Diamond Heights

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Now: Diamond Heights is a fascinating anomaly in San Francisco. The streets curve around the natural hills, and the homes are collectively a trip back to the early 1960s, when most of them were designed and built. The mid-20th century modernist style is evident in the sharp angles, beams, glass walls, and landscaped courtyards. A couple of little-known hillside parks site at the east edge of Diamond Heights.

Then: Last major area of San Francisco to be developed, the hillsides of Diamond Heights were barren until the 1950s and 60s.

How To Get There: Diamond Street runs through from Noe Valley to the north, and Glen Park to the south. The 35 Muni bus takes this route. The Safeway shopping center on Diamond Heights Boulevard has an adjacent park (George Christopher Playground) and secret back door to Glen Canyon Park.


  • Amber Drive and Quartz Way in Diamond Heights

  • Quartz Way in Diamond Heights

  • Turquoise Way in Diamond Heights

  • Turquoise and Amethyst Way in Diamond Heights

  • View of Diamond Heights, from the end of Amethyst Way

  • Overlooking School of the Arts Alternative High School, from the end of Amethyst Way

  • Diamond Heights Safeway, next to the north entrance to Glen Canyon Park

  • Glen Canyon Park, north side, from the entrance next to Safeway shopping center

  • Walking trails at the north end of Glen Canyon Park

  • View through the trees at the top of the north entrance to Glen Canyon Park

  • Walter Haas Park and Playground, entrance and sign

  • Walter Haas Park and Playground, off of Diamond Heights Boulevard

  • View of Walter Haas Park in Diamond Heights

  • Northeast view from Walter Haas Park

  • Billy Goat Hill Park in Diamond Heights, off of Beacon Street

  • City view from Billy Goat Hill Park in Diamond Heights

  • Stairway at Billy Goat Hill Park

  • Hillside at Billy Goat Hill Park

  • View from Billy Goat Hill Park

  • West toward Diamond Heights hillside, from Billy Goat Hill Park

  • Path at Billy Goat Hill Park

  • Valley Street Stairway and view, looking down from Diamond Street between 28th and 29th Streets

  • Sign marking the top of the Harry Stairway, at Beacon Street north of Miguel Street

  • Entrance at the top of Harry Stairway

  • Looking down Harry Stairway, from the top

  • Looking up at the wooden steps of the Harry Stairway

  • Harry Stairway, near the bottom at Laidley Street, looking up

  • Sweeping View Apartments on Laidley Street near the bottom of Harry Stairway

  • Amatista Lane Stairway, leading up from Bemis Street to Everson Street

  • Southern view from the top of Everson Street

  • Willows along the ridge at the top of Everson Street

  • Onique Lane Stairway leading down from Berkeley Way toward Glen Canyon Park

  • Onique Lane Stairway, leading down from Gold Mine Drive

  • Gold Mine Drive, at the intersection of Diamond Heights Boulevard