jcristinal

You thought Noe Valley was a bit out of the way? Ha! Trying climbing the steep hill at the southernmost point of the valley, and you'll find yourself all the way up in Diamond Heights.

This place has tremendous views of the Castro and the Mission, and the houses are to die for. Who wouldn't want to live somewhere overlooking the beating heart of this great city?

The downsides: Housing here gets a little pricey, there's no shopping or grocery places right in the neighborhood, and Diamond Heights Boulevard, a big highway, runs right around the edge of the neighborhood, blocking it off from its northern neighbor, Noe Valley.

The upsides: You're right next to Glen Canyon, which is one of the great overlooked parks in this city. Christopher Playground is a decidedly killer place to bring your kids any day (or night---this isn't a high-crime area) of the week.

And just descend the big slope for some awesome eats. Dolce & Salato is one of my favorite food spots in the city. . Firefly, Lupa, and Contigo are personal friends, too. And for some after-dinner drinks before heading home, head to Bliss Bar, the Dubliner, or Incanto Restauranta and Wine Bar.

Buena Vista Park is the focal point of this neighborhood. And Buena Vista Park is basically the coolest place is Northern California, so that makes sense. But check out the other side of the hill, people … this is one of the most character-crammed neighborhoods this city has to offer.

First of all, the streets are all etched into the side of this steep slope. Steps lead down to streets below, intersections have to become switchbacks so cars don't fall off the side, and sometimes streets just dead-end abruptly. It's like a big maze, and you have to know your way around or you're going to get frustrated (or excited!) trying to get back out.

I like to just wander through the maze and check out the houses that some people get to live in. You can't see a whole lot from the street, but the views from people's windows have got to be spectacular. And there is one great place for views of the whole eastern side of the city. I think the hill's called Corona Heights (based on the Corona Heights playground that's right on the face of it). It's right next to the Randall Museum (which is cool in its own right, but it's totally trumped by the big bald crag right next to it), and it's a great climb any day when you're feeling like a mountain goat. Climb to the top for great views of the Western Addition, the Financial District, the Bay Bridge, and the whole East Bay.

Oh yeah, and don't forget Buena Vista Park, too. That place is incredible. But chances are you knew that already.

My buddy lived out here a little while ago, so I got to know the area pretty well. Glen Park is a great place to settle down and raise a family, even though it's a little ways off the beaten path.

Like a lot of the best family neighborhoods in San Francisco, this one is cut off from the main grid by a big hill. Get past it a little, and on the other side you'll find this lovely neck of the woods. Most of it's residential, but there's shopping and dining down at the bottom of the hill. Try Tyger's, Le P'tit Laurent, or Red + White for a great food fix. For brunch, I used to go to Eggettes / Rockit Swirl … soo good. If you need a break from all that, Osha Thai offers a good alternative.

Speaking of food, Canyon Market is one hell of a grocery store. It's not Safeway, but you can find a great option for anything you're looking for right here in our Glen Park supermarket.

And don't forget to check out the Glen Park branch of the San Francisco Public Library if you ever have a lazy Sunday to kill. This branch has a character to it that's different from the other library branches … it's cozier and more comfortable.

Marked by the little lake, Laguna Honda, this tiny little slice between Inner Parkside and Inner Sunset has way more character than its size suggests.

This isn't for the faint of limb. The whole place is a hill (hence the heights in the name!). Roads wind up the side, breaking the familiar grid pattern that covers most of the rest of SF. The peaks are marked by fun little parks – Grand View and Rocky Outcrop—that are great to bring kids (or dates) to on days without fog. The views of the Sunset and Golden Gate Park are spectacular from here, and the best part is that nobody but local-locals (the folks who live up here) bother to come see it. A lot of the time, you've got these great spaces all to yourself.

Just don't expect to get any shopping done up here – you have to go downhill to do your daily splurging. But that sort of fun isn't too far away. Just descend the 15th Avenue Steps (also a park!) and head up to Irving Street to hit up San Tung's Chinese for dinner, JJ Ice Cream for dessert, Terry's Lodge for some drinks, and Andronico's awesome grocery store for anything else you might need. And don't forget to switch it up with Sakura Japanese, Little Bangkok, Little Eritrea Bar & Grill, and the Blackthorn just a little way further down the road.

Usually people head to Twin Peaks for the views or the exercise that the hike gives you. There's not much else here. Both peaks are a vast open space. Of course, there are houses here, but they sit on steeps streets and you won't find any shops or restaurants rest at.

The views from the two hilltops are unparalleled. You can see downtown to the northeast and can look west over the Sunset neighborhood. Be prepared for it to be windy if you go to the top. Actually, be prepared for it to be windy if you're anywhere in San Francisco. The water brings in a lot of weird weather patterns.

I used to live near the Twin Peaks and I had a great view of both hills from my balcony. It was interesting to watch the fog roll in from the west and flow right over the peaks. Both peaks actually serve as a barrier to the fog that comes in from the western ocean-facing side of the city. This causes the western side of the hill to be foggier and colder than than the sunnier eastern side.

Ocean Beach isn't like the beaches I'm used to on the east coast. Even if you go in the summer, remember to dress in warm layers! It will probably be 55 degrees and windy down on the sand. Contradictory to most of the country's season sensibilities, the better times to visit this beach are in late fall or early spring when the temperature is actually higher than in summer.

You can get here easily by taking the 38 along Geary if you're coming from a northern part of the city. The N-Judah also goes all the way through the Sunset if you need a southern transportation option. If you take the 38 to the end of the line, you'll end up at the Cliff House, a restaurant that overlooks the ocean. The cliffs around here are a great way to enjoy the views of the ocean. Also at this site are the ruins of the Sutro Baths, which was a large indoor swimming pools complex. All that remains now are concrete walls.

When I think of the Central Waterfront, I mostly think of the Dogpatch neighborhood. But, I think the Dogpatch still needs more time to develop. Once the population of SF grows a little bit more, I think more people will actually move to this area. Right now, it feels a bit deserted. Things can get weirdly creepy on Illinois sometimes. There are occasionally homeless men milling about, or other dirty-looking men hopping fences to fish. I prefer not to walk here alone when it gets dark, because there isn't anyone around to help you if you get into trouble.

This is supposedly becoming an artsy district. I don't think I would be able to tell that from it's appearance. I only believe that sentiment because I did work for an art studio located here. Otherwise, the place looks industrial.

As you walk south on 3rd Street, the neighborhood gets better and there's more to see (there are even people there!). There are some important gems to go to in this area. Firstly, you have to go to Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous, which is the best ice cream shop in the city. Afterward, head to the Hard Knox Cafe across the street.

Noe Valley has the reputation of being very family-friendly (but in an annoying way to singles). People often picture hoards of mothers pushing their children in double-wide strollers and ruining the scene for everyone. I'm not saying this doesn't happen sometimes, but singles can also enjoy what the area has to offer.

The neighborhood feels like it's own world because it is separated from the Castro by a few hills to the north. It's basically suburbia with a lot of stuff to see and do. If you want to shop or eat, then head to the main thoroughfare, 24th Street. You have to check out the Noe Valley Baking Company, one of my favorite bakeries in the city. Try the cherry chocolate bread, the rugelach (yum!), or the chocolate covered Noe-o's. Another well-recommended restaurant on the same street is Firefly. You can get a prix fixe for just $36 most days of the week. 24th St. also has a lot of cool shops to browse if you don't want to eat. After eating, head to Billy Goat Park and hike up the steep hills.

Just wait: Mission Bay will be the next hot neighborhood in about 10 years. Right now, the scene is a bit strange. On the one hand, you have a number of open parking areas and deserted lots to contend with. If you pass by these areas, you might see Giants fans tailgating or soccer fans celebrating before a game. You might even see some homeless men gambling and drinking, as I saw this weekend. As you head farther south, then you can tell that this place is in a development boom. Most of the buildings look new, with large glass windows and walls.

Apparently, there are a lot of biotech companies starting to call this place home, and it'll show. The buildings will remind you of office parks, beautiful ones, but still not residential-looking. You'll see strange company names, like "Nektar," on each building. Also springing up, seem to be a ton of high-rise condo buildings. I saw one under construction this weekend, in fact. The buildings have small lawns on the sides with very manicured gardens. I think the boom in construction shows that the area is in a time of development and might be a great neighborhood in a few years.

Ahh, Portola, where do I begin? You’re a quiet, nothing-happening neighborhood just to the side of a major highway. You’re a little shady at night, but you’re an okay place to raise a family. But you’re so damn far away from the main San Francisco drag, someone living there can feel like they’re in a totally different place.

The scattering of businesses along James Lick Boulevard make it all worthwhile, though. Johnson’s Barbeque is one of the best BBQ places in San Francisco. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a great dinner place (despite it’s name!). Jim Georgie’s Donuts has pastries to rival bigger names like Bob’s. The San Bruno Café is a classic pit stop on any lazy day. And Yummy Bowl is one of the better pho spots in the city, even though this area is no pho hot spot.

Portola’s in good proximity to some of the lower gems in San Francisco, too. John McLaren park, one of SF’s biggest and least-known green spaces, is just blocks away. Bay View’s pretty shady, but a stroll around South Basin (in the daytime) makes the trip worth it. Same deal with Candlestick Point State Recreation Area: definitely take a look. And Visitacion Valley and Crocker-Amazon are both worth stroll-throughs if you’ve got nothing better to do.

The Inner Sunset might as well be one of the bustling bits of San Francisco life (even though—trust me—it’s not). Mt. Sutro Open Space Reserve is one of the best parks in the city. Golden Gate Park is just a short walk above you. West Portal, just south and east, offers a great strip to shop on. And our own little series of parks – Hawk Hill, Golden Gate Heights, and Grand View – should be destinations in their own right (even though – once again – they’re not).

But that’s not all on the menu. Up on Irving Street, the restaurants are hoppin. Underdog offers vegetarian hot dogs—they’re like nothing you’ve ever experienced. San Tung Chinese is a staple of mine. Sometimes take-out Chinese food is the best meal you can ask for. And the Chug Pub just a block up on Lincoln is every recovering frat boy’s dream.

All the way down on Taraval, the fun keeps going. Guerra quality meats is a great stop to refill your meat locker. (Or your freezer—whatever.) San Francisco Wine Trader has some killer deals on some great bottles. And Sushi Zen really hits the sushi spot any day of the week.

The very middle of the Sunset? Please: Nobody goes there unless they LIVE there.

Exactly! That’s what makes this area such a gem. It’s got all the trappings of a more popular neighborhood, but it’s peaceful, calm, and quiet.

Start your trip with a visit to Sunset Reservoir, one of the bigger bodies of water in the city. You can lose track of a whole afternoon just sitting along the edge of the reservoir and staring at it. (Believe me, I’ve done this.)

Down on Taraval Street, life picks back up again. Kingdom of Dumpling has some of the best soup dumplings not just in San Francisco, but in the U.S. I’m deadly serious, you have to try these --- they might change your life. Parkside Tavern has a ton of character and definitely deserves a stop-by. And the Trolley Café --- just go take a look at it!

Wanna get out a little? Just head further down into Parkside to Pine Lake Park or Sigmund Stern Grove, two of San Francisco’s greatest gems when it comes to park spaces. Laguna Puerca alone is worth a pit stop (here I go again – more staring out at a lake). Seriously, if you don’t head out to Central Sunset for any other reason, just visit it for this park.

Some people think that downtown is the pulsing heart San Francisco.

Some people are wrong.

The Inner Richmond is the perfect landing place to get to everything else. Just north: The still-unspoiled beauty of the Presidio. Just south: The cosmopolitan charm of Golden Gate Park. Take a bus East and you’re downtown in minutes. Take one West and you can get to Sutro Heights before you know it. See what I’m getting at here?

But do yourself a favor and just stay in the Inner Richmond for a while. Up on Clement Street, Pizza Orgasmica & Brewing is just as good as the name suggests (okay, maybe not THAT good—still worth the trip!). Good Luck Dim Sum is one of the best dim sum places in the city. And a night doesn’t get too much better than when it’s split between the Rockit Room and the Bitter End.

Oh, and don’t forget Burma Superstar – it’s one of the city’s legendary Burmese restaurants.

Balboa Street’s another gem. Stop by Tekka Japanese or Sushi Bistro for a great taste of the Far East. Katia’s Russian Tea Room is an awesome spot to waste away part of the afternoon. And finish up your trip with a stop at Cinderella Bakery & Café. Trust me – it’s worth it.

The Central Richmond doesn’t get nearly enough respect. The Outer Richmond has Sutro Heights and spectacular views of the ocean. The Inner Richmond has the Presidio, some of the best spots of Central Park, and downtown just a few blocks away. What can Central Richmond possibly have to offer? Oh, I’m soooo glad you asked.

First off, this is one of the best segments of Geary. You’ve got Tommy’s (the Mexican place, not the meat place). You’ve got John Campbell’s Irish Bakery (god, this place is to die for). You’ve got Joe’s Ice Cream. And don’t forget Trad’r Sam – that place is awesome. It gets even better if you go just a couple blocks up to Clement Street. One Hundred Percent Sweet Café is a terrific dessert place. PPQ Dungeness Island is one of my favorite place to eat crabs in this city. And the Pho Garden Vietnamese Restaurant is a hidden treasure.

Got an afternoon to kill? Take a stroll through the shallow hills of Seacliff – most San Franciscans never get away from Sea Cliff Ave down by the bottom on their way to Land’s End Trail. Or if you’re looking for less water and more green, take the quick hike down to Golden Gate Park – this part of the park is fantastic (and about as often forgotten as Central Richmond itself.

Most San Francisco dwellers know the Outer Richmond only as “that place with the awful weather that you have to go through to get to Sutro Heights and Ocean Beach. But drill deeper: This place has so much more to offer!

First of all, the views from the tops of the hills in this area (and there are tons of hills over here) are incredible. You can see the ocean from almost everywhere, and the sight of Golden Gate Park below you is to die for.

Need something else to thrill you? Head on down the hill to Balboa Street for some of the finer things in life. Al-Masri Egyptian is 100% worth a stop. Shanghai King dumpling always offers a solid meal. The Balboa Theater is one of my favorites in the city. And Americana Vietnamese & Italian Cuisine, as strange as it sounds, is a dear personal favorite of mine.

Got kids? The Cabrillo playground is a great place to spend your afternoons. Or if you want to switch it up, just head right down to Golden Gate Park (or up to the cliffs near Lincoln Park – see how great this neighborhood is) and explore the surrounding awesome-ness. No matter where you head in the Outer Richmond, you’re sure to find something that’ll thrill you – or at least a hell of a view.

If you take any of the underground muni trains down Market, you spend a lot of time underground and start to wonder what makes this any different from a New York subway. Then, POOF, the tunnel opens and you’re staring down a beautiful shopping street out past the twists and turns of the Twin Peaks.

There are a lot of reasons to come out to West Portal for an afternoon. It’s got awesome restaurants, like a Squat & Gobble and a Tuttimelon. The Village Grill always gets rave reviews. And the Roti Indian Bistro and the Bursa Mediterranean restaurant are fan favorites, too. Take a pit stop at the Portal’s Tavern for a refresher. And never leave the Portal without stopping at Ambassador Toys to check out all the great games they’ve got available. Need more reason to stop by? There’s a movie theater right along the main strip, and up the road a couple blocks is a great San Francisco library branch.

Being in West Portal feels like being in a brand new city. The pace is slower, the South Basin (in the daytime) makes the trip worth it. Same deal with Candlestick Point State Recreation Area: definitely take a look. And Visitacion Valley and Crocker-Amazon are both worth stroll-throughs if you’ve got nothing better to do.

Sea Cliff is known as a neighborhood that caters to the wealthy and even has a few celebrity names on its list of residents. The area feels like an isolated piece of suburbia dropped into the middle of the city. It's bordered on both sides by two parks: the Presidio to the east and Lincoln Park to the west. The north side of the neighborhood overlooks the Pacific and boasts great views. Being enclosed on three sides makes this area feel more cozy and adds to the isolation. The only buses that reach Sea Cliff are the 29, which runs north and south, and the 1, which run along California Street.

The houses in the neighborhood tend to be large and expensive. A lot of them share the same architectural look and have red-tiled roofs that are common in California. Walk through the area gawking at the sites. You'll want to see these houses. Maybe you'll even spot Robin Williams house! If you walk toward the Pacific, you can take the steps down to the one public beach in the neighborhood, China Beach.

Presidio Heights seems like a richer extension of Laurel Heights to the south or Pacific Heights to the east. All three of these neighborhoods would be a dream to live in, really. However, it will be only that: a dream (unless you're practically a millionaire). Residents here easily make over $100,000 a year and houses sell for the millions.

Presidio Heights stands out because it has the Presidio as its backyard. This vast expanse of greenery is one of the greatest parks in the city. If you live in Presidio Heights, then it's like having a natural fitness center nearby. You can run along the paths or just relax among the trees. You can even go camping in the Presidio.

This neighborhoods is near a lot of great restaurants and shops, which is surprising because it seems far from the busier areas of the city. There are many greats stores on California Street to go to and you can also hop down to Laurel Village, which has a grocery store. You'll also find good places to eat on Sacramento.

I was just in South Beach this weekend while rollerblading, which I recommend highly. This area is a fitness junkie's paradise. There are long paved paths that go along the edge of the water and around the stadium (AT&T Park) in the area. You get great views of the East Bay and the Bay Bridge. It's also fun to see all the large boats that dock. Right next to the stadium, there is also a cool harbor with sailboats that you can gawk at.

Luckily, I wasn't there this weekend when there was a Giants game, because I hear it's madness, but we did see people forming a line for a soccer game at the stadium. The crowd seemed very tame and it didn't affect the atmosphere. I also didn’t drive, which can be a nightmare. Take public transportation to the Transbay Terminal and then walk over.

This are has the perfect mix of ingredients. It has the water and the public areas, but it avoids becoming a tourist trap like the northern part of the Embarcadero. The great thing is that you can hop up to the more crowded areas easily by public transportation.

I don't spend a lot of time in the Outer Sunset, because it's very far from where I live and the weather there scares me. One time I was there and one second everything was fine, then a cold wind swept in quickly, and there was a torrential downpour all of a sudden. I never happen to come here during good weather and the Outer Sunset is known for having constant fog.

Besides the weather, the good point is that this area is right on the beach. I'm from the east coast so I don't always see the benefits of the Pacific Ocean. There's a beach, but you can't go in without a wetsuit. What's the point? The water is COLD! However, in this neighborhood, you'll often see surfers trying to catch some waves on a sunny day. It's a fun activity to watch if you have time. Bring a lot of extra layers if you venture near the beach though; it's windy.

To get to the Outer Sunset, I usually take the N-Judah. It's a Muni line that runs right along the edge of the park on Judah St.