Without a car, getting to Bernal Heights from the north part of the city can be a bit of a trek. But once there, it’s a pleasant place to spend an afternoon. Filled with plenty of little boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and public parklets, it’s a mini city escape with a grand view.

One of my favorite stops along Cortland Avenue (a massive hill, just FYI), is Succulence – a paradise for someone like myself who loves all things plants. The good news here is that most of these plants are hard to kill! The staff inside are welcoming and knowledgeable and the prices are reasonable. It’s a beautiful living oasis that I would love to hang out in.