The Courtney Lux Blog
Neighborhood Guides San Francisco, California

From Haight to Chinatown: A Guide to the Neighborhoods in SF

From Haight to Chinatown: A Guide to the Neighborhoods in SF
Some links in this post are affiliate links—that means that at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you book through them, which helps keep the blog running. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

San Francisco is more than just Northern California’s superstar: the city is its own little bubble, and the neighborhoods in that bubble are completely unique, filled with ancient trees, legendary bakeries, breweries, and bookstores, views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the famous Lombard Street, West Coast sunsets, and that special something that only SF has.

SF is surprisingly small: Bound on 3 sides by water, San Francisco is only about 7 by 7 miles—you could actually walk across it in a day.

Yet, the 36 distinct neighborhoods are all communities within themselves.

Here’s your guide to the neighborhoods of SF:

Fisherman’s Wharf

Sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California.

Fisherman’s Wharf is the neighborhood most visitors to SF will end up in eventually, if not right away.

It’s where souvenirs are found; it’s the home of Pier 39 and its adorable sea lions, and it’s one of the main stops for cable cars.

As you’d expect from such a popular place, Fisherman’s Wharf gets crowded and touristy, especially on the weekends. Some of San Francisco’s best hotels are around this area.

What to Do Near Fisherman’s Wharf

Where to Stay Near Fisherman’s Wharf

Chinatown

Dragon's Gate outside of the entrance of the Chinatown neighborhood in San Francisco, California.

SF’s Chinatown neighborhood sees more tourists yearly than the Golden Gate Bridge!

Packed streets, colorful buildings, Asian lettering, and the biggest Chinese population outside of China make it easy to convince yourself that you really are in China.

Chinatown is one of my favorite places in San Francisco- it’s just so bright and lively!

What to Do in Chinatown

Where to Stay in Chinatown

Haight-Ashbury

The famous 'legs' of the hippie neighborhood of SF, Haight Ashbury.

At the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets is the neighborhood at the center of the hippie movement of the 1960s.

Haight Ashbury was the home to revolutionary thinkers, musicians (including the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin), and cannabis before it was legal in California.

Summer of Love

In 1967, thousands of young people gathered in Haight-Ashbury for what is now known as the “Summer of Love.”

Most of these “flower children” came to protest the Vietnam War and the consumerism of American society and to expand their minds via new forms of music and psychedelic hallucinogens like LSD and mushrooms.

Music in Haight-Ashbury

Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, and John Lennon are heavily associated with the area via performances or previous residences.

Today, Upper Haight Street is a mix of vintage clothing, record shops, used bookstores, dive bars, and laidback restaurants.

What to Do in Haight-Ashbury

Where to Stay in Haight-Ashbury

Nob Hill

Victorian buildings and a tall condo complex overlook the ocean in the Nob Hill neighborhood of SF.

One of the most upscale neighborhoods in SF, Nob Hill is named after the rich railroad barons, who built massive mansions on the hill and were known as “nobs” (slang for “wealthy or powerful person”).

The 1906 earthquake and fire wiped out much of the area, meaning today’s Nob Hill is a mix of old and new architecture.

The steep grade was difficult to navigate, so the residents installed their cable car line, the California St. R.R. Co., which is still in operation today!

In Nob Hill, you’ll find luxury hotels, fine dining, many tourists riding cable cars, old money, and hip nightlife on Polk Street.

What to Do in Nob Hill

Where to Stay in Nob Hill

Russian Hill

Aerial view of the Russian Hill neighborhood in San Francisco, California.

Russian Hill is best known as being home to the world-famous Lombard Street, “the crookedest street in the world.”

While the title isn’t exactly accurate (Lombard is not even the most crookedest street in SF!), the entire area is beautiful!

On clear days, you can see Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay, all from Russian Hill.

Why do they call it Russian Hill?

In the California Gold Rush days, settlers stumbled upon a small Russian cemetery at the top of a hill. The cemetery was later moved, but the name remained, and Russian Hill was born.

What to Do in Russian Hill

Where to Stay in Russian Hill

  • Luxury: See recommendations for Nob Hill.
  • Budget: Castle Inn

Pacific Heights

Blue Victorian homes in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco.

Pacific Heights is exactly what you expect to see in a classic upscale San Francisco neighborhood.

When you see SF in the movies, with colorful Victorian mansions and drastic hills, you’re likely seeing Pacific Heights. Fillmore Street is known for shopping, with a mix of luxury brands and local artists.

This is also where romance writer Danielle Steele lives (in a suitably whimsical Victorian mansion), the house of Mrs. Doubtfire, and other Hollywood moments.

Note: Besides Fillmore Street, Pacific Heights is mostly residential.

What to Do in Pacific Heights

Where to Stay in Pacific Heights

North Beach

Known as Little Italy, the North Beach neighborhood is the center of San Francisco’s Italian community, which means you’ll find deliciously authentic cannoli.

Italian flags wave from lampposts, and authentic gelato shops punctuate every corner. North Beach was once central to the Beatnik culture (hence the Beat Museum and City Lights bookstore).

What to Do in North Beach

Where to Stay in North Beach

Presidio

The sun shines on grass at the Presidio military base overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.

Located inside the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Presidio used to be a military base but is now a public green space.

Fun Facts: George Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic, as well as Starfleet Academy in the Star Trek universe, are both located in the Presidio.

What to Do in Presidio

Beaches with epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge

Where to Stay in Presidio

The Castro District

The rainbow crossing at the gayborhood, Castro District in SF.
Photo Courtesy of Finding The Universe

Ah, The Castro, San Francisco’s vibrant and lively LGBTQ+ neighborhood!

Catch a film at the famous Castro Theatre, a landmark for the neighborhood and Queer communities across the country. Expect rainbow crosswalks, pride flags, a series of gay bars and novelty sex shops, and general gaiety (pun).

What to Do in The Castro

Where to Stay in The Castro

Neighborhoods in SF: Common Questions

How many neighborhoods does San Francisco have?

The city of San Francisco officially recognizes 36 neighborhoods. The ‘hoods covered in this article are the most famous and significant.

What is the coolest neighborhood in San Francisco?

That’s debatable. Haight-Ashbury is consistently hip; Chinatown always has something going on.

Where is Billionaires Row in San Francisco?

From Alta Vista Park, walk down Jackson Street and take a right at Divisadero, climb two blocks until you hit Broadway. It’s a steep walk, so take your time and stay hydrated.

Where is the hippie area in San Francisco?

That would be the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, the center of the Summer of Love movement. Of all the neighborhoods in SF, this is where you’ll find all the hippie history, food, and fashion.

Pin it for Later

Check-in

Did this guide explain the Neighborhoods of SF? How many of these ‘hoods have you been through?

Tag me on social media or comment below and let me know!

Follow:

Related:


Looking for Something?