Pacific Heights
Pacific Heights is one of San Francisco’s most affluent and prestigious neighborhoods, known for its grand mansions, tree-lined streets, and sweeping views of the bay. With its blend of historic homes and modern architecture, the area showcases the city’s rich architectural heritage, where many properties date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. It exudes a quiet elegance, offering a glimpse into the lives of San Francisco’s elite. Historically home to some of the city’s wealthiest residents, Pacific Heights remains a symbol of sophistication and exclusivity, with its serene atmosphere providing a stark contrast to the bustle of downtown just below.
Things to do and see!
Lafayette Park—a peaceful, beautifully landscaped park offering panoramic views of the Bay and the city skyline. It’s a popular spot for picnics, dog-walking, and relaxing, with plenty of benches, grassy lawns, and walking paths. The park also features a children’s playground, making it a perfect spot for families.
Alta Plaza Park—This hilltop park provides sweeping views of the city, including sights of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Bay. Alta Plaza Park is known for its broad lawns, terraced steps, and tennis courts. Climb the steps to take in one of the best vantage points in San Francisco, particularly lovely at sunset.
Explore the Historic Mansions—Pacific Heights is home to some of San Francisco’s grandest historic mansions and Victorian-style homes. Stroll along streets like Broadway, Lyon, and Baker to see beautifully preserved houses, including the iconic “Painted Ladies.” Many homes have plaques with historical details, and some were former residences of celebrities and notable figures.
The Haas-Lilienthal House—This Victorian mansion-turned-museum offers a glimpse into San Francisco’s architectural history. The Haas-Lilienthal House is the only Victorian home in the city that’s open to the public. It features period furnishings and guided tours, providing insight into life in San Francisco in the late 1800s.
Visit Billionaire’s Row—Located on a stretch of Broadway Street, “Billionaire’s Row” is lined with some of the most luxurious and expensive homes in San Francisco. These mansions feature stunning architecture and some of the best views in the city. While these homes are private, a walk along this area is worth it to see the grandeur of San Francisco’s high-society residences.
Lyon Street Steps—The Lyon Street Steps are an iconic staircase with beautiful gardens, elegant architecture, and impressive views. Between Broadway and Vallejo Streets, there is a steep set of steps with well-kept landscaping all around it. It’s a great workout, and at the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Bay and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Fillmore Street Shopping—the main commercial area in Pacific Heights, lined with trendy boutiques and designer stores.
The Spreckels Mansion—a magnificent French Baroque mansion that sugar baron Adolph Spreckels constructed in 1912. This mansion has a fascinating history and has been home to various notable residents, including novelist Danielle Steel. Location: 2080 Washington Street.
Swedenborgian Church—This charming, historic church, located at 2107 Lyon Street, is one of the oldest Arts and Crafts-style buildings in the United States. The Swedenborg Church features rustic wooden beams, handcrafted furniture, and a serene garden. It’s a National Historic Landmark and a unique architectural gem.
Octagon House—The Octagon House is a quirky, eight-sided house built in 1861. Located at 2645 Gough Street, this house is a rare architectural treasure that now serves as a museum showcasing period furnishings and historical artifacts. It’s open to the public for tours on select days and provides insight into the early days of San Francisco.
Photograph the Views from Pacific Avenue—Pacific Avenue is another street that offers breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Presidio. Strolling along this street is a wonderful way to soak in the charm of the neighborhood and capture some fantastic photos of the city’s skyline and landmarks.
Architectural Walking Tour—Take a self-guided or organized walking tour focusing on the neighborhood’s rich architectural heritage. You’ll see examples of Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Italianate Victorian homes. Many tour companies offer history-filled tours that delve into the architectural beauty and stories behind the grand homes of Pacific Heights.
Sundance Kabuki Cinema—Located in nearby Japantown, the Sundance Kabuki Cinema is a unique movie theater known for its comfortable seating and select screenings of independent films. The cinema has a stylish bar, making it a popular spot for date nights and a laid-back movie experience.
Enjoy the Fillmore Jazz Festival
The Fillmore Jazz Festival is one of the best summer festivals in San Francisco. It’s also the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually. Each summer, it takes over 12 blocks on Fillmore Street between the Pacific Heights and Japantown neighborhoods in San Francisco. The festival features several stages with live jazz performances. This festival is always held on or around the July 4th holiday.