San Francisco’s Top 5 Trick-or-Treating Neighborhoods

Trick-or-treating is kind of a big deal in San Francisco. This year Zillow ranked San Francisco the best city to trick-or-treat in the U.S. — for the fifth year in a row. (Zillow’s Trick-or-Treat Index was based on the fewest walking and safety risks combined with cities offering up the most candy.)

This doesn’t come as a surprise to us, as our beloved city is well-known for Halloween for several reasons: a.) every neighborhood celebrates Halloween, b.) we give out “the best and biggest” candy, and c.) transit to the best trick-or-treating neighborhoods is ridiculously simple. San Francisco Luxor Cab is even offering FREE cab rides on Halloween night (up to $35, starting at 10:00PM) as part of law firm Berg Injury Lawyer’s “Safe and Sober Free Cab Ride Home” program. Just tell your cab driver Berg Injury Lawyers is picking up the tab.

Below are San Francisco’s five BEST neighborhoods to take the whole family trick-or-treating this All Hallow’s Eve.

Halloween decorations in a front yard of a Forest Hill home. Photo: Shannon McInerney — Creepy decorations in a (drought-tolerant) Forest Hill garden. *Photo: Shannon McInerney, 49Miles.com*

5. Forest Hill

Forest Hill is a tightly knit community in the heart of San Francisco’s fourth district. It borders Laguna Honda and the Inner Sunset (where you’ll find San Francisco’s BEST pumpkin patch, Clancy’s). Head over to this predominantly residential neighborhood which is a popular trick-or-treating destination for families, kids, and preteens. Decorations are lavish and one of a kind! (Just look at that zombie baby to your left—spoooooooky!) Prime time for trick-or-treating in this neighborhood is between 6:00 and 8:00PM.

How to get there: Forest Hill Station: K-Ingleside, L-Taraval, M-Ocean View, T-Third Street / Bus Lines: 36-Teresita, 43-Masonic, 44-O’Shaughnessy, 48-Quintara, 52-Excelsior

4. Cow Hollow

In between the bustling streets of District 7 is a quiet neighborhood called Cow Hollow. Most San Franciscans would technically refer to this neighborhood as the Marina, but Cow Hollow is a San Francisco treat. Why? The neighborhood has it’s own flare, with a mixture of residential and commercial properties giving it an urban vibe. Filbert and Green Streets are more residential, and perfect for trick-or-treating with your children. For the 21+, check out Palm House, The Brixton or The Brick Yard, just a few of the many bars and restaurants Union and Lombard Streets have to offer.

How to get there: Bus Lines: 22-Fillmore, 28-19th Avenue, 43-Masonic, 45-Union/Stockton

Trick-or-Treaters swarm Noe Valley’s Valley Tavern in San Francisco. Photo: Carnaval.com Studios, Flickr. Creative Commons.

3. Noe Valley

Noe Valley is one of San Francisco’s most notoriously kid-friendly neighborhoods, so this one is really a no-brainer. Located in San Francisco’s Upper Market district, Noe Valley’s main thoroughfares (24th, Castro and Noe Streets) are packed with kids and families on Halloween. It’s really the place to be, if you’re a kid (or just a Halloween-goer) in San Francisco. Note: Be prepared to walk the hills, and wear comfortable walking shoes!

How to get there: J-Church / Bus Line: 24-Divisadero

2. Presidio Heights

Presidio Heights is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Cow Hollow (#4). This high-end neighborhood is also located in District 7, and is a popular destination for early evening candy plundering on Halloween. Visit these homes to get a glimpse of luxury and soak in the lavish Halloween and Fall decorations. Many of the mansions sit on very large lots with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. This family-friendly neighborhood has easy access to the Presidio and Julius Kahn Playground to let the kiddos run around before/after trick-or-treating. (SO. MUCH. SUGAR. TO. BURN.)

How to get there: Bus Lines: 1-California, 2-Clement, 3-Jackson, 43-Masonic

1. Seacliff

Seacliff lies within San Francisco’s District 1, nestled between Lands End and the Presidio, and bordering the Outer/Central Richmond districts. This posh neighborhood is mostly flat (read: very stroller-friendly) and offers an abundance of candy. So much candy, in fact, that we think homeowners in this neighborhood could theoretically pass out candy into the wee hours of All Hallow’s Day. However, most neighbors seem to head off to bed pretty early out here. This highly decorated neighborhood is a Halloween destination, especially for the youth. The chances of receiving a few regular-sized candy bars are pretty high. May the odds be ever in your favor.

How to get there: Bus Lines: 1-California, 38-Geary

Pro-Tip: Arrive to your trick-or-treating destination early! 5:00–6:30PM is the perfect time to take the little ones trick-or-treating before it gets dark out. Peak hours are between 7:00–8:30PM. And, as all San Franciscans should know: always bring a jacket!

Have a safe and spooky Halloween!