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Alta Plaza Park
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
Pierce Street and Clay StreetSan Francisco, CA 94115
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
115 reviews for Alta Plaza Park
115 reviews in English
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Review from Danielle P.
Redwood City, CA
1/2/2012 1 photo
I love this park because I am a pug owner and enthusiast and they host San Francisco's Pug Sunday the first Sunday of every month. People tend to show up maybe around 11am or so, and meet with their pugs and let them all run around with the other pugs. The dogs love it and the people are very nice and sociable. PugPROS (Pug Rescue of Sacramento) often shows up as well and brings dogs who need foster care/new families. I come from out of town, so parking can be a total pain, but after circling for a while, I tend to find something within a block or two.
Many owners take their dogs off of their leashes but they are all very mindful of cleaning up any bathroom messes. I always bring a towel or two to sit on, an igloo mug full of chilled water, a dog bowl for the water, and some treats for the dogs. I also always bring a book and a camera but never read the book because I'm too entertained by all the funny dogs running around. Pug mixes and other breeds are always present as well, and they all seem to have a blast running around together. -
Review from Elena P.
San Francisco, CA
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Stumbled upon this park after some light window shopping on Fillmore, and it's a real gem. I've only been in the day time and its views are breathtaking.
Can't wait to come at night and see the City lights!
Safe neighborhood, lots of families, dogs and no sketchy people.
Good for doing a little light running on stairs (lots of em!), but also VERY relaxing and peaceful even though there's a park with kids and a good amount of people.
I'll definitely be back! -
Review from Charlie W.
San Francisco, CA
3/7/2012
Pug Sundays!
http://www.flickr.com/... -
Review from Court S.
San Francisco, CA
This is a great park. The view is breathtaking. I love sitting here with coffee and a good book. Sometimes I people watch, sometimes I attempt to jog around the perimeter. Whatever I choose to do, this park supports me 100%.
Listed in: Shut up & relax
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Review from Cindy M.
11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love this park. It has amazing views (and one particular park bench with a view of Alcatraz!) Good for dogs, couples, families, picnics. Last week I saw a bum and a pile of puke, but I've never seen that before, ever.
Tennis courts and a kids' park.
I would LOVE to see fourth of july fireworks from this place at night.
Oh, and the bathroom is very clean. -
Review from Jessica T.
San Francisco, CA
8/8/2011
I stumbled upon this park at night - awhile back with a friend and fell in love.
Looming amove the city with an unparalleled view of San Francisco in it's dazzling evening lit glory - Alta Plaza Park takes on a surreal quality.
They have it all -from basketball courts, tennis courts, a sturdy jungle gym - which is well matched for older kids, and a vast expanse of land for dogs to frolic in.
I plan on coming back here soon to practice some night-pull ups on the monkey bars.
Trust. -
Review from Stephen R.
Alameda, CA
3/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful park with great vistas. What more do you want in this part of the city?
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Review from Nick B.
San Francisco, CA
9/17/2011
ZOMG how did I miss this place!
I had an afternoon with my daughter and stopped by here to play on suggestion from a non-Yelpie. Excellent call!
The kids' area is fantastic. Newer park equipment is great to see and I love the fence for separation.
There was a decent amount of grass to play in as well (but watch out for doggie messes!). A big plus to me was the views as well as light breeze blowing. It really made for a picturesque day playing and having fun.
Good times! -
Review from Carmel N.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2011
I love this park! It is so pretty and gives you great 360 degree views of SF!
I have a pug and we love coming here for the Pug Meet Up every first sunday of the month. It really is a great park for dogs. You can let them run off leash (as long as you keep a good eye on them, of course) or walk them on the many tiers of the park.
Great on a sunny day and in the spring the cherry blossoms bloom and the park looks heavenly. -
Review from Finnegan M.
Panama City Beach, FL
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wery nwice Swan Fwrancisco cwity pwark, one of the hwighest in the cwity with wery nwice view to the nworth, swouth and east.
Nwice unfwenced area for dwogs to run but to be pwerfect nweed sepwarate fwenced areas for bwig and smwall dwogs, which is swadly lwacking in mwost of this cwity's pwarks.
Excwellent plwayground for the kwids, one of the bwest in the cwity!
Dog friendly, unfwenced, but cwan run off lweash. -
Review from Deirdre B.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2011 3 photos
I love this park! Amazing views of the city, great playground for the kiddos and a great set of stairs if you are feeling like some cardio!
I'm doing Playball sports skills for preschool kids at this park once a week, check out the Playball website for more info:
http://www.deedee.usap... -
Review from Elizabeth R.
San Francisco, CA
10/5/2011 12 Check-ins Here
This park is beautiful and clean. A nice park to lounge around and get a little sun. The pup loves it too! Just wish it had more protection from the street for the pup.
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Review from Lauren R.
San Francisco, CA
4/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
OHHHHH, ALTA PLAZA.... You and I have so many memories. There's a lot of trees, it's on a hill, and it has a killer view. There are hella stairs, if you're into running stairs. You're in Pac Heights so you're usually dealing with a snobbier crowd. It's right by Fillmore Street so there's a ton of shops nearby.
The playground is usually what I go for, at this point. It's always crowded and after 3pm, when the big kids get out of school, it can turn into a mad house. But it has a gate all around it and a small divider (not a big deterrent) for babies and bigger kids. There's a huge jungle gym too. -
Review from Meghan P.
12/16/2008
I review restaurants, Ruggles reviews dog food stores. I review clubs, Ruggles reviews parks. And Ruggles gives Alta Plaza Park 5 stars!
We stopped by Alta Plaza yesterday even though it was raining because we were in the area. We played lots of throw, catch, and chase with the ball and met nice families and nice other dogs. Ruggles wished he could play on the colorful, fancy play structure but seemed pretty satisfied playing with his slobbery, muddy ball. The grass was lush and he enjoyed tons of wide-open space all to himself.
I enjoyed the great views and the availability of clean restroom facilities. We definitely plan to be back!Listed in: Ruggles-tested &…
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Review from matthew r.
San Francisco, CA
6/11/2007
Alta Plaza is a nicely kept park in pacific heights, with a childrens playground, tennis courts, and a large area for dogs. Equipment is well maintained and the view from the top of the park is fantastic. And the fact that it's at the top of a hill and has a long set of stairs off of Clay Street makes it ideal for a short intense run provided you live where I live.
However, I'm subtracting one star for having the bathrooms locked when I was out for one such run at twilight.
And I'm subtracting another for not having bushes thick enough to afford me any privacy. -
Review from Alyssa G.
5/30/2010
This park has great views of the city, and isn't on the tourist's to-do list, like Alamo Square Park is. Great place for kids, pets, adults alike. There's a nice playground that's fenced in, paths for walking and grassy areas for picnics.
The only thing I noticed were the trash bins, they were more like dumpsters, than the regular green ones found in all the other parks; what's that about?
Parking is relatively easy, and safety isn't really a concern here. Go out and enjoy your weekend al fresco! -
Review from Hannah Q.
Denver, CO
5/21/2007
Random Factoid:
Alta Plaza park used to be a quarry and also used to be recreational hunting grounds for SF's elite on weekend retreats from the hubbub of the original part of the city.
Plusses:
Amazing playground
Lots of gophers for the dogs to hunt
Water bowls for dogusses
Tennis courts
Pug Sunday
Best place to check out the blue angels - you can see the pilots' nosehairs when they fly by
Minuses:
SICK DOGS
Drainage is poor which allows for water puddles to sit stagnantly during the average rainy winter. The dogs eat the mud which makes them sick, and it's essentially worthless to exercise your dog here in the winter.
TENNIS VS B-BALL
The renovation of the playground and 1 tennis court is phenomenal... except... They got rid of the basketball hoop outside of the courts and put basketball hoops in the renovated tennis court. This essentially eliminates this court for tennis purposes on most days. Also, they added a backboard - AWESOME - but, again, since it's in the "multi-use" court, you almost never get the chance to use it. They should put a hoop back on the outside of the court and create a backboard on the fenceline that connects the other two courts. The backboard & hoop situation make for a lot of clashes of interest.
KIDS ON A RAMPAGE
School kids run RAMPANT through the park on weekdays - there's like 4 or 5 schools that use this as their playground, which is cool, but the kids aren't that well supervised. Even if you're trying to keep your young child &/or dog away from the adolescent screeching and dashing, you WILL be intruded upon and have to move elsewhere. Also, I see kids wandering about this park unattended all the time during recess. I SO WOULD NOT LET MY KID GO TO ONE OF THESE SCHOOLS. -
Review from Daryl E.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2007 1 photo
[From our dog.]
Dear Alta Plaza Park,
Thank you for hosting the monthly Pug Sunday. I have been several times and have sniffed a lot of friends. You don't seem to have any food dispensers, though. You should give me free nuggets. Anyway, I like your grass toilets. Most of all I like to visit you because I can run free and disobey my masters' commands not to lick strangers in their mouths. I like your breathtaking views to the south and like how I can see Alcatraz island. My parents let me watch the Blue Angels from you and I saw a gopher. My dad said to say he always can manage to find a parking spot close by, too. -
Review from Yan M.
San Francisco, CA
10/10/2007
Such a beautiful and decent size park equipped with a nice playground for the lil ones and tennis courts!
Our friends brought along their little one and took us to this scenic park. The playset is targeted for toddlers to young kids and also a sandy patch available to build sandcastles.
Great view looking south of the city and great place to roll around and enjoy the sun as well. -
Review from Oanh N.
San Francisco, CA
4/7/2008
It does get breezy up here in Pac Heights so bring a warm sweater or jacket. Just beyond Pierce St is a great view of the bay and its boat sailors. Also, if you plan to stay for awhile and feel the need to sit, I usually bring a picnic blanket for my friends and the dogs. You might want to think twice about bringing snacks and beverages because I guarantee you will have a group of food sniffing and treat begging pugs at your lap ; D
Yesterday's meetup was absolutely crazy! There was a good show of dog owners and pugs. I couldn't count how many puggies there were. A friend, first time goer and father of two pugs, said he was getting all dizzy from just trying to keep track of his own dogs and that it was Pug Heaven.
First Sunday of the Month --------------- Pug Sunday at Alta Plaza Park -
Review from Dan T.
San Francisco, CA
12/31/2006
So many dogs.. I want to pet them all!!!! I love dogs.. I love tennis... I love views and I love playgrounds for the kids to run off their energy. That's what Alta Plaza specializes in. There are a ton of dogs here walking.. running.. playing.. so many that I'd think twice about rolling around in the grass. But they are so cute!
There are also two tennis courts with a third in the middle of a basketball court. The two tennis courts are nice because they are fenced in and each one is separated by the other. They court surface doesn't have any cracks and it's pretty nice compared to the rest of the city. The third tennis court I wouldn't use as I leave it for the basketball players.
The playground is renovated and nice. There seems to always have a ton of kids and it's has a small gate though any kid can walk out if they want to. They have a few play structures and I think it's one of the better playgrounds in the city.
The view is awesome too. Alta Plaza sits on top of a hill so you get a good look at part of the city. But be prepared. The parking can tough especially when there's street cleaning and after work hours. It can get cold and windy too so bring warm clothes. Nonetheless I love it here!Listed in: Tennis Courts!
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Review from William S.
Philadelphia, PA
3/24/2009
Beautiful park, beautiful view over the marina and into the bay, lots of fun trees to climb if you're itching to relive those childhood days, or pretend you're on top of macchu picchu as mentioned earlier. Each level of this park has something different to offer: a playground, tennis courts, trees... what else could you want?
maybe a beer. -
Review from Carissa R.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2008
Big open park with lots of grassy area. Picnicked with KFC (review to follow) and a little too much beer for about five hours in the sun. Needless to say, SPF 4 didn't do me much good.
Good times had by all, especially the tourists we waved at as the drove by in a double-decker. Oh, and kudos to the park for fantastic proximity to corner store markets, which were great for when we ran out of beer.Listed in: My former 'hood - lower pac…
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Review from Michael H.
Hayward, CA
1/10/2009
The best thing about this park is that it's quiet. The higher you go the quieter it gets. It's not even located around noisy streets in the first place. Everyone is pretty respectful of the tranquil atmosphere. Stroller moms keep hum to each other, dogs don't bark madly, and book readers can be found enjoying their literature.
Ideal for anyone willing to take a walk or nap. Dogs are common yet they don't overpopulate the place. If you want to do step exercises, there's a lot of wide stairways for you. You could even do a run up a la Rocky Balboa.
The paved paths are surrounded my semi-unkept grass; yet, the grass is unbelievably green. The walk up rewards you with a great view of the city. I ended up laying on a bench listening to my iPod. Sun bathing never felt so good. -
Review from Chad T.
Philadelphia, PA
3/7/2007
Alta Plaza rocks. Go for the views, stay for the dogs.
I want to shrink myself down Rick Moranis style so I can make full use of that amazing playground.
... and there is a beautiful hawk that makes the pine in the NE corner its home.
I love eating my breakfast/lunch here whenever I have a chance... -
Review from Cathy B.
San Francisco, CA
9/26/2009
Okay so it gets foggy.
Okay, so the wind whipping across the northern end of the park by Jackson Street sometimes feels like it's the Arctic Express barreling in off the ocean.
So what?!
The views from Alta Plaza are among the most wonderful in the City (other favorites include Alamo Square and Dolores, of course), it's nearby Fillmore Street so you can grab a quick bite before frolicking with the kids and dogs or snare a meatball sandwich at Dino's (corner of California and Fillmore) and hunker down on a bench or one of the logs at the very top of the park looking south.
Want to play tennis? If it's a nice day, get there early because the courts fill as soon as the sun cuts across the skyline when it's sunny!
Have a dog? Technically the "legal" off-leash areas are only on the south side of the park, but those who frequent the park frequently (a group of which I am one) there's a gentle person's agreement. The dog people keep their canine kids in line, and the two-footed pups don't dig holes either - unless they're in the S-WEET sandbox in the playground. And yes, that's me, an adult effusively commenting ... on a sandbox. I mean, who doesn't like building sand castles right? Especially in this park where they have a built-in crane/digger thing.
Admittedly I don't spent much time on the playground as my kid has four feet and a penchant for running in circles and chasing a ball, but it looks swell.
So come on by ... and if see a rather large, silvery shaggy dog named Truman racing around, I'm not far away. -
Review from Whitney D.
San Francisco, CA
8/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Stumbled upon this park one day as I was riding my bicycle around town and was stunned! Seriously an amazing view of the city! It is a must-see if you are in San Francisco, and I plan to take every friend here when they come to visit me. Great for picnics, dog walks, resting, laying in the sun, taking photos, and families with kids (there's a playground!). Love this park!
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Review from Suzanne B.
San Francisco, CA
5/1/2006
My new backyard has the most glorious views of the city and a built-in stairmaster. If you want a good workout start at Pierce and Clay and head straight up the stairs. Pause at the top for a breather and to see the city laid out at your feet, then start back down. Repeat as necessary. Once you're done, come on back up to watch the dogs having a grand old time.
UPDATE: The playground (which finally reopened) is great fun for kids. Geared to the under 12 crowd and complete with a squishy surface, this is where you take the wiggly short people when they start to tear apart your lovely non-kidproof apartment. Aunty wisdom!
Of course, this is also where I've sent some wiggly big people after a bit too much wine - they had just as much fun even if the teeter-totter is the 'safe' kind and therefore kinda lame.Listed in: Gardens, Greenery & the Great…, Borrowing the Children
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Review from Haru K.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2007
Ran by here too, and stopped on the south west side looking out over the peaks and valleys of San Francisco. I didn't know there were more places with beautiful views of the city to explore. I'm coming back here just before sunset to catch my breath.
Looked like a nice playground on top for 5-12 year olds. Kinda wanted to play on the red climby thing. -
Review from Stephanie K.
San Francisco, CA
11/11/2008
PUG SUNDAY!!
What more needs to be said? -
Review from Ms. Heights C.
San Francisco, CA
6/26/2007
You can't ask for a better view from a neighborhood park. I love to go by myself, with friends, with my friend's dog, with friends who act like dogs, etc.
Everyone there is always friendly and smiling and strolling ever so happily through the winding paths that lead from the inconspicuous tennis courts to the seriously cool kiddie playground to the steep steps that I look out on from my living room window. They kind of remind me of an Egyptian pyramid, although I'm not sure why. I digress...
Pack a lunch and go eat it near the happy people/dogs at Alta Plaza.Listed in: At the Height of the Heights
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Review from Jacquee P.
San Francisco, CA
3/30/2008
I can't believe that I've lived here my whole life and found this park by accident. I was running the in the neighborhood with my lovely gfs and we were like, "Oh! Babies!" And then we saw the VIEW.
And what a view it is! It reaffirms the value of the cost of living in this city of mine.
We've returned to the park to enjoy picnic lunches that we purchased from Fillmore Street.
And for better or worse, there are tons of dogs here. I like the ones with disciplined parents. -
Review from Janel Y.
8/11/2008
I came here looking for the "painted lady" houses from the TV show, "Full House," which I later learned (by losing a bet and paying for dinner) was some where else in the city.
Nevertheless, this is quite an impressive park...kind of reminds me of a Mayan or Aztec temple since the bottom is wide and it gets narrower as you go up the stairs. At each indentation, there are park benches for you to admire the city view. At the very top are tennis courts and a playground for kids. There's a lot of green grassy area to sunbathe, picnic, read a book, etc. On a clear day, you can see the tip of USF's cathedral, Mt. Sutro and even more. Parking wasn't too bad on a sunny Sunday afternoon and even though it may be sunny and warm, bring a light jacket, because it's still a bit windy at the top! -
Review from Cris B.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2008
An excellent park with excellent panoramic views of the bay and the city. There are also excellent folks here who all know one another by name; and for those they do not know, these people are just as friendly and warm to the newbies as if they did know you name.
I find this a great spot to take the DaWg because I know I'll encounter those who are social and welcoming and will not have to deal with those grumpy curmudgeons with the small snappy off-leash dogs.
Another wonderful thing about this park is its conveniently located up/down the street from Pets Unlimited. Many of the volunteers bring the "up for adoption" dogs here to teach them how to behave around people and other dogs. Great way to get to know these sweet little pets and one day I'll be tempted to take one of these "up for adoption" pets home.
Other great things about this park is that it is versatile in having something for all, tennis courts, kiddie play-ground, fields of green grass, and stairs...Listed in: Local Doggie Hangouts
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Review from Matt C.
San Francisco, CA
7/13/2008
This park is very pleasant. It has nice grass and well kept tennis courts. However, in 3 different occasions there was no basketball to be had. My search for consistent pickup bball continues
As for tennis, It is a nice place to play, however the surface on the singles court seems oddly hollow. Also, I feel like this court is highly susceptible to wind since it is high up without too many obstructions surrounding it. -
Review from Rahul P.
San Francisco, CA
This is one the best parks I have been to.. Awesome views of the city, steep climbs within the park. It has a nice tennis court and a playground area.
Perfectly suited for picnics and get togethers and is dog friendly as well.
Offcourse the best part is that its just three blocks from my home. As good as it gets. -
Review from Melissa H.
Boston, MA
9/17/2007
So Alta Plaza is a nice park for the day-to-day needs of the Pacific Heights set. Tennis courts at the top of the hill, playgrounds for the kids, and lots of grass for picnics and playing with your dog.
There is a great set of steps on the south side of the park for exercise (I felt like Rocky when I ran up them!), and the peak of the hill on the north side of the park offers a panoramic view of the Bay, the Marina/Cow Hollow area, and some of the Pacific Heights homes.
One warning though: You will most likely not be able to see fireworks launched on the Bay. The 100 or so of us that randomly pooled there for the show this 4th of July were very disappointed that most fireworks were too low, and our view was blocked by the rooftops of the large homes situated on the crest of the hill just north of Jackson. -
Review from carina b.
San Francisco, CA
3/13/2007
Alta Plaza is a wonderful park. Small enough to not lose your dog, but big enough to feel like you have your own space to spread out a blanket and kick it. The maintenance crew does an amazing job of cutting the grass, trimming the bushes and keeping the park clean.
There is an area where all of the neighborhood dogs play up at the top by Jackson Street. So many beautiful breeds to check out.
Last year, they ripped out the old playground and replaced it with a new one. As if my nieces and nephews did not like the park already, now they think it is amazing. The structures are challenging for them to climb on but give them a good workout. The playground area is divided into two areas- one for toddlers and the up to 4 set, the other area built more for 5 and up.
Nestled within the park are many benches which are good spots to read a book or just hangout and people watch. -
Review from Catherine B.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2008
This is my favorite park in SF!
I used to live right across the street from it and spent many spring and summer afternoons there. Between tennis and picnics with great views of the bay, pugs on the first sunday of every month - there is something for everyone. Friends of Ala Plaza Park raised money to build a new playground for the little ones - one day when I have little ones I will take them there! If you ever feel like you want to give back to the park you love - the first Sunday of every month is VOLUNTEER DAY. Come get coffee and bagels donated from Peets and Noahs - and from 9-NOON you can help plant flowers, weed and just help to beatify the park! -
Review from Tatyana K.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2011
Pretty nice views peeking out from behind equally nice houses. A great place to come to relax on a sunny afternoon but not quite the Hippie Hill or Dolores. You can see the marina, Angel Island, and on an exceptionally clear day - Mt. Diablo
