Guidebook for San Francisco
Parks & Nature
The grassy dome that tops Bernal Hill -- lush and green in the winter, dry and faded in the summer -- brings to mind the windswept Scottish Highlands as you hike the brief but steep climb to the summit. The lofty view casts out over Noe Valley, the Mission, China Basin and the downtown skyline and extends to Marin and the Golden Gate Bridge. The park is a popular off-leash dog park, so much so that one solo walker was recently asked, in all seriousness, "Hey, where's your dog?"
Amazing 360 view of the city - def worth the trip!!!
363 locals recommend
Bernal Heights Park
3400-3416 Folsom StThe grassy dome that tops Bernal Hill -- lush and green in the winter, dry and faded in the summer -- brings to mind the windswept Scottish Highlands as you hike the brief but steep climb to the summit. The lofty view casts out over Noe Valley, the Mission, China Basin and the downtown skyline and extends to Marin and the Golden Gate Bridge. The park is a popular off-leash dog park, so much so that one solo walker was recently asked, in all seriousness, "Hey, where's your dog?"
Amazing 360 view of the city - def worth the trip!!!
Before 2004, most parents would have looked at you blankly if you asked them about Holly Park. Though it's one of the city's oldest green spaces, it had a reputation for being a bit rough and the playground was, well, lame. A dedicated community effort brought about a $2 million makeover, complete with colorful playhouses, slides, swings, cargo ropes and a lovely little picnic area off to one side. At the top of the hill, there are basketball and tennis courts, and spectacular views.
59 locals recommend
Holly Park
625 Holly Park CirBefore 2004, most parents would have looked at you blankly if you asked them about Holly Park. Though it's one of the city's oldest green spaces, it had a reputation for being a bit rough and the playground was, well, lame. A dedicated community effort brought about a $2 million makeover, complete with colorful playhouses, slides, swings, cargo ropes and a lovely little picnic area off to one side. At the top of the hill, there are basketball and tennis courts, and spectacular views.
Food Scene
Head down to Alemany Boulevard on Saturday morning to this historic farmers market, which has operated in its current location since 1947. The selection of produce reflects the true cultural composition of San Francisco: Instead of the gourmand offerings of the Embarcadero farmers market, you'll find inexpensive produce like bok choy and plantains, in addition to the more conventional seasonal harvest of the region. Open Saturdays from dawn to dusk, rain or shine. 100 Alemany Blvd., at the junction of Highway 101 and Interstate 280, (415) 647-9423
104 locals recommend
Alemany Farmers Market
100 Alemany BlvdHead down to Alemany Boulevard on Saturday morning to this historic farmers market, which has operated in its current location since 1947. The selection of produce reflects the true cultural composition of San Francisco: Instead of the gourmand offerings of the Embarcadero farmers market, you'll find inexpensive produce like bok choy and plantains, in addition to the more conventional seasonal harvest of the region. Open Saturdays from dawn to dusk, rain or shine. 100 Alemany Blvd., at the junction of Highway 101 and Interstate 280, (415) 647-9423
This simple counter-service restaurant has an unexpected variety of quick dishes. The breakfast menu offers eggs, pancakes and bagels, while other meals consist of inexpensive standards such as crepes, falafel, soups and a selection of vegetarian dishes. 634 Cortland Ave., (415) 647-6448.
34 locals recommend
Moonlight Cafe
634 Cortland AveThis simple counter-service restaurant has an unexpected variety of quick dishes. The breakfast menu offers eggs, pancakes and bagels, while other meals consist of inexpensive standards such as crepes, falafel, soups and a selection of vegetarian dishes. 634 Cortland Ave., (415) 647-6448.
Three different food stores in there offering Jamaican, Thai and Middle Eastern food. Easy, grab and go place. Perfect for a weekend afternoon bite.
6 locals recommend
331 Cortland Ave
331 Cortland AvenueThree different food stores in there offering Jamaican, Thai and Middle Eastern food. Easy, grab and go place. Perfect for a weekend afternoon bite.
Bernal Star
410 Cortland AveSunday Brunch!
Smitten is a San Francisco sweet-tooth must. Liquid nitrogen infused ice cream and seasonal flavors. We love Smitten!
216 locals recommend
Smitten Ice Cream
432 Octavia StSmitten is a San Francisco sweet-tooth must. Liquid nitrogen infused ice cream and seasonal flavors. We love Smitten!
Taqueria Cancun
2288 Mission StreetBest burritos in the city.
Essentials
The stock at this small neighborhood grocery reflects a hybrid sensibility of living green and living it up. The environmentally conscious shopper will find recycled paper products and shade-grown coffee beans, but unlike the Mission's strictly vegetarian Rainbow Grocery, this market has a butcher counter, and a good one. The cheese, produce and wine sections will also please foodies. 448 Cortland Ave., (415) 648-3221.
282 locals recommend
The Good Life Grocery
448 Cortland AveThe stock at this small neighborhood grocery reflects a hybrid sensibility of living green and living it up. The environmentally conscious shopper will find recycled paper products and shade-grown coffee beans, but unlike the Mission's strictly vegetarian Rainbow Grocery, this market has a butcher counter, and a good one. The cheese, produce and wine sections will also please foodies. 448 Cortland Ave., (415) 648-3221.
There is a laundromat conveniently located right across the street at Bernal Bubbles in case you need to get your clothes washed.
17 locals recommend
Bernal Bubbles
397 Cortland AveThere is a laundromat conveniently located right across the street at Bernal Bubbles in case you need to get your clothes washed.
The Epicurean Trader
401 Cortland AveHealthy Spirits
300 Valencia StA wider selection of liquor than other grocery stores.
Four Seasons Nail & Spa
451 Cortland AveAsk ‘Tu’ for pedicure, and ‘Yim’ for manicure :)
Danny's Cleaners
746 Douglass StWalgreens
1496 Market StShopping
The standing advice about this Sunday-morning flea market is to go early -- all the best things disappear early. However, as long as you arrive by 11 am or so, it's still a good bet you'll discover an unexpected treasure. The number of booths depends on the weather and the time of year -- summer is the peak flea-market season -- and the nature of the wares varies wildly depending on the week. You might find vintage clothes and dishes, baseball cards, movie posters, butterflies under glass or children's toys from the '70s that you didn't know were collectible until now. Your success in bargaining will be influenced by how eager a given vender is to make a sale. Be brave and name your price, j
104 locals recommend
Alemany Farmers Market
100 Alemany BlvdThe standing advice about this Sunday-morning flea market is to go early -- all the best things disappear early. However, as long as you arrive by 11 am or so, it's still a good bet you'll discover an unexpected treasure. The number of booths depends on the weather and the time of year -- summer is the peak flea-market season -- and the nature of the wares varies wildly depending on the week. You might find vintage clothes and dishes, baseball cards, movie posters, butterflies under glass or children's toys from the '70s that you didn't know were collectible until now. Your success in bargaining will be influenced by how eager a given vender is to make a sale. Be brave and name your price, j
Drinks & Nightlife
VinoRosso
629 Cortland AveOutdoor wine bar and cute place for delicious Italian food from Vega.
Getting Around
The 24 Divisadero and 67 Bernal Heights both intersect Cortland Ave.
30 locals recommend
Cortland Avenue
Cortland AvenueThe 24 Divisadero and 67 Bernal Heights both intersect Cortland Ave.