San Francisco Neighborhoods · Westwood Highlands
Westwood Highlands
Persistent Fog zoneA hushed, hilly tract of period-revival homes curving along the southern slopes of Mount Davidson, the city's highest peak.
- Quiet single-family streets
- Steps from Mount Davidson Park
- Minutes to West Portal and Ocean Ave
- Curving hillside street plan
On the map
Open Westwood Highlands on the map →The story
Westwood Highlands was laid out in the 1920s as one of San Francisco's early 'residence parks' on the southern slope of Mount Davidson, the city's highest natural point. The 283 custom-built homes of the original tract were constructed from 1924 to 1929 under the realtors Baldwin and Howell. Rather than follow the city's grid, the developers used curvilinear streets that fit the steep terrain, with detached single-family houses, rear garages, and utility poles set behind the homes. Each house was given a different architectural design from its neighbor, ranging from English cottages to Spanish-influenced stuccoed homes. It was among the first residential communities in the United States to adopt a shared set of covenants and restrictions.
Things most people don’t know
Below the city's high point
The neighborhood climbs the southern slope of Mount Davidson, at 928 feet the highest natural point in San Francisco, crowned by a 103-foot concrete cross.
Mount Davidson Park
Roughly 40 acres of wooded open space and trails sit at the top of the hill, just northeast of the neighborhood.
283 custom homes
The original tract was built out from 1924 to 1929, each home given a different architectural design from its neighbor.
Curving by design
Streets were laid out as curvilinear routes to fit the steep terrain, a deliberate break from San Francisco's grid.
Active neighborhood association
The Westwood Highlands Association represents homeowners and is a member of the West of Twin Peaks Central Council.
Eating and drinking near Westwood Highlands
Westwood Highlands is primarily residential — these sit in West Portal, Ingleside, Sunnyside.
Restaurants
- Elena's Mexican Restaurant · 255 West Portal Ave
- Sakesan Sushi & Robata · 1400 Ocean Ave
Bars
- The Dubliner · 328 West Portal Ave
- Friends Bar · 558 Monterey Blvd
Getting around and getting care
Transit. Muni buses 36-Teresita and 43-Masonic serve the hillside; the K-Ingleside Muni Metro line runs along nearby Ocean Avenue (Ocean & Lee stop). Glen Park and Balboa Park BART stations are a short ride away.
Nearest hospital. UCSF Health Stanyan Hospital (formerly St. Mary's), 450 Stanyan St (about 3 mi)
Thinking about Westwood Highlands?
Send me an address and I will come back with its sun, wind and fog, what is under it, and what has closed on the block.