It may have a checkered past, but this pocket-sized district is pure S.F. Think pastel-painted facades, crooning jazz lounges, and sidewalk cafés serving up fresh local brews.
If it were a book, Western Addition would be a memoir. The tales of the city are laid bare, no stone left unturned in its captivating story. You’ll see it in San Francisco’s preserved heritage, which serves as backdrop to the neighborhood’s modern scene. Western Addition may seem a little rough around the edges, but look closer and you’ll get right to the heart of the neighborhood’s allure.
Uncover some of San Francisco’s past with a stroll through the compact city blocks that make up Western Addition. Having survived the earthquakes and fires that razed much of the city in 1906, Western Addition contains some of the city’s oldest structures. Visit Alamo Square to see for yourself. From the park, you can take in one of S.F.’s million-dollar views. The immaculately painted façades of the Painted Ladies, a row of Victorian-era houses, stand serenely in front of the modern city skyline. Coming in close second are the views from Lower Pacific Heights, which sweep across the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and beyond.
Dig a little deeper to find out about Western Addition’s groundbreaking jazz scene. The Fillmore District is the symbol of Western Addition’s musical roots, with venues that still pay homage to the neighborhood’s homegrown jazz greats. Combine a gig with a trip to one of the district’s restaurants and you’ve got yourself a date idea.
Experience some of the best Japanese food this side of the North Pacific Ocean in Japantown, Western District’s northerly neighborhood. If you’re visiting in April, you can join the sakura celebrations at the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival.
If your wallet is burning a hole in your pocket, hunt for treasures at Japan Center mall or explore the shopping precincts in Hayes Valley.