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Pacific Heights in San Francisco: Discover Everything to See & Do
by Jill Loeffler •
Pacific Heights in San Francisco is a truly beautiful and classic SF neighborhood. It embodies the city you see in the movies with historic architecture that includes colorful Victorians and mansions.
It's also a fun district to go shopping in, with locally owned shops as well as internationally recognized high-end brands.
Other fun things to do in Pacific Heights include climbing the Lyon Street Steps, soaking in the views of the bay, and checking out the outside of the "Mrs. Doubtfire" house.
You can also enjoy its restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. You will find most of the activity in this district centered on or near Fillmore Street.
After falling in love with this neighborhood years ago, I made it my home for several years.
The San Francisco Pacific Heights neighborhood is one of the few areas in the city that survived the 1906 earthquake and fire.
This is why you can still find old, colorful Victorian homes from the late 1800s here. This upscale neighborhood also has gorgeous mansions lining several of its famous streets.
Residents of San Francisco first gained access to this part of the city after the cable car lines were built in the late 1800s. The steep hills surrounding the district made it tough going, but offered some of the most amazing views of the bay.
Once the residents were able to get to the neighborhood, they started to build the fabulous homes that still stand today.
Can you still access Pac Heights SF by cable car? You can take a cable car to the edge (but not into the heart) of the San Francisco Pacific Heights district. Ride the California line all the way from downtown to the last stop at California Street and Van Ness Avenue. More about riding our landmark cable cars here.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Where is Pacific Heights in San Francisco?
Pac Heights SF is a hilly neighborhood that sits southeast of the Presidio and northwest of the downtown area.
Districts that surround it include Presidio Heights to the west, Cow Hollow to the north, Polk Gulch to the east, and Japantown to the south.
The Pacific Heights neighborhood is bounded by Presidio Avenue to the west and Van Ness Avenue to the east.
The north and south boundaries vary depending on who you ask, but are generally thought to be Green Street to the north and California Street to the south. Some will say it extends a couple blocks further to Bush Street.
Top Things to See & Do in Pacific Heights San Francisco
Wondering what to do in Pacific Heights? Here are some of my favorite things to see and do in this district.
With its gorgeous views and beautiful homes, Pacific Heights San Francisco is one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore on foot.
1. Soak in Panoramic Views at Alta Plaza Park
Alta Plaza Park sits at the top of the Pacific Heights San Francisco neighborhood. This gorgeous park is the perfect place to get some of the best views of the city's surrounding districts.
This is a popular hangout for the locals and is also surrounded by historic Victorian beauties. I love to grab lunch on Fillmore Street and then come here to eat and enjoy the views.
In addition to the views, folks come to this 12-acre park to enjoy the beautifully landscaped amenities, including an accessible children's play area, off-leash dog play area, tennis and basketball courts, picnic tables, and restrooms.
Alta Plaza Park is between Jackson & Clay and Steiner & Scott Streets.
>> Find other top parks with playgrounds across the city
2. Catch Amazing Bay Views from the Lyon Street Steps
One of my favorite places in Pacific Heights San Francisco is the Lyon Street Steps. From this vantage point, the view of the SF Bay is breathtaking.
The Lyon Street Steps are a beautifully decorated set of steep stairs that span an entire block. Locals love to come here and run or walk the stairs as they enjoy the views.
You'll find the Lyon Street Steps on the corner of Lyon and Broadway Streets.
>> Discover my other favorite staircases around San Francisco
3. Swing by Danielle Steel's House (the Spreckels Mansion)
Danielle Steel is one of the most famous residents of the Pacific Heights San Francisco neighborhood. She lives in one of the most famous historic mansions—the Spreckels Mansion—on the eastern side of the district.
While you can't truly stop by for a visit, you can admire her beautiful mansion from the street.
You'll find the Spreckels Mansion on the corner of Washington and Octavia streets, right across from Lafayette Park.
4. Gaze Up at the Huge Mansions on Billionaire's Row
Pacific Heights San Francisco is home to some of the most expensive houses in the world. They are so large and pricey that a two-block stretch of the neighborhood is dubbed Billionaires' Row.
You will find this area along Broadway between Broderick and Lyon Streets (ending at the Lyon Street Steps).
You can either stroll through on your own or take a free walking tour where you can learn the history and the story behind some of these mansions.
>> Details about the free San Francisco Public Library walking tour
5. Visit the Outside of Famous TV and Movie Houses
Just a few blocks away from Billionaires' Row, you'll find three other famous houses.
"Party of Five" House
The first one is located at 2311 Broadway Street. The storyline for this show was set in San Francisco, so they used the outside of this house on Broadway to create that vision.
"Full House" House
Another famous house in this neighborhood is from the TV show Full House. They also used just the outside of the house at 1709 Broderick Street. The storyline for this show was also set in San Francisco, and each episode featured both this house and the famous Alamo Square neighborhood.
Fun Fact: Because they used Alamo Square in every show, many people think this house is located there. Instead, it's located in the beautiful Pacific Heights San Francisco neighborhood.
"Mrs. Doubtfire" House
The final famous house near this district is the house used in the 1993 film Mrs. Doubtfire. This one is located at 2640 Steiner Street. They also used just the outside, and dozens of people stop by every day for a quick photo.
San Francisco Movie Tour
If you want to see even more movie sets and locations all around the city, then you should check out the San Francisco Movie Tour.
On this three-hour bus tour, you will see where movies such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Basic Instinct, Vertigo, and Milk were filmed. You will also see the island where Clint Eastwood said his now famous line, "Make my day," in Sudden Impact.
In addition to getting behind-the-scenes facts from actors-turned-guides, you'll see over 55 clips from movies and TV shows. It's a fun way to see San Francisco through a different lens.
>> Find tickets and more information about this tour here
6. Enjoy the Fillmore Jazz Festival
The Fillmore Jazz Festival is one of the best summer festivals in San Francisco. It's also the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually.
Each summer, it takes over 12 blocks on Fillmore Street between the Pacific Heights and Japantown neighborhoods in San Francisco.
The festival features several stages with live jazz performances. You can also find dozens of food vendors and artists selling their hand-crafted items. This festival is always held on or around the July 4th holiday.
>> Additional San Francisco festivals
Fun Fact: The Fillmore Jazz Festival has been running since 1986, when locals started a movement to revive the legendary Fillmore District, which had hosted such greats as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Billie Holliday.
These were just a few of the stars who graced the dozens of jazz clubs in their heyday in this historic area.
7. Marvel at the Beauty Inside the Haas-Lilienthal House
If you happen to be here on a blustery day, this is one of the best indoor things to do in Pacific Heights.
The Haas-Lilienthal House is a historic architectural beauty that was completed in 1886. It's a Queen Anne-style Victorian home. It's the only private home from that time period that is open to the public.
When you visit this house, you'll get the chance to see authentic furniture, the circular corner tower, and photographs describing this home's history.
>> Tips to visit the Haas-Lilienthal House
Great Ways to See SF's Best Neighborhoods and the Bay
Pacific Heights San Francisco Hotels
Curious about staying in this luxurious district during your SF vacation?
You will find a handful of boutique Pacific Heights San Francisco hotels. Here's a quick overview of some of my top picks.
Hotel Drisco
Address: 2901 Pacific Ave.
Room Rates: Rooms start at about $550 per night
Hotel Drisco is one of the highest rated hotels in San Francisco. This four-star beauty is set among the gorgeous Victorians and mansions of the Pacific Heights neighborhood.
Guests rave about this historic and elegant lodging option. It's also in a quiet and serene area, away from the chaos of the city.
At the Hotel Drisco, breakfast, even wine reception, parking, and high-speed Internet are complimentary. A business center, fitness center, and room service are also available. In addition to these amenities, you can also request a suite.
>> Discover recent guest reviews and compare prices for the Hotel Drisco
Jackson Court San Francisco
Address: 2198 Jackson St.
Room Rates: Rooms start at around $295 a night
The Jackson Court is a small bed and breakfast on the eastern side of Pacific Heights. It's set in a historic brownstone mansion built in 1900 with a beautiful flower-lined courtyard.
Guests consider this hotel elegant and serene. Each of its 10 guest rooms is uniquely decorated and offers both antique and modern furnishings.
At the Jackson Court, you will receive free breakfast and can access free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. In addition, you will also find a well-equipped business center and a game room.
>> Read recent guest reviews and find the best price for the Jackson Court San Francisco
Other SF Hotel Recommendations
Discover recommendations for some of the best hotels in other neighborhoods in San Francisco. You can also find the top hotels by budget and based on certain amenities.
Top Restaurants & Bars in Pacific Heights
After walking the hills and exploring the top things to do in Pacific Heights, you will probably work up an appetite.
This is one of the neighborhoods in San Francisco that is not really known for their food. However, there are some good options here if you look around a little. Here are just a few of my favorites.
The Snug
This cute cocktail bar and restaurant makes great cocktails, including Old Fashioned, Yellow Rose, and The Sour.
On tap, you will find a variety of beers and wines (yes, wine on tap)! In addition, they offer a small menu of bar snacks, small plates, and a few full meal options.
This place is small, so get ready to meet your neighbors.
2301 Fillmore
Harry's Bar
This bar attracts a young clientele. They have several drink specials and offer several large TVs to watch your favorite team.
They also offer pub food, such as burgers, nachos, and an amazing gourmet mac and cheese dish.
2020 Fillmore Street
Jackson Fillmore
Jackson Fillmore is a small neighborhood restaurant in Pacific Heights.
This Italian trattoria offers personalized service and a good wine list.
It's another busy restaurant with many regulars returning time and time again.
2506 Fillmore Street
Here are just a few others to try here:
- Tataki: Sushi, $$, 2827 California Street
- Pizzeria Delfina: Italian, Pizza, $$ 2406 California Street
- La Mediterranee: Middle Eastern/Mediterranean, $$, 2210 Fillmore Street
How to Get to Pacific Heights in San Francisco
Pacific Heights SF is easy to get to by public transit. There is also plenty of parking on the western side of the neighborhood, so driving is another good option.
Public Transit from Union Square
1 California: The best way to get here is to take the 1 Muni bus. You can pick it up about five blocks north of Union Square at Sacramento and Stockton. Ride it westward along Sacramento Street to Fillmore.
38 Geary: Another option is to hop on the 38 bus directly from the corner of Union Square (Geary and Stockton) and ride it westward along Geary Boulevard to Fillmore. From this Japantown stop, you'll walk north into the Pac Heights neighborhood.
Either one of these options will take about a half-hour and put you in the heart of the district's commercial area. From here, you can easily walk around and check out some of the great things to do in Pacific Heights that I mentioned above.
Public Transit from Fisherman's Wharf
There aren't any buses that run directly from Fisherman's Wharf to Pacific Heights SF, but there a couple of easy ways to get here with just one transfer.
30 Stockton + 22 Fillmore: Your best option is to hop on the 30 Stockton at the Hyde and North Point stop. Take it to the Fillmore Street stop in the Marina district. From here, you'll cross the street and pick up the 22 Fillmore.
This bus will take you all the way up the hill to the Pacific Heights neighborhood. You can get off at any of the Fillmore Street stops after Jackson Street.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!