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Buena Vista Park
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
Haight St & Buena Vista ESan Francisco, CA 94101
Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
143 reviews for Buena Vista Park
143 reviews in English
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Review from Cactus F.
San Francisco, CA
4/10/2012
Of the TWENTY years I have lived in San Francisco, I have never set foot in this place.
Oh how I regret it! It's way better than golden gate park or any park I've been to in SF.
My boyfriend and I decided to enter this gigantic mountain of a park, unsure of where it would lead us to. I was expecting a hobo to jump out of the bushes honestly, but none were in sight.
We climbed up the stairs, made random left and right turns, and finally got to the top of this park. You can see the view of the city, and there is a bench on the top for you to enjoy the view. It was almost void of people when we walked up there so it was pretty romantic. Me and him sat on the bench staring at the view, taking it all in, breathless ( and not only because we actually were breathless from walking up that hill)
As we descended from this park we spotted two tennis courts, empty. MUST . RETURN.
Oh what a gem, Oh how SF never fails to surprise and amaze me with her beauty. -
Review from Jana S.
4/7/2012
I hiked up here in the mild rain one afternoon. Much do prefer this park over say.. Bernal Heights'. Here, there's also the Saturn Steps and the Vulcan Stairway to ooh and aaah over---not to mention the great houses to enjoy. Randall Museum is just a hop/skip away, and all the plethora of cool eats just down the hill.
Driving up Levant Street was a trip! Brilliantly located park in the center of it all... lovely trail... more 'character' to this park perched atop a hill. -
Review from Jason B.
1/2/2012
Golden vista.
A new year. Another sunny day. A late start. A hike to the top. Small grassy area to rest and read and linger and contemplate. The Golden Gate Bridge sits off to the distance.
So begins 2012 in the ever so beautiful city by the bay. -
Review from Jessica T.
San Francisco, CA
12/18/2011
Though Buena Vista Park isn't necessarily the kind of park that I'd recommend wandering around at night or early in the morning in by yourself, it still remains one of the most under-rated parks in the San Francisco area. It boasts some of the most stunning glimpses of the city and beyond - up in it's hilly foliage, and if you're looking for an energizing walk and solitary escape to nature - it's full of great inclines and hidden treasures.
And random fact(ish): I listened to Rich Girl on repeat here for at least 40 times - a little while back.
Trust. -
Review from Emm C.
Manhattan, NY
3/29/2012
This park is so pretty. it's small enough that you won't get lost and nestled in the Haight neighborhood. Every time I go, I lump it up with a visit to this vibrant part of SF where street music is played and there's often someone soliciting a signature for a non-profit like GreenPeace. The park's highest point has views that span the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate on a clear day, which is pretty cool. It seems like all trails lead to the top!
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Review from Justin C.
11/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
A great place to take a stroll and relax.
Every single one of my visits has included the following:
*A long hike up a hill
*Sweat on the brow
*Seeing a homeless person urinate
*The downing of a 40
I love this park. Find a bench and down some of your favorite malt beverage.Listed in: Drunk Parks
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Review from Molly M.
San Francisco, CA
8/23/2011
I come here almost every morning with my dogs, fog and all. They absolutely love it. I actually enjoy the cool feel and eerie look the fog evokes when cascading down the hill through the trees. The air is always so fresh and even humid sometimes. I often feel transported to a South American Rainforest. ahh.
I generally prefer to start from the bottom of the hill at the dog run, then work my way up the concrete trail. Its a great early morning workout and the hills are abundant. Once at the top the views are remarkable. Even when it is foggy you can still see some of the view. There are many trails to choose from and I try to explore different parts of the park each time I go. Just a side note, dogs love walking along side of the mountain on the dirt trail.
It's amazing to have this well maintained, stunning park in such an urban neighborhood.
Lastly, ladies be aware gong late at night, because sometimes there are sketchy people there. Best to go earlier when there is more people.
However, I have seen more cops patrolling the area and I always feel safe there now. A few years ago, not so much. Nevertheless, I highly recommend going to Buena!Listed in: Dog friendly parks
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Review from jazzy l.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2011
A sweaty walk uphill (stairs or loop around by foot). The views are amazing but there are some bums sleeping under the sun, bushes, trees.
Bring a book if you want to escape the hustle/bustle of the neighborhood.
Tall trees, some shade and steep hill. Beware of unleashed dogs.
Parking can be tricky. -
Review from Akvile H.
7/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
WOW! What an amazing park! May just be my new favorite one!
Just went here earlier today, hiked up to summit, and was rewarded with a beautiful view of SF. Amazing. Definitely bring a camera with you!
It's a great place to run, bring your dog, have a picnic, or to have a leisurely walk through. Perfectly safe during the day time, plenty of parking on the one side street, and I would highly recommend treking up to the top, it's a little steep, but not a far walk at all..it's quite fun! :) -
Review from Lily N.
San Mateo, CA
10/11/2011
This place is GIGANTIC. I really thought I could just "stop by." It's really steep on some parts, so you can challenge yourself. The paths diverge into a concrete or dirt path, but go to the same place-- so you can choose which depending on your preference.
I unfortunately came here on a rainy, foggy, cloudy day so I couldn't enjoy the view, but it's pretty nice even then. Lots of trees and just a great place to roam. -
Review from Minnie P.
San Francisco, CA
6/27/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Shady bushes?? Yelpers need to stop scaring me; I'm afraid to leave my house, sometimes!
I cherish and LOVE Buena Vista! I like to get here really early when there are only a few people around (sometimes with their very cute pooches) to get my morning stroll on. I'm the crazy girl doing jumping jacks - don't mind me.
It's a nice getaway in the middle of the city and there's a really great panoramic view at the top. There's also a fun little green bench with a decent view - 'tis a nice place to burn, guerrilla style.
I haven't had any sketchy encounters, but it is a city - complete with its fair share of homeless and/or freaks - so play it smart. -
Review from Kylie L.
11/18/2011
Buena Vista park is a short walk from my house and when I am not in the mood to go running through Golden Gate Park with my dogs or drive them over to Crissy Field I like to take my pups up here. There is a doggy play area down at the bottom and really great views as you wind your way up to the top. I also like the fact that there aren't usually a lot of dog walkers up through here so I can let my dogs run and play without worrying about someone who is attempting to watch 15 dogs at a time. If you don't have recall on your dog I don't recommend letting them off leash in this park but that won't matter too much because you and your pup will have a great time checking out this little Gem.
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Review from Celeste T.
Seattle, WA
11/24/2011
Great hour or two hike in a semi-wooded area. Good places to stop and look over the city. It's nice to interact with the dog owners and chit chat for a moment with total strangers.
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Review from Ligaya T.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2009
Get this: I haven't scored any recreationals nor gotten bent over in the bushes here, and I still dig this park!
It's always trying to convince people to meander in; the Haight Street entrance is usually guarded by some shady looking kids and a grumbling vagrant or two. Off-putting? Sure. Just consider them the guardians of an urban Eden.
Canines romp as freely as people do (though they don't leave the latex evidence everywhere), so if your pup's all hyphy bring 'em here to work it out. If you're itching for some ball play, the tennis courts are run-down but functional.
Alright, I'll level with you. It's true that following the thigh-burning paths up to the top you may hear some rustling leaves and the occasional grunt or pissing sounds. But the pot of gold at the end of the muddy rainbow is beyond worth it; keep walking past and you'll discover marvelous views of downtown, Dolores Park area, even a bit of the Golden Gate. Weed, whaaat? All you need to feel high is right here.Listed in: Bay Area Views, Green Space
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Review from Eric E.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2008 3 photos
I thought this park was just for scoring drugs or having sex with men in the bushes. I've done neither of those things here, but the rumors were enough to keep me away. Not because I was repulsed...mainly due to laziness. Are these reasons to bother with walking up that damn hill? No.
And then my roommate wanted to walk through the park when we were house-sitting for a friend who lives adjacent to it. I thought, what the fuck. Why not? I really wanted to see the tombstones I'd heard so much about. Sure enough, they are all over the place! I have uploaded a couple pictures of them for your viewing pleasure.
We talked to a groundskeeper named Hugh who was very passionate for the park, and a total wealth of knowledge. He explained the tombstone story a little more thoroughly, and ID'd some trees for us (Cypress, Monterrey Pine). This is also the oldest park in San Francisco and Mayor Sutro wanted it to be an escape from urban life for those who couldn't afford to travel. What a nice man! I'm glad he got a tower and some baths named after him.
I've since come back a couple of times and really enjoyed the rich stillness of the park. For me, it's a great big wooded cathedral. I saw no evidence of shenanigans going on and thought maybe the rumors were just rumors.
AND THEN I read the Yelp reviews--most of which mention all sorts of sex going on in the bushes. And now I worry that when I go for walks through here, the good and decent citizens also strolling through the park might think that I am cruising. Which I'm not. No, really.
Maybe I should stop wearing daisy dukes and mesh tank tops when I go for my walks. Wouldn't want to give anyone the wrong idea! -
Review from B. B.
San Francisco, CA
12/2/2007
Recap:
Don't go there at night unless
a) you are looking for gay-boy sex-in-the-bushes or,
b) you want to hang out with the homeless/punk/stoners and do drugs
Since neither of these things are of any interest to me, and I'm not likely to walk through a pitch-black park at night anyway, I'd like to take a moment and sing the praises.
Views and Foliage: Yes.. they are AMAZING! Some days I swear I can see Stinson Beach and well into the Oakland Hills. And it's true, that from several different locales, I believe you can see 360 degrees of the Bay area. In the springtime, I have never seen more varieties of flowers, plants and trees in full bloom. It's like hiking through the mountains and botanical gardens all rolled into one, right here in the middle of the city.
Now for the interesting part....
Gravestones. Yes.. you heard that correctly, and I am surprised to not see it previously mentioned. Did you know that the pathways through the park are bordered by old gravestones? You will mostly see them positioned face-down, but in some cases the workers (fueled by carelessness, drunkenness or a morbid sense of humor) laid them right-side-up so that you can see the engravings... and in some cases, the names and dates!
Why, you might be asking, are the pathways lined with gravestones????? This is actually a great piece of San Francisco history! When all the cemeteries were moved out of the city in the early 1900's, the unclaimed graves were still moved (meaning... the bodies) but the gravestones were broken up and used for various other things throughout the city.
Now, you may be a little creeped out by this, but I think it's an interesting part of this city's history... and being a little fascinated with cemeteries and such myself, I am proud to say that I think I've found (and photographed) almost all of the face-up headstones in the park, although there's no way to really know.
A tip for anyone that wants to go on a headstone-hunt... the gulley-ways along the paths are often filled with leaves and dirt and such, in which case you wont see anything unless you move the muck out of the way. The park frequently cleans these out however, which is when you'll be able to easily recognize them. If one part of the park's gulley-ways are mucky, keep walking.. another area might have just been cleaned.
So..... Now all you gay-boys have something to look at while you're cruising! -
Review from Danny M.
San Francisco, CA
11/9/2006 1 photo
I have been here twice: Once after eating a large brunch with my friend to walk it off and see the city from a great height, and once to specifically watch men fornicate in the bushes.
What happened between the two events was a result of the first: Upon ascending the upward spiral to what one might deliriously conclude would be the upper floors of the Tower of Babel, I was wrenching my stomach in pain and asking to go slow. We made it to the top, breathed in some fog and looked into the windows of a hospital, and started our descent.
I stopped at a tree to determine if I had to return any of my brunch to the earth from which it came, and there was a man hiding behind the trunk. Taken by surprise, I started to see other men flitting from tree stump to tree stump, like an old rifle gallery game at an arcade. And that's when I realized that the park was a vast cruising ground.
I confess that I've read it before in writing, but just then did I make the connection. Despite the rest of my collection of reviews, I have not yet visited this park with the intent of fornicating with a stranger. Something about the Craigslist ads that invite a reader to approach the man bent over the bar with leather chaps and an exposed bum at midnight by the moonlight has me thinking that I may be stabbed or otherwise injected with an unknown substance merely by bumping into a man behind a tree. As titillating as the possibility of seeing a virtual Roman orgy in the great outdoors may be, I think the American sensibility of cruising may be a bit more of a mixed bag containing needles and knives than that of the public parks in the summer in Europe. Too much disco leather era fantasy fiction on my part, perhaps.
And the men do not cease when it is close to raining, or so foggy than one cannot see the owls or brambles before him.
To me, this is a spiral mountain at which to gather at night with gloves and scarves to wander about with friends, to have a tingling feeling in the gut that you may never find each other again once you have started that game of hide and seek, to unearth the night creatures and ghosts in the fog, before returning to the urbania surrounding. -
Review from Naomi D.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2011
Great place to bring the dog! When we first moved to SF we lived in a furnished apartment right across the street. My pup, who's approaching middle-age and discovering that "it doesn't come off like it used to," got to run through the forest here every day, and now he's in better shape than ever!
I was wary at first from some of the stories I heard, but quickly determined that, at least during the day, there is nothing to be worried about. Perfectly safe, and as clean as you would expect any city park to be. Just the beautiful trees and views that make it like no other park in the city. -
Review from Rachel H.
12/1/2009
So one night we were walking along a path in Buena Vista. For the record, some of us were inebriated, but not overly so. Certainly no hallucinogens were involved. I swear!
A group of five, we were a little loud and obnoxious. It was Saturday night, a week before Halloween. One of my friends was stumbling. Hipster couldn't handle his Pabst!
We heard hoof beats coming up on the path behind us. WTF?
A guy with an old-time outfit on top of a horse trotted up beside us. My first instinct said he was a cop, because that was pretty much the only time one would ride a horse in San Francisco. I hid my brown-paper bag drink discreetly behind my back.
"Dude! I LOOOVE your costume! What party are you going to?" screeched my friend.
"Quietly! Quietly, now!" the horseman said. His voice sounded weird, like it came from underwater. He reached down, grabbed my drunken friend by his jacket, and dragged him screaming off into the night.
We tried to follow him, but they both disappeared. The police thought we were crazy or wasted, and didn't even bother coming out. We used our phones as flashlights. Though we found our friend's footprints in the mud, we couldn't find any hoof prints.*
Later, I heard that some of the structures in the park are made from recycled gravestones. In some places, you can still see the inscriptions. I'm too scared to go back to that park. Will someone upload pictures? We want to pin down the sonofabitch ghost responsible and send a spirit to kick his ass!!
*We eventually found our friend passed out in the bathroom of "The Men's Room" in the Castro, with no memory of what happened. He had half a bottle of lube and a thrown horseshoe in his pocket. (scary music) -
Review from David R.
7/5/2009
Apparently there were no trees on this hill when white settlers showed up in the nineteenth century, but locals began planting them in the 1880s. Then a comprehensive planting effort was overseen by SF parks godfather John McLaren. From the 1970s through today, periodic small-scale replanting has occurred, giving us the lovely wooded hill that we have today.
Want a brief but vigorous hike? Want to see some great views of the city? Want something peaceful to do after the sensory cacophony of Haight Street? Buena Vista Park is for you. Thanks to the trees at the crown, the vistas are not quite as buena as one might hope, but I don't begrudge the trees their existence. You can get some great sights of downtown, but to the west is mostly obscured.
There are even a little playground and two tennis courts. -
Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2008
I wouldn't make a special trip here because it isn't that large of a park, but it's a lovely park near the shopping area of Haight Ashbury, with plenty of trees, lovely Victorian homes, and panoramic views of SF. It reminds me of Alamo Square without all the tourists and with taller trees. It can be very peaceful here though I have seen some strange things on the lawn facing Haight Street.
The park is on a steep hill, so it's good for walking and jogging and you can also climb the stairs. Once you reach the top, there's a patch of grass and usually a couple of people up there with their dogs. It's a nice place for a picnic and the most of the homes that surround the park are quite lovely.
Parking is tough on weekends and marginally better on weekdays.Listed in: The Great Outdoors
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Review from JD R.
Honolulu, HI
7/20/2010 3 photos
This is a very nice park in the middle of the city. I know that a lot of parks in San Francisco can get a bit busy with people but I never found that to be a problem here. It's nice, quiet and relaxing. Sure, there's people out on a jog or people walking their dogs and that's about it.
The path to the top is really not difficult. There are some nice easy paths and there are stairs, all of which are shaded by the trees. Although there are some very nice views from the top, there are lots of trees in the way. Howver, this park can be enjoyed on its own terms and not just for the views. -
Review from Kate V.
3/29/2008
Ever get that feeling, upon getting back from visiting or traveling somewhere new, where you look around and your home that was once so familiar now looks... different, somehow? Not in a bad way or anything. It's kind of like the light seems to shine on objects from a different angle, or like you can envision more clearly the exact spot you're standing in in relation to something much larger.
This mini form of culture shock (geographic shock, maybe?) is the best way to describe what I felt like after I returned to my home in NOPA after taking a leisurely walk to, through, up, down and from Buena Vista Park. I always knew this park was just beyond the Panhandle and damn close to my house, but for some reason I never ventured there. Maybe it was the bums and stoners that always seem to hang out on the front lawn at the Haight side?
I'm glad my upcoming move out of the neighborhood (and the dire need to take a breather from packing!) inspired me to finally visit last Sunday. The weather was perfect... sunny and actually warm, almost to the point where it was a bit too hot for your normal SF clothes. As I began to follow a random path up the park, the temperature was cooled down by the increasing winds rustling through the trees, which after a 10-minute walk was really the only significant sounds.
This place is so peaceful! In addition to the spectacular views of the central and downtown neighborhoods you get from the top (one of the best I've seen of St. Ignatius Church on the USF Campus!), once you're really deep into the park you also have a great view of all of its hills and steep footpaths. The feel of this park is much more woodsy, grandiose and secluded than other parks in the city... walking through it you feel like you're in another world. I pretended I was in the Secret Garden :).
Once I get a dog, I'm SO bringing it to this park for some uphill exercise and meditation!Listed in: Love & Haight
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Review from Jennifer s.
San Francisco, CA
11/9/2006
Please note: this is not a good place to wear open toe shoes unless you enjoy the feel of condoms and soiled under garments beneath your feet.
The following observations can be made at Buena Vista.
The bushes shake and talk to you.
People love to do all kinds of things they probably should not be doing in the is park. Things like playing with needles and little bags filled with white powder. At least one thing is for sure. There is safe sex happening among the strangers in the night.
When ever I have walked through this park I always seem to find the following:
One single shoe, a ripped bra, soiled underwear, condoms, needles, empty little baggies and poo.
However the views are spectacularListed in: where I go with my D list…
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Review from Tamara M.
San Francisco, CA
4/11/2006
can remember the first time I walked to the top of Buena Vista Park. This park has to have the most stunning view because the walk alone is a hike. I definitely recommend that you wear your kicks when walking up this steep hill. When you finally do reach the top it is such a surreal experience; the vision is beyond anything I could ever imagine, for a hill, that is. You can see a good number of landmarks that have doted this city for many years. When you look to the north you see far beyond the beauty of the trees that surround this area. There is the most breath taking views of San Francisco to the Marin Headlands. From the west to the east you can see the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay and afar.
Buena Vista Park borders Haight Street between Buena Vista east and west and has multiple entrances. It is sited on a sand covered bedrock hill and has its own natural spring and steam. There are certain flowers and plants; for example, the coastal oaks flourish extremely well on this type of land. When I was adventuring around the park I thought WOW this is the absolute most amazing view hence the translation: good view. I never dreamed of a place that could have so many views while drawing emotions and thoughts too. I was so dazed I could see the oceans blue glare blend into the sky, church/temple(s), mountain range(s), infamous bridges and streets, and clusters of homes.
It is such a GOOD feeling to look around at what you have conquered so far in this extremely diverse city. Upon peeking out I always wonder why I moved to this city and what drew me here. Just taking one quick look brings back all the memories. It is nice to see where I fit in as an individual in this circle of life. I must also mention that there is a patch of grass to lay on and stare into the sky. It seems to me that many people do not know about this vastly rich park. A place where all of your cares and worries fade away. I felt like I was a child again, lying in the grass dreaming, thinking, and pondering.
Buena Vista is a different kind of park where you can rest or check out the views and the city. It is not that big but there is such a good energy about it! I recommend a trip there during morning hours and sunsets too! Some of my friends have watched the sunrise from there. It is a superior feeling I have after walking to the top, and when you look out over the City the feeling just gets better! -
Review from Archie R.
4/20/2009
Either Mt. Everest is in the middle of San Francisco or I am so out of shape I can barely climb a little hill.
We made it to the top without the use of supplemental oxygen so we've got that going for us.
Views are great from the top.
Hillary. -
Review from Alexandra G.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2007
a beautiful place in a beautiful city.
It's a forest (complete with sun-filtering-through leaves and mysterious bush rustling), a perfect place to take a break (read a book, bring your journal, have a beer)
When it's a clear day and you can see straight to the Farallon Islands (home of the largest number of mature great white sharks, but you can't see 'em from the park) i doubt there is a more lovely spot.
My favorite place in San Francisco. -
Review from Toro E.
San Francisco, CA
5/30/2006 4 photos
We need to cut down those trees at the peak so that we humans could enjoy the view of the city - the human creation made of steel and wood. Oh wait, that would defeat the purpose of having nature friendly parks.
But seriously, I was expecting a better view from the top of a park named Buena Vista, but 30 yard radius grass platform at the peak is nice for a picnic, but trees blocked majority of the view. Far better unblocked view of the city could be found at Corona Heights (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) next to Buena Vista Park.
There is good number of free street parking on Buena Vista Avenue. While there are several paths up the hill, if you would like to minimize the climb, park at a higher altitude location, perhaps around corner of Buena Vista Ave & Upper Terrace. From there, there is a paved road (not accessible via car) that is not a steep climb that leads you to the top.Listed in: Great view points - SF
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Review from Dee C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/31/2009
Yet another lovely park in scenically brilliant San Francisco, Buena Vista is off the beaten path of Haight. Wild woods and a dense web of branches lie between you and the clearing at the top. That is right, this park requires a hike. Truth be told, it is a steeper, but your glutes will thank you. Still, I would not recommend it for unfit folks. However, once you reach the pinnacle, you are rewarded with an amazing view of the city--downtown, Dolores Park, and as far as the bay if the fog does not roll in. There are only about two or three benches in the area, but this park is not as popular as the multitude of others, like Dolores, Washington Square, and, of course, Golden Gate, so you should be able to find seating. Take advantage of it. Enjoy the natural beauty of a city anointed by many as one of the most beautiful in the States.
If you have a dog and you dragged the poor thing up with you, take him/her to the lush clearing. The grass is a vivid green and as you do the once over and admire this gorgeous slice of nature, you might wonder how this patch of doggie heaven got here. Most likely the idea of some thoughtful landscape architect, but as your dog runs in circles and makes new friends (it can sometimes amount to a dog convention here), share in his/her glee by imagining the magic of finding a perfectly manicured meadow nestled within a mythical forest of trees. I would not roll around on the knoll with him/her, though, unless you are wearing some uglies 'cause like I said, dog conventions take place here and they leave some business behind. -
Review from James J.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2007
A few of my friends and I had all heard the rumors of what goes down here at night so we set out to see if there was any merit to these alleged sightings.
I was shocked and slightly scared.
People wander aimlessly in the night of this huge park trolling for sex. At one point I was approached by a man in what couldn't have been anymore than his mid to late thirties who wanted to get down behind the bushes. Plowing ass in the middle of a park not being my thing, I declined and moved on-minutes later I noticed my friends and I were being followed by this same man. We leave the park and head on home. Why 4 stars? Because the views are crazy cool and I have walked it during the day and I find it to me one of the most serene places in SF. -
Review from carlos a.
12/10/2007 3 photos
Don't let this park fool you: this shit is STEEP.
The views of the city from the top are amazing, but it's a nice workout to get up there.
Beware of people having sex in the bushes, needles and spooky homeless people. I'm not saying it's a dangerous park, I'm just saying it's not a walk in the park. Wait, that didn't make sense.
Seriously, go while the sun is out unless you're into Senator Craig-type antics. -
Review from Kim R.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2007
I will give this spot 5 stars because I grew up around the corner and actually used to play in the playground.
Then I got older and we used to have Keggers up at the top of the hill
they never got busted.
I think the guys doin what they do @ night throw the cops off -
Review from Kat M.
Piedmont, Oakland, CA
12/29/2007
I haven't been to this park since my dog died. I just went this morning for the first time in three years and remembered why I love it so.
First of all, the park has AMAZING views of the city! Secondly, it's just so tranquil and smothered in huge trees and bushes, that it's hard to not love it. The many trails this park has and the high steps. Make sure to wear your tennies or hiking boots to endure these steep inclines.
I of course don't recommend any parks at night time, but during the day, rain or shine is fine! May I recommend heading to this park when it's foggy and dewey. It really makes for a very peaceful walk. But, that could just be me. Bring your dog for sure, the doggies love this place!!
Indeed you may have your homeless making house here sometimes, but they need shelter somewhere and I've never personally been bothered by anyone here, nor have I seen any needles like someone said.
Love this park, nothing to hate about it really. It truly is a gem in this amazing city!! -
Review from Billy Dee R.
San Francisco, CA
9/30/2009
Ah, some funny reviews here!
I am lucky to live in the area, and have recently been walking my dog here. It is a great climb that sure beats the Stair master. My buttocks are looking much better for it (IMO). As for my dog, I've created a monster! He quickly adapted to the walk and loves using the stairs. When he finds stairs, he wants to climb them, I have to draw the line.
There is an amazing view at the top, totally worth the climb. A recent guest of mine was awestruck. She comes from Boca Raton, Fl., so this is like 3D to her. Also, there are tennis courts here, first come, first serve. I hope I'm not dissed for giving out that secret.
This is a great place to go during the day. I suggest it if you are in the area and want something special, it will lift your spirits. It's a must do if you visit the Haight-Ashbury. -
Review from Lili K.
5/18/2009
You see a rock, you've seen them all, right? Same with trees, views, moments...I don't think so~! Who can take a star away from Mother Nature? My boo is all about sappy moments, so we just had to go here (we're running out of cute spots to visit in SF btw, so can anyone give us any new ideas??). So we randomly landed on Haight Street and had an adventure there, but my boo kept bugging me to go to the park already. He couldn't miss the sunset, so I put some pants on (under my dress, it was cold out!) and went on a mini hike with him.
It's the typical scene-annoying couples like us wanting to capture each moment, bikers getting miffed at people who won't get out of their way, awkward groups...jk, there's a ton of picturesque sights to see, random people to greet, and look for the sign that says "today is the first day of the rest of your life" (although it's bombarded with trash cans, probably so the fans will stay off its radar). So if that's the case, I'm going to start living up every first day for the rest of MY life.
Since that's the case, I'll need some more sappy places to check out. Anything to make my boo happy. -
Review from Krista C.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2007
This is JUST for the tennis courts. BVP gives me an overall uneasy feeling: how many needles are in the bushes today? will someone grab my ankles as I walk by? will I see a couple engaged in a naked tango in the trees?
The tennis courts, however, are great. Nice view of the city, well maintained courts and net, and close enough to my house to walk. -
Review from Laura W.
San Francisco, CA
10/10/2007
Beautiful views of San Francisco are even better after walking up a steep hill... there are a few trees in the way, but hey, that's nature!
I looove going up this park while walking towards Haight St... it makes me feel like I've accomplished something that day :) -
Review from Justin C.
San Francisco, CA
If you are not feeling like running up the stairs at Twin Peaks or want to make it all the way to Golden Gate Park then let your feet doing the walking and head over to Buena Vista Park. It has nice view of the park. I really liked it that I wanted to keep my run in the Twin Peaks and Castro streets and I could take a side trip into this park to get off the sidewalks. You can find a good place to take rest or take in the views. Good park for walking your dogs.
-
Review from Keri R.
Santa Cruz, CA
9/20/2007
This is just for the gardeners/landscape caretakers at Buena Vista Park.... I applaud you! You manage to keep this park looking pretty good given its high traffic volume all day and all night. You also are taking some health risks as mentioned in other reviews, it's not rare to find needles, human poop (so much worse than dog poop, also found there) and condoms.
I have a dog walking business and often walk my "pack" there. The gardeners are extremely tolerant because I think, thankfully, the majority of us dog walkers have developed a respect for them and their work and we do our best to keep our dogs well behaved and staying out of areas being propagated.
As a dog walker, I feel at peace in this park and not like I'm a criminal like I do in so many other parks in this city, thanks mostly to the gardeners at BV! :) -
Review from Jessica M.
New York, NY
8/13/2008
Boy I would not want to be here alone in the dark but on a clear evening, with two tennis courts, blackberry vines to be picked and views of the entire city - where else would I want to be?
With other green space such as the panhandle, Alamo Square and Golden Gate Park all in close proximity, Buena Vista is perfect when you want privacy and romantic views.
