The West Side (also known as West of Twin Peaks, the Western neighborhoods or The Avenues) is the colloquial name used by San Franciscans to refer to the neighborhoods located on the Western part of The City. [1][2][3][4]
The boundaries of the West Side are largely defined by neighborhood and district borders, but the prevailing perspectives of West Side residents as well as various local meda outlets also help shape the region.[5][6][7] The district boundaries (though largely kept to) are not contiguous with the West Side.
At the Northern tip of the San Francisco peninsula the West Side is anchored by the Golden Gate Bridge, a major North-South route that makes up State route 1. The North is also bounded by the Western coast of the Presidio, Sea Cliff and Lands End. The Western boundary is Ocean Beach. The Southern boundary is the San Francisco county line. The East is bounded by Junipero Serra Boulevard, Holloway Avenue, Ashton Avenue, Ocean Avenue, Interstate 280, San Jose Avenue, Bosworth Street, O'Shaughnessy Boulevard, Portolla Drive, Twin Peaks Boulevard, Clarendon Avenue, Stanyan Street, Fulton Street, Arguello Boulevard, West Pacific Avenue, Mountain Lake Trail, State Rout 1, State Route 101 and Golden Gate Bridge.
Neighborhoods
The West Side comprises some of San Francisco's most unique neighborhoods and is home to eight of The City's nine historicresidence parks. Additionally, some of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks are located on the West Side such as the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Zoo and Golden Gate Park.
Seal Rock located by the Cliff House at Sutro Heights.
Pine Lake Park.
Cultural and environmental characteristics
4 Star theater on Clement street.
The West Side was developed between the beginning and middle of the 20th century and follows a mostly suburban design plan characterized by single family homes with a mix of European, mid-century and marina style architecture. The two major neighborhoods: the Richmond District and Sunset District serve as the main population centers on the West Side with a mixture of single family homes, apartments and commercial strips. The two neighborhoods are separated by Golden Gate Park which is home to numerous attractions including the de Young Museum and Academy of Sciences. The Legion of Honor Museum in Lincoln Park also is a popular attraction that houses European art with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.The West Side also offers numerous recreational facilities such as six of The City's seven golf courses and the San Francisco Zoo which exhibits over 1,000 exotic animals. Farther South near the border with Daly City is San Francisco's largest natural ecosystem, Lake Merced, which is a popular recreation spot for fishing, cycling, runners and high school students that participate in competitive rowing on the lake. San Francisco State University and City College of San Francisco are located nearby. Adjacent to SF State is Stonestown Galleria, a large suburban style enclosed mall that offers over 300 retail stores and cateres to West Side residents with ample surface level parking, a rarity in San Francisco.
Demographics
By the turn of the century, most neighborhoods on the West Side consisted mainly of white working class families of Irish decent. Many Irish families moved westward from South of Market and the Mission District, seeking quieter, suburban-style communities.[8] Catholic parishes and schools, such as St. Ignatius College Preparatory and St. Anne of the Sunset, became cultural anchors for the Irish community.[9]
After World War II, rapid suburbanization was followed by a wave of immigrants of mostly Russian and Eastern European heritage that settled in the Richmond District.[10] The passing of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 spurred a wave of Chinese immigration that settled predominantly in the Sunset District. From the 1980s onward, Chinese immigration transformed the West Side making Asian Americans the largest demographic in many West Side neighborhoods.[11] Both middle class and affluent neighborhoods on the West Side are roughly split equally between White and Asian populations.[12]
By the late 1990s traditional Irish pubs and businesses gave way to Chinese restaurants, bakeries, and markets, while Catholic schools saw increasing enrollment from Chinese families.[13] While remnants of the old Irish and Russian communities remain—such as the United Irish Cultural Center[14] and the Russian Orthodox Holy Virgin Cathedral—the cultural and commercial landscape has largely transformed, reflecting the dominance of Chinese businesses, schools, and community institutions.[15]
Climate and ecology
The weather on the West Side is known for its summer fog and overcast skies throughout the year. Due to San Francisco's unique microclimate, the Western neighborhoods receive more rain and are cooler on average due to the proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The common wildlife in the area are possum, raccoon and coyotes while rare mountain lion sightings have also occurred. There is a plethora of biodiversity thanks in part to the many man made parks. Some of the most common plant life in the area is eucalyptus, cypress and pine trees. In fact, eucalyptus have become somewhat ubiquitous with the Western neighborhoods as sone of the largest tracks of forested land (Mount Sutro, Mount Davidson and Sigmund Stern Grove) are almost exclusively eucalyptus trees. Additionally the prestigious St Francis Wood neighborhood uses eucalyptus trees to line its namesake boulevard.
Landmarks and points of interest
Many of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks are found in Western neighborhoods or parks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge located in the Presidio which has come to symbolize The City at large. Others are considered to be more “local” landmarks such as the Mount Davidson Cross, Cliff House and Sutro Tower, though the latter has become more popular around The City it isn't widely recognized by tourists.
Eucalyptus forest on Mt Davidson.
San Francisco Zoo giraffe feeding.
Stonestown Galleria atrium.
Historic El Rey theater located on Ocean Avenue in Mount Davidson Manor
Food and shopping
Though often perceived as a quieter, more residential part of San Francisco, the West Side is home to a thriving food and shopping scene. The Richmond District offers a numerous Asian food establishment with an emphasis on dim sum which is some of the best in the City[16] The Sunset District also has many Asian food options in addition to dozens of Irish pubs with The Little Shamrock claiming the title of 2nd oldest bar in the City, being established in 1893. West Portal offers a variety of dining choices with many American and Italian restaurants. The Parkside, situated along Taravel street is dotted with Irish pubs, dive bars and Asian restaurants. The neighborhood was in the spotlight when celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain visited Polly Ann Ice Cream in 2001.[17] In addition to the local commercial strips in the neighborhoods, the main shopping centers on the West Side are Stonestown Galleria and Lakeshore Plaza. Located on 19th Avenue, Stonestown Galleria offers over 200 stores including a Regal theater, arcade, Whole Foods and Target. Lakeshore Plaza, located on Sloat Boulevard, offers around 100 shops including a Lucky supermarket.
Though no longer produced locally, the It's-It Ice Cream sandwich was invented in 1928 at the Playland at the Beach amusement park in the Richmond District.
Cultural divide between Western and Eastern San Francisco
West Side residents have historically been viewed as more family-oriented[18] and private, with deep generational ties to their neighborhoods.[19] Many grew up attending local public schools and have remained in the same communities for much of their lives. In contrast, the East Side of The City is viewed as more transient due to the influence of techies and other transplants which arrived in the 2010s.[20] Many working class neighborhoods located on the East Side of The City such as The Mission and South of Market have fallen victim to gentrification due to the influx of Yuppies which has resulted in the displacement of The Mission's Latino community.[21][22][23]
Historically, lighthearted rivalries have existed between Western and Eastern neighborhoods of San Francisco for decades. For example sports programs at Lincoln and Balboa high schools have a long-standing football rivalry, competing annually in the "Battle of the Birds." Likewise, one of the biggest private school rivalries in San Francisco is between St. Ignatius, located in the Sunset, and Sacred Heart Cathedral, in the Tenderloin. Their football teams meet annually during the Bruce-Mahoney Game played at Kezar Stadium.
The Great Highway and Ocean Beach as seen from Sutro Heights Park
The local surfing community has a well known and somewhat serious rivalry, with Fort Point surfers and Ocean Beach (Kelly's Cove) sufers generally keeping to their respective territories.[24] Fort Point, situated beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, is renowned for its unique wave formations but is notorious for its localism.[25] Incidents between local surfers and outsiders have occurred.[26] The surf at Fort Point is considered a challenging spot, with strong currents and slippery rocks, making it less suitable for beginners. Kelly's Cove located at the Northern end of Ocean Beach has historically been the epicenter of surf culture in San Francisco going back to the 1950s. Though some elements of localism have been observed, the local surfers at Ocean Beach are not as territorial as Fort Point.[27] The middle and southern sections of Ocean Beach are known to attract more experienced surfers due to the stronger currents.
Other instances of an East-West rivalry are mostly limited to the stereotypes such the West Side lacking trendy restaurants or nightlife compared to the more diverse food scene of eastern neighborhoods.
Politics
Unlike much of the East side of The City, many West Side residents hold mostly moderate political views,[28][29] often voting against anti-car legislation[30][31] and oposing bicycle infrastructure projects.[32] Additionally West Side residents are strongly opposed to high density housing development in any of their neighborhoods and seek to maintain the quiet and suburban atmosphere that characterizes the area.[33] This resistance to downtown YIMBY political pressure has caused tension and a deep divide among City residents who seek to balance local community control and housing goals[34]
The 2024 ballot measure Prop K which called for closing the Great Highway (a popular West Side connector route) passed by a city wide vote that saw a stark divide with the Western neighborhoods voting overwhelmingly against Prop K and Eastern neighborhoods voting in support.[35] To add insult to injury it was a supervisor (Joel Engardio) from one of the Western neighborhoods who proposed the legislation which many observers viewed as an open betrayal to his constituents.[36] A recall was subsequently launched against Engardio for his involvement in the measure. During the same 2024 election, political outsider Daniel Lurie defeated incumbent Mayor Breed, who had routinely ignored West Side residents complaints regarding road closures and other activities such as cement paving 1.5 acres of grass at the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park without any community input or approval.[37] Lurie's mayoral victory was attributed largely to the Asian vote of whom make up a majority of West Side residents.[38]
In March 2025 Prop K opponents filed a lawsuit against the City and five supervisors claiming the Great Highway road closure is unlawful because “the State of California has preempted the field of traffic control and roads" [and] "state law precludes actions by voters in local elections which relate to road closures".[39] Additionally, the plaintiff's representative stated that "the city skirted the California Environmental Quality Act", which would have led to an Environmental Impact Report.[40] State vehicle code allows for highway closures only if the road no longer serves any vehicle traffic, however, Prop K explicitly has an exception for emergency and government vehicles.[41] During the press conference announcing the lawsuit a crowd of about 60 West Side residents gathered at Irving and 22nd Avenue in support of the lawsuit and recalling Supervisor Engardio.[42] A passing bicyclist "bood" the crowd with one attendee shouting back "bike slut".[43]
Education
The West Side offers an abundance of educational institutions. The SFUSD operates the public schools with some being recognized by the state for academic excellence.
Higher education
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco State University
University of California San Francisco
High schools
George Washington High School
Abraham Lincoln High School
Archbishop Riordan High School (private)
George Washington High School
Independence High School
Lowell High School
St Ignatius College Preparatory (private)
Waldorf High School (private)
Woodside Learning Center
Middle schools
Aptos Middle School
A.P. Giannini Middle School
Alice Fong Yu Alternative School (K-8)
Claire Lilienthal Alternative School K-8
Herbert Hoover Middle School
Lawton Alternative School (K-8)
Presidio Middle School
Rooftop School TK-8
Roosevelt Middle School
Elementary schools
Alamo Elementary
Argonne Early Education School
Clarendon Alternative Elementary School
Commodore Sloat Elementary School
Dianne Feinstein Elementary School
Francis Scott Key Elementary School
Frank McCoppin Elementary School
George Peabody Elementary School
Holy Name School (private)
Jefferson Early Education School
Lafayette Elementary School
Lakeshore Alternative Elementary School
Miraloma Elementary School
Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary School
St Brendan School (private)
St Cecilia School (private)
St Stephen School (private)
St Thomas Moore School (private)
St Monica School (private)
Sunnyside Elementary School
Sunset Elementary School
Ulloa Elementary School
West Portal Elementary School
Historical Timeline
Juan Bautista de Anza, founder of the City of San Francisco.
1776: Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza establishes the Presidio of San Francisco, a military outpost, and Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores). The western part of the city remaines largely undeveloped.
1820s-1830s: The Mexican government secularizes the missions, distributing land as ranchos to private owners. The area West of Twin Peaks became part of Rancho San Miguel, granted to José de Jesús Noé. Rancho San Miguel covered what is now Forest Hill, St. Francis Wood, Mount Davidson, and parts of the Sunset District.
1837: Rancho Laguna de la Merced was granted to José Antonio Galindo, encompassing modern-day Lake Merced and surrounding lands.
1846: The U.S. takes control of California during the Mexican-American War. The rancho lands were eventually sold and subdivided.
1859: The Terry-Broderick Duel takes place near Lake Merced, where U.S. Senator David C. Broderick is fatally shot by former California Supreme Court Chief Justice David S. Terry.
1863: Adolph Sutro purchases large portions of Rancho San Miguel, eventually developing Mount Sutro and surrounding areas.
1870s-1880s: The construction of Golden Gate Park begins under William Hammond Hall, transforming sand dunes into a lush urban park.
1895: The Ingleside Racetrack opens, becoming a popular horse racing venue in the early 20th century.
1902: Adolph Sutro developes Mount Sutro into a forested landscape, planting thousands of eucalyptus trees.
1909: The Olympic Club opens its Lake Merced clubhouse and golf corse.
1910s: The Sunset and Richmond Districts begin to slowly develop. The neighborhoods are marketed as affordable housing for middle-class residents.
1913: Sea Cliff neighborhood begins to be developed as an exclusive oceanfront community.
1915: San Francisco Golf Club, a private golf and social club opens at Lake Merced.
1918: The Twin Peaks Tunnel is completed, linking downtown to the Western neighborhoods and accelerating development in Forest Hill, St. Francis Wood, and West Portal.
1923: The Ingleside Racetrack closes, and the land is later used for the residential development Ingleside Terraces.
1924: St. Francis Wood is developed as an upscale, master-planned community.
1924: The California Palace of the Legion of Honor opened in Lincoln Park, modeled after the French Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris. It was a gift to the city from Alma de Bretteville Spreckels.
1925: Harding Park municipal golf course opens at Lake Merced.
1927: The San Francisco Zoo (originally called the Herbert Fleishhacker Zoo) opens at the western edge of the city near Ocean Beach.
1928: Playland at the Beach amusement park opens near Ocean Beach, becoming major attraction.
1937: The Golden Gate Bridge is constructed, connecting the Presidio to Marin County.
1934: Mount Davidson Cross is constructed, replacing prior 1928 wooden cross.
1940s: Large numbers of Irish Americans move into the Sunset and Richmond Districts, shifting from previous strongholds in the Mission District and South of Market.
1950s: Following World War II, a wave of Russian and Eastern European immigrants settle in the Richmond District.
1952: Stonestown Galleria opens, one of San Francisco's first major suburban shopping centers, designed to serve the growing residential communities in the Sunset and Lake Merced areas.
1954: San Francisco State College (later San Francisco State University) relocates near Lake Merced, fueling further suburbanization.
1965: Passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act leads to a significant increase in Chinese immigration, with many families moving into the Richmond and Sunset Districts in the following decades, transforming these neighborhoods into major hubs of San Francisco’s Chinese-American community.
1972: Playland at the Beach closed after decades of operation, making way for residential development.
1973: Sutro Tower is constructed near Mount Sutro, becoming the city's main broadcasting antenna and a recognizable landmark.
1990s: A majority of West Sidet neighborhoods become majority or near-majority Asian, primarily Chinese-American.
de Young Museum
2005: The de Young Museum reopens after being completely reconstructed following damage from the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. The new museum, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, features a modern copper-clad structure with a 144-foot observation tower.
2008: The California Academy of Sciences reopens after a complete reconstruction, due to earthquake damage.
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