Potrero Hill Boundaries
Potrero Hill is nestled between the neighborhoods of the Mission, Dogpatch and Mission Bay. The district is contained roughly by these boundaries.
- North: 16th Street
- South: Cesar Chavez
- West: Potrero Avenue
- East: Third (Dogpatch area)
Potrero Hill Overview
The name Potrero Hill derives from the Spanish word for pasture -- in deference to the area's former use as cattle-grazing land. The grazing turf was gradually replaced with urban development and human populations, starting in the late 1800s.
The hill itself is a sanctuary from some of San Francisco's foggy days, rising above the stream of clouds that will sometimes pour around the Potrero peak. The top of Potrero Hill affords fantastic views of downtown -- and some steep hill climbs, including the city's "crookedest" street, Vermont, also beating Lombard in steepness.
Potrero Hill is a respite from the city grind, just minutes removed from downtown. It's characterized by a sense of quiet compared to some of its neighboring districts. The feel of Potrero Hill is intimate. Even as a visitor, you'll sense the familiarity of patrons and proprietors at local joints like Farley's coffee spot.
Areas in lower Potrero verge more closely on urban existence, with shopping venues like the newer Whole Foods, proximity to San Francisco's design center and light industry, and clubs like the live-music favorites, Bottom of the Hill and Mighty.
If you need some help navigating the public transport system in San Francisco, check out the Guide to Muni, BART and Trip Planners