Quirky and Unique Neighborhoods in San Francisco

Western Addition

Any 1980s kid is going to want to visit Western Addition, where you'll find Alamo Square Park and it's famous view of the Painted Ladies. This row of ornately decorated Victorian houses found fame as the home of the Tanner family, in the hit sitcom, "Full House." It really does feel like you've stepped out of the screen as you look out on this classic setting.

Western Addition also has a rich history as a multicultural neighborhood with it's roots in jazz and music, having been home to such greats as Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. The jazz scene remains vibrant today and the neighborhood has a number of great bars and music venues.

The Presidio

The Presidio historically served as a U.S. Army base but today it is a large green space and a public park. It's situated in the northwestern corner of the city at the gateway to the Golden Gate Bridge. The Presidio is a national park that is controlled by the National Park Service and it runs between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, ending at Baker Beach. Within the park there are stunning views of Marin County and the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as a number of biking, hiking and walking paths. There are also plenty of places to enjoy a picnic or rest with a good book. The Walt Disney Family Museum as well as a golf course and several cafes are also found within the park.

The Mission

The Mission District is an authentic neighborhood that is away from the well beaten tourist path of San Francisco. The neighborhood has a large Hispanic population and many great local restaurants where you can try some of the best tacos and burritos around. This neighborhood is also famous for its colorful street art and murals. To see these beautiful works, head to Balmy Alley (between 24th and 25th streets, and Treat and Harrison streets) and Clarion Alley (between 17th and 18th streets, and Mission and Valencia streets). There are also a number of other famous murals in the area.

The Castro

This friendly neighborhood is known as San Francisco's classic gay neighborhood. You can reach it by taking the F-Line street car and then explore the area with its colorful buildings and welcoming people. The neighborhood has a great nightlife scene with a number of fun bars and clubs. There always seems to be a lively party going on, so put of your most fun dancing clothes and head here for a uniquely San Francisco experience. This is also a great destination for brunch as their are a number of good cafes.

Telegraph Hill

Coit Tower is the main landmark found on Telegraph Hill. This area offers spectacular views of the city and some hidden streets that are fun to explore. There are charming staircases, beautiful gardens, and the Telegraph Hill parrots, which are a famous flock of parrots that you may catch a glimpse of as they fly overhead.

SoMa

SoMa, which stands for South of Market, is a neighborhood that includes The Moscone Center, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and Yerba Buena Gardens. There are number of quality museums in this neighborhood as well including the Museum of the African Diaspora, Contemporary Jewish Museum, California Historical Society Museum, Children’s Creativity Museum and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

While it's filled with culture during the day, the neighborhood comes to life at night. Head to SoMa in the evening to take advantage of one of the neighborhood's many dance clubs. This area also has excellent restaurants, including Luce, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the InterContinental Hotel.

Russian Hill

Most tourists head to Russian Hill to see the famous Lombard Street, which is known as "the crookedest street in the world." It's a beautifully landscaped twisty street with impressive views out over the city and bay. Aside from this famous landmark, Russian Hill offers a look at residential life in the city. There are small parks, a handful of local restaurants, and few tourists away from the main sites. If you want to see a classic San Francisco residential neighborhood that also has spectacular views, head to Russian Hill.

North Beach

North Beach is San Francisco's Italian neighborhood, and although you may still see the Italian flag flying proudly outside of a few great Italian restaurants and gelato shops, the neighborhood has lost much of its cultural roots. It still has a lot to offer visitors though. Head to Washington Square Park to relax with the locals. This area also has a vibrant nightlife scene, so you can explore many of the neighborhood's fun bars and clubs as well.

Market Street

Market Street is a major corridor through San Francisco and along it you'll find many shops, restaurants, and businesses. The Central Market neighborhood is home to a number of recognizable tech companies including Twitter and Spotify. There are also theaters, museums, and music venues in the area. Some of the restaurants in the neighborhood cater mostly to tourists, but if you know where to look there are some hidden gems as well.

Haight-Ashbury

This neighborhood is etched into the minds of everyone who remembers the infamous "Summer of Love". The intersection of Haight and Ashbury is at the heart of San Francisco's counterculture movement, and while the 60s and 70s are long gone, it's easy to see the remnants of this time in the neighborhood today. It's still possible to locate the former homes of people such as Jimi Hendrix, Joan Jet, and the Grateful Dead.

The neighborhood still has a Bohemian vibe with a number of great shops that sell second hand goods and vintage items.

Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is a classic tourist's neighborhood in San Francisco. It's filled with souvenir shops where you can by t-shirts and other nick nacks. This is also where you'll find the famous Pier 39 with its many attractions including San Francisco's famous sea lions. Also in the area are a couple of museums, the famous sourdough and clam chowder restaurant, Boudin, and ferries to Alcatraz. Fisherman's Wharf is also the turn around point for one of the cable car lines.

Fillmore

Fillmore St. connects Western Addition to Pacific Heights, and it's a popular area with locals who often refer to it as "The Fillmore." This area is popular for its music scene and nightlife, but during the day the area becomes a popular shopping destination. Upper Fillmore is filled with trendy vintage shops, big name fashion retailers, and everything in between. There are also a number of historic churches in the neighborhood.

Historically, Fillmore was considered one of the most diverse neighborhoods in San Francisco with large populations of African Americans, Japanese, and Jewish residents. The area has a rich cultural history that at one time had a notable jazz scene (that some people claim is making a comeback).

Chinatown

Chinatown is a must-see neighborhood for anyone visiting San Francisco. It's one of the most visited neighborhoods in the city and it offers a unique cultural experience, that is surprisingly authentic, particularly if you wander down Stockton Street, which is lined with local seafood and vegetable markets. For the more touristy stretch with souvenir shops, head to Grant Street. San Francisco's Chinatown has a long history, and it is home to the largest Chinese population outside of China.

For anyone interested in trying local Chinese food, there are a number of good restaurants. There are also many small shops with souvenirs and trinkets.