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A little about Marina/Pacific Heights

Along the city’s northern shore lies the Marina District, an area that’s continually evolved throughout its history — from ocean dunes to exposition grounds to fishing haven to quaint residential area — and has been shaped by each of its former selves. The neighborhood’s most iconic piece of history is the dramatic Palace of the Fine Arts, the last remaining structure from the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, which helped rebuild the area after the devastating earthquake and fire of 1906. For some of the city’s best views, climb up to Pacific Heights, which rests on atop a ridge to the south of the Marina. This posh enclave is home to foreign consulates, powerful politicians and tech magnates. Upscale shopping is found along Fillmore, where big ticket items include high-end clothing, luxurious accessories, gifts and more.

The history of Marina/Pacific Heights

The area in the 19th century prior to the 1906 earthquake consisted of bay shallows, tidal pools, sand dunes, and marshland similar to nearby Crissy Field. Human habitation and development came in the mid to late 19th century in the form of a sandwall and of a road from the nearby Presidio to Fort Mason. During reconstruction of the city after the 1906 earthquake, the area was chosen as the site of the Panama–Pacific International Exposition. Although rubble from the earthquake was used as part of the land reclamation, most of the landfill was from dredging mud and sand from the bottom of the Bay. Pacific Heights was first developed in the 1870s,with small Victorian homes built. Starting around the beginning of the 20th century, and especially after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, many were replaced with period homes. Still residential, the area is characterized by painted Victorian style architecture.