Welcome to Marina
Dynamic waterfront neighborhood with youthful energy.
The Marina District is a hip waterfront neighborhood on San Francisco’s northern shore. Marina is both posh and youthful, offering high-end luxury shopping and trendy restaurants in a district with a high walkability score. The Marina’s vibrant energy comes to the forefront with a buzzing nightlife scene that is popular among preppy crowds and the SF tech community. Local highlights include designer fashion stores on Union Street, some of the city’s best dining spots on Chestnut Street, and the energetic bars and clubs of the Triangle area where Fillmore Street meets Greenwich Street. The Marina is right next to SF’s expansive Presidio national park and also boasts the 74-acre bayfront park of Marina Green. Much of the Marina’s older housing stock was destroyed by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, clearing the way for gleaming new condominium buildings and stunning contemporary single-family homes.
What to Love
- Exceptional waterfront views
- Chestnut Street dining
- Bayfront landmarks and parks
- Adjacent to the Presidio
People & Lifestyle
The waterfront Marina District is one of the most exciting places to live in San Francisco, and the gorgeous bayfront is home to many of the city’s signature landmarks. From laid-back parks to lively nightlife spots, this energetic neighborhood is the perfect place for those looking to experience SF at its most exuberant.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The Marina District runs directly to the east of the Presidio, and residents enjoy access to some of San Francisco’s best views and outdoor recreation areas.
Crissy Field at the Presidio features sprawling picnic lawns, walking trails, a nature center, and a sandy bayfront beach with magnificent views of Golden Gate Bridge.
The Palace of Fine Arts is located in the Marina District at the Presidio’s eastern edge. This iconic structure was constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition and continues to host a diverse selection of art exhibitions and private events.
Spectacular waterfront views of the bridge, the bay, and Alcatraz Island can also be taken in at 74-acre
Marina Green. This adult playground also features outdoor exercise equipment, a large lawn for playing sports and picnicking, and a recreational marina with 727 berths.
Chestnut Street runs east to west from the Presidio through the Marina District and features an eclectic array of places to shop and dine. Here you’ll find familiar brands such as Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma alongside specialty stores such as
Books Inc., laid-back cafes and delicatessens, and some of SF’s best restaurants.
A16 combines exquisite Italian-inspired cooking with an award-winning wine selection, while Causwells boasts some of SF’s best gourmet burgers. There’s also Parisian-style café fare at
Le Marais Bakery, lively pubs and bars such as
The Tipsy Pig, and California-style comfort eats served with exceptional cocktails at
Maybeck’s.
Things to Do
At the Marina District’s northern edge you’ll find historic Fort Mason, which served as an Army post for over a century. Today this National Historic Landmark is home to
the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. Fort Mason hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including
the San Francisco International Arts Festival. Running for 10 days between May and June, the SF International Arts Festival showcases performances from over 400 art ensembles drawn from 57 different countries. Other events include April’s
Art Market San Francisco, featuring exhibits from 85 contemporary art galleries from around the world.
Schools
Public schools within the Marina District are operated by the San Francisco Unified School District. Highlights include:
- Claire Lilienthal Elementary School, Public, K-8
- Chinese Immersion School at Deavila, Public, K-5
- Lowell High School, Public, 9-12
- Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, Public, 9-12
- AltSchool Fort Mason, Private, PK-8
