Golden Gate Heights

In a city full of hills and hidden parks, Grand View Park, a grassy vista atop Golden Gate Heights, is a personal favorite for San Franciscans who tend to keep this gem a closely guarded secret. Views here are exceptional, extending from the Pacific to downtown. Though it’s only about the size of a city block, Grand View Park is home to many native species of flora, giving botany buffs a peek at what our city looked like when it was unsettled. About a half mile to the south, Golden Gate Heights Park is the true neighborhood park, a hot spot for dog owners, with a number of secluded woodsy walks, a tennis court, picnic tables and a playground. The fact that both of these gorgeous outdoor spaces remain lightly trafficked offers an insight in to the nature of life in Golden Gate Heights. With many of its single family homes perched on narrow, winding streets, this neighborhood is favored by those that want to take advantage of all San Francisco has to offer while having a peaceful, quiet escape to come home to. There’s a diversity of architectural styles here but the one thing most homes have in common is views, views and more views. An ideal evening in Golden Gate Heights could take you on the Moraga and Lawton Street Stair walks to catch a spectacular sunset view and then down to the Inner Sunset for all the diverse dining options discerning San Franciscans demand. There are just enough shops and pubs — usually frequented by UCSF students — to keep things lively. (But don’t worry, the evening fog generally keeps things from getting too rowdy).