Jamie Ferrell, Author at Secret San Francisco

Hi there! I grew up in Santa Cruz and graduated from UC Berkeley in 2018 with an English major and Spanish minor. After teaching ESL for a few years, I joined the Secret Media Network as a Staff Writer. I love to write about California history, hidden gems, museum exhibitions, and local wildlife.

California’s Gold Rush-era state fair just kicked off its last summer run ever — here’s what’s changing after this year

The historic California State Fair just kicked off its 2026 run, lasting 17 days from July 17 through August 2 in Sacramento. The historic tradition dates back to 1854, although this year will be its last...

Escapes Top News

1 hour from SF: Next week, one of California’s oldest nude beaches is becoming part of a state park — meaning clothing is now required

California State Parks has announced expanded access at San Gregorio State Beach in San Mateo County after the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) acquired the neighboring 238-acre San Gregorio Ranch for $1...

Culture Things To Do

This Friday: SF is transforming Yerba Buena Gardens into a free, 5-hour bhangra night market with interactive dance lessons, 30+ retailer vendors, Indian street food, and cultural pop-ups

San Francisco's Bhangra & Beats Night Market is back on just two dates this year, and the first is this Friday, July 24th! The free, all-ages event comes to a new location: Yerba Buena Gardens, Jessie...

Sports

San Francisco’s largest outdoor video board is screening the World Cup final for free on Sunday

Thrive City at SF's Chase Center is gearing up for one of the most electric sports moments of the year: the World Cup Final this Sunday, July 19th. The plaza outside Chase Center has regularly drawn c...

After closing it to cars during the pandemic 6 years ago, SF is officially turning this scenic city boulevard into a full-time pedestrian promenade — it’s part of a planned 550-mile trail that traces the Bay Area’s ridgelines

In April 2026, San Francisco broke ground on the Twin Peaks Promenade Project, a long-planned effort to convert Twin Peaks Boulevard into a car-free trail. A large section of the boulevard has already...

Escapes Things To Do

Skip the flight to Italy: ‘California’s Italian Riviera’ is just a ferry ride away from SF, and it’s hosting free waterfront jazz concerts every Friday night through September

Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, California is a breezy seaside escape that feels a world away from the city. With its waterfront views, charming houseboats, and boutique shops and galle...

Food & Drink Top News

1 hour from SF: This 2.2-million-square-foot shopping center just opened a 2-story Asian food emporium right in time for summer

An enormous new culinary space has just opened at Westfield Valley Fair, presenting a multi-sensory pan-Asian dining experience across 15,000 square feet! Asia Live officially opened its doors on June...

Escapes Things To Do

2 hours from SF: California’s most famous storybook town is opening up 8 private residences for self-guided house tours on Saturday

This Saturday, the 32nd annual Carmel House Tour turns California’s most charming storybook beach town into an open-house fantasy for architecture lovers, giving you one afternoon to step inside eight of...

Culture Things To Do

San Francisco is shutting down 10 blocks in the Mission this Sunday for a giant community block party — with 92 vendors, a Native art market, and epic dance performances

Sunday Streets descends on the Mission District this Sunday, July 19, turning 10 blocks of Valencia Street into a car-free playground packed with art, music, vendors, and community resources. It’s a f...

Culture Things To Do

A 115-year-old Hayes Valley tradition brings free circus performances to the neighborhood this Saturday — here’s how to attend

This Saturday, July 18th, 2026, the 115-year-old Hayes Valley Carnival will transform the neighborhood into a high-energy, open-air jamboree packed with Circus Bella performances, street games, prizes, an...