Noe Valley
A sunny, village-like neighborhood centered on 24th Street’s bakeries, bookstores and boutiques.
About Noe Valley
Noe Valley sits in a bowl behind Twin Peaks, which is why it gets sun when half the city does not, and why it filled up with families. Twenty-fourth Street is the whole neighborhood in eight blocks: bakeries, a bookshop, a hardware store, and more strollers per square foot than anywhere else in San Francisco.
It was farmland until the 1906 earthquake pushed people south and west, and it is named for José de Jesús Noé, the last Mexican-era mayor of Yerba Buena. The Victorians that went up then are still standing and now cost a fortune.
There is not a lot to see here in the tourist sense. It is a very good place to spend a Saturday morning.
How far is it?
- Union Square3.5 mi · 25–30 min on the J-Church
- Golden Gate Park3 mi · 25 min by bus
- Fisherman's Wharf5 mi · 35–40 min by Muni
- Golden Gate Bridge6.5 mi · 20–25 min drive
- SFO airport14 mi · 45 min via 24th St Mission BART
Getting here: The J-Church runs along Church Street with stops at 24th and 30th, the 48 crosses along 24th Street, and the 24-Divisadero runs the western side. The 24th Street Mission BART station is about a mile east. Street parking is tight on 24th, easier a block off.
What to see
24th Street
The commercial spine, almost entirely independent shops, and one of the most pleasant walking streets in the city.
Noe Valley Town Square
A parking lot turned public plaza in 2016 after a six-year community campaign. Farmers market on Saturdays.
Billy Goat Hill
An undeveloped grassy hilltop with a rope swing and a view over the whole east side of the city.
Kite Hill
A short, steep climb to a grassy ridge with Sutro Tower close overhead and downtown beyond.
The Golden Fire Hydrant
The hydrant that kept working when the mains failed in 1906 and saved the neighborhood from the fire. Repainted gold every April.
Noe Valley Library
A Carnegie branch from 1916, restored, with a good children’s room and a roof deck.
Things to do
Noe Valley farmers market
Year-round, small, and the social event of the neighborhood week.
Upper Noe Recreation Center
A playground, a gym and free drop-in programs, with fields behind it.
Climb Billy Goat Hill
Ten minutes up, a rope swing at the top, and one of the best skyline views in the city.
Browse 24th Street
Omnivore Books on Food at 3885a Cesar Chavez is a destination for anyone who cooks.
Walk to Dolores Park
Down Church Street on the J line, to the city’s best-known lawn.
Where to eat
Hi-Way Burger and Fry
Smash burgers at a counter, and the cheapest good lunch on the street.
Bones Bagels
Sourdough bagels, usually sold out by early afternoon.
Noe Valley Bakery
Cakes, croissants and the sandwich bread half the neighborhood buys.
Saru Sushi Bar
A tiny, excellent sushi room. First come, first served, so arrive early.
Bon AppeTikka
Indian cooking on 24th Street, easy with a family.
La Ciccia
Sardinian seafood in a small room, and the neighborhood’s special dinner. Book ahead.
Chocolate Covered
A shop selling only chocolate and tins, and a reliable bribe for a tired child.
Upcoming in Noe Valley
Family favorites in Noe Valley
Noe Valley Bakery
Noe Valley Books
Noe Valley Town Square
Upper Noe Recreation Center
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