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.

Potrero Hill Recreation Center: This is the home of one of America's surviving O.J. Simpson murals, plus a gymnasium, basketball and tennis courts, a baseball diamond and a playground. 801 Arkansas St. (at 22nd Street), (415) 695-5009.

San Francisco Center for the Book: The nexus of the Bay Area's active type, printing and book-bindery movement offers classes, exhibits, machinery and other resources. 300 De Haro St. (between 16th and 17th streets), (415) 565-0545. (Web site)
SomArts Cultural Center: This performance, exhibit and education space on the border of SoMa and Potrero Hill features classes in dance, drawing, computers, printmaking and more. 934 Brannan St. (between 8th and 9th streets), (415) 552-2131 ext. 4. (Web site)

The Voice Studio: A variety of voice and singing teachers operate out of this space, including some teaching "speech-level singing." Look for the cool old Acme Beer sign on the building's side. 1399 18th St. (at Missouri Street), (415) 648-4088.