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Bernal Heights Hill
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
89 reviews for Bernal Heights Hill
Having missed a couple of bonding trips to the city planned by my friends due to illness and an addiction to Day(n' Ny woah woah)Quil, I was super excited to go when a friend was driving me back to school and "accidentally" missed the exit.
We never looked back.
It was 1AM when we decided drove the 40-50 minutes up to the City. We spent an hour looking for gas and some annoying nightlifers were seriously curbing my enthusiasm for what was supposed to be an adventure of a lifetime. (Yannoe, the whole I'm young I wanna live fast die young and drive off at non-methodical hours of the AM type adventures. Way to be a party killers, hoefashoes and your douchebag boyfriends.)
And then we somehow ended up at Bernal Heights. At 4 in the friggin morning. You. do. not. know. how. beautiful. it is.
It's cliche, but I guess I just have to say it: it was breathtaking. To die for. The little Rachel Zoe--I had watched a lot of her when I wasn't yakking--in my mind was going bah-nah-nahs. The city is just incredible to take in and you have one of those philosophical moments where the world feels so big and you feel so tiny and insignificant. One of those like-omg-there's-something-bigger-than-me-out-ther e moments. Really.
Bernal Heights made the whole shenanigans worth it. The view is beautiful and I am really convinced that at the right moment, you can really feel the city without having to actually be in the center of it.
I had to dog-sit Billy one weekend in SF. Billy is a country dog - he lives in Saratoga and has a nice sized yard to run in. My parents take him to the park at least twice a day and he thinks he rules the neighborhood.
Clearly, he wasn't all that fond of my apartment life in SF. Luckily, I was prepared and I brought him to Bernal Heights. Bill and I ran up and down the hill for about an hour. He enjoyed sniffing everything off-leash and I enjoyed a fantastic view of the city. We would have stayed longer but it started to rain so Billy & I ran back into my car.
For the rest of the afternoon, he sat on my couch and didn't bother me much. I guess the exercise worked for both of us. If I had a dog in the city, I'd go to Bernal Heights at least once a week for both the sanity of my dog and me.
Looking at San Francisco is one of my favorite things to do, and Bernal Heights gives you a unique view from the South. The entire Mission district sprawls in front of you, and you can see the bay off to your right and the Financial District off in the distance.
Plus, you can get ice cream at MaggieMudd's as a reward for hiking up that big hill :)
this is home and we love it.
I miss you, hill. I have not climbed you in a long time.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/11/2009
I love you, hill. Read more »
Beautiful views of the Bay and a nice little walk too. If you have a doggie that doesn't roam for miles by himself then you can get in some nice off leash action.
Unfortunately I have a doggie that *does* likes to roam for miles by himself, so I have to stick to bigger parks like Funston or fenced in places like Douglass. So I didn't come up here with Captain D, but I did come up here with brother Mike and fortunately he is far better trained.
Walked all the way up to the top of the hill from the 24th street mission BART stop, up Folsom st. Was beautiful to get to the top where there is a slight breeze. Awesome view of the city, South San Fran and so much more. Also a great chance to see both the Golden Gate and the Bay Bridge at one vista point. Great workout too! I hope to go back to catch a sunset and to bring my dog here, there were tons of dogs everywhere, even in the middle of a Friday early afternoon!
I lived in SF for 6 years now and never set my foot here maybe because no one had ever told me about this place.
I've been to Twin Peeks, Treasure Island, Sausalito, Fort Scott, Crissy Fields, Golden Gate Bridge, Top of the Mark, De Young Museum, Cliff House, Equinox, Legion of Honor, Coit Tower, Alcatraz, and on top of my roof to watch the city from above. But never knew this.
It's breathtaking and somewhat smelly from all the dog poop. But hey, it's a nice view of the city, somewhat 360 almost. If you point out every part of the bay area, I salute you.
it's a great hike and workout on the buns leading to the top of this hill. bring your furry canine friends, and let them off the leash so they can roam around and explore.
deadly views of san francisco on a clear day.
Few things make me as happy as when my pup gets to enjoy some good off leash time midweek. Especially when we get the chance to stray from our usual Upper Noe Valley Recreation Center's dog run. It can't hurt that I also get to claim the hike to the top as a mini-workout (got to make the 3-4 times a week... so I'm countin!) The view is great, and even when the fog is rolling in it is a nice refreshing escape from the confines of the city.
For a perfect weekend afternoon:
1) Take one, beautiful, glorious sunshiny January day with little wind.
2) Add a stop at Avedano's for picnic provisions: Pressed Cuban Sandwich, Porchetta with sauteed mushrooms and pickled cabbage; some broccolini with lemon, pine nuts and yellow raisins, swiss chard sauteed with bacon. Italian mineral water
3) Add a frisky, crazy puppy who's raring to go.
4) Embark on your climb up some gentle gravely slopes.
5) Pick your perch.
6) Enjoy.
I was hooked the very first time I came here. Now I bring the dogs I'm petsitting up here almost every day. They have a great time running up and down the hill, discovering little trails up at the very top, and meeting other dogs. As for me, I'm swept away by the view. This is a perfect place for a picnic, because it's not too crowded (say what?!)
Another favorite SF urban hike. Depending on your energy level you can walk up from Mission St. or drive higher up to the base of the tree-topped peak but either way you're in for sweeping 360-degree views of The City. i have taken a few different friends here when they're looking for a plce to live- it's like Google Maps live! If I've walked all the way up from Mission, I'll stop by the backyard at down-home dyke bar Wild Side West on the way down. A true SF gem.
In a city that is getting increasingly anti-dog, Bernal Hill is a one-of-a-kind oasis for dogs and their humans. It's one of the few off-leash areas left in San Francisco, where dogs can run without having to worry about crashing into a fence or a wall, like in the pitifully small and urine-soaked "dog runs" that some other S.F. parks have. Basically, for dogs, it's pretty close to being heaven on earth -- a mix of paved roads, dirt trails the higher up on the hill you get, and plenty of green for you and your pooch to hang out on, chill, and watch the rest of the world go by.
On a clear day, you can see Mount Diablo and the Marin Headlands. There are few things better than being on the hill on a sunny and brisk morning or afternoon, looking at the deep blue of the bay, or watching the fog roll in over Twin Peaks like a blanket, totally above the noise of the city. This is one of the places that makes living in San Francisco extremely special.
My friends recently got wed on this hill. OMG the views are off the hook.
One star off because as non-native SF'ians we had no idea where the F**K we were, and a lot of folks had trouble getting transportation to and fro.
Great place for a morning walk and amazing view of the city! Lots of locals with kids and dogs will pass through as you sit on the lone bench up top. Grab a coffee from Martha Bros on Cortland first and enjoy!
When were were kids growing up in the flats of the Mission, looking up to Bernal Hill was like being a world away. We used to call it Fog City Mountain, because, well we didn't know it had any other name and our name fit.
Every summer, before we started heading over to the Boys Club (now the Girls and Boys Club) we would go on these "Great Expeditions". Sometimes we would ride our bikes through the hallways of the spooky San Francisco General Hospital, sometimes we would have picnics at Raza Park (Potrero del Sol), other times we would swing on the swings for hours at 24th Mini, but when we wanted to get away from it all and really go on a TRIP - we packed our bags and headed for the HILL!
With PB&J and our juice boxes in tow we headed across the treacherous Army Street(now Cesar Chavez) overpass and then proceeded to climb the over 100 steps up to Bernal Heights. From there we ended up taking different routes to get to the base of Bernal Hill. We would actually hike up the side (we had no clue there was an access road back then).
Once we reached the top we would sit on the grass and look over our neighborhood and point out our school, our church, our parks, the hospital and we would talk about how many times we would go downtown (we could count them on two hands) on "Special Occasions". It was a truly magical time, when the city felt bigger than it actually was. Actually it was a bigger city then.
Today, I took Lola for the first time and shared with her some of those memories.
Dear Bernal Heights Hill,
We are currently dog sitting our good friend's miniature Australian shepherd, Rufus. He is a bit of a nervous dog, and lately has been a tad constipated. We've added olive oil to his food and made sure that he drinks lots of water. And we let him out into our backyard to do his business, but he just can't seem to drop the kids off at the pool, if you know what I mean. So, we brought him up to the hill. Within minutes, Rufus took his first dump in days. I don't know what it is. Maybe the great view of the city relaxed him. Or maybe being around other dogs reminded him that he too could take a dump in the grass. Whatever the reason, thank you Bernal Heights Hill for being the laxative that Rufus needed.
Warmly,
Caroline C. and Bill
I have walked around and around this hill and it's a pretty good hill! The rocks are crumbly. Go to the north side and look down upon the Mission St. Safeway. You are privileged and entitled from this vantage point. Farewell, Bernal Heights Hill.
My boyfriend, the Captain, took me to the hill the first time I came out to visit him in San Francisco. It was such a breathtaking experience that I fell in love with him and the city and decided to move across the country so I wouldn't have to be seperated from either ever again!
We sat inside the roots of a tree drinking wine, watching the day fade into night and the city come alive. The view of the city from Bernal Hill is magnificent. Just as we were about to leave the most spectacular fireworks display I have ever seen lit up the sky right in front of us. It was the end to one of those days that's so perfect you couldn't possibly have planned it. It had to be a gift from the universe.
It can be pretty windy so bring someone you want to hold and keep warm! Also, I've heard there are some ducklings up there.
Bernal Hill is easily one of the best views of San Francisco. And it is perched atop one of the best neighborhoods to make it even more of a brilliant force. Officially this is a dog park and I believe it is one of if not the only park in SF where dogs are allowed off leash.
There are many angles to come at the hill from to get to the top. One of the routes leading up from Mission Street takes you up several public staircases that are built into the steep neighborhood streets. You'll pass by gardens and slides.
Another way of reaching the top is to follow Folsom Street up to the base of the hill and then spiral around the mountain until you can't go anymore.
And there are a number of paths to the hill cutting over from Cortland Avenue. Some of these routes involve a tiny amount of climbing and evading barking guard dogs. But all of these roads will bring you to a magnificent view of SF that is usually sitting above the fog even when other parts of the city find themselves covered.
Two dear friends of mine were just married on Bernal Hill a few weeks ago on a perfectly warm Saturday afternoon. It was one of the most touching and beautiful ceremonies I've witnessed yet. The spectacular backdrop of the city from Bernal Hill totally added to the love fest.
Yaaaay!
I enjoyed the fireworks here on 4th of July.
Perched atop the windy hill we took in the spectacular display as the entire city was lit up before our eyes. I must admit that the "illegal" neighborhood set-offs rivaled what I saw of the embarcadero. I was even able to see a teeny weeny bit of the action over in the eastbay. This was the perfect ending to wonderful sunny day spent with good friends good food and massive amounts of alcohol.
Bring the following items:
(1)Winter coat
(2)Hat & Scarf
(3)Blanket
(4)Bottle of Wine
After the show proceed to Mitchell's for an ice cream sundae. . .
Aside from the antenna and the road, most of this bald hilltop is untouched. In the middle of all this urban bliss, that's amazing.
Come on up on a clear, windless day. Better yet, come on a bright, hot day. Bring your camera because you'll want to kick your own ass if you don't. Wear good shoes and try some of those teensy weensy trails that switchback up the hillside. Watch your step! The hillside is STEEP.
Competes with Tank Hill (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), Corona Heights (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), and Twin Peaks (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) as the best view of the city. As you walk around the fenced structure at the top, hill offers 360 degrees view (not from one spot) from Candle Stick to downtown to Noe Valley (see pic). You cannot drive up to the view point like Twin Peaks, but you don't need to deal with tourists here. People bring dogs here, which I don't really understand, because the hill is made of small rocks, so I don't think it's pleasant for the hairy ones.
If you just want to hangout for a while, I felt that Tank Hill or Corona Heights provided a more calming feel.
The view of san francisco is maybe unparalleled at night from this fine hill in bernal heights, which i fell down from about 10 feet up and four feet out to the street below in the dark above loose dirt on a cut-out path dug out to walk down the north face of the hill to get back to the mission. Great on the eyes. Great to sit back and relax and glance lazily, admiring the sights here.
Thanks everyone for giving my neighborhood 5 star reviews. But really though, the weather on this side is so much better than the other side of the city. Gotta love that!
JONASAPPROVED!
5 Stars for providing me and Sharon S (and our respective mates) with a fun day of "let's go find that one slide up in Bernal and go sliding"
What a fun adventure!
We pulled up to Bernal Heights Hill with my three suitcases in the car. My watch was still set to New York time. It was a perfect San Francisco day, my friend told me; foggy in patches, sunny in the Mission, and a goosebump causing breeze. We parked, hopped out, patted a cute dog; the gravel crunched under my flip flops and the trees looked light years' different from the ones back East. We climbed to the top and I hoped like hell my old sandals stayed intact. I felt like the wind would blow me off the mountain.
The view was priceless. My friend pointed out the neighborhoods and I watched as the city became a sort of grid. The fog covered Twin Peaks. I moved! I laughed to my friend. I'm here! It was sort of like a postcard view of San Francisco with a tiny me jumping up and down and waving in the foreground.
After living all of my life in San Francisco, I am ashamed to say today was the first day that I've ever been to Bernal Heights Hill.
I came out this Sunday morning for a little conservation work with the parks people. We pulled radish and wild oats and fox tails. It was AMAZING! Well, not getting down into the dirt. That was okay. And something you can participate in ever 3rd Sunday of the month.
It was amazing because we got to see a couple of birds almost do it. In like the boy bird totally tried to mate with the girl bird right in front of us! She wasn't having any of it (at least not in public) and she flew away.
And then there was another bird that swooped down to get a grasshopper that our weeding exposed. Carnal!
And then we got to go on a wild flower tour of the hill. It was so beautiful. The teeny tiny little wildflowers surviving on this windy rock of a hill.
And then there are the views! Gorgeous views of the Mission and downtown.
And that's why I love living in this hilly seaside town.
I had wanted to trek to this hill for awhile now, but didn't know which way to even approach it from. The grade coming from Folsom isn't bad, but I'm still glad I didn't bother making the hike, opting instead to have a friend drive us up.
It's pretty barren at the top, which makes it less creepy than other parks at night--any activity that goes on up here is easier to spot.
Although unsightly, the radio tower and its surrounding fence can at least shield you from the wind, depending on where it's blowing from and where you stand. If you're planning to have any kids in the future, I'd advise against getting too close to the tower.
Five stars for the view and for the calming effect it elicits. It makes any thought of moving out of the City that much harder.
I took my dog for an evening walk here tonight and I don't go up here to often anymore. I do have some stories from Having Kegs up here back in the young days to a unmetionable situation or two.
I never really appreciated the view as much when I was young and my dad would force me to take walks with him and my stepmom.
Tonight was clear and not very cold I love coming up here other dog owners were pretty friendly as well. Good safe spot for a evening walk.
I am all for neighborhoods that pay homage to what little land that developers and Nature can afford us. This little hill gives me a moment to step away from all that smog and traffic of the city and take a walk with people and wildlife. Sometimes, rabbits will run across our pathway, another time is watching children play in front of us.
The hike gave me a reason to get my butt back into the gym, but for several events that were held here, it gave me the opportunity to get a wicked sunburn while facing the sun people watching.
I've been to Bernal Heights Hill many o times and I never grow tired of this place. The view of San Francisco on a beautiful, clear day is amazing. You get a panoramic view of the city that is slightly different from the other vista points (i.e., Twin Peaks and Koit Tower). You see views of other districts that may be neglected by tourists, which include the Mission, Potrero Hill, Noe Valley, and the Bayview.
Aside from the views, you will see fabulous looking dogs and their owners. Most of them are on leash and super friendly. You will also see bike riders huffing and puffing but ultimately making it to the top to enjoy the view as well. It's a great place for day hikes and you get the best of both worlds -- nature with an urban landscape. Definitely make this a part of the rounds when taking people around.
My husband is an assface & won't let me have a dog.. ok ok, it's actually my landlord who won't let me have one, but I think that guy I married is in on it.
Anyway, I have to get my dog fix somehow & this hill is a fiiiiiine place to do so. Not only will you be surrounded by cutie canines large & small, but you'll have an amazing view of the city! This is a great place to bring your friends from out of town & point out all the places they wanted to see, but you refused to take them because you're not a tourist.
So basically, I love this place.. especially when we stop at Maggie Mudd's afterwards! ha!
If you're a dog owner who lives in Bernal Heights, I'm sure this review is useless to you, as you already go here every day.
Now for the rest of us: If you love parks, views, and/or hilltops in general, and you live in the city, Bernal Heights Hill had better be on your to-do list. I mean, we all drive by this hill on the 101, and it has such a unique profile against the sky...how can your curiosity not beckon you up here?
Great views of the city, and especially great views when the fog is rolling in over twin peaks. Not to mention some great neighborhoods to walk in nearby, especially if you head down Esmeralda stairway.
We love to take our hound dogs to Bernal Hill. It has the most breathtaking view 360 view of SF ever.
Bernal Hill really is for two things:
Dog Walking
Hiking or Jogging
If you go there to have a picnic you will most likely be disappointed. There arent any places to plop down, plus most of the flat parts are very rocky.
It's super dog friendly but remember to bring your own bags, don't ruin it for the rest of us.
You can walk along the paved section passing tons of dogs, their owners, and the occasional jogger for good doggie playtime and a little exercise. Or, you can walk up to the non-paved area, hike around, see the gorgeous view of the city, and let your dog really frolic. Personally, Charlie (the dog) and I do both: We park at the bottom and walk up the paved section for Charlie to get his doggie fix. At the top, Charlie will be ready for a slurp of water in the doggie level fountain and then onto the hill. We'll walk all over until we both are panting. And then we'll walk down to the bottom via the path for one last chance for doggie time.
The dogs are mostly well behaved and the owners are also well behaved in that they pick up after their dogs and try to get their dogs to stop humping Charlie (but quite frankly, I think Charlie is quite capable of getting the dog to stop if he really didn't like it!).
In the summer it gets VERY dry and not very pretty...but the rest of the year it's usually green and lovely.
the view is quite lovely. the switch back paths are tricky and fun. I love coming up here and getting a full spectrum of the bay and beyond.
I used to enjoy this park a bunch more with other dogs, but my dog is hearing impaired and that makes this park a bit more of a chore for me. I would say that if you have yourself a dog that is verbally responsive, this park is grand. there are lots of cute dogs and cute people attached to them and the wind and climbing make this a brisk and exhilarating adventure. especially if you choose to scale the side of the mountain. you can also take the more conservative paved route, but I think that loses some of the uniqueness of this quest. do be careful, though! the hill is slick and steep and if it's recently rained, you're going to want to pay extra attention to your footing.
One of the best walk and talk and think experiences in the city. Go up on your own, with a friend or with an out of town guest.
It's quiet but you don't feel too alone; it's an expansive view, but the viewing spot itself feels intimate; the walks up and down both take effort, but instead of getting tired, I have more energy when I'm done.
It occurs to me that I should put my laptop to sleep and actually go walk Bernal Hill now instead of only writing about it!
It always amazes me how many people who live in San Francisco don't know about this place. We love Bernal Hill. Not only is it a hop skip and a woof from where we live, but it's one of those gems that make you go "Wow! Can't believe there's a place like this in the city!".
It offers a huge open space for the doggies to run free.. free.. FREE! And you get grand views of basically everything. So pack a picnic and check it out!
