Bernal Heights

BERNAL HEIGHTS

Quiet.

You hear that from a lot of city dwellers when you mention the unique hilltop neighborhood, but Bernal Heights residents don’t mind. They’re happy to keep it that way. Looking south from the Mission District, you can see a bald hill encircled by little pastel houses. It’s brown in the summer and fall, turning a magical green during the winter and sprint. That’s Bernal Heights.

Located about three miles from downtown, the neighborhood is bordered by Mission Street to the west, Cesar Chavez (Army) to the north, Bayshore Boulevard to the east, and Alemany Boulevard to the south. Bernal Heights enjoys the same sunny weather as its neighbor, the Mission District. But unlike the Mission, not much about Bernal Heights is trendy. You see fewer tattoos and piercings, and more small kids. The neighborhood is generally understated and low-key. But don’t assume that just because the streets are quiet, the residents are apolitical; they have a long history of taking ownership of their neighborhood to preserve its village-like feeling. An eclectic mix of people live here – gay, straight, black, white, Asian, Latino, artsy, blue-collar, old and young – and when asked, they cite diversity as the areas greatest virtue.

Photo courtesy of Original uploader was Octoferret at en.wikipedia.

Bernal Heights Hill-Wide Garage Sale: This annual neighborhood tag sale is a great way to pick up some cast-off treasures from an eclectic community that's full of artists and other creative types who collect cool stuff. Every August.

Bernal Heights Park: 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 favorite with dog owners, so much so that one solo walker was recently asked, in all seriousness, "Hey, where's your dog?"

Fiesta on the Hill: Bernal Heights' annual street fair (usually in October) offers a petting zoo, pony rides, a pumpkin patch, painting, art activities and two stages of live music and dance. Proceeds benefit the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center. On Cortland Avenue For more information, call (415) 206-2140.

Precita Park: This handsome oval of green has shaken off its bad reputation, at least during the day, since neighbors cleaned it up and the city put in picnic tables at its southeast end. It also now boasts a deluxe playground area. At Precita Avenue, bounded by Folsom and Alabama streets.

San Francisco Illegal Soapbox Derby: In this cult annual sports event, bike messengers, Web gurus and garage gearheads hurtle down Bernal Hill Road in homemade soapbox racers. Held every October and other dates.

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