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Macondray Lane Historic District

4.3 (25 reviews)

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Hurjane V.

Didn't take any pictures until I stepped out of the lane since it is a residential area...lovely and quaint place, however! Came here after grabbing some ice cream from Swensen's. If you follow Google maps, most likely it'll bring you to the "end" of Macondray Lane and it will be easy to miss too! Don't be deceived by the empty parking lot, just keep walking and you'll enter a quiet area with beautiful apartments. Once you get to the other side, you'll get a stellar view of Coit Tower and the bay. Careful of the steep steps! Hidden gem, cute bucket-list place.

Jana C.

Maupin moment... Though word had it he and his love are in AZ now, he did come through earlier this year! Tales series came alive for me as I Strolled the few block lane. Surely as pretty as dozens of other hidden, ensconced lanes tucked in the hills of SF!

Macondray Lane
Tim B.

Macondray Lane is a perfect emblem of San Francisco. We live in a city filled with amazing public spaces that are free to visit, like Crissy Field, Golden Gate Park, the Presidio and Fort Funston, yet one-bedroom apartments here average $3,500/month and income inequality is reportedly worse than Rwanda's. In that same vein, in one of San Francisco's toniest neighborhoods and behind a row of buildings commanding million-dollar views of the Bay, you'll find a tranquil wooded lane that offers a delightful escape. It's filled with lush foliage, sun-dappled flowers, charming historic facades, and breathtaking views. And it's free and open to the public to enjoy. Fans of Maupin's "Tales of the City" stories will especially want to visit this spot, which formed the basis for the fictitious Barbary Lane.

This was one of the wonderfully odd, bendy trees on the lane. We thought it looked like a guy flexing his muscles.
Katie I.

I'm a native, but I really haven't spent much time in the NE section of the city. Sure, I've been to North Beach and Chinatown, but Russian and Nob Hills tend to get left off the agenda. That is why I bought the San Francisco City Walks Deck, which has 50 cards detailing different walks around the city. The other day my friend and I decided to explore the area, starting in Polk Gulch. As it turns out, two of the cards in the deck are for Polk/Nob/Russian, and they both direct you to Macondray Lane. The lane stretches across two blocks between Leavenworth and Taylor (W to E) and Union and Green (N to S). I can safely say I would have never made it here without those cards, but I am so glad that I did. The block between Leavenworth and Jones is so charming, with lots of trees bending in odd directions and cute little cottages. (It's quite reminiscent of the Vulcan Steps up in Corona Heights.) The other block isn't nearly as nice to look at, but there was a cool piece of graffiti art at the Taylor end (see picture).

View of Alcatraz from Macondray Lane
Joseph T.

Found out about this little gem in one of those off the beaten path books on SF. For a city with so many tourists, its actually nice to find a cute little back alley like this with so much character. To get there, cross Green St on Leavenworth, and walk down half a block to the little street that gradually gets smaller, and you think your walking into someone's yard. The photo I took is on the path between Leavenworth and Jones. As you cross over Jones, the path takes a different form, with the backs of Union St houses. It all makes for a really nice stroll, with some beautiful views, letting your imagination run free.

Gourmet G.

Located on Russian Hill, high above the Bay with views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and Marin, its origin is on Jones Street, between Union and Green. Enter this secret garden through a charming wooden trellis and proceed along a quiet cobbled pedestrian street lined with Edwardian cottages and flowering plants and trees. A flight of steep wooden stairs at the end of the lane leads to Taylor Street. It's best known as the inspiration for Armistead Maupin's fictional 28 Barbary Lane, where Anna Madrigal's boarding house was home to the very naive Mary Ann Singleton and the very gay Michael Tolliver. If you've read Tales of the City or any of its sequels, you owe it to yourself to visit this peaceful oasis. If you haven't, why not?

Night view of Coit Tower from Macondray Lane
Christine B.

I bookmarked the lane on my yelp account, but figured the chances of me getting there - letting alone finding it - were slim to none. But then. Absolutely beat in our room, but still san francisco drunk, we decided visit the lane for a romantic stroll. We got there around 10ish or so at night, finding our way with the help of my yelp app - which btw, i highly recommend using the google map on yelp - it takes you right there. But it being dark out & us being tourists, we also needed the help of a door man to see where the lane began. Ok, so we MAY have also illegally parked in a parking lot we're pretty sure we didnt belong in. MAYBE. You'll find that the first block is exactly like the other reviews mentioned - boooring. Concrete jungle. I was beginning to get disappointed, but then I remembered the pics I saw on yelp. No! I wouldnt be satisfied until I saw the meditation bench! the macondray sign! the cobblestone! Crossing the street, we crossed paths with an older lady walking her dogs going into the lane; I hesitated; were we trespassing on some old people's condos? Nah. My lovely mister took my hand & we ooh & ahhed. He actually enjoyed it too - score one for my nerdy sf pursuits. It's super quiet, tranquil & to be quite honest, you wont be able to appreciate a lot of the sights mentioned here on the lane such as the fountain or the parrots (!!). I mean, they're beautiful, but we can't wait to come back in the daytime. But what was great? The views! The Coit Tower took my breath away, & I took a picture excitedly, the mister took my pic. SF memory instant created. Watch out for the uneven cobblestone, & the wooden stairs are rickety as all hell. We stopped to stare at the houses when we turned around for the second time (of course) & i pray we didnt creep anyone out. We're just admiring the beauty! I'm sure they're used to that though. We'll be back. And dont think i wont dork out and read the book in the mean time.

Nikita K.

A really cool place to take a walk if you are driving by, but don't go out of your way for it. You have great views or Alcatraz and Coit Tower from here. And I really liked the buddha fountain. Be careful on the rickety staircase, it is surely not safe. Check it out.

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Ask the Community - Macondray Lane Historic District

Review Highlights - Macondray Lane Historic District

Take a walking tour of Russian Hill and check out the basis for Armistead Maupin's Barbary Lane!

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San Francisco Chinatown - CA Lottery selling lotto tickets and doing promo prizes at the Chinese New Year Community Street Fair, Feb. 16, 2025.

San Francisco Chinatown

4.1(602 reviews)
0.9 kmChinatown

A special place in SF…read more Love how many dim sum spots there are, grab and go. Lots of Chinese restaurants too And takeout spots. Really happy about the new businesses opening up here! Yes bring the energy and charm! Parking can be hard so park at Portsmouth Square garage

San Francisco Chinatown: 2026 Feb 7 (5 of 5)…read more Rediscovering San Francisco Chinatown: It's been eleven years since I last visited the Chinatown in San Francisco. What I remember: Chinatown was a bustling, dense, and vibrant enclave. The atmosphere was unique, created by the combination of its architecture, street life, sounds, and smells. Human activity was electric. It was a rush, as ladies pulling shopping carts jostled their way through the crowds, while little children tugged at their sleeves, trying to catch up with their mothers. I remember elderly men playing chess with one leg bent, and ladies practicing tai chi in the park. Today's Chinatown seemed more subdued. The high-energy I once experienced has toned down quite a bit. The scenes looked different. The once triple parked streets and crowded walkways looked almost deserted. San Francisco Chinatown is easily walkable. We walked along Waverly, Montgomery, Grant, California, Jackson, Columbus, Broadway, towards North Beach. Along the hidden alleys, I noticed colourful arts and paintings on the walls. A queue has formed outside the fortune cookie shop, so we joined in to take a peek. We stopped and peeked at the menus posted outside eateries. The menus still looked exotic - some items I couldn't even pronounce. San Francisco Chinatown's historic charm still exists and the walk is still adventurous. Would I return to this walkable enclave? You bet I will. There's always something that's 'new' to fresh eyes.

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San Francisco Chinatown - CA Lottery selling Lotto tickets and doing promo prizes at the Chinese New Year Community Street Fair, Feb. 16, 2025.

CA Lottery selling Lotto tickets and doing promo prizes at the Chinese New Year Community Street Fair, Feb. 16, 2025.

San Francisco Chinatown - Hang Ah's dilapidated signage

Hang Ah's dilapidated signage

San Francisco Chinatown - San Francisco Chinatown: 2026 Feb 7 (5 of 5)

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San Francisco Chinatown: 2026 Feb 7 (5 of 5)

Lombard Street

Lombard Street

4.2(852 reviews)
0.5 kmRussian Hill

Like a real world Disneyland ride!!! I loved the thrill of careening down this curvy switchback…read moreroad! It was an unexpected glitch in our cross town trek and so much FUN! I immediately wanted to do it again! All the time I lived in San Francisco, I never drove down this crazy road with all the hairpin turns! Probably because my VW convertible had so little engine power, that I frequently had to turn around before I reached the top of some hills!! We were powering along in an SUV, and it was up to the task! Hopefully the pedestrians walking up the hill (use the sidewalks)! weren't too terrified.

As we headed out for the day to explore Downtown San Francisco, we figured we needed to check out…read morethe iconic Lombard Street. Some claim, the "crookedest street in the world". Apparently, we were not the only ones looking to check it out. There was a short wait to get on the street, due to traffic. But once on it, yep, we can confirm it's pretty damn crooked. it was a cool drive, with lots of hair pin turns to drive one block, but not something I'd want to have to deal with every day. It was a fun detour, and worth checking out to say you did it. Side note - I can't imagine living on this street, paying San Francisco real estate pricing, having tourists driving down it 24 hours a day, I'm not even sure how these people get out of their driveways, there's got to be constant traffic.

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Lombard Street - Lombard street 1/2025

Lombard street 1/2025

Lombard Street
Lombard Street

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Japantown - Cherry Blossom Festival vendor

Japantown

4.2(548 reviews)
2.2 kmLower Pacific Heights, Japantown

Came to San Francisco during Super Bowl week and had the chance to explore Japantown and Lower…read morePacific Heights again, and it honestly reminded me why I love this city so much. After being in Washington, D.C., where it was much colder, the warm SF weather felt amazing and made walking around the neighborhood even better. The food was incredible! We tried several different restaurants, and every place had something special, from comforting ramen to fresh sushi. Japantown has such a great mix of authentic flavors, cozy spots, and unique little shops that make the whole experience feel lively and welcoming. Being back in San Francisco, enjoying great food, good weather, and the energy of Super Bowl week, was just an all-around great feeling. I truly believe this is one of the best Japantowns in the country, and I can't wait to come back and explore even more.

Japantown has always been a go to spot for us when we miss Japan, of course there is no comparison,…read morebut Nijiya Market has always been a good spot for Bento boxes, sushi, Sashimi, anything you want- quality has always been good, and if you get there later before closing, they discount some of the items. It's located on Post and Buchanan, street parking if you can find it but they have a parking garage underneath the shops and restaurants. They have so many good spots for Sushi, Ramen, Sophie's Crepes is another fav, Boba, you won't be disappointed! We will be back!

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Japantown - The last of the cherry blossoms

The last of the cherry blossoms

Japantown - 12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.

12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.

Japantown - Godzilla

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Godzilla

The Parrots of Telegraph Hill

The Parrots of Telegraph Hill

4.6(108 reviews)
0.9 kmNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill

I've never actually seen 'the Parrots of Telegraph Hill' on Telegraph Hill but have seen them all…read moreover the Northeastern part of the city like Russian Hill, Pac Heights, North Beach, and the Embarcadero area. This is one of those things at least for me is that when I'm looking for them I won't find them but they turn up all the time when I least expect it. They are very distinct because these birds are LOUD. Especially if they are in a big group, they are really noticeable. It sounds like they are constantly arguing about something or chanting together with high pitched voices. The birds are quite pretty with a rich green hue and red head. If you are looking for them specifically the best bet would be to go to Ina Colbrith Park or across the street from Sue Bierman Park in the Embarcadero at the aptly named 'Parrot Park'.

Dang! These guys are loud! (But adorable)…read more First of all, this neat group of animals have a documentary featuring them: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0424565/ and a really cool website discussing their existence: http://www.markbittner.net/parrot_pages/wildparrots.html (by the author of a book bearing their name) Scoping out the parrots is one of my favorite free hobbies in San Francisco (free hobbies are few and far between in SF - hahaha!) The best way to hear and see them is in Sue Bierman Park, which is just west of the Ferry Building or on Telegraph Hill in and among the trees along the Greenwich and Filbert Steps. I find that they are loudest in the afternoons until sunset.

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The Parrots of Telegraph Hill
The Parrots of Telegraph Hill
The Parrots of Telegraph Hill

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Macondray Lane Historic District - localflavor - Updated May 2026

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