If you’re going to San Francisco, you’d better do two things: One, wear flowers in your hair. Two, walk through the Pacific Heights neighborhood. This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. b.patisserie is my go-to starting point — for a walk, and for food. Try any croissant-based pastry…but also, really anything. I used to sing the praises of the Tartine croissant…but this one gives a serious run for the money.

After you’ve patiently waited in line and secured your box of pastries, tuck them gently into the trunk of your car (but keep a communion croissant in your backpack). It’s time to wander Pacific Heights!

I’ve taken my little walking tour a couple times and can say that any way you do it is going to be dandy. Just make sure to go to these locations.

What to Do in Pacific Heights, San Francisco

• Start at b.patisserie and ask for the whole pastry case. If you’re capable of more restraint, a plain kougin amann and a ham-and-cheese croissant should suffice.
• Alta Plaza Park (great city views, but without the industrial, serious vibe of the Financial District).
• Walk Clay, Baker, and Pacific streets/avenues for some truly spectacular (and spectacularly gargantuan) homes + bay views. Stroll down Divisadero and in a couple blocks you’ll be back where you started.
• Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line in the Presidio. I DID NOT realize how close it was to this part of Pacific Heights! You can dip into the park from a side gate and be there in a few minutes.
• The Lyon Street steps. I don’t recommend the steps themselves, but they’re a great scenic starting point.
• Filmore Street between Blue Bottle Coffee and Jane on Filmore—eat, drink, people watch, have an ice cream, and be merry!

There you have it — my little walking tour of Pacific Heights in San Francisco. The best thing, in my opinion, is to get lost and enjoy the stunning architecture of this ritzy neighborhood. I hope you go and enjoy all the lovely things there are to discover…here’s what I found.

I am a San Francisco Bay Area film photographer specialising in senior girls, families, love stories, and (personal) brands. Want to work together? Get in touch! I’d love to know your story.