San Francisco is full of neighborhoods and districts, each as unique as a fingerprint. We show you why you need to explore San Francisco and its fabulous districts.
Our Explore San Francisco Series
Our series of short visits to San Francisco each focused on providing an overview of an area that encompass a weekend stay or short visit. We gave you a great opener with the best of North Beach, the most popular area for tourists in How to Make The Most of a Day In San Francisco. And followed that up with a Western overview of the peninsula for those who love to get outside and explore in How To Get Outside When You Visit San Francisco.
In addition, we highlight a couple of unique places to stay. The Inn at Presidio and the Lodge at Presidio on the western peninsula and Hotel Zephyr on the northeast peninsula.
More Than Twenty San Francisco Neighborhoods
But there are more than twenty highly distinctive districts in San Francisco! Sounds like a lot right? Trust me, each area is highly specific culturally with a completely different feel than communities right next door. So if you’re limited on time and just want to focus on one particular area within the forty-nine square miles of San Francisco, our series might help you decide how to spend your time.
For this post, we give you an overview of a few of the more distinctive or famous districts and neighborhoods. Pick one and spend the day, or combine a few for a fun weekend!
**Disclaimer**
The businesses and events highlighted are in no way a “Best Of…” list. They are simply places and activities our Savvy Cali Girl contributors have deemed worthy of a shout out. If you want us to tell our readers about your favorite place, tag us with #scgplacestogo and we’ll catch you next time we come through town!
Explore San Francisco’s Distinct Districts
So if you’ve never been to San Francisco and neither of the previous posts tickle your fancy, how about a little overview of the remaining districts? Today, we have a shortened list of some of the neighborhoods and districts, each as unique as a fingerprint. You can explore San Francisco and experience the hippie vibes of Haight-Ashbury or dive into the culture in Chinatown. These areas evoke a particular feel for visitors. There may even be areas that are worth a visit that you may not have ever heard of.
No matter which neighborhood really holds YOUR interest we hope to help you break up your itinerary into manageable pieces. With our previous two posts and this post, you’ll be ahead of the game before you even arrive!
San Francisco Weather: Expect the Unexpected
Even during the summer, the weather in San Francisco can be chilly. Be sure to check out our first San Francisco post with a few tips and general information.
Fun Fact! San Francisco’s most famous resident and arguably its own district is “Karl the Fog.” Yes, the fog got its own name! Karl the Fog even has a Twitter account and hardcover book available via Indie Bound.
San Francisco has so much to offer! The Travel Guide provided digitally by San Francisco’s Travel Association is 88 pages of digital information and will likely help you find whatever we did not detail in this blog post. Link to sftravel.com digital travel guide here.
If you’d like some details on getting around San Francisco, check our first blog post.
You Have To Experience Chinatown Shopping When You Explore San Francisco
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the very first in the United States and thereby de facto the oldest. The famous entrance is called Dragon’s Gate. Chinatown is actually quite large, twenty four square blocks, in comparison to other cities. California’s first newspaper was printed at the first Chinese-style building in San Francisco, originally the central telephone exchange.
Surprisingly, the variety of shops is actually overwhelming. I found the massive collection of tea shops, bakeries, restaurants, souvenir stores and more almost too much to take in!
The tourist-centric stores tend to be on Grant Avenue but the shopping on Stockton is truly an experience. Don’t surprised if you find live animals, completely unidentifiable products, dried and fresh. I particularly love checking out the varieties of teas.
Dim Sum Anyone?
Now, if ever you were to try dim sum, this might be an awesome spot to have that experience. What is dim sum? As an outsider, the best way to explain is it’s both an experience and style of cuisine.
Small dishes of steamed and fried buns, dumplings and rolls cruise by on carts. Some dishes are sweet while others are savory. There are tons of options in Chinatown so as you stroll the hilly streets, keep your eyes open for an establishment that intrigues you.
The Birth of Fortune
Finally who could possibly skip The Fortune Cookie Factory? It’s located on Ross Alley and is a major attraction, definitely worth a stop! We found a nice little demonstration via YouTube to check out before you visit.
Fun Fact! A common misnomer is fortune cookies are a Chinese tradition which is simply not true. In fact, they are not a “thing” in China at all. A Los Angeles judge in the 1980’s determined the original fortune cookie as we know it today originated in San Francisco around the turn of the century.
Nob Hill and Russian Hill Are a High Point
Nob Hill is the geographic high point of San Francisco. It’s home to the San Francisco Cable Car Museum, Russian Hill, and the infamous Lombard Street sits at the very top of Nob Hill.
The area was originally called California Hill but the original wealthy residents “nabobs” renamed the district. Central Pacific Railroad’s Big Four were known as the Nobs who built massive mansions and hotels. Tragically, the area was leveled by the 1906 earthquake and subsequent great fire. Today, it is once again the territory of the wealthy. If you want to experience sticker shock … a cool million bucks MIGHT get you a 1,000 square foot one bedroom.
No worries though, you can still hop on the famous cable cars and check out the San Francisco Cable Car Museum. Link through directly through to the San Francisco Cable Car Museum map and explore San Francisco with a front row seat.
Above all, Nob Hill is home to Lombard Street, “the crookedest street in the world.” While you may be tempted to drive down this street, it might be far more trouble than it’s worth. We took a quick walk down the hill (don’t bother the residents though!). Check out the view from the bottom. It’s actually the best spot to get that Instagram shot you crave!
If You Explore San Francisco, Don’t Skip the Haight-Ashbury District
This district honors Henry Haight and Munroe Ashbury, local leaders in the 1860’s and 1870’s. While the name lives on, the reputation and historical significance might shock these pioneers. The area became infamous nearly a century later during the Summer of Love during the hippie counterculture movement of the 1960’s.
These days you’ll find vintage clothing and book and record stores with a nod to that nostalgic time. On one street you’ll find Victorian row houses and on the next crazy clothing shops, tattoo parlors and restaurants. Explore San Francisco with an open mind here and enjoy the vibes, man!
The most photographed Painted Ladies are nearby in Alamo Square. Be aware “painted ladies” can also refer to the victorian architecture found throughout San Francisco. They typically have gingerbread features painted in lavish colors like pink, purple, yellow, teal and so forth. They are also the featured image for this post.
The Fillmore District (Lower Pacific Heights)
The Fillmore District is one that seems to be under constant change. Originally, the district grew quickly since it was one of the few areas that fared well during and after the 1906 earthquake. There was spike in the growth of the African Americans, Japanese and Jewish populations and is still considered one of the most diverse neighborhoods.
Fillmore was home to the largest jazz scene on the west coast up until the 1970’s. The Bop City jazz club was one of the best-known jazz venues in San Francisco in the 1950s. Redevelopment and changes in commercialization over decades make this district in a constant state of change.
It does seem that now, there are any number of things to do in the area, including the Saturday Farmer’s Market or the Fillmore Jazz Festival. The festival is a major event every Fourth of July and draws in nearly 100,000.
There is an entire website to this district alone so click here to see what might appeal to you. Rest assured you will find food, entertainment, and shopping galore!
Civic Center and Hayes Valley
City Hall | War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco Opera House & San Francisco Ballet | Asian Art Museum | SF Jazz Center | New Conservatory Theater Center
Running down the center of Civic Center is San Francisco’ s widest street, Van Ness Avenue. City Hall, a monument to Beaux-Arts architecture, is simply stunning. It was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake. Other cultural buildings include the War Memorial Opera House, home to the San Francisco Opera House and the San Francisco Ballet, the Asian Art Museum, SF Jazz Center and the New Conservatory Theater Center. Links are provided above so you can easily explore San Francisco and everything the Civic Center area has to offer.
Near the Asian Art Museum is an area designated as Little Saigon. The SF Jazz Center is newer, only just opened in 2013 and the first building in the country built specifically for jazz. Beyond the concert hall, there are murals and virtual tours as well as an installation across the street.
The New Conservatory Theater Center is unique. “The mission of New Conservatory Theatre Center is to champion innovative, high-quality productions & educational theatre experiences for youth, artists, and the queer & allied communities to effect personal & societal growth, enlightenment and change.”
The Mission District, Explore San Francisco Murals & Art
How San Francisco Got Its Name
The Mission Dolores is San Francisco’s oldest standing building. Father Francisco Palóu founded Mission San Francisco de Asis in 1776. The Mission itself was moved from Laguna Dolores to the Mission District in 1783. Today, Mission Dolores Parish comprises both the Basilica and the Old Mission.
Calling All Foodies and Art Lovers to the Mission District to Explore San Fransisco Art!
Today, the mIssion District is a mecca for Latin food scene and NOT just your typical taco! From the traditional taquerías (street food at its best) to multiple Michelin star restaurants. If ever you wanted to try cuisine from Guatemala, Nicaragua or El Salvador then you NEED to come hungry.
The other famous “scene” in the Mission District is its murals. You could explore San Francisco for weeks just scoping out murals but in the Mission District, they are the main attraction. Balmy Alley, Clarion Alley, Carnaval Mural by Daniel Galvez, Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitor Center and more are all worth seeking out.
The Maestra Peace Mural on the Women’s Building is perhaps the largest and most famous of the Mission District murals(pictured here). It was painted in 1994 by well known Bay Area muralists. MaestraPeace honors the global contributions of women through time.
Explore San Francisco LGBTQ History in the The Castro District & Noe Valley
You cannot explore San Francisco without stopping through the “the Castro.” It is steeped in history and is commonly known as the LGBTQ capital of the world.
During World War II, the U.S. military discharged thousands of gay servicemen. Many settled in San Francisco and the Castro District. Since many were serving in the Pacific Fleet, the San Francisco port was naturally popular. During the 1960’s and the Summer of Love it once again became a mecca for the gay community.
The Twin Peaks bar was the first bar to have open, uncovered windows, located around the corner from the famous Castro Theatre. The small GLBT History Museum is the first stand-alone museum of its kind and the Castro is still home to Harvey Milk’s former headquarters, the first openly gay elected official in California. He was was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.
Of course, there is so much more to include! Perhaps you’ll know you have arrived in this district by the many rainbow-styled crosswalks. The Rainbow Honor Walk also adorns the sidewalks with inlaid plaques of LGBT heroes and heroines.
The vintage trolleys run through this district, all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf. Nearby neighborhood Noe Valley is a Victorian neighborhood also worth checking out.
There’s one memory forever burned into my mind from Haight Ashbury, a man in his 70s walking past Amoeba, stark naked. It’s like he was an original hippy who had kept the dream alive. 🙂
Every trip to San Francisco, I come across something unexpected. Naked? Haven’t officially seen that but was sure close on multiple occasions!
Nice intro to SF! I’ve been there many times throughout the years. My favorite place has to be the Coit Tower. Don’t really know why, but it really is. 🙂
The view from Coit Tower is great but the murals are pretty cool too! My pictures were terrible unfortunately but maybe on the next round I can include this stop since I am getting a little better with the camera these days!