4P - Westwood Highlands:

A Quiet, Residential Enclave with Classic Homes & Stunning Views

📍 Neighborhood Boundaries:

• North: Monterey Boulevard

• South: Sherwood Forest

• East: Westwood Park

• West: Miraloma Park

📌 City District: District 7 (West of Twin Peaks)
📮 Zip Code: 94127

Nestled on the lower slopes of Mount Davidson, Westwood Highlands is a small, well-established residential neighborhood known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and scenic views. Developed in the 1920s as an upscale residential community, it remains one of San Francisco’s most desirable locations for those seeking tranquility, spacious homes, and easy access to the rest of the city.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, well-maintained neighborhood with classic architecture, strong community ties, and excellent transit access, Westwood Highlands is a fantastic choice.

An Established Neighborhood with Distinctive Homes

🏡 The Homes – Westwood Highlands is known for detached, single-family homes built in the 1920s and 1930s, featuring Mediterranean, Spanish Revival, and Tudor-style architecture. Many homes have elegant facades, bay windows, and well-manicured gardens.

🌳 A Low-Density, Residential Feel – Unlike denser parts of San Francisco, Westwood Highlands was designed with wide streets, large lots, and an emphasis on suburban-style living.

🏞 Scenic Views & Open Spaces – Due to its hillside location, many homes offer expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, the Bay, and downtown San Francisco.

🚗 A Secluded Yet Well-Connected Location – While the neighborhood feels peaceful and private, it is just minutes from major shopping districts, public transit, and freeway access.

Fog in Westwood Highlands: A Cool & Misty Microclimate

🌫 Frequent Fog, Especially in the Summer – Due to its proximity to Mount Davidson and Twin Peaks, Westwood Highlands experiences regular fog, particularly between June and August.

💨 Morning & Evening Fog Patterns – The neighborhood often begins the day blanketed in thick fog, which may clear briefly in the afternoon before rolling back in during the evening.

☀ More Sun Than Outer Sunset, Less Than Noe Valley – While fog is a dominant feature, residents also enjoy seasonal sunny days, particularly in the fall, when the city experiences its “second summer.”

🌲 A Neighborhood That Embraces the Fog – The combination of rolling mist, towering trees, and hillside streets enhances the area’s unique ambiance and cool climate.

Mass Transit & Commuting Options in Westwood Highlands

Despite being a low-density residential neighborhood, Westwood Highlands is well-served by public transit, making commuting to downtown SF and beyond efficient and convenient.

🚆 BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit):

• Balboa Park BART Station (5-10 minutes away) provides direct service to downtown SF, Oakland, and the greater Bay Area.

🚋 Muni Metro (Light Rail):

• K-Ingleside Line – Runs along Ocean Avenue, connecting Westwood Highlands to West Portal, downtown SF, and the Embarcadero.

• M-Ocean View Line – Provides service to San Francisco State University (SFSU), Stonestown Galleria, and downtown SF.

🚌 Muni Bus Routes:

• Muni 36-Teresita – The primary neighborhood bus, connecting Westwood Highlands to Forest Hill Station, West Portal, and Glen Park BART.

• Muni 43-Masonic – Connects to Forest Hill, the Presidio, and Fort Mason.

• Muni 23-Monterey – Provides access to West Portal, Glen Park, and Noe Valley.

🚗 Freeway Access:

• I-280 & Highway 101 – Just a few minutes away, providing quick access to the Peninsula and Silicon Valley.

Dining & Shopping Near Westwood Highlands

Though primarily residential, Westwood Highlands is just minutes from the shopping and dining areas of West Portal, Ocean Avenue, and Stonestown Galleria.

Best Spots Near Westwood Highlands:

🛍 West Portal Village – A commercial district featuring local boutiques, bookstores, and cafés.
☕ Java on Ocean – A neighborhood café offering fresh coffee, pastries, and a relaxed atmosphere.
🍝 Little Original Joe’s – A popular spot for classic Italian-American dishes, pasta, and pizza.
🍣 Izakaya Ginji – A must-visit for Japanese small plates, sushi, and sake.
🥐 Ambrosia Bakery – Known for freshly baked bread, French pastries, and cakes.

For groceries, residents frequent Whole Foods (Noe Valley), Safeway (Ocean Avenue), and Trader Joe’s (Stonestown Galleria).

Outdoor Beauty & Recreation

One of Westwood Highlands’ biggest advantages is its proximity to nature and outdoor recreation.

🌲 Mount Davidson Park – Home to San Francisco’s highest natural peak (928 feet), featuring hiking trails, panoramic city views, and a historic cross.

🌳 Stern Grove – A redwood-filled park with walking trails, picnic areas, and the famous Stern Grove Festival concerts.

🚴 Laguna Honda Reservoir & Open Space – A scenic natural area with trails and a peaceful setting.

🏞 Lake Merced Park – Just a short drive away, offering walking paths, picnic spots, and water activities.

Unique & Little-Known Facts About Westwood Highlands

🔹 One of SF’s First Master-Planned Neighborhoods – Developed in the 1920s, Westwood Highlands was designed as an upscale residential park with strict architectural guidelines.

🔹 A Close-Knit Community – The Westwood Highlands Association plays an active role in preserving the neighborhood’s historic character and quality of life.

🔹 Originally Marketed as a Luxury Suburb – The area was originally advertised as a retreat for professionals who wanted to escape the congestion of downtown SF while still having easy access to the city.

🔹 Minimal Through-Traffic – The neighborhood’s curved streets and cul-de-sacs help maintain low traffic, creating a quiet, safe environment.

🔹 A Historic Feel with Modern Convenience – Many homes in Westwood Highlands still retain original details from the 1920s and 1930s, yet the neighborhood is conveniently located near modern shopping, dining, and transit.

Why Live in Westwood Highlands?

✅ Spacious, Well-Preserved Homes – Historic architecture with large lots, scenic views, and classic designs.
✅ A Quiet, Low-Traffic Neighborhood – Tree-lined streets, a strong community, and a peaceful environment.
✅ Excellent Transit & Freeway Access – Near Muni Metro, BART, and major highways for easy commuting.
✅ Foggy, Cool Climate for Those Who Prefer It – A mix of sun and mist provides a refreshing year-round atmosphere.
✅ Close to Shopping & Dining – West Portal, Ocean Avenue, and Stonestown Galleria offer a variety of retail and dining options.

Final Thoughts

Westwood Highlands offers a balance of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a sought-after location for those who appreciate classic homes, scenic views, and easy access to city amenities.

If you’re looking for a well-established neighborhood with a strong community and an ideal location, Westwood Highlands is the perfect place to call home.