Visitor Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our website is two-fold: 

    1. For visitors and shoppers, it showcases the people, places, history, events, and experiences that define Hayes Valley, San Francisco. 

    2. For local merchants and sponsors, it provides an outlet to list businesses (retail, bar and restaurants, services), social media support and activations. 

    Below are FAQs for visitors and shoppers. To read FAQs for our Merchants, click here.

  • Hayes Valley is centrally located in San Francisco, bordered by the Civic Center, Lower Haight, and Western Addition. It is known for its independent shops, culinary variety, and creative spirit.   (Google Map)

  • Yes. With parks, public art, family-friendly eateries, and open spaces, Hayes Valley welcomes visitors of all ages.

  • Hayes Valley serves up some of San Francisco’s best flavors—think stylish cafés, inventive restaurants, and sweet outdoor treats around Patricia’s Green. From casual bites to craft cocktails, it’s a neighborhood made for lingering and tasting.

    Boutiques line every block, offering curated fashion, design-forward home goods, and unique local finds. Hayes Valley’s walkable streets make it easy to browse, discover, and take home something special.

    Public art, creative pop-ups, music, dance, and wellness studios give Hayes Valley its vibrant, cultural energy. With rotating installations and polished local services, the neighborhood inspires while keeping you feeling your best.

  • 🌱 1800s – From Lagoon to Village
    Once a marshy lagoon, Hayes Valley was filled and transformed into a charming neighborhood lined with Victorian homes and local shops.

    🔥 1906 – Rebuilt with Resilience
    After the earthquake and fire, the community rebuilt quickly, giving the area its mix of historic architecture and enduring spirit.

    🛣️ 1950s–60s – The Freeway Era
    The Central Freeway carved through the neighborhood, bringing noise and decline—but also setting the stage for a dramatic comeback.

    🌉 1989 – A Turning Point
    The Loma Prieta earthquake damaged the freeway, empowering residents to push for its removal and reclaim their streets.

    🌿 2000s – A Neighborhood Reborn
    Replacing the freeway with Octavia Boulevard and Patricia’s Green—named after local activist and founder of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association Patricia Walkup—transformed Hayes Valley into a vibrant, walkable cultural hub filled with boutiques and cafés.

    ✨ Today – Stylish, Creative, Unmistakably San Francisco
    Hayes Valley blends historic charm with modern design, lively plazas, curated shops, and destination dining—inviting visitors to stroll, sip, and explore.

  • Hayes Valley is transit-friendly. Multiple Muni lines serve the neighborhood, and Civic Center/UN Plaza BART is a 10–15 minute walk away.

    Frequently used MUNI routes include the 21, 7, 5, 6, and 22.

    For BART, exit at Civic Center/UN Plaza and walk or transfer to Muni for a quick ride into Hayes Valley.

    And the neighborhood is bike-friendly with bike lanes, bike racks on Linden Street, and nearby bike-share stations.

    Of course, rideshares are also available. For easier pick-ups and drop-offs, we recommend using nearby side streets.

  • Once you get here, Hayes Valley is extremely walkable. Our neighborhood is known for its pedestrian plazas, boutique-lined streets, and welcoming public spaces.

    Hayes Valley offers metered street parking, residential blocks, and several nearby parking garages. Parking can be limited during peak hours, so we recommend arriving early when possible. A good crowdsource website on parking details in San Francisco is https://www.spotangels.com

    Several parking garages are a short walk from the neighborhood—particularly near the Civic Center and Performing Arts District. A reputable website/app for paid parking is https://spothero.com

    Accessible parking spaces are available throughout the area. Availability varies depending on time and events.

  • Many of our hallmark events like the Summer Carnival are co-produced by: HVMC, the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association (HVNA) and PROXY. Together, we foster neighborhood vibrancy year-round. HVMC also works cooperatively with Hayes Valley Art Works and the Hayes Promenade. 

    HVNA leads neighborhood clean-ups, greening projects, and event volunteer coordination. 

    Visit the homepage on ExploreHayesValley.com for the latest updates. Sign up for announcements in our special events emails via MailChimp here. 

    Or if you’re walking down Hayes Street, see the Community Board at PROXY where residents and merchants post flyers about events that take place within the borders of Hayes Valley. If you have an event scheduled to take place in Hayes Valley, please email a PDF of the 8.5x11 (or smaller) flyer to explorehayesvalley@gmail.com for consideration.

  • Reach the HV Merchants Council anytime by email explorehayesvalley@gmail.com

    Volunteer opportunities—including clean-ups and event support—are coordinated by our friends at HVNA. We encourage you to connect with them directly for current opportunities. https://hayesvalleysf.org/volunteer