Polk Gulch Travel Guide

San Francisco

Polk Gulch featuring signage, city views and street scenes
Polk Gulch showing a city and street scenes
Polk Gulch featuring a house
Polk Gulch showing street scenes, central business district and a city
Polk Gulch showing cycling, road cycling and a city

Pre-gentrification San Francisco is alive and well in this lively stretch of Polk Street, conveniently located in the heart of the city.

Explore the melting pot of Polk Gulch. As the rest of San Francisco becomes increasingly gentrified, this southern section of Polk Street remains refreshingly authentic.

Ever since San Francisco’s genesis following the California Gold Rush, Polk Street has been a bustling part of the city. See vestiges of that as you pass mom-and-pop shops. Don’t expect the cute boutiques of the Marina or the luxurious shops of Downtown Polk Gulch has an altogether grittier vibe.

Polk Gulch isn’t entirely immune to the relentless march of gentrification that has taken San Francisco by storm. Check out a swath of new restaurants, shops and bars that line the street.

Today the Castro is indisputably San Francisco’s main gay neighborhood. Polk Gulch previously held that distinction. Discover vestiges of that era in its nightlife scene, which has a variety of lively bars and clubs. Step back in time at favorite gay bars including the Cinch Saloon and Gangway, just off Polk.

Although Polk Street was named after U.S. President James Polk, Polk Gulch earned the latter part of its name because the street was built over an old stream. Many people also refer to this area as Lower Nob Hill or the Tendernob, an amalgamation of the area’s two bordering neighborhoods, Nob Hill and the Tenderloin.

Walk a few blocks northwest of the Civic Center MUNI/BART public transportation station to reach Polk Gulch. Parking on Polk can be difficult, so check side streets or seek out a parking garage if you have a vehicle. This portion of the street has a good bike lane.

Find Polk Gulch on Polk Street, roughly between Geary Street and Union Street. If walking the San Francisco hills has been challenging, the flatness of Polk Street may provide welcome relief. To experience it to its fullest, explore Polk Gulch on foot so you can pop into shops and restaurants at your leisure. As you head north toward Russian Hill, the area becomes increasingly upscale. Take care if you head south toward the Tenderloin, which has the highest crime rates in the city.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Polk Gulch

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹11,996 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹11,996
₹14,118 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,332 reviews)
"No free breakfast but was nice"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹10,520 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹10,520
₹15,937 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,585 reviews)
"This was the second time I have stayed at the Hotel Riu Fisherman’s Wharf. The hotel is in a good location walking distance to the wharf. The rooms are clean and they offer an enormous breakfast!"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹11,663 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹11,663
₹13,727 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,504 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹14,680 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
₹14,680
₹21,333 total
25 Jul - 26 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,762 reviews)
"Very clean and the staff is friendly"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hyatt Regency San Francisco
InterContinental Mark Hopkins by IHG

InterContinental Mark Hopkins by IHG

4 out of 5
999 California Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹13,118 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹13,118
₹18,687 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,045 reviews)
"Some very pleasant staff and some not so. Good location."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

InterContinental Mark Hopkins by IHG
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1177 Airport Blvd, Burlingame, CA
The price is ₹8,889 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹8,889
₹10,107 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Burlingame. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,935 reviews)
"Hood services"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Polk Gulch

Nob Hill showing street scenes and a city

Nob Hill

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Grace Cathedral to SF Masonic Auditorium – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nob Hill
Default Image

Russian Hill

4/5(4 area reviews)

Travellers choose Russian Hill for its pristine beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Hyde St & Filbert St Stop or Hyde St & Union St Stop and check out top sights like Macondray Lane.

Russian Hill
Chinatown showing street scenes

Chinatown

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chinatown. Dragon's Gate is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Chinatown-Rose Pak Stop or Powell St & Clay St Stop to see more of San Francisco.

Chinatown
Union Square featuring a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(287 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.

Union Square
Default Image

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(52 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Chase Center are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown San Francisco
North Beach which includes skyline and a city

North Beach

4.5/5(129 area reviews)

Travellers love North Beach for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Columbus Ave & Lombard St Stop or Columbus Ave & Chestnut St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay.

North Beach


Polk Gulch Travel Guide