4D - Forest Knolls:

A Secluded Hilltop, Nature & Stunning Views

📍 Neighborhood Boundaries:

• North: Clarendon Avenue

• South: Laguna Honda Reservoir

• East: Twin Peaks

• West: Wooded area of Mount Sutro

📌 City District: District 7 (West of Twin Peaks)
📮 Zip Code: 94131

Tucked away on the western slopes of Mount Sutro, Forest Knolls is a small, peaceful neighborhood known for its lush surroundings, mid-century homes, and breathtaking city views. Built in the 1950s, this secluded enclave offers a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle while still being just minutes from the city’s best parks, trails, and shopping districts.

If you’re looking for a quiet, nature-filled neighborhood with foggy charm, hiking trails, and easy access to downtown, Forest Knolls is an ideal choice.

A Cozy Neighborhood Surrounded by Greenery

🏡 The Homes – Forest Knolls features mid-century modern homes and townhouses, many built with floor-to-ceiling windows to capture sweeping views of San Francisco, the Bay, or the Pacific Ocean.

🌳 A Nature Lover’s Paradise – With Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve as its backyard, the neighborhood feels more like a mountain retreat than a city neighborhood.

🚗 Quiet Yet Well-Connected – Despite its secluded feel, Forest Knolls is just a short drive from West Portal, Cole Valley, and the Inner Sunset, with easy access to public transit and shopping.

Fog in Forest Knolls: A Misty, Enchanting Neighborhood

🌫 One of SF’s Foggiest Neighborhoods – Due to its high elevation and proximity to Mount Sutro, Forest Knolls experiences frequent fog, particularly in the summer months.

💨 Morning & Evening Fog Patterns – The neighborhood is often blanketed in dense fog in the mornings and evenings, creating a mystical, forest-like atmosphere.

☀ More Sun Than Outer Sunset, Less Than Noe Valley – While it’s not as consistently foggy as the western parts of the city, Forest Knolls still sees significantly more mist and cool weather than lower-elevation neighborhoods.

🌲 Fog & Forest Vibes – The combination of rolling fog, tall eucalyptus trees, and hilly streets gives Forest Knolls a storybook-like charm that feels worlds away from downtown SF.

Dining & Shopping Near Forest Knolls

Forest Knolls is primarily residential, but residents are just a short drive to the lively shopping and dining areas in the Inner Sunset, Cole Valley, and West Portal.

Best Spots Near Forest Knolls:

☕ Snowbird Coffee – A cozy café known for smooth espresso drinks and a relaxing atmosphere.
🍜 San Tung – A legendary spot famous for its dry-fried chicken wings and flavorful Chinese dishes.
🥐 Arizmendi Bakery – A worker-owned bakery serving delicious sourdough, pastries, and fresh vegetarian pizza.
🍣 Ebisu – A local favorite offering fresh sushi, sashimi, and Japanese comfort food.
🥗 Marnee Thai – A must-visit for authentic Thai cuisine with bold flavors and a neighborhood feel.

For groceries, residents frequent Andronico’s Community Market, Whole Foods, and the Inner Sunset Farmers Market.

Outdoor Beauty & Recreation

One of Forest Knolls’ biggest perks is its immediate access to some of San Francisco’s best hiking trails and green spaces.

🌲 Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve – A hidden urban forest with miles of misty hiking and biking trails, right in the neighborhood.

🌳 Twin Peaks – One of San Francisco’s most famous viewpoints, offering incredible city and Bay views, especially at sunrise and sunset.

🚶 Woodland Canyon Trail – A scenic walking path winding through lush greenery, perfect for a peaceful morning hike.

🏞 Golden Gate Park – Just a short drive away, offering museums, gardens, and endless outdoor activities.

Unique & Little-Known Facts About Forest Knolls

🔹 Built as a Mid-Century Retreat – Forest Knolls was developed in the 1950s as a peaceful, nature-filled alternative to SF’s denser neighborhoods.

🔹 One of SF’s Most Secluded Neighborhoods – Due to its hilly terrain and limited through-streets, Forest Knolls remains a quiet, low-traffic neighborhood with a tight-knit community.

🔹 A Favorite for Writers & Artists – The foggy, forested atmosphere has long attracted creatives looking for a peaceful environment to work and reflect.

🔹 Less Traffic, More Parking – Unlike many SF neighborhoods, Forest Knolls has ample street parking and larger driveways, making car ownership much easier.

🔹 Fog Can Change the View in Minutes – On foggy days, one moment you may see a clear city skyline, and the next, everything disappears into a cloud of mist—a true San Francisco microclimate experience.

Why Live in Forest Knolls?

✅ A Quiet, Nature-Filled Neighborhood – A rare hilltop retreat within the city, surrounded by trees and hiking trails.
✅ Unique Mid-Century Homes with Stunning Views – Modernist architecture designed to capture SF’s breathtaking landscapes.
✅ Great Access to Public Transit & Freeways – Close to Muni Metro, Highway 280, and major transit routes.
✅ Cool, Foggy Weather for Those Who Love It – If you enjoy misty mornings and crisp air, this is one of SF’s best fog-friendly neighborhoods.
✅ Minutes from Great Dining & Shopping – Close to the Inner Sunset, Cole Valley, and West Portal’s vibrant commercial districts.

Final Thoughts

Forest Knolls is one of San Francisco’s most unique and peaceful neighborhoods, offering a rare mix of modern homes, stunning views, and a natural setting.

If you’re looking for a foggy, forested escape with easy access to the city, Forest Knolls is the perfect place to call home.