Potrero Hill
About Potrero Hill
Potrero Hill sits on a south-facing slope between the Mission and the bay. The microclimate keeps it sunny on days when the western half of the city is locked in fog. The crest of the hill gives panoramic views of downtown, the Bay Bridge, and Twin Peaks, and the streets below have stayed mostly residential, with a small commercial spine along 18th Street.
What to See & Do
Two hilltop parks deliver the views. McKinley Square on 20th and Vermont looks out over the freeway and the Mission. Potrero Hill Recreation Center sits at 22nd and Arkansas with a playground, basketball courts, and a slope facing downtown. Both fill up on clear afternoons.
Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd has seven switchbacks, more than the famous block of Lombard, with no tourists. Walk down it once to see the city’s quietest crooked street.
The neighborhood used to anchor the city’s filming history. Steve McQueen drove the Bullitt chase through these blocks. Dirty Harry filmed here. The hills are the reason: any street facing east or south frames the skyline.
Where to Eat & Drink
Eighteenth Street between Connecticut and Missouri is the village center. Plow runs the breakfast list, with a wait that starts before they unlock the door. Chez Maman pours coffee and serves crepes and steak frites in a room you can fit twelve people into. Goat Hill Pizza has held the corner of 18th and Connecticut since 1975. Farley’s has been the neighborhood coffee shop since 1989, with art on the walls and laptops on every table.
Bloom’s Saloon on 18th has pool tables, a long beer list, and a back patio. Bottom of the Hill on 17th and Texas is a 250-capacity rock club that has booked indie touring acts since 1991, with a back patio and a stage at eye level.
The Character
Working-class Victorian cottages from the early 1900s mix with newer construction along the slopes. The streets are steep enough to make parking hard and walking a workout. Residents trade the climb for the sun and the views. The blocks east of Potrero Avenue and west of Third Street stay quiet at night, which is part of the appeal.
Getting There
The 22 Fillmore runs along 16th Street and continues into Mission Bay. The 10 Townsend serves the eastern edge along Pennsylvania Avenue. The 19 Polk runs north-south on Texas. From BART, 16th Street Mission is a 15-minute walk uphill. Driving is easier than getting to most San Francisco neighborhoods because of the freeway access at Mariposa and 18th, but parking on the residential streets is permit-restricted.
When to Visit
Anytime the rest of the city is foggy. Summer afternoons here are reliably sunnier and warmer than the Sunset, the Richmond, or the Marina. The Potrero Hill Festival happens every October on 20th Street.
Where to Drink
All bars →
Things to Do
All activities →
Vermont Street
Seven switchbacks between 20th and 22nd Streets on Potrero Hill. Curvier than Lombard Street but with no tourists, no flowers, just cracked asphalt. Free, always open, and you'll probably have it to yourself.
Alemany Farmers Market
Saturdays starting at 6 AM. California's first farmers market, running since 1943. No frills, lowest prices in the city. Off Alemany Boulevard near the 280 freeway. Bring cash and your own bags.
