Hayes Valley
About Hayes Valley
Hayes Valley is a compact neighborhood between Civic Center and the western edge of downtown. The neighborhood developed into its current walkable form after the elevated section of the Central Freeway running through the area was demolished in 1992, following damage from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.
What to See & Do
Patricia’s Green is the small park at Hayes and Octavia. It hosts rotating sculptural art installations that change every six to twelve months. Many of the installed sculptures have previously been displayed at Burning Man.
Hayes Street between Laguna and Gough Streets is a four-block stretch of boutiques and small retailers in Victorian storefronts. It includes clothing, home goods, specialty food, and plant stores.
The Civic Center performing arts venues are clustered on the eastern edge of the neighborhood near Van Ness Avenue: Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco Symphony), the War Memorial Opera House (San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Ballet), and the SFJAZZ Center.
Where to Eat & Drink
Rich Table at 199 Gough Street serves California cuisine. Souvla on Hayes Street serves Greek rotisserie. Suppenkuche on Hayes Street serves German food (schnitzel, sausages) at communal tables and pours German beers.
Biergarten is the outdoor sister of Suppenkuche at Octavia and Hayes near Patricia’s Green, with picnic tables and outdoor seating in clear weather.
Sightglass Coffee has a small cafe in Hayes Valley. Chantal Guillon sells macarons and other French pastries.
The Character
Hayes Valley is small enough to walk end to end in twenty minutes. It is busier in the evening on performance nights at the Civic Center venues.
Getting There
The 21 Hayes bus runs through the neighborhood. The Civic Center BART and Muni Metro station is a few blocks east. Street parking is possible but limited.
