Like Nob Hill, Pacific Heights is also one of San Francisco’s wealthiest and most prestigious neighborhoods. All the more so because the views that can be enjoyed from its streets make it a destination not only for the many millionaires who have decided to build their mansions here, but also for tourists who love to stroll along in front of the elegant Victorian houses, mammoth mansions and well-kept streets filled with boutiques and chic restaurants. You don’t go to Pacific Heights to see the main attractions of San Francisco, but rather to get to know the more residential, less touristy and intimate side of the city.
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General Information and History of the Neighborhood
Steep steps from where you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the harbor, the Twin Peaks hills, and Sutro Tower; a street made famous by its million-dollar mansions; a scenic hilltop park; and finally, for movie lovers, houses and streets easily recognizable because they have been appeared in scenes from memorable movies and TV series: here is a taste of what awaits you if you decide to visit the streets of the exclusive Pacific Heights neighborhood.
Developed around 1870, the neighborhood was only partially affected by the 1906 earthquake, so you can still admire beautiful late 19th-century Victorian houses. The area has always been residential and over the years, thanks in part to the beautiful views from the hill, it has become increasingly prestigious, to the point where in real estate terms it is considered to be the most expensive neighborhood in the entire United States.
An interesting fact: Pacific Heights houses the consulates of several states including Italy, China, Germany, South Korea and Greece.
Directions
The Pacific Heights neighborhood is the area between Union Street on the north and Bush Street on the south and between Van Ness Avenue on the east and Presidio Avenue on the west.
You can reach Pacific Heights by:
- buses 1, 22 and 24 that drop you right on Fillmore Street or near Alta Plaza Park.
- cable cars at the California Street / Van Ness Avenue stop. Note, however, that the stop is about a 15-minute walk from Fillmore Street and 20 minutes from Alta Plaza Park.
- car, which you’ll want to park on the west side of the neighborhood.
For better orientation read how to get around San Francisco.
Things to Do in Pacific Heights
Lyon Street Steps
This staircase of eight flights of steps in total is famous for the splendid view it provides to those who decide to undertake the steep climb of its 332 steps on foot. The base of the steps is on Vallejo Street while the top is between Broadway and Lyon Street. The heart-shaped statue between Lyon and Vallejo Street encourages walkers and is also the subject of many photo shoots capturing it with the vertiginous climb behind it.
However, you can take the best photos once you reach the top: the crystal-clear waters of the bay, the dome of the Palace of Fine Arts and the Marina District will reveal themselves in their beauty before your eyes. The staircase is always open and free of charge. I recommend visiting it very early in the morning, before joggers arrive, or in the afternoon when it is less crowded.
Billionaire’s Row
Billionaire’s Row is the name given to the segment of Broadway Street that lies between Broderick Street and Lyon Street, right next to the Lyon Street Steps. This part of Broadway Street is home to houses so luxurious and elegant that it has been nicknamed the ‘Billionaire’s Row’ of San Francisco. Here are the historic residences of the Getty and Traina families, Jony Ive of Apple, Mark Pincus of Zynga, Jeremy Stoppelman of Yelp, Larry Ellison of Oracle… just to name a few. Then there are some residences veiled in an aura of mystery as the owners are unknown, at least to the curious public.
Alta Plaza Park
Alta Plaza Park is a wonderful park in the west end of Pacific Heights between Jackson Street, Steiner Street, Clay Street and Scott Street. From the top of this beautiful garden surrounded by Victorian houses you will enjoy a beautiful view of the Bay, the San Francisco Marina, Alcatraz, Fort Mason and the Presidio. If the day permits, a good idea might be to get something to eat at one of the many eateries on Fillmore Street and then eat it in the park. If you also love sports, you’ll be pleased to know that there are baseball and tennis courts in the park.
Haas-Lilienthal House
The Pacific Heights neighborhood is famous for its beautiful mansions, and if you wish to visit one inside, don’t miss the chance to enter Haas-Lilienthal House. The house is located at 2007 Franklin Street. In Victorian Queen Ann style, the mansion dates from 1886 and was inhabited by three different generations of the Haas family until 1972, when it was opened to the public for tours. To admire the mansion’s furnishings and architecture, check the official website: three daily tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00 noon, 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., and no reservations are necessary. The cost is $10 per adult and $8 for those over 60 and children between 6 and 12 years old.
Famous Houses (Seen on TV)
If walking through the streets of Pacific Heights makes you feel like you’ve been there before, it’s probably not just a feeling. In fact, there are many houses used in movies and TV series that have accompanied many people’s teenage years. Here are some of the most famous mansions:
- House from Mrs. Doubtfire: at 2640 Steiner Street, perhaps the best known, as it featured in the movie Mrs. Doubtfire, and we all remember Robin Williams’ superb performance as a housekeeper.
- House from Party of Five: at 2311 Broadway Street we find the home of the Salinger brothers from Party of Five, a six-season TV series taped between 1994 and 2000.
- House from Full House: at 1709 Broderick Street you will find the home from the sitcom Daddy’s Friends broadcast between 1987 and 1995.
- Spreckels Mansion: at 2080 Washington Street you will have a chance to admire the home of author Danielle Steel, who has written more than 190 books in her lifetime and is considered, with more than 800 million copies sold, the world’s best-selling living author.
Best Places to Eat
If you decide to eat in Pacific Heights, you will find that most of the places to eat are on Fillmore Street and California Street.
Italian cuisine, as always, attracts a lot of people, and you’ll find several renowned eateries here – Jackson Fillmore and Via Veneto on Fillmore Street, Pizzeria Delfina and Scopo Divino on California Street. Staying with European cuisine, Curbside Cafe on California Street and La Mediterranee and Troya on Fillmore Street are great if you are looking for French cuisine in the former case and Middle Eastern/Turkish the latter two.
Akiko Sushi’s Bar and Restaurant and Wasabi & Ginger are my suggestions if you love Asian cuisine. If you crave American cuisine try Jane on Fillmore, Palmer’s Tavern and Harry’s Bar.
Where to Stay
As Pacific Heights is one of San Francisco’s most prestigious neighborhoods, on a par with Nob Hill, staying here is not for every budget. While the number of places to eat is not indifferent, the number of hotels is scarce. However, it is not impossible to stay overnight in Pacific Heights, and by searching early, you may find a nice apartment or accommodation that suits you. The views and exclusivity of the neighborhood will undoubtedly make your stay enjoyable, as will the presence of green areas and several buses that connect you to the rest of the city.
That said, I also recommend you read our guide on where to stay in San Francisco, where you will find targeted advice on the best neighborhoods for overnight stays and a number of recommended hotels.
