This urban suburb perches high above the neighboring SoMa and Mission districts, seemingly peering down on its noisier neighbors. Screaming ambulances and endless freeway construction keep a pleasant distance from this hillside enclave, where residents take in admirable views of the Bay, the downtown skyline, and points south. Local architecture varies mod mod, brushed-aluminum condo towers to shocking pink and lime-green row houses, mid 70’s Bauhaus styles, and pastel Palm Springs stucco units. A handful of mellow pubs, delicatessens, and sun-drenched cafes on 18th street between Texas and Connecticut make up the neighborhood scene.

Anchor Brewing Company: Anchor, in business since 1896, helped carry San Franciscans through the dark decades when almost nothing American was worth drinking. Visitors can take a 90-minute tour, see how beer gets brewed and even sample a bit at the end. Reserve tours a month in advance, just to be safe. 1705 Mariposa St. (at De Haro Street), (415) 863-8350

City skyline: There's a magical, almost Oz-like quality to the views north from atop Potrero Hill. The downtown skyline seems so distant -- and yet is outlined so sharply against the blue sky -- that the neighborhood can seem like another world.

Mission Bay Golf Center: This facility has a two-tiered, 300-yard practice range, and it's lighted at night, so swing away anytime. 1200 6th St. (between Channel and 16th streets), (415) 431-7888.
Potrero Hill Neighborhood House: This neighborhood meeting space, run by a nonprofit, features ongoing classes, job training, art exhibits, political events and receptions. 953 De Haro St. (at Southern Heights Avenue), (415) 826-8080.

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