This unique San Francisco neighborhood now called Parnassus Heights was first settled at the turn of the 20th century. The land making up Parnassus Heights is essentially a foothill of Mount Sutro but was referred to as "Sunset Heights" in an early subdivision plan submitted by the original owner, a Mr. Farnsworth.
Today Parnassus Heights consists of 4 tree-lined streets - Woodland, Willard, Belmont and Edgewood. There are no utility lines obstructing the sensational views that literally draw visitors to pull out their cameras. The streets are accessed by Parnassus and bordered by city and University of California owned dense forest. Woodland and Willard form and loop and Edgewood simply dead-ends so there is no through traffic in Parnassus Heights. The neighborhood is very unique in that is like a cul-de-sac in the middle of the city with deep forest to the east, south and west. The four streets of Parnassus Heights are purely residential, but there are actually 3 different commercial neighborhoods within walking distance as well as the UCSF Parnassus campus which is home to a Starbucks, Subway, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, a mini Apple store, and a mall-like cafeteria with several dining options - Chinese, Mexican and traditional fare. There are some outdoor public spots that offer perfect San Francisco photo opportunities from downtown to the ocean. The 3 other neighborhoods are Cole Valley, Inner Sunset and Haight-Ashbury.
This street map is on the "Hybrid" street and satellite setting so you can appreciate the amount of greenery around the neighbor - note Golden Gate Park and Grattan Park nearby. Parnassus Heights residents also have peaceful hiking available right in our backyard (to the south). At this same time (east and west), we have Starbucks 2 blocks away, local coffee spots, wine and cheese specialists, and a terrific mix of restaurants that are only 2 to 4 blocks away. The unique thing about Parnassus Heights is its simultaneous seclusion and centrality. It is what it is - a wooded residential ridgeline of Mount Sutro that extends like a finger down in to the heart of the city.
Tip: Look for the Hybrid feature in the upper right hand corner on Google maps when viewing vacation accommodations.
Here is another, more interesting view:
The property is a 4 block walk to fine and casual dining, speci shops on Cole Street (unique, high quality), Stanyan (organic foods), Haight Street (wide variety - evolving from 60's nostalgia to a street where traditional and progressive retailers want to be give the sheer amount of tourism), Parnassus (Starbucks, other chains), the Inner Sunset (huge variety - Chinese, Thai, Indian, Cajun, Mexican, American, Italian, French - all varieties of restaurants within 3 blocks. The more traditional tourist zones - Fisherman's Wharf and the cable cars, are 10-15 minutes by cab or a 4 stop train ride away - about 20 minutes.
Cole Valley is home to fine dining favorites like Zazie, renowned Wine Bar EOS, and the excellent food in the casual environs of Kezar Pub or BurgerMeister. Break your fast at Zazie (long lines for a reason), Boulange de Cole Valley, or Crepes on Cole.
There are also art and antique stores, sushi, wine, coffee and tea specialists, a pet store, and the landmark Cole Hardware where the people are incredibly helpful. There is also Cole Foods for organic needs and Walgreens, both on Stanyan. There is also Grattan Park, a thai food restaurant, yoga, bike rentals, a workout facility, the N Judah line which leads from Ocean Beach to downtown, hiking up Tank Hill to Twin Peaks and of course Golden Gate Park.
If Cole Valley is a small town within one of the world's finest cities, Parnassus Heights is the original residential enclave upon the hill.
Getting Around
There is an "N Judah" stop at Carl and Stanyan - 3 blocks away. The "N Judah" line is part of the Bay Area Rail & Transit system and this segment runs from downtown, through Union Square (connect to cable cars), to the Civic Center and out to Cole Valley.