Western Addition
From the famous Painted Ladies to the cultural attractions of Japantown, discover many of San Francisco’s top attractions in Western Addition. The area is typically broken into smaller neighborhoods including the Fillmore, Japantown, Alamo Square, Hayes Valley and Lower Pacific Heights.
The Fillmore was the heart of San Francisco’s first African-American community and jazz scene. This reputation dissipated over time. Today the Fillmore is known mainly for its great shops and restaurants. Watch a show at the Fillmore, a famous auditorium that hosted the Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead and other well-known 20th-century rock bands. Violent Femmes, Joe Rogan and other top performers now appear throughout the year.
Discover one of San Francisco’s rich Asian influences in Japantown. Buy authentic souvenirs in the sprawling Japan Center mall. Enjoy some of the best Japanese food that you can get outside of Japan. Visit in April to participate in the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, a celebration of spring and Japanese culture.
See one of San Francisco’s most iconic sights along Alamo Square. Take a photo of the Painted Ladies, a row of six immaculately preserved Victorian houses. Stroll through the park or enjoy a picnic.
While Hayes Valley used to be synonymous with seediness, today it is one of the city’s favorite shopping and dining centers. Discover a wonderful array of shops and restaurants in this neighborhood, which manages to feel like a small town within the city.
Walk through Lower Pacific Heights and admire the stunning homes. Enjoy beautiful vistas of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and beyond in the more opulent neighboring Pacific Heights.
Much of Western Addition has undergone a transformation in recent years. While it was once a hub of crime, it is now a tourist-friendly neighborhood. However, be aware of your surroundings as you explore, as some areas are safer than others.
From Western Addition’s central location, easily reach many other parts of San Francisco. Walk to fascinating nearby areas such as Van Ness Avenue, the Richmond District and the Haight-Ashbury and Pacific Heights neighborhoods.