San Francisco Neighborhood Guide: Cole Valley

By San Francisco Limousine Specialist on August 9, 2010

For many travelers, a big part of their travel experience is seeing, smelling, tasting and experiencing the same things that the locals see, smell, eat and experience every day. Rather than join the crowds in the touristy areas, they seek out sights and experiences that are off the beaten path and authentic. Travelers who want more than a t-shirt and an overpriced lunch seek out places like the San Francisco neighborhood of Cole Valley. Cole Valley is primarily a residential community within San Francisco. A small town within a world-class city, Cole Valley’s unofficial borders are Stanyan Street and the Sutro Forest on the west, Tank Hill on the south, Clayton Street on the east and Frederick Street on the north.

If you prefer to shop at chain stores and dine on the predictably middling fare at chain restaurants, Cole Valley is not for you. Most shops, restaurants and other Cole Valley businesses are locally owned and operated, and local businesspeople openly support each other. Cole Valley’s main business district runs along Cole Street and a portion of Carl Street where visitors will find plenty of dining options for any travel budget. It’s an eclectic mix of eateries including patisseries, some of the city’s best sushi, fine dining, down-home diners, great coffee, artisan cheese shops, breakfast joints and some ethnic treasures as well. When you’re hungry, forget about Fisherman’s Wharf and its predictable, overpriced fare. Venture into Cole Valley or another cool San Francisco neighborhood, and get great food prepared with care by people whose livelihoods depend on doing things well, not busloads of tourists.

One of Cole Valley’s best-kept secrets is the view of the city from Tank Hill. The hill got its name from a large water tank placed there during the late 1800s. Mature eucalyptus trees planted during WWII to hide the tank from attackers crown the hill and offer shade for picnics during the day. At night, the jewels of San Francisco’s skyline shine, and Tank Hill is a great place to enjoy the view with a bottle or two of wine or a few beers from local brewing companies.

Cole Valley isn’t home to the major tourist attractions to the north, but this San Francisco neighborhood has much to offer travelers who crave authentic, off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. If you’re visiting from out of town and would rather not deal with rental cars or parking and prefer soaking up the scenery to focusing on a GPS device, consider renting a San Francisco limousine from NLS Limo. Renting a Bay Area limo from us is surprisingly inexpensive, and you can focus on having a good time instead of navigating unfamiliar streets. If you’d like to rent a limo for your San Francisco visit, please call us at 1-800-339-8936 today!