Welcome to Bernal Heights
Centrally located Bernal Heights is nestled between Noe Valley and Bayview on the southern side. of the city. With hillside overlooks of the skyline, trendy eateries and coffee shops, and Sutro Tower in the distance, Bernal Heights is a long-standing favorite for artists and musicians. This community is not frequently trafficked by tourists, providing the neighborhood with an unsullied Old San Francisco feel that is quickly becoming one of the most coveted in the area. Brightly-colored bungalows fleck the streets, and Bernal Heights’ quiet demeanor is beloved by new, budding families looking for the perfect first home.
What to Love
- Hillside hikes with breathtaking views
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Boutique shopping on Cortland Avenue
- Bohemian village lifestyle, big-city amenities
- Active, passionate community
People & Lifestyle
This neighborhood is extraordinarily walkable, which makes it easy to navigate a day of running errands down Cortland Avenue, drifting in and out of locally-owned bakeries, barbershops, and the best Peruvian restaurant in the neighborhood. Dog walkers, stroller pushers, and bicyclists are prominent features along the streets of Bernal Heights, and the area also has excellent public transit options for traveling farther distances. In Bernal Heights, residents have plenty of local restaurants to share appetizers and catch up over drinks, unique retailers with one-of-a-kind selections, and a welcoming village lifestyle supported by active members who foster an unmitigated sense of community.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Hipsters will love Bernal Heights’ subdued charm and eclectic, foodie-approved eateries. If you’re craving Peruvian cuisine, head to
Piqueo’s on Cortland Avenue. Traditional foods are crafted with contemporary precision and elegantly plated in this industrial-chic dining space. Nearby,
Blue Plate’s garden patio is an urban oasis and their Mediterranean twist on American favorites keeps people coming back for more.
Whether you’re taking an iced Americano to-go or settling into a corner booth to get some work done in the evening, Bernal Heights has a myriad of delightful coffee shops and cafés to choose from. Progressive Grounds has a stunning outdoor patio for open-air sipping, enjoy a Portuguese pastry at
Cafe St. Jorge, and whimsical
Pinhole Coffee combines the founders’ two loves: coffee and art.
Cortland Avenue is a hotspot for shopping in Bernal Heights, with children’s boutiques like
Chloe’s Closet, Bernal Heights’ favorite picture frame consultant
Bernal Village Frame Design, and
12 Small Things’ finely-cultivated selection of home goods, art, and decor.
Things to Do
In recent years, local activists have fought to preserve Bernal Heights’ beautiful green space and revitalize them. Bernal Heights Park has a hilltop playground that boasts stunning views over Noe Valley, making it a frequent stop for families with young children. At its peak, you’ll see the Golden Gate Bridge, stunning 360° views of the city, and the iconic TV and radio antenna Sutro Tower between the hill crests. This three-pronged tower stands proud above Bernal Heights and has been a defining characteristic of the neighborhood since its construction finished in 1963. In the early 2000s, Holly Park received a $2 million facelift, making it one of the most polished parks in the neighborhood. You can also pack a lunch and head to Precita Park for an alfresco meal at one of their picnic tables.
Schools
Bernal Heights is fortunate to provide its students with a well-rounded and carefully-curated curriculum that fosters a lifelong love of learning. Whether students attend public or private schools in the neighborhood, families can rest easy knowing that their child is receiving a top-notch education. A few of the area’s most prestigious educational institutions include:
- Leonard R. Flynn Elementary School, K-5
- Junipero Serra Elementary School, K-5
- Saint Anthony Immaculate Conception Catholic School, K-8