I have a secret.
Twin Peaks isn’t the best place in San Francisco to see a great view of the city. Not even close. The real best place to catch the view is away from the tourists with their fancy cameras. Tucked away in the Southeast corner of the city. Off the beaten path.
The views! I’m talking 360 panoramic views of the entire city. And both bridges! The streetlights dot the city like a parade of little fireflies. And it’s so quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The perfect place for a cheap date night, which is right up our alley.
The best time to visit Bernal Heights Hill is dusk. You can watch the city go through the hazy golden hour and hike up while it’s still light out. But you need to be prepared for the journey back down though, so make sure you have a great flashlight, or even better, a headlamp.
Bernal Heights is dog friendly. There are tons of smells to be sniffed and paths to roam. Perfect for Maddie.
At the top, we lay down a blanket and uncork a bottle of wine. We’re still on a huge Cultivar wine streak, thanks to being a member of their wine club. Four bottles of wine delivered every quarter. This time we chose their 2012 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of cherry with a bit of coffee and cocoa. I love that Cultivar is family-run and offer wines for a variety of price points. I also love that we get to try some of their more high-end wines for less through our wine club membership.
If you want to try Cultivar wines for yourself, Cultivar is offering 10% off for A Side of Sweet readers! Just use the code ‘CultivarWineASideofSweet’ when you place your order.
And with all that money you saved on your date night, trust me, you deserve a good bottle of wine.
Go there:
Bernal Heights Hill Park
Bernal Heights Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94110
Website
Thanks to Cultivar Winery for sponsoring this post! All opinions and love of their wine are my own.
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Jill @ Champagne for Everyday says
This looks awesome Kelly!! How was the grass? I sat in Lafayette park on a blanket last weekend and got a dirty butt. It was worth it though! I’m going to get the bf to do this with me this weekend (instead of our local wine bar)
xx Jill
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Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
Hey Jill! The grass is sparse, so I definitely recommend bring a blanket. We’re in a drought and I think the city is trying to save water!
suki says
Yay, glad to see a feature of my neighborhood. 😉 We feel fortunate to have such great vistas in the city! This is one of Fresca’s more frequented parks.
Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
Woop! It’s fun to explore neighborhoods that are little off the beaten path! I’d love to hear your recs!
suki says
Glen Canyon park and Mt. Davidson – if you haven’ been already!
Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
I haven’t! I’ll put them on the list!
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says
Bernal Heights was my neighborhood! Cute and understated.
Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
Yay! Let me know if you have any more recs for me!
Nancy says
I hadn’t heard of Twin Peaks until this week – and I’m glad you told me about this new-to-me spot! So going to check it out next time I’m up there. Yay!
Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
Haha, that’s understandable, it’s definitely worth checking out Bernal Heights to avoid all the tourists!
Kelsey Taylor says
aaaaamazing! 🙂
Lynn @ theroadtohoney says
Such beautiful pictures that capture the peace and solitude of Bernal Heights. As I look out at the dreary weather we continue to experience in New England, I can only wish that I was there, enjoying that view, right now.
Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
Thanks Lynn! I hope you have a chance to visit SF!
Carla (@charliesue) says
BERNAL HEIGHTS. Totally the best.
Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
YES! Such a gem!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
I am so sad to say I’ve never done the Bernal Heights views! I need to get on that! 🙂 Love a good bottle of wine with some pretty scenery.
Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
You definitely do! Wine is always the right companion to city views!
Jessica says
This has been on my bucket list for such a long time — you’re photos have re-inspired me to finally make sure this happens this spring! What a lovely evening. I’ll bring the wine — you bring the cute pooch :-*
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Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
Sounds like a plan! I’d love to do that!
Elle says
Love this idea, thanks for sharing. How long is the walk up?
Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
It’s pretty quick! I’d say 10-15 minutes? There are ways to do it even quicker if you wear practical shoes.