcasing groundbreaking research, cutting-edge clinical advances, and abstract discussions on the future of hormone science and care, our signature conference promises a transformative experience for researchers, clinicians, and healthcare leaders alike.

While San Francisco sets the stage for ENDO 2025, the city itself is truly part of the show. From its iconic hills and historic neighborhoods to hidden gardens and breathtaking waterfronts, San Francisco offers far more than a meeting place. Whether you have a few hours or an entire day to explore, adventure awaits just steps beyond the convention center.

Quick Adventures Close to “Home”

ENDO 2025 takes place at the Moscone Center which sits at the heart of SoMa (South of Market), a district alive with energy, innovation, and culture. SoMa is home to Yerba Buena Gardens, a beautifully landscaped park dotted with sculptures, waterfalls, and open lawns – and the perfect place to catch a breath of fresh air before or after conference sessions. Right next door is the world-renowned San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Whether you have 30 minutes or three hours, it’s worth a visit to get a glimpse of one of the largest collections in the United States. You’ll discover pieces from contemporary masters including Warhol and Lichtenstein, and don’t miss Diego Rivera’s stunning murals.

If you’re looking for a quick bite between sessions, the Metreon shopping center offers quick lunch options, but if you have time to linger, head to nearby Barcha for Mediterranean tapas or Mourad, a Michelin-starred Moroccan-Californian fusion experience — all within easy walking distance.

For attendees who prefer to fill downtime with shopping and people-watching, take the quick 10-minute walk north to Union Square. Flagship stores, luxury brands, quirky boutiques, and lively open-air art displays make it an energizing stop between sessions.

Iconic Sights for a Free Afternoon

If you have a half-day free, San Francisco’s icons await — and many are surprisingly easy to reach. San Francisco’s iconic cable cars aren’t just a way to get around — they’re rolling symbols of the city’s character and charm. From Powell Street near Union Square, hop onto one of San Francisco’s historic cable cars, a much-preferred option for scaling the city’s impossibly steep hills.

You won’t want to miss Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. Yes, this area is popular with tourists – but for good reason. The bustling waterfront is lined with seafood stands (famous for crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls), souvenir shops, and street performers, but the biggest draw is the locals. Pier 39 is home to a colony of sea lions who lounge on the docks barking, sunbathing, and entertaining visitors of all ages.

The waterfront is also the perfect spot to take in postcard views of the bay, Alcatraz, and Golden Gate Bridge. For an even better view, book a cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco and California which has been named one of the Wonders of the Modern World. Cruises are also available to Alcatraz, the site of the first lighthouse in the western United States that later became a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963, housing famous convicts such as Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Now, this once infamous prison island is part of the Bay Area’s 80,000-acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Just inland from Fisherman’s Wharf lies San Francisco’s Little Italy, North Beach. And while there is no beach in sight, this area offers something even better – a vibrant Italian American community that, for generations, has seeded the neighborhood with authentic cafes, gelato shops, and trattorias filling the narrow streets. Here, you can explore the peaceful and hilly enclave of Telegraph Hill where vintage wooden houses line the streets leading to Coit Tower. Built in the 1930s, it’s decorated inside with murals depicting scenes from California’s history. North Beach is also home to Grant Avenue – a unique destination known its one-of-a-kind shops – and Broadway – lined with music clubs, restaurants and bars. Can’t-miss spots in the area include City Lights Publishing and Booksellers, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, and espresso at Caffé Trieste.

Just south of North Beach you’ll find North America’s oldest and largest Chinatown. With its pagoda-style architecture, ornate lamp posts, exotic menus, and other distinctive elements, a stop here can feel more like a trip abroad than a neighborhood stroll. Begin your tour of the area by learning about the community’s history at the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum or the Chinese Culture Center (free of charge). Wander Chinatown’s colorful alleyways on the way to sample dumplings and dim sum at local favorites like Good Mong Kok Bakery before picking up hand-made fortune cookies at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.

A Night on the Town

After a dynamic day of groundbreaking sessions and thought-provoking discussions at ENDO, San Francisco provides the perfect backdrop to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with colleagues beyond the convention hall. Spend the late afternoon wandering through the colorful murals of the Mission District, browsing boutiques in Hayes Valley, or strolling the winding paths of Golden Gate Park. For a taste of history, take a walk along the Embarcadero to the Ferry Building Marketplace, where you can sample artisan foods and local wines. As sunset approaches, head to Crissy Field for a leisurely waterfront stroll, or grab a picnic for a relaxing hour at Alamo Square with a perfect view of the Painted Ladies, the famed pastel-hued Victorian homes (still occupied by locals) that serve as a beautiful reminder of the San Francisco of old while the downtown skyline of new San Francisco shimmers in the distance.

For those wanting to get a taste of all San Francisco has to offer – literally – there’s no shortage of cuisines to please every palate:

• For a classic, old-school San Francisco experience, settle into a cushy red booth at the House of Prime Rib in Nob Hill. At this 70-plus-year-old institution, choreographed staff in crisp white button-downs prepare salads tableside, carve prime rib on roving carts, and ensure your martini glass always stays full.
• For a lively Italian dinner, grab a table in North Beach for pasta and wine and enjoy a leisurely dinner as laughter spills out onto the sidewalks from the bustling cafes lining Columbus Avenue. Venture around a quiet corner of North Beach for a meal at Trattoria Contadina, a family-owned gem that has been a neighborhood staple since the 80s. The ambience is charming, the walls are lined with photos of celebrities who have dined there, and the pasta portions will fill you up for a couple days.
• The Mission heats up after dark with bustling taquerias, rooftop bars, and vibrant street art that seems electric by night. Head to La Taqueria, the city’s most famous restaurant for tacos and burritos for more than 50 years, for one of the (off-menu) “tacos dorados.”
• And for late night eats, Chinatown delivers steaming dim sum, sizzling stir-fries, and hidden noodle houses that stay open long after the crowds thin out. Four Kings is one of the area’s most popular restaurants, and reservations are hard to come by, but they take walk-ins at the bar all night and stay open until 11:00 p.m.

As night falls, San Francisco offers plenty of entertainment for adults looking to blend culture and nightlife. Many of the city’s top museums open their doors after dark for special events, live music, and cocktails. At the California Academy of Sciences, for example, “NightLife” turns the museum into a lively, adults-only party every Thursday, featuring DJs, pop-up bars, and access to the aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest dome. San Francisco’s theater scene is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself. From major Broadway productions at the grand Orpheum and Golden Gate Theatre to cutting-edge performances at smaller venues like the Magic Theatre, the Aurora Theatre Company, and the San Francisco Playhouse, there’s a show for every taste.

Full-Day Escapes

The regions surrounding San Francisco offer a playground of natural beauty, world-class wine, and small-town charm. Plan to arrive early or stick around after ENDO wraps up to enjoy unforgettable day trips exploring everything the Bay Area has to offer.

An hour north, Sonoma County offers a relaxed alternative to glitz and glamor of Napa’s wine country. With more than 400 wineries, Sonoma is as much about the journey as the destination. Drive through rolling vineyards, stop at roadside fruit stands, and linger over wine tastings at family-owned estates like Roche Winery or Gloria Ferrer. The historic Sonoma Plaza offers boutique shopping, artisanal cheese shops, and farm-to-table restaurants highlighting the regional fare. Consider booking a half-day tour if you want to sample liberally without worrying about the drive back. For a more personal experience and fewer crowds, plan your visit for a weekday.

About 90 minutes northwest of San Francisco, Point Reyes feels like it was lifted straight from the pages of a storybook. Rugged cliffs, windswept beaches, rolling green hills, and herds of tule elk roaming in the distance create a breathtaking, unspoiled landscape. Start your visit at the iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse, perched dramatically above the crashing Pacific waves, before setting out on a hike along the Tomales Point Trail — one of the most scenic routes in Northern California. Along the trail, watch for migrating whales just offshore and vibrant fields of wildflowers lining the path. After working up an appetite, head back toward Highway 1 to savor some of the region’s freshest oysters and steaming bowls of chowder at waterfront favorites like Hog Island Oyster Co. or The Marshall Store.

Closer to San Francisco (just across the Golden Gate Bridge), Sausalito offers a charming change of pace. This picturesque waterfront town invites you to slow down and soak in its Mediterranean vibe, where pastel-colored houses line the hillsides, sailboats bob along the docks, and inviting waterfront cafés welcome friends, both new and old. Spend a leisurely afternoon strolling through local art galleries, browsing local boutiques, or renting a kayak to explore the calm waters of Richardson Bay. For a memorable lunch, grab a seat on the sunny patio at Barrel House Tavern or enjoy fresh seafood right along the dock. Ferries run regularly back to San Francisco, offering one of the most scenic rides you can experience, complete with stunning skyline and bay views. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a bike in the city, pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito, and ferry back — a quintessential Bay Area adventure.

For those seeking tranquility, head to Muir Woods, a federally protected National Monument just north of San Francisco in California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Ancient redwood trees soar hundreds of feet above the forest floor, as well-maintained trails wind through their shade. The trails are easily accessible even for casual walkers and always draw large crowds, so make plans to arrive early when it’s least busy.

One final day trip recommendation is just a 40-minute drive south of the city, but it feels like an entirely different world. Following the iconic Highway 1, you’ll be treated to stunning ocean vistas as you make your way to Half Moon Bay, where rugged cliffs, pounding surf, and sweeping coastal trails create a dramatically beautiful landscape. Stretch your legs with a walk along the Coastside Trail or find a quieter spot at Poplar Beach, where you can enjoy wide stretches of sand with far fewer crowds. For a thrill, stop by the famed Mavericks surf break, where some of the world’s most fearless surfers take on the towering waves. After soaking in the salty air and incomparable views, order a hearty lobster roll at Sam’s Chowder House — a beloved local institution perched right over the water.

San Francisco sets the perfect stage for ENDO 2025, offering a dynamic mix of experiences sure to captivate every attendee. While the conference’s cutting-edge research, expert insights, and real-world solutions — presented by the world’s leading investigators, clinicians, and educators — will draw you in, it’s the city’s vibrant energy, rich diversity, and unforgettable spirit that will have you already planning your next visit.

Carson is a freelance writer based in Birmingham, Ala. She provides Endocrine News with the Dashboard and EndoGear sections as well as these annual travelogues that help members make the most of their ENDO experiences.