Bernal Heights San Francisco
Hike to 360˚ views
Bernal Heights Park is located atop a giant hill. Depending on where you hail from, it might seem like a mountain. Bernal Heights was established as a neighborhood in the late 1800s when the population of San Francisco exploded due to the Gold Rush. Unlike most neighborhoods that were destroyed during the infamous 1906 earthquake, Bernal Heights remained mostly intact.
A short walk for the Mission, Bernal Heights offers 360 degree view of San Francisco. On a clear day you can see the Pacific Ocean, the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and San Bruno Mountain.
Have you ever wondered how the streets and avenues can have the same numbers? One of the coolest things are the view, is seeing how the whole city grid is laid out. And how the best attempt at city planning is thwarted by hills popping up in the middle of the grid.
There are a couple different access points to the park, so make sure you remember which one you came in if you want to go back down the same way. My favorite access point is Esmeralda Street. This route weaves up public staircases that connect through a series of public parks. It is pretty steep so make sure you are dressed in comfortable clothes and can climb stairs for 20-30 minutes.
About this spot
Bernal Heights Blvd
- 07:00 - dusk daily
US$
free
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco
Pier 39
See sea lions!
"Pier 39" in San Francisco is where I got to buy live crabs during the season and see the sea lions! They are the quintessential San Franciscans...
by
Nadine
Johnson
Cornell Hotel de France
Beautiful hotel
"Cornell Hotel de France" in San Francisco is Jean D'Arc-themed and the building's over 100 years old. It's like a taste of France in the city...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Queen Anne Hotel
A haunted beauty
The "Queen Anne Hotel" in San Francisco exhibits the timeless romance and grand style that the Gold Rush brought to the city in the 1800s...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Biscoff Coffee Corner
Best coffee stop
"Biscoff Coffee Corner" in San Francisco offers speculoos biscuits with its coffee, using the original Belgian 'airline cookie' recipe dating back to 1932!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Eagle Cafe
Best hangover spot for breakfast
Besides being a great place for breakfast or lunch, "Eagle Café" in San Francisco is a historic waterfront café where every single seat has a view!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
The Crab House
So much food!
"The Crab House" in San Francisco makes some of the best seafood around - and presented beautifully. It's like Fantasia, but for food!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Graffiti Murals
Unbelievable
The Graffiti Murals in San Francisco, close to the Steiner end of Haight street, have been created by artists that are talented beyond imagination...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Ingleside Terraces Sundial
Largest in the US
The "Ingleside Terraces Sundial" in San Francisco is the largest sundial in the US. It's more than 100 years old & still tells the time very accurately...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Church of 8 Wheels
Holy rollers unite!
This San Francisco church has a rich history... today, the "Church of 8 Wheels", created by the Godfather of Skating, is the epicenter of the SF scene...
by
Nadine
Johnson
Talk About Stairs!
Neighborhood steps up
You might notice that each brick on this staircase at San Francisco's Coit Tower has a name written on it. Here's the forgotten story behind those names.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
CA Coastal Trail
Walk along the Pacific
"CA Coastal Trail" in Francisco is a calm, easy and beautiful hike that includes quite a few Bay Area landmarks - and all next to the ocean...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Critical Mass
Better together
"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Heading to San Francisco?
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to San Francisco?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Relaxing
Our team loves San Francisco
Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco
As featured on:
