Bernal Heights is
a Wonderful Neighborhood
There is a sense of community here,
and people have long been attracted to its charm. Located in the
South-East section of the city, bordering Noe Valley, Glen Park and the Mission District, Bernal Heights has that small town
friendly feel many big-city dwellers crave. Combine this with the
cosmopolitan edge that our many locally-owned shops, services and
restaurants provide, and you’ll find that Bernal truly has something for
everyone!
Bernal Heights--Truly Something for Everyone
Bernal Heights means something different to every one of its residents. To
some, Bernal is epitomized in Bernal Hill, our namesake and one of the
city’s great open spaces. Here, people stroll, dogs frolic, and everyone
admires the city’s sweeping panoramic views from the top.
It’s one of the city’s least discovered prime viewing areas for the 4th of
July, and on that rare clear July evening, you can see fireworks in all
directions! The Bernal Hilltop Native Grassland restoration project helps
protect the hill’s native wildlife.
Cortland Avenue - The Heart of the
Village
To others, Bernal Heights means Cortland Ave, a mini hub of retail
activity, featuring shops like Good Life Grocery, Heartfelt Gift Shop,
independent bookseller Red Hill Books, and full service pet store Bernal
Beasts. There is also a branch library, a very
active Neighborhood Center, and a playground that was voted one of the
city’s best by the Bay Guardian newspaper. There are also several
all-important coffee stops, including Progressive Grounds and Martha and
Bros, and nationally famous restaurants like Liberty Cafe and Moki’s
Pacific Grill, which has some of the
best sushi in town. A lack of chain stores fosters the independent spirit
that makes Bernal Heights unique.
Bernal Babies
Bernal Heights is a child-friendly neighborhood, and you’ll see lots of
little people everywhere you go. It's literally teeming with tots and there are
lots of activities
for families in the neighborhood, including a drop in toddler playtime at
St Mary’s Rec. Center, new Mom groups meeting at Progressive Grounds,
story hour at the Bernal library and even kids yoga classes. There are several excellent elementary
schools in the area, including Buena Vista and Fairmount, which both have Spanish immersion
programs. Also, Synergy and the San Francisco School are private schools
which many Bernal children attend.
Nightlife
While Bernal Heights is predominantly a family-oriented neighborhood, it
does have its own nightlife scene. There are a few bars along the Cortland
strip, including the Wild Side West with its wonderful outdoor garden, as
well as the new Stray Bar, and
Skip’s, which has live music several times a week. Additionally, Mission
Street is just down the hill, with a wide variety of bars and restaurants,
some of which host live music.
Community Activism
The history of community activism in Bernal Heights goes back many years.
The Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center opened its doors in 1979, and today
it’s still involved in senior services, teen activities, building
affordable housing, as well as hosting many meetings for community groups
of all kinds. The neighborhood is full of activist-oriented folks who’re
always planning something, from Music on the Hill to Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema.
Artistic Life
Bernal is also full of artists, writers, and photographers, some of whom
publicly display their work annually during Open Studios in October. There
is a strong tradition of mural art in the city, which finds
its spiritual home through Bernal’s own Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center.
Here you can pick up mural walking tour
brochures, or take your toddler to art class.
Gardens and Parks
Besides Bernal Hill, a wonderful green
space for dog-walking, jogging and picnics, Bernal has newly renovated
Holly Park, Bernal Park and Precita Park all with wonderful playgrounds
and climbing structures for the kids.
