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Potrero Hill in San Francisco: 10 Best Things to See and Do in this Classic SF District
by Jill Loeffler •
Potrero Hill in San Francisco is located on the southeast side of town.
This area has steep hills, including the city's most crooked street (spoiler—it's not actually Lombard!), and is known for its great views all around SF.
You will find excellent places to eat along 18th Street and generally more of a family-friendly feel in this district.
Read on for more about things to do in Potrero Hill, where to dine, spots with great views, and so much more.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Where is Potrero Hill in San Francisco?
The Potrero Hill district in San Francisco sits roughly between Highway 101 and Highway 280. Its northern border is 16th Street and the southern border is Cesar Chavez Street.
It is sandwiched between the Mission district to the west and Dogpatch to the east. SOMA sits right above it, putting it in close proximity to downtown San Francisco.
Because it's on the bay side of San Francisco, it's known for being sunnier than much of the rest of the city, as the fog burns off earlier on this side of town and stays mostly along the Pacific coast.
Potrero Hill's elevation and location give it great views of the SF skyline, the bay, and beyond.
How is the climate in the rest of the city? Visit my page all about what to expect from the weather in San Francisco and what to pack for different regions and seasons.
Potrero Hill History
An interesting part of Potrero Hill history is how it came to be considered sort of an island separate from the bustling city of SF.
This now charming and relatively quiet neighborhood in San Francisco originally sprang up from the industrial growth of the Gold Rush era.
It became a haven for Irish immigrants after the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, and later welcomed queer artists in the 1960s.
In recent years, its neighboring districts, which were also primarily industrial districts, have seen tremendous growth, making Potrero Hill a bridge between the old and new.
(Those trendy areas include the Dogpatch to its east, the Design District to its north, and Mission Bay to the northeast.)
I've included some storied Potrero Hill sites in the top things to do in this San Francisco district.
Things to Do in Potrero Hill in San Francisco
1. Catch a Show at Bottom of the Hill
This is one of the best live music venues in the whole city. It is known for hosting all kinds of up-and-coming bands as well as more well-known bands, too. The musical styles range from alternative to punk, to folk and funk.
They have a full bar and a kitchen if you want to grab a drink or bite to eat. Doors usually open at 8:30 pm and the maximum capacity is 350 people.
1233 17th Street
Here are just a few of their top upcoming shows.
2. Take in the Views from Potrero Hill Recreation Center
As far as outdoor things to do in Potrero Hill, the hilltop Recreation Center is as good as it gets!
This public park not only offers tons of activities for the whole family, but also incredible views of the city.
It is a great place to pack a picnic lunch to sit back, soak in the sights, and reward yourself after climbing the hill.
You can also enjoy the recently re-landscaped playgrounds for tots and older kids, the dog run, athletic courts, and playing fields. There is an indoor gym and restrooms as well.
Arkansas Street between 22nd and 23rd
3. Take a Free Walking Tour
SF City Guides, a program of the San Francisco Public Library, offers some great free walking tours of this area. The first is "Potrero Hill."
As you make your way downhill toward the beckoning city skyline, you'll learn about Potrero Hill history and how this area was transformed from grazing pastures for cattle and goats.
First it was urbanized, then industrialized, and eventually gentrified.
The second tour is just to the east, called "Dogpatch and Potrero Point."
You will learn all about how this area transitioned into a vibrant community from its early warehouse days, as well as stories about its original working-class population and its vital role during WWII.
>> Visit the SF City Guides site for details
4. See Local Talent on the Potrero Stage
One of my favorite cultural things to do in Potrero Hill is to check out the local talent.
This theater is dedicated to showing some of the most avant-garde plays and performances from Bay Area performers, writers, and directors.
It has a capacity of 99 people, so every seat is close to the stage.
The equipment is state-of-the-art, so you experience each moment intimately. Performances range from sci-fi to comedy, to musicals and much more.
1695 18th Street
>> Visit the Potrero Stage website for tickets to upcoming shows
5. Wind Your Way Down Vermont Street
Most people think that Lombard Street is the crookedest street in the world. In reality, Vermont Street in Potrero Hill in San Francisco is where you will find one that is even more crooked.
This street is not as long as Lombard Street, and not nearly as famous, but it is a fun place to visit and take a few photos.
Clint Eastwood fans will remember this street from a scene in his Dirty Harry movie "Magnum Force."
Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd (see the squiggly line on my Potrero Hill San Francisco map)
6. Explore McKinley Square Park
Another one of my favorite things to do in Potrero Hill is to take in the sights from McKinley Square Park.
This gorgeous little park sits high on the hill in Potrero Hill in San Francisco. It offers amazing views of San Francisco, including Twin Peaks, Sutro Tower, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
There is a lot of room to relax either on the grass or on the benches.
Your kids will enjoy the small play area with slides and other playground equipment. You can also grab a picnic lunch and soak in the views as you have a little lunch.
20th Street & Vermont Street
7. Stroll Through the Community Garden
On the northwest corner of McKinley Square Park, you'll find the beloved Potrero Hill Community Garden, which also boasts fantastic views.
Unlike other community gardens, this one is unlocked and invites visitors to walk through and appreciate the vibrant green space tended with care year-round by the neighbors.
Of course, they ask that you resist the temptation to pick the flowers and produce that they work so hard to nurture.
This garden has been an institution since the early 1970s and is currently operated by the SF Recreation and Parks Department. There is a waitlist for city residents to obtain one of the 50+ coveted plots.
San Bruno Avenue and 20th Street
8. Marvel at the San Francisco Center for the Book
One of the more unique things to do in Potrero Hill, especially for bookworms like me, is visit the fascinating Center for the Book.
This letterpress studio is focused on everything related to printing, binding, and producing books.
You can see how books were printed and made in the past and how people are using those skills and adapting them to today's world.
They offer free exhibitions, workshops, and much more. It's the perfect stop for anyone who is interested in books and the printed word.
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
375 Rhode Island Street
9. Attend the Potrero Hill Festival
This is one of the annual Potrero Hill events that I love to attend for its friendly atmosphere.
This fun family festival is usually held every October. During this event, you can listen to live music, mingle with the locals, and entertain the kiddies.
On this afternoon once a year, local bands, food vendors, and activities take over four blocks of this neighborhood.
All events take place on 20th Street between Missouri and Wisconsin Streets from 11 am to 4 pm.
>> Visit the October calendar for more details
10. Catch Some Rays at Potrero del Sol Park
This is a great park if you want to get a feel for the local vibe. It's popular with families in both the Mission and Potrero Hill districts, as it sits right on the border between the two.
With large grassy expanses for casual picnics and dog walks, a playground for children, and a performance area for live music concerts, there is plenty to enjoy for everyone.
Skateboarders will love grinding or watching others shredding up one of the few skate parks in the city.
Plus, every November 2, you'll find another one of the annual Potrero Hill events: the Festival of Altars, part of the Latino community's Day of the Dead celebrations.
You'll find it in the southwestern corner of Potrero Hill, just on the other side of the 101 freeway at Potrero Avenue and 25th Street.
More Top Activities and Tours in San Francisco
Potrero Hill Restaurants: Where to Dine and Drink in this District
You will find plenty of restaurants and small local shops along the 18th Street Corridor (mainly between Texas and Connecticut Streets). Here are just a few of my favorites.
Goat Hill Pizza
One of my favorite Potrero Hill restaurants is Goat Hill Pizza. They have some of the best pizza in town.
Their secret is that they use sourdough to create their crusts. My favorites include their Meat Lovers, Porky Pie, and Chicken Florentine.
Open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.
300 Connecticut Street
Fun Fact: The name "Goat Hill" comes from the days when animals grazed freely in this part of San Francisco. As recently as the 1950s, the "Goat Lady" of Potrero Hill kept dozens of goats grazing along San Bruno Avenue, until they got in the way of building the Bayshore Freeway.
Ganim's Deli-Market
Another go-to spot is Ganim's. Since 1974, this has been one of the more accessible, casual Potrero Hill restaurants to pop in for a bite of comfort food that always hits the spot.
They serve up Middle Eastern dishes as well as some American favorites, including burgers.
Open 10:30 am to 9 pm Monday through Friday; closed weekends.
1135 18th Street
Plow
Plow is a great breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot in Potrero Hill in San Francisco. They offer farm-to-table dishes and their menu changes with the season.
I love their buttermilk biscuits, custard French toast, and chorizo with eggs. They also have great salads as well as a tasty olive oil poached tuna sandwich.
Open from 7 am to 2 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 2 pm on weekends.
1299 18th Street
Chez Maman East
This cute bistro-restaurant has been serving up home-cooked French food in the neighborhood since 2002.
My favorites here include their croque madame panini, the French onion soup, and their salads (they have a great selection).
Open daily from 11:30 am to 10 pm on weekdays and from 10:30 am (brunch) to 10 pm on weekends.
1401 18th Street
Farley's Coffee
A neighborhood institution since 1989, this coffee shop is a community gathering place.
In addition to serving up a tasty latte and fresh locally baked pastries, they often invite musicians, poets, and artists to show off their talent.
Here, you'll also find pets in costumes on Halloween, bagpipes for St. Patrick's Day, and more fun and games throughout the year.
Open daily from 7 am to 6 pm.
1315 18th Street
Mochica Peruvian Kitchen & Bar
One of the newer additions to the 18th Street corridor, popular Mochica quickly became one of the mainstays of the Potrero Hill restaurants.
Chef Carlos Altamirano offers tasty pisco sours to accompany delicious Peruvian-inspired dishes, including ceviche, lomo saltado, and fish tacos. They also have a great happy hour.
Open 4 to 9 pm Tuesday through Thursday; 10 am (brunch) to 10 pm Friday and Saturday; 10 am to 9 pm Sundays.
1469 18th Street
Bonus: Nestled amongst the Potrero Hill restaurants and cafes, you'll find Christopher's Books, a neighborhood staple since 1991. Step into this warm, cozy shop on the bottom floor of the Victorian on the corner of 18th and Missouri for a wide reading selection as well as cards, calendars, and other novelties.
Potrero Hill Bars & Nightlife
Apart from Bottom of the Hill, you'll find other classic neighborhood watering holes at the base of the hill, just a block or two north of the 18th Street Potrero Hill restaurants.
Connecticut Yankee: This historic bar at the corner of Connecticut and 17th Street was built just after the 1906 earthquake and fire. First Hilda's Saloon, later a speakeasy during the Prohibition days, it has changed hands many times over the years. With the Pour Guys since 2015, it has been a home base for New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, and SF Giants fans.
Thee Parkside: Another long-running institution on the corner of 17th and Wisconsin, this is a queer-friendly bar by night that hosts live music with an indie-punk vibe. Their pet-friendly patio also serves coffee from 8 am on weekdays and 11 am on weekends.
How to Get to the Potrero Hill San Francisco District
Public Transit
You have a few options for using public transit to get to the Potrero Hill district in San Francisco, depending on which part of the neighborhood you're heading to.
Read the descriptions of the routes below and see them outlined on my Potrero Hill San Francisco map.
The 22-Fillmore bus runs along 16th Street, Potrero Hill's northern boundary. It will leave you just a block away from Bottom of the Hill, or three blocks from the restaurants and shops on 18th Street.
To catch the 22, one option is to take the T light rail from Chinatown or Union Square to the UCSF/Chase Center stop, then walk about a block to transfer to the westbound 22 bus. Alternatively, you can take the BART train from any underground station along Market Street and transfer to the eastbound 22 bus at the 16th Street-Mission station.
From the 16th Street-Mission BART station, you could also get on the 55 bus, which will take you right through the heart of Potrero Hill and continue on to the Dogpatch District. This one turns down Connecticut, and there is a stop just one block downhill from the Potrero Hill Recreation Center.
Another Muni bus that serves Potrero Hill in San Francisco is the 19-Polk. This is a great option for those coming from Fisherman's Wharf, Nob Hill, or the Civic Center. It starts at Beach and Polk Street and runs the whole length of Potrero Hill, down Rhode Island Street and back up De Haro.
The bus to take from downtown to Potrero del Sol Park on the western edge of the district is the 9-San Bruno. You can pick it up anywhere along Market Street.
Parking in Potrero Hill
If you decide to drive over to this district, you have a few parking options. You will sometimes find street parking on the steep neighborhood streets.
If it's a busy day or you prefer to park in a garage, you will find just a couple of options on the northern side of the district (these are marked with black P's on my Potrero Hill San Francisco map).
- 350 Rhode Island Street (a Tower Valet parking garage between 16th and 17th Streets)
- Owens Street Garage at 1835 Owens Street (just on the other side of the 280 freeway near the UCSF medical center)
There are more parking options near the Chase Center in neighboring Mission Bay, but make sure to check the event schedule before you arrive. This area has limited parking, and on a game day or the night of a concert it can be nearly impossible to find a spot either on the street or in a garage.
Where to Stay Nearby
Potrero Hill in San Francisco is such a residential district (often considered an island oasis in the city) that you won't find any large hotels here. However, you can easily get here from several nearby districts.
China Basin and Mission Bay offer several options, as this is where the Giants ballpark (Oracle Park) and the Warriors stadium (Chase Center) are located.
- LUMA Hotel is a top-rated new option offering 4-star amenities, including plush bathrobes, free Wi-Fi, and on-site restaurants and bar. Check for availability here.
Visit the following pages for additional nearby recommendations, easily accessible by public transit:
You can also check pricing, availability, and recent reviews for hotels all around town.
Art Scene in the Surrounding Area
Once a haven for artists, Potrero Hill and its now mix-use neighboring districts are home to fantastic galleries and museums. Check out these highlights in the nearby Dogpatch and Design Districts.
Museum of Craft and Design: A neighborhood gem since 2004, this museum highlights the skills of designers and artists in various media, including painting, sculpture, lighting, mechanical devices, and more. It is non-collecting, so you will almost always see something new when you visit. 2569 Third Street. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Read more details and visiting info.
Minnesota Street Project: Three warehouses dedicated to giving artists a sustainable venue to showcase San Francisco's contemporary art. Free and open to the public with an on-site Indian restaurant called Besharam. 1275 Minnesota Street and 1150 25th Street. Find out more.
The Wattis Institute: A research center focusing on contemporary art by today's groundbreaking young artists from all over the world. They host lectures, performances, and events. Their exhibitions are free to visit from Wednesday to Saturday, 12 pm to 6 pm. Located on the second floor of the California College of the Arts at 145 Hooper Street.
More Things to Do in the Dogpatch Next Door
Just east of Potrero Hill is where you will find one of the hottest new areas in town: the Dogpatch. It sits along the waterfront and is mostly flat.
It was originally considered a subdistrict of Potrero Hill, but has grown so much that it's now regarded as a separate district.
Here you will find art, wine, craft beer, great eats, and more, mostly centered along the 3rd Street corridor.
In addition to the museum and galleries mentioned above, here are two of my favorite Dogpatch spots:
- The Ramp: An old-school gem right on the waterfront. American food and outdoor patio seating with views. My favorites: their fried chicken sandwich, fish tacos, and the Ramp burger. They also have a great selection of salads and some tasty appetizers. 855 Terry A Francois Boulevard
- Hard Knox Cafe: Southern comfort food. Another old-school restaurant serving some of the best fried chicken in town. Other top dishes include their oxtails, BBQ pork spareribs, and blackened catfish. Open for lunch and dinner every day of the week. 2526 3rd Street
>> Visit my Dogpatch page for more details about the area
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!