150 California

Ssh. Don't tell anyone about this one. Up on the sixth floor is a hallway that leads to a quiet, private outdoor patio with a garden, tables and chairs, and sunny views of the surrounding skyscrapers.

You'll find a plaque on the building near California and Front Streets indicating that the building holds a public open space, a sun terrace on the 6th floor. When you walk into the building, you'll see a similar sign behind the lobby desk, pointing to the elevators.

Take the elevator to the 6th floor, turn to the right out of the elevators, and you'll see a glass door leading to the sun terrace. You get a feeling of slight disbelief that such a facility is open to the public. But go through the doors, anyway.

The sun terrace is a beautiful, quiet, and sheltered setting with a garden and large sculpture, furnished with several well made and clean tables and chairs. This is a really nice spot to get away from the San Francisco traffic, do some work, eat a lunch you bring with you, or just relax and look at the skyline, including a peekaboo view of the Salesforce Tower.

When I visited, there was only a small group of three people having lunch together at a table. The day was sunny and nice. So this might be a little known gem for those who enjoy a little peace, quiet, and privacy.