this is really one of the prettiest and sunniest neighborhoods in sf. there are beautiful, classic…read morehomes as well as some more modern buildings. tons of restaurants and shops galore...including some local boutique shops, owned by sf locals. each time i dine at a restaurant here, i experience something a little different, a different flavor, culture, clientele, but still very much noe valley. for the outdoors enthusiast, there are many hills here, so you can jog or hike and get a good workout. if the hills are too much, catch any one of the muni bus/trolleys. on a sunny day, you can see some terrific views of downtown sf from the top of some streets. just stand (or sit) and enjoy. accessible via 24th & mission bart (about 1/2 mi walk to this area) or 280 or 101. one good thing about parking, many areas have FREE parking, and it's not as hard to find a spot as many other parts of sf!

Honestly, I shouldn't still make fun of Noe Valley with my San Francisco-circa-2003 jokes, but I…read moredo. In one review, I called it "the land of $1200 double strollers." In another, just "Land of the Double-Wide Strollers." Both are good, and I'd add "The place where Marina Grayson and Marina Taylor find an apartment together once they decide to get serious." But I know a lovely couple who did move in together in Noe Valley once they decided to get serious, and she's a kickass union organizer now and is in a million ways a go-getter and a tough customer (in a good way) and a true Mensch, so who am I to make fun of where people live? Right. I'll still do it. Not so secretly, I still love Noe Valley, but not for the proposed $1.7 million toilets or the lovely toy stores that have gone out of business or the ridiculous Whole Foods that took over for what was a ridiculous-in-a-good-way Cala Foods. Nope. I love Holey Bagel (despite or because of its interior?) even though it reminds me of getting fired and the memory of the Global Exchange Fair Trade Store and Elizabeth Street for obvious and not-so-obvious reasons and its closeness to the Mission even though I don't associate it with the Mission. But it's really close, and before I got my I parking permit, I used to park in its Z parking area illegally and never got a ticket and always enjoyed walking back to my cozy car parked in front of the same(!) cozy house because even though I didn't know whether I'd have a ticket waiting, I knew I'd have a catalytic converter, because who's going to steal one of those on that particular street in the wrong-side-of-the-tracks section of Noe Valley? I'm kidding about that description because it's not true but it is but it's not and you know it. So there. The 24-Divisadero! It makes stops in the middle of the steepest parts of Castro Street in Noe Valley because it makes more sense to stop on the flat cross streets than to go past them to the inclined curbs! And I feel perfectly safe waiting too long for my 48-Quintara/24th Street, and there's a big, comfortable bench there waiting for me. And even back in the day, when I rode the 48 in the opposite direction and waited near the corner of 24th Street & Castro for the 24 back to my flat, I would use those lovely benches as well. Or if it was pouring raining, I'd stand under one of the closed stores' awnings or right in their doorway itself, and I wouldn't feel bad at all about it. That's when there was a Hahn's Hibachi (RIP) out here as well. And plenty more. Plenty more. It's lovely, but its businesses are ridiculously and coldly and just shadily overpriced, especially on the south side of 24th Street. Why is that, exactly? I still love it. And I still reserve the right to make fun of its residents.

Family neighborhood, lots of tidy single family homes and narrow streets where neighbors wave you…read morethrough as you thread, carefully, between parked cars and opposing traffic. The main thoroughfares, San Jose and Alemany Avenues, are populated with a decent library, many good Salvadoran, sushi, Chinese and family businesses. This is a working neighborhood where people get things done. It's a modest neighborhood, seems quiet here on the southeastern quarter of the city, snugged up to Bernal Heights.

A colorful neighborhood in San Francisco. Known for street art and culturally diverse restaurants…read moreand bakeries. McLaren Park is also a highlight. Located roughly at the half way point between Daily City and downtown San Francisco - its probably not a bad place to live or visit. Tourists might find it hard to believe but downtown San Francisco is really not much to see besides tall buildings with not all that much character. Mostly office spaces and residential housing there is more recent - say the past five or ten years. The neighborhood is small - the boarders are Mission St and John McLaren park. Roughly ten by ten blocks and El Farolito is about in the middle on Mission. Come here for tacos or a Salvadorian bakery. If you prefer the more mainstream stuff you can give your money to Amazon and walk into a nearby Whole Foods. Balboa Park Bart stop is the closest but bus routes go to the city and that is also an option. Some might think of this as the 'outer limits' of San Francisco and I suppose in many ways it is. Most people from the city only recognize the seven by seven. No, no... I don't think this is the outer limits at all. If you consider the age of the neighborhood and how nobody wants to live downtown - it might just be the heart of the city.

There are three sets of stairs that were built on the eastern slope of Telegraph Hill, and it's…read moreclear to me which one is which. With its leafy foliage, the Filbert Steps are Ginger, and with far less foot traffic than the Filbert Steps, the Greenwich Steps are Mary Ann. That must mean these stairs are Mrs. Howell because let's face it, they're the least sexy. Three stairways make up the Vallejo Street Steps, but the central one is the only one that allows you to wander the surrounding gardens. These steps are the closest ones to Broadway, and that counts for something. Isn't that right, Lovey? RELATED - Interested in climbing the stairways around the Bay Area? Here's a collection of steps I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3UkMHud

Yeeees, beautiful views from these steps!…read more I've come here in the very early morning to see lovely views of the Bay Bridge and then in the afternoon to see the city humming with life below me. Never too crowded, but worth the work out for the view. 2024: 66/100

It's always fun getting to visit San Francisco and it was such a gorgeous day to be there…read more We were in town to visit the DeYoung Museum and have a picnic lunch in Golden Gate Park. I love looking at all the colorful houses all stuck together. It's nice to see the residents taking pride in their homes and keeping everything so beautiful. We passed by a nice flower stand on a corner street that's been there forever. There are many hidden gems within these neighborhoods like this flower stand and mom and pop eateries and markets. Golden Gate Park was so lovely. We enjoyed our lunch sitting at one of the park benches under a tree, people watching and enjoying the water fountains. The DeYoung museum was amazing as usual. We had the best time. San Francisco is always a good time. There is so much to do and see. I feel really lucky to live in the South Bay, which is about 90 minute drive into the city. It works perfectly for visiting and having fun for the day.

San Francisco is a unique and AMAZING city…read more There is so much to see, do, and experience here that you'll need several days to truly get a feel for the city. My family and I recently spent four days in the city, and after visiting so many places, we only saw a quarter of what we had planned. In four days, we ate at great restaurants, visited Fisherman's Wharf, attended a San Francisco Giants baseball game, explored four museums, visited the San Francisco Aquarium, saw the Sea Lions at Pier 39, crossed the Golden Gate Bridge multiple times, shopped at various stores, drove down Lombard Street, explored Chinatown, and much more. We truly had a BLAST and made wonderful family memories. We loved the cool weather, the unexpected rain during dinner, the strong winds starting around 2-2:30 each day, and the many amazing people we met from countries all around the world. We also visited several towns just outside downtown San Francisco, all of which were beautiful and special. This was definitely a GREAT, fun, and relaxing trip for my family and me.

I love it here. Relatively safe neighborhood (ok - some car crime, a garage spot is definitely…read moreworth it) - amazing diversity of restaurants, great bars, and a generally unpretentious feel to it, and a great park and public transportation accessibility. But let's face it. no matter where you live, no matter how amazing of a neighborhood you live in, you're going to want to get out of it every once in a while. And this is where the Lower Haight really shines. Want to go to the upper Haight? 10 minute walk. Want to go to the Castro? 10 minute walk. Want to go to the Fillmore (there is quite a bit of good live music there)? 10 minute walk. The mission? 10-minute walk. Hayes Valley? 5 minutes. Alamo Square? 5 minutes. Noe Valley? 10 minutes. Cole Valley? 10 minutes. Downtown? 10-minute MUNI ride. Sunset? 10-minute MUNI ride. Pac Heights? 15-minute walk. I think you get the point. It's close to just about EVERYTHING. Well, maybe not EVERYTHING. The Marina/Russian Hill/Nob Hill/Chinatown/North Beach/Fisherman's wharf take a little longer to get to. The retail stores are a bit lacking unless you're into weird clothes, but that helps reduce the amount of annoying tourists you get. And if you need something, you can just walk to one of the above neighborhoods.

I've been here before most of y'all were born. Oh, the things I've seen! Guess I like bad boys…read morecause I'm hopelessly in love with the Lower Haight. Well, the crack dealers have moved on, replaced by million dollar condos, & fancy pants establishments. Haight & Divisadero streets are alive with destination worthy restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, and great people watching. Nothing but locally owned businesses here, except for the beloved CVS. Bless its heart surviving corporate closures & unrelenting shoplifting. Now the goods are under lock & key. Anyway, I'm not leaving my blue bubble.

Oh the history, architecture and beauty of Nob Hill. It is enhanced by reading Adah Bakalinsky's…read morebook "Stairway Walks in San Francisco". The author is quite thorough with the history of neighborhoods in SF. We use her book to explore different neighborhoods every month. Each walk offers fascinating information. Nob Hill was no exception. One must walk the area to truly observe the beauty. Grace Cathedral is a special place to see and the Fairmont during the holidays is always incredibly festive.

Review #1,000. A…read morereview about Nob Hill and a specific personal memory of this place. Today is my friend KW's birthday. Or at least that's what I was told by her many year's ago. But then when she passed away a few years ago, I read a different birthday date posted on her obituary. So maybe I messed up and always celebrated her birthday one month sooner than her actual birthday, but she never corrected me. She's that kind of person. A kind person, a truly wonderful person, someone who just kind of goes with the flow. KW lived in Nob Hill. She was my dad's (an artist) student when I met her. I admired her as a child because she did things her way even though nothing was easy as I learned as an adult. Her life was somewhat glamorous, but not without difficulties that we all have to go through in this life and although I won't go into too much details, I will always remember her being beautiful and had a harp and cats in her apartment. She lived just a few steps down the hill from the Ritz. I remember her kindness, her appreciation for life which was contagious, her love of cats, especially black cats, and her love of people. She helped a homeless/unhoused person found housing/shelter. She loved this vibrant neighborhood. Nob Hill is famous for many fine hotels, the Grace Cathedral, and tons of history in the many buildings that surrounds it. But in these hills, there are many stories, some known and many untold. Time moves on, continuous, every day with new people and experiences. Many of these stories/experiences --forgotten. Thus why I want to write these thoughts down. Whether you are local or a visitor, Nob Hill has lots to offer. If you want fancy hotels or hole in the wall restaurants, this place has them. Probably most visited as it's nearby to downtown, Chinatown, Fishermans' Wharf, North Beach and Pacific Heights. I hope you enjoy the history of this place, the diversity of food offerings, and the cable car rides, ding ding as each one slides up and down these storied hills.

Review #178 - 2020…read more I've heard of McCovey Cove being mentioned here and there, but never thought of making my way over since it's kind of out of the way for me. My kids like the beach; but they're not too crazy about the idea of hanging out at a boat dock, especially since none of us fish. We showed up at around 11 AM for a Trump boat rally on Saturday, October 10th. We were able to find parking pretty easily since there weren't too many people out and about due to COVID. Parking was $9 for the day so that's as cheap as it's going to get around here. I was pretty surprised that the people who planned this event chose this location since San Francisco is definitely a liberal city. I was even more surprised to see that we had a decent turn out being that people were afraid of being judged or attacked for supporting our President. How sad that people who claim that they're tolerant are the intolerant ones. The area is not that safe nor clean, in my honest opinion. I got some pretty awesome photos and videos and the event ended about an hour later. I met a few women who gave me their numbers and asked me to invite them to future events. If the area was cleaner and safer, I would definitely bring my kids back.

What? No reviews for…read morethis place? It can't be! The Yelper in me has to rectify this outrageous injustice at once so here goes: Ahhhh McCovey Cove. Once it was named after Stretch, aka MAC, aka The Big Mac...the original Big Mac; and the name rolls out of your tongue like butter melting. Go ahead...say it. McCovey Cove. Don't you just love it? Gives you chills, right? When I hear it I imagine Barry White's voice singing it, and It makes one wonder if it will make a girl drop her panties upon hearing McCovey Cove. I would like to get some volunteers, please. Is it a coincidence that his name rhymes with Cove? I don't think so. It's a fitting name worthy to be immortalized here in the City of San Francisco with his statue overlooking the Cove. The Baseball Gods knew what they were doing. Lots of historic and crazy antics have taken place here: from Barry Bonds' Home runs while kayakers are jousting for position, thru Dog Ball Retrievers (which was a stupid idea, BTW). I've also seen Pirate Ships, Sailboats, Fireworks, Flugtags, Cruise Ships, the Delorian from Back to the Future, Jetpacks, Jet Skis, Seals, Lou Seal on Skis, Seagulls, Race Boats, Water Polo games and maybe even Marco Polo. Truly a unique and original place that can only be found in San Francisco. And to honor a Man, a Giants Hall-of-Famer that has been a pillar of the community and one who has provided his time, energy, resources and committed his life to serving the organization thru his charity, the City and the children, who will grow up to be lifelong Giants fans is very fitting, indeed. I got Love for the Cove. I got love for the man named after the Cove.

Atherton is so snooty that when you pass through it on El Camino Real you don't really know you're…read morepassing through it because there are 8 foot high fences the entire way. You have to get off ofthe El Camino Real and Middlefield thoroughfares to see any actual houses, and still - good luck, because they're behind more fences or down a driveway removed from the road. Except for some retail in the slightly sketch North Oaks neighborhood (where the -gasp- apartments are), and a Celia's on El Camino Real, don't come here expecting to shop in the rich part of town. That'd be Los Gatos.

You know you've left the south end of Redwood City and entered Atherton because the taquerias,…read moretiendas and cerveza billboards are abruptly replaced by bike paths and gated homes and communities all bordered by huge trees and tall, verdant hedges. Also, Avenida de las Pulgas temporarily changes its name to simply "Avenida". I guess Atherton residents are too uptight to find any humor in such an eccentrically named street. So far as I know, Atherton doesn't have ANY restaurants. It doesn't seem to have much of anything besides large second (or third) homes for high tech/dotcom tycoons. It is a nice place to ride a bicycle, though.