Pacific Heights / Cow Hollow / Marina
New cable car lines allowed the Pacific Heights area to develop in the late 1880s – wealthy citizens built palatial homes rivaling or surpassing those on Nob Hill. Though many were destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, a number of original Victorians remain, and the area still has dozens of multi-million dollar mansions, like the ornate Spreckels Mansion. For sweeping Bay views, visit Alta Plaza and Lafayette Parks or walk down the Lyon Street steps – for high-end clothing and housewares and a variety of restaurants, head to Fillmore or Sacramento Streets.
Down the hill towards the Bay is the Cow Hollow neighborhood, so named for the dairy farms once located here. Most of the buildings here are small, charming apartment buildings – Union Street offers a mix of chain clothing stores and one-of-a-kind boutiques, along with both casual and upscale dining.
The Marina district was largely built on land dredged up from the Bay in preparation for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915. Mediterranean-revival homes and flats were built on this expanse, which proved unstable during the 1989 quake. But the proximity to the water makes it a very popular neighborhood for young professionals, who jog along the Marina Green and congregate in the shops, restaurants and bars on Chestnut Street.
topSights and Attractions
Haas-Lilienthal House
2007 Franklin Street
(Pacific Heights)
Tel: (415) 441-3000
Guided tours only, Sun 11am-4pm, Wed & Sat noon-3pm (occasionally closed on Saturdays for private functions)
This elegant Queen Anne-style house was built for wealthy merchant William Haas in 1886, and lived in by three generations of the Haas family before being donated to San Francisco Architectural Heritage. It is now open as a museum, filled with original, period furnishings and details that offer a glimpse into San Francisco life at the turn of the 20th century. Kids will especially like the Victorian toys in the nursery and the elaborate model train room (much of the long, looping track still works).
Japan Center
Post and Buchanan Streets
Built in the 1960s, this shopping complex is a little heavy on the concrete and light on greenery. However, it features a variety of Japanese restaurants, and the authentic shops are fun to poke around in. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival, with its Taiko drummers and other demonstrations, is worth experiencing.
Sundance Kabuki Cinemas
1881 Post Street
Tel: (415) 346-3243
This eight-screen movie theater received a stylish upgrade in 2007 and now features reserved seating and a Balcony Bar, which allows you to take your drinks into the theater.
Palace of Fine Arts
Baker Street between Marina Blvd and Bay St (Marina)
Built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, this temporary palace proved so popular that it was rebuilt in concrete after the exposition ended. On weekends, there’s a regular stream of newly married couple having their pictures taken in front of the elegant Neo-Classic rotunda and colonnade. The Palace interior is home to the popular Exploratorium science museum.
Exploratorium
Palace of Fine Arts location closed as of Jan 2, 2013. Reopening at Pier 15 on Apr 17, 2013.
With over 600 hands-on activities and exhibits, this fascinating science museum teaches visitors about sensory perceptions, astrology, physics and other scientific phenomena. One of the most popular exhibits is the Tactile Dome, where visitors slide, crawl and walk through a sensory environment in total darkness, seeking out mystery objects (reservations recommended).
Mexican Museum
Fort Mason Center, Building D
Tel: (415) 202-9700
Open Wed-Sun noon-4pm
This museum’s unique collection of 12,000 objects represents thousands of years of Mexican and Mexican American art and culture, and is considered the best of its kind in the country. Though the museum can exhibit only a small selection of these at a time in their current space, it is a pleasingly intimate experience. Plans are underway for a larger permanent home in the Yerba Buena District, scheduled to open in 2016.
topRestaurants
topPacific Heights
Dosa
1700 Fillmore Street (at Post)
Other location: 995 Valencia Street, Mission District
Tel: (415) 441-3672
The Fillmore St. restaurant is the more glamorous of Dosa’s two locations, with striking décor and spice-infused cocktails specially crafted to complement the Southern Indian cuisine.
Ella’s
500 Presidio Ave
Tel: (415) 441-5669
Locals line up for Ella’s neo-classic, made-from-scratch brunch dishes.
Godzila
1800 Divisadero Street (between Bush & Pine)
Tel: (415) 931-1773
A neighborhood favorite, this casual sushi joint has been around forever.
Jackson Fillmore
2506 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 346-5288
Opened in 1985, this friendly trattoria serving Roman and Southern Italian cuisine is still top-notch. If the tables are full, grab a seat at the bar.
Out the Door
2232 Bush Street
Tel: (415) 923-9575
Harking back to the restaurant’s original location on Valencia Street, this casual version of the acclaimed Slanted Door offers well-prepared Vietnamese food along with wine, beer and sake.
Pizzeria Delfina
2406 California Street at Fillmore (Pacific Heights)
Tel: (415) 440-1189
Naples-meets-New York-style pizza, from the owners of the popular Mission-district restaurant Delfina.
Roam Artisan Burgers
1923 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 800-7801
Delicious burgers made with 100% grass-fed beef and other thoughtfully sourced, sustainable ingredients. Terrific shakes, too.
Spruce (Presidio Heights)
3640 Sacramento Street
Tel: (415) 931-5100
Elegant restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine, including (arguably) the city’s best burger. One Michelin star.
topMarina/Cow Hollow
A16
2355 Chestnut Street
Tel: (415) 771-2216
Named after the highway that runs from Naples to Canosa, this restaurant serves authentic Neapolitan pizza, fresh pasta and house cured meats.
Atelier Crenn
3127 Fillmore Street (near Greenwich)
Tel: (415) 440-0460
Sleek restaurant serving creative French cuisine, from chef Dominique Crenn. One Michelin star.
Café des Amis
2000 Union Street
Tel: (415) 563-7700
This classic Parisian-style bistro from the owners of Spruce offers a seasonal all-day menu.
Greens
Fort Mason Center, Building A (Marina Boulevard)
Tel: (415) 771-6222
One of the premier vegetarian restaurants in the country, located in a converted Fort Mason warehouse with Golden Gate Bridge views.
Pane e Vino
1715 Union Street
Tel: (415) 441-2111, (415) 346-2111
A longtime neighborhood favorite serving regional Italian cuisine.
Roam Artisan Burgers
1785 Union Street
Tel: (415) 440-7626 (ROAM)
Delicious burgers made with 100% grass-fed beef and other thoughtfully sourced, sustainable ingredients. Terrific shakes, too.
Rose’s Café
2298 Union (at Steiner)
Tel: (415) 775-2200
This charming Italian bistro serves an excellent brunch (try the breakfast pizza), but it’s also great for lunch or dinner.
Tacolicious
2031 Chestnut St. @ Fillmore
Friendly, hip and slightly upscale, with table service. The menu features an interesting variety of tacos and other Mexican dishes, along with a phenomenal selection of tequilas.
topShopping
topPacific Heights
The main shopping area in Pacific Heights is along Fillmore Street, between Sutter and Jackson.
Alice & Olivia
2259 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 813-2805
Quirky but sophisticated styles from designer Stacey Bendet.
Cielo
2225 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 776-0641
Great selection of small-label designers like Yohji Yamomoto and Dries Van Noten.
Curve
2360 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 885-4200
Mon–Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11pm-5pm (or by appt.)
High-end, fashion-forward women’s boutique, carrying designers like Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, and Isabel Marant.
Elizabeth Charles
2056 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 440-2100
Open Mon -Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Coveted, hard-to-find designer clothing.
Erica Tanov
2408 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 674-1228
Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Detail-oriented clothing and accessories for women and kids from a Bay Area designer.
George
2512 Sacramento Street
Tel: (415) 441-0564
Open Sun-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm
High-quality, high-design beds, bowls, and other products for cats and dogs.
Gimme Shoes
2358 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 441-3040
Open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 12pm-6pm
Cutting-edge shoes ranging from runway styles to street fashion.
Hlaska
2033 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 440-1999
Open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm
Men’s clothing, wallets and accessories.
HeidiSays
Open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 12-6pm
Clothing and shoes from both established and up-and-coming designers.
HeidiSays Collections
2426 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 749-0655
HeidiSays Casual
2416 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 749-1144
Jigsaw
2121 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 931-5520
Open Mon–Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm
High-quality women’s styles from the London-based retailer.
LIMU
2237 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 567-9500
Elegant boutique offering tasteful, well-rounded fashions, mostly from Paris and Milan.
Marc by Marc Jacobs
2142 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 447 9322
Open daily 11am-7pm
Trendy, flattering clothing and accessories for men and women.
Mudpie
2185 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 771-9269
Open Mon-Fri 11am-5:30pm, Sat 10:30am-5:30pm, Sun noon-5pm
Adorable, upscale baby and children’s clothes and accessories.
Nest
2300 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 292-6199
Open Mon-Fri 10:30am-6:30
pm, Sat 10:30am-6pm,
Sun 11am-6pm
Unique, French-inspired home decor, jewelry, clothing and books.
Paolo Shoes
2000 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 771-1944
High-quality men’s and women’s shoes, hand-crafted in Italy.
Steven Alan
1919 Fillmore Street
Tel: (415) 351-1499
Open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm,
Sun 12pm-6pm
A well-curated collection of casual but chic clothing and accessories for men and women.
Sunhee Moon
1833 Fillmore Street #101
Tel: (415) 928-1800
Open weekdays 12-7pm, weekends 12-6pm
Clean, modern but classic fashions by a San Francisco designer.
topPresidio Heights
This affluent area just west of Pacific Heights offers a small but elegant range of boutiques, catering to businessmen, society women and stylish moms.
Button Down
3415 Sacramento Street
Tel: (415) 563-1311
High-quality men’s clothing.
Catherine Jane
3490 Sacramento Street
Tel: (415) 673-5733
Open
Sun 11am-4pm,
Mon-Fri 10:30am-6pm,
Sat 11am-6pm
Expertly tailored dresses and separates from a San Francisco designer.
Honeys & Heroes
3366 Sacramento Street
Tel: (415) 567-6780
Open Mon-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 10:30am-5pm, Sun noon-5pm
Unique, hip children’s and tween clothing.
The Grocery Store
3625 Sacramento Street
Tel: (415) 928-3516
Great selection of fashions from designers like Miu Miu and James Perse.
Nicolette
3375 Sacramento Street
Tel: (415) 563-5400
Hand-selected designer fashions from emerging and established designers.
Philanthropist
3571 Sacramento Street
Tel: (415) 441-1750
Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun by appt.
100% of the profits from this chic boutique are donated to local charities.
Susan
3685 Sacramento Street
Tel: (415) 922-3685
Avant-garde clothing from designers like Chloe, Balenciaga and Comme des Garcons.
Terrestra
3533 California Street
Tel: 415-221-4438
Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm.
Closed Sunday.
Elegant, hand-picked glassware, kitchenware, and gifts for the home.
topCow Hollow
Most of the shops are on Union Street between Gough and Steiner, with a few along the side streets.
Chloe Rose
1824 Union Street
Tel: (415) 932-6089
Carefully chosen selection of items by designers like Rebecca Minkoff and Tracy Reese.
Conifer
2848 Webster Street
Tel: (415) 922-1892
Sophisticated fashions from emerging (mostly NYC-based) designers.
Meggie
2277 Union Street (at Steiner)
Tel: (415) 525-3586
Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Cute, youthful, affordable woman's clothing and accessories (Meggie designs much of the jewelry herself).
Mingle
1815 Union Street
Tel: (415) 674-8811
Unique art and fashion boutique. Many offerings are hand-made, one-of-a-kind or limited editions.
Modica Home
2274 Union Street
Tel: (415) 440-4389
High-quality gifts and home décor.
Moulin Pooch
1750 Union Street
Tel: (415) 440-7007
Open Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm
Dog boutique offering grooming, daycare, and exclusive products.
My Boudoir
2285 Union Street
Tel: (415) 346-1502
High-end lingerie from designers like Cosabella and Aubade.
Seams
1640 Union Street
Tel: (415) 567-1779
Open Mon, Tue and Sun noon-5pm, Thu-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm
Friendly, girly boutique carrying brands like Joie, J Brand and Lauren Moffat.
Workshop
2254 Union Street
Tel: (415) 561-9551
Exquisite, unique clothing and accessories.
topMarina
The main shopping area is on Chestnut between Fillmore and Divisadero.
Dress
2271 Chestnut Street
Tel: (415) 440-3737
Excellent selection of designer clothing, jewelry and accessories.
Giggle
2110 Chestnut Street
Tel: (415) 440-9304
Eco-friendly children’s clothing, accessories and décor.
Heritage Row
2176 Chestnut Street
Tel: (415) 440-5701
Cute, affordable fashions from designers like BCBGeneration and Dolce Vita.
Smash Shoes
2030 Chestnut Street
Tel: (888) 997-6274
Open Sun-Mon noon-5pm, Wed-Sat 11am-6:30pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Diverse selection of well-crafted men’s and women’s shoes.
Two Skirts
2124 Chestnut Street
Tel: (415) 441-6727
Open Mon-Sat 10:30am-6:30pm, Sun noon-5pm
Adorable shop carrying designers like Milly, Hudson, Butter and Cynthia Steffe.