Lauren's Guide: A Perfect Day Around Pacific Heights

In my quest to bring you the best of San Francisco living, I've enlisted the help of my friend Lauren, a true Pacific Heights insider, to take us on a journey through her neighborhood.

P.S. In case you missed it, check out my earlier post on another fabulous SF neighborhood — Katie's Corner: A Perfect Day in Russian Hill.

Lauren's Guide: A Perfect Day Around Pacific Heights

A true Bay Area native, Lauren bridges the gap between San Francisco's tech scene and its vibrant lifestyle culture. Born in the city and raised in Marin, she now calls Pacific Heights home. With an eye for aesthetics, Lauren's passions span from interior design and fashion to the beauty of a freshly cut bouquet from the local florist.

When she’s not working at her tech job, you can find her teaching her popular yoga classes at CorePower and maintaining her blog showcasing the best of San Francisco living. Always in the know, Lauren has her finger on the pulse of the city's ever-evolving food and retail landscape.

Join us as we follow Lauren through her ideal day in and around Pacific Heights, where she'll reveal her favorite local storefronts, hidden gems, and the spots that make this neighborhood special. 

Blue Bottle on Fillmore: Coffee First

Coffee Run on Fillmore: First things first - Blue Bottle! The Fillmore location is my go-to morning spot. I usually opt for an almond milk latte - hot or iced, depending on the weather. It's the perfect fuel for my morning walk.

Alta Plaza Park: Morning Views with the Pup

Dog Walk at Alta Plaza Park: With coffee in hand, I head to Alta Plaza with my dog Ivy. The view from the Jackson Street side is my favorite - I often find myself settling on a bench there, looking out at the water, and getting lost in a good book… and/or Instagram.

Free Little Library: A Bookworm's Delight

Book Swap at Green & Laguna: After Alta Plaza, I make a point to stop by the Free Little Library on the corner of Green St and Laguna. It's such a charming neighborhood spot! I love browsing through the ever-changing selection and maybe leaving a book I've finished for someone else to enjoy.

Fillmore Street: Architectural Wonders and Retail Therapy

After coffee, it's time to explore:

Neighborhood Walking Tour: I love walking west down Clay Street or Washington Street to look at all the gorgeous houses. These two streets are full of classically stunning San Francisco architecture and landscaping. I can’t get enough of the intricate details, the manicured gardens, and the different styles all living in harmony. I always spot something new - a hidden garden, an updated exterior, or an architectural detail I hadn’t noticed before.

Fillmore Street Shopping: I'll swing back around on Sacramento to hit Fillmore Street right as the shops are opening at 10 am. Here are some of my favorite shops:

• Sue Fisher King for home decor. The retailer moved to Fillmore earlier in 2024 after 40+ years on Sacramento St. Lucky us!
• Nest for unique domestic treasures.  
• Sézane for that effortless French girl style. 
• Freda Salvador for beautiful leather footwear from Spain.

Equinox: Midday Fitness Boost 

Pilates Fusion at Equinox: I'm a big fan of the Pilates Fusion class at Equinox. Pro tip: you can usually get away with a partial shower if you're in a rush to get to lunch, which we are today. 

Luke's Local: Lunch on Union

Lunch at Luke's Local: Nothing beats their rotisserie chicken sandwich and a bag of salt and vinegar chips. It's my go-to for a casual lunch with a side of people-watching. 

The Bud Stop: Flower Power

Flower Stop: The Bud Stop flower stand is a Cow Hollow institution. I love picking up dahlias, ranunculus, and scabiosa - they always brighten up my home.

Evening Out: Céleste, Rose's Cafe, and Gio Gelati

As the day winds down, it’s time for an evening at a few of my favorite spots. 

Pre-Dinner Drinks at Céleste: This wine bar place has a great vibe for pre-dinner drinks.

Dinner at Rose's Cafe: I love this spot for lunch and dinner. Their pasta is always good and the atmosphere is hard to beat.

Dessert at Gio Gelato: I always go for anything with hazelnut. The chocolate hazelnut combo is pretty unbeatable for me.

Honorable Mentions

I would happily add any of these to my perfect day around Pac Heights!

• CorePower Yoga: I love teaching yoga here! It’s also not unlikely you’ll find me taking a class by one of our other teachers. 
• Motoring Coffee: Another great spot for your caffeine fix and to check out some pretty cool vintage cars. 
• The Tailor's Son: Perfect for when you're craving Italian.
• Nikoniko Gifts: The owner Jessica is the sweetest. Nikoniko is an AAPI-owned store with the cutest gifts. Fun fact: Jessica used to be a toy designer!
• Le Marcel: For when your furry friend deserves a treat. Yes, it's a dog cake store!

Why I Love Pacific Heights

What makes Pac Heights so special? It's the perfect blend of city living and neighborhood charm. From the stunning architecture to the abundance of green spaces, every street feels like a slice of San Francisco magic.

Pacific Heights Real Estate Market Insights

Let's take a closer look at Pacific Heights’ real estate market over the past three years. Looking at three-bedroom condos, I've put together a rolling 3-month median sales price chart to give us a clearer picture of the trends.

This chart shows the median sales price of three bedroom condos in Pacific Heights, calculated on a rolling 3-month basis. Each point represents the median price of home sales for that month and the two months before it. This method helps smooth out month-to-month jumps and gives us a better view of the overall trend.

Here’s the data looking at Single Family Homes: 

The San Francisco real estate market can be overwhelming. Whether you're trying to understand the trends, considering a move, or just curious about the value of your home, it's natural to have questions. At Vivre Real Estate, we're here to listen and provide clear, honest answers. Don't hesitate to reach out - we're always happy to chat, no pressure or obligation. 

I hope you enjoyed this inside look at Pacific Heights living! Huge thanks to Lauren for being our neighborhood guide and sharing her favorite spots and local secrets.

As a San Francisco Realtor, my goal is to help you feel at home, whether you're a first-time homebuyer, seasoned seller, or simply exploring your options. Along with our team of specialists at Vivre Real Estate, I'm always here to answer your questions, provide personalized advice, and guide you through the dynamic world of San Francisco real estate.

Stay tuned for more neighborhood spotlights, market insights, and all things San Francisco living. And if there's a topic you'd like me to cover, just let me know. Till next time!